CHAPTER 216: PUNISHMENT

Peri stood on the terrace, her eyes following the people walking along the road below.

There was no use hiding it—she was impatiently waiting for her husband.

She has been here for the past half an hour, ever since she talked to Hades through their Bond. She even chatted with Luna in the morning and hearing the silver head teasing her, Peri could only huff and stay silent.

Why? Well, because most of the things Luna said were true, and that included her choice of dressing today.

She wore a green skirt and a white top, her short golden hair tied into a small ponytail. Under the bright sunlight, she looked like a blooming flower. Her eyes sparkled with anticipation as they darted back and forth, watching every figure that appeared on the street—only to sigh each time it wasn’t him.

"So eager," came a teasing voice from behind.

Peri smiled wryly. "I don’t want to hear that from someone who’s checked the entrance more than ten times."

Beatrice froze for a moment, her face stiffening before she gave a sheepish smile. "I’m just eager to see my daughter reunite with her husband."

"Yeah, yeah, no need for excuses," Peri replied lightly, glancing down at the street again. Then, with a small smile, she added, "He stopped by the market for a bit. I just contacted him."

"Oh? Buying gifts for you?" Beatrice asked, stepping closer. "Why don’t you ask him when he’ll arrive?"

Peri shook her head. "I don’t want to pester him... besides, I can tell he’s just as eager to see me." She could feel it—Hades had been in a hurry to return to her. He’d left the castle early that morning, and it hadn’t taken him long to reach Torseque.

A comfortable silence lingered between them until Peri suddenly asked, "Mama... if you ever had the chance to leave your role as Queen and live as a normal woman again... would you take it?"

Beatrice was caught off guard by the question.

"Normal woman...?" she repeated softly, turning to her daughter.

"I mean, like the old times," Peri explained gently. "A housewife... something you once said you wished you could be."

Beatrice’s eyes widened, stunned by her words. "W-What are you saying?!"

Peri shrugged lightly. "We already talked about this, Mama. You’ve said before that you aren’t against the idea of moving on... so isn’t it okay to think about it once in a while?"

Beatrice’s ear tips turned a shade of red. She certainly hadn’t expected this kind of conversation with her own daughter. For a moment, she simply stood there, unsure how to respond.

Peri, on the other hand, looked completely calm, her tone light and casual as if she had just asked about the weather. There was no hesitation in her eyes—only honesty.

The two of them stood quietly on the terrace, the wind brushing through their hair. Beatrice’s gaze wavered, searching for the right words, while Peri’s expression remained soft but steady. It was clear who was the more composed one between them.

Beatrice finally opened her mouth to speak, but before she could say anything, Peri turned away. Her attention was suddenly drawn downward, and her eyes brightened instantly.

There, on the street below, stood a red-haired man waving up at her with a grin that could melt even the coldest heart.

Her pulse quickened. The corners of her lips lifted unconsciously, and for a heartbeat, she forgot everything else. The world around her seemed to blur.

Then, without a second thought, she leapt off the terrace.

Beatrice gasped, her hands flying to her mouth as her daughter dove through the air.

Hades, startled at first, reacted in a flash. His crimson wings burst open behind him, glowing faintly under the sunlight. He shot upward, catching Peri mid-air with practiced grace.

Her body crashed gently into his chest, his arms wrapping around her protectively. One hand cupped the back of her head, the other holding her waist as if she were something precious that might break.

Peri let out a breathless laugh, her face buried against his chest, her heart racing like never before. For a brief moment, it felt as if time itself had stopped—the two of them suspended between the sky and the earth, locked in each other’s arms.

And from above, Beatrice could only sigh in disbelief, torn between scolding her daughter and smiling at the sight of that foolish, fearless love.

The two touched down gently, still locked in each other’s arms. Neither seemed in a hurry to let go.

Hades looked down at her with a faint smile tugging at his lips. "How is my wife?" he asked softly.

Peri’s fingers tightened around his shirt, bunching the fabric as she pouted. "Absolutely terrible. You made me wait far too long."

