Chapter 17
The diplomat wasted no time in providing a reply.
“Regarding the security detail, what will become of them?”
“Machi will handle their sentencing,” Ejnar declared. “Since these transgressions occurred on our soil, they fall under our jurisdiction. Furthermore, I intend to provide significant financial restitution to the families who lost loved ones. These are my requirements.”
The terms appeared remarkably favorable for the Makaeri side. As Ejnar spoke, a look of relief washed over the envoy’s features, and he seemed prepared to agree instantly.
“However, there is one more thing.”
“Certainly, Sire. Please, continue.”
“I require a formal apology from Princess Serina for her involvement in this affair.”
“I beg your pardon?”
The diplomat’s joyful expression shattered instantly. He stared at the King as if his ears had played a trick on him.
“Why would the Princess be required to—?”
“The crimes took place with her tacit approval, did they not? It is only fitting that she expresses regret.”
“That is… quite a request.”
“Is there a problem?”
Ejnar fixed a piercing gaze on the shaking man. The envoy felt the air leave his lungs under the pressure of that stare, unable to find his voice.
From the moment they had been sequestered together, the King’s sheer force of personality had left the diplomat reeling. In his mind, Ejnar far outclassed the current ruler of Makaeri. Even compared to the tales of the legendary Gunnar, the founding Emperor, this King’s spirit seemed just as formidable.
His massive physical frame, which rivaled any warrior of Makaeri, certainly added to the tension. Yet, the true source of his power was the commanding intensity within those emerald eyes. Trapped in that gaze, the envoy found it nearly impossible to voice any objection.
Still, giving a quick affirmation was dangerous.
The man knew Serina would never humble herself to apologize.
Saying sorry was a concept entirely foreign to a woman known across the empire for her arrogance. Nevertheless, the logic behind the King’s demand was ironclad.
The diplomat’s skin grew pale, making him look as though he might collapse. When the silence stretched on, Ejnar let out a heavy, impatient breath. To the envoy, it sounded like a predator preparing to strike, and a cold shiver raced down his spine.
At last, the man managed to stammer out a plea.
“Your Majesty, I humbly ask… is there any chance we could replace that specific condition with a different form of atonement?”
Ejnar remained silent.
“Name any other price, whatever you desire, so long as Your Majesty can find satisfaction and move past this unfortunate event.”
“I have no desire to turn the deaths of my people into a profit,” Ejnar replied coldly. “Any funds provided belong to the grieving families.”
“But, Sire…”
The boundaries had been drawn. There was no room left for bargaining.
Feeling trapped, the envoy shifted his eyes toward Elfreda. It was a desperate, silent appeal for help, a look that suggested she, of all people, understood how impossible the Princess could be. Elfreda recognized the truth in his eyes, but she was in no position to intervene.
She began to look away to avoid the silent plea, but then something happened.
“Ah…”
Ejnar reached out and took Elfreda’s hand. His large palm completely shielded hers. Startled by the contact, she looked up at him, but he kept his focus on the diplomat as he spoke.
“The Princess’s actions nearly destroyed the peace between our two nations. Beyond that, she has made life incredibly difficult for the Queen, who has only just begun her journey here in Machi.”
Elfreda realized he was publicly defending her. She watched him, her heart swelling.
“Because of this, I demand that the Princess offer a formal apology to both my wife and myself.”
When Ejnar turned his gaze to Elfreda, her pulse quickened, yet she did not break the connection. He gave his final word.
“I will accept nothing less.”
Seeing no other path, the envoy bowed his head in reluctant submission.
“I request a moment to consult with the Princess on this matter.”
“Granted.”
Ejnar gave a sharp nod. The diplomat, his legs visibly trembling, offered a final, respectful bow and hurried out of the room.
Only then did Ejnar let go of Elfreda’s hand. She touched the spot where his skin had been, feeling the lingering warmth. The great hall fell into a heavy silence. Feeling the weight of the quiet, she decided to speak first.
