CHAPTER 171: BUT I’VE ALWAYS BEEN GENTLE, HAVEN’T I?(18+)

But most of all... she feared how deeply she still wanted him.

"F....Fuck me, Draven," Mellisa moaned, her voice strained with pleasure, every syllable laced with desperation.

Draven obeyed without hesitation, thrusting deeply and faster into her, the lavish royal carriage rocking violently with each powerful movement.

Outside, not a single servant dared to look in or question the sounds. Their expressions remained stoic....except for one.

Pah. Pah. Pah.

The unmistakable rhythm of skin slapping echoed beyond the carriage walls.

Though the palace maids and guards stood upright and composed, subtle frowns and exchanged glances betrayed their confusion. They tried to ignore the carnal sounds filtering through the heavy velvet, but the truth clawed at their curiosity.

"She’s panting heavily in there... Should we check up on Her Highness?" one of the palace maids finally whispered, unable to keep her concern or suspicion contained. Others hesitantly nodded in agreement.

"Are you certain we shouldn’t check, Nyla?" another whispered nervously. "What if something is wrong?"

Nyla narrowed her eyes with warning sharpness. Her tone was cold and decisive.

"If you’re tired of living, then by all means, go ahead and check," Nyla snapped, folding her arms with authority. "Her Highness is deep in sacred prayer for a safe and smooth delivery. Her prayers are... always intense."

She let the implication hang in the air, allowing fear to settle on the faces of the others.

"Anyone who interrupts her will answer with their life. So if you want to die today, step forward."

The maids and guards immediately lowered their heads and swallowed hard, turning their backs respectfully toward the carriage. None of them dared to move again.

"I’m cumming!" Draven groaned gutturally, his voice raw and hoarse from the intensity. He pulled out swiftly, his still-erect dragon-like shaft throbbing as thick streams of seed erupted onto the carriage floor, splashing chaotically across the ornate carpet.

Breathless, he collapsed backward into the cushioned seat. Mellisa lay beside him, her face flushed, her swollen belly rising and falling with her labored breaths.

"You’re still so damn sweet... even though you’re pregnant," Draven panted, brushing a damp lock of hair from her cheek. "It’s just a pity I couldn’t cum inside you. After all, you’re carrying my brother’s child."

He let out a low, humorless chuckle.

"Let’s consider that a form of respect to him, yeah?"

Mellisa gave him a weak smile, her hand resting protectively over her round belly. Her voice, when it came, was soft but determined.

"We’re almost there... just a few more miles to the praying grounds," she murmured. "Once we arrive, find a way to slip out. Quietly. I can’t risk anyone seeing you."

Draven nodded, still catching his breath.

"Fine. I’ll be gone before anyone notices. Stay safe, Mellisa. I’ll be awaiting news of the young prince’s birth... or who knows maybe you’ll hold it in until you’re safely back at the palace." He leaned over and pressed a lingering kiss to her hand, his emerald eyes still locked on her with something dangerously close to longing.

"Until then."

"Let’s continue the journey," Mellisa called out firmly, adjusting her gown and wiping her brow. Her voice was once again composed, regal.

Immediately, the carriage began to roll forward again, wheels crunching softly over the dirt path leading to the sacred site. No one outside questioned anything further.

By the time they arrived, the night sky had turneddark. The wind howled through the trees as well as the distant chirps of restless birds.

Mellisa stepped down from the carriage with the help of Nyla, who offered her arm with reverent care. The two women then made their way into the heart of the sacred praying grounds.

Once inside the sacred grounds and after offering their prayers, Mellisa and Nyla retired to one of the secluded chambers provided by the caretakers of the holy site ...devotees said to communicate directly with the Moon Goddess herself. Every man and woman in their service was blind, an ancient oath of devotion that allowed them to serve without ever seeing the faces of those they protected.

That fact alone brought Mellisa a rare sense of calm.

Even if she went into labor here and gave birth in secret... no one would ever see the child. No one would know.

Now seated within the quiet chamber, illuminated by the soft glow of moonlight filtering through the windows as well as candle light, Nyla finally spoke.

"Now that we’re here, Your Highness," she said softly, her voice gentle and respectful, "I’ll begin searching the surrounding villages tomorrow to see if I can find a newborn baby or a woman near labor."

