Chapter 308 So Lovely

News of Pavelucs death took some time to spread. Both internally and externally, it was believed that he was currently leading an army towards the border.

As soon as his death became known, the war quickly ended.

The first to abandon the campaign was the Kelt Kingdom, as they had no reason to continue the war without Paveluc. Without the Kelt Kingdoms support, the state of Lunen was forced to surrender under Carlisle, and was brought back under the control of the Ruford Empire. Although Pavelucthe main instigator of the rebellionhad died, all of his supporters would be duly punished.

Carlisle organized all this as quickly as possible, then led his soldiers back to the Imperial Palace in the capital post-hate. It was for one reason: His wife was pregnant.

Carlisle and Elena sitting next to each other in a gleaming carriage that was rapidly headed towards the capital. Soft cus.h.i.+ons were placed on the seats for Elenas comfort, but Carlisle continued to fuss over Elena like a mother with a sick child.

Are you uncomfortable?

Im fine.

Is there anything you want to eat?

I just had lunch.

But you should be eating a lot when youre pregnant. If youre hungry, tell me immediately, alright?

Knowing that she couldnt stop him, Elena replied with a smile.

I know. You dont have to worry over me too much.

Even in the early stages of pregnancy when she was deprived of proper food and sleep, Elena remained strong until now. Compared to her time in prison, this was truly heaven. Carlisle kept asking if she was lacking in anything, but she couldnt help but feel overly pampered.

Dont say that. If theres anything you need, just tell me. It is my greatest pleasure to give you anything you want.

Carlisle leaned over and stroked her forehead. Ever since their reunion, he used every moment available to feel her warmth in his arms or touch her, as if to rea.s.sure himself that she was still by his side. Elena gave a faint smile every time she felt his gentle touch.

Youre already here next to me. What more could I want?

Carlisles brow crumpled, but a moment later, he tried to suppress a teasing smile.

When you say that, I almost want to take out my liver and gallbladder for you.

Carlisle cupped Elenas face with both his hands, then kissed heron her forehead, nose, cheek, lips. His hot mouth tickled her face, and Elenas head shook as she giggled.

Thats ticklish, Caril.

She looked cutely up at him with pink cheeks, and he almost wanted to devour her but Elenas health was the top priority, and he lowered his hands again.

His wife was with child, and they couldnt have a pa.s.sionate skins.h.i.+p. A constant desire burned through Carlisles skin, but he held it back, fearing that Elenas body would be overwhelmed.

Dont look so cute, my wife. Itsits painful for me.

Carlisle smiled, then pecked Elenas cheek for the last time and settled back into his seat. His voice was a soft murmur as he spoke.

I cant wait until the baby is born.

Elena nodded understandingly at Carlisles words.

Neither can I. I cant wait to hold our child in my arms.

Carlisle had a different reason in mind, but Elena gave a chuckle, as his idea wasnt a bad one either. He wanted to touch Elena because he loved her, yet at the same time, it was because he loved her that he didnt touch her.

There was a knock on the carriage door. Carlisle turned his head, where someones presence was obscured by the closed window curtains.

Its time for Her Majestys health tonic.

As of late, Elena took a daily tonic for pregnant women. Because Carlisle was so concerned about Elenas health, he made sure that she took her medicine and reported it no matter what.

Stop the procession. Well start again after she takes her health tonic.

Yes, Your Majesty.

At Carlisles order, not only did the carriage stop, but the entirety of the column marching outside. Elena was flattered that her husband cared so much about her, but she couldnt help but be embarra.s.sed.

The carriage door opened soon after, and a maid arrived bearing the tonic. Carlisle took the bowl, then scooped the tonic with a spoon.

Here.

Elena had done this several times already, but her face still turned beet-red.

I can drink it myself. My hand works fine, and you dont have to spoon-feed me, Caril.

Carlisle had a light, mischievous smile on his face.

Youre saying that today? Because Im not going to give in.

If you keep doing this, other people will

If you dont like me spoon-feeding you, then how about I use my mouth? Actually, Id prefer it that way.

Carlisles blue eyes squinted with laughter, but Elena understood at once that he wasnt joking. He wasnt the type to suggest things he didnt mean. However, Elena had been almost killed by a poisoned arrow once, and she felt stronger than she did then.

In the end, Elena opened her mouth with an aah, and Carlisle gave a wry smile.

My wife knows me too well.

He scooped the tonic with a spoon and carefully placed it in Elenas mouth. She accepted the drink like a baby bird as she glanced furtively up at him through his lashes. Her heart swelled to see the Emperor feeding her with a careful expression on his face.

How could she describe this feeling? The mere fact that Carlisle was by her side turned every moment into a happy one. She couldnt say this out loud though; if he knew about this, he would act more like this from now on.

Hmmm. I taste it every time, but its too bitter.

Is that so?

Carlisle glanced at the nearly empty bowl, then suddenly leaned in close to Elena. Then, with his tongue, he swiped the liquid that clung to her lips.

Elena looked startled at the sudden kiss, but Carlisle continued to stare at her in a casual manner.

Yes. Just as you said, its too bitter.

What

Of course, it tasted sweet to me because of your lips.

Blood rushed to Elenas face, and her naked reaction broadened Carlisles smile even further.

That kind of face only makes me want to tease you more.

What face?

This lovely one.

Once again, Carlisle drew Elenas body towards him, and he planted a soft kiss on her eyes. Her heart felt like it would burst from her husbands constant affection. Each moment was almost too sweet to bear.

