Crystal slowly raised her head to look at me with her bright eyes. At this moment, they shone with tears, and her voice was thick with emotion.
“Murray… He said that the only way to get rid of Noreen is to kill Beryl.” My heart sank. I refused to accept this. But I put my messy emotions aside and comforted Crystal. “Don’t listen to his nonsense. He’s not that good a wizard.”
Crystal pursed her lips tightly and didn’t say anything more. It was very obvious that she was depressed.
Seeing her like this made my heart ache. “Don’t worry. I’ll seek counsel from other wizards. We’ll find a way, honey. Beryl will be safe and sound, and we’ll finally be a happy family of four.”
Beryl was my child, too. As her father, it was my responsibility to protect her.
And as Crystal’s mate, I never wanted her to shed tears again.
There had to be another way to deal with Noreen. After all, Noreen wasn’t a god; she was still mortal and afraid of death.
“We can only lock Beryl up for now. The guards will keep an eye on her all the time.”
Crystal nodded dejectedly. “I want to see her. I don’t know if the sleep spell I cast on her is still working.”
“When Murray went to see Beryl earlier, he cast an even stronger spell on her. Don’t worry.” Seeing Crystal so haggard made me feel bad. I pulled her into a warm embrace and said softly into her hair, “I’m right here, baby. I’ll protect you and the kids, I promise. I won’t let any of you get hurt.”
Crystal rested her head on my chest and said softly, “Rufus, I’m tired. Can we go back to our room? I want to get some rest.” I lowered my head, kissed her forehead, and gently scooped her into my arms.
“Okay, I’ll take ou back to our room.
Rufus’ POV
It was getting dark, so I asked the servants to prepare dinner.
My mother had already risen and gone to her own palace to get a proper rest, while my son was under the watchful eye of my most trusted comrades. All that was left for me to do was to take care of Crystal.
She was currently sitting in the huge lounge chair, her eyes closed as she enjoyed the massage I was giving her.
“Would you like a strawberry?” I asked softly, unable to keep myself from stroking her hair. “It’s sweet.”
Crystal opened one eye and held out her palm to me.
Smiling, I picked up the reddest, most plump strawberry from the platter the servant had just brought it, and handed it to her.
Crystal simply took one bite at the tip of the fruit, then fed the rest to me “Hey. How dare you feed me your leftovers?” I teased, pinching her cheek, even as I,chewed and swallowed the strawberry.
Crystal flashed me a dazzling smile before throwing herself in my arms.
“What do you mean leftovers? We shared strawberries. It’s what lovers do!”
I felt relaxed at the sight of her joyous face. “I suppose I am thankful that my dearest wife was willing to share something with me.
Crystal pulled back a little and huffed at me, her breath fanning my face.
“Who are you calling your wife?”
I raised an eyebrow and cocked my head to the side. “Well, you did respond to the title.”
She snorted and rolled her eyes. “Have some shame!”
“If I had any shame, I wouldn’t have scored myself a wife. I’m quite proud of my shamelessness, as it helped me win over such a beautiful and intelligent wife with a great sense of humor!”
Crystal burst out laughing. She shot me a wry look and clicked her tongue.
I mean it.” I cupped her face and drew close until our noses touched.
Her cheeks turned warm against my palms, and her bright smile stayed well into dinner.
Crystal had a huge appetite during the meal, as if nothing consequential had happened. She finished a large helping of spaghetti without incident.
“Why are you so docile all of a sudden?” I couldn’t help but ask. “You’re not planning something wicked, are you?”
Crystal looked up, looking rather stunned at my words. Then she narrowed her eyes in mock anger. “Is that how you perceive me? Fine, then. I’ll go to bed now.
“I’m kidding!: You haven’t been eating well lately. I’m just glad you enjoyed dinner.” I scooped her up in my arms and carried her over to the bed. “Why don’t I tell you a bedtime story?”
Crystal snorted and rolled her eyes. “No, thanks. I’m not a child.” She tucked herself under the covers and patted the empty space beside her.
“Come on, ” she practically crooned at me. “Sleep with me for a little bit. ?
“I’m not sleepy. And I still need to look for other wizards. Go ahead and sleep.” I sat on the edge of the bed and took her hand, lacing her fingers with mine. “I’ll leave once you’re asleep.”
“Okay.” Crystal closed her eyes.
Her breathing gradually slowed into an even rhythm. I extracted my hand and quietly got up. Just as I was about to take a step toward the door, felt a tug at the hem of my shirt.
I turned to find Crystal staring at me, wide awake.
“Can’t sleep?” I smiled.
Thinking that she might be feeling ill again, I plopped back on the bed and reached out to feel her forehead.
The next thing I knew, Crystal was pulling me down by my nape, and I was met with a hot, passionate kiss.
My heart thundered inside my chest as I instinctively returned her fervor.
I felt my shirt being pushed up, past my abdomen, and a warm little palm slowly stroked my back.
The heat between us grew. We never broke the kiss.
I understood the message Crystal was trying to send across. In the past, whenever she took the initiative to touch me, it always led to long hours of wild sex.
And I would be a fool and a liar if I said that I didn’t enjoy it.
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