Chapter 6 – Dangerous

After a long and arduous day of work, Kael sank into a hot bath, and a welcome relaxation seeped into his weary muscles. Wiping water droplets from his face, his gaze wandered to a nearby window, where he peered outside. The light snow that had fallen during the day now swirled in the air, lifted by a gentle breeze, creating a picturesque scene.

“It reminds me of her…” Kael mused, resting his head against the windowsill and crossing his arms. “Though if the wind were stronger, it would be even more reminiscent.”

Alone and away from prying eyes, Kael could shed the dignified facade he maintained in the presence of others and let his guard down. As he observed the powdered snow dancing in the wind, thoughts of Irene drifted into his mind. He believed she was a perfect fit for Theorin and its fierce snowstorms.

“She’s like that white wolf I encountered in a blizzard—enigmatic and captivating, yet living a solitary life that seemed lonely… I can’t believe I’ve fallen for her this deeply… I must truly be my father’s son.”

Their paths had only crossed informally, leaving Kael puzzled as to why the memory of her had etched itself so deeply into his mind. He had hoped to encounter her again during their journey to Renslat, even if he had to make it appear coincidental. However, he had been unable to see her again since the incident at the castle wall. Throughout the rest of the journey, he had been desperate to meet her again, worrying that their paths might never cross.

“I hope she’s not facing hardships,” he muttered, well aware of the profound sense of loss that could come from dedicating oneself blindly to a single mission, only to lose everything overnight.

He couldn’t help but dwell on the emptiness he had glimpsed in her. Immersed in the warm bath, his mind wandered aimlessly.

“I should get out. These thoughts are getting me nowhere,” Kael sighed heavily, pulling himself out of the tub.

The thin robe he had worn into the bath, now soaked and clinging to his tall, slender frame, left nothing to the imagination. His broad shoulders and long, moderately-toned limbs, which enhanced the appearance of whatever he wore, were on full display. As Kael shed the damp garment in favor of a thicker robe, his smooth, lean abs flexed. After drying his hair with a towel, he stepped out of the bathroom.

“Who?”

Kael abruptly halted in his tracks upon sensing another presence in what should have been an empty room.

“Irene M. Voltern greets His Highness, the Crown Prince of Perkan.”

“Oh. Um…”

Realizing it was Irene, Kael stiffened and froze. If she hadn’t been watching him, he might have covered his face with his hand and groaned. Despite his training to maintain a certain level of gravity and formality as a prince in front of others, he was ill-prepared for a situation like this. Suddenly, the words he had uttered earlier that day rushed back to him as he took in Irene’s attire.

This is insane.

“I heard you called for me. What can I assist you with?” Irene inquired.

The only thing that snapped Kael out of his chaotic thoughts was Irene’s distinct, emotionless, business-like tone.

Clearing his throat, Kael replied, “If there’s anything to discuss… It’s late, and I’m retiring to bed…”

“In that case, I’ll proceed.”

Irene untied her sash, and her robe fell to the floor. The peignoir nightgown, fastened by only a few buttons, followed suit. While she remained in her slip, the contours of her body were subtly illuminated by the dim red candlelight, casting an enchanting glow.

Kael almost blurted out, “Proceed with what?” in his surprise. Hadn’t he just said it was bedtime? How had they arrived at this point?

She seems to have misunderstood… What should I do?

Kael ran his wet fingers through his hair, attempting to analyze the situation calmly.

While he was certainly shocked by his predicament, he had seen the female form before, so he didn’t overreact. One of the most essential lessons in his education as a successor had emphasized the importance of propagating the imperial bloodline. Thanks to his comprehensive and, at times, explicit sexual education from a young age, he could feign a composed demeanor. Wanting to spare Irene any embarrassment and ease the awkwardness, Kael decided it would be best to go along with her and resolve the situation as quickly as possible.

Taking a deep breath, Kael said calmly, “Boldness is admirable, but… why the rush?”

“Completing my mission is my top priority.”

“Interesting choice of words.”

Droplets of water fell from Kael’s still-damp hair onto the floor as he rubbed it with a towel. Slowly, he approached Irene, each step bringing him closer to her.

“I’ve spent a significant amount of time on the battlefield, so I lack experience in this area. I apologize in advance for that.”

