He looked at the perfume pouch in his hand. The ordinary item suddenly gained a priceless value at that moment. Uriel raised his gaze again. Apollonia was still looking at him. It was a gaze mixed with worry, affection, trust, and various other emotions. The two of them stood there, silently gazing at each other for a while. After a few seconds, Apollonia tried to release her hand from Urielâs grip and step back, but Uriel wrapped his arm around Apolloniaâs waist.
Uriel?â
âYouâre saying strange things, Your Highness.â He said, clutching the perfume pouch tightly. âAmong the things I possess, what is it that Your Highness hasnât given me?â He asked with a faint smile.
âWhat did⦠I give you?â Apollonia, momentarily distracted by his ruby-like lips, asked.
âIf it werenât for Your Highness, I would either be dead or living without a purpose. So, you donât have to apologize for not being able to give me more.â
Apollonia smiled in response, and the bitterness that remained on her face faded away.
âI gave meaning to your life? Me?â She asked again. It was meant to be playful, but her voice trembled more than she intended. She could feel the firmness of his arms enveloping her from shoulder to waist. It was a touch that provided comfort while simultaneously making her tense.
âNo.â Uriel leaned in, pressing his forehead against Apolloniaâs forehead, and at that moment, Apolloniaâs shoulders trembled slightly. Uriel, who noticed it, smiled, drawing a beautiful curve on his lips. He tightened his arm around her, bringing her closer, and with his other hand, he cupped Apolloniaâs cheek.
âYour Highness, you are the purpose of my life itself. Is there anything more I could desire?â His honest and sweet voice resonated in her ears. Urielâs deep blue eyes continued to gaze at her as if they would devour her. Momentarily overwhelmed by the tension, she tried to lower her head, but Urielâs hand on her cheek gently turned her gaze back to him. When their eyes met again, the corner of his eyes folded in a way Apollonia liked. She felt a stronger sense of tension than before. Uriel was obedient and devoted to her. However, there were moments when he overwhelmed Apollonia. Like now.
âUriel?â
âNo. Now that I think about it, there is something else I want.â He whispered again, slowly. His alluring eyes folded even more. While Apolloniaâs gaze was captivated by his beautiful smile, Urielâs lips curved a little more before gently sealing Apolloniaâs lips. She could feel his body heat enveloping her. Apollonia now realized the warmth she had never known even amid the flames fueled by Caltsan. Uriel explored her lips with a mixture of strength and gentleness. Fast and then, slow. Rough yet cautious. Uriel savored her lips for a long time. While melting in ecstasy, Apollonia wrapped her arm around his neck and slowly embraced him. After a long time, the two of them separated, and a long sigh escaped from Apolloniaâs lips.
âAre you okay?â Uriel raised the corner of his mouth once again and asked. His expression seemed quite satisfied with her response.
Apollonia sighed again before speaking. âWhat did we just do?â
Uriel leaned in, pressing his forehead against hers, and whispered once more. âIf you donât remember, should we do it again?â
Before she could finish her sentence, their lips met once again, only to part moments later.
âAgain,â Apollonia said, closing her eyes. Uriel obediently followed her words, this time with a long kiss.
âI still donât understand⦠Mmm.â Uriel didnât wait for Apolloniaâs words and kissed her again, lifting her chin.
Again. Once more. The sunset deepened, coloring even the surface of the lake in shades of red and gold. Apolloniaâs eyes, filled with the sunset, closed and opened and closed again as Uriel left countless kisses on her lips.
âThe task of clearing out the demons in Bamel Mountain is entrusted to Duke Ephinhardt.â The Emperorâs voice echoed in the conference room, his golden eyes gleaming brightly.
It was an order that Caelion had heard countless times. Exterminate the demons. End the war. Eradicate the thieves. The Emperor issued numerous commands, but he had never shown any interest in demons, wars, or thieves. His true prey had always been Caelion, the descendant of Apollo who survived the fire five years ago and returned alive. The Duke remained unscathed despite countless assassination attempts and was known as the Immortal.
âYour Majesty, most of the Dukeâs soldiers are in the Dukeâs territory. It may be difficult to confront the demons in Bamel Mountain with the forces that can quickly reach the capital.âThe voice of a viscount sounded uneasy.