Chapter 84: Before He Leaves

Raven pushed the door open, and his eyes widened. He bowed immediately, his ears burning as he silently cursed himself for arriving at the wrong time. Zavren was carrying Ariana in a princess-style hold, her flushed face turned away from where Raven stood. Although Zavren’s back was to him, Raven could tell the king was carrying the queen. Ariana face-palmed herself. She didn’t even know how to face anyone, Not to mention the shattered plate on the floor, which said enough about what had just happened. And honestly, she wouldn’t blame anyone for thinking otherwise. "What is it?" Zavren’s voice broke through the silence, his eyes shifting to Ariana, whose face remained hidden behind her palms. "I... I apologize, Y-Your Majesty," Raven stammered. "I only came to inform you that the carriages are ready for departure." His voice was unsure, and the suffocating tension in the room wrapped around him even from where he stood. If he had known they were in the middle of... something, he wouldn’t have dared step foot into the dining hall. He scratched the back of his head awkwardly, waiting for a response. "Leave," Zavren commanded coldly. Raven bowed quickly and rushed out. That was exactly what he had been waiting for and expecting. The last thing he wanted was to be punished—and he had been punished by the king before. He would never want that again... or even wish it on his worst enemies. Just as the door closed, Zavren finally turned his gaze toward Ariana. His eyes locked on her face, scanning it slowly. Ariana’s cheeks burned as she kept her face buried in her hands. Then, in a deep, commanding voice, Zavren said, "Remove your hands, Ariana." She hesitated but finally lowered them. Her eyes slowly lifted until they locked with his, making her breath hitch. Even though she still couldn’t believe Raven had walked in like that, there was no taking it back—the plates scene had already been witnessed. Thank heavens Zavren had been quick enough to carry her—if not, things would have been much worse. It might’ve been okay if the plates weren’t shattered across the floor. ’Oh, Ariana, calm down. It’s nothing. It’s not that deep,’ she told herself, trying to slow her racing thoughts. It wasn’t like what she and Zavren were doing was wrong. In fact, it was perfectly normal—they were married, after all. But still. The dining table? Where is the etiquette of a king? she wondered in disbelief. It seemed this man made his own rules—and from earlier, she had already noticed. She was even certain that one of those shattered plates could be worth more than gold. People searched high and low for such treasures, and yet he had broken it in a heartbeat just to let her sit. Then her eyes found his again. His gaze locked on hers. Her heart stammered slightly as she bit her bottom lip, then shifted her gaze to his lips—lips she had kissed not too long ago—before returning to his gray eyes, eyes that flickered with something she couldn’t quite place. Then he said, almost in a whisper, "How about you..." There was a slow pause. "How about you come with me?" Another beat. "How about you escort me before I leave?" he asked quietly, waiting for her response. She didn’t even know when her heart had started racing, but deep down, she didn’t mind doing it. After all, she was a queen. And beyond the title, she simply... wanted to see him off—an unspoken emotion dancing through her chest. Was it the way he said it? She couldn’t help the slight swell in her heart—she was going to see him off, like a wife sending her husband away—waving happily, wishing him good luck. Her heart picked up again, and sweet chills followed. Before she knew it, he began to move, still holding her in his arms. Why is he still holding me? she wondered, eyes widening as her hands moved to his arm. She gave him a light pinch, making him stop. She looked down—which told him she wanted to come down. Ariana could not even imagine him carrying her outside like this. People... ’Oh, Ariana, shut up,’ she scolded herself as her cheeks warmed up slightly. Zavren shook his head and murmured, "Seems like you enjoy pinching people." Then, with that deep voice of his, he added, "Don’t worry. Save those hands for later, and you’ll pinch till your hands get tired." Ariana didn’t fully understand his words, but the teasing glint in his eyes said enough. He chuckled, voice low and mischievous. "I’ve been such a gentleman. But after days and days of not seeing you... who knows what might happen the next time I do?" So shameless. She turned crimson, absolutely mortified. This man was too much. Thankfully, no one else was in the dining hall. She had no idea how she would’ve handled the embarrassment if any of the maids had seen his shamelessness in action—or heard his words. Zavren calmly set her down, and Ariana’s legs wobbled slightly. She instinctively grabbed his arm for support as his