TCCIO 43

Chapter 43. How to Get Permission All at Once

Even within the royal palace of Eorenti, where everything seemed frozen as if in sleep, time flowed quietly on. The sun had tilted in the sky, now slanting its rays through the thick curtains. Soft beams of light, reminiscent of Delia’s golden hair, seeped into the room.

Aaron gently stroked the hair cascading across his chest. Her hair, bathed in light, slipped through his long fingers. Having come from a dark and desolate place, where light was absent, her presence felt even brighter—so much so, it was almost blinding.

The owner of that light lay fast asleep on his chest, seemingly exhausted. Aaron carefully caressed Delia’s back, rising and falling with her gentle breaths. His heart beat in tandem with hers, as if echoing their shared connection.

He had finally reclaimed what was his.

With the languid gaze of a well-fed beast, Aaron surveyed the room. Fitting for a princess of Eorenti, it was filled with a soft and serene atmosphere—purple sheets embroidered with gold flowers, sheer canopies around the bed, wallpaper with floral designs, furniture adorned with lilies.

Everything suited Delia.

Then again, even if there were guns and swords here, she’d still suit them. There was nothing in the world that didn’t match her.

The thought made Aaron chuckle quietly to himself. His breath of contentment made Delia flinch.

Ah, I didn’t mean to wake her.

Aaron held his breath and watched her stir. He felt her arms push against his chest slightly, as if she were trying to get up. She trembled like a newborn fawn learning to walk. Everything about her was delicate and unsteady.

“If you’re tired, you can sleep a little more.”

Aaron whispered, running his hand up her smooth back. Even with the light pressure of his hand, Delia collapsed back onto his chest, trapped in his embrace once again.

“I have to get up.”

Her voice was hoarse, thick from the moans she’d let out until dawn. Her blinking blue eyes were glazed and dreamy, heavy with drowsiness. Aaron smiled quietly, finding even her disheveled state delightful.

“With how weak you are, how do you expect to get up?”

“And whose fault is that?”

Delia grumbled as she nestled deeper into his arms. The strength that had rocked her body all night still felt like it was shaking her now. Her entire body was sore to the point that even standing felt impossible—but she didn’t hate it.

Basking in the hazy aftermath, she listened to the steady beat of his heart. Always so regular, so grounding. Delia surrendered to the comfort and closed her eyes again.

“I even went easy on you. You seemed so fragile.”

Delia furrowed her brow slightly, eyes still shut. Went easy on her? He had done everything he wanted! She traced her fingers over his chest, grumbling with sarcasm.

“Tch. Thank you so much for your ‘kindness.’”

“You should just stay in the palace and rest. And you were even thinking of going to Boswell.”

“You knew about that too?”

“There are ways to find things out.”

Delia’s hand, which had been lazily trailing over his chest, froze. She suddenly thought of Mei, whom she had lost track of at the palace. That bastard. He slipped away like a fish and tattled!

As she stopped moving, Aaron’s hand began to move.

“You still haven’t had enough.”

“You’ve got to be kidding me.”

“I actually want to wear you out so much you can’t even think of moving.”

His touch down her spine betrayed the desire he had yet to satisfy. The beastly heat of his hand, marking his territory, made Delia shiver and recoil.

“Should I be saying thank you for sparing my life?”

“Which is why we should hurry up and have a wedding.”

His low voice made Delia snap her eyes open. It was as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over her.

“A wedding?”

“A marriage ceremony. I can’t have you running off to Boswell again. I need to make sure you never even think of it.”

Delia blinked for a moment, staring at the dust floating in the light, then spoke firmly.

“No way!”

“Why not?”

“You haven’t gotten permission from my parents yet.”

“Your parents?”

“You need to tell my parents and get their blessing before we marry.”

At her resolute words, Aaron’s face hardened. In his mind, the image of the king pointing a gun at him yesterday flashed by. That king had merely been bait—to draw her out, to keep her captive. And yet now, his princess wanted him to ask that bait for permission.

Aaron, speechless for a moment, twisted a lock of her hair around his fingers.

“Do I… really need to get their permission?”

“Of course you do.”

“But I’m the regent. That makes me acting king. If I give permission, isn’t that enough?”

“Even if the regent gives permission, I still need my parents’ blessing.”

“Wow… You’re very strict about separating public and private matters, Princess.”

“And I also need the Elder Council’s approval.”

“The Council too?”

“Obviously. I’m a princess of Eorenti. I can’t marry if the Elder Council opposes it.”

“Why is this so complicated?”

