Lust for the King’s Wife

Chapter 10: Same Bed (1)

“…I’m telling you, let’s just kidnap her.”

“Then we’d make the entire kingdom our enemy. They’d send hunters after us, and you’d lose the elves’ favor as well.”

“Like I care. I’ve lived my whole life doing whatever I want.”

“And if she doesn’t agree to come with us, it would be meaningless. Even if we dragged her away by force, she’d escape eventually.”

“Then that’s your job. Use that freeloading-pretty-boy face of yours to win her over.”

“Besides, witches don’t get kidnapped, Siha.”

“…”

“If it’s a cursed witch, even less so.”

Siha fell silent at the blunt truth of my words. But it wasn’t long before she muttered her frustration in a low voice.

“Yeah, you’re right. Who the hell could kidnap a crazy witch like her without bringing an army?”

“Exactly. So—”

“Still, kidnapping her would be easier than all this, damn it.”

With a huff of pent-up energy, she leapt higher up the wall toward another foothold. I, meanwhile, held onto the lower bricks, scanning the surroundings again.

Fortunately, the palace guards remained unaware of our illicit climb. Our disguises worked well enough, but it was likely that no one would expect intruders scaling the palace walls at such an hour.

“I said I’d do anything, but of all the things to ask for—this? You could’ve climbed this yourself.”

“Because it’s not just any wall. There are wards around her room. I can’t tell exactly what kind, but only an elf’s instincts can navigate through them.”

“Then why not just sweet-talk her into meeting you later?”

“She won’t meet alone. She made that very clear.”

“Prickly woman. And what happens if she just kicks you out? We’ll have done all this for nothing.”

“That’s why I need someone to catch me when I’m thrown out the window.”

“God, you’re so meticulous it’s disgusting…”

Despite her grumbling, Siha’s movements were precise. Thanks to her dexterity and the pale blue moonlight, our climb progressed smoothly.

Before long, the queen’s window came into view. The walls surrounding her chambers were markedly different, built from ominous black bricks. Siha paused, her voice low and pensive.

“Hmm. A strange wall like this at the palace’s highest floor? It’s almost like it’s cursed.”

“Honestly, part of why I asked you for help was to figure out what’s up with it. Do you sense anything?”

“It’s subtle, but there are thorny vines slithering between the cracks like snakes. The black bricks themselves are oozing something foul. Gives me the creeps.”

“Can you get through it?”

“Have you ever seen an elf get cursed?”

With a scoff, Siha reached for the black bricks. As soon as her hand approached, the thorny vines lunged at her arm with alarming speed.

Yet the moment they touched her skin, they disintegrated into dust, scattering harmlessly into the air. Smirking, Siha wasted no time boasting.

“Behold the greatness of the elves! Even the sinister tricks of a witch queen can’t topple the indomitable Siha.”

“You’re amazing, Siha. I’m lucky to have you on my side.”

“Damn right. That’s the right attitude for an inferior species. If the queen rejects you, come to the elven village—I’ll adopt you myself.”

“I need to be as quiet as possible once inside. Can you handle that?”

“I’m already in.”

I looked up to see that the window was open. Despite standing close by, I hadn’t noticed her even touching it.

Her skills never failed to amaze me. As I marveled, Siha grinned smugly.

“Another moment of glory for me, huh? Are you racking your brain for new praises?”

“I was wondering how best to thank you.”

“Gratitude without reward is just an empty shell, my friend. When you become king, remember to gift me your golden crown. I’ll accept it graciously.”

“Haha…”

“Now get going. I’m getting sleepy.”

With a wave, Siha sent me off, throwing in a parting quip.

“If you change your mind about kidnapping her, toss her out the window. I’ll catch her.”

“You know I can’t do that.”

“It’s just a figure of speech, idiot. Anyway, good luck.”

“…”

Something told me luck wouldn’t be enough. I swallowed the ominous feeling and climbed into the forbidden chamber, carried by nothing but gratitude for my companion’s loyalty.

