I woke up. It was still in the middle of the night. “Who the…”
Having no energy to sit up, I pulled the blanket over my head. The door opened, and someone entered the room.
“Ella, are you sleeping?”
I wondered who the uninvited guest was, and it turned out to be my husband being more of a nuisance than usual. I told him I wanted to sleep alone. Unfortunately, I wasn’t in the state to deal with him. I decided to pretend to be asleep and closed my eyes. As long as he didn’t approach the bed, I’d get through this. So I waited. And waited.
“I know you’re not sleeping.” Hearing his low voice, I felt the bed squeak.
“Rather, it is impossible when the smell of blood is so strong.”
Damn it. The blanket was forcibly pulled away from me.
“You’ve been a bad girl as of late.” He clicked his tongue.
When I opened my eyes, I saw my angry husband holding a candle.
“I believe I told you not to get hurt hours ago. It’s impressive you managed to put yourself in harm’s way again in such a short time span.”
“…”
“You should be punished for this, my dear.” He set the candle aside.
Seeing him say those words in a terrifying way made me laugh.
He wasn’t amused at my reaction and pinched my nose. “Oh, you find this funny?”
“It hurts.”
He quickly let go. It was nice to see him out of all people be considerate.
Come to think of it… “You always did that.”
“Hmm?”
“You kept nagging me to show you what a witch looked like.”
“…”
“Well? Do I look like a real witch now?” I asked with a smile. His expression stiffened for a moment. I was sure he saw all the blood on me.
After staring at me for a while, he nodded slowly. “Yes, you do.” He lowered his head and I almost thought he kissed my forehead. “You’re pretty in an eerie sort of way.”
“…”
I chuckled at his seriousness. My stomach was screaming, but I couldn’t stop. “I’ve been thinking about it for a long time.”
“What?”
“You’re insane.”
“I know.”
Huh? I thought he’d deny it, but he nodded and accepted it as fact.
Instead of being offended, he grinned. “It’s why I can never take my eyes off you.”
“…Did you just say I was pretty?”
“Mm-hmm. Why?”
I was taken aback. “My husband has strange tastes. There’s no way I look pretty.” I could tell without looking that I was a mess. Some of the blood on me had already dried up.
“It is because you eat and drink everything.”
So?
“Why did you drink Carcalos and not say anything?” He sighed. My husband tried to use his sleeve to clean the blood off my face, but he frowned as if it didn’t work.
Then, I realized something. “Did you know about that?”
“Did I know about what?”
“There was poison in the wine.”
The slight change in his expression proved I was right. My husband nodded after hesitating for a moment. “I was aware.”
I knew it. “Why didn’t you tell me earli—Blech!”
“Don’t move so suddenly.”
When he saw the blood that poured out like a waterfall, he immediately hugged me and rubbed my back. It didn’t stop the vomiting, but it helped me tolerate some of the pain. I quietly hugged him back and heard a soft sigh.
“I have a spy who warned me. Albert had called for an apothecary and tried to get his hands on the Carcalos.”
That’s why my husband was surprised when I took the chalice. “Hold on, you knew and planned to drink it anyway?” I acknowledged he was crazy, but I didn’t think he was that crazy.
Instead of answering, he gave me a small smile and wiped the corners of my mouth. “I’ve been taking all sorts of antidotes for a long time. Avery worked very hard. We didn’t know what poison they planned to use.”
“…You were going to die either way. Were you ready for that?”
It wasn’t a cheap poison. I was unsure who made it, but I doubt the person had any notion of creating an antidote. I was still in disbelief my husband was willing to drink the Carcalos despite all this.
“At the very least I was prepared to go blind.”
How can he smile so easily? I replied, “I didn’t expect it to be this strong.”
I wasn’t aware that humans could create a high-quality poison in the first place. I also never imagined they’d use it without batting an eye. As a witch, I wouldn’t find myself in such a situation, but my husband was a duke.
“You must be hated by a lot of people.”
“Are you pitying me, Ella?”
“Anyway, it’s not as bad as it looks. I sort of stopped bleeding, and it doesn’t hurt as much. Witches can’t die to blood loss or anything of that nature.” I showed him my hands which were covered in blood. “I still look horrible though.”
“Oh my, you’re being honest.”
I smiled, having nothing to say about that. It seemed I would be like this until the morning. “Is it that bad?”
“Yes.”
“Miss Betty is going to run away screaming when she sees me. At best she closes the door quietly…”
The pain that I thought had disappeared returned back with a vengeance. I moved away from my husband before curling up into a ball. A sound like paper being torn resounded in the room. Meanwhile, he appeared slightly unnerved.
“Don’t worry, my stomach and everything else is regenerating. They’ll eventually go back to where they were in my body.”
“…”
My insides were functional at least. It would be some time before they looked normal, however.
“How horrific.” He grinned.