“We have to follow proper procedures. If not, the marriage can be deemed invalid. Royal marriages aren’t done on a whim.”

Aaron furrowed his brow deeply, dismayed.

“This is fraud. A complete con.”

“Fraud?”

“You promised to marry me—and we slept together. And now you’re saying I have to go ask permission?”

At his childish whining, Delia let out a bright laugh. She sat up and looked down at him, her golden hair brushing his chest.

“Do you know who I respect most?”

“I don’t want to hear it. Don’t say it.”

Delia smiled sweetly and answered anyway.

“My parents.”

Aaron’s scowl didn’t ease. He’d hoped to ignore that part. But now, another mountain to climb.

“So?”

“I want to get married with their blessing. That means I need their permission.”

Delia reached out and gently stroked his forehead. Slowly, the deep furrow between his brows began to fade.

“And I need the Council’s approval to make our marriage official. That’s the only way it will be recognized. Still don’t like it?”

When she coaxed him like that, Aaron had no choice but to sigh. If the princess said it so firmly, he had no choice. He’d just have to get their permission. Damn it.

Still, Aaron’s mind started working quickly. He’d try pressure, expensive jewels, and…

“Then help me. Help me get their permission all at once.”

As he spoke, Aaron gathered Delia’s soft hair to one side. The golden strands, like they might reveal bare skin at any moment, tumbled across his chest. His eyes grew heated, as if on a treasure hunt.

“Really? Is there a way to get their permission all at once?”

Delia tilted her head, trying to picture the stiff Elder Council members.

“With your help, it’s possible.”

“If I can help, of course I will.”

At her agreement, Aaron smiled slyly. His hand slid down her silky shoulder, trailing slowly along her back.

“Let’s have a child. Once they see a grandchild, they’ll give permission right away.”

“Commander Aaron Bergen.”

“The Elder Council won’t be able to object once there’s a royal heir.”

Delia blushed furiously at his blunt words, her ears burning red.

“No.”

“Why not? This is the best way.”

“You’re skipping steps. Permission comes first.”

“What’s so important about the order? Just cooperate a little.”

“I can’t cooperate with that.”

Delia tried to pull away from his clingy hands.

“Enough. I want to go see my parents. I need to make sure they’re okay.”

But Aaron dragged her back under him.

“I’ve hidden them somewhere safe. Let’s do it one more time, and then I’ll take you.”

“Please, stop. You’ve been saying ‘just one more time’ since last night. I’m not falling for it again.”

“We have to get permission quickly. One time each—let’s do ten.”

His hot lips sucked at the tender skin under her chin.

“No. Stop.”

Their bodies stuck together like glue. No matter how she squirmed, he wouldn’t let go. Exhausted, Delia sighed and muttered.

“Ugh, what is this? It’s ridiculous.”

“What is?”

His breath grazed her collarbone.

“You say you’ll do as I say. You say you’re loyal to me.”

“I am. So?”

“Then why doesn’t anything go my way? I feel like I’m being dragged around.”

Aaron finally pulled back and looked at her. Seeing her pouting beneath him, he couldn’t help but smile.

“That’s because I’m not fully trained yet.”

“What?”

“You know how when someone walks a big dog, sometimes the dog drags the owner? You need to do some training to make the dog listen.”

Delia’s pride flared at that.

“Really? Then I’ll give you intense training.”

“Intense training?”

“I’ll tame you properly so you obey. This wild behavior needs to stop.”

At her firm voice, Aaron’s smile deepened. He’d been hoping she’d say that.

“Good thinking. Master.”

“Master?”

Delia blinked, confused by the sudden title.

“I like intense training. I like soft training. I like rough training even more.”

With a wicked smile, Aaron dove into her arms.

“Master, I love all training. Please train me.”

Then she realized how he had interpreted her “intense training.”

“No.”

Memories of last night flooded back, and Delia shook her head furiously.

“I don’t have the energy to train you right now.”

After all that torment until dawn… Again? She had to get away. Delia squirmed, desperate to escape.

“Just a light workout, then, Master. If you leave me like this…”

Aaron pulled her in gently, whispering softly.

“I might get aggressive.”

A chill ran down her spine at the dangerous undertone beneath his gentle words. Delia shuddered, memories returning vividly.

“No.”

Too big. He’s way too big. Like an owner being dragged by a giant dog, Delia was pulled back into his arms.

“Haa… I said no…”

Her deep sigh was swallowed by Aaron’s mouth. In the dust-filled light, a damp sound echoed. Before long, the clear air of the room turned hazy with the heat they created.