#86
“I’m sorry for leaving without a word, Enrique.”
Anture apologized while caressing Enrique’s cheek.
“But you don’t regret it, do you?”
Enrique blurted out. Anture’s expression became complicated. He stared at Enrique for a moment before nodding slightly.
“You bastard.”
The low curse was steeped in deep resentment.
“You cunning bastard.”
The following curse was also tinged with resentment.
“I’m sorry, Enrique. I’m sorry. But that was the best I could do. If I had said goodbye before leaving, you would have surely tried to move on from me with just that farewell, wouldn’t you?”
“…”
“I’m sorry for hurting you, but I don’t regret it. By leaving without warning, I could leave a stronger impression in your heart. I won’t give you a chance to prepare yourself to let me go in the future. I won’t say goodbye to you, and I won’t let you say goodbye to me either.”
“Even if it hurts me?”
“…Yes. Even if it hurts you, it’s better than parting with you.”
“You selfish bastard.”
“How else could I have a chance to have you completely without being selfish?”
Anture said shamelessly. Enrique felt the urge to tightly embrace Anture and simultaneously wanted to grab and tear at Anture’s fine black hair with both hands. As he was struggling to control his emotions, Anture carefully placed his hand on Enrique’s lower abdomen. As the large, firm hand cradled his belly, Enrique felt an inexplicable urge to cry from the deep sense of relief that welled up inside him.
“Our child is here. It’s already grown so much.”
“It’s the heir of Shamier. The future crown prince of Shamier.”
“And it’s our child.”
Anture said with a gentle smile. Enrique didn’t know how charming yet infuriating that smile was.
To think he left him and the child behind without even saying goodbye…!
And then not a single word of contact after that!
Instead of holding back any longer, Enrique raised his hand and slapped Anture’s cheek. He wanted to headbutt him, but considering his pregnant state, he settled for just a simple slap.
Slap-!
A sharp sound rang out. His palm stung, but his heart felt much lighter. As a result of the proper slap, there was a slight tinge of blood at the corner of Anture’s mouth. Enrique looked at the wound with satisfaction before wrapping both hands around Anture’s neck. Then he kissed his utterly infuriating husband.
The moment their lips met, they both opened their mouths and entwined their tongues as if on cue. They eagerly explored each other as if trying to make up for all the kisses they couldn’t share during the months they were apart. The kiss after their reunion was sweet and stimulating, making their heads spin dizzily.
“I missed you so much, Enrique.”
Anture whispered in a moist voice. Enrique responded with an even more passionate kiss instead of words.
A storm-like time passed. Due to the pregnancy, they couldn’t do more than kissing and light skinship, but that was enough to fully savor each other’s presence. They pressed their bodies close on the narrow cot, intensely feeling each other’s existence. Anture embraced Enrique from behind, playing with his silver hair with one hand while caressing his swollen belly with the other.
Since becoming pregnant, Enrique had been sensitive to others’ approaches. He didn’t allow anyone except Pol to touch his body. But Anture was different. Even though his strong hands were caressing the belly that held their child, it didn’t feel uncomfortable at all. Rather, just being in his arms and feeling his touch made Enrique feel protected from all the dangers of the world. He felt that way despite being in a dangerous battlefield.
“Starting a war of conquest… Was it necessary to make such a big move?”
Enrique suddenly asked.
“For you, anything.”
Anture replied with a hint of a smile in his voice. Then, without giving Enrique a chance to argue, he continued.
“You only want the glory and prosperity of Shamier, right? To the extent that you’d endure multiple marriages and divorces for it… I could use Ruben’s power to break off your remaining two engagements. But then you’d be angry and wouldn’t even look at me. So instead of breaking off the remaining marriages, I needed to bring an equivalent benefit to Shamier, right? I thought a gift like Monta would be enough to appease you.”
“You’re good with words. Making it sound like you started this war just for me…”
Enrique, who had already thoroughly grasped the various benefits Ruben would gain from this war, replied gruffly.
“To move troops on such a large scale, we had to provide equivalent benefits to Ruben. But Enrique, this war is ultimately for you.”
There was certainly a discrepancy in saying the war was for Enrique. This war was beneficial to Ruben and Shamier, and to both Anture and Enrique.
Ruben would not only reaffirm its status as a major military power but also reorganize its army and gain territory in Baron, rich in mineral resources. Shamier would be able to provide ample combat experience to its newly established cavalry units and extend its reach to maritime trade by acquiring Monta’s territory. Anture would be able to solidify his position by demonstrating his abilities and qualities as the heir of Ruben, and Enrique would also be able to firmly establish his position as the crown prince. It was a war full of benefits without any drawbacks.
“When you were young, you really had pure and innocent eyes.”
Enrique muttered, recalling Anture’s past. To think that boy had grown up in just a few years to start a war that would put the continent on edge. Should he feel overwhelmed…
Anture laughed lightly. He brushed his lips against the back of Enrique’s neck. Enrique flinched at the ticklish sensation.
“You say I had pure and innocent eyes, but even you can misjudge people sometimes. From the moment I saw your brilliant golden eyes in your portrait, and from the moment I was completely overwhelmed when I saw you in person, I’ve been fiercely contemplating how to make you completely mine every single moment. If I appeared to you as a pure boy, it was because I wanted to appear that way to you.”
“You lewd bastard.”
Enrique pinched the back of Anture’s hand that was caressing his belly. Anture retaliated by nuzzling Enrique’s nape.
“Well, you’ve probably heard this until your ears hurt in Shamier, but you shouldn’t step a foot outside the safe center of this stronghold. Although the defenses are thorough, we don’t know what last-ditch efforts Monta and Baron might make…”
“You don’t need to nag. I know how precious my body is.”
“Yes. You have the most precious body in the world. A rare treasure that only I can possess.”
The sweet words were cliché but very effective. For the first time since becoming pregnant, Enrique felt desire.
“Anture…”
Enrique decided to follow what his desire demanded. Calling Anture’s name softly, he took the hand caressing his belly and guided it lower. The large, strong hand obediently followed, reaching down to touch his slightly erect dick.
“You’re excited.”
Anture whispered in a husky low voice. Then, as Enrique wished, he slipped his hand into his pants and began to caress his dick.
“Mmh… ah…”
Involuntary moans escaped as the hot, firm hand began to rub his dick. Anture placed his other hand over Enrique’s mouth and pushed his fingers inside.
“We’re in a tent, so all sounds will leak out. Save your moans for later.”
Anture whispered. Enrique bit down on the fingers lewdly exploring his mouth, trying to stifle his escaping moans. His hips moved unconsciously. Anture willingly pleasured Enrique’s dick with his hand in response.
“Shh… slowly… Getting too excited might not be good for the baby.”
Anture said while slowly stroking the dick. Then he rubbed the tip with his fingertips.
“Hah…!”
A suppressed moan escaped. Anture used the sticky fluid that had emerged at the tip as lubricant, circling around the sensitive head.
“Mmh…”
His hips moved on their own, and sweet moans flowed from his nose.
“Does it feel good?”
Anture asked in an excited voice. His breath was hot on the back of Enrique’s neck. Enrique nodded slightly. Anture tightened his grip on the dick and began to pump it quickly.
