Marriage Alliance With The Lycan Monarch-Chapter 236: The Music In A Box

The Dowager stepped out of the room. There was a momentary silence before Diana spoke up.

"Don’t worry, I’m sure whatever plan you have will work out. Mother is just too blind to see how amazing you are."

"Is that a compliment? You’re losing your touch."

"Don’t let it get in your head," she said sassily before looking at Drevon. "Brother."

"Sister."

She gave a curt nod and left the room.

"Diana has changed... physically." I pointed out. "Of course, it may just be me, and I’m seeing things now."

"You’re not my love. She awoke her moonblood days ago. The process alone did more damage than Orianna’s attack. As nature wills it, her body will adjust to handle the sudden change."

"I hate to admit that she doesn’t look like a little brat anymore. I might actually start calling her big sister."

"She’s still your brat. She may have changed physically, but that attitude of hers will always be there."

I hit him on the chest.

He chuckled. "What?"

I pecked him on the lips. Drevon’s eyes were closed, and he remained in that position as if to imprint that feeling.

"What has become of my husband now? I have stolen his breath," I uttered in delight.

Drevon smiled as he lifted me onto his lap, gently and carefully. His hand covered my neck as he pressed his lips into mine in a hungry kiss.

I dug my fingers into his hair, enjoying the rough but hot texture of his lips. His fire seemed to spread over me, making my insides coil in heat.

I shivered when I felt his hand caressing my bump. "You’re bigger."

"You’re aware."

"I shall have the seamstress make more comfortable dresses."

"You already changed my entire wardrobe, no need."

"But I must. Everything about your comfort is mine to make true."

I smiled, kissing him right back until we were on a lock once again, far more heated than the first. I wrapped my arms around him, entirely driven but still starving. There has been so much going on, and all Drevon’s concern was my well-being.

He treated me far more than a queen. This pregnancy was nothing but a wave of distress, but having Drevon walk me through it was the best moment of my life.

"Take me to bed."

"Easy, my love."

"I want you. Destress me, for the day has made me drained. For the next few hours, I do not want to think about snowbloods or anyone else." I stroked his cheek, and he looked at me with eyes drowned in nothing but love. "All I want is my husband. May I have that?"

He kissed my forehead and proceeded to take off my shoes. It was far more comfortable because they were made specially for me, so my feet wouldn’t get sore.

His hand slowly massaged them, and I sighed in relief, resting my head on his chest.

He stopped so, placing me on my feet.

"My little wife." He kissed my bump. "There are many ways to destress. Would you allow me to try something new?"

"Will it make this day less cluttered?"

"I’d create a much better memory. Will that suffice?"

"That’s quite bold, dearest."

He rose, and my heart skipped a beat. Having this massive man hold me like you would do glass and stare down at me with so much light in his eyes was beyond words.

"Give me a moment," he said, walking towards a polished stand with something I had never seen before on top.

"What is that?"

"A phonograph. There are not quite a lot of them, but I had one secured."

I tipped my head at the odd-looking thing. It had a golden horn attached to a brown box, engraved with designs. There was a black disc, and when Drevon set down the needle, soft music filled the room.

[Music: Love Letter (With You) - Instrumental By BIG Naughty]

"Wow..." I exclaimed. "It’s a music in a box."

Drevon walked back to me, my back against his chest, and he wrapped his arms around me, swaying us to the beat.

"Close your eyes."

I did. I didn’t understand what was happening, but having that soft tune play made me relax.

I smiled, allowing my body and mind to ease more into it. It only got better when images flashed in my head. I remember walking down the aisle filled with nothing but fright and uncertainty, bidding my last moments.

When my veil was removed. How my heart stopped as I set my eyes on the most beautiful orbs I have ever seen. I didn’t realize it until now, but that was the moment my heart beat after years of being frozen.

I held Drevon’s arms tightly as a tear slipped beneath my lashes.

"I’ll always choose you," I muttered softly.

I felt his kisses on my neck, slow and gentle. He didn’t need to say the words back to me, for I knew with all my heart he’d always, no matter what.

Drevon’s hand fell to my bump. "Look who’s excited."

I giggled when I felt the kick. "It’s been getting stronger lately. Hopefully, he doesn’t crawl his way out."

"Who told you that?"

"Mother."

"Goddess that woman."

"It’s alright, I know he won’t hurt me. I’m his mother."

I felt Drevon’s lips stretch in a smile against my skin. "And he couldn’t be prouder to have you."

I pushed away, just enough so that I could turn and set my eyes on my husband. "He’ll be proud to have you as a father, too."

Drevon rained kisses on my knuckles. "Now that we know we’re having a son, I think we no longer have to flip both male and female names. Any thoughts?"

I made a thoughtful expression, but then I smiled. "We have all the time in the world."

Drevon’s hand intertwined with mine and grasped the locket I held.

"I never thought I would ever see her. I only had her name and a grave, but this?" I opened it, tears filling my eyes once more when I saw the picture. "It’s more than I could ever ask for. I know I’m being selfish. The only reason I said I wanted to observe Valestra is because—"

He placed a finger on my lips. "I know."

"Drevon..."

"There is no need to explain anything, my love." He used his thumb to wipe my tears.

He took the locket from me and wore it around my neck. "This is your keepsake now, my love. You should hold it close to your heart."

I sobbed, nodding.

"Whatever you have to do, do it. As Diana said, you’re amazing. I’m sure there will be good results at the end. You deserve nothing but that."

I kissed him before he could say anything more. This time, I had no intention of stopping.

The drapes shrouded the bed to keep the lights away. The rest of the evening was nothing but passion, and I didn’t want it to end.

He treated my body like I was the rarest of jewels you could only see once. His hand stroked my bump as he thrust into me from behind me, raining kisses on my neck, whilst whispering sweet words.

~•~

The birds chirped loudly as I neared the gazebo where Valestra was, guarded by knights to watch her every move. A few days had passed since her arrival.

Valestra glanced my way, and a bright smile curled on her lips. "Look at you, glowing like the morning sun."

I couldn’t resist smiling too, because the warmth in her voice strangely soothed my heart. I sat in front of her, and she poured me tea.

"I didn’t expect such a verdict. I was hoping to spend my last few moments soon, but it appears the gods don’t want me dead yet."

"I made the choice because just like you, I don’t want any more bloodshed."

"I thank you, my dear."

"Aren’t you going to ask me what lies in store for Orianna’s punishment?"

"Is it going to be torture?"

"N-No... I don’t think so. I gave the rights to Diana, and she’s certainly not someone who would do that."

Though I wouldn’t guarantee that Diana isn’t going to make her life hell.

"Then it’s fine. If it’s a punishment, then she deserves it for causing such trouble. The girl needs to learn a thing or two. And believe me, nothing better than lycans to teach her that."

"I didn’t expect that from you," I said, amused.

"I love her, but she committed a crime, and hence the punishment is the right way to set her straight."

"Hmm... I thought of you as the doting grandmother who favors her grandchild," I said with a thoughtful expression. "Such a surprise."

She placed a hand on her chest dramatically. "I’m the doting grandmother, and I favor my grandchild. Have we met before? You seem to know me too well already."

I giggled, and she laughed slightly.