【 Prologue 】
It was a dark night.
A man was walking through the rough inner castle.
The tall man had a remarkably handsome appearance compared to his unadorned attire.
His face was smooth, resembling a piece of luxurious silk fabric, and in contrast to his beautiful face, he had broad shoulders and long limbs. The jeweled belt around his waist emphasized his slim waist against his thick chest.
His hair shone like the night sky, resembling a black lacquered mosaic, and his deep violet eyes reminded one of blooming violets.
The man, who wore a faint smile as if nervous on this special day, finally arrived in front of a thick oak door.
After hesitating briefly in front of the door, the man opened it and stepped inside.
The room was filled with rough, and heavy furniture, with bear and lion skins adorning the walls and floor, giving a wild atmosphere. The decor seemed to prioritize practicality and quality over intricate details.
On a bed large enough for three people, a woman with long red hair sprawled horizontally, with a grumpy and idle expression.
“Anis.”
At the sound of her name, Anis, who had been lying spread-eagled, attempted to move but slipped, lightly bumping her head on the floor.
After struggling to lift herself back onto the bed, Anis raised her hand slightly in a casual greeting.
“Oh, Lancelin. You’re here?”
“…Aren’t you too relaxed?”
Lancelin spoke sounding dejected.
“Even if it’s the first night of a secret mutual agreement…”
The head of the Grand Duchy of Varandian, known as the shield of the Saint-Jean Kingdom, a battlefield hero who suppressed the rebellion in the southern region of Saint-Jean, and lastly, Anis’ mother, Grand Duchess Raymonde de Varandian, had ordered a political marriage. This was their wedding night.
This room was for the first night. Anis, who had entered the room during the wedding banquet, was in a plain outfit, not suitable for a bride on her first night.
This room was for the first night. Anis, who had entered the room during the wedding banquet, was in a plain outfit, not suitable for a bride on her first night.
This unconventional attire was possible because the wedding had been semi-private.
Lancelin had no complaints about this. What did formality matter? He just found her overly relaxed, devoid of any sexual tension, face a bit annoying.
‘It’s not the same for me…’
Lancelin thought as he bit his lower lip.
“Even though I didn’t expect Mother’s marriage order, thinking about it… As a princess, it was inevitable. Besides, you said it yourself.”
“Yes, I did.”
Lancelin recalled what he had told Anis.
‘When the time comes, if you want… I’ll let you live as yourself too.’
This was their secret mutual agreement that Grand Duchess Raymonde did not know about.
Lancelin gave a crooked smile.
“But…it’s a bit disappointing. Resar taught me ways to satisfy a bride. I couldn’t even use it.”
Resar was Anis’ eldest brother and the heir to the Grand Duchy.
Anis, still lying down, crossed her arms firmly.
“There’s no need to use it, you punk.”
Just as Anis let her guard down, the side of the bed sank as Lancelin came over her. He must have scrubbed himself so thoroughly that there was no smell of alcohol or sweat, only a pleasant scent. The ever-present faint lavender fragrance.
“Are you sure?”
Lancelin whispered in an unfamiliar, low voice.
Feeling her heart pound and heat rising to her cheeks, Anis spoke calmly.
“I’d appreciate it if you kept some distance.”
“Now?”
Lancelin’s violet eyes sparkled with mischief.
“I grew up just as you wanted, so why are you feeling burdened now?”
Anis looked up at Lancelin. His eyes were quite dangerous, filled with raw desire.
At this point, Anis had to admit. The feelings Lancelin had shown were not childish whims.
“Ever since you saved me…”
Lancelin’s handsome face looked mesmerizing as if he were gazing at something precious.
“I wanted to be with you.”
Listening to his confession, Anis remembered the past.
When they first met, Lancelin was a weak boy who looked like a rotten bean sprout.
Anis didn’t even know his true identity. She had helped him out of kindness and ended up entangling her entire life with his.
However, Anis had never particularly regretted that past. If given the chance, she would help Lancelin again.
