Chapter 30: Just the two of us
They visited the hotel twice more while waiting for the auction. The manager, now quite familiar with their routine, left the entire top floor empty and guarded, as the bag of gold Adeline handed him grew heavier with each visit. Read the translation on itsladygrey.com.
The emperor was very pleased. The costs of maintaining her palace’s prestige had doubled, then tripled, quintupled, and eventually reached tenfold. Adeline had no choice but to admit the truth: the Lion King was a powerful weapon. With this magnificent lion by her side, she could maneuver unnoticed.
“Your clothes have changed,” he remarked.
The auction was only two days away. Adeline, whose pockets were now fuller, wore a newly tailored dress.
The Lion King entered her drawing room, guided by her maids.
“The way to the drawing room isn’t a maze… you all are quite dedicated,” Adeline quipped, teasing the maids who were grinning at the Lion King.
A strong rose scent filled the air.
The maids eagerly asked the Lion King if he had eaten and what refreshments he would like, but he remained silent, holding out his hand to Adeline instead of sitting down.
“That’s not genuine,” he said.
The Lion King was dressed sharply, much to her surprise. Adeline had assumed he only wore his black combat gear, but now he stood before her in a tailored black suit with crisp lines. It suited him, of course, though the color remained black.
“What’s not genuine?”
“The favor your maids are showing me. Their heartbeats are too loud for it to be sincere.”
Adeline paused in the middle of adjusting her gown, eyes wide. “Really? Isn’t a fast heartbeat a good sign?”
“Isn’t it the sign of a fight?”
“What on earth…” she trailed off, unsure where to begin explaining. How could she tell him about the extravagant amount of perfume they wore because of him, or the fierce competition they engaged in just for the privilege of escorting him to her room each time he visited? Not to mention how they meticulously styled themselves, despite their identical maid uniforms.
Well, it was none of her business. Adeline decided to move on and took the hand he offered, walking away with him.
“What should we do today?” she asked.
“You mean at the hotel?”
“That’s right. My father sent me a mountain of gold coins to seduce you. If there’s anything you want, just tell me. Honestly, spending my father’s money is quite fun for me.”
It was rumored there was a vast hoard of gold buried beneath Marma’s Imperial Palace, a treasure that seemed endless no matter how much was spent. Adeline was convinced she could even commission a gold statue in the South if she wanted. And it was all thanks to the Lion King—his frequent visits to her palace made her wealthier, her maids kinder, and even the unbearable Richard kept his distance out of fear. Read the translation on itsladygrey.com.
“Really? You’re saying it’s all thanks to me?” the Lion King asked.
“I hate to admit it, but yes.”
“Then, there is something I want.”
“What is it?”
The Lion King rested one hand on the carriage doorframe. Once again, Adeline found herself beneath his shadow, the harsh sunlight that had stung her eyes now blocked by his large frame.
He looked at her with genuine seriousness. “Your trust.”
“You don’t do subtle, do you?” she sighed.
“I’ve told you before. I’m ready to do anything you ask. If you want, I can stand in front of your door every night, guarding it. I’d actually prefer that, so I could keep you close and safe.”
Adeline wanted to open the carriage door and get in, but his towering figure blocked her path. If she tried to walk away now, the conversation would only sour, leading to more tension. So, she looked at him directly.
“You’re always worrying about me. Why?”
“It’s natural.”
“Yeah, but why?”
“I intend to let you know slowly after you come to me,” he finally lowered his hand from the doorframe. He lifted her effortlessly by the waist, opened the carriage door, and set her inside. Leaning in close, he whispered in her ear, “How much I care for my people.”
His warm breath brushed her ear, sending goosebumps across her skin. His deep, rough voice was annoyingly captivating.
Damn. His voice was way too good for no reason.
Read the translation on itsladygrey.com.
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