large hands held her shoulders in place. Her eyes widened when Zavren’s lips curled into a wicked smirk. It was like her body had forgotten how to stand. Finally, she found her balance and stood properly, shooting him a glare. He responded with a playful wink. As if that wasn’t already enough, Zavren brought her hand to his lips and gently kissed it. Ariana barely had time to react before he extended his tongue, dragging it slowly across her pinky, then nibbling on it with soft bites. Her eyes widened in shock as the heat of the wetness his tongue struck her veins with sharp pleasure. And then he spoke, voice low and quiet, "Once I get back, I’ll mark you." He leaned in closer, his breath brushing her skin, his face just inches from hers—any slight movement and their lips would be crashing together. Her golden eyes unknowingly flashed hazel as Zavren’s lips curled upward. "I’ll mark you fully... as my mate. And once I do that, there’ll be no denying it." His eyes glinted with dark mischief as he added. "I’ll be able to mindlink with you. I’ll know exactly what’s going on in that small little head of yours." A short pause. "I’ll be able to communicate with you. Anytime. Anywhere." He pulled away slowly, his eyes drinking in her expression. Ariana’s heart skipped as her breath caught. Mindlink? She knew that mates could mindlink... but she never imagined she could. She was wolfless—practically human. So the idea of being capable of a mindlink felt like a dream. Does this mean he would finally hear my voice?. Her thoughts swirled with nervous curiosity, wonder, and something else—something warmer. She gave a small, quiet nod. And for some reason... She couldn’t quite wait for his return. As they walked in silence, Ariana couldn’t help but keep thinking about everything that had just happened. Come to think of it... I’ve never really thought about all this before, she said to herself. There were still so many things she and Zavren hadn’t done together—not because he didn’t want to, but because he was waiting. Waiting for her trust. For her consent. That’s why he held back on certain things... but it seemed that patience was already growing thin. They reached the end of the hallway just as the door opened and the carriage arrived outside. Raven stood nearby, giving the coachman orders. The moment he noticed His Majesty, he bowed deeply and respectfully. He knew he was in trouble. Serious trouble. He made a mental note: No matter where I am, I must always knock. He understood it now—this man was extremely possessive of his wife. And from today onward, he would never enter anywhere without making sure the king was done... knowing very well that anything could happen behind closed doors. Raven’s shoulders stiffened as a wave of danger flickered through the air. Zavren turned back to Ariana with a slow grin. Leaning in, he gently pressed a kiss to her forehead. "I’ll be back," he said. Ariana nodded, her eyes locked on his as silence fell between them—like they were speaking with just their eyes. The kiss had been gentle, and she found herself already missing him even though he hadn’t left yet. But he wasn’t done. He leaned in again, his voice a whisper against her skin. "And when I come back... you’ll show me that cute little mole..." Her cheeks flushed—and then, to his surprise, she nodded. His eyes widened slightly. Did she just nod? She nodded again, firmer this time, as if to confirm what he saw. A slow smile crept across his lips, and his jaw ticked lightly. So this woman... this wife of his... finally agreed. And now, just when he was about to leave. He shifted his gaze, still somewhat in disbelief. A chuckle escaped him. Then he added playfully, "Remember—no complaints. And there’s a sweet little reward waiting for you." He gave her a cheeky wink. Ariana’s body shivered slightly, and she nodded again. Zavren blinked, surprised once more by her reaction. "Goodbye, wife," he said warmly. "I’ll be back before you know it." She looked up at him as he gave one final nod and stepped into the carriage. Ariana stood there silently, watching. The carriage began to move. A quiet pang settled over her—a sudden stillness, followed by an ache she couldn’t explain. Why do I already miss him? The door creaked open, pulling her from her thoughts. Leah stepped in, bowing her head respectfully. "Queen Ariana," she said softly. "The tea gathering will soon commence. May I bring you your gloves and hat?" Ariana nodded, exhaling gently as she signed. "Yes, please." Leah gave a small curtsy and quickly turned to leave. Ariana turned back to where the carriage had left. She didn’t know how to feel as a thought came to her head. Mindlink... they could communicate... and he would hear her voice through their minds. An unknown smile played on her lips, but one thing Ariana failed to realize... There was a high chance he would also find out about her future escape plans.