SWNOVELS Chapter 20
Chapter 20
HENRIETTA
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It was when Andreas wrapped his arms around my waist that I got back to my senses.
Releasing the lapel of his coat, I moved to push him away. However, his grip tightened, drawing me irresistibly closer, the kiss deepening with an intensity I hadn’t anticipated.
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My eyes were wide open but as he moved his head to the side to get better access, I found my hands and knees. weakening until I started to answer his kiss with the same fire and intensity.
Andreas was not kidding when he told me once he was an excellent kisser. Just when I was about to fully give in, he nibbled on my lower lip, biting it gently, making me let out a sound so inappropriate. And then he pulled away, our breaths mixing with our proximity.
We were staring at each other, my head filled with questions and confusion as I looked at his piercing blue eyes, gazing back at me.
“I’m starting to believe this is indeed why you called me to come,” he smiled, peering down at my lips once again. I hated how I did the same and how the temptation to grab him down to capture his lips filled my thoughts again.
I immediately pulled him away, almost stumbling as I did so. He attempted to help me get back on my feet but I stopped him with a hand.
“Don’t-“I closed my eyes firmly, trying to shake the memory of that kiss and how good he was with it. I took a deep breath and faced him. “I only did it because I wanted you to stop teasing me.”
He raised a brow and he scoffed before he pushed himself away from the wall and said, “You could have just asked me to stop. Kissing me was not necessary.” He stepped closer, making me back away. “Perhaps you really wanted to kiss me and just used that as an excuse?”
He stuffed his hands inside his pockets and angled his head, that insufferable grin curving his mouth.
Indeed, why did I succumb to the impulse? Confusion clouded my thoughts. Was that kiss necessary, or did I act on some inexplicable desire? I couldn’t help but question even my own motives.
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But I had to regain my composure and not make him think he was right. So I straightened my back and looked at him straight in the eyes.
“That kiss will never happen again,” I said with conviction but the grin on his mouth widened as though I said something utterly nonsensical.
The arrogant look on his face was back as he chuckled and said, “Only time will tell, Henrietta.”
“Even as you’re the only man left in this world, I will never, ever kiss you again.”
“Aww. Come now. It wasn’t that terrible, was it? You kissed me back-
I turned and walked away before I could hear the rest of his sentences. I heard him laughing and running after me but I was more determined to get away because of embarrassment.
I could hear him running after me so I walked faster. “Let’s meet another time!” I yelled, refusing to glance back but then I felt his hand on my wrist, pulling me close to him. The force was enough to make me slam on his chest. The next thing I heard was the sound of the horse’s footsteps as a carriage passed by.
The surroundings continued buzzing, but my ears rang. As I pressed them against his chest, his heartbeat drowned out the noise, creating an unexpected quietness around us.
He gently pushed me away, peering down on me. “If it is too embarrassing for you, I’ll stop. But if you make another move like you did earlier, I can’t promise I’ll stop with just a kiss.”
My throat went dry.
“I’m not certain if you are aware of this, Henrietta, but you are an alluring woman. It’s undeniable that any man. would be drawn to savor those lips, and I’m certainly not an exception.”
Then his hand loosened its hold around my waist and I was embarrassed to admit to myself I wanted to feel more of his warmth.
“But if you desire it, I would not refuse. Just say the word and I will willingly give it to you grin was back on his lips and my cheeks flustered.
a kiss, that is.” His
But before I could even retort, someone cleared his throat behind us. We both turned around to see it was Aiden, looking at us with that hint of a smile. Behind him is the carriage.
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“The Alpha King has called for both of your presence,” he announced, throwing a knowing glance in Andreas”
direction.
“Did you take care of it?” asked Andreas and Aiden nodded.
“It’s all taken care of.”
I turned to face Andreas. “Do you have any idea why the Alpha King wants to see us?” I asked the moment we got inside the carriage.
“I have no idea, to be honest, but I am guessing it is all about the Ritual.”
I gasped, covering my mouth. “Do you think the Alpha King knew that we sneaked out?”
He leaned back in his seat and said, “You sound worried.”
“Shouldn’t Ibe?”
