The Queen Who Deserves To Be Tainted - Chapter 12.2

“I greet the Great Sun—”

Their eyes met. At that moment, Elfreda’s mind went blank, causing her to bow her head without realizing it.

“…of Machi.”

Her confidence started dwindling to a barely audible end. Ejnar watched Elfreda’s subdued form and then signaled the handmaids with his eyes.

The handmaids disapproved of Ejnar’s repeated visits to Elfreda’s bedroom—more precisely, how it would end up with Elfreda sleeping with him—but they dared not show disrespect in front of the king.

When the handmaids withdrew and they were left alone, Elfreda still bowed her head. Ejnar’s patience finally wore thin as he watched her quietly.

“It seems your greetings are more polite than the handmaids.”

Embarrassed, Elfreda slowly lifted her head at his remark.

“I’ve told you before; it’s not good for a queen of a country to bow so easily.”

“…But.”

Elfreda tentatively objected.

“You’re the king.”

“…What?”

“In front of Your Majesty… shouldn’t it be okay?”

“Ha.”

Ejnar let out a sarcastic laugh.

“Do you not act this way in front of others?”

“There’s no reason to.”

Is that so? Yet, you seem too willing to bow in front of your sister.

Ejnar almost retorted sarcastically but stopped himself. In the meantime, Elfreda cautiously asked.

“What brings you here…?”

“What do you think brings me here?”

Ejnar stepped closer to Elfreda as he asked.

“A husband, to his wife’s bedroom.”

“…Ah.”

The question Elfreda asked wasn’t asked because she knew nothing. But still… perhaps there was another reason for his visit.

Elfreda’s heart began to pound painfully loud.

She realized then that she had been waiting for this moment all day. Shame washed over her like a flood, coloring her cheeks red. Ejnar particularly noticed the left cheek, which looked perfectly normal, as if the previous night had been an illusion.

‘…Last night.’

Disturbed by the unwelcome memories, Ejnar sighed. Elfreda flinched and glanced at him cautiously.

“…I didn’t mean for you to leave.”

As he looked at her as if asking what she was talking about, she explained with her face turning even redder in embarrassment.

“I mean… I wasn’t trying to ask why you came…”

At that moment, Ejnar stepped closer and abruptly captured Elfreda’s lips. Elfreda, who was caught off guard and unable to finish her explanation, hesitated before slowly closing her eyes and accepting him.

Her response was more obedient and cooperative than the day before. He was pleased with how quickly she adapted. He held on and didn’t want to let go of her tongue.

“Uhng…”

They were intertwined seamlessly as if they had been one in the beginning.

Elfreda emitted a soft moan and stirred.

Ejnar felt a strong urge to confine her delicate body. Holding her waist tightly with one hand, he gently stroked the cheek that had been hit with the other.

A soft moan came out.

“Hmm…”

“Today.”

He slowly parted his lips and looked at her. His body stiffened at the sight of her slightly dazed eyes. He brushed her slightly swollen pink lips with his thumb, and Elfreda blinked up at him. The hint of fear in her expression, as if she was trying to hide something strangely, stirred him elsewhere while displeasing him.

“You don’t seem very sleepy.”

“…Pardon?

“Your face looks fine.”

As he mentioned last night’s incident with Serena, a flicker of discomfort passed through Elfreda’s eyes.

Seeing this, Ejnar was naturally reminded of the question from last night.

Why did a woman, both a princess of Makaeri and queen of Machi, receive such treatment from someone born of the same womb as herself?