Chapter 469 [Bonus Chapter]Quality Time

Meanwhile...

"Is it alright for you to stroll in the street?" Aries looked to her right where Abel was walking while holding his hand. "No one will recognize you?"

"This town is too far from the capital." Abel cocked his head back and wiggled his brows. "Those who had seen me will not be in this place. Even if they were, they'd rather pretend to be blind."

"Don't scare them like that." She chuckled softly while shaking her head.

"There's nothing to be scared of me if they don't have any malicious intent." He shrugged nonchalantly, setting his eyes ahead. "Ahh... what a lively town."

A subtle smile dominated her face, squeezing his hand just to feel him. Aries looked ahead and her smile stretched even wider. Her eyes softened at the sight of the town, and she couldn't help but agree with him. It was a lively town, even though it was situated in the farthest part of the empire.

It was already night, but the plaza was still bustling and people were walking in the streets to either buy something in the food stalls or just enjoy the night breeze, just like the two of them. How nice would it be if they were commoners? But Aries didn't push herself to dwell on that sudden thought, as she knew it was pointless.

Abel had built this empire from scratch, and Haimirich had the most advanced technology in every area. Many countries saw this empire as a threat, while some looked at it as if it was a model they should follow. It differed in each sovereign's perspective since there were always good and bad in everything. After all, Abel was a tyrant who ruled an empire with an iron fist.

That was a fact one wouldn't deny.

"You will leave tonight, will you?" Aries broke the silence between them, raising her eyes at him again. "While I'm fast asleep, you planned to sneak out, am I wrong?"

"No. You're right." Abel smiled and walked slower. "I will meet my guest later."

Aries pursed her lips, stopping in her strides, and facing him squarely. "Will you come back?" she asked.

"Of course. The moment you open your eyes tomorrow, this face will welcome you."

"Promise?" she squeezed his hand, watching him rock his head.

"Promise."

"You'll be fine, right?"

"Of course, I will be. No need to be so worried — I mean, well, that makes sense. We're married now and a wife's nagging is quite normal." Abel nodded in understanding, recalling the stories of those locals in Rikhill. His lips stretched until his teeth were showing, embracing the fact that they weren't just lovers now, but actual husband and wife. They got married twice, and he was already thinking about the location of their next wedding.

"I'm seriously worried." Aries shook her head as it truly seemed she didn't need to get worried based on his lack of urgency. "Come on, let's try some food."

Aries didn't wait for him and dragged him to the food stall nearby. Her smile was cemented on her face, a little excited to spend this time with just him. It reminded her of the first time they went out for a stroll in the Capital. Back then, they didn't fully enjoy it as they were suppressing the budding feeling in their hearts.

But now, they were strolling again like normal lovers would. This time around, they didn't need to worry about anything else but how to maximize this time together.

When Aries tapped out from roaming the town and felt full after trying so much food, they returned to the inn to rest. As usual, they bathed together and shared quite a few kisses. But since Aries's injuries were still healing, they settled in relieving each other with just their hands and mouth.

"I feel like my hand and jaw will fall off..." she grumbled while lying on the bed listlessly. Abel was lying on his side, propping his temple against his knuckles, grinning from ear to ear.

"You had a nice grip, darling."

"Were you purposely holding back to tire me out?"

"No. I just had a strong pull-out game." He shrugged proudly, his hand reaching for her face. "Go and recover quickly, darling. I don't think I can keep holding back."

Aries pouted, narrowing her eyes at him. "The reason I want to relieve my husband is so I don't suffer from months of pent-up energy."

"You like it rough, though."

"Well..." Aries pursed her lips, thinking how different it was if he was inside her. Although she enjoyed his fingers and tongue gliding up and down and in and out, there was still something different when his manhood was pounding against her walls. Aries reached for his blouse while biting her lips.

"I'll recover quickly so you don't break my bones when we do it," she giggled, moving up to claim his lips. It was a quick peck before resting her head over his arm and then wrapping her arms around his torso.

"This feels nice," she mumbled, inhaling the floral scent of soap they both used, which surprisingly suits him. Aries moved closer and found her comfortable spot in his embrace, closing her eyes to rest.

"I feel tired," came out a confession under her breath, feeling her entire body relaxing on the mattress they were lying on. "Don't go just yet, Abel."

"I won't." He caressed her back gently, sliding his arm down that was propping his temple. "Not until I'm certain you are fast asleep."

"You promised you will come back before I open my eyes."

"Mhm." His eyes softened, staring down at her. "I always keep my promises... no matter what."

"That sounds reassuring. My husband is the best." Aries giggled, pulling his body closer to her. "The best of the best and the strongest, for sure."

"You are not wrong, darling."

She chuckled, keeping her eyes closed. "I love you, Abel."

"I… more than you, darling." Abel leaned down and planted his lips on top of her head. "Goodnight."