No matter how much time had pa.s.sed, the only man who made Elenas heart beat like this was Carlisle.

And so it would be for the rest of her life.

***

When the sun set, the procession stopped again. They had planned to travel quickly to the Imperial Palace so Elena could relax, but Carlisles concern over Elenas physical condition slowed their schedule.

After the troops made camp, a few soldiers approached the imperial carriage and gave a brief report.

Your Majesty, camp is ready.

I see.

Carlisle stepped out of the carriage first and reached for Elena. She took his hand, and walked carefully down the steps. As soon as Elenas feet touched the ground

Hwiig!

Carlisle swooped her up in both arms and carried her bridal-style. It happened in the mere blink of an eye. Elena opened her mouth in surprise as she jerked her head towards Carlisle.

C-Caril

I think its safer for me to carry you to our tent, just in case you fall.

Its only a short distance, so Ill be fine. I might be too heavy.

Do I look so weak that I cant carry my wife?

Of course not. It wasnt the first time Carlisle held her in his arms like this, and she knew how safe she was in his embrace.

However, the gazes of the surrounding soldiers would naturally fall on them. Their eyes seemed to be envious, butElena was embarra.s.sed to be the center of such attention. They also stopped the procession so she could take her medicine, and there were rumors that Carlisle was spoon-feeding her. Elena felt that being carried around like this was too much, even if she was pregnant.

Im afraid other people will stare at me.

I dare them to.

Although his reply was short, Elena grasped the nuance behind it. She knew his personality well, and gave a small laugh. She could read Carlisles thoughts without him having to say much.

Youre enjoying this.

My heart wishes to do more for you.

No more. This is just too much.

Considering what youve been through, nothing is enough. I want to do everything so you neednt even lift a finger. Just allow me this.

Elena had been kidnapped when she was pregnant, and her body had suffered many hards.h.i.+ps. She did not have the heart to tell Carlisle that she was also violently beaten by Paveluc, but Carlisle seemed to have some idea. While Elena was satisfied and grateful for her current state, Carlisle wanted to more than make up for past hurt.

They arrived at their tent, and Carlisle carefully deposited Elena on their bed. He got down on one knee, then took off the shoes she was wearing. Her eyes widened at the unexpected gesture.

Get up quickly! What if someone sees you?

As I said earlier, please allow me this.

But

Whats wrong with a husband taking off his wifes shoes?

If they were an ordinary couple, then it was possible. But Carlisle was the emperor of the Ruford Empire. He couldnt kneel in front of Elena for any reason. He had done it before, but he was only a prince at the time. If he was seen by anyone else now, it would undermine his royal authority.

Elena hurriedly reached out and caught Carlisles cheek. She looked straight into his eyes and spoke in a firm tone.

I feel the same as you. But I dont want anyone to see this and have a reason to cut you down.

Carlisle only grinned at her reply.

You might not know it, but your husband is so scary that no one would dare talk about me that way.

I may not know as much as you, but Im not one to be lax.

Thats fine. Who cares what they say?

Therell be rumors that youre blinded by a womanor something like that.

There was already much talk after the soldiers had seen the black-scaled Carlisle on the battlefield. Elena didnt want to add more fuel to the gossip.

Im not doing anything wrong.

He neatly laid her shoes on the floor, then leaned forward and kissed Elenas knee.

Whether Im kneeling in front of my wife, standing upright, or walking shoulder-to-shoulder, it wont change the fact that Im your prisoner.

Elena was momentarily speechless. She had worried about Emperor Carlisles reputation after the war, but she didnt realize that his words would evoke such marvelous feelings in her. They really were too sweetto the point where it felt like her body would melt.

Carlisle resumed speaking, his blue eyes glowing hotly as he stared at Elena.

You saved my life, and its unfair for you to say no to me. You are obligated to accept as much love as I give you.

I might not be able to adapt if this arrangement changes later on.

Are you worried things will change? Then dont worry. I will do even better in the future.

At those words, Elena couldnt hold back anymore, and she threw her arms around Carlisles shoulders. Even when he was emperor, he hadnt changed at all since he met her. No, that was wronghe was becoming more thoughtful as time when on. She didnt know that such a kind man could exist. It was as if he was born to capture her heart.

Dont keep saying things like this. I feel like Im going to cry.

Elena knew inside that all of her hards.h.i.+ps so far led her to this point. The rosy future Elena had always dreamed of was not far away.

Everything was for this moment with Carlisle.

Elena closed her eyes, unable to contain the overwhelming happiness inside her, and she held his body. Carlisle also had a blissful smile as he hugged her back.

Then, a familiar voice from outside broke the moment.

Your Majesty, theres something I need to tell you.

It was Zenard. When Elena tried to unwind her arms from Carlisles body, Carlisle only tightened his grip on her waist.

If its not urgent, come back later.

A-ah, yes. There is a letter for Her Majesty the Empress, so please tell me later when you have time.

Carlisles brow furrowed at Zenards unexpected reply. He turned towards camp with a displeased look on his face.

Who sent it?

Its from the heads of Krauss and Astar.

When their names were mentioned, a memory suddenly slipped in Elenas head. She had asked them to do something for her before she was taken to Lunen.

It was related to the child in Elenas stomach.

It was about the clan that served the dragons.

Elena beamed at his confession of love.

Carlisle, Elena, and their child. Now it seemed that the only thing left for them was to live happily from now on.

The thought of a future different from a grim old life made Elenas heart soar.