* * *
As if even that wasn’t enough, the Duke’s lips gradually trailed downward until they finally met Ed’s.
When their warm lips touched, Ed let out a soft gasp, “Ah.”
The Duke seized the moment, parting Ed’s lips with his tongue and delving into the moist warmth inside.
It didn’t take long for the gentle kiss to deepen.
“Ah… mm.”
Whenever Ed clung tightly to the Duke like this, it felt as though all sense of time and awareness slipped away.
It was as if only the two of them existed, consumed by their passion and the rising waves of pleasure.
Before he realized it, Ed found himself lying flat on a hard table, his back against the surface.
It wasn’t until he felt the Duke’s firm thigh between his legs that he noticed the change in position.
“…Ah.”
A helpless moan escaped Ed’s lips as the Duke’s tongue continued exploring his mouth.
Ed’s hands found their way into the Duke’s hair, tangling in it.
The overwhelming sensations coursing through his body made his back arch involuntarily.
The Duke briefly parted his lips from Ed’s, then kissed him again.
The sound of their lips meeting and separating made Ed’s toes curl.
Every touch of the Duke’s warm flesh against his sensitive spots drew ecstatic moans from Ed.
He held the Duke tighter, relishing the weight that pinned him down.
When the Duke finally lifted his head, Ed was utterly melted, unable to move a muscle.
As the Duke slowly unbuttoned Ed’s cardigan, exposing his neck, a cool breeze brushed against his skin, making him shiver.
The Duke bent down, pressing his lips against Ed’s neck to soothe him.
“Ah…”
The soft, hot kisses moved along Ed’s neck, lingering at the spot where his pulse beat.
When the Duke gently sucked the skin there, a jolt of pleasure shot through Ed, making his hips lift instinctively.
His breath hitched as he gasped for air.
“You need to breathe, Ed.”
The deep voice washing over him made Ed’s body tremble.
As the Duke kissed the ruby pendant on Ed’s necklace and rebuttoned his clothes, Ed lay limp, unable to collect himself.
Pulling him into his arms, the Duke sat on a long sofa and gently rubbed Ed’s back.
Though the hard table had supported him moments ago, Ed hadn’t felt pain.
It seemed the Duke had worried about it regardless.
Ed smiled faintly and leaned his face against the Duke’s shoulder.
While he loved the fiery intensity of their embraces, there was something equally precious about these tranquil moments afterward.
Ed let his gaze drift to the flames in the fireplace and eventually closed his eyes.
For a long while, they sat listening to the crackling of the fire.
Then, breaking the silence, the Duke asked.
“Ed, does this place still feel unfamiliar to you?”
“What do you mean?” Ed replied, his voice soft and curious.
“If it were the South, this would be the perfect time for spring cleaning, but in the North, the weather’s still too cold to even consider putting out the fireplace.”
The Grand Duke spoke as he glanced at the rattling window, struck now and then by a mischievous breeze, despite the sunlight streaming in.
“True, the South gets busy preparing for spring by mid-January,” Ed replied.
“Exactly.”
“But ever since coming to the North, I haven’t missed the Southern way of life even once. Instead, as each day passes, I find myself more curious about the North—what other marvelous things I don’t know yet.”
The Grand Duke lightly nuzzled his forehead against Ed’s and said, “When you talk like that, it makes me want to kiss you again.”
“Then go ahead.”
This time, Ed placed a quick peck on the Grand Duke’s lips, only for the Grand Duke to respond with a deep kiss.
When it ended, he asked, “You said you wanted to know more about the North, didn’t you?”
“Yes.”
“If you don’t mind, I can show you something special about the North right now.”
“I’d love that.”
Ed, still drowsy, tried to sit up, and the Grand Duke supported him as they both rose.
“Wait a moment.”
As Ed smoothed out his wrinkled clothes, he noticed a towel that had slipped from the Grand Duke’s head onto the table.
Picking it up, he looked to the Grand Duke, uncertain whether he was asking for the towel or something else.
When Ed handed it over, the Grand Duke asked, “How do you make this?”
“Make what? That cap from earlier?”
The Grand Duke gave a small nod, and Ed explained.
With his usual proficiency, the Grand Duke swiftly crafted the headpiece and placed it on Ed’s head.
Stepping back, he surveyed Ed from head to toe.
“As expected, you’re the perfect consort. It suits you like a crown.”
