I Tamed the Monstrous Prince - Chapter 26
Chapter 26
“Blue Flame Reverie?” Even I knew that it was a jewel passed down through generations of the imperial family. “Yes, to be bestowed with that jewel signifies recognition from Her Majesty, the Empress.”
“I see….” This was my meeting with Empress Cornelia. Considering the fact that she had granted me the Emerald Palace, along with several other things, I could sense a subtle animosity from her. To enjoy tea and receive recognition from such a person… Was it even possible? Would I even be able to taste the tea? But I had a reason to meet the Empress. I had to do whatever it took to escape this situation.
“Your Highness, you must be dressed before lunch….” The maids looked at us with troubled expressions. It was all because of Cesar, who clung to me like a kitten to its mother, refusing to let go. I couldn’t even change my clothes like this. “Won’t Cesar be joining us?”
Mercedes quietly shook her head. “Her Majesty…” She coughed slightly and continued, “She is reluctant to face His Highness, the First Prince.”
I felt a dizzying sensation. That meant I would be meeting the Empress alone. Of course, even if Cesar had come along, I would have been on edge, unsure of what might happen. Perhaps this was better? My heart felt like it might burst, but I tried not to show it.
“Cornelia, no.” Then Cesar uttered shocking words. The maids, along with everyone else, couldn’t hide their stunned expressions. “I-Is that so?”
“Yes.”
But this meeting was unavoidable. Besides, it was truly time to get ready. “Cesar.” I carefully called his name, trying to detach him. He, who had been focusing all his attention on his surroundings, buried his head in my arms again.
“Oh my.” Mercedes covered her mouth with her hand and smiled warmly. No, that’s… not quite the situation you’re imagining. “Perhaps it’s because there are so many people,” I quickly added. Maybe Cesar was just shy around strangers. Or perhaps the effects of the blood I’d fed him last night were wearing off. Whichever the case, it was clear we needed some time alone.
“Could we… speak privately for a moment?” At my request, Mercedes and all the other servants withdrew from the bedroom. The servants closed the heavy wooden door of the bedroom behind them, after my added instruction not to enter under any circumstances. There was no time.
“Cesar.” I grabbed his shoulders and shook him, and his head snapped up. A momentarily threatening air descended, causing me to gasp. Cesar opened his mouth slightly, revealing his pointed fangs. They were even more pronounced in the light. Sharper than any I’d seen before, they gleamed between strands of his unruly hair.
“Oh.” His breath felt hot against my skin. He shifted his weight, pressing against me. I felt a shiver run down my spine. It was his wildness, something I had encountered several times before. How many times had I been pinned down by those gleaming, inorganic eyes? I heard him sniffing, starting from my waist and gradually moving upwards. His gaze fixed on the nape of my neck.
“Not here!” I was about to meet the Empress; I couldn’t have a mark in such a visible place. But despite my protests, he slowly extended his tongue and licked my pulsing neck. So, I covered my neck with my hand. This time, his tongue moved to my collarbone, avoiding my hand.
“Not here either.” As if understanding my words, the warm sensation descended, so blatant that I had to look away. How long would I have to haggle with him over my flesh? This relationship was twisted from the very beginning. With that thought, I slowly brought my hand to his mouth.
The wound from yesterday hadn’t healed yet, so the scent of blood would still be strong. Just as I thought. He was already burying his nose in my hand, inhaling deeply. The unclosed wound was bitten. The pain of the healing flesh tearing open made my back arch.
“Ugh…” I squeezed my eyes shut. I had to tell myself repeatedly that this level of pain was nothing. After a while, the surroundings became quiet. I cautiously opened my eyes. He was staring intently at me. His red eyes scanned every inch of my body. His intense gaze sent a chill down my spine. In that moment, I couldn’t help but wonder: Did I make the right choice? Was I doing something wrong?