“Please… forgive me.”
Ejnar gave her a look of utter confusion, as if she were speaking nonsense.
“Are you Princess Serina?”
“What? No.”
“Then why are you the one asking for forgiveness?”
“Well… because…”
“Are you certain the two of you are actually sisters?”
The question caused Elfreda’s heart to twist painfully. She looked at him, her face drained of color, while he watched her with an unreadable expression.
“It appears the younger sister is incapable of apologizing,” Ejnar noted, “while the elder sister seems to do nothing else.”
“I… see.”
“I find no value in apologies that have no meaning. Stop doing it. Do you understand?”
“Sor—”
She caught herself after the first syllable, clamping her lips shut. It was an instinctive reaction she struggled to break. Ejnar narrowed his eyes and gave a small, weary shake of his head before she spoke up again in a quiet voice.
“I assumed you were upset with me.”
Ejnar watched her closely as she continued.
“I felt I failed to manage my sister properly… I should have been more vigilant.”
Usually, she would have ended that sentiment with another apology. Instead, Ejnar let out a low, soft laugh.
“I believe the Princess is old enough to be responsible for her own morals.”
“Perhaps, but still…”
Elfreda paused, finally letting a deeper worry slip out.
“You haven’t come to see me since that day…”
The moment the words left her mouth, Ejnar’s expression shifted into something strange. Realizing how she must have sounded, she panicked.
“I… I shouldn’t have said that. Please ignore me.”
Elfreda scrambled to her feet, bowing her head in a rush to escape.
“I will go now—”
Before she could move, he was there, pressing his lips against hers.
The sudden kiss sent a jolt through her. She flinched in surprise, but then her eyes drifted shut, her lashes trembling against her cheeks.
Ejnar moved with a sudden, forceful hunger, pulling her body flush against his as he stood.
Instead of pulling away in embarrassment, Elfreda reached out and gripped his collar. He held her face in his hands, his tongue exploring her mouth with a persistent, deep heat. The only sound in the vast, empty room was the soft, rhythmic noise of their breathing and the intimacy of the kiss.
“Haa…”
As the air between them grew thick with tension, a small sound escaped her throat and her knees weakened. Ejnar caught her by the waist, lifting her effortlessly and pinning her back against the cold stone wall.
She felt his hand begin to pull at the fabric of her skirts and she reached down to stop him, her heart racing.
“Your Majesty, wait… not here…”
“And why not?”
He gave a sharp, mocking smile, but his hands didn’t stop their exploration.
“Isn’t this exactly what you were asking for?”
“But… what if someone walks in?”
“They might.”
He spoke with a chilling indifference, as if the risk belonged to someone else entirely.
“But why should I care? There is nothing scandalous about a King being with his Queen.”
His tone turned coaxing, almost gentle, as he tried to sway her. Elfreda knew his reasoning was flawed, yet she found herself unable to argue.
“….”
At her silence, Ejnar released a soft sigh and stepped away, creating space between them. Elfreda watched him with wide, startled eyes as his expression turned frosty.
“As I informed you on our wedding night, I will not force this if you are unwilling.”
“Wait…”
“Return to your quarters.”
His voice was perfectly level, showing no trace of the passion from moments ago. He began to straighten his attire, looking ready to walk away without a second thought. Elfreda felt a wave of humiliation and desperation wash over her.
She had to choose: her pride and the fear of discovery, or the man standing before her.
The choice was made in a heartbeat.
Though she was still terrified of being the one to reach out, she managed to grab hold of his sleeve. When he looked back at her, she slowly, tentatively gathered the hem of her dress and pulled it upward. The sight of her pale skin in the dim light caused a surge of heat to hit him instantly.
He looked up at her face; she was crimson with shame, but he could see the immense bravery it took for her to stay there.
“Is it truly all right to do this… ah!”
He didn’t want to hear any more of her doubts. Ejnar leaned in and silenced her with another kiss.
