Ylenna's POV
When Rhovian let her leave the Heir Prince's drawing room without putting up any fight, Ylenna felt a pang in her heart.
Of course, she wanted to stay away from him, because she felt so angry, disheartened and humiliated that she couldn't bring herself to be in his presence, and she knew she acted out of line that night, throwing things and yelling at him. That was not a behavior she was proud of, and she knew he might be angry at her for that, as well.
But she also wanted him to chase after her, apologize and make things right, then, she could also apologize for her outburst.
Of course, that wasn't Rhovian.
He was a cold, distant, self-centered and unapologetic man, who did not care about her even in a carnal way.
Surely, he admitted to having desired her since the nuptials, but she could not believe it was more than lustful curiosity. He wanted to explore her body just one time, then discard her feelings as if nothing. All that talk of this not being the right time for him to get an heir? Nonsense. Had it been really this, he would be at least treating her better and not saying those harshful things.
He was only angry it did not happen by his own design, but hers. Beyond all the rest, he was also someone who only wanted things to happen his way.
That was how Rhovian was, and there was nothing she could do about it more than hope that their first and only night together had gotten her with child. Then, she could dedicate her time to being a mom and forget about her indifferent husband.
Even so, she still hoped he would try to get closer to her. She felt both relieved and saddened when Zena told her he would spend the night in the office once again.
The next morning, she found herself staring at the window yet another time. That had become a habit of hers. To be lost in thoughts, daydreaming about a life with a loving husband and a happy family.
That was no longer a possibility for her, and this truth crushed her heart little by little.
Suddenly, she felt like someone was watching her, so she searched through the palace grounds, and there he was.
Rhovian stood still in the path to the training grounds, looking at her.
Ylenna jumped from the chair and got away from the window, feeling her heart running.
What was that feeling? Why did she hide from him? He was not even there to lecture her on anything, so why did she feel the need to run from his sight?
Ylenna went back to the windowsill, but he was no longer on the same spot. The prince was now a few meters ahead, and he seemed to be holding his chest, for some reason.
— Give it time. Things will be alright soon. — Arletta touched her hand with gentleness. They were having tea in the Heir Prince's drawing room.
— I feel like he is never gonna see me as his wife. I do not know why, but… Rhovian really seems to see me in a bad light.
— That is not true… — Arletta sighed. — Listen. I have known Prince Rhovian for almost four years. He is not a bad person. He is just… — She seemed to choose her words carefully. — too reserved. The type of person who you cannot get to learn too much about unless he wants you to. He is full of secrets, never opens up or says what is in his mind. Rhavi adores him, but even my husband finds it difficult to read through his own brother.
— Great. — Ylenna replied with bitterness. — Just the type of husband I have dreamed of.
Arletta couldn't hide her chuckling.
— I am sure there is a reason for him to be keeping you at arms length. Do not worry yourself with this right now. Although Prince Rhovian is, indeed, hard to read, I am sure he is not behaving like this out of spite. Be patient, and he shall make amends with you soon enough.
Later, while returning to her chambers, she saw a commotion.
— What… is happening here?
She entered the room to find out that, shockingly, Rhovian had brought her piles of gifts and even a bouquet of purple hyacinth flowers.
Flowers that meant regret. A plea for forgiveness.
He acted swiftly towards her, as if the mood between them had been light and peaceful the whole time, while motioning her to take a look into the presents and going on about how he could not find more with the quality he had been searching for.
— The quality he… What has gotten into him…? — She muttered to herself, completely incredulous.
Suddenly left all by her and Zena's devices, Ylenna felt the fabrics, admiring the colors and patterns of the embroideries.
— Wow, Prince Rhovian surely has good taste, doesn't he? — Zena was picking the dresses to look at them better. — These are all high quality dresses, your highness. The finest that can be found in the most luxurious place around here!
— Yes… They are beautiful, indeed.
— Come on, try them. Let me help you.
Zena started helping her undress and dress each and every one of the ten gowns Rhovian had brought, and also the jewels and shoes that came along. She stared back and forth from the mirror and the bouquet placed in a vase on the furniture.
Did he actually mean what those flowers symbolized?
Ylenna inhaled deeply, trying to shake off the desire growing in her heart to believe he could actually be intending to start fresh with her as a better husband.
— I must not nurture any hope. — She said with a sad voice.
— My dear… — Zena caressed her face, bearing a gentle smile. — Let time mend your heart.