***

Inside, the room was shrouded in an eerie stillness. I lingered near the window, letting my eyes adjust to the dim moonlight before surveying the interior.

That’s when I saw her—standing near the bed, her silhouette outlined against the faint glow.

“…”

“Mirian…”

I called her name instinctively. The moment she noticed me, her hand rose sharply.

In an instant, thorny vines shot down from the ceiling and wrapped around my neck. The crushing weight of the vines was heavier than any noose, and my vision blurred as my breath was stolen.

“Ugh…”

The crescent moon wavered at the edge of my sight. Its fractured light mixed with tears, painting my vision in murky waves.

Maybe this visit was too audacious. As regret churned in my chest, her voice cut through the suffocating silence, calm and chastising.

“Didn’t that sage teach you not to enter a lady’s chambers uninvited?”

“Kh—”

“Or is it that a celibate race lacks the knowledge to educate you on women?”

“Ugh…”

“I’m curious. What excuse will your tongue conjure this time?”

With her soft yet piercing tone, Mirian loosened the vines slightly, enough for me to speak in a strained voice.

“…Good evening, Mirian.”

“To offer a greeting in this situation—how bold of you.”

“I thought I’d try for some decorum, even belatedly.”

“I’ll commend your reflection. But why such an impolite visit?”

“I couldn’t sleep because of you.”

I wasn’t joking; it was the simple truth. She tilted her head slightly, the faintest acknowledgment, and replied without a flicker of emotion.

“I couldn’t sleep either. I’ve been contemplating what kind of noose would suit your neck.”

“You mean to say I’ve kept you awake.”

“That’s right. I’ve decided on thorny vines. Do you approve?”

“They’re cold, like your hands.”

“That’s so you’ll regret me before you die.”

“That won’t do. I already know what I want to see before I die.”

“Given the chance to speak, you spout nonsense,” she said coldly.

The vines tightened again, constricting me until I couldn’t move a single finger. Her icy voice pierced through the oppressive silence.

“So, what’s your purpose? That’s all I want to know.”

“Ugh…”

“Answer me.”

“Ghh…”

“Won’t you speak?”

“I… I…”

From within the suffocating grip of the vines, I forced out a strangled voice. Hearing it, Mirian leaned closer, her expression unwavering.

“I’m listening. So, speak.”

“I… last time…”

“Go on.”

“Last time, I…”

“Yes?”

“…Last time, I didn’t get something I wanted.”

The moment the words left my lips, I broke free of the vines and kissed her. Her parted lips, ready to receive my explanation, instead met my breath, damp and heavy.

This time, our tongues intertwined. Sweet and intense, the exchange went far beyond a simple kiss, delving into something far deeper.

“…”

“Mmm…”

Caught off guard, Mirian stumbled backward, clutching at my collar. The unbalanced motion sent us both tumbling, and I took the opportunity to pull her into my arms.

We fell onto the bed, the soft mattress enveloping us as our bodies sank into the sheets.

“Hah… Mmm…”

“…”

“Haa… Ah…”

Gentle but relentless. Patient but consuming. I explored her mouth with an intensity that left us both breathless. 

Each time our breaths mingled, my thoughts grew hazier. When I brushed my damp cheek against hers, her warmth clung to my skin.

At some point, Mirian stopped resisting, subtly responding to my kiss. Perhaps it was my imagination, but I wished to stretch this fleeting moment into eternity.

But time is no ally to mortals. Eventually, our lips parted, leaving damp imprints on the sheets. I whispered, my voice low and husky.

“…This bed feels cold.”

“I often leave the window open when I sleep.”

“Am I the first to lie here with you?”

“Who knows.”

At my gentle probe, she remained silent, her expression unreadable as she gazed at me with empty eyes.

“I don’t recall ever owing you enough to allow such impudence,” she said quietly.

“You took my blood. I’m merely claiming my due.”

“Took your blood, you say?”

“You don’t remember? I’m a little hurt.”

Smiling faintly, I showed her the faint scar on my wrist. Seeing it, she smirked bitterly and turned her head away.

