81: 81 You're Lying

81 You're Lying

I heard a sound coming from outside the door, but I didn't want to open it. I didn't understand why Kral suddenly appeared at my bedroom door in the middle of the night, but my intuition told me not to open the door. 0

Ever since I accidentally overheard his conversation with Catherine that day, I have kept my distance from Kral. I declined his invitations multiple times, using the excuse of preparing for the ceremony. I thought Kral must have sensed my resistance towards him, otherwise, he wouldn't have come to my door in the middle of the night, wanting to talk to me.

"Your Highness, it's already late now. I... I want to sleep," I got up and walked to the door, gripping the cold brass handle, restraining the surging emotions within me.

"Delia," Kral's voice was low, "tomorrow is our engagement ceremony. Perhaps you've been feeling nervous these past few days, and I can understand. But that's not a reason for you to refuse to see me."

"Give me an explanation, Delia, or I won't leave," Kral's tone was resolute, and his breath seeped into the room through the gap under the door. I could even catch a whiff of his unique scent.

My heart felt as if it was being squeezed by an invisible hand. I held onto the doorknob tightly, but I never dared to open the door. I was afraid, afraid that I wouldn't be able to face Prince Kral. Just the sight of him would remind me of those cold and heartless words.

How tragic it was. My mate used my gratitude and adoration as a leash to control me, and I was completely oblivious to it. I was moved by the little warmth he showed me. Under his influence, I walked into the trap he had set.

"Delia, I won't leave tonight unless you open the door," Kral wasn't swayed by my silence. He simply stated his command, disregarding my thoughts.

I lowered my head and saw his figure through the crack in the door. He stubbornly stood there. I felt mentally exhausted. My proud lover is a noble Prince. So many people yearned for his gaze, yet under the light of his gaze, I felt endless coldness.

"Kral, tomorrow is our engagement ceremony. Tonight, I hope to get some good rest. Is that okay?"

"Delia, I'm waiting for you to open the door," Kral remained unmoved by my words. His usual behavior was to give orders, and someone would obediently carry them out. Therefore, he completely disregarded my request.

The temperature of the night was somewhat chilly. I stood barefoot on the floor, feeling the cold seeping into my skin.

I let out a long sigh and leaned against the door. I didn't understand why he was so stubborn tonight. The anger of the truth being revealed and the sadness of love constantly tugged at me. The strange dreams every night also made it hard for me to sleep, and Kral, just the thought of him made my heart ache.

"Delia, one last time, open the door. You know I don't have much patience," Kral's voice came through the door. It was deep, with a hint of a threatening warning.

No surprise there, my response was as expected. I chuckled self-deprecatingly. Well, I knew he always got what he wanted.

I gently twisted the doorknob, producing a crisp sound. The door was pushed open, and the night breeze rushed in. I lifted my pale face and looked at the tall figure standing in the doorway.

And then I fell into a warm embrace.

"Damn it, why did you make me wait so long," Kral complained, but his actions contradicted his words. He bent down, his long arms tightly holding me, as if a miser clutching his treasure.

"Delia, you're starting to call me less and less as your master. You've been spoiled by me," he murmured, while his arms tightened, as if embedding me into his body.

I didn't say anything. At that moment, I realized I didn't have enough determination to reject him.

I was completely immersed in his embrace. It felt like a tired person sinking into a hot spring, my body thoroughly relaxed.

It was terrifying, but I couldn't control my own addiction. My wolf let out a joyful howl.

His head lightly caressed my neck. His soft hair brushed against my ear, causing a tickling sensation. His broad chest shielded me from the cold night breeze. His breath entangled around me, making me feel incredibly safe.

"Kral, I'm sorry," I whispered softly in his arms.

"You should be the one apologizing, my girl," Kral slightly loosened his embrace. He stared into my eyes, his golden eyes devoid of anger.

"But not here," Kral raised an eyebrow. He suddenly exerted force with his arms, carrying me up in his grasp, and instinctively, my hands wrapped around his neck.

He glanced at my toes, which were curled up from the cold. As he walked towards the bed, he spoke, "Next time, don't let me see you standing barefoot at the door, Delia."

Kral placed me on the bed. He sat on the bed, enveloping my body with a soft blanket. His golden eyes focused intently on me. "Now, let's talk. What did you discuss with your father, Orban, that night?"

My body involuntarily shivered at his words.

His question widened my eyes in surprise. I stole a glance at his eyes and immediately lowered my head.

I couldn't understand how he knew I went to see my father. What else did he know? Did he know that I eavesdropped on his conversation with Catherine? I avoided his gaze, clearly displaying my guilt, which only confirmed some of Kral's suspicions.

"Delia, have you been avoiding me all this time because of your father?" Kral leaned closer, his broad palm gently caressing my face, then, with irresistible force, he compelled me to look at him.

"Look at me, Delia," his expression was serious, his golden eyes profound. "Do you want me to spare him? He is the father of the future queen, and perhaps I should consider showing him mercy."

'He's lying, and he's just testing you.'

In that fleeting moment after he uttered those words, a voice echoed in my mind, as if it were a divine message from the Moon Goddess herself.

"No, if he has committed unforgivable crimes, then he must face the consequences. I see no issue with your punishment for him," I said, meeting his gaze directly, staring into his eyes.

"Delia, if it wasn't because of your father, then why did you suddenly distance yourself from me? Don't lie, Delia. I won't hold it against you. Tell me your true thoughts," Kral spoke softly, his broad hand gently tracing my cheek. His golden eyes narrowed, his tone soothing and lulling, gradually eroding my defenses.

"I..." I choked on my words, clutching the bedsheet beneath the covers, visibly shaken. As Kral's penetrating gaze bore into me, tears welled up in the corners of my eyes. "I just... I just missed my mother."

"I will have no family by my side at my engagement ceremony. It fills me with sadness, Your Highness," I quivered, seeking solace in his embrace, allowing my tears to flow freely.

"I see," Kral's hand came to rest on my back, leaving a lingering warmth through the thin fabric.

I couldn't see his face, but I prayed that he believed my words. Simultaneously, I resolved to leave him.

Remaining by his side was not a good option. I had fulfilled my promise. I had passed the trials to become the queen, to assist him in becoming king and attaining power. The vows were nearly complete. Once he achieved his ambitions, I knew I couldn't remain with someone who didn't truly love me.

"Yes, Your Highness," I concealed my thoughts deep within, mustering a facade of innocence as I met his gaze.

"Your Highness, I will remain loyal to you, forever" I declared, rising from the bed and placing a tender kiss upon his lips.

'Delia, you're lying,' I heard myself say, and the words slipped from my lips.

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