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As if protecting Floria, Aura spread her arms and stood between her and Zanarf. It was as if she was challenging him, while he looked as if he was about to devour Floria at any moment.
“You are Aura, right? A servant with quite a spirit. It would be troublesome if a servant who protects their master lacked that. However…”
As Zanarf approached Aura, he gently lowered her arms that were spread protectively.
“Floria officially became my bride in last night’s ritual. Now that she is mine, I will protect her even at the risk of my own life.”
He sat down heavily at the edge of Floria’s bed and unexpectedly directed a soft smile towards her.
Was it that her heart was no longer functioning correctly because of the stormy night? For some weird reason, her heart fluttered at that smile, making a thumping sound.
“Is your body alright? I may have been too indulgent during the ritual.”
“Oh…”
Floria’s delicate chin was grasped, forcing her to face Zanarf.
The sensation of his sturdy hand, his thick fingers tracing her skin, flooded back. The memories of last night flooded back, and instantly, her lips trembled uncontrollably.
Not because she was scared. She was ashamed of the lewd and lascivious behavior she was subjected to last night. This man’s hands had invaded a delicate part of her that even she herself didn’t know about and toyed with it continuously.
“Hmm, you really are a waste to be with someone like Franz.”
As Zanarf slowly moved closer to Floria’s face, their lips met with a soft sound. Surprised by the suddenness of it, her thoughts momentarily stopped, and everything turned blank. When she came back to her senses, Zanarf was already pulling away
“This island is safe. Everyone knows that you became mine through last night’s ritual. No harm will come to you. While I’m not around, you’re free to walk around the island, but you will not be allowed to escape.”
Zanarf held Floria’s tiny hand and gazed at her as if seeking her agreement.
“I-..I won’t be of any use by staying on this island. So, I want to go back to my country.”
At that moment, Zanarf’s eyes glimmered.
“What will you do by going back to your country? Will you return to Franz, the man who abandoned you? Franz must be feeling very uncomfortable. He’s probably pretending to be a grieving prince, saying he tried to save you, but you died in the process. Even if you go back, will there be a place for you?”
“—!”
Those words pierced Floria’s chest like a dagger. Despite pledging their love until death would separate them in the sacred church, Franz chose his own life over Floria’s. Even if she were to return to him, she would have no place there. She was just a worthless woman who couldn’t even fulfill her role on their wedding night.
The feelings she had been holding back began to well up in tears. Perhaps the man was right.
“—Hic, ugh…”
Tears overflowed like a broken dam. She didn’t want to show such weakness in front of this man, but she couldn’t stop them…
“—Ah, damn it. I…”
Zanarf scratched his head in frustration.
“I’m sorry. I said too much. Come here.”
While saying that, he quickly lifted Floria and tightly embraced her to his chest. Zanarf’s strong heartbeat pulsated against her. He gently stroked her back, enveloping her as if she were a fragile, precious treasure.
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