Then, Rhovian suddenly showed up to fetch her for dinner. Ylenna couldn't help the butterflies in her stomach.
Should he be a less handsome, tall and burly man, would her heart jump like that every time she looked at him?
Also, what was that? Why was Rhovian suddenly acting so attentive?
After they had that fight, she believed nothing else could heal the rifts among the both of them and that they would be doomed for a lifetime of unhappiness by each other's side. That thought consumed her with a deep, hurtful sorrow.
But now, out of the blue, he was showering her with luxurious gifts, having the cook prepare the food she likes and praising her beauty, all while not forcing his presence back to their room and giving her space.
She was angry at the fact that he was starting to break the hatred she had been trying to harbor for him even before it was formed.
— I will be heading to the office, then. You will be more at ease. — He said, while gently kissing her hand, after dinner. — We can talk when you feel like it. Good night.
Rhovian turned, and Ylenna couldn't help herself.
— Hus… Husband… — She called in a shaky voice.
— Hum? — The prince turned back to look at her with a calm expression.
— Would you… would you help me take off this necklace and unbutton the dress? I have dismissed Zena for the night, but I have realized it will be difficult to do so by myself.
He seemed lost for a brief second, gazing down and dry swallowing, before smiling and walking back toward her.
— Sure. Let us go in.
In front of the mirror, Ylenna tried to maintain her composure while Rhovian's firm hands slowly unattached the many clasps of the necklace, behind her nape.
— Why did you not wear one of the jewels I bought you earlier? Were they not to your liking?
— It… was not that. It is just that… they were too splendid for a trivial dinner. I wore this gown because I was just so anxious for it, but I did not want to waste the first time wearing the exquisite jewels you gave me like this.
Ylenna's voice was more and more shaky from the feeling of his fingertips on her skin. She was getting goosebumps all over and the memories of their first night together wouldn't stop surfacing in her mind.
— Ylenna… — He looked at her reflection in the mirror. His gaze at her made her legs go weak. — Please, do not refrain from wearing whatever pleases you. You do not need to save your gifts for any grander occasion. You can show up shimmering with diamonds at the stables, if you so desire.
Ylenna couldn't answer, trying to quell the thirst that started forming in her throat. His hands grazed her skin while unbuttoning through the several button cases in her dress, his presence alone made her insides burn. When his touch got to the last button, she could feel his delay on letting go of the button while his fingers brushed against her waist.
Without thinking, she turned and faced him, not hiding her unsteady breath and lustful shivering lips. In his coal black eyes, she could see his struggle. He felt the change in the atmosphere, the sudden burning from her body.
And though Ylenna was sure she'd have to make the following move, Rhovian's hands grasped her waist and chin, pulling her closer to a kiss before she could realize he moved.
His lips touched hers gently, but with sure yearning, before going rougher at it. Ylenna's hands went to his neck and nape, before grabbing his hair and pulling him even closer. Her sleeveless dress, now unbuttoned, got loose, revealing her breasts. When noticing this, Rhovian broke from the kiss only momentarily, just enough to glance at them and grab one in his hand before going back to her mouth.
Ylenna's intimacy was avidly pulsing, the desire growing so strong it even caused her pain. His hand squeezing her breast caused a burning sensation that traveled through her body. She wanted him to fill her once more, until she couldn't get up from bed.
Her hands started grasping to his chemise, pulling it from inside his pants to get it over his head. The mere sight of Rhovian's bare chest almost made her release a moaning. She wanted him too bad for her own good, and she knew he wanted her too. She could feel it against her abdomen, the hard rock beneath his pants, calling to her.
But when she went after it, his hand stopped her.
— No… — Rhovian's voice was unsteady and he was panting, getting away from her slowly. — let's… let's not.
In total disbelief, she scoffed.
— You do not want me? — She took his hand back to her breasts.
— Ylenna…
— Tell me. — Her other hand rubbed against his male parts through the fabric. — This tells me you are dying to have me. Then why?
— Please. I beg you. I am barely holding myself back… — His face showed clear anguish.
— But why are you? — She approached her lips to his, gazing up at him. — Rhovian… I want you…
— Fuck… — He snarled, then broke free from her in a single movement, almost jumping back.
The Prince was struggling like death to breathe and keep his legs steady.
— I am sorry, Ylenna… — He strided towards the door, stopping at the doorknob. — Please, forgive me. One day… I will make up for being negligent with you.