We distanced ourselves the moment we arrived at the plaza after the sun was set. We didn’t even talk nor speak to each other.
How am I supposed to enjoy myself here in the plaza if neither of us is okay right now?
I must think of ways to get out of this awkward situation so I could at least enjoy my day off. I don’t even know why His Majesty has to follow me here when he could have chosen to leave me here alone.
I silently snorted after that.
I roamed my eyes around as I saw the lanterns hanging around in the posts with lots of food stalls and some magic shows were set up in the plaza. The place was extravagant and I wanted to stroll around on every corner of this place.
I stopped walking when my nostrils smelled something smoky but smelled delicious. I followed the smell, feeling my mouth watering.
I gasped in delight seeing the food stall grilling lots of meat dishes. “Kebab!” I exclaimed and clasped my hands. I turned to Claude who was beside me and looked at me with arching his eyebrow. “Let’s purchase! Let’s purchase it!” I couldn’t help my excitement.
The grilled meat was to die for. I wanted to eat them right away.
Claude nodded and didn’t say any words. I didn’t even expect him to even talk. As long as I am going to enjoy my day off, he would have his day ruined because of me.
I moaned in delight, munching on the grilled meat that I could have sworn tasted delicious. How juicy and tender the grilled meat was making me feel like I am on cloud nine.
I was about to bite another meat when someone held my hand where I was holding the skewer, seeing Claude ducking down and grabbing the last meat from the stick with his mouth. I shot him a glare, narrowing my eyes at him.
“Why did you steal it?!” I asked, shouting because the music band was noisy.
Claude just shrugged and passed by me. I hit him on his arm to my annoyance which he just gave me a sly smile. I shook my head and bought another kebab.
From beef meat to lamb meat, I wanted to sing along with the musicians from a nearby area. It tasted so good and the last meat was making me drool.
But before I could even bite the last lamb meat, Claude ducked down again and took it with his teeth. My jaw dropped in disbelief. What the hell is wrong with this guy?
I was already clenching the skewer, narrowing my eyes at him. But Claude just looked at me calmly. He knew I wouldn’t even dare to stab an Alpha King. I would be beheaded if I even dared to do that.
“You piece of annoying shit…” I couldn’t help exclaiming at him.
Claude smirked. “Someone’s getting mad,” he teased.
“Can’t you even purchase our meat skewer and you always wanted to steal my last meat?” I said, half-annoyed already.
I turned my back and left the grilled meat shop and went to the other one with a sullen feeling. I even ignored him when he teased me again. When I felt him parting ways with me, I suddenly felt alone but I just ignored him and went to the other food stall where they were selling hot soup and stew.
The smell of chicken soup was alluring so I purchased it for myself. Then I found a seat so I could settle and dig in.
‘He left already. Don’t even try to find him.’ I couldn’t even smell his scent because the place was crowded and I smelled different scents as people passed by me.
“Shut up,” I hastily mumbled and tried to calm myself, not to get teary-eyed. I took a deep breath and just enjoyed the soup I was sipping on. I moaned in delight. One of the best chicken soups I ever tasted. They said that chicken soup is good for the soul. I felt enlivened by it.
I flinched when four kebabs were waved in front of me. I blinked and glanced up, seeing Claude with a faint smile.
“For you.”
“Um…” Hesitant, I accepted them. Claude sat across me and stared intently which was making me uncomfortable. “I thought you already left…”
He gave me his lazy smile. “Why? Do you want me to leave already?”
“I-It’s not that, Your-” He shot me a glare. Perhaps I was about to address him. “C-Claude.” I focused my attention on my kebabs and smiled. “Are these for me? Really?”
He nodded. His eyes darted to my soup. “What are you eating now?”
“Chicken soup.” I pushed the bowl to him. “It’s yours now. Don’t worry, the soup is still warm.”
I already munched my kebab slowly and gently. I savored its taste and how heavenly it was.
“You eat like you haven’t tasted them before,” Claude said as he was sipping the soup from the bowl, indicating my kebabs.
“Well, I haven’t gone much to the capital so I savor my moment to eat them. Plus, there is no kind of grilled meat in the military. We have to stay fit and well-balanced.” Then I remembered something because I had eaten six skewers already. “Damn… I have to work out tomorrow. But I’ll think of that tomorrow.” I shrugged it off.
That earned Claude a chuckle. “So conscious.”
“We have to stay physically fit!” I said, frowning. “Plus, I need to ruin my secretary’s day tomorrow for making me work overtime yesterday.” I huffed. “More paperwork tomorrow. I have been living in a dull moment.” I was already sighing in disappointment. “Maybe I should try to skip work tomorrow and try to train the new soldiers! That would be more interesting!”
“Really, Rachelle?” He was arching his eyebrow. “You said that right in front of me?”
That caught me off guard. Shit… Why did I even say that in the first place? Right in front of His Majesty!
