Chapter 119
The crisp morning air carried the sharp, invigorating scent of pine and damp earth, filtering through the royal bedchamber with a refreshing breeze that signaled the dawn of a new day. Sunlight spilled across the polished floorboards, casting a warm, golden glow over the room.
In the center of the spacious chamber, Valex and Odesse lay tangled together beneath the heavy blankets, their bodies drawn close in an embrace of quiet comfort. Valex stirred first, shifting slowly to avoid waking the sleeping queen. With gentle, practiced care, he eased himself up from the mattress, pulling the thick covers over Odesse’s shoulders to shield her form the morning chill. He leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead.
Odesse’s eyes fluttered open at the touch. A slow, breathtaking smile spread across her lips as she looked up at him. “Good morning, my king,” she murmured, her voice warm and thick with sleep.
Valex stood straight, his expression softening as he returned her smile. “Good morning, my love p>
Odesse sat upright, adjusting the blanket around her chest. “Are you going for a hunt p>
Valex nodded, running a hand through his dark hair. “Yes, my love p>
Without hesitation, Odesse swung her legs over the edge of the bed and stepped down onto the cool stone floor, stepping out from the covers.
Valex froze, his eyes widening in surprise as he looked at her. “What are you doing, my love p>
Odesse flashed him a playful grin. “I want to accompany you to hunt p>
“No, my love,” Valex insisted, reaching out to steady her. “You have to rest your body p>
“I told you last night, I have plenty of energy to spare,” Odesse countered, crossing her arms lightly.
A small smirk tugged at the corner of Valex’s lips. “Even after last night p>
Odesse scoffed playfully, tilting her head. “I expected you to be the one who was tired, considering the way I took charge p>
Valex took a step forward, wrapping his arm around her bare waist to pull her flush against his body. “I could never get tired,” he whispered, his voice dropping an octave. “We could have continued straight into the morning p>
Odesse placed her hand against his bare chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart. “It hasn’t been that long since we finally decided to rest, my king p>
Valex leaned down, resting his forehead against the crook of her neck, inhaling her warm scent. “I truly did not want to stop, my love p>
A vibrant blush rushed to Odesse’s cheeks, turning her ears a deep crimson. “I know, my king… and neither did I p>
Valex pulled back slightly, though his hand remained firmly planted on her waist. “You need to bring out more of that side you showed me last night p>
Odesse smirks softly, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Good things only come continuously if they are missed, my king p>
Valex tightened his grip on her waist, drawing her so close her bosom pressed firmly against his chest. “Well, I miss it right now, my love p>
Looking up at him, Odesse took in the intense, hungry expression on his face and the bright glow in his eyes. She chuckled under her breath, placing her hands on his chest and stepping backward, causing his hands to slide from her waist.
“Who knows?” she said, turning toward the bath chamber without looking back. “Maybe if you are not a naughty king today, you will get to see that side every single night p>
She paused at the doorway, glancing over her shoulder. “Do not leave yet. You ought to wait for me so I can accompany you p>
Valex stood alone in the center of the chamber. A low smirk spread across his face as he shook his head. “It’s like her being unconscious brought out a totally different side of her… and I love it p>
Minutes passed as Valex waited patiently near the hearth. He crossed his arms, looking toward the bath chamber with a raised eyebrow. “She is aware that we are going into the forest and will likely get dirty… so why is she taking so long to wash up p>
A moment later, the door swung open, and Odesse stepped into the sunlight.
She wore tailored, dark leather trousers that hugged the lines of her legs, tucked neatly into sturdy, reinforced combat boots built for rough terrain. Above, a fitted dark tunic clung gracefully to her upper body, cinched at the waist to emphasize her silhouette while allowing complete freedom of movement. Her long, silvery hair was woven into a single, thick braid that hung past her shoulder, keeping it neat and out of her face. The dark attire created a striking contrast against her pale skin and luminous eyes, giving her a regal yet formidable presence.
Valex’s breath caught in his throat, his eyes widening as she walked toward him. “My love p>
Odesse offered a radiant smile, twirling once on the spot to show off the outfit. “Is it not beautiful, my king p>
“Where did you get that?” Valex asked, stepping forward to inspect the garment.
Odesse chuckled. “I acquired it from the Hispo region. Can you believe they allow their women to go hunting in men’s wear, only tailored tighter?” She smoothed down the front of the tunic. “How does it look p>
Without a word, Valex closed the distance between them, reaching out to wrap his arms around her waist. He lifted her off her feet, spinning her around slowly as a bright laugh escaped her lips.
“You look amazing, my love,” he said, setting her down gently but keeping his hands resting on her hips. “I would have never imagined men’s attire could make you look even more striking. Now I know for certain that no matter what you wear, your beauty will always outshine it p>
Odesse flushed, resting her hands against his chest. “We should visit the Hisponians together, my king. They are very pleasant and remarkable people p>
Valex nodded slowly, his gaze locked onto hers. “We will p>
The tender moment was broken by a sudden, firm knock on the chamber door. Valex flinched, his jaw tightening as he grumbled, “Who is disturbing us now p>
Odesse laughed softly at his reaction. Valex strode over and pulled the heavy door open, revealing Cara standing in the corridor.
The maid bowed quickly. “Good morning, Your Highness p>
“Is that Cara?” Odesse called out from inside the room.
Valex nodded toward Odesse before turning back to the maid. “Come in, Cara p>
Cara stepped inside, closing the door behind her. As her eyes fell upon Odesse, she froze, her lips parting in utter shock as she took in the queen’s unusual outfit. Odesse and Valex exchanged a amused glance, both chuckling softly at her reaction.
Valex cleared his throat, breaking the silence. “I shall get the horse ready, my love. Be down in the courtyard in less than twenty minutes p>
“Yes, my king,” Odesse agreed.
Valex leaned down, and Odesse turned her head slightly, expecting a quick kiss on the cheek. Instead, Valex captured her lips in a firm, lingering kiss right in front of the maid.
Odesse pulled back slightly, her face burning as she whispered, “Cara is right here, my king p>
“And you are my wife,” Valex replied simply.
He turned and walked toward the threshold, twisting the handle to open the door. Before stepping into the hallway, he paused, looking back over his shoulder to offer Odesse a sly wink. Odesse blushed, averting her gaze, while Valex smirked and clicked the door shut behind him.
The moment the king departed, Cara snapped out of her trance, a broad smile breaking across her face as she approached the queen. “You and His Highness seem to be entering your feral season p>
Odesse covered her face with her hands, burning with embarrassment. “Shut up, Cara p>
Cara laughed softly, sweeping her gaze over the leather trousers and tunic. “What are you wearing, Your Highness p>
Odesse smoothed down her sleeves, looking at her reflection in the full-length mirror. “It is beautiful, is it not, Cara p>
“Well, it is certainly different from anything I have seen,” Cara admitted. “Is that men’s hunting wear p>
Odesse scoffed playfully. “No, it is not! This is apparently the women’s version of hunting wear. So, technically, it is women’s hunting wear p>
Cara smiled warmly. “Where did you manage to get such a dress p>
The two women continued to chat and laugh as Odesse made her final preparations to head downstairs.