–
In the end, Aristine couldn’t bear to stay there any longer and returned to their lodging. She had initially planned to explore the bustling night market, but that idea had vanished completely.
Sensing his wife’s mood, Tarkan uttered in a quiet voice.
“Ahem, it’s not like it’s wrong that we have a good relationship, no need to be so…”
“Tarkan!”
“Ah, they do have wrong information. Our bed hasn’t broken just five times but—”
“Shhh—!”
Aristine was alarmed and quickly covered Tarkan’s mouth.
Tarkan’s eyes narrowed. Then he pressed his lips against the soft, hollow part of her palm.
“You! Even at a time like this…”
“Even at a time like what?” Tarkan smiled slyly, “A time when we’re out alone at night on a trip?”
“…”
“Rineh.”
“Don’t call me like that. Considering tomorrow’s schedule—”
“Rineh.”
“I said, don’t—call me like that.”
Tarkan took slow steps forward like a wild beast, and before she knew it, he was right in front of her.
She stretched out her hands to block him, but it was of no use. Her fingers, her palm, her wrist…his lips descended on every exposed part of her skin:
“Rineh.”
“Stop, ng, calling me…”
“Is this better than just calling you?” His hot lips trailed up her arm, reaching her round shoulder.
“Khan…”
His lips moved from her shoulder to her long, slender neck, and then to her earlobe.
Feeling a sudden bite to her earlobe, Aristine’s eyelashes trembled.
“You…”
“I know exactly what pleases my Imperial Majesty.”
“…”
“Since we couldn’t go to the night market you wanted to go to—” His strong fingers tugged at the strings of her garment. “As your cute younger husband, I should make you happy in other ways, shouldn’t I?”
He spoke so smoothly yet his eyes looked ready to devour her whole.
Aristine chuckled and wrapped her arms around Tarkan’s neck.
Her hands were tied.
After all, she did enjoy the cuteness of this younger husband of hers.
Soon, her husband’s lips were on hers.
Even though they had kissed many times before, his actions were still eager—no, even more impatient and restless than before.
Aristine barely managed to pull away and asked between rough breaths.
“Why are you so impatient?”
“I’m always impatient.”
“Still?”
She recalled reading somewhere that a couple’s honeymoon phase typically lasted only up to three years.
“What do you mean still?” Tarkan frowned and smiled. “I always want you, and I’m always holding back.”
Soon enough, Aristine found out just how much her husband had been holding back.
***
“Your Majesty!”
Aristine saw what looked like a big dog wagging its tail and running towards her from a distance. She took another look and realized it was Ritlen.
Aristine sat under the parasol and gave him a small wave. It had been a while since they last saw each other so she would have loved to greet him properly, but she didn’t have the strength.
‘Can we even leave the gate as planned today?’
She was deeply worried.
‘Not just today, but in the future too…’
“Are you okay? Drink this.”
Tarkan, as attentive as always, stuck close and made sure she had everything she needed.
However, Aristine’s gaze toward him was fierce.
Why wouldn’t it be?
The culprit behind all this was Tarkan.
“Your Majesty?”
Once Ritlen got closer, he looked at Aristine with worry.
“Are you feeling unwell? Your complexion doesn’t look good.”
“I’m fine. Don’t worry.”
“You don’t look fine. There are shadows under your eyes.”
“I just had…trouble sleeping.”
Aristine felt like her conscience was pricked when she heard Ritlen’s genuine concern filled with a puppy-like innocence.
“You didn’t sleep well?! You’re already not strong enough for long journeys, and now it’s starting off without you sleeping well? This…”
“No, really, I’m fine.”
“Your Majesty the Emperor, you tend to hide it when you’re not feeling well, so I need to keep an even closer eye on you. Please tell me if you’re in pain.”
Ritlen’s drooping ears made Aristine feel even guiltier. But she couldn’t exactly tell him she was tired from a passionate night with her husband.
“Ahem, Lord Ritlen.”
Right then, one of the court ladies called out.
“You don’t need to worry. Her Majesty is actually very happy right now.”
“Yes, she may be physically tired, but she’s quite content…”
“Happy… Oh, right! Her Majesty has always wanted to travel since she was the Princess Consort!”
“Ah, well… that too.”
“But her current happiness comes from another important—”
“Quiet. All of you.”
The stern command of the Emperor made the court ladies go silent.
But it couldn’t stop their giggling.
Hihihihihi!
Tarkan grumbled into Aristine’s ear.
“You’re always too soft on this guy.”
“Well, Ritlen was my first employee.”
“That bloody first employee thing.”
Ignoring him, Aristine continued her lively conversation with Ritlen, whom she hadn’t seen in a while. They discussed the development of new alloys, ways to strengthen the barrier, and the specifics of business plans that they had only exchanged in writing.
‘They’re perfectly in sync.’
Tarkan frowned as he watched the two of them chatting so happily.
The once weary Aristine now seemed vibrant and full of life, like a flower revived by rain.
‘I know she’s always been really into business but…’
Why was the atmosphere between them so nice?
“Sorry for making you work so hard. Expect a lot of money.”
“Please don’t say that. Just being able to work with Your Majesty the Emperor is enough for me.”
“Ritlen…”
“If it weren’t for Your Majesty’s guidance, I don’t know where I’d be.”
“And if I hadn’t met you, Ritlen, I don’t know where I’d be either.”
The two were sharing a sentimental moment, gazing at each other with moist eyes.
‘Damn it!’
He knew Aristine and Ritlen were just talking like normal people. But he felt twisted inside seeing her speak so affectionately with another man.
‘But with me, she’s upset!’
He flipped his head away but couldn’t bring himself to leave his wife’s side. Meanwhile, Aristine wrapped up her conversation with Ritlen.
“Alright. Then I’ll use this trip to inspect the barrier’s durability.”
“That’s a great idea.”
Once their discussion was over, Aristine turned to Tarkan. Tarkan’s sulky expression was still the same as ever.
“Ritlen is my first employee.”
“I know, I know.”
“Khan, you are my first husband, first business partner, and my first love.”
“…!”
From the day he met her, his wife had been unpredictable, and even now—
“Seriously, you…”
Tarkan’s cheeks turned red. When he thought about it, he realized he was the only one she ever got upset with.
That was also proof of how special he was to her.
He had craved her so much last night, and even now, he wanted to kiss her lips.
Not knowing what kind of desire he was holding back, Aristine smiled refreshingly.
“And you’re my last husband and last love too.”
“Ha—.”
Finally, Tarkan couldn’t bear it any longer and kissed his wife’s lips.
Early Access available on Patreon.
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