I smiled wryly. “Um… Forget I ever said that,” I said as I was scratching the back of my head, feeling embarrassed.
He rolled his eyes and shook his head.
“Should we visit the carnival? Or some puppet shows or magic shows? Or take a stroll?” I asked as we were both done eating.
He shrugged. “Wherever you want to go, count me in.”
“Okay.” I shrugged my shoulders.
We took a stroll in every part of the plaza. There were so many fascinating and enthralling things here. Especially more food!
We stopped by the people who were dancing on the platform. They were dancing along with the music played by the musicians. It looks fun to be there dancing like there was no tomorrow. The melodious musicians were enough to give a vibe that will make you dance even if you are not on the platform.
I flinched when a hand laid in front of me. I turned to see Claude with a deep bow.
“Will you offer me a dance, milady?”
I opened my mouth to say something but no words came out. His action was so sudden but I managed to react.
“I-I don’t know how to dance.” Hesitant, I accepted his hand which made Claude smile more.
“I will guide you. And worry not, if you step on either of my feet. I won’t hold a grudge for tomorrow.” He gently pulled me as we both went upstairs up to the platform. “Plus, you can dance according to your liking. It is freestyle and no one will judge you. Rest assured. You’ll have fun.”
I chuckled when he started to dance in his own style. I mimicked him and laughed it out with him. Although I stepped on his feet so many times, as he promised, Claude wouldn’t mind it and just chuckled over it.
“This is really fun,” I complimented when we both held hands and turned around, jumping.
“I told you.” He smiled and it looked like he was radiating sunlight.
When the music stopped, Claude turned me and made me arch my back with his hand supported on it. I was clinging to his neck.
We were both breathless as our chest rose up and down, catching our breath. Claude and I looked into each other’s eyes. There was an unexplainable expression written on his eyes that made my heart jump out from my ribcage. Our faces were so close to each other. Even our lips were almost touching together. One more lean and our lips would descend to each other. His alluring scent was lingering on my nostrils again that made me want to smell him for so long.
Why do I have a feeling that I want to be near him? Why do I want him to touch me?
We both snapped back when we heard the claps from the crowds and the musicians played another joyous instrumental music. He and I quickly distanced from each other as we cleared our throats.
“We should go.”
We both glanced at each other when we both spoke in unison.
“I agree,” I immediately said while laughing inwardly. Claude nodded and plastered a small smile.
We went down from the platform as we both felt awkward with each other. Neither of us was daring to speak as we started to take a stroll again. We watched some puppet shows and even some operas.
When we managed to pass by a tavern, I suddenly remembered something.
“Claude.” I held the hem of his shirt, stopping him from walking.
“Yes?” He tilted his head, questioning me.
“What does booze taste like?”
“What?” He looked at me, surprised. He huffed like something was funny to him. I didn’t answer him and glued my eyes to the tavern where I could smell some alcoholic beverages. Claude turned his head and released a cackle. “You haven’t tried?” I nodded. Then he smiled wryly at my answer. “It tastes bitter if you are a first-timer. But the taste will subside as soon as you get used to it.” He shrugged.
“Do you have a high tolerance?” I blinked twice.
He nodded. “Yes. I used to drink in some inns and pubs when I got to travel alone.”
“I wonder what it tastes like. Can I chug one mug as a first-timer?” I only drank wine but heavy booze? I haven’t tried any of them yet.
Claude laughed and placed his hand on top of my head. “No, you can’t, Rachelle. You’ll get drunk and you won’t like having a headache tomorrow morning once you are sober. Believe me.”
“How about half of the mug?”
“Are you trying to get yourself wasted?” He shook his head. I frowned. It was as if I would even have myself wasted. “You can try one-fourth of the mug. Then I will drink the rest of it,” he said when he noticed my expression. He took my hand. “Come.”
“Only one-fourth?” I asked in disappointment as soon as we got into the new tavern.
“One mug, please,” Claude ordered to the barman as soon as we approached the counter and sat in the high stool chair. When the mug of beer was served to him, Claude carefully slid it to me. “Take a sip first.”
I sniffed the booze first. I felt like my stomach was about to churn out. I looked at Claude first. When he nodded and smiled, I lowered down my head to take a sip.
My face turned sour as I felt like I wanted to gag as I coughed. “Shit… The wine tastes better than this.”
Claude laughed. “Because you are only a first-timer, Rachelle.” He took the mug. “I’ll chug it down and we should head back. It’s getting late already.”
“Wait!” I stopped him. “I’ll try again. One-fourth.” I showed him the amount of one-fourth to my fingers.
Hesitant, he gave me the mug again. “One-fourth only, Rachelle.” I nodded.
I cleared my throat and took a deep breath before taking a drink. At first gulp, I coughed. Good thing Claude was there to caress my back. I gulped again. I could feel my body getting hot with each gulp I got.