Irene didn’t find the situation embarrassing; her mind was solely focused on getting it over with. She had received an order, and she would do whatever it took to follow it. What was about to happen was merely a means to an end—nothing more, nothing less.

“Everyone starts somewhere. You don’t have to be skilled from the start.”

“Still, I’ve had a basic education. It’s not like I know nothing,” Irene retorted with a touch of indignation.

There was something about Kael’s composed demeanor that unsettled her, even upset her.

A man of twenty-five can’t possibly be inexperienced. So why…

“Education?” Kael inquired.

“It was my duty to come here. In order to fulfill my duty, a man and a woman must disrobe and engage in proper caresses.” Irene spoke as if reciting an official decree, her words uncomfortably matter-of-fact.

By now, Kael had closed the distance between them, to the point where they could see each other clearly if they gazed directly. Instead of stopping, he continued to circle behind her. Irene’s calm and straightforward demeanor surprised him, and he wasn’t sure how to handle her while facing her. Unbeknownst to him, his ears had turned crimson, in stark contrast to the tentative smile on his lips.

“We’ll know once we’ve done it. As for the clothes…”

Kael bent down to retrieve Irene’s discarded robe. Well, he intended to, but at that moment, the wind blew away the heavy clouds that had shrouded the night sky, flooding the room with bright moonlight. The moonlight, brighter than the candle, illuminated Irene’s soft, pale skin, making it appear even more translucent.

Oh my, I was too confident.

In the dim candlelight, Kael had convinced himself that he could handle this situation with the same skill as when he managed state affairs. But this was different, and his predicament was not ideal. Though there was no physical contact between them, his body was already responding. Kael worried that his careless agreement might push Irene into a more serious reaction.

“Um, about the clothes…” he continued, somewhat absentmindedly.

“Oh, do you need to personally assist me, Your Majesty? My apologies, I misspoke.”

Irene’s dispassionate response helped quell Kael’s rising desire. He bent down to pick up the robe, wondering how his simple desire to see Irene had led them to this situation.

Wellen! I’ll have words with you, he inwardly cursed.

Meanwhile, unaware of Kael’s internal turmoil, Irene glanced down at the buttons that had come undone and the discarded garments on the floor.

Should I pick them up and get dressed again? Or should I leave them be? I’ve never received orders like this before.

Lost in such trivial thoughts, she felt warmth near her waist.

Does he prefer it from behind?

If Kael had been privy to her thoughts, he would have been taken aback. Fortunately, he remained unaware of her feelings and managed to restrain his surging desire.

After draping her with the robe, he said, “As you mentioned, taking it off can also be enjoyable. Besides, the gown suits you.”

As the robe covered Irene, Kael noticed a faint scar that seemed to be from an old arrow wound. He almost reached out to touch it.

“I’m sorry.”

“No need to apologize. And perhaps the bed would be a more suitable option for you on your first time?”

“I… I understand.”

Kael removed his outstretched hand and made his way to the bed. He sat down, watching as Irene, covered in her gown, followed him. Though the fabric concealed her, it also allowed her skin to faintly show through. Seeing her in this way reminded him of a nobleman who had taken a month-long vacation a few years back for his sweet honeymoon after marriage. At the time, Kael had logically understood the reason for the nobleman’s request, though he hadn’t truly comprehended it. Now, it all seemed to make sense.

A month wouldn’t be enough. Not even a year. How could it ever be enough?

Driven by instinct, Kael suddenly grabbed Irene’s wrist and gently laid her on the bed. A surprised yelp escaped Irene’s lips at the sudden move. It was only when he heard her voice that he realized what he had done. However, he maintained a composed expression as he gazed down at her. Something other than her stunning physique, faintly veiled under the sheer slip, caught his eye.

He murmured, “You have beautiful eyes. Stunningly beautiful.”

Dangerous, he thought.

In the moonlight, her silver hair spread across the pillow, and her slightly dimmed amethyst eyes looked incredibly beautiful. Although Kael struggled to suppress his desire for her—the woman he missed even in his dreams—he didn’t hide his sincerity. He feared the growing desire but made no attempt to conceal the heartfelt emotions he held for her.

“I know. Everyone says so.”

“What did you just say?” Kael asked, taken aback by her unexpected response.

“If you didn’t hear me, I’ll say it again. I know. Everyone says so…”