As she was about to enter the "cage," Ivina finally couldn't suppress her doubts.
"Can I see Luo?"
"The master is in a meeting with the elders. Outsiders are not allowed to disturb them," Stout blurted out, because this was a prepared excuse. But at least it wasn't a made-up cover story. After all, with the borders of the kingdom under siege and the people of the Underworld causing trouble, it was only natural for the King to be concerned and summon the Elders for a decision. But what was unbelievable was that he had sent his most trusted advisor, accompanied by a newly appointed witch, to roam the palace.
"When will I be able to see him?" Ivina almost looked like she was about to cry. She didn't want to return to her bedroom, where the air was so lonely it was frightening.
"The meeting cannot be interrupted. You should return to your room and rest…" S's hand opened, gently pulling open the half-closed door.
"Come here. Gra. Visata."
S raised his eyes, a fleeting look of astonishment crossing his face, then stiffened his body and bowed slowly.
"Master, why are you here…" His king should be seated on the main throne making strategic decisions, recruiting talent within the clan to strengthen the nation's power, and resisting the Underworld. He should never be here, taking time out to see this human girl.
"I told you to come." Ignoring Si's subservience, Luo grew even more annoyed by Ivina's hesitation. He stared deeply at her, his lips tightly pursed.
Was Luo angry? But... why?
This was the first time she had seen his truly serious face. His expression was cold, his facial features rigid, and his extremely deep eyes were now hidden by the strands of hair on his forehead, plunged into darkness.
This Luo was different from the carefree, playful man she had first met, lacking the sly smile at the corner of his lips and the tender gaze he had shown her by the bedside... At this moment, he was brutally unfamiliar.
But before she could gather her scattered thoughts, her hand was roughly pulled up.
"Ah..." Her half-open red lips felt a warm sensation without warning.
Strong and passionate, his tongue skillfully entwined with hers, drawing out her shy sweetness. This prolonged, punishing kiss caused her to involuntarily moan as she opened her eyes in a daze.
"Luo, um… let go."
His body pressed tightly against hers, their only shared rhythm the intense pounding of their hearts.
Rough breathing, his palm gliding over the luxurious silk, caressing her delicate spine.
Once again, Luo pressed his face close to Ivina's rose-colored cheeks, but his eyes were fixed on a silent figure standing nearby. The corner of his mouth curled into a almost cruel smile.
"You must always obey me, because you are my woman." He kissed her adorable nose, his tone both indulgent and resolute.
Si knew this was a warning to him. But why would the king misunderstand him?
Si smiled bitterly.
Luo picked Ivina up in his arms and walked straight into the cold bedroom.
The moonlight still spilled across the floor, and the ornate doors closed tightly. Si stood alone outside the door, his shadow stretched long...