Chapter 98: Marry Her
Ezekiel’s lips were warm against hers, a sensation that enveloped her entirely. Though she had been kissed before, this one felt remarkably different. It was gentle, soft, and filled her with an indescribable sense of bliss. Inside her stomach, butterflies fluttered, yet the sensation wasn’t one of discomfort or fear. Instead, it was overwhelmingly pleasant, something she wished wouldn’t end so soon.
His kiss was gentle, his lips tenderly grazing over her lower and upper lips. Tarah felt her knees weaken, prompting her to instinctively wrap her arms around his neck for support. Yet, as the realization dawned that they were outside and visible to others, Tarah quickly pulled back. She didn’t want any rumors to circulate about Ezekiel that could tarnish his reputation.
"We’re outside, Your Highness," she blurted out unintentionally, her eyes scanning their surroundings. Ezekiel appeared unfazed, chuckling softly as he pulled her closer, his arms securely wrapped around her waist. "Next time, I’ll make sure we’re not outside. How about we go inside now and continue where we left off?" he shamelessly suggested.
Tarah’s eyes widened as she blinked rapidly before him. He seemed unrecognizable from the serious and aloof prince she had first met. Leaning his forehead against hers, he reassured her, "Don’t worry, because no one will dare to come into this spot at this hour. It’s my private place, and only I can enter it, except for my personal servants who clean it daily in the morning."
His arms around her felt so comforting, and Tarah simply basked in their embrace in silence, not making any move to push him away. "You kissed me back, so I take it as you rejecting to be the Seer of this kingdom," Ezekiel pointed out. He leaned back slightly to get a proper look at her face as he added, "But I would like to hear how you feel for me in your own words..."
"I feel the same way for you, Your Highness. I..." A deep blush crept into her face, her heart thumping loudly in her chest. Ezekiel smiled at her, his gaze intense as he waited for her to continue. "I love you too," Tarah bravely said, feeling a rush of relief and joy at expressing her feelings so openly.
With that, Ezekiel pulled her into a tight embrace, kissing her head and gently caressing her back. "Thank you," he hummed, and at that moment, Tarah couldn’t help but bite her lip.
"Your Highness, can we keep our relationship secret until you’re crowned as king and until Vulcan’s soul is removed from your body?" Tarah whispered as she gently broke the hug. Ezekiel furrowed his brow as he asked, "Why?"
"I can’t explain my reasons, but please, can you trust me on this? No matter what happens, please always remember that my feelings for you are sincere and genuine," Tarah whispered before leaning into him once more. Tears welled in her eyes, but she fought to suppress them.
Ezekiel cupped one side of her face, gently caressing her cheek with his thumb as he said, "You may have your reasons, so I won’t force you to open up to me. But I hope you’ll also trust me and tell me everything, so we can avoid any misunderstandings in the future, Tarah."
She wanted to tell him everything, but the thought of her brother’s life being in danger made it difficult. Tarah simply nodded, offering him a half-smile.
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