CMH Chapter 5.2

Volume 5 part 2

 

With a playful grin, Ixor patted the cushion beside him. Then, extending his left arm as a pillow, he bent his right arm casually, striking a pose as if to say, ‘Welcome, my lady.’

“Come on now, the best way to stay warm is to cuddle. Hurry up.”

His voice was lighthearted and gentle, likely meant to ease her tension. Since realizing that she was wary of physical intimacy, he had kept his promise and never overstepped.

Without a word, Daon climbed onto the bed.

As soon as she settled, pulling her legs up onto the soft cushion, Ixor pulled the thick blanket over them both, all the way to the top of their heads.

“Ah!”

She had no time to react before he launched a tickling attack.

Daon squirmed, alternately covering her sides and underarms, flailing and throwing weak punches in defense.

In the darkness under the blanket, they wrestled and laughed, rolling around together.

When they finally emerged, their hair was a mess, their faces flushed red, and their bodies covered in a light sheen of sweat.

Ixor let out a hearty, satisfied laugh.

It was a pleasant sound. His golden eyes sparkled with amusement.

Daon, momentarily entranced by his gaze, watched as he reached out and playfully tousled her hair.

“I’ll allow you to retaliate.”

Then, he leaned forward with a confident smirk.

Still scowling at him, Daon let out a soft chuckle and raised her hands.

She smoothed out his glossy hair, taming the wild mess he had made. The sensation of his silky strands slipping through her fingers was oddly satisfying.

Ixor closed his eyes, then tilted his head the other way, clearly enjoying her touch.

Smirking slightly, Daon suddenly grasped his ear.

The soft, pliant sensation in her palm sent a jolt of pleasure through her.

To think that simply touching another person could bring such happiness···

The desire to touch him more burned inside her.

She wanted to feel the elegant curve of his neck, the sensual shape of his lips, the firm skin along his ribs, to run her hands over his muscles freely.

But instead, she let go of his ear.

Even so, the electric tension between them remained, unbroken.

Ixor reached out, twining a strand of her hair around his fingers.

Slowly, he traced his fingertips along its length, barely brushing against the nape of her neck before stopping just above her chest.

“Shall we sleep now?”

He murmured in a husky, drowsy voice.

With a flick, he extinguished the candle, leaving only silence in the dimly lit room.

The once grand and extravagant bedroom now felt warm and intimate, the glow from the fireplace casting gentle waves of heat.

The warmth was slightly too much.

Just as she thought it was becoming hot, he covered her shoulder with his palm and pulled her snugly into his embrace.

Daon rested her lips against his collarbone, breathing softly.

His fingers, idly playing with the lace on her nightgown, moved slowly along her back, weaving a spell of quiet seduction.

With his lips pressed against her ear, Ixor hummed,

“It would be nice if we could sleep like this forever.”

“···”

“Yes, forever… But if one day, after spending all those nights holding you, I wake up to find you gone… Then how am I supposed to live?”

Daon lifted her chin, meeting his gaze.

Even in the dim haze of the night, his eyes spoke volumes.

Ixor let out a short chuckle, then gently patted her back.

“Rest. I’m a little tired today.”

She must have fallen into a deep sleep because when she awoke, she found herself nestled against him, her head on his pillow.

Daon inhaled sharply, surprised.

She had slept soundly for the first time since leaving her homeland.

It felt strange, so she took a moment to look at him.

His sleeping face was breathtakingly beautiful.

The way his jawline angled upward, the deep shadows cast by his closed eyes, his straight brows, the perfect bridge of his nose, and the light stubble on his chin—everything about him was unbearably sensual and mesmerizing.

She had never been interested in flowers, jewels, or fine clothing.

Nothing had ever stirred her emotions.

But Ixor…

He was the only thing she had ever found beautiful.

He had been her first in many ways, the first person to slowly thaw her frozen heart.

The first man who made her pulse race just by being near.

She wanted to touch him.

Ixor had the dangerous charm of an untamed beast.

Even when she pushed him away, his noble yet wild beauty, the refined contours of his body, always fascinated her.

Suddenly, his eyes fluttered open, still hazy with sleep.

The moment he saw her, he unconsciously smiled.

That lazy smile, the way his eyes crinkled slightly, and the glimpse of white teeth…it sent a tremor through her chest, making her feel as if she might melt away.

Ixor reached out and lightly tapped the tip of her nose.

“Is this the first time we’ve slept together?”

