Chapter 260
In “He Asked Me to Leave My Dreams, So I Decided to Make Him One of Them” by Mira Lorian, Rania embarks on a significant journey to the Barlukan Kingdom with Maximus. Their travel begins with a challenging three-day car ride to the harbor, followed by a week-long sea voyage. Rania experiences anxiety as she has never traveled by water before, and her unease intensifies when she succumbs to motion sickness on the ship. This discomfort creates a sense of vulnerability for her, as she retreats to her quarters, longing for the stability of solid ground.
As the journey progresses, Maximus shows concern for Rania’s well-being, reflecting his protective instincts. Despite her initial struggles, Rania expresses a desire to experience the outside world, showcasing her determination to overcome her fears. When she finally steps onto the deck and sees the lights of the Greenstone Pack, her excitement shines through, contrasting with Maximus’s more serious demeanor regarding the kingdom’s troubling past. Their interaction highlights the emotional bond developing between them, as Maximus’s affection for Rania deepens even amidst the challenges they face.
Rania’s understanding of the Barlukan Kingdom’s grim history is further deepened by her conversations with Maximus and Eiten. Eiten advises her to avoid engaging with the fearful locals, which underscores the oppressive atmosphere that still lingers from the previous king’s reign. Rania’s empathy for the people is palpable, as she grapples with the harsh realities they face. This emotional weight adds complexity to her character, as she navigates her own feelings while being thrust into a world filled with fear and uncertainty.
The chapter concludes with Rania seeking comfort in her shared quarters with Maximus, who is preoccupied with political matters. Their playful banter provides a moment of levity, yet the underlying tension regarding their future looms large. Eiten’s probing questions about Rania’s potential pregnancy introduce a new layer of concern, revealing the pressures and expectations surrounding their relationship. Maximus’s curt responses indicate his internal conflict, leaving readers to ponder the implications of their journey and the challenges that lie ahead for both Rania and Maximus.
**He Asked Me to Leave My Dreams, So I Decided to Make Him One of Them by Mira Lorian p>
The journey to the harbor would stretch over three arduous days by car, and once they reached their destination, they would embark on a week-long voyage to the Barlukan Kingdom by ship. This ship would make a stop at the Greenstone Pack, the closest pack to the capital city of Barlukan, before finally reaching their ultimate destination.
For Rania, this was an entirely new experience; she had never traveled by water before, and a flutter of anxiety danced in her stomach at the thought of it.
On the second day of their sea journey, the gentle sway of the ship turned treacherous as the waves grew restless. Rania succumbed to motion sickness, and the vibrant world outside faded into a blur as she retreated to her quarters, spending the remainder of the day lying down, trying to quell the nausea that plagued her.
As the sun dipped below the horizon on their final day at sea, Maximus leaned over her, concern etched on his face. “Feeling better?” he inquired gently, his voice a soothing balm against her lingering discomfort.
Rania managed a nod, pushing herself into a sitting position with a deep breath. “Yes, I’m fine now,” she replied, though her voice was still a whisper of its usual self.
“I should have brought Karin with us,” he murmured, regret lacing his words.
With a weak smile, Rania reassured him, “She had so much to manage back at the palace. Besides, I’m alright. This is just a new experience for me. I just need a little time to adjust p>
Maximus silently vowed to himself that he would never again embark on a journey involving water transport with Rania. The sight of her pale face and the absence of a healer aboard only served to heighten his frustration. He felt unprepared for this, wishing he could have done more to ensure her comfort.
“I want to go out,” Rania declared suddenly after finishing her meager meal. “I haven’t stepped outside since we boarded this ship p>
“It’ll be more shaky out there,” Maximus warned, his protective instincts kicking in.
“It’s okay; I’m fine now. I can handle it,” she insisted, determination shining in her eyes.
After a moment of hesitation, Maximus relented, ensuring she felt stable enough before guiding her onto the deck. “You won’t see much anyway,” he said, trying to temper her expectations.
Outside, the night enveloped them like a thick blanket, the darkness punctuated only by distant twinkling lights. Rania squinted into the abyss, her heart racing with excitement as she caught sight of the faint glimmers of Greenstone Pack in the distance.
