Chapter 19
Chapter 19
~Darlon’s POV
I couldn’t help myself. I leaned closer and pressed my lips to hers again. It was gentle, careful, a soft “I love you” whispered without words. Her lips were warm, faintly sweet, and I closed my eyes for a second, letting the moment stretch.
But I stopped myself. I forced myself to pull back just enough to see her face clearly. She was asleep. Completely unaware. I exhaled, a chuckle slipping past my lips. “Who kisses someone while they’re sleeping?” I muttered, shaking my head with a grin.
Her head moved slightly against my chest, and I couldn’t resist smiling at how peaceful she looked. Slowly, carefully, I bent down and scooped her into my arms, bridal style. She rested against me, light as a feather, and I carried her toward the door of the lounge.
The maids froze when they saw me, their eyes wide. I didn’t care. Their bows were quick, respectful, and they parted to let me pass. I could hear soft whispers behind me, but I kept my focus on her, holding her securely, feeling her warmth against me.
Her room door swung open, and I laid her gently on the bed. Every movement was deliberate, tender, like I was afraid I’d break her if I weren’t careful. I tucked the duvet around her shoulders, smoothing it down across her chest, making sure she was comfortable.
I wanted to leave. I wanted to slip out of the room quietly and let her sleep. But something made me pause. Something made me sit on the edge of the bed and look at her. The way her eyelashes rested against her cheeks, the faint curve of her lips in sleep, the soft rise and fall of her chest, it was mesmerizing.
I sighed, and before I realized it, I found myself lying down beside her. Not touching too much, just close enough to feel her presence, just close enough to know she was safe and mine.
The first light of morning crept through the half-drawn curtains, spilling silver and gold across the lounge. I stirred awake before Elara, stretching just enough to feel the warmth of the sheets still holding her scent. Her hair fanned across the pillow, soft and wild, and her cheeks were flushed faintly from the wine the night before.
I didn’t want to disturb her, but I had to make sure she was taken care of. I rose quietly, my bare feet barely making a sound against the cold floor. My eyes lingered on her for a moment, memorizing the way she looked when she was completely vulnerable and at ease.
“Lydia!” I called softly, my voice carrying just enough for her to hear. A few seconds later, the head maid appeared in the doorway, bowing quickly.
“Alpha Darlon,” she said quietly, cautious as always.
“Good morning,” I murmured, keeping my gaze on Elara. “Prepare hangover soup for my wife. Make it warm, nourishing, just enough to help her recover from the wine. Bring it here to her room as soon as it’s ready p>
“Yes, Alpha,” Lydia said, already turning to leave, and I could hear the soft shuffle of her slippers as she hurried down the hall.
I hung up and turned back to the bed. Elara stirred slightly as if sensing my presence. Her eyelashes fluttered, and I leaned closer, brushing a stray strand of hair away from her eyes. The motion was slow, deliberate, almost reverent.
Her eyes opened, groggy and unsure. She blinked several times before recognition hit, and she sat up, tugging the duvet around her shoulders. “Darlon she murmured, her voice soft and sleepy, barely above a whisper.
I chuckled quietly, letting the sound fill the room like warmth. “Good morning, sleepyhead,” I said, my eyes scanning her face. She looked small and fragile, her cheeks still pink from last night, and I felt a surge of protectiveness.
She glanced around the room, her gaze finally landing on me. “I… I have no idea what happened last night,” she admitted, her voice low and hesitant. “I had some wine, and… I just… I hope I didn’t do anything wrong or out of place p>
I raised an eyebrow and made a mock angry face, exaggerating my expression for effect. “You’re way too hard to look after when you’re drunk,” I said, my tone playful.
But she took it so seriously. Her eyes widened, and she shrank a little into herself, as if the words were heavier than they should have been. “Oh no! I’m sorry!” she said quickly, her hands pressing against the duvet. She looked so small, so delicate, and I felt the ache in my chest deepen.
I softened immediately, reaching out to tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “I’m just joking,” I said gently, letting my lips curve into a smile. But she didn’t meet my eyes. She still looked worried, still like she thought she’d messed up somehow.
I regretted teasing her. The small crease between her brows, the way her shoulders huddled in, made me wish I could erase that moment entirely.
I moved closer and let my eyes linger on her, memorizing every detail, the curve of her lips, the faint pink in her cheeks, the soft sweep of her lashes against her skin. My hand hovered near hers, close enough to offer comfort, not contact.
“Lydia will bring you some hangover soup soon,” I said finally, breaking the silence. “After that, you should come to the dining hall for breakfast p>
Her lips twitched into a small, hesitant smile. “Hangover soup?” she whispered, her voice still sleepy but softening.
“Yeah,” I said, keeping my tone casual, but my eyes never left hers. “It’ll help you feel better. Then breakfast. And after that, we’ll just… do anything you wish to do this morning p>
She blinked a few times, her gaze dropping to her hands as if weighing her options. Then, almost shyly, she stuttered, “I… I don’t think there’s… actually… anything I want to do p>
I tilted my head, studying her carefully. “Nothing at all?” I asked, raising a brow. My voice carried that faint edge of amusement.
She shook her head, hesitating. “I… I guess not p>
I chuckled softly, leaning a little closer, letting the warmth of my presence surround her. “There must be one thing,” I said firmly, but gently. “You just have to think about it p>
Her eyes flicked up to mine, wide and uncertain, and I could see her trying not to disappoint me. “I… I’ll think about it,” she whispered.
I gave her a small nod, satisfied, and straightened. “Good,” I said, my voice softening. “Now, rest. Lydia will bring your soup soon p>
I turned and left the room. The moment I stepped into the hallway, I hit the air lightly with my palm like a baby, an almost childish expression crossing my face. My chest felt lighter now, a mix of amusement and relief swirling inside me.
I couldn’t help the chuckle that escaped my lips. “I was just teasing her,” I muttered to myself, shaking my head. “I wonder… did I go too far with the teasing p>
I ran a hand over my face, still grinning like an idiot. “She’s… so small,” I murmured under my breath, thinking about how easily she could disappear in my arms and how desperately I wanted to keep her safe. “And I just… I can’t stop