TPHRU 42

Chapter 42…

The Sun-Kissed Princess Makes a Decision.

Pressing her face into the pillow, Felicia took a deep breath, trying to calm her wildly beating heart.
She closed her eyes to take another deep breath. But the moment she did, Yoan’s ruby-red eyes, which she had seen under the moonlight earlier, came back to her mind, and she felt as if he were still staring at her. In a panic, she quickly opened her eyes again.
(Lord Yoan’s face was so close… I thought my heart might stop…)

He was gazing at her from so near that the tips of his soft bangs brushed against hers, and her heart thudded so violently it felt as if it might shatter.

Being looked at so directly with those captivating eyes made it impossible for her to stay calm. She was intoxicated, ensnared by the alluring, wine-like scent that seemed to emanate from him.
(For me… and wanting to stay together until morning…)

Wrapped in the sweet, sensual scent of Yoan’s robe, she was caught in the illusion of being embraced, hugging herself tightly along with the robe. Her cheeks burned where they had been touched. There was no longer any way to deny her feelings.

(I love Lord Yoan.)

That overwhelming feeling raced through her entire body. How painful, and yet how blissful, is love.
The world seemed more vivid, her own outline more defined—a strange, thrilling sensation. Her heart burned deep inside. The presence of someone who would protect her with unwavering eyes was unbearably precious and comforting—even if it stemmed from a sense of duty to her for being saved by her.

Realizing it was duty made her chest ache slightly.
Tight, pounding, and pricking—when in love, the heart is so busy.

She gazed at the moon peeking through the window as the sleepless night dragged on.

“Lady Felicia, would you like to rest a little more this morning? It seems Lord Yoan is still asleep as well.”

Hugo spoke with concern to Felicia, who seemed more absent-minded than usual. She had been helping prepare breakfast while also getting ready to make sweets, but her lack of sleep made her clumsy.

“I’m sorry, I’m so absent-minded. I suppose I’m in the way.”
“No, not at all. You just looked far too sleepy,” Hugo chuckled softly.

Feeling as though Hugo had somehow seen through what had happened last night, Felicia blushed.
“I just… couldn’t fall asleep. But it’s alright.”

No matter how sleepy she was, she wanted to prepare the sweets for Yoan herself. It was her responsibility. One of the few things she could do to bring him joy with her own hands.

(Today’s sweets should be something simple to mix and bake… It would be a disaster if I couldn’t make anything to serve Lord Yoan.)

Taking the basket full of blueberries Hugo had gathered from the forest, Felicia began her preparations.