I gasped when Claude flicked my forehead which made me distanced myself from the mug. “I said one-fourth. Look at yourself. You’re already flustering.” He hissed as I was touching my forehead. He just flicked with his fingers.
Frowning, I fanned myself, feeling hot. I watched Claude shake his head then chugged down the rest. I envied him because it seemed he didn’t fluster from that booze. Maybe that was what it means to have a high tolerance for alcohol.
“Aren’t you feeling hot?” I asked as we stormed out from the tavern.
He shook his head. “This is nothing. It would take me more than ten mugs to knock me over. Are you alright?”
I held onto his shoulder when my vision blurred a little. “Just feeling a little dizzy but I am fine.”
But that won’t convince him. He faced his back to me and bent his knees. “Ride on my back. You can’t walk around swaying.”
“But-”
“Don’t be stubborn and just listen to me, Rachelle,” he ordered.
“Okay.” I have no choice but to follow him. He just used his Alpha tone so I couldn’t defy him. I rode on his back and Claude carefully lifted me to his back. I clung to his neck and settled my chin to his left shoulder. I secretly sniffed him. “You smelled like mint and after rain. Do you know that?” I couldn’t help expressing myself.
I felt him stiffened and stopped from walking when he heard me sniffing again. “I-I already know that. But stop blabbering. You’re just drunk, Rachelle.” He shook his head and started walking again.
I giggled and leaned my head to his. “I’m not. I’m feeling good but feeling hot at the same time.” I sighed.
“Damn it…” I heard him mumbling something.
“And you are so cute as well.” I poked his cheek.
“Rachelle…” he said in a matter of surrender.
“It’s true though!” He stayed silent. I leaned my head to his shoulder, feeling a little drowsy.
I sniffed him again. His scent and his cologne were alluring. It was making me calm. I knew my wolf and I had the same thought. She agreed with me.
I could even feel the broadness of his shoulders and how packed his back was. I wonder what he looked like when he was shirtless.
“What did you say?” I blinked when he spoke.
“What?” I raised my head, seeing him trying to look at me.
“I heard you voicing out what I look like if I am shirtless.” His rugged breath was almost fanning me.
“Did I even voice it out?”
“Yes. You just didn’t know.”
“Oh.” I settled my chin on his shoulder again. “I already saw you shirtless before,” I said through giggling. I remembered him exposing his six-pack abs.
“I know. It was from the past. So that is why I am surprised by your statement.”
We both stayed silent again. I just watched him taking strides to the palace. I wish I could be with him again.
“Claude?”
“Hmm?”
“If I have my day off again, will you come with me again?”
“I am not sure. Why?”
That disappointed me. Sighing, I bit my lower lip. “I had fun, to be honest. It was so fun to be with you.”
“R-Really?”
I nodded. “Even though you are annoying sometimes, I had fun strolling around to the capital because you are here. I thanked the moon goddess that she pushed you to come here,” I said through chuckling. “I just wish I can be with you again. I’m sorry if I haven’t accepted you yet, Claude. I am just lost. I want to find who I am.”
I heard his snort. “I already heard that so many times, Rachelle.”
“But it’s true. I have plans to accept you if ever I get to find out the truth about where I come from or who I am.”
“What?” Claude immediately stopped. “What did you say again?” This time, he turned his head to look at me.
I blinked. “I have plans to accept you as my mate. But those things are a hindrance to my plan. Then I saw you kissing Duchess Amelia…” I smiled bitterly. “Do you even know what I felt when I caught you two? My world has been shattered. I was… hurt and in pain.” Tears fell from my eyes upon remembering that memory. “That’s why I decided to reject you and ended things that must never start to begin with… I was wolfless since I rejected you. My wolf sulked and never contacted me again until you came here and introduced yourself as our Alpha King. Then that kindled bond ignited again was made my wolf contacted me again.”
When I looked at his eyes, I saw the sadness and longing in them. That pained me seeing that.
I held his face with my hand the moment he put me down.
Claude smiled sadly and caressed my face. “If you aren’t drunk right now, will you be able to say these things to me again, Rachelle?” He kissed my forehead and looked directly into my eyes. “I will be happier if you are sober and you say those things to me. But I will believe what you said right now are your true feelings. If you are drunk or tipsy, you will be able to say what you feel. No lies intended. Pardon me but I will take advantage of your state. I will ask you some personal questions.” He chuckled which made me chuckle as well.
“I am in denial as having as my mate but believe me, deep inside, I am so close to accepting you…” It’s the truth. That is what I am feeling.
“I’m glad to hear that. I know that tomorrow, you won’t even remember our conversation. But I have a question.”
“Yes?” I asked softly.
“Why don’t you want to be my Luna Queen?”
