Chapter 51 | In This Moment

Mrs. Flambard held onto Rienne, her face and voice both incredibly serious.

[Mrs. Flambard] And Ill tell you this because you dont have any experience, Princess, but it isnt a good idea to have sex during this time of the month. No matter how tempting it may be to indulge in each others bodies, you must avoid it. Do you understand?

Rienne was so shocked to hear the word sex so bluntly, that she shook her head as though she were stunned, and her eyes looked around, not sure where to settle.

[Rienne] Thats not why were doing this. Its far too sudden for something like that.

Now Mrs. Flambard was making a strange face.

[Mrs. Flambard] Im sorry? Then why are you sharing a bed tonight?

Whether it be married members of the royal family or any common noble couple, unless they intended to engage in physical relations, there was no need for them to share a bed.

There were cases where their bedrooms were side by side, but it wasnt common in the slightest for them to regularly share a room. Something like that was viewed as being only for the poor folk who could not afford to have separate bedrooms.

So what Rienne was saying right now was very strange.[Rienne] Because.its nice?

[Mrs. Flambard] Who said that? Did he?

[Rienne] .Yes.

Tch, the woman clicked her tongue.

[Mrs. Flambard] Goodness, you are too nave, Princess.

[Rienne] What do you mean?

[Mrs. Flambard] Would he really be satisfied with just sleeping in the same bed?

[Rienne] Its possible..

Thats how it was for her, at least.

[Mrs. Flambard] Well, there are rumors saying he prefers men, though I dont know that much about it.

[Rienne] Thats just a rumor.

[Mrs. Flambard] I dont know, Princess. With what youre saying, there may be some truth to it.

[Rienne] . . .

That wasnt it.

[Mrs. Flambard] If thats the case, then Im just worrying over nothing. Ill finish talking here and leave you to rest. Please sleep comfortably tonight, Princess.

[Rienne] . . .

Rienne stayed silent until the woman left her bedroom.

She felt if she tried to open her mouth, shed only end up coming out feeling very embarrassed. Especially if she tried to refute her words with examples of things that happened in the past.

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She couldnt find the best position for their pillows.

Rienne turned them over again and again, listening to the faint sound of water coming from the bathroom.

If their pillows were too close, shed feel really shy but if she set them too far apart, then he might think she was pushing him away or refusing him.

Then at some point, she felt very weird inside.

What am I doing? Theyre just pillows.

Fluff. Fluff.

Rienne gently dropped the pillow back down, which was now a little deflated because of how much she was manhandling it.

[Rienne] .But that looks too far apart.

She took the pillows and narrowed the distance between them.

[Rienne] Alright, thats it. I wont mess with them anymore.

Rienne lifted up the edge of the blanket and slipped herself inside. And just as she did, the sound of water stopped. It wouldnt be long until Black came in, smelling fresh like water.

..All of the sudden, it felt like she didnt have enough air. She wasnt thinking about anything, but her cheeks were still flushed. Rienne pulled the blanket over her head, covering her face.

Badum. Badum.

Time came to a crawl, and she could hear every second being lulled along by the beating of her heart. As time slowed, so did her eyes, gently coming to a sleepy close.

Squeak.

And if it hadnt been for the small sound of a door opening, she probably wouldve fallen asleep.

[Black] .This is a little.

Now Im thinking something bad.

For a brief moment, Rienne thought she heard him mutter that to himself. But just as she opened her eyes to ask him what was wrong

[Rienne] ..!

The blanket that was covering her face was quickly pulled down, and as soon as her face was revealed, she felt the sensation of him pressing his lips against hers.

[Black] I know youre not asleep.

Black muttered, gently tugging at her bottom lip in a way that only tickled.

[Black] Open your eyes.

Then she felt him sweetly wrapped his hands around the sides of her face.

She listened, quietly opening her eyes, but she didnt realize how close he would be. She was so embarrassed, she just wanted to close them again.

[Rienne] I wasnt pretending to sleep.

Riennes voice was as quiet as a whisper.

Though it didnt matter that she was quiet. They were so close to each other that if one of them uttered even the smallest of words, their breath would be burned into their skin.

[Black] Then whats with this? You were covering your face.

[Rienne] ThatsIts just a habit of mine.

It sounded like an excuse when she said it, but it was completely true. The weather was always uncomfortably cold during this season, so she would often sleep with the blanket over her head.

[Black] You werent planning on kicking me out?

[Rienne] If I were, I wouldnt have brought a spare blanket

Finally, Blacks attention was pulled away as his eyes followed Riennes gaze towards a blanket that was quietly sitting in the empty spot next to her.

[Black] I didnt see that.

Black turned back and kissed her again.

[Black] But I dont like how youre already going to sleep.

[Rienne] Well, thats just

[Black] Im here.

[Rienne] ..Sorry?

[Black] Are you going to sleep right away?

The words heard from right in front of her nose ticked the backs of her ears. Was it because he was too close to her? His face was right there.

[Rienne] What else would we do.if not sleep?

