Ensnaring his Dark Moon-Chapter 317: After this ends...

"I will stay here. Remember, Es. As long as you obey me, you have nothing to lose. All you have to do is be my good wife,’’ As Jeremiah and Esme walked side by side on the hallway, he raised a hand and wrapped it around her waist, gaining a flurry of awed whisper from the maids who witnessed their ’affectionate’ moment.

Esme struggled against his grip but his fingers twisted her the fabric of her gown, digging harder into her flesh through her clothes till she could feel the pain.

’’And the moment you try to rebel, it will be the end for the both of us. I have worked for ages for this day, Es. If you ruin it for me, I will ruin your life. Your existence. Everything you hold dear,’’ Still with a charming smile fixated on his face, Jeremiah uttered the words as if he was whispering sweet nothings in Esme’s ear.

’’Why me?" Esme mumbled, her lips pursing at the pain of his fingers digging in her skin.

’’Because it has to be you,’’ Jeremiah smiled wider, ’’Who asked you to be the King’s daughter?"

When his words dropped, his footsteps halted and Esme was jerked back by the movement of his arm as he pulled her back and caressed her hair.

’’You are disgusting,’’ they were standing right in front of Aleister’s room and Esme could feel the burning gazes of Aleister’s shadow guards.

’’My Lady, do you need anything?" One of them stepped forward to ask. Do you need any help?

The question was written all over his face.

Before Esme could say anything, Jeremiah released her smilingly, ’’Go ahead. You have things to do,’’ he leaned against the wall.

Esme pursed her lips. With one last glance in his direction, she walked past the guard and stepped inside Aleister’s room.

’’Heard that you were here earlier?" the familiar voice greeted her ear the moment she stepped inside, soothing her heart.

Esme stopped in her tracks when her gaze landed on Aleister’s naked back. His muscles were glistening with water droplets, ’’I was...’’ she whispered, clearing her throat.

She was not surprised that he could recognize her without turning back to look at her. It had always been that way. Almost as if her presence was embedded into him.

’’Then who stole you away from me, my dear moon? Why were you not around when I came?" he turned around.

’’Al... I...’’ Esme stuttered when she heard the sound of footsteps outside the door. He was still there and the awareness of it had her inhale a deep breath, ’’Do you not have the decency to dress yourself?" her gaze lowered to his broad chest.

’’Or were you waiting for someone?"

’’Other than you?" Aleister chuckled, ’’My dear moon, do you not know who I am? I am a noble prince, be it here amongst the mortals or in the heavens. I have a reputation to uphold. I do not undress for people nor do I wait for them.’’

Esme rolled her eyes.

’’But you are an exception,’’ he walked towards her and took her hand in his, his other hand twisting the intricate lace of her gown, ’’All my indecency is reserved for you. You can have me clothed and unclothed, in any way you want.’’

Heat rose to her cheeks and she pressed her hands to his chest before pushing him away.

Aleister hugged her from the back. Placing his chin on the crook of her neck, he spoke up, ’’Why were you looking for me earlier?"

’’To see if my words upset you.’’

Aleister stood straight and turned her around as he looked into her eyes.

’’About Cardan...’’

Aleister placed a finger on her lips, stopping her from speaking any further, ’’Esme, we are in love with each other. And I intend to snare you by my side for an eternity. However, if my actions made you feel that you need to hold back your thoughts and words in front of me because they would, in any way, upset me then I deserve a punishment from you.’’

Esme looked into his eyes.

Aleister smiled, ’’The girl who I was infatuated with was brave and fierce. The woman I fell for was even more courageous, a little broken yet had the ability to fight the world. You do not have to change for anything or anyone, my dear moon. You are an art, my favorite one, the way you are.

How you see things and perceive them does not have to align with the way I see them and our varying opinions will never change the way I see you. Speak your mind, do what your heart seeks and whoever dies or whatever is harmed along the way would be dealt with by me.’’

Esme blinked away the tears pooling in her eyes.

She broke free from his arms, ’’Our varying opinions did not change the way you see me because I stepped back this time.. I thought about it and realized that if instead of Cardan, it was one of my brothers, I would have stood beside them regardless of what they did in the past. Once they tried to redeem themselves, I would still stand with them even if I have to go against the world.’’

Aleister chuckled, ’’And I promise, if you had not stepped back, I would have retreated willingly. If you believe that my adoration for you will be shaken by anger or arguments, such triviality, then you need to rethink again,’’ he held her hand and led her to the dining table, ’’Back in the heaven, I had intended for you to eat more but you had the time of your day fighting with me.’’

Esme narrowed her eyes.

Aleister kissed the top of her head, ’’Do not glare. Or we won’t be able to have dinner,’’ his longing gaze shifted towards the bed.

Esme’s lips twitched.

Aleister pulled a chair for her. Once she took a seat, he spoke up,’’Eat more. You have turned thin. Stop looking at the bed as if you can barely resist eating me.’’

"_" You win!

’’Al..’’

’’Mmm?"

’’What do you intend to do after this ends? Visteria is in ruins and the castle is empty...’’