5

Erina shook her head softly while her fingers manipulated each of the buttons of his shirt. Arden can feel the slow and soft movements of her fingers. He can also smell her scent. Sweet but not too strong.

“But you’re aware of what will happen, hmm?” his hot breath kissed her cheek.

Of course, you idiot. Erina said to herself.

“You’re gonna bear my child. I’m gonna put it here,” he said as his calloused hand rested on her flat stomach.

Erina was stunned by the touch. She can feel the roughness of it even though there’s a cloth in between.

“I know… I’m gonna… get pregnant and you’re gonna put the baby—“

“The baby?” he raised his brow.

Erina looked at him innocently. He flashed a small smile but without humor. It looked taunting and welcoming.

“I’m gonna put myself inside you before the baby,” he said in a raspy voice.

Erina’s throat ran dry. She didn’t expect it. She’s aware that the king is cruel and ruthless, and she’s also expecting that he has a bad personality, but never in her wildest dream think about what’s in between her decision.

She almost forgot that he’s gonna mate with her.

Oh damn… of course, Erina! He’s gonna enter his dick inside you!

Her eyes drifted back to the buttons of his shirt. She continued what she was doing while Arden’s intense eyes bore into her.

“I will give you some days to prepare yourself. I’ll consider it since you’re a virgin. But I am not as gentle as you think,” he said roughly, his words don’t show gentleness.

Wow. He’s being considerate.

Erina smiled a little, firing her shot to seduce him and tame him.

“Thank you for being considerate. You’re nice,” she complimented.

Arden was taken aback. He doesn’t want to pay attention too much, and even though it wasn’t the first time he heard it, those words are rare.

“You think I’m nice?” like a triggered beast, he lifted some strands of her hair and played with it by curling it into his pointing finger.

Erina nodded. “I know that my father sold me as your slave and I don’t have the right to complain about whatever you’re gonna do to me, but you’re being considerate about me. Thank you…” she said gently while flashing her soft expression and weary eyes.

Erina can sense that every time she’s soft, every time she’s smiling at him, he’s gonna freeze a bit. And she’s enjoying it. She’s in full control and she likes the idea of putting superiority over him.

This is the cruel king who slaughtered my kind, who started bloody wars, who killed fearlessly? Why do I even feel that he wasn’t cruel at all? I can easily manipulate her using my charm!

“Coz he’s struck by your beauty, darling,” Aurora said while Erina is taking a bath again the next day.

She had a good sleep. Arden didn’t call her again in his room, the reason why she spent her time in her room after eating boredly.

And now, early in the morning, the first thing she did is to report to her mother what happened yesterday.

“But I know that he easily loses his temper. The servants here are all afraid to anger him. Even his mother is afraid to push too much about his decision. He probably inherited it from his father,” Erina said while she was in deep thought.

“Have you seen his father?” Aurora asked.

Erina shook her head. “He’s not yet here. I heard that he went to the other land for owning a territory there. They are all greedy for powers, mother,” her voice thickened.

“Coz they’re monsters. Don’t let the King deceive you. Always remember that that’s the alpha wolf who killed the entire witches and started a bloody war against us,” Aurora reminded while gritting her teeth.

Erina nodded. “Yes, mother. And I will never be deceived by him.”

“Never fall in love,” she said, repeating the first rule she said to Erina.

Erina nodded. “Impossible, mother. After what he has done to us, I don’t think I’ll even like him. I am willing to curse him.”

Aurora smiled triumphantly.

“Always be careful okay?”

Erina nodded. Their conversation was cut off again when the servant knocked from outside to remind her that she’s gonna have breakfast with Arden and his mother.

She went down wearing a long floral dress with a sweetheart neckline and puff sleeves. The dress cascaded on the floor while she walked towards the table.

Arden watched her critically while Erina can feel the deep stare of Arden’s mother like she was trying to find a fault in her in order to push her out of the palace.

“What’s your name again?” Arden’s mother asked.

“I’m Erina Riverdale, your highness,” she answered softly.

“Erina…” she gasped a little and glanced at Arden who was now eating.

“Who’s your mother?” she asked suspiciously.

“Cynthia Riverdale, your highness. She died while giving birth to me,” she answered just like how she practiced with Aurora for her fake identity.

“And that’s your father?” Mrs. Gunner continued.

“My stepfather, your highness,” she answered gently.

“You don’t have a sibling. Perhaps… a sister?”

Arden looked at his mother while his chewing slowed down. Mrs. Gunner can feel the intensity of his son’s eyes boring against her.

Erina shook her head. “I’m an only child, your highness.”

Celestia Gunner nodded. A part of her wants to buy it but there’s still a part of her that’s suspects.

A long silence embraced them while the only thing they can hear is the movements of the fork and spoon heating each other as they eat.

“You’re gonna sleep in my room tonight,” Arden said nonchalantly which almost made his mother spit her drink. She started coughing. She didn’t expect it to be so sudden and it came out of nowhere.

“Arden,” his mother leered at her.

“What, Mama? I bought her to bear my child. What are we supposed to do?” he fired tauntingly.

Yes, Arden. You bought not just the mother of your children but also the cause of your death.