Page 106 of The White King's Favorite

“I like th-this too.” Cessilia smiled. “I b-bought it with Nana at the m-market... P-plus, your mistress c-came to visit b-before I could ch-check it...”

“Jisel?” His eyes darkened. “What the fuck did she want with you?”

“How c-could she c-come into my room?” Cessilia ignored his question.

Ashen stepped back, looking angry.

“I gave orders for her to not approach you,” he said.

“She d-did. I d-don’t know who you ordered, Ashen, b-but it’s not working.”

The King’s expression got even darker, and Cessilia felt the same. This meant he had even less authority than he thought, or the castle was full of corrupt guards.

“...I’ll talk to her,” he hissed.

Cessilia felt a bit upset that he wouldn’t already have. Had he avoided his mistress purposely, or simply forgotten to tell her to stay away? Either way, she wasn’t very satisfied with this. She looked away, a bit sullen, but Ashen gently caressed her cheek.

“...I’m sorry, Cessilia. I swear it won’t happen again.”

“Next t-time, I won’t be as p-polite,” she muttered.

He chuckled.

“You don’t have to be.”

He sighed, and hoping to lighten her mood a bit, leaned forward to kiss her temple this time. His stubble tickled her a bit causing Cessilia to smile. Turning back toward him, she found Ashen was frowning again.

“...W-what is it?”

“Nothing.”

“D-don’t tell me it’s nothing.”

“Sorry. It’s... things are a bit tense. And with that thing with the guards... I’m worried someone is going to attack you again.”

“I c-can take c-care of myself, Ashen.”

He smirked, not as a means to mock her, but because he knew that to be the truth. His hands went down around her, caressing her waist and back, sending excited shivers down her spine.

“...How are your injuries?” he asked.

“They’re all healed now.”

Ashen smiled, and leaned forward, his lips dangerously close. She could feel his breathing, gentle against her skin, and the thumping of his heart.

“...Dine with me tonight. We can have a date... and then...”

“We c-can’t,” Cessilia suddenly put her hands on his torso, pushing him away.

“What?” he exclaimed, upset. “Why not? ...Are you still upset with me?”

Cessilia had to bite her lip not to smile. He looked like a big dog, sorry it had offended its owner. She could almost see the white ears popping out of his hair... She shook her head slowly and caressed his hair like she would have petted an obedient dog.

“No,” she chuckled, “b-but I am invited t-to a dinner with the Hashat Family Leader.”

“...The Hashat Family?” Ashen frowned. “Tonight? ...I don’t like this.”

“It sounds like you d-don’t like me t-to be with anyone else, Ashen...”

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