I stared at him and smiled softly. “I can’t be your Luna Queen. That will seldom give me the freedom to enter the battlefield. I can’t sit around. But I can’t see you marrying someone else, Claude. That is all the truth.”
Claude brought my hands to his lips. “I can’t marry someone else as well, Rachelle. It is only you that I imagined to get married with and bear my pups.” Then he sighed. “You are right. Being the Luna Queen, you will only settle yourself for the kingdom. You can’t be able to enter the battlefield. That would be frustrating on your part… I should be considerate to your feelings.” He hugged me so tight. I even heard him sniffing me. I closed my eyes and hugged him back. “I want to be a selfish one. I don’t want you to grant a brigade. What if you hurt yourself again? And I am not there to protect you? Then I would see you again in the infirmary. Badly hurt.”
I chuckled. “I’ll be fine. I won’t die so easily, Claude.”
“I know. But I have seen you get hurt so many times. I even have to be incognito to see you when you entered the last rogue war. I just hate seeing you in a bedridden state.”
“I can’t breathe,” I said through chuckling.
“Sorry.” He loosened his hug. “You will not be able to remember our conversation. I hate that you had to admit your feelings to me through this drunk state. But at least, I know that you still have feelings for me and you won’t have a reason to reject me twice. I would die if you do that for the second time around.”
“I won’t. I won’t do it again. I promise.” I smiled. I am not going to reject him again. I already suffered in the past so I won’t do anything to make it twice.
“I’ll hold on to that, Rachelle.” He caressed my hair. “Let’s get back to the palace.” I nodded and smiled.
As we headed back to the palace, some royal guards were shocked seeing our state that I was on his back. They greeted Claude first before their eyes set on me.
“Your Majesty, is that General Rachelle?” A royal guard asked.
“Yes,” Claude said coldly. “I’ll bring her to her chamber. I don’t want anyone who will pass by to her chamber,” he ordered.
“Yes, Your Majesty. Understood.”
I chuckled the moment the royal guards were out of our sight. “Why are you so cold, Your Majesty?”
He turned at me as his expression changed to a soft one. “It’s already my behavior. But I am kind and merciful.”
I combed his hair and nodded. “Sure. I believe you.”
Claude stopped in front of my door and gently pulled me down
“Thank you, Claude.”
“You’re welcome.” He smiled. “I need to go,” he bid goodbye.
But I stopped him by pulling the hem of his shirt. Claude gave me a perplexed look. I didn’t say anything but just stared at him. My eyes lowered down to his lips. I had been wanting to taste his lips again. Is there any way I can tell him that I want to be kissed by him?
“Claude-”
“What do you want, Rachelle?” He faced me and trapped me in between his arms as my back was leaning to the door. He even put the strands of my hair behind my ear while looking at me intently. “What is it?” he asked, breathless. “You want something that I also want. Tell me…” he said in his husky voice.
“I want…” I paused as I clung to his neck and looked down to his lips again before meeting his eyes.
“What?” His thumb started tracing my lips that left me tingle down my spine. My breath was already heavy with his breath, with the smell of liquor, fanning my face.
I pulled down his head so I could descend my lips to him. It didn’t take long before Claude responded to my first move. He responded with equal fervor as much as I gave him the same intensity. I felt the soft mattress to my back but my attention was on Claude’s lips who had been kissing me so hungrily.
When his tongue entered my mouth, I released a moan and fought my tongue with him. I felt him positioning in between my thighs and rubbed himself, which made me feel hot and pooled me in between.
I clutched his hair when our kiss deepened. I grabbed the chance to touch him under his shirt and felt his hardened abs that made me pinched them gently.
“We should stop…” Claude said after breaking our kiss.
We were both breathless, catching our breath. I didn’t realize we were almost out of breath. I also felt my lips swollen from his kiss.
Claude started leaving wet kisses on my neck. “I am not going to take advantage of your drunken state, Rachelle…” My breath became heavy as his kisses to my neck were making me shudder. “I am not that kind of a man… I still respect you even though you rejected me before.” He looked at me. His hazel eyes were turning red. He bit his lower lip. “I need to go. I won’t be able to control my wolf if I stay here. I will mark you in no time if I keep on staying here, Rachelle.”
“You can stay.” I reached for his lips and teasingly bit his lower lip before pulling away. That made Claude growled. He shook his head and forced a smile.
“Don’t tempt me. I won’t hesitate to accept your invitation. But I don’t want you to wake up and not be able to remember everything. If ever I will mark you, I want you to remember it.” He caressed my cheek before he planted a soft kiss on my forehead. “I badly need to go. I need to go for a run. Take care, Rachelle.”
He immediately left my room. I even heard the loud footsteps of his wolf, going in the opposite direction.
I touched my lips. Then I smiled like an idiot.
‘Claude is a man of words,’ my wolf said in happiness.
“Indeed, he is.” I couldn’t agree more.