“I can see the lights!” she exclaimed, her voice bubbling with enthusiasm as she pointed toward the shimmering city. “They look beautiful p>
Maximus wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close against the biting wind that whipped through the night air. “Careful,” he cautioned, helping her settle onto a sturdy wooden block. He removed his jacket and draped it over her shoulders, shielding her from the chill.
“Thank you,” Rania said, wrapping the jacket around herself and tugging Maximus down beside her. “Tell me about the Barlukan Kingdom p>
Rania was acutely aware of Maximus’s ambitions; he aimed to unite the six kingdoms, yet his approach with Barlukan was notably aggressive compared to the diplomatic finesse he employed with the others.
“That place is a nightmare,” Maximus replied, his tone casual but his eyes betraying a deeper disdain. “There’s nothing good there p>
Rania frowned at his words. “It can’t be that terrible, can it p>
“You’ll see for yourself soon enough,” he said, brushing his thumb gently against her cheek before pressing a tender kiss into her hair. The scent of her was intoxicating, a sweet aroma that stirred something primal within him. He longed to lose himself in her embrace, but he held back, acutely aware of her recent illness.
“Is it really that bad?” Rania grimaced, recalling the tales Maximus had shared about the previous king’s cruel reign over Barlukan. The idea that someone could govern with such brutality was unfathomable to her; it left her grappling with disbelief.
Rania had come to understand that while Maximus could be fearsome, the dread she sensed from the people of Barlukan was on an entirely different level. Their fear was palpable, a shadow that loomed over them, as if their very lives depended on their obedience in the presence of their former king.
“Don’t look at them,” Eiten advised quietly, walking alongside Rania. “I’ve tried to engage with them, but they act as if they want to flee whenever I approach. It’s pitiful, but if I force myself upon them, it would only deepen their terror. Best to let them be p>
Rania absorbed his words, glancing back at a small girl who had been hiding behind her mother’s skirt. The girl’s wide eyes peeked out, filled with fear. With a heavy heart, Rania turned and made her way toward the bedroom she would share with Maximus, the alpha’s quarters.
Exhaustion weighed heavily on her; all she could think about was the inviting bed that awaited her. She longed for a night of uninterrupted sleep, free from the ship’s rocking.
“Here’s your bedroom,” Eiten said, opening the door for her. Rania stepped inside, but paused when she noticed Maximus lingering at the threshold.
“You’re not coming in?” she asked, her brow furrowing in confusion.
“I’ll join you shortly; I need to discuss a few matters with Eiten first,” Maximus replied lightly. “Get some rest.” He leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to her lips, igniting a warmth within her.
“Are you going to castrate him?” Rania teased, recalling Maximus’s earlier threat with a playful grin.
“Do you want me to?” Maximus raised an eyebrow, engaging in her playful banter. He loved this side of her, the way she could lighten the mood even in the midst of tension.
“Hey! How can you talk about that?” Eiten interjected, his expression one of mock horror. “Don’t speak of my precious thing so casually p>
Rania laughed, the sound ringing out like music in the air. She had missed this light-heartedness, yet fatigue loomed over her like a heavy cloud. She craved the comfort of sleep.
“Rest well, my queen,” Cam said sweetly, joining them. He had come to check on Rania, but had other duties to attend to soon.
“Thank you, Cam. You should get some rest too,” Rania replied, feeling a twinge of guilt knowing he stood guard while she sought comfort.
Cam, however, radiated energy, his demeanor filled with life. “Don’t worry, my queen. I’m perfectly fine. I feel great p>
With a smile, Rania closed the door behind her, comforted by the knowledge that she was not alone in this unfamiliar place.
Meanwhile, Maximus walked alongside Eiten, discussing the current situation surrounding the Greenstone Pack. They would continue their journey to the palace in two days.
“I’ve sent invitations to the other five kingdoms, and they’ve all confirmed their attendance for the evening ball you’re hosting in two months,” Eiten reported, his tone shifting to one of seriousness as they broached a significant topic.
“Good,” Maximus replied, his mind already racing with preparations.
