Chapter 77 Chapter 77

Chapter 77 Chapter 77
~MIKAEL~

I held the button and inserted it through the delicate seams; my fingers slid as I helped my mate button her dress. I noticed her breathing hitched every time my fingers connected with her skin. There was no doubt that I was also totally affected being this close to her — I really couldn't recall the last time we had been this close.

When last had I pressed my lips to hers.

When last had I touched her to show her how much she was mine.

But… now wasn't the right time.

I sucked in a deep breath before clearing my throat. "All done," I said. She sent me a smile via the mirror. "Thanks."

We left our chamber, making our way to the forest instead of the garden. I had asked the maids to prepare a little arrangement for us.

I didn't want her to drown in self-sabotage because of something I had done. I wanted to make her happy. "Why won't you tell me what you planned?" Nyra muttered. I glanced down at her, seeing that she had a cute pouty expression. It made me smirk. "It's a secret," I teased.

She stopped in her tracks, staring blankly at me. "What?" I asked, looking confused.

Nyra stuck her tongue out before tucking it back. "You just teased me?" she said matter-of-factly. "That's new!" she added, now beaming.

I laughed heartily. "Well, if you keep breaking down these walls, you might be more surprised by what you find in there." She gleamed, rubbing her hands together.

The wind swept past us; part of her hair had been pushed forward. "I can't wait to break them," she punched the air. Stepping forward, I took a handful of the fallen strands and adjusted them properly.

Nyra raised her head, just staring at me. "What tool do you think I need to break those walls down?" she batted her eyes. I pinched her cheeks, but she feigned hurt.

"That's another secret I can't spill." My mate frowned as she hit my chest playfully.

"That's not fair," she sulked, chewing on her bottom lip. It was fascinating watching her act this way.

"It won't be fun if I let you work hard for it, will it?"

Nyra huffed. "Fine, lead the way, Mikael. I hope this secret of yours won't be disappointing."

We continued walking towards the cave, near where we'd had our last outing. "Interesting — we are painting. And enough fruits and food," she sounded excited as she gushed.

Nyra hurriedly took her place on the floor. I stood a few feet away, carefully watching every move she made — how she drew the fruit closer while licking her lower lip, or the way her brows would lift as she checked the traditional paint the maids had prepared.

She signalled for me to come closer. I smirked in satisfaction at having achieved my goal of making her happy.

"What should we start with first? Fruit or paint?" she questioned.

"How about both?" I suggested, and she beamed.

"Great!" she gave me a thumbs up. I helped hand her everything she would need.

A few minutes into the painting, Nyra casually dropped her brush on the plate. "Taking a break already?" I questioned, turning my attention to her.

She massaged her shoulder. "Yes, I feel stiff here," she answered. I dropped my brush and slid over to her side.

"Let me help," I offered. Nyra released her hold on her shoulder and allowed me to. I pressed my hands on her shoulder, massaging it softly.

She hummed when I touched the right spot. "I have already thought about what we discussed in the meeting room, and I have considered speaking with the queens and kings of other kingdoms about the partnership," I stated.

Nyra shot her eyes to mine. "Really?"

I nodded and she beamed. "That's great! I wish the elders could see where I am coming from," she sighed.

Her words reminded me of how they had suffered in the years before I had joined them. I completely understood their unquenchable rage towards full-blooded creatures of every kind. The witches and werewolves had it worst.

I winced internally, recalling how brutally I had been tortured when my father figured out what I was. The look of disdain in his eyes was one I could never forget.

"Give them time, Nyra," I murmured, and then we both went quiet. I focused on what I had been doing earlier, and when I was done I noticed Nyra had a brooding look.

I sat down beside her. "Is something bothering you?"

My fingers trailed the veins on her hand. "You can tell me," I reassured her with a warm smile.

She grabbed my hand and squeezed it softly. "You confuse me sometimes," she began.

I was taken aback. "Confuse you?"

"Yes, you do!" She adjusted her sitting posture; now we were facing each other. "I don't know what we are. I do not know if you like me or if this might be a fleeting moment. I really want to know where I stand with you."

My mouth parted slightly. I had thought she was worried about her wolf, but now she was concerned about us.

"Mikael? Are you listening to me?" Her voice cracked around the edges.

She searched my face keenly, as if trying to find something. I stayed still far longer than I wanted to, and she might have mistaken my quietness for rejection, as she withdrew her hand from mine — slowly pulling away and creating distance between us.

Immediately, I drew her closer. "I can't really say what I feel, Nyra. All my life, I have never felt chosen or loved," I sucked in a deep breath.

"I never considered myself someone who could love and be loved. But one thing I can assure you is that you hold a huge space in my heart and I care about you," I confessed, wrapping my arms around her waist.

"I have come to realize that you are an important part of my life, and without you by my side, I really don't know how to live anymore. Give me time to figure out what I actually feel, please," I pleaded.