My husband continued to try and clean the blood off me. Unfortunately for him, it was impossible to remove all of it no matter how hard he tried. Eventually, he left the room. I guess he was still angry. Or maybe he was actually scared and ran off.
The door opened again.
“Can you move?”
“No.”
“I figured as much.”
He approached the bed and lifted me up.
“What are you doing now?”
“Stay still, my dear.”
I hit his shoulder with all my might; however, because I couldn’t put much strength in my arms, it was more like a tap. The best I could do was flail around. “Put me down! Ugh…”
“I will. Just give me a moment.” He proceeded to carry me away.
Soon enough, another door opened and steam rushed at me. I was about to hit him again, but then I heard a splash. I was in a bathtub with warm water.
“What do you have in mind…”
“Take them off.”
“Excuse me?” I raised an eyebrow, but he looked at me with a brazen expression. “Are you insane?”
“Do you plan to wear these bloody clothes?”
“Yes!” I couldn’t bear to be naked in front of this man. I was more likely going to die from the shame than the poison.
He sighed in exasperation before handing me a large towel. “Wear this instead.”
“…”
“Am I the kind of person who watches you undress?”
No, but I still didn’t trust him. I knew he wouldn’t kill me; however, this was different. In the end, I decided to do what he said. Even if I refused, this husband of mine was someone who’d force people to do things his way.
“I wonder what the maids are doing at this hour.”
“Sleeping and not sneaking a glance at their lady as she changes.” I then asked him to look away.
My husband shot me a look of disapproval before turning around.
“Why did I drink the wine…” I already felt uncomfortable, and it was hard taking off the wet clothes that clung to my skin. However, thinking my husband might turn around if I idle, I escaped from my dirtied nightgown and undergarments before wrapping myself in the towel.
“I’m done.”
“Give them to me. I will tell Mr. Alan to take care of it.”
He took my clothes and left the bathroom. I could bathe in peace.
And then the door opened.
“Why are you here again?”
“Do you not need help washing?”
“Are you going to join me in the bathtub?”
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I didn’t want to hear any answers to the question I asked. He wouldn’t, right? Right? Please tell me my husband won’t actually do it.
“I left cleaning your bedroom to Mr. Alan.”
“…”
“I am not scared of you because of all the blood, dearest.”
“…”
“Why are you so quiet? You’re alive, no?” He patted my back. “Are you in so much pain that you can’t speak? Please, raise your head. You’ll drown.”
“I’d rather drown, thank you.”
He gently grabbed my chin, his blue eyes showing he didn’t understand. “What’s wrong?”
“…It’s embarrassing.” Was I the only one who felt ashamed in this situation? Did this happen often in the world of humans? It was different from sharing a bed; this was a bathtub. Of course, he was the one who helped me and I was the only one naked, but the current circumstances were still absurd. Damn it. My stomach was in serious pain, and I felt like my heart was going to stop beating.
“Your face is red. Is it because the water is hot?” He laughed softly after asking in a playful tone.
I glared daggers at him.
Perhaps it was effective, for he sighed. “My dear, I’m flattered you’re conscious of me. However, you should save it for another time.”
Whatever situation we were in must be special. I planned to ask him more, but a soft towel touched my face.
“Don’t move. There is blood around your mouth.”
“But…”
“Everyone else will be terrified. Is that all right with you?”
I shook my head. I didn’t want to be misunderstood by humans anymore. Well, the ones in Havel Castle at least.
“I thought so. Stay still for me please.” My husband affectionately began to wipe off the remaining blood on my face.
“Can I ask you something?”
“What is it?”
“Why are you doing this?”
He asked me to close my eyes, but I only shut one of them. As the towel touched my eyelids, he smiled. “I’m sorry.”
Huh?
“Surely, you must know.” He pinched my cheek. The words coming out of his mouth and his actions contradicted each other.
“…This happened because you kept everything a secret from me.” He should’ve given me a hint, then I could make my own preparations. “Did you think I would’ve made the antidote if you told me?”
“You’re so smart.”
“Now’s not the time for compliments.” I glared at him.
He smiled. “I’m sorry.”
I would’ve made a witty remark if he responded halfheartedly, but based on his expression, he was actually sincere.
“Is that it?”
“Hmm?”
“If you want to be forgiven, give me something.”
“Is a sincere apology from one’s heart not enough?”
“Sincerity can only be felt. Things like money and food, however, are another story.”
“When did you become so greedy?”
I was more of an opportunist if anything. I was in so much pain, so what was the point of heartfelt sincerity? It’d be great if I could wrap my hands around my husband’s neck right now. In response to my demand, he smiled. Then, a hand covered my eyes so I couldn’t see anything. I felt my head be moved slightly to the side before something warm was on my lips. It didn’t take long for me to realize what it was; however, the warmth had no intention of leaving so soon.
I hit him on the shoulder again and again, but it was pointless. I only had a towel wrapped around me; I didn’t have much strength left because of the poison. My arm slowly fell back to my side. I was exhausted physically and mentally, and of course, there was this act that began with a “k” and ended with an “s”.
