The Villain's End Is Pregnancy - C108
While Ryan and Hendrick were bickering, the knights escorted the still unconscious Count Seiden to prison.
Upon arriving at the palace, Hendrick told Ryan to rest first, then went to have an audience with the king. It was to report on Count Seiden’s matter.
Meanwhile, Ryan, who had been playing with the cat and eating snacks Peter had prepared while waiting for Hendrick, noticed him coming in with a meaningful smile.
“Hendrick, why are you making that expression?”
“What kind of expression am I making?”
“Like a villain plotting something? A naughty prince about to cause trouble. Something like that.”
Hendrick let out a deflated chuckle at Ryan’s string of descriptions.
“His Majesty was furious about Count Seiden’s case. He said he’d not only punish him for insulting the royal family but also confiscate all his property.”
“Well, I guess so.”
That’s understandable. Not only did he disobey the king’s orders and let a criminal escape, but he also hid in the royal capital.
‘Perhaps Count Seiden will be exiled like Liam.’
But it seemed there was more to it.
“I also heard that Count Fitzroy has entered the palace and briefly greeted people.”
“My father?”
That was unexpected.
“Yes. Apparently, a servant returning to the mansion witnessed Count Seiden being escorted away. Given the nature of the situation, he probably wanted to confirm it himself. Thanks to that, I saw an amusing sight.”
“What was it?”
Again, Hendrick just grinned instead of answering. It seemed something had happened, but he had no intention of telling.
“By the way, what were you doing up so late?”
Moreover, he changes the subject, making it obvious he’s avoiding the topic. Ryan looked at him with narrowed eyes before going along with it.
“I was worrying about making mistakes during tomorrow’s ceremony.”
“It’ll be fine even if you do.”
While Ryan was agonizing over it, the response was too nonchalant.
“How can it be fine? It would be so embarrassing in front of so many people!”
“They probably won’t even notice such things.”
Hendrick stroked Ryan’s fluffy hair and caressed his smooth forehead, his eyes crinkling.
“I’ll pay close attention, so don’t worry.”
Though Hendrick’s touch was only on his head, Ryan couldn’t understand why his chest felt ticklish.
“What if I trip because I can’t see where I’m going?”
He knew it was an unnecessary worry, but he couldn’t help it from coming to mind. What if his mistake not only embarrassed himself but also affected Hendrick?
“Hmm…”
Hendrick’s eyebrows furrowed. Just when Ryan thought he was finally getting concerned too…
“Then we have no choice.”
“Huh?”
“You know I’m supposed to enter first, right?”
“Yes.”
The prince who enters first greets the king and queen, his spouse’s family, and the guests honoring the occasion, then welcomes his partner who follows.
Ryan tilted his head, wondering why Hendrick was asking about such an obvious order, when Hendrick gently rubbed Ryan’s cheek with the back of his hand and said:
“We’ll enter together.”
Again, in a tone suggesting it wasn’t a big deal.
“…Huh?”
Ryan blinked in confusion. Hendrick repeated, as if it were nothing:
“Let’s hold hands tightly when we enter.”
“What?”
If the earlier “Huh?” was tinged with question, this exclamation was closer to shock.
“What are you saying? The chamberlain said that goes against etiquette!”
Ryan jumped up, reminding Hendrick how much emphasis was placed on following royal protocol when they were taught the ceremony procedures.
“It’s not a problem.”
“Maybe for you.”
What about me? The king’s chamberlain might look at me disapprovingly after the ceremony.
After dealing with that rigid and strict man for days, Ryan had realized just how preciously he had been raised.
“It’s better than making mistakes, right?”
Hendrick said softly as he picked up Ryan and moved him to the bed. Honestly, Ryan was tempted by those words.
“They might even like seeing a more affectionate image. But if you’re still worried, I’ll ask His Majesty first thing tomorrow morning.”
Now that Hendrick said he’d get permission first, Ryan was completely swayed. He nodded slightly.
“Good, you’ve thought it through.”