This time, he slowly turned his hand and brushed her chin with the back of his hand. The touch sent an electric sensation across her skin.

Daon lowered her thick eyelashes. Their body heat was mingled together in the warm bedding, and the taut muscles of his broad chest, leading down to his toned abdomen, left her unsettled.

His manhood, pressed against her thigh, had been applying pressure to her lower body for some time.

Hurriedly, she tried to get off the bed, but Ixor immediately grabbed her wrist. Whether it was the atmosphere or something else, his body heat felt even hotter than usual.

Daon avoided his gaze and lowered her feet off the bed.

“I have to work in the kitchen today.”

“Rest.”

“I’ve rested for too long already, and my body is…”

“Rest.”

“I’ll just check. That’s my job.”

She could feel his persistent gaze tracing from her arm up to her face.

Sitting with her back turned to him, she responded calmly.

Without another word, he let go of her wrist. She left the bedroom, hurrying down the stairs as if escaping.

His scent clung to her entire body. Every breath she took seemed to send waves of heat into her chest.

Even as the cold winter air seeped through the tightly closed shutters, it failed to cool her burning face.

She ran a hand over her neck and let out a deep sigh, closing her eyes.

Last night, she had tried to seduce him, but she hadn’t expected it to require so much courage.

Maybe it wasn’t the right time yet. 

She wanted Ixor. But the moment she thought of s*x, the grotesque image of Zelgirk’s corpse would follow like a nightmare.

She shook her head and stepped outside through the back door to wash her face, only to halt abruptly.

The courtyard was bustling with activity. It looked like chaos. As she moved closer to see what was happening, she realized it was indeed a commotion.

Even though the sun had not yet risen, the drawbridge was lowered, and an enormous number of wagons were streaming in. Countless workers exhaled white puffs of breath as they moved busily.

‘What’s going on?’

She stood still, calmly scanning the flow of the crowd with her eyes, until her gaze stopped at one spot.

Guards holding torches were chatting energetically.

“So the princess is coming?”

Crunch.

She stepped on a patch of snow, slipping slightly. Holding onto the cold stone wall for support, Daon quietly listened.

“No wonder all those extravagant goods were pouring in from Garion. And all of them were top-quality. I was wondering why, but of course… it’s for a royal visit.”

“Outside is just as hectic. They’re building temporary quarters for the attendants and knights, and even constructing new warehouses.”

“Ugh, I hope the knights don’t cause trouble in town. Remember when Prince Dirk visited? The castle was too small to accommodate everyone, so the servants and knights spilled into the village. They demanded drinks, lodging, women, it was chaos.”

“Well, Lord Ixor handled that quickly…”

“Maybe that’s why they’re building accommodations in advance this time?”

“Hah, he really is a considerate man.”

“Absolutely.”

They exchanged a few satisfied comments before one of them sneezed loudly and suddenly asked,

“But isn’t it strange for an unmarried woman to visit a man like this?”

“Well, our lord is known for his eccentricities, but he’s at the age where he should settle down.”

“Then she must be coming for an engagement.”

One of them nudged the other’s side. As soon as they noticed her standing nearby, they all clammed up at once and quickly scurried away.

Princess Anna is coming…

So that’s why Zephar mentioned ‘definite relationship.’

It was expected.

Ixor had seized Orlank. He had even cut off the arm of Zelgirk, a viscount sent by the king as a monitor.

Yet, the king had let it go.

Because he was considering a marriage between Ixor and Princess Anna.

The king needed Ixor. His capabilities, wealth, and charisma that captivated people. Not to mention his solid aristocratic lineage and the power that came with it.

Ixor must have also thought about marrying the princess. He was an ambitious man, after all.

For him to spread his wings, the best background wasn’t a slave, it was a princess.

The idea of a nobleman seriously dating a slave was laughable to begin with.

Crunch.

She slowly turned away, stepping on the snow.

When she looked up, the winter sky was a bruised shade of deep blue.

With a calm expression, she methodically checked the kitchen duties as usual before heading to the annex, which was being turned into a museum.

As she closed the heavy wooden door behind her, the outside commotion was immediately cut off, and a cozy silence embraced her.

Daon walked in, her footsteps echoing steadily.

The annex was filled with exotic artifacts. Even the smallest trinket on the shelves had passed through her hands. This was her space alone.

She knew that when Ixor had said, “Organize this,” he had, in effect, gifted this building to her.

