Chapter 19: The Exhaustion

Chapter 19: The Exhaustion "Haaahh..." A heavy gasp escaped Mikhailis's lips as he collapsed onto the bed, his body drenched in sweat and every muscle in his body screaming for rest. His heart pounded like a war drum, and his limbs felt like they had been through a marathon. "What was intense..." Elowen, beside him, was sound asleep. Her breathing was deep and steady, completely at peace, as if nothing had happened. She looked serene and so peaceful as if she just went a night with her true beloved one. Her hair is a mess over the pillows but still very beautiful as the moonlight painting her very gorgeous brown skin with a soft glow. But Mikhailis... Mikhailis was a mess. What did I get myself into...? He thought back to the moments before, the way her body had moved with such strength and intensity. He had known that she's a queen, a warrior at heart, someone who bore the weight of an entire kingdom. He already recognize her toned body that has the hint of a great warrior. But this? He hadn't been prepared for this kind of stamina. Her endurance was off the charts. Everything had been perfect at first. It was passionate, sensual, like heaven on earth. But somewhere around round three, Mikhailis began to realize something wasn't quite right—no, not wrong, just... overwhelming! She's a beast! How the hell did I not notice? I mean, she's well-toned, sure, but damn! Mikhailis could barely keep up, and that was saying something. He had always prided himself on his own fitness, after all. He wasn't some fragile prince lounging around all day—he worked out, he trained, he had stamina! He also trained with the best soldiers of his kingdom back then! He was strong! Or at least, he thought he did. But Elowen had shattered that illusion in just one night. He had gone from feeling on top of the world to being utterly drained, as if his very soul had been sucked dry. His body ached in ways he didn't think were possible. He shifted slightly, trying to find a more comfortable position, but every movement sent another wave of exhaustion through him. "Haaaah..." another sigh escaped, this one heavier than before. He glanced over at Elowen, still fast asleep, and couldn't help but smile despite his exhaustion. She was incredible, powerful in ways he hadn't imagined. He admired her strength, but right now, he just wished she had a little less of it. I mean, seriously... there's strong, and then there's this. I'm not even sure how I'm still alive right now. But well, it's sure a 'great experience' Just then, Mikhailis instinctively tapped the side of his glasses, activating the device. The familiar interface flickered to life before his eyes, and then came the voice he hadn't heard in a while. Rodion's monotone voice filled the quiet of the room. Mikhailis rolled his eyes, even though he couldn't help but chuckle at the timing. "Barely. Damn it, Rodion, do you know the thing about privacy? I just went through a life-altering experience here." Rodion's tone remained as flat as ever, though Mikhailis could sense a hint of sarcasm. Just who the hell created this guy. Wait, it's me, isn't it? "Right. Fascinating. That's the word I'd use to describe being sucked dry by my own wife. I feel like a freaking raisin, Rodion." Mikhailis groaned. "Don't you dare. Can't a man get some rest after... after..." he trailed off, too tired to even finish the sentence. His brother, Dimitri, the crown prince of Ruslania. Mikhailis hadn't thought about him in a while. But well, it's not strange to be reminded of his own family. He does left them in the modern world, on earth, and even disguise his own death in order to make his existence completely erased from that world. He stared up at the ceiling, his mind wandering for a moment before a faint smile tugged at his lips. Brother, huh... "In some ways, yeah. She's got that same sense of responsibility, the same weight on her shoulders." Rodion continued. Mikhailis felt his chest tighten at Rodion's words. He had noticed it too, but hearing it said out loud made it more real, more urgent. "She's been through a lot, I guess being a queen is not a job anyone could just take," he murmured. "She's always putting others first. The kingdom, her people... She never thinks of herself," What he uttered is about Elowen, but the figure that appeared inside his mind is the image of his brother. Rodion added, his voice still calm but laced with an unusual depth of understanding. Mikhailis stared at Elowen, her peaceful face resting against the pillow. He reached out, gently brushing a strand of hair from her face. "I should've seen it sooner. Well, what the hell am I saying? I just arrive at this world, aren't I?" Mikhailis's heart ached at the thought. Elowen was strong—stronger than anyone he'd ever known. But even the strongest had limits. "Even the strongest. Has limits, huh..." he whispered. "I'm a husband now, Rodion. I guess for now, I'll be there for her," Rodion's voice softened slightly, the AI's typically clinical tone replaced by something almost human. Mikhailis smiled, feeling a surge of determination. "You're right, thank you as always, partner," As he lay back, the exhaustion finally pulling him toward sleep, Mikhailis closed his eyes with a sense of purpose. Elowen had given him an escape he has been searching for all these times, and he would do the same for her. He would make sure she never felt alone in her struggles again. But sure, everything needs to be according to what the eccentric entomologist's favors. And behind Mikhailis, his AI, always know, that if everything turn south, his master would be his utmost priority, even if he need to sacrifice everything his Master cherishes.