Chapter 26
The First Night
“I’m not saying it has to be right now. I want to wait until you feel it’s right.”
“…You almost sound like you’re making a love confession. If not with words, then… what will you give me?”
“Oh dear. Now I feel like you’re saying a man’s words can’t be trusted.”
“It’s not that I don’t trust you. It’s just… this is my first time.”
At that, Robert groaned softly.
He should have realized when he heard about her background.
The Royal Academy and the Temple University.
Both were completely residential. And although male acolytes also trained at the university, in her very specialized program, she likely didn’t have much interaction with men at all.
In everything related to men, she was utterly inexperienced.
He had forgotten—he should have been more considerate.
A ripple of emotion ran through Robert’s chest—yet it was a sound sweet to his heart.
For a woman entering the royal family, virginity was one of the most treasured virtues.
He didn’t want someone whose past he’d have to worry about for the sake of lineage.
Sena was undoubtedly the most suitable candidate for the future crown princess.
“Well then… how about this?”
By noble custom in the kingdom, lovers exchanged the rings worn on their fingers.
Sena’s ring didn’t fit Robert’s thick fingers, but its deep crimson ruby suited him perfectly.
The ring Robert had given her—meant for his little finger—slid onto Sena’s ring finger beautifully, its silver gleam scattered with tiny diamonds. It looked exactly like an engagement ring, perfectly sized for her.
“It feels like it was made just for you.”
“I’ll cherish it… But if I end up unable to truly return your feelings, I’m sorry.”
Robert interpreted those words as referring to her family situation.
She had been invited by a ducal household, but perhaps relatives had purchased extra tickets for the ball.
Maybe this was not intended as a chance for her to find a match, but simply to broaden her horizons in society by accompanying her noble kin.
But the moment he touched her hand, a rush of desire surged within him again.
Even the roughness on her fingertips—so unlike a sheltered noble lady—felt precious to him, a sign of her dedication. It made her all the more endearing.
Sena felt the same.
Just the touch of his fingertips on her skin sent a hot, indescribable tremor rising from deep in her abdomen, spreading through her whole body.
No further words were spoken.
They simply embraced one another.
Sena felt as though she were being held by a god as they clung to each other, kissing with hungry passion.
Still kissing her with strength and fervor, Robert lifted Sena into his arms and carried her toward the bedroom.
Sena did not resist; she simply surrendered herself, feeling as though she were being carried into heaven.
He buried his face in her thick silver hair, breathing in its scent, then slowly removed her mask.
When a sea of shimmering silver filled his vision, Sena realized he had taken off her hairpin.
Her fingers traced the buttons of his tailcoat, and once they reached the bedroom, Robert stripped off his upper garments, revealing his strong, sculpted chest.
His kisses were at times fierce, at times gentle—enough to melt both her body and her heart.
The flame of desire he had ignited within her showed no sign of waning.
Pressing herself against his broad chest, Sena wrapped her arms around his neck.
As their intense kisses continued, Robert’s hand reached for the zipper on the back of her dress.
Reflexively she twisted her body, but he easily gathered her up and set her down gently beside the bed.
Outside, fireworks exploded endlessly, drowning out the rest of the world, leaving only their private universe.
To Robert, everything beyond Sena had ceased to exist.
To him, she looked like a war goddess descending before his eyes.
He cupped her lips—those lips that balanced pride and softness—and Sena slowly removed his mask.
The man who had escorted her through the halls as a gentleman now awaited her with a warm smile.
Keeping her “Mia” disguise throughout this passionate encounter gave Sena an intoxicating sense of thrill—an exquisite spice draped over the adventure she was living.
Now, before her, stood the most magnificent man in the world—a princely figure few were privileged to be close to.
She doubted she would ever experience this level of exhilaration again.
A pang of guilt toward her friend flickered in her chest, only to vanish like a bubble.
All that remained was a blissful haze.
Robert slowly undressed her.
And soon, the two lovers stood together, bared as they were born.
Guided by him, Sena surrendered herself, bracing to receive every wave of emotion rising from deep within her.
Fireworks lit the night sky, embellishing their union with even greater splendor.
Sena felt a quiet wish form in her heart—
that this wonderful night between lovers might go on forever.
