Chapter 85

A hesitant smile tugged at my lips. Hadrian appeared proud, but beneath his confident façade, I sensed an undercurrent of anger. I couldn't quite understand why he would feel that way. Gently, I stroked his cheek, as if I could smooth away the darkness that clouded his expression.

"Should I start calling you 'Your Majesty' now?" I teased with a faint laugh.

"Perhaps on very formal occasions," he replied with a cocky grin. "You may even bow down to me if you'd like."

I nudged his shoulder, pouting playfully. He laughed, then pulled me into a tight embrace, pressing soft kisses to my forehead, my eyes, and my cheeks before hungrily claiming my lips.

"I shall make you my Queen," he murmured against my skin, his lips trailing down my neck.

His words sliced through me like a blade. I had spent so much time avoiding thoughts of what my future would look like once Hadrian ascended the throne. But now, the reality stood before me, impossible to ignore.

"Queen..." I echoed with a bitter smile. "I doubt the nobles will ever allow a human to sit beside you."

"I will make them accept you," he declared, his voice firm as his lips found their way lower.

He bit down on my nipple, his frustration bleeding into his touch. I gasped, wincing at the sharpness of his desire.

"Hadrian... stop," I whispered, pushing against him gently.

Lifting his head, he locked eyes with mine. I smiled, warmth filling my gaze as I met the fiery red of his pupils. My heart pounded with a bittersweet ache. I was about to step into a dangerous, violent world—a world where Hadrian wouldn't always be able to shield me. But despite the risks, I knew I couldn't leave him. It was far too late for that.

I reached up, threading my fingers through his silky hair. "I love you," I said, the words slipping out before I could stop them.

His eyes widened in surprise, lingering on mine for a few heartbeats before he kissed me again, deeper this time. His lips caressed mine with an urgency that left me breathless.

When he finally pulled away, he smiled and lay back, pulling me close to his chest. "I will never let you go, my Queen," he murmured, his embrace tightening around me.

I hadn't expected him to say he loved me in return. I hadn't even planned to confess my feelings, yet it had happened, and I felt no regret. The warmth Hadrian offered me was enough. The longing in his gaze, the desire that burned within him—it was enough.

For now.

Even as I lay in his arms, sleep eluded me. Uncertainty gnawed at my mind, a persistent whisper that something crucial remained unsaid. Hadrian was powerful, but even his strength had its limits. The enemies lurking in the shadows—those behind the attacks on the castle and Monteforte City—remained unknown. Becoming king would grant Hadrian authority, but it would also make him a target. And if he truly intended to make me his queen, I could only imagine how many would see me as an obstacle to be removed.

Morning arrived in a flurry of activity. Servants bustled through the halls, packing Hadrian's belongings for his move to the royal palace. My own packing was far simpler—a suitcase hastily stuffed with clothes and my laptop. Despite Freya and the others' envy, I knew better than to see my position as something to be jealous of. The road ahead was perilous, and I was fully aware of what awaited me.

The commotion had at least one advantage: no one paid attention to Hadrian's strict orders about men staying away from the north wing.

"May I come in, Your Highness?" Icarus's voice called from the doorway.

I chuckled, motioning him inside. "Please, don't call me that."

He grinned mischievously. "Need any help packing, my Queen-to-be?"

Rolling my eyes, I sighed. "I'm begging you to stop with that title. And no, there wasn't much to pack in the first place."

"Too late, I see," he pouted, looking like a scolded child.

I snorted, reaching out to ruffle his thick, black hair. He flinched instantly, glancing around as if expecting someone to witness it. Clearing his throat, he nervously combed his hair back into place.

"Don't be so jumpy, Mr. Kroos," I teased.

"Ms. Drayton, you do realize the King would have my head for letting you get this close?" he said, a nervous grimace twisting his lips.

I smirked. "It wasn't you getting close to me; I was the one who touched your hair."

"I'm afraid that distinction might not matter to him," he muttered.

"Don't worry, I'll protect you," I grinned, eyeing his new military-style uniform. "By the way, I heard the guards are being divided into two groups?"

"Yes," he confirmed proudly. "I've been selected to join the King and you at the Palace. The rest will stay behind to guard the castle."

That explained the uniform. It was clear Hadrian wanted to surround himself with trusted soldiers, and Icarus was among the best.

"I'm glad you'll be with us," I said softly. But the comfort his presence brought was quickly overshadowed by my growing anxiety.

"What's wrong?" Icarus asked, noticing my change in demeanor.

"The Royal Palace... Princess Selene still lives there, doesn't she?" I asked hesitantly.

He sighed, offering a wry smile. "Yes, but I'm sure the King will move her elsewhere. The Palace belongs to the king, after all."

I appreciated his attempt to reassure me, but I could hear the uncertainty in his voice. Selene's presence would complicate things—that much was certain.

Before I could dwell on it further, another guard appeared at my door. "Your Highness, the King requests your presence. It is time to depart."

I took a deep breath, nodding. "Very well. Take me to the King."

With one last glance at my chamber, I grabbed my coat and followed the guards outside. Saying goodbye to the castle stirred something bittersweet within me. I had finally started to feel at home here, and now I had to leave.

"Thalassa!" Hadrian's voice cut through my thoughts.

I looked up to see him standing by the car, his hand outstretched toward me. My heart fluttered, and despite everything, a smile crept across my lips.

As I placed my hand in his and let him lead me forward, the fear and uncertainty that had clung to me all morning began to fade. No matter what challenges lay ahead, I would face them—by his side.