Her movement exposed the mark on her neck, the kiss I had left before. I reached out and gently touched it, my voice soft.

“Truthfully, I couldn’t sleep because of this, Mirian.”

“Is that so.”

“So why didn’t you cover it up?”

“Who knows.”

“…”

“Perhaps the mirror was too cloudy to see it.”

Her gaze shifted naturally to the vanity across the room. Following her line of sight, I saw the mirror sitting atop it, polished to perfection. It was so pristine that even from afar, I could see my reflection.

“I see.”

With that, I leaned down again, aiming for another kiss. Mirian flinched slightly at my approach, then quietly closed her eyes. Taking this as her consent, I deepened the connection.

“Mmm…”

“Hnn…”

The sound of wet lips and muffled breaths filled the room. Beneath her closed lids, her body’s warmth poured over me like a wave, filling the space between us with an intoxicating intensity.

In the depths of this darkness, all I wanted was to see her more clearly. Driven by that desire, I pulled her closer, my hands wandering gently over her body.

“Hah…”

“…Mmm.”

Not to claim but to cherish. My touch traced her form reverently, as if illuminating her presence in the dim light. Each stroke dispelled the shadows that had clouded my vision.

A faint resistance pushed back against me, but I didn’t stop. Instead, I moved my lips lower, trailing soft kisses down her neck.

“Mmm…”

“Ah…”

Her restrained sighs sent subtle vibrations through her throat. I returned to the mark I had left before, then slowly kissed my way downward, as though sewing her into my embrace, stitch by careful stitch.

When I finally reached the edge of her clothing, I pulled her closer, shifting her attire enough to reveal the tender skin beneath. Without hesitation, I pressed a deep kiss to the hollow below her collarbone.

“Haa…”

“…”

At that moment, her quiet voice broke the tension, piercing through the haze.

“That’s enough.”

“…”

“Alf.”

The sound of my name in her tone brought clarity to my clouded thoughts. I opened my eyes and met her gaze as she pushed my chin away with her fingers.

“Don’t you think you’ve gone too far?”

“Maybe… a little.”

“More than a little.”

Her tone was stern, a queen’s chastisement. Yet her face, glistening with sweat, betrayed her composure. Even her watery eyes still held the remnants of the pleasure she had felt.

If I pressed further, I might uncover her most hidden truths.

Sensing my intent, she steadied her voice and spoke calmly.

“I’m tired.”

“It’s late.”

“The bed is warm enough now.”

With her usual guarded demeanor, she wrapped the night’s secrets in a thin veil of excuses. I untangled my legs from hers and rose from the bed, my reluctance tempered by the need for rest.

Turning toward the window to leave, I paused as her voice stopped me.

“Use the door. A bird recently nested by the window, and I’d rather you not disturb it.”

“Should I take this as permission to return?”

“You’ll get nothing from me, hero.”

“But I’ve already received it twice.”

“That’s only because there was a debt to repay.”

Mirian had composed herself, once again the dignified queen. Yet her voice still carried the faint echo of her earlier breaths.

“That’s all there is. That I owed you something.”

“Then… if I manage to put you in my debt again, can I return?”

“All I want is for you to make the princess happy.”

“And nothing else?”

“Who knows.”

At that moment, the door creaked open. A cold draft swept through the room, widening the gap between us.

“That’s something you can think about on your own, can’t you?”

“I…”

“Leave.”

Her curt command extinguished any lingering sentiment. Before I could respond, I felt an unseen force push me backward, ejecting me into the hallway.

The door slammed shut behind me with a heavy thud. Coughing softly, I brushed off the dust stirred by its movement.

“Cough… cough…”

“…”

“Hah…”

A sigh escaped me as my racing heartbeat slowed. Feeling the weight of the empty hallway, I looked up at the void of the night sky above.

But a faint sound in the darkness caught my attention.

“…”

“…?”

Instinctively, I turned toward the noise. Though my eyes found only shadow, I lingered, unable to look away.

It might have been my imagination, but I thought I’d heard something. If it was real, it would have been the sound of footsteps.