Chapter 165

Chapter 165

Ah, Your Highness, thats not the case. The count wished for a discreet conversation regarding you. He mentioned that it was permissible to relay his message to the person I wished to speak withthat the Lyonmanes are cowards. Oh Did he intend for me to relay this to you? Ricardis furrowed his brows, appearing more contemplative than angry. Impatient to continue, Rosaline resorted to exaggerated gestures. I held the fan to my lips like this, and he

Just as Rosaline brought the fan to her lips again, Ricardis firmly grabbed her wrist and pulled her closer. His shoe slipped through the gap between Rosalines feet, their bodies drawing closer, casting a deeper shadow over his face.

Did you understand what that meant? Ricardis expression was stern, and his voice carried a cold edge. Rosaline nodded urgently, eager to respond.

Please kiss me-

She couldnt say more. In the dim blue depths of Ricardis eyes, it seemed like sparks were flying. The grip on her wrist tightened, and she gasped. Their noses touched, and Ricardis licked his lips in such close proximity. You knew? His voice was sharp. Startled, Rosaline took a step back. Ricardis then gently cupped the back of her head, his fingertips sending a cold shiver down the back of her neck and ear. The contact made Rosaline shudder.

What followed wasnt just the chilling statementit was the chilling touch of lips against Rosalines. Her lips were abruptly pressed upon, and she widened her eyes in astonishment.

Egh! Rosaline let out a startled yell. The unexpected touch of the lips was startling enough, but beyond that, something warm and moist slid across her lips.

Mmph! She instinctively covered her mouth and let out a horrified scream, like a 6-year-old child discovering a bug. Surprising, tickling, and unknown emotions swirled in her head. Y-Your Highness, w-wait a moment!

Her hands trembled as she pushed against his chest, gasping for breath. Ricardis stared at her impassively. Rosaline shuddered, feeling like her every move was being captured by his unyielding gaze.

As she took a step back, Ricardis followed suit. The brief game of cat and mouse repeated a few times until her back finally hit the wall.

Rosalines gaze darted around, still flustered, while Ricardis, standing so close that his shoe touched the wall, loomed before her, devoid of emotion. Their bodies were pressed together seamlessly. Rosalines chest rose and fell rapidly, her warmth and heartbeat gently pressed against Ricardis. He stood still, gazing at her quietly, and lightly wrapped his arms around her waist. Rosalines body quivered momentarily.

The large hand that had previously been on her waist and buttocks moved smoothly, sweeping up to just below her shoulder blades. The sensation of the touch through several layers of fabric was distinct. His fingers delicately traced the part of her spine where they ventured.

Rosalines breaths came irregularly, her body trembling from the shivery sensation that spread from the point of contact. It was as if her hair was standing on end. She avoided meeting Ricardis gaze, focusing instead on his neck and jawline. Ricardis spoke above her line of sight, If you dont like it, push me away.

Something gently settled on Rosalines head, making her eyes widen. She quickly lifted her head and found Ricardis wearing a slightly sharp smile.

I did say you can push me away.

Rosaline found herself immobilized. Ricardis face drew closer, and she knew what was coming. Enduring it in her right mind was a considerable challenge. She tightly closed her eyes.

A light chuckle reached her ears from up close. Was closing ones eyes during a kiss instinctual rather than learned? It seemed that way.

Something warm touched her lips, gently meeting several times. Ricardis persistently pressed his lips against hers, their temperatures merging as he carefully explored her firmly closed lips. Slowly, Rosalines tense shoulders began to relax. Ricardis sensed her rigid body gradually loosening as he continued nibbling, licking, and sucking on her lips. Carefully, he filled her firmly closed lips to the crevices.

No, Your Highness. I didnt do anything with him. We got close, but I explained that I made a mistake with the fan usage, and we just talked.

Ricardis eyes widened as he processed her words almost mechanically for about ten seconds. Soon, his face turned pale, realizing not doing anything meant not just the lips but also no intertwining of tongues.

In surprise, he released the arm that had been tightly around Rosaline. It was as if he didnt understand at all why he had held her.

Taking a step back, he looked around nervously. However, there was nowhere to hide, not even a mouse hole. Ricardis covered his face with his large hand as if he didnt know why he had embraced her in the first place.

After a moment of silence, he spoke in a hushed tone, Challenge me.

What?

Challenge me to a duel. Even if it ends in my accidental demise, there wont be any issue. Just challenge me. End it. My heart is right here.

Ricardis, still shielding his eyes, clenched his fist against his chest with his other hand, the intensity of his actions defying description. Rosaline, her lips now swollen and warm, touched them gently, pondering Ricardis words. Perhaps the kiss moments ago was coerced, and he regretted it.

Absently tracing the intricate patterns of her lace dress, Rosaline cautiously responded, Im alright, Your Highness.

You told me to push you away if I didnt want it. But I didnt.

You dont need to worry about your promise of loyalty. I understand you might not be familiar with the typical customs in this regard. My decision was made swiftly and thoughtfully. Perhaps youre drawn to me because of my appearance, and I assumed you wouldnt resist an unfamiliar gesture To someone as wretched as myself, death would be a merciful release. End me.

Approaching Ricardis, Rosaline gently placed her hand on his arm, the same spot Theresia Ironhoff had touched earlier.

As her touch reached him, Ricardis removed his hand from his eyes and looked at her. She could sense a complex and subtle mix of emotions in his gaze, weighted with guilt. Once again, it felt like he was about to guide her hand to his heart and urge her to strike.

Before those words could escape his lips, Rosaline looked at him with sincerity and said, If I truly hated it, Your Highness, you would know I wouldnt allow you to continue kissing me.

Ricardis envisioned a scenario where someone forcefully kissed Rosaline. The result would only be a split head long before their lips could meet. A shiver ran down Ricardis spine at the grim prospect. He could neither cry nor laugh.

I suppose so

Seeing his contorted expression, Rosaline added urgently, It felt good.

Ricardis body trembled.