Chapter 55
And then he lowered his head and devoured Floria’s lips as she sat.
It was a rough kiss, but Floria, already accustomed to his kisses, opened her mouth without resistance.
His fingers played with Floria’s scattered hair, grazing her scalp.
Each time, her toes curled.
Everything was familiar yet electrifying.
Last night, she had a terrible dream for the first time in a while.
Perhaps it was because she hadn’t fallen asleep with him.
Their hot lips met.
Gradually, he pushed her back and came over to her.
His firm body touched her soft thighs.
Her heart, which had been filled with dreadful emotions just moments ago, slowly turned sweet.
The dark dream, the miserable feeling from yesterday—all vanished, and she felt as if she were melting from her toes.
“I’m exhausted and need you.”
That’s what he said, but perhaps, Floria thought, she needed Aidan more than he needed her.
Strangely so.
Despite yesterday’s awkward incident, the banquet to welcome the queen and princess of Altomole was held grandly.
Floria felt a bit burdened to face her mother and sister Helia again after refusing their request, but both her mother and sister seemed indifferent and composed.
Their usual meals were luxurious, but tonight’s dinner was even more extravagant, perhaps because it was a banquet.
Unfamiliar wines and silverware, foods that tantalized the eyes and teased the tongue—maids kept bringing them in succession.
“To the two who have visited from afar, a toast.”
As Aidan raised his glass, Mother, Helia, and Floria also raised theirs in response.
Floria had never tasted alcohol before, but feeling stifled, she brought the red wine to her lips.
The rippling liquid flowed down her throat.
“Ugh.”
She had seen her father and mother drink wine with meals many times, but she hadn’t expected it to be this strong.
The pungent aroma filled her mouth.
How is one supposed to drink this?
Floria narrowed her eyes and stared at the wine-filled glass.
However, the others drank it without issue.
In the end, she decided to gulp down the wine without tasting its aroma or flavor.
Then, she quickly found a strongly scented dish and put it in her mouth.
She disliked the alcohol lingering at the tip of her nose and thus erased the scent.
As they were having dinner, Mother spoke.
“Cief is a better place than I thought.
Thank you for hosting such a splendid banquet.”
At those words, Aidan simply raised his eyes and smiled.
“It’s wealthier than I knew.
Our Floria is lucky to have married into such a place.
I wonder if our lacking daughter has pleased you.”
At Mother’s words, Aidan’s previously relaxed eyes sharpened.
“What do you mean?”
“I’m asking if she suits your taste, Grand Duke.”
“Of course.”
His candid words flowed out.
“Having a wife like Floria is a blessing.”
“I see. Actually, we were quite worried. Whether she might be cast aside… As you can see, unlike Helia or Natalie, Floria isn’t particularly attractive… and her speech isn’t very refined.
It’s a relief that the Grand Duke sees her favorably.”
To those words, Aidan didn’t respond but merely twisted his lips.
Unaware of his changed expression, Mother continued.
“Grand Duke Aidan seems to be a very generous person in that regard. So, about that…”
She moved her lips for a while.
At the words “about that,” Floria sensed something ominous.
About what? Could it be about the dowry?
Just yesterday, she had repeatedly warned not to mention the dowry in front of Grand Duke Aidan.
In the end, by the time dinner was over, both seemed to have restrained themselves due to Floria’s strong words.
“Mother, please don’t.”
Floria spoke up before her mother could continue.
As she hastily put down the glass she was holding and opened her mouth, Aidan’s brow furrowed.
“What’s the matter?”
“Nothing at all.”
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