The Queen Who Deserves To Be Tainted - Chapter 49.2
An hour later.
After enduring a flood of congratulations and flattery, Ejnar finally managed to slip away from the banquet and headed straight to Solar Palace.
Illene greeted him with a bright smile and a bow.
“You’ve arrived, Your Majesty.”
“When did the Queen arrive?”
“About two hours ago.”
She had come straight back after dancing with him. Ejnar nodded. He didn’t even need to ask why.
“She’s in her office now.”
Ejnar immediately made his way there. As he approached the office, he noticed there was no sound of the rustling dress hem. He moved more quietly and entered the office.
As expected, Elfreda was asleep.
He let out a small laugh. If she was tired, she should have gone to her bed. A small crease appeared between his brows.
Ejnar moved closer to her desk, making sure his footsteps were still quiet and sat on the opposite side so his knees lightly touched hers. Her sleeping face was undeniably beautiful, and he quietly touched Elfreda’s cheek.
The feeling of her soft, white skin felt strangely electrifying against his fingers.
“Umm…”
Her closed eyelids twitched slightly. Ejnar quickly withdrew his hand and stood up. He didn’t want to wake her unnecessarily.
But just as he turned to leave, a soft voice stopped him.
“…Your Majesty?”
Her sleepy, dazed voice made his heart race.
Ejnar exhaled briefly before turning back around. Her half-closed eyes, still blurry with sleep, stared at him quietly, and he approached her without a word.
Elfreda checked the time in a dazed state.
“Ah… I must have slept too long.”
“You must be tired. Why not go to your bedroom?”
“I thought if I did, I’d just fall asleep completely.”
“Is that a bad thing?”
“You said you’d come.”
She smiled softly and made eye contact with him.
“You came.”
“…Yes.”
Ejnar casually raised his hand and gently brushed away the strands of hair that had fallen from Elfreda’s head.
“I said I would come.”
Her sleep completely vanished with his gentle touch. Her heart began to race, and after swallowing nervously, she looked at him.
As their eyes met, he slightly curled the corners of his mouth upward. Elfreda, caught off guard, quickly looked away, like someone who had been caught sneaking a glance. This made Ejnar smile even more.
“Why is that?”
“Ah, it’s just… Oh, I have something to give you. I almost forgot.”
When she naturally changed the subject and took a step back from him, he looked at her with interest.
“Something for me? Is it a birthday gift?”
“Ah, yes.”
It was a gift she had prepared some time ago, hoping he would like it when he received it.
However, as the time to give it approached, she began to doubt whether it would be to his liking. Earlier, when she was on their way to Solar Palace, she had heard from Illene about the many gifts he had already received.
Compared to those, her gift felt far too simple.
Of course, she had intentionally chosen simplicity, wanting to stand out amidst the more extravagant presents. But now, as she prepared to give it to him, she began to worry.
“I’m excited.”
He had said this, and Elfreda defensively added with a hesitant voice.
“Don’t expect too much.”
“Now, saying that only makes me more excited.”
Her expression briefly changed to one of disappointment at his teasing tone. Ejnar chuckled lowly and asked.
“Right, should I close my eyes then?”
“Please don’t tease me… just keep your eyes closed.”
“Ah, no expectations, but you want me to keep my eyes closed.”
“…Please keep them closed.”
Fearing that she might cry if he pushed her too far, Ejnar obediently followed. Elfreda took the gift she had prepared the moment they arrived at Solar Palace.
The rustling sound of thin paper caught his attention.
What could it be?
From the sound of the paper, it seemed like quite a large gift. Typically, expensive gifts are small and heavy, so his curiosity was piqued.
“You can open your eyes now.”
Ejnar opened his eyes with genuine anticipation and saw the gift. It was so unexpected that his face turned into one of surprise.
“What is this?”
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