I Grabbed the Tyrant’s Heart - Chapter 164
We decided to have an early dinner. As we headed to the dining room, Tess smiled while looking around.
“Hardland mansion hasn’t changed a bit.”
After our family was ousted, the Hardland mansion was owned by Sir Gard. It was none other than Tess who requested him to maintain the mansion as it was.
And yet, he speaks so casually about it. Who could match his audacity?
Dinner was rather peculiar.
Tess took the head of the table, with the Chancellor and Father seated on his either side. Next to Father was Mother, and beside the Chancellor were Gael and I, respectively.
Surprisingly, Tess barely spoke to me. Even Father, who was noticeably wary at first, seemed to relax a bit. I found myself repeatedly stealing glances at Tess, ensuring he was eating properly.
After finishing his portion, Tess smiled.
“It’s been a while since I had a proper meal.”
Father remained silent. No wonder the little fat on Tess’s cheeks had vanished. Father, you haven’t been starving this child, have you?
“I’d love to visit Hardland mansion’s garden, it’s beautiful. It’s been a while since I last saw it.”
“It’s not the best time, Your Majesty. The day is gloomy and the flowers have long withered.”
Mother bluntly replied, but Tess’s smile did not fade.
“Autumn has its own charm. Euseniel, would you show me around?”
As if he had prepared for this moment, Tess smoothly continued the conversation, and Father opened his mouth to speak.
“Oh, Duke. I have something urgent to discuss.”
The Chancellor, who stood up along with Father, stopped him. He held back Mother and Gael too, and Tess leisurely escorted me out.
As soon as we stepped out, his long fingers intertwined with mine.
“It’s been a while, Euseniel.”
“…Yes.”
I wanted to retort to his audacity, but my longing came first.
“I missed you, Tess.”
His black eyes that were illuminated by the moonlight, widened momentarily before turning into crescents.
“Me too, Euseniel.”
The place I led him to in the garden was where the Radiata flowers bloomed.
Under the bright full moon, the Radiata shone radiantly. A gentle breeze caused waves in the red petals, and soon their profound fragrance filled the air.
“You’ve made quite the decision to come.”
“The Chancellor brought me. Told me to stop destroying the palace. Said I should stop wasting the national treasury.”
No wonder Tess seemed off. He was on the brink of exploding.
The Chancellor who valued pragmatism, would probably want to proceed with our marriage immediately if it weren’t for Father being the other party.
“He even suggested me marrying you instead. Said he’d push for it if you want.”
“And what did you say?”
“I said I’d hold off since Euseniel doesn’t want it yet. Should I agree to marry?”
…So, it wasn’t just because of Father.
“No. I’m not ready yet.”
I carefully continued, feeling guilty for the firm refusal.
“Tess, does being with me help control your magic? You said before that when you’re upset or distracted, your magic acts up. That’s why the towers and room objects get destroyed, right?”
“Yes, the turmoil in my mood is due to the devil blood in me, which intensifies my instincts.”
Tess tilted his head to the side and softly closed his eyes. As I reached out absentmindedly to his disheveled black hair, he caught my hand and began kissing the tips of my fingers.
I felt my heart flutter at the soft and tender touch I hadn’t felt in so long.
His deep black eyes under the long lashes were fixed on me the entire time.
“The only thing I truly want is Euseniel…”
The man who had changed to seduce me, was seducing me with all his might.
The sweet scent that muddled my mind was becoming so intense that it was indistinguishable from the fragrance of the flowers.
In the past, I would have resisted, knowing it was not right to succumb. But now, is it okay to let go?
“…Euseniel, I need you by my side.”
Tess’s voice deepened even more.
“You are my only tranquilizer.”
I perked up my ears to catch his whispered last words. As if he had been waiting, Tess brushed his lips against my earlobe.
“Ah.”
A breathy moan escaped me, and Tess chuckled contentedly.
“My Euseniel.”
The red Radiata flowers reminded me of the memories of past pleasures.
Tess, who was half-hugging me, gently rubbed his lips against my forehead.
“I missed you. I really missed you.”
“Me too, Tess.”
I grasped his hand that was resting on my waist, and wrapped it tightly to warm it from the chilly autumn breeze.
“I’ve been thinking of you while looking at the Radiata. I thought flowers were beautiful because they wither, but I realized that something continuously blooming is also beautiful when it reminds you of someone.”
“That’s comforting to hear.”
The sensation of his lips brushing against my temple made my body shiver.
“The glasshouse without you was just too lonely…”
“…”
“I was so sad, Euseniel.”
As I lifted my head, I could see the intense desire bubbling beneath his calm voice.
Eyes like obsidian, a nose sharp as a mountain cut with a sword, and lips more delicate than petals. His beautiful face held a profound yearning, making it impossible to look away.
A shadowy beast seemed to be baring its jaws, wanting to engulf me right there and then.
I instantly understood why the Chancellor brought Tess. He was even more consumed by darkness than when I said I would leave for another world.
“Tess.”
As my palm rubbed his cheek, Tess exhaled a short breath. In his dazed eyes, there was only me.
“Yes, Euseniel.”
Are you growing more crazy with me, and am I also crazy to love this side of you?
Tess, I’d rather you go crazy instead of leaving me. I’ll gladly join you in being crazy.
I’d rather you be madly in love with me than face a day when you don’t love me at all.
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