Chapter 85

Elwin did not immediately grasp the significance of the words. A heartbeat later, the realization struck him, and he was struck by horror. “W-Why are you doing this? This is the palace… Surely we are not permitted to do this?”

Elwin’s protest was, naturally, entirely justified. Even with his limited grasp of royal protocol, basic common sense dictated that such conduct was forbidden before a formal engagement. Yet Leon, a man born and bred within the royal fold, uttered the most outrageous nonsense imaginable.

“What do you mean we should not do this in the palace? Surely the greatest duty of royalty is to produce heirs for the prosperity of the royal house.”

“Ah, d-don’t say such absurd things. Ah…”

Elwin struggled to sit up, but Leon mischievously pressed his weight down upon him. While the grin on his face remained playful, the iron strength pinning Elwin to the mattress was anything but. Was this man truly intent on consummating their union right then and there? What on earth were his intentions?

“Did you not just mention that Her Majesty was already furious?”

“My beloved Elwin, allow me to impart one piece of wisdom. Discussing one’s parents while in bed is hardly an admirable habit.”

Leon deftly parried Elwin’s point, his hand seeking entry beneath the fabric of Elwin’s garments. Sensing that a point of no return approached, Elwin desperately hunted for a rebuttal that might halt his advance.

“Etiquette! It is quite discourteous to the host who provided me with this guest chamber. Is this not profoundly ungentlemanly behavior?”

At those words, Leon’s hand froze entirely. Perhaps it was the knowledge that Elwin held the concept of gentlemanliness in such high regard. He assisted Elwin into a sitting position and meticulously smoothed his disheveled attire. Retiring to the edge of the mattress, he murmured in a voice laced with disappointment.

“I apologize. I meant no offense. I must have been overwhelmed with excitement. I was merely overjoyed that you accepted me.”

While Elwin suspected that the crestfallen expression was performative, he felt a twinge of guilt for having been too cold. He shifted closer to Leon and sat beside him.

“I am happy as well, Leon. Today is a momentous day, is it not? I have received a proposal from the one I cherish.”

“Ah. So you truly do like me.”

“Did you ever doubt it?”

“You have never confessed it in words.”

Had he not? Elwin scoured his memory. So many dizzying events had transpired that he might, in fact, have neglected to state it clearly. Reasoning that such silence was unbecoming of a gentleman, Elwin answered without hesitation.

“I like you, Leon. You are my love and my light. I enjoy your kisses and I enjoy your touch. How could I feel otherwise?”

“…Does that imply I may proceed now?”

Leon’s rapid inquiry rendered him akin to a beast poised to spring the moment permission was granted. Only after Elwin glared at him sulkily did he seem to relent, as if finally comprehending that his request had been denied.

“I am… yes. I am genuinely happy that you proposed, Leon. Yet when I consider that the proposal came from His Royal Highness Leonhart Albert William, the third prince, I cannot help but feel intimidated.”

“It is precisely the same thing. I am that very person.”

“Yes. That certainly appears to be the case. If you had informed me earlier, I might have had the opportunity to adjust.”

Stung by Elwin’s pointed remark, Leon clamped his mouth shut. Releasing a soft sigh, Elwin attempted to clasp his hands, only to jump at the unfamiliar weight of the ring upon his finger. He could scarcely fathom that such a royal artifact, heavy with gravity and consequence, now adorned his own hand.

“Look at this. If I wear something this precious and engage in obscene acts in such an elegant room, I feel as though someone will thunder down upon me from the heavens.”

“Elwin, would you mind saying the word ‘obscene’ once more? I failed to properly admire the shape of your lips when you spoke it,” Leon remarked with a revolting transparency, showing no intent to veil his lecherous thoughts.

Goodness gracious. The third prince of this realm was a hopeless libertine.

“Hm. Hm. I am joking. In any case, you need not fear. I will arrange matters so that you suffer no anxiety.”

