Chapter 10
“What are you doing here?”
“I…”
Franz hesitated at the sharp inquiry, biting his lip.
Alesia quickly grasped her slipping bodice, unintentionally pressing her hands together over her chest. But she couldn’t simply let go; she refused to look disheveled before Franz. She had to be a perfect princess consort before him, even though she deeply resented how he’d disrupted her plans.
Taking a calm breath, Alesia finally spoke.
“I came to the palace as your consort, but the wedding hasn’t taken place yet.”
So, get out.
She swallowed the harsh words with difficulty. Glancing pointedly at the door Sara had closed, she continued,
“Being alone with you in a closed room is already inappropriate, let alone being improperly dressed. Do you care so little about my reputation?”
At Alesia’s cold accusation, Franz’s eyes widened. He quickly shook his head, hurriedly explaining himself.
“No, that’s not it! Absolutely not. I simply wanted to ask how your meeting with Her Majesty went.”
“Then you should’ve left after asking. Or waited until I was fully dressed.”
“Well, that’s…”
Franz pressed a hand to his forehead, visibly distressed.
Watching him, Alesia recalled Sara’s delighted expression as she closed the door earlier. Realization dawned: this must be Sara’s doing. Franz had probably innocently visited, and Sara had cunningly pushed him inside, hoping they’d grow closer.
‘Sara, why do things I never asked you to?’
Sara likely thought she was helping, aware that Alesia disliked Franz. She’d been bringing endless favorable gossip about him, and now had resorted to this.
‘I need to have a firm talk with her later.’
Alesia sighed. Sara always insisted that Alesia marry someone she loved, and Alesia had dismissed it as a sentimental habit learned from her mother. Clearly, Sara was serious.
“It seems my maid has asked something improper of you. I apologize.”
Alesia stepped back, feigning embarrassment. Franz instinctively moved forward, causing her to stumble hastily backward.
The skirt tangled around her legs. Alesia tripped, falling backward onto the bed.
“Agh…!”
“Alesia!”
Franz lunged forward to catch her, collapsing atop her in the process.
“Are you alright?”
One of his hands cradled her head, the other pressing against the bed. Sunlight from the window gilded his hair, and his golden eyes stared down at her with concern. His large hand lingered on her cheek, trembling slightly.
‘What is he doing?’
Alesia studied Franz carefully. He seemed frightened—of what, she couldn’t guess.
Before she could dwell further, Franz spoke in an earnest whisper.
“Don’t run away from me. Stay with me—always.”
At his desperate voice, Alesia shut her eyes tightly.
‘Was he afraid I’d leave?’
Slowly opening her eyes, she looked away. Franz wasn’t himself. The intensity of his gaze unsettled her.
Franz anxiously scanned her body, clearly worried he’d hurt her, despite his imposing frame.
“Are you hurt anywhere—”
His voice halted abruptly when his gaze fell on her exposed neckline. Flustered, he quickly looked away.
“You seem fine.”
“Yes, thanks to you.”
Alesia spoke curtly, sitting up. Franz immediately withdrew. The bed shifted beneath their movements, but neither moved further. Alesia found herself still trapped between his strong thighs, facing him awkwardly.
Kneeling on the bed, Franz stared at her intently. Uncomfortable under his fervent gaze, she turned her head.
“Her Majesty the Empress welcomed me warmly. She even gifted me the necklace she wore at her wedding.”
Alesia quickly changed the subject, but Franz remained silent, quietly watching her.
“Nothing to worry about happened. So…”
She trailed off, gently placing a hand on his chest, intending to push him away. Before her fingers fully touched him, Franz jerked upright in alarm.
“I’m glad.”
He stood abruptly, his face pale and shaken. Alesia stared at him, confused.
‘What’s wrong with him? Touching me would benefit him more.’
Mana neutralization required physical contact. Franz suffered immensely from his unstable mana and would naturally crave her touch. Yet he recoiled as if her touch frightened him—as if she were the aggressor.
The absurdity drew a bitter laugh from her lips.
Given her current state, anyone would assume she was being harassed, yet Franz reacted as though he were the victim.
“If there’s nothing else, I’d like to rest now.”
Franz nodded slowly at her icy dismissal, still pale. Alesia spoke flatly.
“As you know, mana neutralization must wait until after the wedding—”
“Why do you keep saying that?”
Franz’s low, harsh voice interrupted her.
“Because it’s protocol?”
Franz stared intensely at her, lips trembling, whispering painfully.
“Because it’s your duty—is that why you’ll do it?”
“Yes, it’s my duty.”
Alesia sighed softly and continued,
“I know my place clearly. I’m merely a tool to neutralize your mana. I won’t ask for affection. I won’t bother you, so you can rest assured.”
“I’m not worried about that.”
He stood rigidly until she finished, then spoke again.
“What worries me is… Alesia, Lesa… you might…”
Franz clenched his fists tightly. Alesia waited quietly until he spoke again. Taking a deep breath, he finally forced out,
“That you might hate me.”
Golden eyes stared desperately into emerald ones.
“That’s what I fear. That you’ll despise me.”
Alesia’s hand trembled as she adjusted her bodice. Turning sharply away, she murmured softly,
“You worry unnecessarily.”
“Unnecessarily?”
“I’m your consort. How could I dare hate you?”
Alesia’s chin was gently turned back. Franz had silently approached and now held her face carefully, his gaze filled with longing.
“Then, Alesia…”
He leaned closer, breath brushing warmly against her lips. His other hand gripped her shoulder gently, burning her skin.
‘I’m supposed to be the fire, not him. So why…’
Franz had always been cold; she’d never felt warmth from him before. Startled by the unexpected heat, Alesia lowered her eyes, and Franz’s lips drew near.
“Show me proof that you don’t hate me.”
His lips hovered tantalizingly close. His hand moved from her chin to softly stroke her cheek, fingers gently brushing over her fluttering eyelashes.
“If you dislike me, push me away.”
Watching his lips approach, Alesia slowly closed her eyes.
