NOVEL NEXT chapter 101
"Yes?"
I couldn’t help but repeat the question aloud. I hastily covered my mouth with both hands, but it was too late. My heart pounded wildly and my whole body trembled. Blinking my wide-open eyes, I stared at the Crown Prince, who furrowed his brow and fixed his gaze on me. In that instant, I dropped my hands, pressed myself flat against the floor, and slid back on my knees.
“I-I’m sorry, I-I was wrong, p-please forgive me.”
My voice wavered as much as my shaking body. Silence stretched between us, and Asgail said nothing as he continued to study me. I felt my mouth growing unbearably dry and could only tremble in place.
“…….”
He didn’t speak for a long moment. But his gaze was piercingly clear. The heavy quiet persisted. Finally, Asgail opened his mouth, and I nearly sprang up in surprise.
“You.”
Eeek.
I bit my lip, stifling the gasp that escaped like a scream. I squeezed my eyes shut, and heard Asgail’s indifferent voice—no different from usual.
“Are you deaf, or do you simply not understand?”
I stared, unable to move, and he continued without a hint of warmth.
“I told you to eat, not to apologize. Are you incapable of understanding?”
His tone sounded almost weary. I hesitated, then lifted my eyes cautiously. They immediately met his, and my body stiffened even more, but Asgail remained cold as he spoke.
“Do not make me repeat myself. It irritates me.”
His final words emptied my mind of thought. I stammered a “Yes,” but could barely get it out. I still couldn’t bring myself to stand, let alone turn my head; I remained flat on the floor, caught in indecision. I was terrified, but I knew I had to speak. Swallowing a dry mouthful of saliva, I managed to find my voice.
I stuttered the words, my entire body trembling. I wasn’t even sure if I’d conveyed them correctly. But I felt I needed to explain that I already had an appointment with Najima, lest he worry or think I was lying.
Summoning courage, I prepared to speak again, when suddenly the Crown Prince spoke.
“Should you tell Najima?”
His voice was lower than usual. My mouth was about to reply that I would go inform her, when a chill breeze blew through the room. Startled, I froze—and in the next moment I sensed Asgail rising. I squeezed my eyes shut again, but felt something pass by me.
I dared to open one eye, but lacked the courage to look directly. I listened as measured footsteps moved away in long strides until they faded. Then I heard the door open, and he spoke again.
“I understand. Eat.”
With that, the door closed, and the room fell into a sudden stillness.
…Huh?
I lay there, bewildered. No matter how long I waited, he did not return. My body growing stiff from remaining crouched, I finally mustered the strength to lift my head.
Of course, the reception room was empty except for me. Before my eyes was a spread of unfamiliar dishes, and a cool breeze drifted in through the windows. The silence felt oddly soothing.
I swallowed hard. Only now did the food fully register. Each dish had its lid on, yet fragrances wafted from every corner. I carefully lifted the nearest lid.
Wow….
My head swam at the sight of perfectly arranged, crispy-roasted lamb. Beside it sat a steaming soup, fresh salad, soft bread, and a hearty stew—an astonishing variety. I opened several more lids, then pressed a hand to my chest. My stomach ached and felt constricted, and I frowned instinctively before turning my head.
The door remained firmly shut, with no sign of opening. After a moment, I looked back at the feast. I dipped my hand into a prepared bowl of water, washed it, whispered a quick prayer, then ◆ Nоvеlіgһt ◆ (Only on Nоvеlіgһt) glanced once more. At last, I took a careful spoonful of the steaming soup. As the warm broth filled my mouth, a thrill like electricity ran through me.
It was delicious.
Had the Crown Prince truly meant for me to eat all this? I wasn’t sure of his intent, but as I waited, my hunger overcame me. After all, Asgail had ordered me to eat several times. I couldn’t refuse. I tore off a piece of bread to dip into the soup, and couldn’t help smiling. I drank the soup eagerly, then ate two pieces of bread, a few slices of lamb, some salad, and spoonfuls of stew. I even sampled the rice with chicken and unfamiliar meat dishes. It was the first time I’d eaten such a varied feast. Hot tea and an array of fruit juices stood nearby, so I sipped each in turn.
Ahhh.
Only after my belly was full did I exhale a satisfied sigh, blinking my eyes. Though I’d eaten a lot, the dishes before me barely seemed diminished—they’d been so plentiful to begin with. Feeling uneasy, I wondered if he had truly expected me to finish it all. It might have been a mere threat, but I couldn’t predict anything about Asgail. What if he really meant it?
After a moment’s thought, I found a solution: I could eat dinner, and eat again tomorrow.
That seemed reasonable. I nodded to myself and felt my spirits lift.
Still, the Crown Prince showed no sign of returning. He was dressed in a suit—perhaps he was receiving foreign guests. I leaned back against a large cushion and settled in.
Had he told Najima? Should I go check now?
But I didn’t know when he might return.
Unable to decide, I sat there as time passed. A cool breeze drifted in, and the peaceful surroundings lulled me further. Before I knew it, the drowsiness crept in, and I fell asleep.
A sudden chill made me shiver awake. The cool air seeped into my bones, and I instinctively shifted to seek warmth. Warmness against my cheek caught my attention, and I rested my head there—only to be enveloped in someone’s embrace.
…He was warm.
His body, almost covering me entirely, gently warmed the chill that had settled in me moments before. I breathed out in relief and pressed closer. My hand wandered and touched something hard and uneven. What was it? My palm moved reflexively, feeling the firm rise and fall beneath it.
I wrapped my arms tighter around him, and he paused. Mischievously, I hugged him harder. Despite his large frame, my arms circled only halfway around him, but I still cheekily rubbed my face against his. I thought I heard a dull thud. Pressing my ear closer, I realized it was beating rapidly. The thumping pulsed against my ear, strange yet comforting.
I let out a small sigh and held him tight. After a moment of hesitation, his arm moved to embrace me in return—and then squeezed me unexpectedly hard. My brow furrowed at the sudden pressure.
It hurt, Kamar.
I whispered, rubbing my face against him. A sweet scent drifted to my nose, and part of my consciousness snapped awake.
…Huh?
My mind cleared in a rush. I realized I was resting against someone’s solid chest, inhaling pheromones, and hearing the sound of a heartbeat. And most importantly:
Kamar wasn’t here.
My senses instantly sharpened, and I lifted my head without thinking. In the next moment, my eyes met Asgail’s.