I Tamed the Monstrous Prince - Chapter 39
Chapter 39
I worked my fingers through his hair, careful to keep the suds away from his face. A soft rumble emanated from his throat, his closed eyes and long lashes fluttering. The languid intimacy of the moment sent a wave of heat through me. I swallowed, suddenly nervous.
“Then, you rinse.”
Perhaps it was my nerves, but my hand slipped as I poured water from the dipper over his head. A stream trickled down his face, catching on his lashes, tracing his cheekbone, and finally dripping from his lips. He blinked one eye, then tilted his head back to look at me.
“Sorry…”
“….”
Something constricted in my chest, a small, silent explosion that left a fluttering sensation, a weight both oppressive and exhilarating. My heart pounded, a dangerous symptom. I averted my gaze from his burning red eyes, fixed on me. “Th-there, now you know, right?”
Cesar, as always, blinked his long lashes. The point of contact between our bodies felt scorching. “Yes.”
The rest of the bath passed in a blur. I instructed, demonstrated, and Cesar, surprisingly adept, followed. “Behind the ears, too. Rinse well, no soap left.”
“Yes.”
I discovered he was a quick learner, absorbing my instructions like a sponge. “You’re doing well. Think you can manage on your own now?” But it was time to draw a line. I could only guide him so far. I couldn’t, no matter the circumstances, wash those areas for him.
I carefully started to rise, the wet fabric clinging to my body. I quickly pulled it away.
“Nn.” Cesar tugged at my chemise.
“You have to do it yourself now.”
“No.” He pouted, clearly reluctant to let me go. While his dependence was endearing, there were boundaries. Time for a different tactic.
“I’ll give you a reward if you wash yourself properly.”
“Reward?”
“Yes. Wash yourself just like I showed you, rinse well, and dry yourself with the towel. Then, I’ll give you something nice.”
“Nice?” His eyes lit up. I mentally searched for something he might like.
“Yes, something nice. What would you like?”
“Then… this.” He took my hand. ‘Is he going to bite me again?’ Instead, he guided my hand to his hair.
“Huh?”
“This.” He moved my hand, mimicking the way I had stroked his hair earlier.
“You want me to touch you… here?”
A bright, guileless smile spread across his face. He nodded vigorously, without a trace of doubt. ‘That’s all it takes?’
“All right. I’ll do it if you wash yourself nicely.”
I’d been contemplating finding him some tasty treat, but a simple caress was enough? Cesar was surprisingly simple. I wrung the water from my chemise, a smile playing on my lips.
***
Mercedes ground her teeth, consumed by a burning resentment.
“How could he…” How could he discard her so easily, captivated by some girl he’d barely met? How could he, her prince, do this to her?
Tears welled in her eyes. She covered her face, the cool touch of her fingers against her flushed skin offering a small measure of comfort. No, not comfort at all.
“Haaah.” Even deep breaths couldn’t calm the turmoil within. She needed a happy thought. And for her, there was only one.
Closing her eyes, she conjured the cherished memory. She had first met Prince Cesar shortly after her child had died.
