Chapter 127 Pretend Marriage

Chapter 127 Pretend Marriage
My face flushed bright red at his words. He didn't give me a heads-up about this!

The three men huddled to discuss before deciding to consult their leader first. One guard went inside to deliver the message, while Azi stepped back over to me.

"Did you hear that?" he asked.

I swallowed before nodding. "You didn't mention this was the cover story."

He chuckled softly. "I didn't plan it either. It just popped into my head."

When the guard returned, they granted us entry and pushed open the massive wooden gates. The first thing that caught my eye was a long line of torches illuminating the path toward a large manor at the far end.

Trees lined the pathway. As we stepped further inside, the place felt like the most peaceful sanctuary in the world. Bamboo houses were scattered around, with torches lighting up every corner. Children were running around, playing tag.

Azi pulled the reins as a child darted into our path. The boy looked up at us with wide, curious eyes. "Your companion is so pretty, Mister. I'm Gideon—" Before he could finish, a woman picked him up into her arms.

"I'm so sorry for the trouble..." she said apologetically before rushing off with the boy.

The guard escorting us cleared his throat. "The horse can only go this far. I'll take care of her from here," he offered.

Azi and I dismounted, and he handed Sigrid’s reins to the guard. "Please look after her. If possible, keep her somewhere warm."

"Will do. Just head straight ahead. Mrs. Dawsey is waiting for you. She'll show you to your temporary quarters," the guard instructed before leading Sigrid away.

I hesitated, taking another look around the village. "I could live here and not have a single complaint," I murmured.

I followed Azi as he walked ahead. Just as the guard had said, a woman met us, presumably Mrs. Dawsey. She offered us a warm smile.

"Are you the guests?" she asked.

"Yes, ma'am," I replied.

"I'm Mrs. Dawsey. Welcome to Vlanchard. Follow me, I'll show you to your room," she said, leading the way.

She brought us to a house built entirely of timber. Inside, a single lantern lit up the space, illuminating a woven mat laid out on the floor with two pillows. A small wooden table sat in the corner.

"You can stay here for now," Mrs. Dawsey said. "I'll have some food sent over shortly. Feel free to walk around if you'd like. Don't worry, we don't bite," she added with a light chuckle.

As she turned to leave, Azi spoke up. "Mrs. Dawsey, would it be possible for me to speak with your leader? I'd like to thank him personally for hosting us."

"I'll ask him first," the woman replied softly.

"Thank you very much," Azi said politely.

"You're very welcome. I'll fetch some food for you both first." With that, she stepped outside.

I sat down on the woven mat and stroked the soft pillow. The room felt comfortably warm, a welcome relief from the cold outside. It felt so cozy that I knew I'd have no trouble falling asleep tonight.

Azi peered out the window before shutting the wooden shutters tightly. Then, he sat down beside me.

"Told you they were hospitable," he said before leaning back and resting his head on the pillow I was holding. "The food here is great, too. Do you want to look around later?"

I nodded, keeping my eyes strictly away from his face.

"Uhm. How are you feeling?" I heard Azi ask.

"I'm fine," I replied.

"How's our baby doing?"

I yanked the pillow from under his head and shoved it right onto his face. "Stop it, Azi! You're giving me goosebumps!"

He burst into loud laughter, clearly thoroughly amused. He really loved teasing me nowadays.

"It's not funny..." I muttered softly. "We don't need to keep up the act when no one's watching."

I could feel my face burning. Damn it. It felt like butterflies were fluttering in my stomach.

"Wait." Azi sat up straight and turned to face me. "I figured out what you can do. Didn't you say you wanted a different task?"

I nodded eagerly. "Please? Something a bit challenging."

"Yeah. Definitely..."

"What is it?" I asked.

I swallowed hard as he suddenly brought his face close to mine.

"Be a good wife to me..."

"Are you going to stop or what, Azi?"

He shook his head, a teasing glint in his eyes. "Can our baby turn into twins overnight?"

"Azi..."

He chuckled. "Fine, fine. I'll stop..."

"Good." I let out a breath of relief.

"Yeah. Wouldn't want anything happening to our baby."

"Azekiel!"

He let out a loud, unrestrained laugh.