CHAPTER 269: SELFISH

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The atmosphere in the palace had been tense after the meeting. Esme walked back to her quarters, unable to get some sleep even after taking a short stroll through the quiet halls of the palace.

She couldn’t stop thinking about Leonardo and Cora– if they were safe, about their situation, about Acheron’s condition, and Donovan’s strange behavior.

She was lost in her thoughts that she didn’t notice the small table until her hip bumped into it, sending the jug wobbling dangerously. Her reflexes kicked just in time, and she caught it before it could crash to the floor.

"That was close."

She exhaled in relief and carefully set the jug back in place. She mentally scolded herself to be more mindful of where she was going to avoid this mistake.

Just as she turned the corner, another figure appeared from the opposite direction, and they collided.

A firm hand shot out, catching her by the waist before she could stumble.

"Careful there," he said, his voice low and steady.

Esme’s eyes widened when she realized whose arms she had fallen into, those blue eyes unmistakable.

She immediately flinched, stepping back to free herself from his grasp.

Kael released her without resistance, his expression softening slightly. "What’s this? It’s the first time someone’s recoiled from my presence. I can tell you don’t like me, Esmeray of the Montague family."

Esme bit the inside of her cheek, unsure of how to respond.

Did she hate him? Hate was a strong word, but his very presence made her skin prickle with unease. After what he must have done to her Donovan behind closed doors, there was no room for trust. Yet she couldn’t voice that here– not in his domain, where every breath she took was by his allowance and mercy.

The best way to protect Donovan was to play by their rules.

She lowered her gaze.

"It’s... not that."

"Hm?"

Kael’s brows lifted slightly, amusement flickering in his eyes. "You come from a very prestigious home, yet you’ve tangled yourself in such a disaster. Falling in love with a demon is like inviting tragedy into your life. Why do that to yourself? Especially with an enemy?"

Esme shook her head firmly.

"That must be what you think. But Donovan is worth every moment. I don’t see your point. As much as I appreciate your willingness to let us stay here despite the trouble, I have no wish to discuss my personal life with you– or anyone."

Kael regarded her words before he inclined his head, his smile unreadable.

"Of course. But if I were to give orders demanding it, you’d have little choice but to comply." He let that word hang in the air, catching her alarmed reaction before softening his tone, and he stepped closer.

"Still, you need not worry. I think I’ll be far more interested in your present and in your future life. Make sure to make use of the quality time you have together. That way, there will be no regrets."

His gaze lingered just enough to make the meaning uncertain. "You must be tired since it’s late. Get some rest."

And he walked off.

Esme stood rooted to the spot, watching Kael’s retreating back until he vanished down the hallway. Her brows furrowed as she tried to grasp the meaning behind what his words meant. Somewhere inside her, she could feel her wolf– or the imposter wolf, stir in retaliation to Kael’s words.

When she returned to her chamber, Donovan stood before the mirror, half-dressed, his muscles flexing subtly as he examined the faint glow of runes etched along his torso. He seemed to be putting on a new shirt, and the sight made her stop at the doorway.

"You’re back."

He caught her reflection in the mirror before turning to face her. "I was about to come look for you."

Esme stepped inside, closing the door behind her gently. Even though it wasn’t the right moment, it was hard to ignore just how distractingly gorgeous he looked– all broad-shouldered, the lean waist, and the light of the candle tracing every sharp line on his chest. It didn’t really matter how many times she must have seen him shirtless, it always loosened her up in the best, but inappropriate ways possible.

"You good?"

There was clear concern in his eyes. "Still can’t sleep?"

Esme didn’t answer right away. Instead, she stepped closer and wrapped her arms around him, resting her head against his bare chest. Listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat grounded her in ways nothing else could.

"I just want to stay like this," she murmured.

Donovan’s arms came around her, holding her as though he understood what she needed.

She closed her eyes, her fingers curling slightly against her back. "I... can finally relax now."

A faint smile curved his lips. "Did something happen?"

Esme shook her head.

"But I ran into the king or High Magus, whatever he’s called. For some reason, he creeps me out. For once, I don’t want to think about what will happen in two days. Am I selfish for wanting that?"

"It’s okay to be selfish once in a while," he replied softly, and Esme lifted her gaze to meet his.

The concern in his eyes eased something deep inside her– but it was lips that caught her attention next. Full, a little parted as he breathed, the kind of lips that made her forget the world whenever it touched hers. She hadn’t realized how much she missed all their moments together.

It felt like an eternity had gone by since they’d last kissed. Too many crises and sleepless nights had been pulling them apart. But right now, with his warmth against her and the quiet between them wrapping around her like a cocoon, she didn’t want to think about any of that.

She wanted to be selfish tonight.

If things fell apart tomorrow, at least she would have this– the memories of him to keep her afloat, for her to hold onto when the world turned cold.

Her heart stuttered when their eyes met again– and suddenly the quiet between them wasn’t quiet anymore. She hadn’t realized how close she’d drifted until he closed that last inch and caught her lips in his.

It wasn’t a rushed kiss, but something deeper, full of the words they hadn’t dared to say. His hand slid to the back of her neck, drawing her closer until the space between them ceased to exist.

The faint hum that escaped him sent a thrill down her spine, and when he finally drew back, there was a slight strain in his expression, his gaze lingering on her lips, his breath even. Then, wordlessly, he lifted her, setting her against the table, the warmth of his body pressing close.

"Don? Is your fever coming up again?"

Esme whispered, concern lacing through the tremor in her tone as her fingers brushed his cheek. His skin was clearly hot beneath her touch, but he only leaned in, resting his forehead against hers.

"Forget about that– Let’s be selfish... a little longer," he murmured, his voice rough with restraint and need.

It made her chest ache.

And then he kissed her again.