A small smile flickered on her face before she added, "But the real question is... do you intend to give birth here or at the palace? We traveled miles away from the Imperial Palace.....just to find a baby, all because you refused to take one from within our own pack."

Mellisa leaned her head back against the carved wooden headrest, exhaling deeply. Her palm stroked the side of her fake round belly in slow, thoughtful circles.

"I’ll be giving birth at the Imperial Palace," she replied at last, her voice heavy with weariness but unwavering. "We’ll be here for two or three days. During that time, you will search thoroughly. Find a boy. A little prince."

She paused, her eyes narrowing as a darker tone crept into her voice.

"I don’t care how you do it, Nyla. Look for a pregnant woman....someone close to delivery. Once the child is born... take the baby. And kill the mother."

Nyla bowed deeply, not flinching at the coldness in Mellisa’s command. She had served long enough to know what was required of her and what her queen expected.

"Yes, Your Highness. I’ll take a few men with me starting tomorrow morning."

With that, she turned and quietly left the room, leaving Mellisa alone with her thoughts.

****

Meanwhile, back to Anaya and Rhys...

The room was softly lit, the scent of warm herbs lingering in the air. Anaya lay back on the cushioned bed, her hands resting gently on her belly. Beside her sat Rhys, watchful and concerned, while their friend Kisha remained nearby, quietly observing.

A healer stood at Anaya’s side, two fingers pressed against her wrist, eyes closed in concentration as he checked her pulse.

"How’s my wife?" Rhys asked, one brow arched as his voice broke the silence. "We can’t help but call you over so often. With twins on the way... we need all the help we can get."

The healer finally opened his eyes and withdrew his hand from Anaya’s wrist.

"Your wife is doing perfectly well," he said calmly. "As I’ve told you before, she’ll likely give birth next month. She just needs to continue exercising lightly, eat well, get enough rest... and of course have sex regularly."

The last part was delivered so casually, so matter-of-factly, that it instantly turned the air in the room thick with embarrassment.

Anaya’s eyes widened. Her face flushed red. Rhys coughed awkwardly, trying to maintain his composure, while Kisha suddenly found an intense interest in a painting on the far wall.

"Must you say that every time you come here?" Rhys muttered under his breath, his cheeks red. "You always say it so loud."

"There’s nothing to be embarrassed about," the healer replied with a light chuckle. "As your physician, I’ll keep reminding you both. It helps with smoother delivery, and trust me...you’ll thank me when the time comes. Doesn’t matter if it’s every day. The more, the better."

"Alright, thank you," Rhys said quickly, clearly wanting to end the conversation. He turned toward Kisha. "Help the healer out, please."

Kisha, still avoiding eye contact, gave a polite nod and followed the healer out of the room, leaving the couple alone.

Once the door shut behind them, Rhys turned back to Anaya, his tone quieter, more teasing.

"Did you hear what the doctor said?" he whispered against her ear. "You’re always sending me out of the room whenever you get in one of your moods. How am I supposed to help you then?"

"You’re so shameless, Rhys," Anaya murmured, blushing as she playfully hit his chest. Her voice was shaky, and her lips twitched as if fighting a smile. "You think it’s easy?"

"I know it’s not easy," Rhys replied gently, lifting a hand to cup her cheek. "But I’ve always been gentle, haven’t I?"

He leaned closer, his lips just brushing her ear.

"I can even be gentler..."

"Oh, please," Anaya scoffed, laughing nervously as she pushed him back. "Can you just change the topic already? Look at you....saying all this with a straight face. So shameless."

"Why should I be ashamed?" Rhys grinned. "I’m discussing it with my wife. It’s not like we’ve never done it before. Your big belly is proof enough."

Anaya’s eyes flew open wide, her mouth gaping but no words came out. She was too stunned.

"Anyway," Rhys continued smoothly, "we could go for a walk tomorrow evening. Exercise helps, too, remember? Since you don’t want my dragon inside you, I’ll help you with other forms of preparation. We don’t have to go all the way."

Anaya’s face turned scarlet. "You’re crazy!" she exclaimed, throwing a pillow at him, but he dodged it with a laugh.

Just as she opened her mouth to scold him again, Rhys suddenly leaned in and captured her lips in a tender kiss. She froze for a second then melted into him, closing her eyes, the redness on her cheeks softening into warmth as her fingers curled into his shirt.