However, when Khalid said that, her mind strangely sank.

She hoped he would desire more.

It was absurd even to have such thoughts.

Intentionally leaving room for him to persistently seek her while assuring him.

She knew Khalid was different from Raul, more than anyone.

But the tiny doubts, as small as his fingernails, made Belia uneasy.

What if he was betraying her trust?

The memory of trust crumbling down haunted her for a long time.

Belia anxiously looked at Khalid, who was gazing at her with intensity.

“Now I have to reach out first.”

If he wasn’t there, Belia wouldn’t be able to endure any longer.

He was her light and salvation.

Belia’s passive expression changed. A subtle smile appeared on her lips.

“If I were to suggest we forget about this, what would you do with such a question?”

Khalid chuckled at her question before she could finish listening to her answer.

“Don’t even think about saying such things.”

“But why are you asking.”

Even though she had no intention of listening to it in the first place.

To Belia’s questioning gaze, Khalid opened his mouth heavily.

“Remember it.”

Remember what?

With a puzzled expression on Belia’s face, Khalid, scrutinizing her with a heavy look, spoke.

“That I am by your side.”

With satisfaction in his greedy response, Belia couldn’t be happier.

Yes, keep being greedy like this.

Make it impossible for him to worry that your feelings might change.

“You also become irreversible. Is that okay?”

Belia uttered words she didn’t truly mean.

Then, Khalid, with a cold gaze, touched Belia’s neck where he had left his mark.

As if he was satisfied that his marks were left on her body.

Khalid met Belia’s gaze with a satisfied expression, like a full-fledged beast.

“I brought up the fact that I cannot turn back.”

Khalid pulled up the corners of his mouth coolly.

“It’s a suggestion to drop the nonsense about leaving if I find another woman.”
Belia’s eyes widened at his words.

She had said such words the day they first met, and it was directly from her own mouth.

“…No.”

She couldn’t miss it.

She couldn’t let it go.

At first, it was undoubtedly her intention, but not anymore.

Suddenly, Belia’s mind cleared, as if she had been splashed with cold water.

Khalid looked at Belia, who seemed surprised, and spoke affectionately.

“Do you remember talking about the declaration they make in Ronika earlier?”

It was a sudden question, but Belia nodded.

Of course, she remembered. Wasn’t it a story from a little while ago?

“In that declaration, lovers who are about to become a married couple always swear their eternal love.”

Right. Unlike the Empire, the Kingdom of Ronika recites a declaration where lovers pledge eternal love just before the blessing of the deity. However, in the predominantly aristocratic society where strategic marriages were common, it was not a significant event. It was even more so for the royal family.

“Belia.”

Khalid called Belia’s name.

It was a sweet and tender voice, as if he couldn’t bear it.

“Swear to spend a lifetime with you.”

It was a cliché phrase always included in the declaration recited by lovers getting married in Ronika. Ironically, Belia secretly thought of it as romantic.

However, from the moment Belia decided to marry the Imperial Prince, she had firmly tucked away any expectations of hearing those words.

‘But…’

When Khalid uttered the oath, Belia felt like crying, overwhelmed with joy and gratitude.

“Khalid…”

In the moment when she tried to call his name with her lips.

Khalid lightly kissed her, preventing her from speaking.

Then, unexpectedly, Belia spoke words she hadn’t even dared to think of.

“I love you.”

It felt like the world had stopped.

Belia was so surprised that she couldn’t utter a word.

Did she hear correctly?

“…Wh-what did you just say…”

Staring at Belia, who was asking with a trembling voice, Khalid spoke again, firmly and rhythmically.

“I love you, Belia.”

Drip.

Transparent tears fell from Belia’s eyes.

Her nose sniffled. She wanted to cry out loud.

But Belia couldn’t make a sound, couldn’t even twist her expression. She just let the tears flow.

“I love you.”

Saying that, Khalid kissed Belia’s eyes. Then, with a cautious touch, he wiped away the tears.

Soon, Khalid’s gaze met the moist eyes of Belia.

“…Hug me.”

Belia, with a face full of traces of tears, smiled and said, trying to appear cheerful.

“It’s our first night today.”

Khalid, hearing that, squinted his eyes and smiled.

“Yeah, it’s the first night. So, shall we do what we’re supposed to do on the first night now?”

With Khalid’s provocative words, Belia laughed playfully and wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him close.

Then, lifting her upper body, she deeply kissed Khalid.

As if this was the beginning. It was a kiss where sticky emotions melted away.

“Khalid…”

Belia called Khalid.

Her tone was unusually soft.

In an instant, Khalid’s gaze turned fierce.

“Ha, Belia. You brought this on yourself. You know that, right?”

As if he had no more reservations, Khalid urgently swallowed Belia’s breath.

Her breath was hot and sweet.