Chapter 382 - 143



382 Chapter 143

When Maxi tried to argue, Riftan whirled around as if to say he would not hear of it.

"If I don't pull out his fangs now, he will do the same to me. I will never allow myself to be so helpless again."

He was talking about the mediation at the Earl of Loverne's estate. Maxi pressed her lips shut. Indeed, even if Riftan were to give up on his revenge, her father would never leave them in peace. She was certain the Duke of Croyso had continued plotting against her husband during her time away.

Maxi gnawed her lip, guilt washing over her. She found she could not look up at Riftan, so ashamed was she of the countless trials he had gone through because of her. Her father had made most of her life a nightmare, but it meant little to her now. If, however, he dared to taint Riftan's life with anguish as well, she would never be able to forgive him or herself.

After silently staring at Riftan's broad back, Maxi blurted, "Did you ever think... y-you have suffered because you married me?"

Riftan paused in draping his leather vest over a chair and slowly turned his head toward her. Unable to meet his gaze, Maxi cast her eyes down.

She did not know why she had asked such a question. After all the affection he had showered her with, it confounded her that she still harbored such doubts and insecurities.

Blushing, she blabbered on, "If you think about it... it is customary for nobles to forge a powerful alliance... or to strengthen their influence by marriage. But by marrying me, you not only had to face countless ordeals... but also gained a lifelong adversary."

A lump in her throat made her pause. She gulped and continued feebly, "I-It would make sense for you to wonder about what could have been... h-had you married someone more suitable."

"What do you mean by 'suitable"?"

Maxi flinched at the frostiness in his voice. She tilted her head up and caught the displeasure on his face.

Riftan slipped off his woolen tunic, revealing a thin shirt, and tossed it onto the table.

"I would really like to know," he said, slowly walking toward her, "what you consider a suitable bride."

Though his harsh tone made her shrink back, Maxi forced herself to answer calmly, "S-Since you are often called to war... a woman from a family that could support you in warfare would have been a suitable match. A-And it would have been better if the family's seat was near Anatol. And... given you are investing heavily in trade... it would be perfect if they could assist you in that regard, too. Also..."

As if to quell his mounting desire, he broke the kiss and rested his cheek against her temple. "Forget everything that man has told you. You are the bravest, noblest, most beautiful person I know. You believe me, don't you?"

Maxi nodded, and he tilted his head to kiss her eyelid.

"Whenever you start doubting yourself again, ask me to tell you what kind of person you are," he whispered. "I will say it as many times as necessary."

Maxi peered up at him through her wet lashes. Once again, she realized she trusted his every word and action to her very core.

After regarding him with feverish eyes, she urgently pulled up his shirt. Riftan complied immediately, throwing off his garment. The gold coin dangling from his neck swung like a pendulum before settling on his bronze chest.

Maxi watched her husband with a pleased expression. He was truly beautiful in the dim firelight.

"Now you," he urged, tugging her hand.

Sliding off the rack, Maxi removed her chemise. She stood stark naked under his fierce gaze.

When she entered the lukewarm bath, Riftan stepped out of his trousers and slipped into the water behind her. Muscular legs placed themselves on either side of her own, and his chiseled abdomen and sturdy chest formed a solid wall at her back. A contented sigh seeped out of her.

Riftan gently cupped and squeezed her breast with a large, sinewed hand before slipping it between her legs. He let out a ragged breath as he felt her wetness.

With a low moan, he lifted her buttocks and slowly slid inside her.

Maxi's head tilted back as he began to move at a languid pace, her body shuddering. Her mind was wiped clean of all thought as the sweet, tingling sensations took over. Both the anger at her father and the anxiety about the war were forgotten as she immersed herself in the pleasure.

The following day, the coalition army promptly departed, resuming its eastward march. Fortunately, they did not encounter the same hostile reception at every stop within the duchy. Most locals welcomed the knights who had come to rescue them from the monsters, and innkeepers were glad to have their rooms filled with guests.

On the other hand, the duchy's knights mirrored Hedna Borman's behavior. Though it was unbearably frustrating, the army found itself constrained. They could not oppose the Council's decision and turn back, nor could they penalize the duke's vassals for their insolence.

Maxi had to contain her simmering rage as she rode on. Her hatred of her father deepened with every step through the duchy toward the Lexos Mountains.

https:///