Return of the Female Knight

Carlisle’s coronation took place immediately, as the emperor’s seat could not remain empty for long. The ceremony was quickly organized and held within the Empire’s largest cathedral. The High Priest oversaw the proceedings, and all the nobles of the Ruford Empire gathered in one place to watch the rare generational event.

Ttubeog ttubeog.

Carlisle and Elena walked side-by-side on the carpeted aisle, making their way towards the emperor’s seat where the High Priest stood. The priest then crowned Carlisle and Elena in turn, in accordance to the customs of the Ruford Empire. His voice echoed throughout the grand, high-ceilinged cathedral.

“This marks the ascension of the thirteenth emperor, Emperor Carlisle van Dimitri Ruford.”

The moment Carlisle was declared the emperor, the nobles bowed and shouted in unison,

“Hail to their Majesties the Emperor and Empress! Eternal Glory to the Ruford Empire!”

Elena watched the scene before her, emotions rising up to her throat. In her last life, the throne was occupied by Paveluc after his rebellion. This time, however, Carlisle had proudly recovered it.

She glanced at the man next to her. Her gaze lingered over his rich, dark hair, his sapphire blue eyes, his straight nose, and his tightly pressed lips underneath. Carlisle’s stature was above everyone else, as much as his flawless appearance.

And this beautiful predator…

Was Elena’s.

Carlisle turned his head as if he felt her gaze on him. As their eyes met in midair, Carlisle’s fierce eyes softened into a smile. Elena’s heart soared at this very moment. Despite all the pain and hardships she had suffered through, in the end it was worth it to be by Carlisle’s side. She kept her gaze fixed on him and mouthed a phrase.

‘I love you.’

At her spontaneous confession, and faint smile broke across Carlisle’s lips as if he couldn’t contain it.

“I love you too, my wife.”

***

After the ceremony, a magnificent banquet was held in celebration of the coronation, but Carlisle swiftly returned to their bedroom after making the minimum necessary greetings with the guests. Elena was slightly bewildered as she followed him. The servants nearby respectfully bowed at their approach.

“Hail to Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress. Eternal glory to the Ruford Empire.”

Carlisle cut the greeting and spoke in an authoritative tone.

“Don’t let anyone near the bedroom until tomorrow.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Elena looked at Carlisle curiously.

“Why are you—”

“Do you not know? We don’t want anyone else to see us past this point.”

Carlisle stole a glance at Elena, then he continued in a subdued voice.

“I want you to know that I’m struggling to hold myself back right now.”

“…!”

Elena blushed hotly at his remark. Now she realized why he was rushing to the bedroom. Carlisle burst out laughing when he saw the color of Elena’s face change dramatically.

“…Sometimes I can read your thoughts on your face so easily that it drives me crazy.”

“Caril! You!”

Carlisle bent slightly at the waist, then immediately lifted her up by her waist and shoulder. She was startled by his sudden behavior.

“W-what if people see—”

“I’m at my limit now. I blame my cute wife.”

Carlisle eagerly carried his wife to their bedroom. The moment the door closed, he set her down and immediately pressed his lips against hers. It was a wet kiss, as if he were trying to quench a terrible thirst. Carlisle’s behavior seemed so desperate that Elena almost felt like she was being devoured by him.

She didn’t know when they had reached the bed, but the next thing she knew, she felt the soft touch of mattress against her back. She responded to Carlisle’s touches enthusiastically, when her eyes suddenly fell on an empty space where the sofa used to be.

“Caril, since when did you remove the sofa?”

“I told you, I would burn the sofa as soon as the coronation was held.”

“You meant it?”

“Of course. I’m a man who doesn’t know the meaning of jokes.”

Carlisle grinned and kissed Elena gently on the forehead.

“Tonight, it’s my turn to spend a hot night with my wife, just as we signed on the contract.”

“But we already…”

Contrary to their initial agreement, they had already had their first time together in a cave. Not only that, her stamina was depleted from the long day. Carlisle pulled back and spoke with a serious expression.

“It doesn’t matter whether it’s the first time or the second. A contract is a contract, so are you prepared to fulfill it?”

“I…”

She wanted to declare him a cheater, but Carlisle reacted faster and covered her lips with his own. Now that he knew her weakness, he could play her body more easily than the first time they were together. Carlisle’s caresses was so persistent that Elena shivered from head to toe.

She peered at him through half-hooded eyes. Carlisle smiled like a satisfied predator and growled.

“I’ve been wanting to have my wife since the coronation.”

“Hm, you need to focus on separating work.”

“These days, I can understand the minds of emperors who would destroy a country because of a single woman.”

“What are you saying…?”

Elena looked at Carlisle with a bashful expression, and he smiled softly and leaned forward to gently kiss her eyelids. Carlisle was so warm that Elena couldn’t bear it, and her heart tickled like a spring breeze.

There was no further conversation between the two. The rest of the night was very long…and Carlisle did not let Elena go even once.