Chapter 192 - 192 vi. Did You Miss Me?

192 vi. Did You Miss Me?

Alas, after three long years, the war has ended. Selene has gained a newly annexed territory and there are no more border disputes to ever arise from this as the war concluded in a most favorable treaty to Selene.

Dominus, dubbed as the ultimate war hero of the past war, wore nothing but a frown as he was welcomed back home in a rather posh and extravagant parade.

He felt irritated at how he was wasting so much time being paraded like a cattle. And an even more tiring ceremony to follow once he was in the castle.

He clicked his tongue as he thought about how he would rather spend his first day of being home. He held into his temper as he looked at the bright blue sky, momentarily reminded of the color of her eyes.

Mary. He couldn’t stop smiling at the thought of seeing her again. It has been far too long since he last saw her.

Not even the letters he forced her to write can satisfy the overwhelming feeling of missing her. The letters were always too brief.

Only answering what he specifically asked. Only containing short greetings and salutations and matters concerning her observations in the kingdom.

So it was foolish of him to behave like he has been writing to a lover. No, they were far from being that.

In fact, the letters have conveyed quite the opposite. To her, writing back is a chore she has no choice but to do.

.....

His eyes turned sharp at the thought. He couldn’t help but find everything annoying. Especially the noisy crowd.

When they reached the palace, his eyes kept on searching the hallways, wondering if she was amongst the nobles who came to witness the ceremony. Did she come to see him?

He really was a fool to expect her to come. She who never even looked at him even once.

But if he were to believe that, then his heart would feel betrayed. Even though he has no right to expect anything, he still sought her out. The only one he ever loved.

He frowned as he went about with his day, greeting his father who couldn’t help but discuss his assumption. Apparently, even he had felt tired of ruling the kingdom, and is now offering him his throne.

He frowned at how inconvenient it will be. He has no desire to lord over others. More importantly, he didn’t want the responsibilities that would come along with it.

Since he is the king’s only son he has always been expected to one day wear the crown. There was no other way to escape, otherwise.

He was still in the process of arguing how it is premature to push for a coronation, when the scent of roses and vanilla permeated the air.

It has always been the most telling sign for him whenever she is around, he would smell her scent and with it the fast thumping of his heart as his eyes swept off the banquet.

Dressed in a pink dress laced with yellow ribbons and donned with beautiful gems, is the face that has captivated him so even as a child.

His heart pounded desperately against his chest as their eyes met, as if it wasn’t enough, he felt an overwhelming desire to tangle his fingers with her auburn hair.

He excused himself and rose from his seat, living his father in a rather bewildered state as he left. He didn’t care a bit about it now.

Throughout his lifetime he has shown only an interest in this woman. He was sure that his father would at least have an inkling of what was in his mind.

He wasn’t sure what she could be thinking but she seemed to be running away from him. She seemed to have disappeared into the hallways.

Fuck. He has been gone for three years and this is how she welcomes him. He cursed inwardly as he finally caught up with her.

“I got you,” his hand circled her wrist and pulled her close to him, stopping her from running away.

With a heavy sigh, he would try to reign in his frustration as she struggled from his grasp, “Why are you running? Am I some ghost that you would run away from me? Or did you wish for me to have returned a corpse you can mourn instead?”

She shook her head, perhaps not understanding why he greeted her with such hostility, “I never wanted that, your highness. I was just... just feeling dizzy from the people dancing and chattering about. I wanted a breath of fresh air, that is all.”

“A breath of fresh air you say, and you still make that annoying expression on your face,” he won’t be fooled so easily.

“I’m sorry...” she would look down and avoid his gaze again.

He wondered if he did look so vile. Why did she appear to be always so afraid of him?

If she only knew how he would do anything for her, then maybe she would find her own thoughts funny.

Being by his side will always be the safest place in the world for her. For she is someone he could never hurt.

“Look at me,” he demanded. His voice was crass, but it was in all reality a plea.

She would look at him, her bright blue orbs finally staring at him the way they ought to. Such beauty.

She has always been the most beautiful person he has ever seen. The only one who ever captivated him and made him ache with a longing that terrified him so.

“Tell me, my lady,” his voice was more serious than he had hoped.

But even that is uncontrollable as well, “Did you miss me?” he asked.

He held his breath as he waited for her answer, “I did. I missed you, your highness.”

Having heard her soft voice, he felt like his dark world finally brightened a bit, “I did so too, Mary.”