Chapter 48 ~ The Warmth of Luca

Belinda slowly opened her eyes, feeling as though her whole body was sore. There was pain in every joint, especially around her hips. Luca's strength was truly overwhelming, leaving Belinda breathless. After all, this was her first experience.

The woman turned to her side, where Luca still lay asleep, facing her with one arm wrapped around her waist. Silently, Belinda gazed at the man before her, now her husband. To her, Luca looked like a character from an anime or manga, appearing almost perfect. Every line of his face was so defined: his broad forehead, thick eyebrows, closed eyes with long lashes, sharp nose, and full, slightly tinted lips. Even the color of his lips was redder than hers.

"Is he actually a comic character?" Belinda thought, feeling satisfied as she admired Luca lying beside her.

Belinda recalled what had happened last night. Everything felt blurry, but one thing was certain: Luca was everything she needed, despite the unusual circumstances between them. She carefully tried to move a little, hoping not to wake him up. But every movement hurt, making her wince softly. She could only stay still and enjoy the moment, feeling the warmth of Luca’s arms wrapped tightly around her.

"He's handsome, but I shouldn’t fall into this game," she thought.

She reminded herself of the purpose of their marriage and the agreement they had made. Luca was, after all, someone who had caused destruction and committed atrocities on Earth. She still clearly remembered the moment they met and what had led them to be trapped in this situation. But only flashes of the past haunted her thoughts.

Suddenly, Luca moved, making Belinda startle. He slowly opened his eyes to find Belinda staring at him. For a brief moment, their gazes met, and Belinda felt her heart pounding.

"You're awake?" Luca asked in a hoarse voice, a mischievous smile crossing his face.

"Yes," Belinda replied softly, trying to hide her awkwardness.

“Are you still in pain? You look pale,” Luca said.

"A bit," Belinda answered, though in reality, her whole body ached.

Luca extended his hand and used a healing spell on her. He looked at her with gentle eyes as the warm light from his magic flowed slowly into her body, soothing every pain she felt.

“Thank you, Luca,” Belinda murmured in a near whisper. Her heart still raced, now mixed with the warmth from Luca’s attentiveness.

Luca gazed at her with a soft smile. “You don’t need to thank me, Bell. I just want to make sure you’re always okay. Besides, it's my fault you’re in pain.”

Belinda lowered her gaze slightly, trying to hide the blush on her face. Although she hadn’t known Luca for long, his kindness now felt so different, warmer, deeper, as if there had been an unspoken bond between them since their marriage vow.

“I’ll call for a maid to help you get ready,” Luca said as he rose from the bed and, with a spell, immediately dressed himself in last night's clothes.

“Wow, lucky you,” Belinda remarked, making Luca turn to her with a raised eyebrow. “If only I could use magic like that, I wouldn’t need a maid’s help to get dressed,” Belinda chuckled.

Luca smiled faintly at her comment and reached out his hand toward her. "In that case, allow me to help you. At least until you’re comfortable again," he said gently.

Belinda looked at his extended hand, surprised yet warmed. “You’re going to... help me dress?” she asked playfully, though her cheeks flushed again.

Luca chuckled softly. "Of course, if you’ll allow it. After all, aren’t we officially a couple now?" His gaze remained locked on hers.

Belinda bit her lower lip, holding back a shy smile. She nodded slightly, allowing Luca to help her with a gentle touch that sent her heart racing once more. Each of Luca's touches, though brief, felt so meaningful.

Once finished, Luca looked at her with a meaningful smile. "Now, you look even more beautiful than before, Bell."

Belinda was momentarily stunned, not expecting such a tender remark from him. She could only respond with a small, equally meaningful smile.

“I didn’t know that someone like you could say such sweet things,” she said, looking into his eyes.

“I’m not just flattering you; I mean it,” Luca replied.

Belinda smiled at him. “Alright, I’ll have the maids help me freshen up. A warm bath will help me relax,” she said.

“Is your body still sore?” Luca asked, his concern evident in his gaze.

“No, it’s not that. I don’t feel any more pain, but I think a soak would help me unwind,” Belinda replied with a sweet smile.

“Alright, give me a moment. I’ll call the maids,” Luca said as he stroked her head and left the room.

A few minutes later, the maids entered and prepared a bath for Belinda. They helped her bathe and relax in the warm water, gently massaging her shoulders.

With great care, the maids ensured the water was warm and that everything was ready for Belinda's comfort. She entered the bath, feeling the warmth of the water gradually soothing her body. As she soaked, she closed her eyes, savoring the gentle touch and small massages from the maids on her shoulders and back. The warmth of the water and their massages gradually eased the tension in her muscles, making her feel more at ease.

As she relaxed, Belinda allowed her mind to wander, recalling the passionate night with Luca and how he had made her feel elated and experience sensations she’d never felt before. For a moment, her face flushed as she remembered and pictured Luca’s perfect physique.

“Your Highness, are you alright? Your face looks red,” one of the maids said, making Belinda even more embarrassed as she lowered her head.

“I’m fine,” Belinda replied, feeling so flustered by the thoughts she shouldn’t have been dwelling on.

Belinda tried to divert her thoughts from that heated moment, but images of Luca kept coming back. She took a deep breath and focused on her surroundings, enjoying the calming scent of essential oils and the gentle sound of flowing water.

"How about a bit of a massage, Your Highness?" One of the maids offered softly, breaking the silence and helping Belinda return to the present moment.

Belinda agreed, and the maid began to give her a gentle shoulder massage, as if helping to banish all troubling thoughts from her mind. Slowly, she felt the tension ease from her body, making it easier to distance herself from those lingering images.

“Is there anything I can prepare for you afterward?” asked another maid beside her, attending to her attentively.

Belinda thought for a moment. “Maybe a cup of warm tea,” she said, feeling the need for more peace and comfort.

“Of course, Your Highness. I’ll prepare it immediately,” the maid replied, then exited the room.

Now, in the warm bath with small bubbles dancing around her, Belinda let herself fully relax, trying to calm her mind and dispel the sudden embarrassment she felt. She knew that life as a consort wasn’t always easy, and sometimes these moments provided the perfect escape to enjoy small, soothing experiences.