As she moved quietly among the artifacts, she picked up a wooden mask.

It was something Ixor had touched before.

Holding the spindle-shaped mask to her face, she looked around the room.

The artifacts from various lands gleamed vividly under the morning light.

She turned her head, gazing at the spot where Ixor had stood.

What had haunted her most about leaving her homeland was not being able to retrieve her family’s bodies.

Her father, mother, and brother…

By now, their corpses had long been devoured by wild dogs and crows, their bones likely scattered to nothing.

She had abandoned the bodies of her loved ones in disgrace.

She had not even been able to weep over them.

That guilt had remained a deep, unhealed wound.

She had lost her ability to cry since the day she left her homeland.

There were times she had wanted to rest somewhere, to find solace, but she believed she didn’t deserve to be happy or comfortable.

She was convinced that when she died, she too should be abandoned, left to rot like her family.

But Ixor…

He had sworn that he would retrieve her body if she died.

And he had constantly told her, over and over, to rest, to be happy, to stop pushing herself so hard.

Strongly, sometimes gently. Sensually, sometimes playfully.

Thud.

Daon rested her forehead against the dark inner surface of the mask.

Tears streamed down her cheeks, falling from her chin.

She swallowed a faint laugh, her shoulders trembling.

It had been so long since she last cried.

She had forgotten how hot tears could be.

‘If we spend our whole lives sleeping in each other’s arms, but one day, I wake up and you’re not there… How will I go on?’

She wanted to say the same thing as Ixor. If he, who had always been by her side, were to suddenly disappear one day, what would she do? How would she live the next day, and the day after that?

Zephar was right. There had been a moment when they could have become lovers. Love exists in the present. No matter how much time passes, no matter if love fades or breaks, in one’s heart, the present moment is always the happiest.

Daon lifted her tear-soaked eyelashes. Then, she removed the mask and carefully placed it on her lap, facing the bright morning sunlight head-on.

How much more courage did she need? What ‘right time’ was she waiting for to love him?

No. She had resolved not to push him away any longer. Even if she ended up regretting it, even if it ultimately hurt more, she wanted him. Even if it was just for a single moment, she wanted to be Ixor’s true lover.

 

***

 

“Has the fireplace gone out again today?”

Ixor, fresh from his bath, rubbed his damp nape as he entered the room, then let out a delighted chuckle.

Near the bed, draped with deep red damask curtains, Daon stood elegantly on a white sheepskin rug.

He picked up a bottle of wine from the silver tray left by the maid as a bedtime treat and poured himself a drink.

After taking a sip of the dark crimson wine, he turned around to see Daon placing a neat stack of parchment on the bed sheets. They were the kiss tickets he had previously returned without using.

Swish.

The tickets fanned out at her fingertips. Daon quietly lifted her gaze and met his.

Her black eyes, dark with sensuality, brimmed with longing.

But Ixor’s expression hardened. He swirled the lingering taste of wine on his tongue, tilted his head slightly, then set his glass down on the silver tray with a soft clink.

He stepped closer, stopping right in front of her. Their bodies were so close that their abdomens nearly touched, causing Daon to take a deep breath, her chest rising and falling visibly.

Ixor looked down at her with cool, provocative eyes, like a predator.

“The situation now is different from back then.”

“I know.”

“Once I start, I never stop halfway.”

“I know that too.”

She was extremely tense, yet her response was composed.

Turning slightly, Ixor picked up one of the tickets from the bed. He brought its corner to her small chin and slowly dragged it downward.

“Hah…”

Daon’s breathing grew shallow and rapid.

The edge of the ticket lightly scraped against the sensitive skin of her throat, skimmed over the throbbing vein, glided past the delicate lace folds of her blouse, traveled down her taut chest, and finally reached her flat stomach.

And yet, she neither averted her gaze nor stepped back.

A thick atmosphere of raw desire, perceivable only by the two of them, wrapped around them, making the air between them even hotter.

Ixor lowered his head and pressed a gentle kiss to her lips. A brief but warm kiss.

“It’s been a while since we kissed,” he chuckled as he pulled away.

Then, pressing another soft kiss, he whispered,

“Kiss me.”

Daon rose onto her tiptoes, cupped his cheek with both hands, and kissed him.

A sharp jolt, like electricity, ran through her as their lips melded together, making her chest tighten with overwhelming emotion. She closed her eyes, suppressing the sudden urge to cry.

