Chapter 295 Chapter 295

Chapter 295 Chapter 295
Morvan gave a dry huff that was neither a chuckle nor a snort, tumbling her over onto the bed and moving behind her, nimble as a cat.

“As my lady wishes,” he groaned, positioning himself behind her while Soraya’s body bloomed with anticipation. Heavens help her, but she could never get tired of Morvan’s sweet talk.

Not like she wanted to.
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The rain continued falling all through the night into the early morning. During this period, Xenon and Rayena were intimate, as neither could get enough of each other, until they both ended up completely exhausted and fell asleep.

Neither woke until mid-afternoon, and even then the rain was still drizzling, with everything clouded over.

Xenon slipped out of the bed then, heading toward the kitchen to prepare something for Rayena to eat. The latter didn’t have the strength to move out of the bed, so she didn’t bother, curling up in the sheets, Xenon’s scent still wrapped around her.

It took some time for the meal to be prepared, and once it was ready, Xenon came back to the bedroom, the food already dished out onto a tray.

As the scent of the broth wafted into Rayena’s nose, she hastily sat up, ignoring how every muscle in her body protested the action.

“Here you go,” Xenon muttered, placing the tray in front of her as he settled at her side.

“Thank you…” Rayena muttered, already picking up the spoon from the tray and dropping it into the bowl, scooping out some of the food.

She brought it to her mouth and chewed, her eyes brightening in surprise. “Hmm… it’s delicious.”

Xenon smiled, skin crinkling at the corners of his eyes. “Thanks, I’m glad you like it,” he muttered, watching as she wolfed it down, the sheeting sliding and falling down her body, revealing her bare skin. He forced himself to avert his gaze.

Rayena could only give satisfied mumbles.

Xenon gave a low chuckle, then glanced out the window.

His brows knitted in concern. “The rain isn’t letting up. I think it’s starting to gather again,” he muttered as a faint rumble of thunder filled the room.

“Hmmm?” Rayena asked, glancing out the window, then at Xenon, but he had yet to pay attention to her.

“I hope it doesn’t cause more harm than good,” he groaned.

Rayena slowly set her spoon down, giving him a warm smile. “I don’t think it will. Don’t worry about it. It’s much-needed rain after seven years of drought.”

Xenon shrugged. “Perhaps you’re right.”

He glanced at her half-finished meal and frowned. “You should eat some more.”

"I'm full..." she said, pushing the plate to him. "I think you should eat. You're just as exhausted as me."

A corner of Xenon's lips curled up, not quite forming a smile. "I appreciate the concern, but I assure you, I'm fine right now. I'll go eat once I'm hungry. You need this more than me. Go on, eat. Do you want me to feed you?" he teased.

Rayena's cheeks warmed at the offer, but she shook her head. "If you insist," she murmured, going back to her meal, eating heartily.

Xenon watched her, feeling an odd sense of satisfaction as he did, before another distant rumble distracted him. The drizzle was getting stronger.

It was going to rain again.

He let out a soft sigh and rose to his feet. "I'll prepare you a bath," he announced, walking out of the bedroom.

When he returned a long while later, it was with buckets of hot, steaming water. He rolled a tub into the room and poured all the buckets of water into it, adding fragrant oils and dried herbs.

Next, he set up the soap and washcloths, as well as a clean towel. Rayena had already finished eating and was feeling rather heavy when he walked back to her.

"Are you alright? Come on, let me bathe you," Xenon said, offering to carry her.

Rayena looked up at him, blinking slowly before noticing his outstretched hands and wading between them. Xenon carried her out of the bed, free of the sheets, and into the tub of hot water.

Rayena gave a soft sigh as her body submerged into the water, her eyelids drifting closed.

"This feels good," she groaned, a soft sigh spilling from her lips.

"I know. You need it," he murmured.

Setting her to the side, Xenon lathered the soap in his hands and gently began washing her body, making sure to reach everywhere, careful not to disturb her. By the time he was done washing her, Rayena had fallen asleep.

The rain began to pour down, the sky already blackened by storm clouds. Xenon looked out the window, watching as rain pattered steadily against the sill, a constant, soothing rhythm.

He promptly went to change the sheets and carried Rayena out of the tub, wrapping her in a clean towel before laying her in bed.

Her eyelids fluttered, but she didn't wake, her breathing deepening in sleep.

Clearing up all the materials he had used, he returned to her side, snuggling beside her, his face buried in her hair. Closing his eyes, he listened to the rain as it danced on the rooftops, allowing himself to drift off to sleep.
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That was how they spent the next few days in the cottage—cuddling, being intimate, or just going on walks whenever the weather allowed. They talked about everything and nothing, getting to know more about each other.

It was such a blissful, simple time Rayena almost wished it wouldn't end. But she also knew better; this was fleeting, and in a matter of time, duty would call. It was best if she made the most of it.

One afternoon, they were out on a walk while it was sunny when Rayena noticed several green patches on the ground that weren't there the previous day.

"Xenon, look!" she called aloud, her voice filled with excitement. Xenon followed her line of sight and saw what she was pointing out.

"Plants! They are sprouting again!" she added as they walked toward one. She bent down, uprooting one from the ground. "The land is waking up again. The people must be overjoyed."

"They better be," Xenon answered, his voice tinged with relief, eyes warm. "This will make things easier for me. All I need to worry about is providing for them in the meantime till the next harvest rolls in—that's if the farmers plant early."

Rayena glanced up at him, a soft smile on her face. A true leader he was. He was already raring to go back. She could feel his determination, and it made her fall for him even more.

Xenon noticed her staring at him and furrowed his brows. "Why are you staring at me like that?"

"Nothing..." Rayena responded, looking away.

Xenon was puzzled by her actions, but he didn't push, so they continued with their walk until the sky clouded over again and they had to quicken their steps before the rain caught up with them.