“I was under the impression you couldn’t be bothered to care if there were any consequences for leaving the Ritual.”
I sighed. He had a valid point. I had already compromised the situation the moment I chose to leave last night. Yet, in my defense, who would penalize someone for resisting confinement in a room with a man? Although he was meant to be my husband, it was all a charade. There was no necessity for it.
We were both quiet as we rode the carriage straight to the Palace. I was thankful for the silence as I had a lot of things inside my head.
I showed Andreas the weapon I planned to use to start everything and now, I wait for the right time to reveal its sharp edges. All I need is the patience and strong wits to know how to play my cards right. I had a feeling Andreas would be able to help me with it. But there was still a bit of a gnawing feeling—fear– if it was right for me to trust Andreas with it. It was one of the reasons why I was tossing and turning in the bed last night. I merely relied on my gut feeling and it’s telling me I have no one to trust other than the one who also needed my help. Andreas is the only one fitting that criteria.
We arrived at the Palace after moments of silence. Andreas helped me get down from the carriage and I could not deny how the feel of his skin against my hand sent me flashes of memories of what transpired between us.
As we walked towards the door, I saw Myrna and Yvette walking towards it too. They were polite enough to give
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me a curt smile but I knew better so I walked straight ahead with Andreas‘ hand on mine.
The moment, we entered the banquet room, the Alpha King and Philip were already there. I stood straight and did my curtsy while Andreas bowed and addressed both men.
“Take a seat, both of you. I have an important announcement to make,” the Alpha King said.
I looked at Philip who was just sipping his tea. I remembered our encounter this morning and seeing him again. made me want to storm out of the room. But I have no choice. So I sat down and waited until Myrna and Yvette
arrived.
Both of them stood and curtsied. “Your Majesty. It is an honor to be called here again,” said Yvette with that honey–filled voice. I used to admire how soft–spoken and sweet she sounded but not it brought nothing but
irritation.
“Of course, I would invite you here often. You’re the future wife of my son, after all.”
Yvette let out a dry smile before she forced a chuckle. The Alpha King gestured for them to sit as well.
Andreas, whether or not it was because he was acting, leaned to pour a cup of tea and handed it to me.
“Careful now, it’s hot. You mentioned earlier you had a headache,” he said.
I did not have a headache but for the sake of this act, I gave her the sweetest smile I could muster and accepted the tea. “Thank you,” I said, feigning the shyness.
The Al
Alpha King cleared his throat, and I made no attempt to conceal the blush on my cheeks. While I had agreed to play a role in front of everyone, the embarrassment was undeniable. Perhaps, it was intensified by the events that happened earlier.
I took a sip of the tea to hide the flush on my cheeks.
“I am glad everyone is getting along,” the Alpha King started, eyeing me and Andreas. “To be honest, I was worried about this arrangement but I am relieved now.”
The King stood and folded his hands in front of him, facing all of us. “As you already know, this is more of a
political marriage. I am sure you are not foreign to such a setting. This is to strengthen the relation between the Royal Family and the Silvanas, who continuously supported us since the birth of this Kingdom.”
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Myrna and Yvette sat prouder.
“As such, I wanted both our families to help each other. Hence, the marriage.
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Myrna smiled. “As the Lady of the House Silvana, I give you my word, Your Majesty, that our loyalty lies in the Royal Family.”
I placed the teacup gently onto the glass table, the sound was enough to make Myrna look at me.
“The Silvana family’s loyalty lies in the residents of this Kingdom. We aim to serve, as what my father and my ancestors have been upholding since the beginning of our relationship. Serving the people is to serve the Kingdom.” With a smile directed at both Myrna and the Alpha King, I continued, “After all, our goal is to secure what’s best for Veridia and her subjects.”
I noticed Myrna’s jaw briefly tense, only to release as swiftly as it tightened. She offered me a sweet smile, but before she could interject, the Alpha King spoke, “Which is why I am making this announcement today- something you have likely anticipated.
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I already saw it coming from a mile away but I did not expect the pain in my chest when the Alpha King made his
announcement.
“Philip and Yvette shall marry in a fortnight,” the Alpha King said and I felt like the room closed in on me, making it hard to breathe.
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