And then, without realizing it, she fell back into her usual defense mechanism—a blank expression.

A subconscious habit. A defense put up in fear of revealing her emotions.

Ixor smiled gently.

He had expected this.

Whenever physical intimacy deepened, she would freeze like an impenetrable wall. A woman who was terrified of showing her feelings.

There was no need to force s*x upon her.

Sensing his thoughts, Daon’s gaze darkened.

“Wake me up.”

The hands that had been cradling his cheeks slid down his thick neck and trailed over his chest.

The sudden rush of heat was dizzying. Her seduction was intoxicating.

Placing both palms over his heart, she whispered in a husky voice,

“Open me…”

She was a woman with a fragrance as rich as a blooming flower.

A mesmerizing enchantress, capable of bewitching a man.

An elegant yet intelligent lady.

He wanted to lay her down right that instant.

But instead, he met her resolute gaze and, without another word, lifted her into his arms and placed her on the bed.

“You haven’t eaten dinner.”

Daon flinched at the unexpected remark.

It was hardly the right time to talk about such a thing, given the tension thick in the air.

Ixor pouted in mock annoyance.

“Rob caught a deer for you. If you don’t eat it, he’ll be terribly disappointed. And I won’t allow you to skip meals.”

“I wasn’t hungry.”

“For someone who collapses from mere colds, that’s a ridiculous excuse. You have terrible stamina.”

Grumbling, he placed tall silver candlesticks around the bed, inserting blue candles into each holder.

As the candle flames flickered, sharp at first, then softening into a gentle glow, the atmosphere in the room melted into a warm golden hue.

“You don’t mind if I leave the lights on, do you?”

He sought her consent.

Daon flinched.

She gave the barest shake of her head—her way of saying no.

But Ixor pretended not to notice.

Rubbing his eyes as if they were strained, he muttered,

“I must be getting old. Hmm? What did you say? That you’re fine with it?”

“The lights…”

“Alright then.”

As he quickly sat on the bed, unbuttoning his shirt with a look that seemed to ask, ‘Is there a problem?’ Daon swallowed her words.

Ixor reached behind her neck and untied her single-braided hair. As he pulled out the thin hair tie, her wavy hair cascaded down her chest, and he could feel her heartbeat through his fingertips. It was quite fast.

He reached for the table and brought a silver tray onto the bed. On it were a bottle of fine liquor, some apples from storage, dried fruits, thin salted crackers, and a jar of honey.

When he spread honey on a cracker and offered it to her, Daon refused.

“It won’t go down.”

“It’s delicious.”

As he persistently insisted, she eventually accepted it. Meanwhile, Ixor carefully poured liquor into a glass, mindful of the soft cushions of the bed.

The moment Daon took a bite of the cracker, Ixor playfully leaned in and stole half of it with his teeth.

“It certainly is delicious.”

He chuckled teasingly, and Daon, slightly flushed, swallowed the rest of the cracker.

Ixor dipped his finger into the honey jar and smeared the golden, glossy honey on his lower lip. Then, he bit into another cracker and gestured to her.

“I allow you revenge.”

Daon hesitated momentarily, then, with a slight glare, placed her hands on his shoulders and leaned in carefully.

She took a bite, lips barely touching his. Their eyes met at an intimate distance, searching each other’s expressions.

She took another bite, this time pressing her lips against his. Ixor immediately supported her waist and deepened the kiss.

The smooth sweetness of melting honey, the delicate scent of acacia, and the crispy saltiness of the cracker all blended together, making the kiss even richer.

Their tongues intertwined as they shared the lingering flavors.

Ixor brushed his tongue over the saltiness on her lips and smirked teasingly.

“It tastes good, doesn’t it?”

Daon’s gaze, now heated, silently agreed.

He took a dried plum and placed it gently on her lips. Then, as she accepted it, he moved slightly closer.

The golden candlelight flickered between them, casting a warm glow in the quiet room.

Looking at her, seated gracefully in the soft light, he made a solemn vow to himself.

“In this place, where no logic of the world can interfere, I, Gwin Ixor Malkuth, swear eternal love to Daon. May the gods bear witness.”

He dipped his left ring finger into the wine and let the deep red drop onto her left ring finger. The ruby-colored wine beaded on her pale skin, catching the candlelight like a jewel.

A small, serene smile touched her lips.

“It’s beautiful.”

“You really are a foolish woman,” he muttered, setting the wine glass down.

