Chapter 108: The Antidote to Nervousness

Chapter 108: Chapter 108: The Antidote to Nervousness

"Nothing odd," Cassiel replied with maddening ease.

He closed his eyes again, as though the matter were settled.

In truth, he had barely slept.

He had spent much of the night watching her, his hand remaining beneath her head while she slept peacefully beside him.

"Really?"

Elysia was only half-convinced.

"Really."

His hand settled lightly against her waist.

"I’m not fully awake. Let me rest a little longer."

The intimacy of the position made Elysia’s cheeks burn.

He was far too close.

The warmth of his body seeped into hers, while his steady breathing stirred the loose strands of hair beside her cheek.

Elysia scarcely dared move.

She even found herself holding her breath.

For a few moments, she remained rigid, convinced that if she shifted even slightly, the awkwardness would become unbearable.

A quiet chuckle sounded above her.

She looked up.

Cassiel had opened his eyes.

There was amusement in them, along with the patient sort of fondness one might have for someone who was being unnecessarily timid.

"Do I frighten you so much?"

"No..."

Her cheeks remained crimson.

"Then why are you lying there as stiff as a board?"

He raised an eyebrow.

"And why are you holding your breath?"

Elysia bit her lip.

There was little point pretending otherwise.

"I’m just... nervous."

"Nervous?"

Cassiel repeated the word slowly, as though considering it.

"Then what shall we do about that?"

Elysia had no answer.

She had never been in a situation like this before, and she certainly had no experience to draw upon.

Cassiel watched the uncertainty in her eyes.

Then an idea seemed to occur to him.

The corners of his eyes curved faintly.

"Perhaps more embraces would help."

Elysia blinked.

"More...?"

"You’ll grow accustomed to it."

His tone was perfectly reasonable.

"The more often you do it, the less nervous you’ll feel."

Elysia looked at him uncertainly.

"Would that really work?"

"It should."

Cassiel’s expression remained solemn.

"Though it would be better if you initiated them yourself."

She stared at him.

"Me?"

"Yes."

Elysia hesitated.

"Is... that all right?"

Cassiel answered without the slightest hesitation.

"Of course."

Then, with a perfectly straight face, he added, "His Majesty gave me the same advice last night."

Elysia’s eyes widened.

"The King said that?"

"Mm."

Cassiel’s brow lifted slightly.

"We have the opportunity now. Why waste it?"

His voice remained calm as he continued, "Go on. Give your husband a proper embrace."

Elysia’s face warmed further.

Cassiel’s expression softened as he coaxed her along, his tone gentle and patient, almost as though he were encouraging a shy child.

"It’s difficult only the first time. Once you’ve done it a few times, you’ll stop thinking about it."

Elysia considered his words carefully.

He did make it sound simple.

And as husband and wife, she supposed she would have to take this step sooner or later.

She drew a slow breath and gathered her courage.

Then she reached towards him.

Her hand hovered uncertainly for a moment before finally settling against his side.

Cassiel was lying on his side, his waist narrowing into a clean, graceful line.

He had not trained seriously in some time, yet the muscles beneath her palm remained firm and solid.

Elysia’s face grew even warmer.

She slowly slid her hand around his back.

Her movements were painfully cautious, as though she feared making the slightest mistake.

Cassiel, however, seemed quite pleased.

"That’s it..."

His voice carried a hint of encouragement.

"Very good."

Elysia’s heart beat faster.

"Come a little closer."

She swallowed.

"Just a little more."

Her face had turned the colour of a ripe berry by now, but she still obeyed his words.

She shifted towards him, inch by inch, until she was almost within his embrace.

Just as she was about to close the final distance, a voice came from outside the chamber.

"Duchess Elysia? Are you awake?"

Elysia froze.

Instinctively, she tried to pull away.

Cassiel’s arm remained around her waist, holding her effortlessly in place.

His eyes gleamed with amusement.

"Why are you running?"

Elysia’s face burned.

"We’re married. There’s nothing improper about embracing your own husband."

Her embarrassment only deepened.

Before she could respond, Bertha spoke again from outside.

"Mrs. Rennor has sent a message."

Elysia’s attention immediately shifted.

"Mrs. Rennor?"

Cassiel’s eyebrow rose.

"You’ve become quite close with her, haven’t you?"

Elysia nodded happily.

"We get along very well."

She had specifically instructed Bertha and the other servants to inform her promptly whenever a message arrived from Ismeria.

Cassiel’s expression turned thoughtful.

"And her nephew?"

His tone was casual, but there was something faintly pointed beneath it.

"Do you get along with him as well?"

Elysia tilted her head.

"Evren?"

Cassiel clicked his tongue softly.

She was already calling him by his given name.

Fortunately, Elysia remained oblivious to the faint note of jealousy in his voice.

"I’ve hardly spoken to him," she replied honestly. "I wouldn’t know whether we get along."

Cassiel’s expression eased.

That answer was considerably more pleasing.

"I should see what Mrs. Rennor has written."

Elysia tried to sit up, but Cassiel’s hand remained at her waist.

She looked at him and softened her voice.

"Let me go and see what she sent. You should rest a little longer."

Then, perhaps remembering his earlier suggestion, she added earnestly, "Next time, I’ll hold you properly."

A small pause.

"And for longer."

Cassiel’s eyes deepened.

"Tonight."

Elysia blinked.

"Tonight?"

"Yes."

There was no room for negotiation in his answer.

Elysia nodded.

"All right. Tonight."

Satisfied, Cassiel finally released her.

Elysia slipped out of bed and went to wash and dress.

Bertha had already been waiting outside for some time.

When Elysia emerged, her cheeks were still faintly rosy.

One glance at her was enough for Bertha’s imagination to run wild.

A knowing smile tugged at the corners of her lips.

Elysia immediately felt self-conscious beneath that look.

Fortunately, Bertha was an experienced woman and knew better than to ask questions that were none of her business.

She simply handed over the note.

Elysia unfolded it and read the contents.

A smile appeared.

"Ah. Mrs. Rennor is inviting me to see the water lilies."

Her gaze travelled further down the page.

Then the smile slowly faded.

Her eyes settled on the date and location.

August 12th.

Merlinspire Manor.