I'm afraid to let you marry him

This is the first time I've had a bruise that wasn't caused by a punch, Selah thought, looking at herself in the mirror. Even if she wanted to hide it with her hair, the reddish bruises on her neck would be seen if Selah moved even a little. Selah had never had a bruise like this before. Can it disappear overnight?

"Don't worry, I didn't try too hard. It will be gone in no time," said Aeneas after leaving the bruise on Selah's neck.

Selah snorted, then started questioning her earlier actions, "Why did I just let it go? It must be because of that damnes novel…."

Even though hours had passed, Selah could still feel it and clearly remember every word Aeneas whispered. Either because Selah's memory is too good or because she remembers the erotic part in the novel.

Aeneas might call it kissing, but Selah calls it so much more. Because in reality, it wasn't just Aeneas' lips that Selah felt. It wasn't just Selah's lips that Aeneas touched. Those cold hands that felt soft explored every curve of her body, infiltrating her dress no matter how many times she was reprimanded. His hoarse whispers made her unable not to say his name back. And her lips… for the first time, they didn't just touch hers.

Next time, Selah would ask Lady Xavia and the others for other, more civilized novel recommendations.

I can't get carried away like this, Selah thought after blowing out the candles in her room.

She promised herself that if Aeneas did anything more than today before they were married.

"Now, let's sleep and clear your mind, Selah."

***

"I will look for another dress with a higher collar, Your Grace."

Selah could only wave her hand, telling her maid to get another dress.

He is lying! He said the bruises would be gone in no time! How could Selah go to the palace looking like this lewd?!

"Just watch out if I see him later," Selah hissed, annoyed.

After exerting various efforts, finally the bruise can be hidden. Archibald never hit where it was visible. Even if it did, he would ensure Selah didn't leave the house until the scars disappeared. So now Selah and her maids are confused about how to hide the bruises which are actually not that big. Luckily they still found a way, even though it took a long time.

"What? Just say it," Selah said fiercely to Janette, who looked like she wanted to say something as she walked her to the front.

Unusually, this time Janette was reassured. The lady in waiting actually looks happy. "Apologies for my impudence, Your Grace. But perhaps you need some makeup to hide your bruises in the future?"

"Huh?" Selah clenched her fists tightly. Did Janette just think Selah and Aeneas would do it again?

"Mr. Jeremiah asked me to ask you because he is a man."

Jeremiah! shouted Selah in her heart. "Just do as you please," Selah chuckled, then got into her carriage without anyone's help.

"I understand, Your Grace." Janette smiled broadly at Selah. "Hope your trip to the Palace goes well."

Why do people look happy with the bruises Aeneas left?!

The high collar that covered Selah's neck was uncomfortable. During the trip, she kept tugging at it. Especially now that it is summer, the high collar makes it feel hot.

But once they arrived at the palace, Selah couldn't help but have to stay calm. Don't let her attract attention by tugging at her collar. Wrong one, the bruises even exposed.

I won't let him do it again. I won't let him do it again! That's how Selah chanted silently for hours as she endured her discomfort. She should buy some makeup to hide her bruises first.

Luckily, despite the discomfort, Selah was still able to function properly. And it's true what Aeneas said, King Tristan's condition is getting better now.

"But no one knows when His Majesty's condition will deteriorate again. Therefore, whenever there is an opportunity like this, we must immediately prepare," explained a ministry staff to Selah.

"No wonder sometimes Father likes to leave suddenly," Selah said as if she had just learned about King Tristan's condition.

"Yes. For that, we ask for your understanding, Your Grace. King Tristan's erratic health is a secret. I hope you can take good care of him."

"Of course, I understand. I also don't want to make a fuss in society."

Blair chaired the day's work meeting. This is the first time Selah has seen him become a leader like this. During their first engagement, Selah only saw him working in his study.

Well, now why does he keep glancing at me like that? thought Selah. She just felt more and more uncomfortable.

After getting the day off yesterday, Selah's energy and mind were immediately squeezed in such a way the next day. She had to correct her father's mistake; the day's work meeting was long. When the sky was dark, she could only go home.

All that was on Selah's mind at that time were hot tea and fluffy egg sandwiches. But Blair intercepted her at a most inopportune moment.

"Is there anything I can help you with, Your Highness?" Selah asked after greeting him.

"You don't seem surprised to learn about His Majesty's condition," Blair said. "Even though I'm pretty sure I never said anything to you."

"You never said anything to me, Your Highness," Selah said emphatically, trying to change the subject. "I'm curious. What other things are you hiding from me?"

"Who knows." Blair's hand moved slowly to Selah's neck and ran his forefinger there. "Obviously, I'm better at hiding things than you."

Selah swatted Blair's hand away. This man must have seen the bruises on Selah's neck and knew what caused them.

"How?" he asked. He suddenly approached.

"What?" asked Selah alertly.

"How did Aeneas touch you?" whispered Blair. "Where has he touched you?"

"Hey." Selah tugged at Blair's tie and glared at him. "Do you think that is a proper question?"

"We never did anything when we were together. So I was wondering how you would react. Are you feeling happy? Do you feel–"

Selah's hand was already flying, ready to strike, but Blair managed to stop it. His bigger and stronger hand caught Selah's hand. With one rough jolt, Selah brushed it off.

"I don't remember Crown Prince of Balthasar having such an insolent mouth," Selah hissed.

"I also don't remember Duchess Dulcia being this impudent as to dare to hit Crown Prince of Balthasar," Blair replied. "You still have a hard time controlling yourself, Selah. You get angry easily at the smallest thing. I became afraid to let you marry Aeneas."

Aeneas often annoyed Selah, but Selah never really thought about hitting Aeneas. But judging by the way Blair was talking just now…

"If you know the big thing he's hiding, can you control your anger?" asked Blair in an intimidating tone. "Duchess Dulcia, I will never forgive you if Aeneas gets hurt because of you."