I lifted the steaming teacup, savoring the fragrant aroma before taking a slow sip. The cool, sharp taste refreshed my mouth and mind. Closing my eyes, I lingered on the flavor, sensing Sys’s restless fidgeting even without looking.
“I told you before—I’ve never allowed anyone but you to use my name. She’s just saying it on her own,” he blurted out the moment I opened my eyes, his words tumbling like rapid-fire.
“I said there’s no need to explain.”
“Can’t you at least hear me out?”
“You must’ve given her some opening for this to happen.”
He raked his hair back in frustration.
“I admit I was careless. But…”
He stood, closing the distance between us.
“I swear, it’s not like the rumors. I have no feelings for her.”
Kneeling to meet my gaze, his golden eyes shimmered with anxiety.
“You’re the only one for me, Bee.”
His hand covered mine, his warmth seeping into me.
“I swear on my late mother.”
“I know.”
“What?”
“I already know the rumors are exaggerated.”
His eyes widened in surprise.
“With Lady Daysha parading your knights around, it’s bound to stir talk.”
“Duke Daysha asked for knights to protect her. I couldn’t refuse without cause. It wasn’t my choice.”
“I know that too.”
My calm, even tone made him study me, a puzzled look on his face.
“If you know everything, why are you upset?”
“I’m not upset.”
“You are.”
“Why do you think that?”
“My whole body reacts to your mood.”
His long fingers brushed my cheek.
“It’s okay to be angry. You have every right.”
His thumb grazed my lips slowly.
“Yell at me, call me a jerk, hit me until you feel better. Just don’t push me away with that indifferent face.”
“I can’t exactly use violence on the crown prince.”
His tense expression softened into a faint smile at my teasing.
“I seem to recall taking a few hits already.”
“I don’t remember that.”
“That’s fine. I could get used to being a battered husband. Got a knack for it, don’t I?”
“Your tastes are peculiar.”
“I’d do anything to marry you. So, are you less upset now?”
He tugged my wrist playfully, coaxing a laugh from me.
“As I said, I’m not upset.”
“Then what?”
“Just a bit annoyed.”
“I have zero interest in Lady Daysha. You know that, right?”
“I don’t know.”
“Bee!”
He grumbled at my deadpan reply.
“Isn’t this a bit much? I’ve shown you my heart over and over—still not enough?”
“Who knows?”
I turned away, feigning indifference. He grabbed my head with both hands, gently forcing me to face him.
“Not answering properly means you still doubt my feelings, doesn’t it?”
He grinned, one corner of his mouth lifting.
“Then I’ll just have to show you everything—more than ever.”
His eyes gleamed with a dangerous spark.
“So you’ll know for sure this time.”
His soft lips bypassed mine, trailing downward.
“Uhn!”
His tongue traced my jawline, like an artist sketching a canvas.
“Sweet,” he murmured, his low voice vibrating as his throat moved.
His lips slid down my neck, slow and deliberate.
“Hn!”
He licked my collarbone like a kitten lapping milk, then pressed his lips hard against it, sucking. A strange sensation tickled deep in my core.
“Bee.”
His hoarse, desperate voice called my name. Unable to resist, I slid my fingers into his hair, the silky strands weaving between them.
“Haa, it’s not enough.”
He exhaled a sigh, his lips crashing onto mine again. Our breaths mingled, heat rising between us.
He climbed onto the sofa, caging me with his body. His arms wrapped around my waist, pulling me close. The sweet scent of spearmint enveloped me, intoxicating.
“Can you feel it?”
He guided my hand to his chest, where his heart pounded wildly.
“My heart goes crazy just seeing you.”
“…”
“Sometimes I’m scared it’ll kill me.”
His lips met mine again, a flurry of small, pecking kisses like a chick pecking at feed.
“Let me have you fully, as soon as possible.”
His burning gaze and honeyed voice shook me, as if I might turn to ash or melt away.
“Please, Bee, I’m begging you.”
His plea nearly drew a yes from me on the spot.
As the carriage door opened, Sys extended his hand, waiting for me. Dressed in a sharp black uniform that contrasted with his neatly swept-back silver hair, he looked unusually composed and regal.
I took his hand and stepped down. The weight of countless eyes on us was palpable.
“You’re dazzlingly beautiful today, Lady Eliant,” he said.
“You look splendid as well, Your Highness.”
It was the day of the annual New Year’s Ball, hosted by the palace—a critical event attended by nobles from the capital and even those who rarely left their estates.
Nearly every noble in the empire was here. Unlike me, who felt uneasy under the scrutiny, Sys seemed unfazed.
“Did you dress so beautifully for me?”
“Oh!”
“Eek!”
He brushed a kiss against my cheek, whispering. Several noblewomen watching us gasped and squealed.
