(RAYA'S POV)

My heart flutters as I make my way towards the Crown Prince's office. I softly knock on the and go inside after receiving permission, closing the door behind me. He looks up and greets me with a smile, “Lily, how is your day going?”

I smile softly, “It has been going well. I'm here to report to you about something and discuss what you said yesterday,” I shyly divert my gaze downwards. All these emotions, they feel so foreign, yet so pleasing.

He gets up from his seat and comes closer to me. I can feel his body heat, it's soothing. I take a deep breath and start speaking, “Last night I saw the Lord talking to someone. The man was wearing a fur coat.”

“Fur coats…they're not common around here,” he says thoughtfully, his eyes seeming to be lost in thought. He speaks up again, “He might be a foreigner. I'll check the records of people that recently came in.”

“That's what I was thinking as well. I hope you find some proof against him soon,” I nervously bite my lip. His hand moves up and touches my lip, freeing it from in-between my teeth.

“Don't bite your lip, you might bleed,” he whispers softly as I feel my cheeks get red. “Your Highness…about yesterday, are you sure about everything you said?” I ask again, just to be sure. I don't wish to sacrifice my child's future for my own selfishness.

“Your very existence is a blessing to me and Eryx is a part of you. I'd only be a fool to deny a beautiful blessing like him,” he cups my cheek with his left hand and says, “Moreover, he's a spitting image of you. I cannot help but love him.”

My eyes tear up as I listen to his words. I pick up the courage and look him in the eyes, “I…I feel warm and safe when I'm with you. I do not know if this is love, but I'm willing to give it a chance.”

His eyes light up with joy as he looks at me adoringly, “Lily, I've never been happier,” his eyes flicker to my lips as he whispers, “May I?”

I slowly nod my head, feeling nervous due to all my former kisses being forced. His hand goes to the back of my neck as he pulls me close and presses his lips against mine, kissing me slowly yet passionately. The kiss seems to be pouring out all his emotions for me, his right hand resting on my hips and rubbing soothing circles.

His touch on my skin feels so gentle, I feel like melting in his embrace. Is this what a loving embrace and affection feels like?

At this moment, I forget if this is morally right or wrong. It feels right and that's what I choose to go along with.

We pull away after a minute, breathing heavily. I can feel my cheeks heating up. I look up at him shyly, he seems to be grinning looking at my blushing cheeks.

He rubs my cheeks gently, “You look adorable when you blush,” he gives me another peck. “I…I'm sorry for acting this way. All of this is very new to me,” I stammer out nervously.

“I want to see you blush and smile more,” he pulls me close and lays my head on top of his chest. His chest feels warm and his rapid heartbeat is the proof of his passion towards me.

The sound of his heartbeat helps me calm down. “Will everything be fine?” I ask, not being able to shake off the nagging feeling. The insecurities and fear have been etched into my soul over the two years I've been married.

“It absolutely will be, Darling,” he rubs soothing circles on my back and I let out a deep sigh. “You and Eryx are my responsibility now. I'll do everything in my power to keep you safe,” he says in a determined tone. Perhaps I should be a little more optimistic.

“I'm very grateful for your support,” I say, looking up at him with a pleased expression. “Lily, do not demean my love by expressing gratitude. I'm not doing you a favour. Protecting the woman I love is my duty,” he kisses my forehead and smiles down at me.

“I'm honoured to have someone like you to take care of me. I hope you find evidence against him soon,” I take a deep breath and step back,“I should return by Her Majesty's side. We cannot have people suspecting us for now.”

He nods and takes my hand, kissing each of my fingers delicately. He looks down at my wedding ring with a hard look and whispers, “Soon your finger will be adorned bearing the symbol of my love.”

The determined look in his eyes makes my heart feel warm. It hurts to turn around and leave. But as I am walking out, he calls my name.

I turn around and look at him questioningly. He smiles and says,

"Every beat of my heart is a reminder of how deeply I love you. You are my forever and always, the one I cherish more than anything in this world.”

The flutter in my heart increases with each word. I smile and turn away, leaving his office. As I am walking down the hallway, his words echo in my head. It all feels so dreamy, but it all turns into a cold chill when the image of Marcus's severed limbs resurface in my mind.

I can feel bile rising and quickly run for the nearest washroom, puking out my stomach's content. I feel scared and stressed. I get out for some fresh air after vomiting. I look up at the sky and whisper,

I hope everything will be fine this time…

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So sorry I disappeared for so long...I hope you guys didn't forget me. I hope you guys will enjoy this chapter!!!