Hendrick said, as if proud, kissing Ryan’s forehead as he laid him on the bed. Then he lay down beside him and patted his back, suggesting it was time to sleep.
“Hey, Hendrick.”
Ryan called out to him, snuggling further into his broad, warm embrace.
“Yes?”
The warmth enveloping his body was affectionate. The kisses moving from his forehead to the crown of his head, then to his temple and ear, were also full of warmth.
“It’s late, but I’m sorry.”
Closing his eyes, Ryan wrapped his arms around Hendrick. Pressing his nose against Hendrick’s firm chest, he could smell his alpha’s pheromones strongly. Unable to look up, he spoke again.
“For saying it wasn’t your child. I know that upset you and made you worry. Thank you for staying by my side even after that.”
Hendrick responded by bending down to kiss Ryan’s cheek, the bridge of his nose, and then pressing his upper lip firmly with his own. For a while, his light yet warm kisses continued before moving to his lips.
Ryan, already understanding what Hendrick wanted, willingly parted his lips. Hendrick’s tongue, finding its place, immediately entwined with Ryan’s flesh.
“Mmm, mm… Mmm.”
It wasn’t as passionate or mind-numbing as usual. However, it was filled with a sweet and warm energy, and Ryan was engrossed, his eyes still tightly shut.
“Haa… Haa. Haa.”
But when he started to feel a bit short of breath, Hendrick pulled away slightly. Ryan unconsciously opened his eyes and met Hendrick’s gaze, as fresh and kind as summer light.
“What should I do, Ryan?”
Hendrick’s brow was furrowed. He looked somewhat troubled, making Ryan wonder what was wrong now.
“What’s the matter?”
I just apologized, so why is he looking at me so strangely? As if he had been waiting to be asked, Hendrick suddenly grabbed Ryan’s hand.
Ryan, who had been watching compliantly, widened his eyes the next moment. This was because the hand Hendrick had grabbed was moved downward and placed firmly on his center.
No, that wasn’t the problem.
“Hey! You… What is this?”
The volume was clearly felt even through the blanket. Startled, Ryan quickly withdrew his hand. But the vivid sensation he had felt wasn’t easily forgotten.
And that wasn’t all. His gaze unconsciously dropped to Hendrick’s lower body. In doing so, his soft hair tickled Hendrick’s chin, causing him to make a pained expression, though Ryan didn’t notice.
“You really don’t consider the time and place, do you?”
The peaceful and soft atmosphere from earlier had disappeared somewhere as Ryan scolded Hendrick.
“Not tonight. Absolutely not.”
Ever since Hendrick had touched him again, he had been pressing his body against Ryan every night. He had said it was okay to have light relations since Ryan was a dominant omega, sturdy, and the fetus had quickly stabilized.
But it wasn’t easy to endure a body that pounced on him without missing a single day. Especially when dealing with an extremely dominant alpha overflowing with vigor.
Ryan had struggled to maintain a proper balance, and today, being the day before the ceremony, he had insisted on getting a good night’s sleep.
“You said you wanted to make up for being sorry. If so, do as I say today.”
“No, that’s not what I meant…!”
How did it turn into this? Ryan was about to protest but closed his mouth upon seeing Hendrick’s eyes.
“Haa…”
Now he was breathing hot breaths into Ryan’s ear. Ryan quickly hid his ear as goosebumps rose.
But he could already feel the heat rising in himself as well.
“Ryan.”
“Ha…”
Yes. If he said to do as Hendrick wanted, he would surely regret it. He knew this, but what could he do when Hendrick looked at him so passionately and lovingly?
Unable to wait any longer, Hendrick started kissing all over Ryan’s face, earlobe, ear shell, nape, and each finger.
“Hey. Get off.”
“Ryan, please? Hm? I’ll keep it light, okay? Hm?”
Realizing that the kisses moving from his forehead to his cheeks and mouth were becoming more intense, Ryan let out a long exhale.
Yes, the problem lies with him after all.
“You promise to keep it light?”
It seems permission has finally been granted.