Carlisle’s and Elena’s gazes were fixed on each other’s, deep emotions knotted between them. When Carlisle said nothing, Elena spoke up impatiently.
“Please say something.”
A moment, and then he finally spoke.
“I was trying to organize my thoughts.”
“…Do you believe me?”
“Of course. I had made that wish, and there is no reason for me not to believe it.”
“What are you thinking?”
At that moment, Carlisle’s blue eyes turned as dark as a storm’s.
“I’m thinking about the fact that it was the Duke of Lunen that dared to kill you.”
“Why—”
“No matter that it happened in a different life, he cannot be forgiven.”
Carlisle reached out slowly to cover Elena’s soft cheek. The storm in his eyes had calmed, but now it was filled with sorrow and regret.
“How dare he touch my wife. Even if I tear him to pieces with my own hands, it will not be enough to satisfy my anger.”
His sharp words were a counterpoint to his gentle touch, but they sounded as sweet as honey to Elena’s ears. Even though Carlisle had the Dragon’s Orb, it would still be difficult for anyone to accept her story. He did not question why she only revealed this now, seeming to understand all her hardships without her having to explain it in detail. Elena could not help but be moved, and a faint smile traced her lips.
“I knew that your father wouldn’t live long. He died much later in my last life, but I knew it was likely of chronic disease…I’m sorry I couldn’t tell you before.”
Carlisle hesitated for a moment, then shook his head.
“No. If that was his life span, then you couldn’t have changed it.”
“Still…I’m sorry. At least I could have given you time to say good-bye.”
Elena lowered her head, but Carlisle smiled and tilted it upwards.
“You did know the future.”
“Caril…”
“But don’t blame yourself over nothing.”
The more he tried to absolve her of responsibility, the guiltier she felt. She wished she could have changed something. However, she had already massively diverted the timelime, and there was a limit to what she could do. And yet, her heart still ached for Carlisle.
Sensing her regret, Carlisle held Elena’s face with both hands and then pressed a light kiss on her lips. She looked momentarily startled, and he pulled back and gave her a smile.
“When we return to the palace, we will visit my father at his grave.”
“…Yes.”
“If there’s something you need to say to him, then go and tell him. I’m sure Father doesn’t hold you responsible for his death either.”
“Do you think so?”
“Of course. He had already been suffering from disease for years, and he would have known that he did not have long to live. No one blames you for Father’s death, so stop blaming yourself.”
Elena nodded weakly. Carlisle cupped her cheeks again and gave her a heavy kiss. It was far more passionate than the peck a moment ago, and she found herself light-headed and blushing red. Carlisle pulled back, and she could see the danger reflected in his eyes.
“…Caril.”
“If there’s anything else you need to tell me, put if off for later. I don’t want to think anymore tonight.”
Elena knew what the heat in his eyes meant. She had been with him many times since their first night together in the cave. Carlisle skillfully peeled away the top of Elena’s dress and whispered in a rough voice.
“So I need your help.”
“…Ah!”
She reddened even further, but she couldn’t stop herself from shamelessly trembling in anticipation. She closed her eyes tight as Carlisle’s lips dragged from her neck to her collarbone, then downwards even further. She placed a hand on his broad shoulder and murmured in a low voice.
“Take me to bed, please.”
The fire in Carlisle’s eyes seemed to flare even hotter. He lifted her into his arms, and Elena couldn’t summon another rational thought.