Maybe this man wanted to choke me in a different way. I was worried for a moment, and then I hoped he got dizzy from this. At last, the person who tormented me with a kiss pulled back, removed his hand over my eyes, and laughed. It was even more annoying how he looked so satisfied.
“What… even…” As I tried to catch my breath, he continued to smirk.
“You asked for actual compensation.”
“…”
“I gave it to you.”
He was saying that he only did what was requested of him. It was ridiculous. Unfortunately, my mind was in a state of chaos at the moment. What did I just do with him? It was a kiss. A kiss that lovers do. Why did I do it with him out of all people? He was my husband, sure, but he was still a human. Besides, the atmosphere wasn’t even the correct one!
He kissed me. It would’ve been all right if I was upset, but… it wasn’t bad. Yes, it wasn’t bad.
I kind of actually enjoyed it…
Oh. Oh no. Oh, no, no, no.
I lowered myself into the water to hide my embarrassment. It wasn’t going to leave me anytime soon. I felt like I had been pushed off a cliff and was now stuck in the sea.
“Are you all right? Why are you so surprised?”
Unlike me, he was chuckling to himself. He even kissed me on the cheek. “Humans do it to express gratitude or when a couple greets each other.”
“Really?”
“I suppose Lady Duncan hasn’t taught you about it yet.”
Something was slightly suspicious about what he said, but I nodded in response to his question.
“I see. It is something you’ll encounter in later lessons.”
“…So, you’re saying it’s part of etiquette?”
“You shouldn’t be shocked whenever it happens. Refusing to do it is illegal. If you’re unlucky, you can be arrested. Try not to forget.”
Wait, was he going to keep doing that then? He urged me to respond quickly, but I felt I needed to ask Emily about it. I nodded while also thinking about meeting with her as soon as possible.
“It’s my turn.”
“What?”
“I also wish to ask you something.”
Smiling, my husband stood up and wiped the blood off his hands. He approached the side of the bathtub and lifted me. I shivered from suddenly being pulled out of the warm water, and he quickly covered me with a dry towel that he got from who knows where.
“Can you walk now?”
“…No.”
“All right.”
Leaving the bathroom, he entered my room and put me on the bed. The sheets, once covered in blood, looked very clean. Alan was a truly talented butler.
“Are you listening to me? Please focus, dearest.”
Instantly, I found myself laying down.
My husband, still smiling, was above me. “It feels like a romantic night for newlyweds, doesn’t it?”
I nodded. The husband and wife survived a crisis together. It was late. The situation would be truly out of a fairy tale if we shared a passionate kiss to reaffirm our love for each other, but…
“I must ask before we kiss.”
“…”
“Why did you drink it?” He blinked. “Because of you, it’s become like this.”
He was clearly referring to Carcalos. “…”
“Did you do it for me?”
Looking into his blue eyes, I couldn’t open my mouth. I knew what he wanted to hear. I was also afraid of that answer. I didn’t want to admit it. I was a monster to his race, so it made no sense for me, a witch, to be attached to him, a human. I was reluctant to reply, but my husband frowned. His patience was slowly reaching its limit.
I sighed, meeting his gaze again. I probably can’t say it out loud. “I don’t know.”
Why did I make that choice? I really didn’t know.
He tilted his head to the side. “Were you concerned I wouldn’t get what I wanted from His Majesty if I had died?”
It was a question I asked him once.
The emperor. In Lukas’s case, he was doing this because of him. In my case, the Witch Queen ordered me. I was to live in the land of the humans and do nothing. I was no different from being dead.
“It has nothing to do with that.”
This was his answer to me, yet I meant it. I wasn’t a nice person. I forgot about it briefly, but the people of Kartelle abandoned me, including my older sisters and the Witch Queen herself. I didn’t have a sense of duty to carry out her order.
“Then what’s the reason?”
Hmm. Why did I try to keep our marriage from being ruined? My gaze focused on one thing: the worried expression of my husband. I wouldn’t be able to see it ever again if he had drunk the Carcalos.
A clear answer came to mind. It was very simple, actually.
“…I guess I didn’t want you to die.” I was honest in the end. “That’s why.”
I felt rather relieved as if a burden was lifted off my shoulders. I took a deep breath. Those blue eyes, dazzling quite beautifully, were before me. I thought his face was coming closer to mine.
“Are you not going to close your eyes?”
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“…”
Really, this person. Earlier he told me not to close my eyes, now he tells me to do it. I give up. With a sigh, I closed my eyes and ignored his quiet laugh.
However, the lips that brushed against mine couldn’t be ignored.
“Ella.” A soft voice reached my ears. “I’ve been meaning to tell you something.”
Huh? My consciousness began to fade. I knew he was talking, but I didn’t hear any of the words that came out of his mouth.