I Want To Die One Day Before You - Chapter 224
“What?”
Sarubia blinked, caught off guard by the unexpected question. She seemed momentarily at a loss for words, but unlike the flustered Sarubia, Rufus was calm and confident.
“If you don’t want to, just say so.”
“…Rufus, why do you always approach me like this, out of nowhere?”
“Because I always feel like it.”
“…You’re unbelievable.”
“So, do you dislike it?”
“Do I look like I dislike it?”
“No.”
“You’re right—I like it.”
Sarubia wrapped her arms around Rufus’s neck. For a fleeting moment, he caught his reflection in her golden eyes before her breath gently brushed against him. Rufus caressed her neck and pulled her closer.
Just then—
Without warning, the small gap connecting the carriage interior and the driver’s seat swung open, and the coachman’s face appeared.
“Oh my! The carriage must’ve shaken quite a bit, huh? These rural roads are so rough! Are you both all right—”
The coachman’s words stopped abruptly as his eyes locked onto the tangled couple inside. He froze, looking as though he’d just seen something he shouldn’t have.
The gap slid shut with a soft squeak.
“…My apologies. Please enjoy your time,” the coachman muttered before disappearing.
“Yes, thank you.”
Sarubia smirked and leaned in to kiss Rufus again. Rufus closed his eyes and met her halfway, responding to her touch.
After settling Sarubia back in her seat, Rufus drew even closer. Despite the thick outerwear they both wore, their body heat seemed to meld as though no barriers separated them.
Sarubia chuckled softly and took his hand.
“You’re bold today.”
“No.”
“What?”
“I’m always like this.”
Rufus leaned in further, the faint scent of Sarubia enveloping him. His smoldering passion, which had refused to cool, reignited instantly.
“I wish the whole world would freeze over right now.”
“Why?”
“So time would stop.”
―That way, I could be with you forever.
Sarubia playfully touched her nose to his, nudging him gently. Rufus cupped her chin and gave her a soft kiss, like baby birds lightly pecking each other. What began as a tender gesture quickly grew more fervent, both surrendering to the familiar rhythm of their movements.
“You’re still warm.”
“That’s because your body is cold.”
“What does my cold body have to do with your warmth?”
“My body’s warm so it can heat yours up.”
With a gentle smile, Sarubia kissed Rufus again, and he tilted his head to match her pace.
Their lips parted slightly, their breaths mingling as warm puffs of white mist in the cold air.
Lifting Sarubia effortlessly, Rufus placed her on his lap.
“What are you doing?”
“Shh.”
He kissed her ear lightly, his warm breath grazing her skin and making her shudder involuntarily.
Rufus’s lips trailed down to her neck as his hand slipped under her clothes, moving with deliberate care.
“Ah, that’s cold.”
“Sorry.”
The chill of his touch slid down her thighs before boldly venturing deeper. Sarubia let out a soft sound at the growing intimacy.
Rufus paused.
“Can you stay quiet?”
“Hmm…”
Sarubia appeared to consider it for a moment before nodding slowly. She rested her head against his shoulder, and Rufus resumed his gentle exploration.
Shadows danced erratically within the carriage.
―I love you.
Holding Sarubia as she let out muffled sobs, Rufus whispered softly. Sarubia, her flushed eyes glistening with heat, clung to him desperately, pressing her lips to his.
She was so endearing, so utterly captivating, that Rufus couldn’t stop.
The witch Odr once said that love was a curse, one that would drive him mad.
Even so, what was wrong with that?
It would all end soon.
Rufus caressed Sarubia’s burning cheek and pulled her closer.
The King who had killed her, the Princess who had tormented her, and even the last remaining Crown Prince—they would all disappear.
After that, I’ll live happily with you.
Not forever, but for a long, long time, we’ll be happy together.
That’s how it will be.
That’s how it must be.
Because that’s the life I’ve fought to live…
***
It was early morning, and the sun had yet to fully rise. Crown Prince Viren, already awake, stood by the window.
“……”
Through the glass, he could see the royal palace in its entirety. The silver powder spread throughout the palace to ward off demon intrusions sparkled vividly, all the more so due to the snow that had fallen overnight.
‘It’s like the fairies cast a spell overnight.’
He recalled his daughter Esmeral saying that once. She had always loved snowy days.
As he quietly gazed out the window, a sound came from the bed.
“Your Highness.”
It was his wife.
“The morning is still early. Why are you awake so soon?”
“I had things to ponder.”
“No matter how much weighs on your mind, you must ensure you get enough rest. I worry for your health.”
Her face looked pale as she spoke, still reeling from the shock of the two princes’ deaths.
