Reconcile

In the carriage, Nickolai carefully took off the gloves and mask on Dacia.

He watches his beautiful wife in his arm.

His heart melted at the sight of Dacia sleeping. She was probably exhausted, seeing how she doesn't wake up when he carried her, even inside this carriage.

This is the only time, he can finally see her being unguarded.

Nickolai lean down to her head and took the opportunity to sniff her scent.

It is a pleasant fragrance. A fragrance that is addicted to him. That makes him want to engraved that scent into him.

Slowly he move away.

Now, his gaze landed on her face.

From her well-shaped brows, long lashes, delicate nose then to her rosy red lips.

That beautiful....luscious lips.

Nickolai resist himself from gnawed her little mouth. Knowing full well, how it taste like...make it more unbearable.

He had to look away.

This is dangerous.

His desire for her, is getting more and more stronger.

He had to put away his thoughts. Just as he looks away, his gaze landed on her wrist.

That bruised wrist.

Then he turn to look at her bandage shoulder.

Nickolai felt the guilt inside his heart.

Holding into her wrist, he carefully pull it to his lip.

Kissing it.

Hoping to somehow erase the mark on her wrist.

Nickolai turn to look at her, afraid his gesture awaken her.

Seeing she still in a deep sleep, he smiles in relief.

A moment later, he frowned.

Nickolai realised that his feelings for her has changed. He can't treat her the same way he used to.

And lately, he wasn't sure what to place Lucas in his heart.

All he knows, he doesn't want to lost neither of them.

With that thoughts, Nickolai found himself in a jumble.

At the palace, Irene awake from her slumber.

Her eyes fluttered open.

Looking around to see her own chamber. Irene sit up from her bed, wondering how she gets here.

Libby happened to came in, to see her awaken.

"Your highness..." Libby approaches her.

"Libby, how did I ended up here?" Irene questions.

"The crown prince...he carried you back here, your highness." Libby eyes sparkle in excitement as she told her.

Hearing that, Irene was surprised. She couldn't even imagine that narcissistic, egoistical and maniac male lead would do that kind of act towards her.

Seeing the excited Libby, Irene just smiles timidly.

Irene then realises her wardrobe has changed to her nightgown.

"Who changed my wardrobe?"

"Me, your highness. The crown prince told me to clean you up and change your attired." Libby answered.

Irene hold her head, thinking how exhausted she must be for being unaware of her surroundings. Even a tiniest sound nor movement didn't seem to awaken her from her sleep.

"Where is he now?" Irene then asks.

Just as Libby is about to answer, there's a footsteps coming in.

Irene look up to see it is the crown prince.

"Your highness...." She didn't expect to see him here.

Nickolai just silently took a sit beside her. With a good insight, Libby hurriedly left.

Leaving only two of them inside the chamber.

Feeling uncomfortable, Irene curled up her feet as she cast one's eyes down. Her heart grew alert when she and the male lead are in the same place.

Nickolai notice her actions.

Knowing that she's terrified of his presence, he let out a sighed.

Irene heard it but didn't dare to look up.

She notice his hand reaching for an ointment on the table beside her.

Irene couldn't help but notice severals ointment and wrap bandages on that table.

Carefully, Nickolai took her hand on his.

He apply the ointment on her bruise wrist.

Irene could feel the cooling effect of the ointment on her wrist.

She didn't dare to move until he finished applying the ointment.

After that, he reaches for the bandages on the table.

"What are you doing?" Seeing his hand reaching to her shoulder, Irene subconsciously avoid his touch.

"I want to change your bandage." He said.

"No need, I...I can do it myself." Irene tries to declined his help.

"No, let me. I want to. You don't have to worry, I won't hurt you." Nickolai soften his tone, as if trying to persuade her.

It took her a moment to agree. Irene then turn her head away, and move her shoulder forward.

Seeing that gesture, Nickolai didn't waste time. He pull her strap nightgown down to her shoulder.

Nickolai carefully open the old bandage.

Revealing the bite mark that appeared to be swelling. The result of his ruthless behaviour that inflicted such injury to his small wife.

Regaining his composure, Nickolai started to apply ointment on her shoulder.

Ignoring the stinging pain on her injury, Irene just stay still as he wrap her shoulder with a new bandage.

Done wrapping it, Nickolai pull her strap back to her shoulder carefully.

With that, Irene instantly felt relief. Just as she thought he will leave, Nickolai suddenly grasp her hand.

Irene was surprised.

Nickolai stroke her hand gently.

Not knowing what to do, Irene could only stay silent.

"I'm sorry." Nickolai suddenly said.

Again, Irene was shocked. She looks towards him, not believing such words coming out from his mouth.

"I lost control. Being too impulsive. That I hurt you...I promise, I won't hurt you again. Would you forgive me?" Nickolai seemingly fumbling through his words as he gaze upon her eyes.

Looking at his earnest gaze and hearing his words that sounded so sincere. She started to look at him in a different light.

It seems that the male lead isn't that cruel after all.

Glancing down, Irene nodded her head. Implying that she had forgive him.

She didn't want to bear grudge towards the male lead for too long.

Nickolai then gaze at her with a soft, contented smile on his face.

A surged of emotions came into him.

Nickolai reaches to her face.

Irene notice it and wanted to avoid it but stop herself when she see his tender gaze towards her, unlike the intense gaze he had before.

Nickolai caress her face tenderly, feeling her soft face in his palm.

Not knowing what to do, Irene thought become chaotic. She didn't know how to react.

A silent language of desire hanging heavy in the air as they shared a tense silence.

There unspoken attraction and tension between them was palpable, sparking a whirlwind of emotions.

"I want to kiss you." He confessed.

Hearing that, Irene eyes shook.

In that moment, Nickolai cupped her cheeks and slowly leaning closer to her.

With her heartbeat racing, Irene shut her eyes.

Seeing her not resisting, Nickolai couldn't help but smile as he kisses her.

Irene thoughts and heart gone messier, as she drown herself in that moment.

His lips were warm and soft.

Slowly and tenderly, he parted her lip slightly allowing his tongue to slip inside.

Their breathe grew heavier.

Feeling her lips that were soft, almost silken, and pillowy against his. Nickolai could feel the soft tickle of her breath beneath his nose, and his fingers carding through her hair as they breathed each other in, pulling her closer.

That gentle kiss became intense and electric, a spark igniting between them.

Their kiss was a storm of passion, a tumultuous dance of tongues and lips, leaving them breathless and utterly captivated.

Just as she's about to passed out due to the intensity kiss, he pull away. Allowing herself to take a breathe.

Nickolai also seems to be overwhelmed with their kiss, lean down to her forehead and nuzzle to her nose affectionately.

Such intimacy, make her feels like their are pair of lovers. Ironically, they were actually husband and wife.

"Dacia...let us be a real couple."

Catching their breathe, Nickolai blurt out something unexpected. Irene pull away as she looks at him in disbelief.

He only smiles at her seeing her reaction.

"You don't have to tell me your answer right now." He stroke her head gently.

Nickolai then stood up. He glance back at her before leaving.

"Today, just have a good rest." He said as he leaves the chamber.

Leaving Irene conflicted.