'Bear his child. That's the only way you can keep him by your side, my lady. He won't abandon you for sure.'
Annie's advice echoed in her ears as Eve tried to meet Alaric's eyes filled with animosity toward her.
She sat on the edge of the bed while Alaric stood in front of her, leaning his back on the closed door.
She gripped her quill pen tightly under his sharp gaze. 'Why is he staring at me like that?'
"Stop trembling!" Alaric broke the silence, making her body jolt in fright. He frowned, raising his voice. "Do I look like a beast to you?"
Eve gulped hard, shaking her head in response.
"Then why do you look scared?" He sounded annoyed, casting a fierce look at her while pursing his lips.
He slowly traced his steps toward her while Eve scribbled on her pad nervously.
[ I'm nervous. I wonder if I did something to upset you. You look mad at me. ]
Eve lowered her gaze, intimidated by the overbearing presence of her husband.
Meanwhile, Alaric heaved a deep sigh upon reading her notes.
[ Do you hate me because I'm ugly and mute? ]
Eve wrote again. Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment and she felt like crying.
His expression softened a little. His hand reached out, lifting her chin so that he could meet her gaze.
Ugly. Alaric didn't believe she was ugly. There was something in her emerald eyes that drew him to her.
Mute. He couldn't care less about it as long as she could fulfill her duty as his wife.
"I don't care if you think you are ugly and mute. All I need is for you to serve me well and be a faithful wife," Alaric said meaningfully.
Her body flinched at his sharp penetrating gaze.
"Since you refused to get a divorce, I want to know if you can satisfy me."
She just stared blankly at his dark eyes, blinking innocently. 'What does he mean?'
Alaric sighed deeply, impatience evident in his eyes. Before she could even think, he had already leaned in, his mouth capturing her lips.
Eve was caught by surprise. Her mind was a bit confused.
Annoyed by her unresponsiveness, Alaric parted her lips with his thumb then he moved his tongue inside her mouth. He caught her tongue and sucked it ferociously.
With his intense passionate kiss, Eve just found herself out of breath. When she felt like she was going to pass out from lack of oxygen, she instinctively pushed his chest.
But Alaric didn't stop devouring her. He bit her, nibbling on her bottom lip. He only drew back when he needed to catch his breath.
Eve's heart raced, panting heavily. She glanced at him with confusion. 'Why did he suddenly kiss me?'
He didn't give her time to resist as Alaric cupped her face once more and they were back to kissing.
Reflexively, Eve wrapped her arms around his neck, clinging to him tightly.
With a gentle push, Alaric made her lie on the bed, not breaking the kiss.
'He is surprisingly gentle compared to last night.' Eve thought to herself, shutting her eyes to savor the moment.
His hot calloused hands began to explore and caress her body, stroking her sides and palming her breasts.²
Eve could feel the familiar heat spreading from her abdomen down to her lower region.
Alaric started to pull down her dress, removing the obstacle hindering his palms from touching her bare skin.
He released her lips as his mouth moved south, trailing wet kisses from her jaw down to her neck. Her moist tongue licked its path, tasting her sweetness.
Then his mouth captured her round breast, licking and sucking her crown as if he was milking her.
Eve's mind turned hazy from the overwhelming pleasure. His tongue continued flicking the tip of her nipple, swirling around it and tugging it using his teeth. His free hand fondled her other plump peak, kneading and squeezing it tenderly.
Soon, his hand reached down, parting her legs as he pressed his body in between.
Meanwhile, Eve's body shuddered at the memories of last night's passion. She was aware that Alaric's action would lead to that once again.
She tried to struggle, afraid that she wouldn't be able to handle his roughness today. She was still sore down there.
'Stop. Let go…'
But it seemed Alaric had no plan to stop. He gripped her waist tightly, pinning her down on the bed.
"Don't move," he warned her, his eyebrows twitching in a deep frown.
"Do you hate being touched by me? Or perhaps do you prefer to do this with someone else?" Alaric said through his gritted teeth. His expression hardened as he cast a fierce look at her.
She bit her lower lip, frightened by his sudden outburst. Her tears threatened to fall from the corners of her eyes.
'I made him angry once again.'
Little did she know, his rage was fueled by the memory of her betrayal. Alaric was still clueless that Gavin took advantage of her and attempted to rape her during their wedding night.
"If you can't fulfill your duty as my wife, then go to the king. Take your words back. Tell him you want to annul our marriage!" Displeased, Alaric got off the bed.
Eve panicked upon hearing that. She hastily sat up, grabbing Alaric's hand before he could turn around.
She shook her head frantically, her eyes begging him. 'Please no! I don't want to divorce you.'
'Please take me away from the palace.'
She wanted to tell him but she had no time to write. She didn't want to let go of Alaric's hand.
Alaric narrowed his eyes on her.
'Is she only reluctant to divorce me because I've become the kingdom's hero and been promoted to General? I suddenly became useful to her, that's why she doesn't want to break free from our marriage.' His face contorted at those thoughts.
"Then prove it," he firmly said.
Eve gazed at him with confusion. 'Prove him what?'
As if he had read her mind, Alaric spoke again.
"Show me how much you wanted me to stay… as your husband."
Eve bobbed her head as she grabbed her quill pen and pad.
[ Tell me what I should do. I will obey you. Just please… don't abandon me. ]
Alaric smirked as he moved closer to her. Without hesitation, he swiftly untied his pants before her eyes.
"Satisfy me," he commanded in his authoritative voice.