[Black] I dont know.

Black moved his hand down her face, slowly and gently running his thumb across her wet lips.

[Black] But I want to talk with you first.

[Rienne] Talk with me? About what?

[Black] Anything.

As his fingers moved across her lips, she unintentionally parted them as if to speak, causing her tongue to touch against his finger. Then he frowned, his brows furrowing as if he were in pain.

[Black] What kinds of things do you like?

What a strange thing to ask of her while was pressing his finger against her lips like this.

[Rienne] What do I like? In reference to what?

[Black] Anything.

Thats what he said before.

[Rienne] Well

It was such a simple question, one inquiring about things she found likable or good. But somehow it was difficult for Rienne to answer.

What do I like.

But the more she thought on it, the more she couldnt come up with a good answer, which only furthered her embarrassment.

[Rienne] Im not very fond of the cold.

[Black] I asked about your likes.

She still wasnt sure what to say. She didnt know what kinds of things she liked. But after thinking for a while, by the time Riennes voice came out, it was shaking.

[Rienne] I would like it if I had nothing to worry about.

[Black] What kind of worries do you have these days?

There were too many to count. If she had to pick one in particular, it would be the lie she was presently working up the courage to confess to.

[Rienne] I have many. Appointing the next High Priest, the whereabouts of the servantBut then theres also the matter of the Grand Council and Im worried about when the date for the wedding will be set. If things continue on like this, it will likely be delayed. And I suspect the Kleinfelders wont approve a new High Priest until that happens.

[Black] I know those. Is there anything else?

[Rienne] Anything else?

[Black] Any more worries.

[Rienne] Well..Theres was the drought that ended last fall. And this winter will probably be very cold, so Im hoping the well doesnt freeze over. It was so cold last year that everyone suffered greatly. And then theres

[Black] Are you not worried about tonight?

[Rienne] Hm? Tonight?

Her face suddenly paled, trying to think of what he could mean by worried about tonight.

[Black] Arent you worried about what I could do to you?

.Oh, so thats what hes talking about, Rienne thought. In response, she took her hand, wrapping her fingers around Blacks hand that was still held above her lips.

[Rienne] Im not worried. I already know.

[Black] You know?

[Rienne] Yes. You told me. We are going to sleep together in the same bed just as we did before.

He said he wanted to sleep together like they did that night, and that he wanted to kiss her once they both woke up. He clearly voiced his intention to hold her tightly as they literally slept together, with nothing ill in mind.

But then Black suddenly smiled.

[Black] Youre really are an unpredictable woman, Princess.

Rienne didnt really understand what he meant by that.

[Rienne] How so?

[Black] When I said I wanted to sleep in the same bed as you yesterday, you refused because you didnt think I would be any good. And yet today

Black stopped talking, taking Riennes hand and turning it over, pressing a kiss into her palm.

[Black] Today youre acting like you dont know anything.

[Rienne] . . .

She heard that from her nanny earlier.

It was true Rienne didnt know anything and that she had no experience in this realm. And hearing the clumsy comment shed said coming directly from Blacks mouth only made what she was about to say even more difficult.

[Rienne] I..have something I need to tell you.

Rienne had a hard time picking her words.

[Rienne] I had a bit of a hard time today.

[Black] I know.

Black lowered his head, touching their foreheads together.

As he did, he felt very close to her right now, but the feeling itself was very different from a kiss.

[Black] I was told you still need to be careful.

[Rienne] ?

What was he talking about right now?

[Black] The doctor left this morning, but I havent forgotten.

The doctor left? AhHes talking about the child. I suppose he would still think like that.

[Black] Ive decided Im going to treasure you, Princess..so I will do my best to protect you. Dont worry about having to deal with this on your own.

[Rienne] . . .

Black moved his forehead away from Rienne, reaching out and pulling the blanket back over her. He brought it all the way up to her chin as if he were tucking her in.

[Black] But I think my pillows too far away.

He took the pillow Rienne had set out, one that was too distant by his standards, and pushed it closer without saying another word.

[Rienne] . . .

Rienne stopped breathing as the bed shifted, feeling him lie down next to her. At some point, hed turned his body to the side, but Rienne didnt even realize it at first. The two of them just stayed like that, their faces turned towards each other.

..I have something I need to say.

Though she opened her mouth, not a single one of those words came out, and Rienne fell into continued silence out of embarrassment.

Stewing in her own shyness, seeing Blacks face up close like this, she was constantly being made aware of how amazing he was in every aspect. Even thinking about it made her timid heart flutter.

[Black] Are you looking for another scar on my face?

Black asked as he noticed her stare.

[Rienne] No. I think that one was the only one I found back then.

Rather, she had something she really wanted to tell him.

[Rienne] And I would hope I dont find any additional scars on you.

She needed to say this. This was her chancebut her mouth kept saying other things instead.

Black took Riennes hand and pressed the tips of her small fingers against his lips.

[Black] But if I dont have any more scars, then you would have no reason to look at me the way you are now, Princess.

