Chapter 29: Just The Two of Us
The Lion King moved cautiously toward the window, eyeing the bed adorned with red beads, golden lace, and bells that made a soft tinkling sound. It was a lavish, almost decadent sight. He walked as far from it as possible, avoiding even the slightest touch. Read the translation on itsladygrey.com.
“It’s okay, it’s just a bed,” Adeline sensed his discomfort.
“It’s obscene.”
“At least it’s not dangerous,” she threw herself onto the bed in a display of indifference. In her eyes, the bed was gaudy, but it was soft and smelled pleasant.
“Adeline.”
He sat by the window and called to her.
Adeline suddenly realized how naturally he addressed her by name. Most people called her “Princess” or “Royal Princess,” but this man had insisted on using her first name from the start.
“You need a trustworthy ally,” he said.
“I know.”
“The palace is vast.” There was a hint of hesitation in his words.
Adeline lay on the bed, watching him. The seductive glow of the bed lamp reflected in his green eyes.
“So, you want to stay in my palace?” she asked.
“If you allow it.”
Part of her wanted that. If the Lion King moved into her palace, the constant assassination attempts would likely cease. The emperor would probably be delighted, calling her his most beloved daughter. The thought made her skin crawl, but it was a likely outcome if the Lion King stayed. Read the translation on itsladygrey.com.
“No.”
“Why not?”
“My value is highest when I stand between being the Princess of Marma and the supposed lover of the Lion King.”
His face tightened, but he didn’t argue. He stood there for a moment, then walked toward her.
“So, you want to be my lover?”
“Well, you agreed to that, at least on the surface.”
“Does that mean you’ll trust me?”
Adeline couldn’t answer. It was a question that ran too deep. She knew the Lion King had saved her life twice, and if her world were simple, she would trust him without hesitation. She might even vow to repay him, doing whatever he asked.
But she wasn’t just anyone—she was Adeline Vita. A branch scorched and twisted by betrayal and fire, with nothing left but ashes. She had experienced too much deceit to give her trust so easily.
“All the gypsies are brought from the South,” she said, shifting the topic abruptly.
The Lion King lowered his blue eyes and sat back down.
“I know.”
“Nobles don’t deal directly in human trafficking. They have others who handle that for them. My plan is simple. We’ll rescue the gypsy and get information from her in return.”
“You mean information about the human traffickers?” he asked.
“If nothing changes the plan, yes. We need to figure out the real owner of the auction house. It would be ideal if we could ensure that the gypsies from your land are no longer sold as slaves once we get our hands on the powerful southern noble behind it.”
“The kidnapped gypsy knows that information.”
“Ordo was certain of that.”
If everything went according to plan, they would become the best partners. Read the translation on itsladygrey.com.
After a while, Adeline called the hotel manager and tossed him a heavy bag of gold coins. Then she gave him strict orders that no one was to enter the room until the next morning.
“I want to be alone with you,” she said, lying on the bed and resting her head on the Lion King’s chest.
Both of them had removed their tops. Despite her bare upper body, a thin blanket covered Adeline, and because the Lion King had his arm around her shoulders, she was further shielded. It felt comfortable, even appropriate, given the situation. And, after all, she was Adeline.
The manager, experienced and well-versed in handling discreet requests, weighed the bag of coins and smiled in satisfaction.
“You’ll make sure no one interrupts us, right? I’ve just returned home after eleven years. I should be allowed to indulge in some luxury, don’t you think?” she said.
The manager bowed deeply. “Our hotel has never denied a guest’s legitimate request. We will take every measure to ensure no one disturbs you until you call.”
Adeline sat up and positioned herself on top of the Lion King’s stomach. His face twisted slightly under her weight, and she leaned down, letting her hair fall over his face. Then, with a subtle gesture, she dismissed the manager.
“Get out. Don’t disturb us.”
“I understand. Please… have a pleasant time.”
Those parting words were unnecessary, but Adeline smiled to herself until the door closed behind the manager.
“Adeline,” the Lion King muttered.
As soon as the manager left, the Lion King pushed her away firmly. Adeline fell back onto the soft bed, smiling at him. Read the translation on itsladygrey.com.
“Don’t the great warriors of the desert have many wives?” she teased. “I heard kings can have up to thirty wives. So why are you so awkward?”
“I don’t have a wife.”
“Yes, but—wait, what?”
“You’re saying strange things. Why should a king have multiple wives?”
“What? Well… everyone says that.”
“One is enough. Just imagining having more than one wife sounds terrible.”
He quickly put his shirt back on.
Adeline tilted her head for a moment, then hurried to grab her own clothes and put them on. Read the translation on itsladygrey.com.
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