Chapter 130
Melva woke up early, wanting to prepare breakfast for Simon. Her mate had come back so late the night before that she was already asleep. She was sure he would be up early again to leave for another important task—she barely saw him anymore. Still, she hoped she could at least catch him this morning before the sun fully rose.
She quickly packed the meal into a basket and made her way to Simon’s assigned quarters next to hers. It was funny, she thought, how they were already bonded, yet had still not consummated it. Tʜe sourcᴇ of thɪs content ɪs
Melva hesitated outside Simon’s door, holding the basket tightly against her chest. The hallway was quiet, only the faint sound of birds outside breaking the silence. She took a deep breath before knocking softly.
“Simon?” she called, her voice low.
No answer.
She frowned and pushed the door open just a little. The room was dim, the curtains still drawn. Simon was there, sitting at his desk with a pile of documents in front of him. His head was resting on his hand on the table, eyes closed. He must have fallen asleep while working.
Her heart softened. He looked so tired. She stepped inside quietly and placed the basket on the table beside him.
For a moment, she just stood there, watching him. The lines on his face seemed deeper than before, his shoulders heavier.
Beta Osman was not yet back, so Simon was too busy overseeing things. At this rate, Melva didn’t want to wake him up at all and decided to let him sleep a little longer. Instead, she quietly grabbed a chair and sat beside him, resting her head on the table as she faced him.
Then, without thinking, Melva leaned closer and gave him a quick peck on the cheek—only to freeze when Simon’s eyes suddenly fluttered open. Melva’s eyes widened, and in panic, she quickly slapped his cheek and stammered, “Oh! There’s a mosquito p>
“A mosquito?” Simon muttered sluggishly as he straightened his back. He frowned and asked, “Is there a problem? Why are you here p>
Melva wanted to hit him on the head. Would she only come to see him if there was a problem? Couldn’t she just want to see him?
She had a lot of complaints running through her mind but chose not to voice them out. She knew Simon was probably still adjusting after what had happened between them. The marking had been too sudden—they had done it to save her—but still, they were fated mates. She at least expected him to make some effort for their relationship to work.
Unless p>
Melva gulped as the thought crossed her mind. What if Simon already had someone he cherished?
“Melva?” Simon asked again, his tone quieter this time.
She blinked and snapped out of her thoughts, quickly forcing a small smile. “Sorry,” she said, shaking her head. “I was just thinking p>
He studied her for a moment, then leaned back in his chair as she began setting out the food. The smell of warm bread and herbs filled the room. She arranged everything neatly on the table, trying to ignore how his eyes followed every small movement she made.
“You didn’t have to go through all this trouble,” Simon said, his voice low but less distant now.
“It’s not trouble,” Melva replied as she placed a cup of tea in front of him. “You’ve been working too hard, Simon. You barely eat or sleep. Someone has to look after you p>
Simon gulped and he tried his best to focus on the meal Melva prepared. He quickly grabbed the bread and ate them. Melva’s scent was all over and it was too good. If only she knew how hard it was for him to control himself around her since he marked her.
The matebond and the pull between them were so strong that Simon could feel his control slipping. Every breath he took around her felt heavier, charged with something he couldn’t quite suppress.
“Try this one,” Melva said with a bright smile, pushing a piece of meat toward his lips. “Open,” she teased softly. “Ahhh p>
Simon gave her a look that was half amusement, half surrender. He opened his mouth and accepted it, chewing obediently. “Eat with me,” he said simply, hoping it would make her stop fussing over him.
Melva grinned and picked up a piece of bread. “I was wondering she began casually, then paused, as if debating whether to say what was on her mind.
Simon arched an eyebrow, already sensing trouble. “What is it this time p>
She glanced up at him with that same innocent expression that always disarmed him. “We should start sleeping together,” she said straightforwardly. “No matter where we are p>
Simon’s reaction was immediate. He coughed, nearly choking on the bite he was trying to swallow. Melva’s eyes widened in alarm as she quickly poured water into a glass and handed it to him. “Oh no—here, drink!” she said, rubbing his back gently.
That single touch sent a spark through him, a warmth that spread fast and deep. Even though their skin barely brushed, it was enough to make his pulse race. The matebond flared between them again, raw and demanding.
Simon gripped the edge of the table tightly, trying to anchor himself. “Melva,” he said in a low voice, “do you even realize what you’re saying p>
She blinked, tilting her head slightly. “Of course I do. We’re mates, Simon. It’s… normal, isn’t it p>
He exhaled sharply, his jaw tightening as he looked away. “You make it sound simple p>
“It is simple,” she said softly. “You’re the one making it complicated p>
Simon turned to look at her again, and the sight of her—her eyes bright with sincerity, her lips curved in that small, earnest smile—nearly undid him. The air between them thickened. He could feel the bond humming under his skin, calling him to her.
Melva, completely unaware of the war raging inside him, leaned closer. “Simon,” she said quietly, “I just want to be near you. That’s all p>
Her words were innocent, but her nearness wasn’t. He could smell her warmth, hear the soft rhythm of her breathing. For a moment, he forgot about restraint, about duty, about everything except the woman in front of him and the bond that refused to let him go.
He clenched his fists, struggling to keep his composure. “You don’t know what you’re asking for,” he said, his voice rough and strained.
Melva only smiled, gentle yet unwavering. “You’re wrong,” she replied softly but with conviction. “I know exactly what I’m asking from you p>