On the white marble floor, Lucretius’ clothes scattered everywhere. Bina felt a bit embarrassed thinking what the maids and the servants would think when they cleaned this place tomorrow morning. However, it was only Bina who thought this way.
Lucretius thought it was normal for their private lives to be exposed to so many people. He grew up with everyone watching his every move, so he didn’t realize how strange it was to have the line between one’s public and personal lives blurred.
For Bina, who grew up in the 21st century Korea, it was hard to understand and accept this reality. She still often felt embarrassed. For example, whenever the maids came into her bedroom to find Lucretius and Bina in bed together… Just like this situation, Bina felt mortified at what they might imagine.
Bina lowered herself into the warm water so only her head was visible from outside. She could hear water splashing nearby, indicating he was entering the tub. When she turned around, she could see his magnificent naked self with his golden hair shining beautifully. His hair was already wet after exposing himself from the cold-water tub.
He had been in the water for only a few seconds, but he already looked amazing.
It was believed that Maram’s water had beautifying power.
‘I guess it works even better on already good-looking people.’
She felt a little bit annoyed.
Bina had been using the hot spring water from Maram for the past four years, as they delivered it to the castle for her personal use. It had improved her skin greatly with long-term use, but Lucretius had to dunk himself only once and it made him look so much better than her already!
It wasn’t fair. Although she felt angry, she also openly enjoyed the beautiful man’s body. His scars didn’t surprise or sadden her anymore. They only made his gorgeous body look more masculine.
Besides, there hadn’t been an assassination attempt on Lucretius in a very long time. They were safe. However, even then, Lucretius was never lazy about his training. This was why his body remained toned and chiseled like that of a statue.
Even his bones were the image of perfection and his muscles were mouth-watering.
Bina decided that she had to make sure her daughter Beatrice use the hot spring water from early on. Beatrice was already a beautiful child, thanks to her father, and with diligent care, she would grow up to be the most gorgeous princess in Cransian history!
Lucretius approached his wife with a smile. In his hand was the crystal glass Bina dropped in the water. He handed it back to her as Bina commented, “If I knew you would be here tonight, I would have told them to prepare two glasses.”
Lucretius grinned. “I didn’t know I would be able to get here this fast. Tomorrow morning was the earliest I expected.”
“So you really rode here through the night too?”
“Umm… Sort of?”
Lucretius looked casual but his ears flinched subtly.
Bina knew him well enough to know that this meant he was lying.
A very small lie.
Spending four years with him has taught her little things about him. If he knew, he would have fixed this habit, but she didn’t tell him. Knowing these things about him made her feel secretly happy.
Lucretius continued to lie smoothly.
“I did sleep at night. We dropped by at different inns every night and made sure I rested. I’m not so stupid that I would ride a horse when I am tired or sleepy. I wouldn’t want to fall off the horse, right?”
Bina knew then.
‘He probably almost fell off the horse because he lack sleep.’
She could see through him like an open book, but she understood that he took such a silly risk because he wanted to get to her as quickly as possible. She decided to feign ignorance.
“Alright. I’m glad you didn’t take unnecessary risks.”
Lucretius looked secretly relieved and Bina smiled. She drank a sip of smooth red wine and handed him back the glass. Having one glass wasn’t so bad. They could drink from it together.
“Here.”
“Thanks.”
Lucretius took a sip and without swallowing, he grabbed her head and kissed her.
“…!”
She moaned in shock and pleasure. She tasted the wine from his lips and tongue. It tasted even better this way. This time, the kiss was shorter than the last time, but it still made her breathless. Bina took the glass with a sigh and emptied it.
With a grin, Lucretius kissed her again immediately as if to steal the wine from her mouth. Bina’s face reddening even more. It was partly due to the wine and being in the hot spring, but they both knew that those weren’t the only reasons.
Lucretius placed the glass down on the marble floor.
“I guess we don’t need two glasses after all. I prefer this way.”
He was back to his corny self again. Bina splashed the warm water at him, and the garden filled with the sound of water and laughter.
***
The milky water continued to give off hot steam. Bina sighed sleepily and leaned her head against his shoulder.
She felt like her whole body was melting. Her eyes were half-closed, and she was about to fall asleep.
Lucretius kissed her forehead lovingly.
When she sighed again happily, Lucretius continued to leave trails of his kisses on her body.
Her forehead, cheeks, neck, and shoulders.
Her skin felt so smooth and warm that Lucretius couldn’t stop kissing her everywhere.
The garden was quiet, and the only sound resonating all around was Lucretius’ kisses. Bina felt embarrassed.
“Stop. I’m sleepy…”
She really was feeling tired. She thought Lucretius should be even more exhausted since he rode day and night to get here, but he looked rejuvenated.
Lucretius chuckled and kissed her ear. His warm breath tickled her, making her feel hot all over again. She thought she was done for the night but was surprised at her own renewed desire.
“…!”
Lucretius whispered teasingly, “We still have the rest of the night. You aren’t planning on leaving me all lonely like this, right? That’s too cruel.”
He sounded like a whiny child, making Bina giggle.
She poked his nose. “But I’m really sleepy. The carriage ride was longer and harder than expected. My legs feel weak.”
Lucretius immediately grew concerned. “Is it because you still haven’t fully recovered from the labor?”
Bina was surprised at his thinking just because she said she was sleepy. Beatrice was born almost three years ago, and Lucretius was still concerned about her recovery from it. It was, indeed, a difficult birth, but it wasn’t as bad as he was believing it to be.
Plus, the aftercare she received was top of the notch and over the top. She recovered quickly, and she didn’t feel much different than she did before giving birth.
Bina smiled confidently to reassure him.
“Don’t be so dramatic. I’ve been in the hot water for too long, and I feel a little drunk. That’s all.”
“I guess that makes sense.”
“Exactly, so… Hmm?”
Bina became shocked at his sudden movement. She squealed as Lucretius carried her out of the tub.
“T, tell me first before doing things like this.”
Her face got even redder and Lucretius watched her with a devoted smile. He kissed her forehead again and carried her to the bedroom. He was definitely in his prime; he carried Bina like she weighed nothing.
The marble path was wet and, therefore, slippery.
When Lucretius almost fell, Bina said to him nervously, “B, be careful!”
“… I am being careful.”
They both thought how embarrassing it would be to die naked by slipping on a marble floor.
Suddenly, the hard ground turned cushiony. Lucretius was now walking on the thick layers of rose petals.
“Wow. They followed my order very well.”
Bina’s eyes widened. “You… you ordered them to do this?”
“Of course. I had them do everything they can for my empress.”
Bina was speechless.
Beautiful moon, heady fragrance of roses, and the man she loved.
It was indeed the most romantic night.
