I Became a Barbarian's Bride - Chapter 20
When the war between the Roshan Empire and Xieman began, the world laughed.
The idea that a newly formed small nation would challenge the Empire seemed as impossible as an egg breaking a rock.
However, while the Roshan Empire appeared prosperous, it was rotting from within, and Xieman’s citizens were all seasoned warriors.
Xieman was known to be a harsh land, blisteringly hot during the day and as cold as a winter night at night, making it hard to believe people lived there.
Nisha had once laughed upon hearing that in summer, they could cook meat on the heated stones outside.
“…What were those people cheering for earlier?”
“We’re to be wed today. In Xieman, it’s customary to celebrate on the day a couple becomes husband and wife.”
Nisha abruptly stopped walking at his explanation.
Kagan turned toward her, a cigarette still in his mouth.
“Today? Isn’t that a bit sudden? Weren’t the documents supposed to be signed tomorrow morning…?”
Right now, there was no one available to handle the paperwork; the Emperor and Empress were both at the banquet.
Regardless of the reasons for the marriage, this was a diplomatic marriage.
Even if one side held the upper hand, there were many details to coordinate for a diplomatic marriage.
Naturally, the documents couldn’t be signed by just the two of them.
“Documents? Between a man and a woman, that’s quite a secondary issue, don’t you think?”
Kagan leaned in close, his face inches from hers.
Nisha gulped at his sudden proximity.
Regardless of everything, he had an undeniably beautiful face, one of the most striking she had ever seen.
“What are you…”
Kagan placed his hand on her shoulder blade and slowly ran it down her spine.
It was a deliberately sensual gesture, leaving no doubt about his intentions.
Understanding his meaning, Nisha’s face turned even paler.
The touch of his hand, stained with the blood of many, made her skin crawl.
Amused by her reaction, he chuckled softly. Then, he lifted her hand to his lips and kissed her wrist gently before turning and resuming their walk.
He opened the door to the largest and most luxurious guest room, ushered her in, and then closed the door behind them.
A grand and opulent bed stood in the center of the room.
“But the documents and the wedding ceremony…”
“The documents will be handled by Sharhu, and in Xieman, we don’t really have wedding ceremonies. The banquet is all there is.”
Kagan Xieman responded kindly, then, seeing her frown, scooped her up like a child and carried her to the bed, setting her down gently.
It was a lavishly decorated honeymoon bed, prepared meticulously in advance.
“For us, this is as good as a wedding ceremony.”
Kagan murmured, pressing his thumb against her dry lips, slowly rubbing them.
Nisha’s lips parted in surprise. It was an unmistakably intentional gesture.
“If you don’t want to, you can refuse.”
In the dim room, lit only by moonlight, his golden eyes glowed fiercely as he whispered, giving her an option.
“…”
But this was a diplomatic marriage. Moreover, the other party held all the power.
Naturally, Nisha couldn’t refuse.
Accepting reality, she slowly relaxed her body.
Simultaneously, Kagan Xieman laid her down and climbed on top of her, smiling as he kissed her neck.
“Good girl.”
His long, silver hair flowed around her like a canopy, obscuring her view.
Once again, Nisha looked into his eyes, they were like the red moon rising above the silver sky.
His large hands swiftly undressed her.
Seeing her bare, flushed skin, prickled with tension, he gently kissed her wrist again.
“What you need to do is simple: love me and my country, and bear children. Then you’ll want for nothing.”
His words made Nisha even more tense as she looked up at the large body covering hers.
The man threw off his jewelry and discarded the cloth draped over his chest.
Nisha involuntarily gulped at the sight of his broad, scarred torso.
