Chapter 100: To Be Heard

Zavren’s lips finally curled up as his gaze locked onto her determined one, a wicked glint flashing across his eyes as he spoke. "I’m not sure I can follow that, sweetheart." Ariana’s lips parted at his words, but before she could even think, his hands moved to her waist, pulling her in closer...his scent wrapping gently around her as he continued. "But you... how do you expect me to maintain four feet apart from you? I have no choice but to say no to this, my queen," he said quietly. Ariana gave him a sharp glare, this man had to be kidding her. This was a serious situation, and here he was, joking like it meant nothing. "As you wish, snowflake," he spoke calmly, and Ariana nodded. Her expression returned to normal, but Zavren couldn’t help but stare at her in wonder. "You sure are something, sweetheart," he said, then added, "Should I tell you something?" Ariana nodded calmly. He was silent for a moment, noticing the way her gaze stayed on him—attentive and curious, her bright, doe-like golden eyes staring so innocently. "You are the most beautiful woman I have ever met," he finally said. Ariana’s gaze shifted immediately, her pupils widening as her face flushed. She had not expected that at all. She thought he was going to tell her a secret..maybe something about himself—but instead, he said this. Her heart pounded harder. She didn’t want to believe it at first, but this was Zavren... and he didn’t say things he didn’t mean. That alone made her heart skip a beat. She turned slightly and noticed his gaze still fixed on her. Zavren calmly stared at his wife as he admired her. Just as she reached for her book to write something, the carriage came to a stop. Zavren’s words kept echoing in her mind like a soft refrain. The carriage door opened. Zavren stepped out first and extended his hand. Ariana placed hers in his for support as she stepped down, greeted by a fresh breeze. She looked around, there were trees everywhere. Another man walked toward a nearby path, holding a basket in one hand and something else gently in the other, while the man who opened the door carried a royal picnic mat. Zavren held out his hand again, and Ariana took it as they began walking. The men bowed and entered the carriage. Before Ariana knew it, they began to leave. She turned slightly, curious. Why are they leaving? she wondered. "Don’t worry, wife," Zavren said with ease. "They’ll be back in two hours. Just relax." He then added, "We would want to be alone, as our privacy needs to be respected." Why did it feel like that word didn’t mean exactly what he said? "Is that not true, wife?" he asked. The way he said wife—like the word was meant for him and him alone...sent shivers down her spine. She nodded as they walked toward a bushy part of the path. Zavren gently pushed through the thick greenery, and as they emerged, Ariana’s lips opened and closed countless times in awe. The area opened up to a beautiful, round clearing. A large river sparkled nearby, perfect for a boat ride. A boat sat at the edge, with a paddle resting atop it. A gentle breeze blew by, and butterflies landed softly on sunflowers across the bank. Near the center of the clearing sat their closed basket and the mat, ready for their picnic. Ariana’s smile widened, her stomach fluttering at the thought alone. She could not wait. The place looked too perfect to be real—absolutely breathtaking. But still, she couldn’t forget the cave. The experience they shared there was... marvelous. Unforgettable. Not to mention.. Her heart pounded again as sinful memories of what she and Zavren had done in that cave rushed through her mind. What if... "Oh Lord, what just came to my head," she wondered in horror. Why was she thinking of such things now? She was surprised by her own thoughts. Zavren moved toward the boat, and she followed him. "Have you ridden a boat before?" he asked calmly. Ariana shyly shook her head. She had never ridden a boat because back at the village, they had to find ways to eat—and nobody had time for boats. "But at least you’ve ridden me," he said with a smirk. Ariana nodded without thinking on his words. Zavren’s lips curled with amusement as his eyes moved from her to the boat. Her body stilled as she processed his words again. They replayed in her mind, and then her eyes widened in realization. ’Oh my days, what a bad man,’ she thought in disbelief. She hadn’t even caught on at first—she’d just nodded, thinking he meant her first boat ride would be with him. But now she understood. Now she knew exactly what he meant. And the smirk on his face? That explained everything. "Come here," Zavren said as if he hadn’t just said something so shameless a few seconds ago. Ariana eyed him suspiciously, but he winked, making her body tingle sweetly. She walked over as he gently arranged the boat and moved the paddle to the side. He brought out his hand, and Ariana gently placed hers on it. Then he spoke calmly, "You’ll be riding with me." Ariana’s hands stilled on his, her eyes blinking in surprise. But then—to her utter confusion—he began to chuckle, his laughter echoing across the field. She just watched him, unsure if he was laughing at her. "Oh, sweetheart, it’s not what you think... Besides, I don’t want you to spoil me," he said with a teasing grin. Ariana raised a brow at him, her gaze unimpressed. Spoil him? she thought to herself. This already spoiled man. Before she knew it, Zavren held her and effortlessly lifted her into the boat, placing her down with ease. "Sit well, sweetheart. Balance your body properly," he instructed. Ariana nodded and did as he said, carefully settling into place. Then Zavren climbed in and sat on the other side. "Don’t be scared. The water’s not deep—and even if it was, I’m here for you," he said with reassuring calmness. Ariana simply nodded. She had no fear—not with him there. She knew he wouldn’t let anything happen to her. Then he picked up the paddle, and the boat began to move gently. Ariana’s lips parted slightly in awe as the soft sound of water echoed around them. She leaned over a little, noticing the small fish swimming up and flopping back down. They looked so cute, and the scene was peaceful. ’Awwn, they are so cute.’ Zavren’s face darkened slightly as he noticed her gaze—fixed entirely on the fish. Not him. This was not what he had expected. "Ariana," he called out. She turned to him with a soft, curious look. "Eyes on me," he spoke curtly. Her brows furrowed in confusion, and Zavren nearly face-palmed himself. And here he couldn’t even scold her—she had no idea what she did. Besides, shouldn’t he be happy she was enjoying the sight? Ariana’s eyes locked on his. Before she knew it, she heard a deep voice echo inside her mind. ’Can you hear me?’ Her eyes widened slightly. Was he mind-linking with her? She gave a small nod in reply, but confusion quickly followed. Why couldn’t she respond back? Her gaze dropped. Zavren, who noticed this, spoke calmly, "You don’t have to worry about that. If you can hear me, then I’ll be able to hear you eventually. But I think... there might be some kind of effect." Ariana slowly raised her head and nodded gently. She understood what he meant. But still why...just why couldn’t she be heard? Did it have something to do with her muteness? Her face fell, and she gently bit her bottom lip. Zavren’s chest tightened as he saw the shift in her gaze. He wondered if he’d said too much—too harshly. "You don’t have to worry, wife. As long as I understand you, that’s all that matters," he said reassuringly. But Ariana shook her head. And to his surprise, tears began to well in her eyes. Panic rose in Zavren as he saw her shoulders tremble slightly. Without thinking, he moved the boat faster, cursing himself for his rashness. He had spoken too carelessly, and now—he had hurt her. As they reached the shore, Ariana stepped out of the boat, but before she could take another step, Zavren swept her up into his arms and gently placed her on the soft grass. Her glassy eyes met his briefly before she tried to look away, not wanting him to see her cry. But it was too late—the tears had already begun to fall. They slid down her cheeks slowly, her body trembling lightly as she could no longer hold them back. Zavren pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly. She clung to him as he cursed himself again for being so careless. If he had known his words would make her cry like this, he would’ve gladly let her keep watching the little fishes instead. He pulled back slightly and gently pressed a kiss to her eyes. Her eyes widened in shock. ’Oh, I’m so useless...’ Ariana thought to herself bitterly as she turned her gaze away. "You’re not useless, Aria," Zavren said. His cold, low voice cut through the air—and both of them froze.