The Contract Marriage for Attilenta's Revenge - Chapter 59

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Atilenta’s Contract Marriage for Revenge — Episode 59
It was a rose-shaped ornament wrapped in glass-thin green leaves.
Henrik handled it as though it were the most precious jewel in the world, and before I could think, I found myself accepting the golden chain from which the rose hung.
Even the chain of the necklace gleamed excessively, as if it had been crafted from pure gold.
“You sent a gift at the last gathering as well…… Barsha explained to me how precious it was.”
“That was for the gathering. This is truly a birthday gift.”
I gazed down at the flower that shimmered with translucent brilliance. It was clearly a bespoke creation, the product of a master artisan’s painstaking labor.
In truth, my reaction in this moment was predetermined.
Even as I thought it was unnecessary trouble on Henrik’s part, I fastened the necklace around my neck at once.
“Just a moment…… Atilenta.”
As he locked the clasp of the ornament with an audible click, his fingertips brushed lightly against the nape of my neck.
It was an entirely natural gesture, a touch so feather-light it was as if he hadn’t touched me at all, yet my entire body went rigid.
The subtle tension that had been building gradually since earlier intensified. I felt my shoulders stiffen, yet I spoke the words I was meant to say.
“Thank you, Your Highness. For always taking such care……”
Even as I knew I ought to show more enthusiasm, my voice trailed away.
The gemstones of varied hues inlaid in the design were so remarkable, and this entire situation felt so foreign and overwhelming.
“It suits you perfectly, Atilenta.”
At those words, I shut my eyes and confessed. I could no longer hold back.
“…… Your Highness. You clearly want something from me. How can you…… give such precious gifts every time……”
He had spoken truly.
If I had accepted his feelings easily, there would be no reason to shatter this peaceful atmosphere.
“I…… I have nothing to give you.”
But now I understood that I could not return the emotion he offered me in equal measure.
And he knew that truth as well.
“You have something you want, don’t you?”
I finally let out the breath that had been pressing down on me like a flood.
“That’s why I said to take your time.”
Only then did I look at him.
Henrik was gazing at me, and at the necklace I had donned.
With genuine satisfaction in his expression.
Though I was aware that my own face bore a different expression entirely.
“…… You’ve been preparing for this day for a long time, haven’t you?”
I asked, feigning indifference as best I could.
“Barsha helped too. Quite enthusiastically, in fact.”
She would certainly have summoned every jeweler in sight and agonized over countless designs.
The image came to me so naturally that laughter escaped before I could stop it.
“I imagine that’s exactly what happened.”
In an instant, Henrik raised one large hand to cover his mouth. Then he suddenly let out a deep sigh.
“Ah……”
At this sudden gesture, I tilted my head.
“Your Highness?”
He extended his hand and gently grasped the ends of my hair.
“…… Atilenta. I told you not to push yourself.”
His voice had dropped to an uncomfortably low register.
In that instant, a chill ran down my spine.
“I want to kiss you.”
My breath caught.
He slowly rubbed my hair against his palm, almost crumpling it.
“…… This really isn’t easy, is it?”
His expression contained far too many emotions.
He had spoken sincerely about wanting to draw closer slowly, but just now it was as though he had received a tremendous stimulus.
“…… If you will permit it.”
I saw something like a flame burning in his violet eyes.
It felt entirely unreal.
My mind went blank, and I couldn’t remember what I had just done.
But this much was certain.
If he chose to, he could force himself on me at any moment.
I looked at his lips, clenched so tightly I could see how much tension he was holding.
Then I traced the sharp line of his jaw, trembling so faintly it would go unnoticed unless he were this close, and the broad shoulders that stretched out in an unbroken line.
As I swallowed unconsciously, I knew what was about to happen, yet I wanted him to understand that none of this was being forced upon me.
So I didn’t shy away from his churning gaze and nodded.
In that instant.
He seized my wrist and pulled me against him.
But he stopped just short of where our lips would meet.
His breath, the heat radiating from his skin — everything was impossibly close.
“……Your Highness.”
I spoke without hiding my embarrassment, and he continued with rough, ragged breathing.
“……Ah. What is this…….”
The moment I heard that trembling, uncertain voice, I understood.
I’d given him permission in my own small way, but my expression must have betrayed my hesitation — so he simply stopped.
He truly meant to wait until I was truly ready.
Unbidden, something warm and fierce surged through my chest.
He rested his cheek against mine, speaking softly into the quiet.
“……You have such a lovely fragrance.”
Though I’d done nothing to earn it, my face burned, and I drew my lips back slowly.
“……You said something like that before. Don’t all the people in the royal household use this same scent?”
His breath spread gently across my neck and collarbone.
“I heard it was a specialty of that region below, after all.”
“I’m aware the region produces it, but I don’t make particular use of it myself.”
Henrik spoke now with the ease and composure that was his usual manner.
“Still less would I know what women primarily wear — not something a man would trouble himself over.”
How strange — he was nothing like the man who’d shown such fierce intensity moments before.
Impulsively, I raised my hand and let it settle barely touching his shoulder, feeling how tense every muscle had gone — hard as stone.
“……Your Highness, you must have reached marriageable age long ago. Even then, you had no thought of a marriage ceremony, is that right?”
He wrapped his hand around mine, holding it as if that was exactly where it belonged.
“The position needed to be secured first.”
I mimicked his composure, pushing forward with careful words, hiding the tremor in my own voice and the doubt that still lingered.
“With your elder brother present, you also wished to observe the proper order of succession?”
“As I’ve said before, that wasn’t the real obstacle. Still, I did intend to honor it as much as possible. But you see for yourself how matters stand.”
I made a small gesture of agreement, though he wouldn’t see it — he still had me held against him.
“……I never thought you’d come. Even though Princess Barsha did.”
I looked around the room anew, taking in the man who held me without leaving the smallest gap between us, and this fragrant, romantic chamber that Barsha had prepared.
It seemed like the very embodiment of the affection this brother and sister showed me.
“That’s true. ……You said you liked the wine you were drinking earlier. Should I keep some at the palace too?”
“If Your Highness wishes it.”
“What about the rest? Barsha will want to know.”
I suspect you’re just as curious as she is.
Our hearts, pressed together in this embrace, were far from calm, yet we continued our small talk.
“……Everything was wonderful, Your Highness. I mean it sincerely.”
He let out laughter like a white wave, gentle and still. It wasn’t the bright, unshadowed smile of a child, but it was unmistakable.
He was happy. Every tender gesture, every kindness, every soft word proved it.
Then Henrik brushed gently down from my shoulder and spoke slowly.
“Always be careful. Atilenta.”line>
I understood what he left unspoken.

That Zeidan might resort to anything.
I knew that though Henrik would try to protect me from his side, the reality was he couldn’t always manage it.
I nodded in quiet acceptance.
It was the best I could offer.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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