[Rienne] Youre wrong.

[Black] What do you mean?

[Rienne] I wasnt staring at you back then because I was looking for a scar. I simply found it because I was already staring.

So even if there were no scars to speak of on his body, she would always end up looking at him just as she did now. So long as he was right here in front of her.

[Black] Just like how I found this?

Black muttered, his voice so low, he couldve easily been talking to himself. He brushed his hand against the freckles beneath Riennes ear. It was a part of herself shed never seen with her own eyes.

[Rienne] Perhaps.

Rienne also lifted up her hand, running her fingers against the scar shed found on Blacks eyebrow. Feeling her touch, Black closed one of his eyes as her hand brushed against his eyelash.

[Rienne] Am I making you uncomfortable?

[Black] Of course not.

With only one eye open, Black took Riennes hand and pulled it down, causing her hand to run down from his eye, coming to rest on his cheek.

[Black] I wish I had another scar here.

[Rienne] I dont.

All at once, Riennes expression soured.

What was he talking about? He wanted a scaron his face? Why?

[Rienne] If you want me to touch you, then just ask me to. Dont think about scarring yourself.

[Black] . . .

Black suddenly frowned, the spaces between his eyebrows narrowing.

Well, it was actually a much more complicated expression than that. Sometimes it looked as though he was smiling, but sometimes it looked the opposite as well.

[Black] You said you didnt like it when I asked for permission, Princess.

Yes, Rienne could remember saying that.

[Black] So you should be more careful when saying things like that.

[Rienne] Sorry?

He was speaking so kindly in comparison to his words.

[Black] I dont think youd be able to handle what comes next.

Saying those words as if they were cutting him on the way out, Black overlapped his lips with hers.

Lying in the same bed like this, escape was already impossible with how close they were, but the moment she felt his large hand cup her face, she knew she couldnt avoid this.

Black urged Riennes lips apart, giving her a kiss that melted her body with how hasty and passionate it was.

AhMy thoughtsare all flying away.

Black pulled Rienne up, locking her in his arm and the feeling of his weight pressed against her chest felt very indecent, yet thrilling. (1)

What.What am I supposed to do now..?

Underneath the robe he was wearing, all Black had on was a pair of pants, so the first thing Rienne was greeted with was the sensation of his bare chest. That only became more apparent as they moved and shifted their bodies together, causing his robe to naturally open.

She tensed her closed eyes, and her thoughts were already completely gone by now.

Led by her senses, Rienne slowly ran her hands along the skin of his solid chest. His body temperature was so much hotter than hers.

[Rienne] . . .

Cutting off their kiss in the middle, Black pulled himself backa soft and sweet sound resounding out as their lips parted.

At the same time, Rienne softly breathed in, all the air flowing back in all at once.

[Black] Instead of being careful, Ill only end up exhausting you with a kiss.

The feeling of him murmuring with his lips still almost barely touching hers felt like it was burning her with how suggestive it was.

Rienne unknowingly lifted her head, searching out for himas if to wordlessly ask him why he stopped. Even almost inviting him to continue.

[Black] We cant do any more than this.

Black tilted his head back as Rienne got closer.

[Black] Youre too dangerous to me, Princess.

[Rienne] . . .

At those words, Riennes face turned red.

It wasnt because she felt shy. Shed felt embarrassed hundreds of times before, but this feeling was different from that.

The situation was so passionate that it was suspicious why Black was pulling away from her when his eyes were filled with so much heat, she could see them shaking.

So Rienne reached out, placing her hand on the left side of Blacks bare chest, right over his heart.

Black flinched, his whole upper body stiffening, but Rienne was entirely focused on the feeling of his heartbeat against her palm, engraving itself upon her skin.

And so she wondered.

Was the beating of her own heart just as loud to him as his was to her?

The dangerous one wasnt her. It was always him. He was so bad for her heart, that he couldnt be considered anything but.

[Rienne] Theres..something I need to say.

Lying down and trapped within his arms, Rienne faced Black with a gaze that seemed to pierce through him.

[Black] What is it?

Right now, Rienne was certain.

Even if he found out that she had lied to him about being pregnant, this man wouldnt be disappointed or feel betrayed.

In fact..Hell probably be happy.

Any feelings of disappointment or betrayal he may feel would be overshadowed by the feeling of relief that she wasnt pregnant with a child of Kleinfelder blood.[Rienne] II bled today.

Blacks expression hardened.

[Black] Why didnt you tell me earlier?

From the look in his eyes, it was clear that he firmly believed it to be because of the child.

As he started to get up, Rienne quickly grabbed Blacks arm, stopping him from seemingly going to charge off and call someone.

[Rienne] No, its only because.

Right now, in this moment, it was her chance to speak.

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T/N: (1) the word chest here could also be translated as breasts or boobs etc. but that felt like Too Much

Oof, that cliffhanger. And that chapter was 500 words longer than usual! (>////<) But at least it was a full chapter of straight sugar