Ed scratched his head awkwardly. “C-Consort…? By the way, what are you planning to show me today?”
The Grand Duke took Ed’s hand, diverting from the awkwardness, and led him out of the study.
Though Ed had never ventured beyond the study in the outer castle, he climbed the stone stairs with a sense of wonder.
The Grand Duke guided him up several more flights to a door at the end of a hallway.
“Is this where the thing you want to show me is?”
The Grand Duke nodded, gesturing for Ed to go inside.
Following him in, the Grand Duke lit a magical lamp.
“…Oh.”
Ed looked up at the portraits before him.
Each was either burned or torn.
The Grand Duke stood beside him and began to explain.
“Due to certain events, my parents’ portraits were damaged. The restored ones are displayed in the main castle, but the ones that couldn’t be saved are kept here.”
‘It must’ve been during the Emperor’s attack,’ Ed thought, unable to hide his sorrow as he followed the Grand Duke.
Stopping before a painting of the previous Grand Duke and Duchess’s wedding, the Grand Duke gazed at the piece.
The lower part was damaged, but their joyous expressions and the atmosphere of the moment remained intact.
Ed sighed softly.
‘If the painting of them in their white ceremonial attire had been completely destroyed, it would’ve devastated him.’
“Some might call it an attachment, but I can’t bring myself to let go of the pieces where their warmth still lingers.”
At the Grand Duke’s calm yet heartfelt words, Ed held his hand.
“It’s not attachment. It’s a form of love, deepened by longing. Even if restoration seems impossible now, future advancements could bring these paintings back to life.”
The Grand Duke bent slightly to kiss Ed’s forehead.
Embarrassed to be so affectionate under his parents’ damaged portrait, Ed lowered his gaze, but the Grand Duke kissed him again, this time atop his head.
“Father, Mother. I brought someone I wanted to introduce to you today. Although I’m sure you’ve already guessed.”
“….”
“This is the person who will help carry the burdens I’ve been shouldering alone.”
Ed’s face flushed at the weight behind the Grand Duke’s steady words.
“I wanted to introduce him sooner, but it took me time to completely win Ed’s heart because of my own shortcomings.”
Startled, Ed lifted his head and reflexively countered, “N-No! It’s because I was lacking that it took so long.”
Though it was an introduction in front of his late parents, Ed couldn’t stand the thought of them perceiving the Grand Duke as weak or unworthy.
He wanted them to see him as the strong, capable ruler he was.
‘I didn’t hesitate because he wasn’t good enough, but because he was too perfect, too flawless as a ruler.’
The Grand Duke chuckled softly and said in a low voice, “As I’ve said before, Ed has been the greatest help in making my time here at the Northern castle so meaningful.”
“….”
“Now, Ed and I are walking the same path together. I know you both worried about how I’d bottle up my feelings, but you don’t have to anymore. With Ed by my side, even showing vulnerability doesn’t feel so hard.”
The Grand Duke gently patted the makeshift headpiece on Ed’s head.
“Not only that, but with Ed, I can enjoy little playful moments like this. Look at this cap—it’s something Ronen made, but doesn’t it suit him perfectly? Thanks to Ed teaching him how to make it, the whole castle was abuzz with excitement.”
“….”
“So, please watch over us as we live happily. Father, Mother.”
The Grand Duke’s face looked peaceful as he gazed up at the portrait.
Ed considered how often the Grand Duke must have visited this room alone.
Unable to fathom it fully, he simply grasped his hand.
“Ed, if there’s anything you want to say to my parents, go ahead. They’d love to hear from you.”
Lifting his eyes to the painting, Ed noticed the ruby pendant worn by the former Grand Duke.
“…They say rubies symbolize courage and passionate love. I promise to honor the meaning of the necklace I wear and protect the Northern castle alongside His Grace.”
As Ed finished, the Grand Duke chuckled softly, as though sharing a playful moment with his parents.
“I was so nervous when I proposed, but thankfully, I managed to fasten the necklace on my first try. I think Father’s advice really helped. It even earned me some points with Ed.”
The Grand Duke lightly tapped the hidden necklace under Ed’s clothes, and Ed smiled silently.
“And soon, I hope we’ll have more good news to share. Until then, please rest peacefully.”
With those words, the Grand Duke gazed at the portrait for a while longer before tilting his head toward Ed.
“Now that we’ve said our greetings, shall we check if the potatoes are done cooking?”
* * *
So sweet🥰🥰🥰