Hades chuckled, his voice low and warm. "Then... do you have a punishment in mind?"

Peri lifted her head to meet his gaze, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "Yes. Don’t move from my side for at least a week." She paused, her tone softening as she added, "And for now, carry me inside."

Her words carried no hesitation, no concern for the eyes watching them. There were people around—guards, servants, even curious townsfolk—but she didn’t care.

She wanted to be in his arms, and that was all that mattered.

Hades smiled wider, shaking his head with a quiet laugh. Then, without another word, he tightened his hold on her and lifted her fully into his embrace.

Peri rested her head against his shoulder as Hades walked toward the grand entrance, each step steady and unhurried.

"Don’t you think your wife is a bit too demanding? Are you upset? Embarrassed, maybe?" she asked playfully, swinging her legs up and down, with not even a hint of guilt in her tone.

Hades smiled, his gaze tender as he glanced down at her. "Not at all. In fact, I think my love for you only grows when you act like this."

Leaning in, he pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead.

Peri giggled softly, tracing lazy circles on his chest with her fingertip. "Then I hope you brought me some good gifts," she murmured, her tone half teasing, half expectant.

At that, Hades paused mid-step near the stairs and lifted his head. His crimson eyes softened as he spotted two familiar figures waiting by the doorway.

"Averis. Kaya. Come on, you two," he called out.

Hearing the second name, Peri narrowed her eyes at the girl standing beside Averis.

And for a moment, Peri was struck by the woman who looking nothing but a doll crafted by the finest craftman by taking years of time.

Averis gave a small nod, her violet hair catching the light as she turned to the silver-haired woman beside her. "Follow me," she said quietly.

Kaya didn’t reply. She simply started walking, her calm expression unchanged as she carried the shopping bags in both hands.

As they stepped inside, a smiling Beatrice greeted them warmly.

"This silly girl..." she sighed, shaking her head with a knowing smile before turning her gaze toward Hades. "Good to see you, Hades."

The redhead took a step forward, his smile gentle yet full of warmth. "You look as beautiful as ever, Beatrice."

For a few quiet seconds, they stood close—no unsure whether to shake hands or hug each other.

Then Peri’s voice broke the moment. "Why do I feel like an interruption here?"

Both Hades and Beatrice blinked, caught off guard, before laughter escaped them.

Hades tightened his arms around her and said softly, "No, you aren’t."

Beatrice chuckled and gestured toward the reception hall. "Come, sit. You must be tired from the journey."

Hades nodded, but before he could respond further, Averis spoke up from behind, her tone steady and respectful. "I’ll go check the perimeter, my Lord."

Beatrice blinked at her words, a hint of fondness in her eyes. "The perimeter is secure, little one. You can rest here for now."

But Averis shook her head lightly. "I will only feel at ease once I’ve confirmed my master’s safety myself. Please excuse my impudence, Your Majesty."

Beatrice gave a soft sigh, both amused and touched by the knight’s sense of duty.

Hades smiled helplessly, sending Beatrice a silent apology through his eyes. "Don’t wander too long, alright?" he said gently.

A faint smile curved Averis’s lips as she nodded. "Understood." She turned toward her companion. "Kaya, come with me."

The silver-haired woman obeyed without a word, moving like a puppet whose strings had just been pulled. The two disappeared down the hallway, their footsteps fading into the distance.

Hades’s gaze followed them for a moment—until he felt a soft tug at his shirt.

Looking down, he found Peri pouting adorably, her golden hair glinting under the light. "Why is your focus somewhere else?" she complained in a playful tone. "I might just extend your punishment."

A flash of affection crossed Hades’s eyes, mingled with a teasing restraint. Leaning slightly closer, he whispered near her ear, his voice low and warm, "You can punish me later... in the bedroom."

Peri’s cheeks turned pink instantly, and Beatrice, noticing their exchange, could only shake her head—half amused, half exasperated—muttering under her breath,

"Young love really knows no boundaries."

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A/N:- I hope you enjoyed reading the Chapter. Thanks for reading and please drop a comment.