The Queen Who Deserves To Be Tainted - Chapter 43.2

He didn’t want to ruin the good impression he had built over something trivial. Rachela must’ve behaved in a way that appealed to Elfreda, so there was no need to bring up anything that might spoil a good memory.

“You don’t need to worry about getting along with a mistress that doesn’t even exist.”

Ejnar added without hesitation. He had no intention of taking a mistress during her time as queen.

“I promise I won’t cause you any distress over such things.”

After that promise, Elfreda’s body finally relaxed. She settled more comfortably, and, with a relieved look, she almost whispered.

“Thank you.”

Ejnar, feeling pleased with her response, was about to continue when her following words threw him off.

“I’m sure that won’t happen to me either.”

“…Of course it won’t.”

Ejnar replied gruffly, and Elfreda smiled.

As he gazed at her smile, his eyes were drawn to her left hand. She had mentioned earlier that the burn wasn’t too severe, but he decided to ask, pretending not to know.

“Still wearing gloves this late?”

“…Ah.”

She flinched but then casually explained.

“I spilled some tea earlier… I didn’t want it to look bad.”

“Did you get hurt badly?”

“No, it’s fine. It’ll heal quickly.”

Elfreda smiled casually, wiggling her fingers.

Ejnar, now smiling himself, stood up. She gazed at him with a puzzled expression, only to hear a surprise in his voice.

“Well, I’ll be off now.”

‘He was leaving just like this? Really? Nothing’s even happened yet?’

He had only lightly placed his hand on her shoulder. Elfreda’s confused voice slipped out.

“You’re just… leaving?”

She was so shocked that her true feelings slipped out. He immediately noticed, narrowing his brows before quickly relaxing his expression.

There was no need to see her discomfort in this simple situation as strange. After all, he was the one who always dragged things that way. It was odd for things to suddenly change, and Ejnar, who had been aiming for this change, pretended not to notice and asked.

“Don’t you want me to leave?”

“Ah, what I meant was…”

Elfreda fidgeted, looking still unsure, and Ejnar felt his lower body stir as he watched her.

‘….D*mn it, I really just came to talk today.’

Muttering curses under his breath, he calmed himself by reciting the first verse of the national anthem, and then spoke.

“I just came to see your face for a moment. I’ve been busy lately, so I haven’t had the chance to visit.”

In order to turn affection into love, he knew he needed to create a change in their relationship. He had decided that more than just a physical connection, something deeper was needed. Simply visiting her to sleep with her every time had its limits.

“My queen always seems to be too busy.”

His sarcastic remark about her never being the one to visit the Central Palace made her cheeks flush quickly. Yet, she still seemed confused about the situation. Seeing this, Ejnar couldn’t resist the desire to act like he normally did, but he couldn’t help himself, so he gently cupped her cheek and seductively asked,

“What’s wrong?”

The delicate line of her jaw, the fullness of her lips under his thumb, and her large, watery eyes gazing up at him all tempted him. The urge to kiss her, to turn things into something more, was overwhelming as he lightly touched his own lips.

“I guess you missed something other than conversation, huh?”

“Ah…”

Seeing her blink slowly in surprise, he finally gave in, pressing his lips gently against hers. However, he didn’t go overboard, simply nipping her lower lip lightly, sucking softly, and running his tongue across her soft skin a few times.

Elfreda seemed more flustered by this sweet kiss than he had expected. Amused by the sight, he lazily smiled and then pulled away.

“Next time.”

Just like she had done before, playing with his feelings, he intended to do the same occasionally. Elfreda, still dazed, nodded slowly, and Ejnar gave her a light kiss on the forehead before leaving the bedroom.

‘…This feels strange.’

Elfreda, still unsure of the situation, recalled the kiss and touched her forehead with a red face. It felt as though the beat of her heart reached all the way to her forehead.