Daon, still gazing at her finger, smiled a little wider. Finally, she lifted her head.

Her dark eyes, as deep as the night sky, shimmered with an undeniable affection.

Ixor set the tray aside and leaned in, pressing his forehead to hers.

He kissed her eyelids, her cheeks, her small nose, and then her lips. He had longed for this moment for so long. Just feeling her skin against his was enough to drive him to madness.

As they continued, their breathing synchronized. They shared the same rhythm, exhaling and inhaling together. Ixor gently brushed his nose against her ear before softly biting her earlobe. Daon shuddered slightly, a quiet, happy laugh escaping her lips.

She was lovable.

From the moment he first saw her standing atop the walls of Orlank Castle, he had known—this woman would consume his entire life.

Ixor gently ran his palm along her skin, feeling the fine hairs beneath his touch.

He lifted his hand slowly and moved closer, sensing the warmth of her body. He traced her silhouette with a careful touch, his movements deliberate and filled with unspoken emotion.

She trembled slightly at his closeness, her breathing growing uneven. Their eyes met, locking in silent understanding.

His hand found hers, fingers intertwining naturally. The warmth between them deepened as he drew her into a firm yet gentle embrace.

The room was filled with the soft sounds of their breathing, the flickering candlelight casting shifting shadows on the walls.

The world outside ceased to exist as they remained wrapped in each other’s presence.

Time seemed to slow, their connection unspoken but undeniable.

As their closeness lingered, they exchanged quiet whispers, sharing a moment that needed no words. The night stretched on, filled with an intangible warmth that neither of them wished to let go of.

As his entire body ached from exhaustion, Ixor collapsed onto the bed, still warm from their closeness, pressing himself gently against her.

Unlike before, she didn’t immediately nestle into his arms. Instead, he leaned in, resting his ear near her lips, waiting patiently for an explanation.

Daon hesitated before confessing in an awkward whisper,

“I… made weird sounds.”

“Oh? You mean this?”

Ixor playfully mimicked her voice. As he exaggerated it louder and louder, Daon’s eyes widened in horror before she quickly clamped a hand over his mouth, her face flushing bright red.

Ixor chuckled, enjoying her reaction.

“Why? I thought it was wonderful. It was exciting, beautiful—enough to drive a man crazy.”

She pouted at him before eventually breaking into quiet laughter, her shoulders shaking.

“You are the strangest man in the world.”

“And you’re the most beautiful woman.”

He replied with a grin. Then, narrowing his eyes slightly, he added,

“That was a compliment, right?”

“Yes.”

She smiled, her laughter still lingering in her voice.

He had waited so long to see her smile like this. He gently plucked a piece of apple that had stuck to her arm, while she, in turn, carefully brushed a drop of honey from his hair with her fingertip.

In response, Ixor picked off a stray plum that had somehow ended up on her. He carefully examined her from head to toe, making sure there were no more remnants.

“Wait—there’s some on your back.”

He said, turning her over. He gently wiped away the lingering stickiness, letting his hand rest for a moment on her warm skin.

The candlelight flickered, casting soft shadows across the room. The outside world faded as they remained close, exchanging quiet touches and murmured words.

Their hands found each other again, fingers interlacing naturally, as if they had always belonged that way.

Time passed in a haze of warmth and quiet laughter. Eventually, the soft glow of dawn crept through the curtains, casting a golden hue over the room.

The candles had burned down to their wicks, leaving only melted wax hanging like icicles from the holders.

“Get some sleep.”

He murmured, pulling the sheets up around her shoulders. She nestled closer, her breathing slowing, her flushed cheeks resting against his chest.

Ixor brushed his nose against her hair.

“Do you think you could take a day off from the kitchen?” he asked.

“Why?” she murmured sleepily.

“Because for the next while, I’ll need you to spend all your time with me.” He smirked. “I’ll talk to the lord myself, I have a feeling he’ll agree.”

Daon let out a soft, sleepy laugh before her heavy eyelids fluttered shut. Her breathing deepened as she drifted off, exhaustion finally overtaking her.

Ixor pulled her closer, cradling her in his arms, listening to the quiet rhythm of her breaths.

He pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead.

His light in the darkness. His solace, his warmth. His Daon.

With a quiet whisper, he spoke against her ear, “I love you.”

As the sun fully rose, marking the start of a new day, everything felt different—brighter, warmer. A new beginning.