“I’ve also arranged the venue,” Eiten added, casting a disapproving glance at Maximus. “You really made a mess of things p>
Maximus shrugged, unconcerned. He shot Eiten a sidelong glance as they approached a small hut behind the pack house, where the alpha of the Greenstone Pack and his family were being held.
“Do you think this is wise? Inviting the leaders of the five kingdoms when your reign is still unsteady?” Eiten questioned, his concern evident. He understood the risks involved; the area was still vulnerable, and their enemies could be watching closely.
“Yes,” Maximus replied, his decision firm. He had contemplated this thoroughly, but as always, he wouldn’t divulge his full strategy unless necessary. There would be time for that later; for now, they had pressing matters to address.
“Actually, there’s one more thing that’s been bothering me,” Eiten said cautiously, stealing a glance at Maximus. He wanted to gauge the king’s mood before proceeding.
“What is it?” Maximus asked, his impatience creeping into his tone.
“May I ask if… you are holding back?” Eiten finally blurted out, struggling to find the right words.
“What do you mean?” Maximus’s brow furrowed in confusion; he had no clue where Eiten was headed.
“Holding back… I mean, are you postponing having a baby?” Eiten’s question hung in the air, and he could feel the tension radiating from Maximus, even if the king’s expression remained composed.
“No,” Maximus replied curtly.
“I mean…” Eiten scratched his head, desperately wishing he could retract his inquiry. But they were already deep into this conversation. “Why hasn’t Rania… you know p>
“Pregnant?” Maximus interjected, finishing the question for him with a hint of annoyance.
“Yes, that one,” Eiten grimaced. “Is there a problem? Have you had Rania checked?” His concern for her well-being was evident.
“Yes,” Maximus said simply.
“And what did Karin say?” Eiten pressed, eager for answers.
As Rania settled into the unfamiliar yet comforting space of the alpha’s quarters, she felt a wave of gratitude wash over her. The journey had tested her resolve, from the tumultuous seas to the stark realities of the Barlukan Kingdom, yet through it all, she had found solace in Maximus’s unwavering support. The playful banter shared between them served as a reminder that even amidst uncertainty, laughter could bridge the gap between their worlds. Rania’s heart swelled with the realization that her dreams were not solitary ambitions; they were intertwined with Maximus’s aspirations, creating a tapestry of shared hopes and fears. She was no longer just a passive participant in her destiny; she was an active architect, determined to shape a future that encompassed both her dreams and his.
Meanwhile, Maximus grappled with the weight of leadership and the complexities of love. His protective instincts for Rania were fierce, yet he understood that his ambitions could not overshadow her desires. The tension between his responsibilities and their personal connection hung heavy in the air, but the warmth of her laughter and the spark in her eyes reminded him of the importance of balance. As he prepared to face the challenges ahead, Maximus realized that true strength lay not just in power, but in vulnerability—allowing himself to be open to love and partnership. Together, they would navigate the stormy waters of their respective roles, forging a path that honored their individual dreams while nurturing the bond that had blossomed between them. Their journey was just beginning, and with each passing moment, they inched closer to a future that was theirs to define.
In the upcoming chapter, readers can expect a deeper exploration of Rania’s transition into the unfamiliar world of the Barlukan Kingdom. As she navigates the treacherous waters of her new reality, the stark contrast between her dreams and the harsh truths surrounding her will come to light. Rania’s resilience will be tested as she encounters the remnants of fear and despair among the kingdom’s people, igniting a fierce determination within her to bring hope where darkness has long prevailed. Will she find a way to connect with those who have been silenced by fear, or will the weight of their suffering prove too heavy for her heart?
Meanwhile, Maximus’s internal struggle will intensify as he grapples with the responsibilities of leadership and the implications of his ambitions. The tension between his desire for power and his growing affection for Rania will reach a boiling point, forcing him to confront the sacrifices he must make for both his kingdom and their relationship. As the preparations for the evening ball unfold, secrets will be unveiled, alliances tested, and the stakes raised higher than ever. Will Maximus be able to balance his ruthless quest for unity with the tenderness he feels for Rania, or will his past decisions threaten to unravel everything he holds dear? The stage is set for a dramatic confrontation that could change the course of their lives forever.
admin