Despite Leon’s assurances, Elwin remained unsettled. His fear was not merely a vague apprehension regarding royal dignity, but a rational concern that he would not be met with a warm reception. Elwin was a noble’s son, but his lineage was not prestigious enough to warrant ties to the palace. He was a provincial youth who had never truly navigated high society, and an Omega at that. Leon had been forced to reference fairy-tale figures just to provide an example of an Omega with a title, highlighting just how rare it was for royalty to take an Omega as a spouse. A prince traveling incognito had selected such an unexceptional partner and dragged him into the palace; there was simply no way such a situation would appease the Queen. Furthermore…

“It is difficult not to fret… Did you genuinely inform Her Majesty that I was pregnant?”

Under Elwin’s reproachful stare, Leon smiled evasively, attempting to bluff before eventually confessing. “Yes. I did.”

“Leon! How frivolous must I have appeared in Her Majesty’s eyes?”

“It is of no consequence. Her Majesty is far too sharp; she realized at once that my claim was mere fabrication.”

Was that supposed to be comforting, or was it a sign of impending disaster? As Elwin released a weary sigh, Leon shrugged with nonchalance.

“Do not dwell on it. Mother will surely admire you. You have conducted research on genetic improvement, so you understand how powerful and honest genetics can be. Since I fell for you at first sight, surely Mother will follow suit.”

“…You fell for me at first sight?”

Even amidst the turmoil, the words lodged themselves firmly in his consciousness, prompting Elwin to ask. Leon brushed his lips against Elwin’s hair.

“I pretended for quite some time that I was ignorant of my own heart, but looking back, the answer is yes. What of you? Did I capture your attention the moment we met?”

When we first met, I assumed you were a thuggish libertine.

Since he could not voice that sentiment honestly, Elwin darted his eyes away to avoid answering. Leon clearly discerned Elwin’s thoughts, yet he smiled as if he simply adored the man. Discussing their history had softened Elwin’s expression significantly.

After kissing Elwin’s hair once more, Leon asked softly, “Then shall we do this? Let us postpone the heavy matters we must address as Leonhart Albert William until tomorrow. Tonight, I am simply Leon. I will remain by your side as just Leon, the one you love.”

“…In the end, are you suggesting that you will not return to your own chambers?”

“My betrothed claims the palace terrifies him, so what choice do I have but to act as his protector? Today is, as you said, a very happy day. It would be a tragedy to part ways like this.”

“But…”

“Do not worry. Since you have stated your disinclination, I shall refrain from any ‘obscene’ behavior.”

Leon placed a peculiar emphasis on the word, causing Elwin to push up his glasses and glare at him. Leon donned a detestably pitiful expression once again.

“May I not stay? Have I become so odious that you cannot spare me even a corner of the bed?”

In truth, after sharing a room for several days since the onset of his heat, Elwin had felt a chilling loneliness when forced to sleep alone at the inn. If abandoned again tonight, he would surely suffer from insomnia, as the vaulted ceilings and the pristine fragrance of the palace bedroom felt alien to him. Struggling between refinement and instinct, dignity and honesty, Elwin finally yielded with a soft shake of his head.

“…As I said before, how could I dislike it?”

Leon appeared satisfied with the surrender, his smile luminous. “Excellent. It is late; shall we retire?”

When Elwin nodded shyly, Leon guided him back down onto the mattress. Elwin expected them to simply lie side by side, as they had on the night before his heat began. Instead, Leon slid an arm beneath Elwin’s head to cradle him, using his free hand to draw him close, fully enveloping his frame.

“Um…”

As Elwin wriggled in confusion, Leon began to rhythmically pat his chest over the blanket with his palm. “I will only hold you while we sleep. That much is perfectly acceptable, is it not?”

His self-assured tone half-convinced Elwin. Regardless of the rigidity of royal etiquette, there could be little harm in quietly embracing while drifting off. As Elwin nodded, Leon whispered tenderly, “Have a peaceful night, Elwin.”

Elwin closed his eyes and attempted to surrender to sleep, just as Leon had suggested.