Stars shimmered in the dark night sky. A cool breeze swept in the royal garden creating a rustling sound of leaves.

"I do believe you have something very important to discuss." Obi's voice echoed in the surrounding, along with a sound of his boots crushing the grass beneath his feet.

"I have." She replied, turning around and facing the man she was waiting for.

The moment he saw her, he was surprised. He didn't expect it to be her when he received a small piece of paper from a little girl. Except the place to meet, there was nothing else written on the paper.

If it wasn't something very important, she wouldn't have taken this kind of risk, to meet him secretly like this.

"I'll get straight to the point," she stated before proceeding further, "Though, this isn't the safest place to discuss this. But I have no option."

Still, she had made sure no one was around in this part of the garden where they stood. Actually, she could have met him in any room in the castle but that wasn't possible because of the security which had been increased since the incident. Not to mention, if someone found it would have been big trouble.

Obi focused his full attention on her words, listening with concentration.

"The assassins which attacked the castle were after shirayuki." With a deep breath, she finally revealed, causing him the utter surprise. There was complete silence after she spoke those words.

Obi's eyes widened, it had left him stunned for a moment. He tried to contemplate what she just said.

"Didn't those lords do it to take revenge?" he questioned, looking at her dubiously.

"They did, but the assassins had other goal in mind." She tried to explain, and then took a pause further revealing, "Actually, I am the only one who knows this."

It only added to his bewilderment.

"How's that possible? Didn't anyone find it during the investigation?" He raised a brow in a confusion.

"Most of them got killed and other ones got away, including the ones who attacked me."She answered calmly, "But still there's investigation going on how such skilled assassins who were many in number helped the lords."

"I see." He grasped the information thinking deeply.

"But why keep it a secret and help the miss? " He had to ask even if he knew the answer. He couldn't take any chances.

"Do I need a reason to help my brother in law?" She flawlessly replied without any second thought.

It was the answer he had expected.

"But why tell me all of this when you should have told this to the master?"

Well, it was another valid question that occurred in his mind. She should have spoken this with Zen.

"Well, you see, it's a little bit complicated. But I'll explain." She started, giving him the true answer, "Despite the fact zen is appointed in wilant, the position he holds is not suited to his position as prince. He is not in charge of things. He is just running errands for his majesty. And more often people look down on him."

She knew it'd take time for Izana to let Zen take all the responsibility by himself. And Zen was trying his best to do so.

"So in short, his majesty is messing up with him." Obi said lightly, wanting to poke fun.

She just shot angered glare at him.

"Sorry,"He quickly apologized and then went on correcting himself, "I meant his majesty is trying to push him further so he can try his best and prove himself worthy of the position."

"So you do understand. " She sighed deeply, "And that's why I do not want to stress him in a time like this."

Obi nodded at her words in understanding.

"I trust you with this, obi." she said, looking determinant on her decision, "Make sure you'll be more careful and protect shirayuki in any possible circumstances."

"You can count on me," He fully assured her, "Though, I have already taken the oath to protect Miss in every situation. I won't let anyone hurt her."

As soon as her conversation with Obi was over, she felt much more relieved than she thought she would. There was no saying if those assassins would attack again or not. But even if they did, it would take quite a while before they would be able to get back after their crushing loss. Either way it was necessary to be careful. And eventually she needed to tell someone about it. Since Obi was the one around Shirayuki all the time, it was a wise choice to tell him first, at least for now.

She carefully returned inside the castle, not causing any unwanted attention. She had told the maids that she wanted to take the fresh air, so it wasn't much of a problem. Upon arriving, she firstly checked on Yerin who was fast asleep in the room where they were staying before. Instantly, she ordered the maids to carry her to her room. It was late in the night and eventually, everyone would be going to sleep now. The night bouquet was at its end.

Just when she was leaving the room after the maids, she encountered lord haruka standing outside.

"All the preparations were done precisely. Well done." He said with a same impassive look on his face.

"Ohh, T-thank you." She sputtered quickly, suppressing her surprise. It was unusual. He was the man who rarely appreciated anyone. It only meant she was slowly but surely getting better at her job.

In actuality, she must have made mistakes in the preparations because of the fear she was feeling until yesterday. But thankfully, she did well. And the reason was the King, her husband.

She clearly remembered, just yesterday when he stopped by her office to check- how the preparations were going, at that time, she was feeling so much panic and nervousness than she did today.

"Maybe you shouldn't have asked me to do this." She had blurted out to his displeasure, without giving it much of a thought. She was afraid of taking on such a big responsibility. After all, this event was necessary to reflect the fact that they stood strong, unaffected, despite the threat they faced.

"You think I would have trusted you if you weren't capable of?" He countered.

It was true enough. She knew, still….

"Of course not. But..."

"Then stop doubting yourself," he said, also added a bit later, " when you are doing splendidly good."

It sure felt unreal to hear the words of praise from him. It calmed her and her entire being lit up with confidence.

Now that she thought about it, she always strived to hear that from him. Because she wanted to be perfect for him. She wanted to be someone whom he was proud to be called his partner. She respected him, admired him. He was the sole reason she was trying her best. And hearing that just made her want to do her best even more.

Instinctively, she reached out and embraced him like it was a natural reaction.

"Thank you."for trusting me,for being here. She murmured, while drowning into the warmth and comfort.

For a fleeting moment, it had caught him off guard. His heart gave a flutter inside his chest. The emotions he didn't know he could possess surged within him.

After the time she had recovered, they'd gotten more close. Needless to say, they were growing fond of the amount of affection they were sharing.

Just when she pulled back with a faint smile that sticked to her face, he kissed her tenderly on the lips.

After that, she could only melt into it. A swirl of warmth rushed within her.

Very unlike him, she wondered. Because he avoided showing any affection outside of their quarters. But at this very moment, he didn't seem to care.

Well, she knew. It was her fault.

When she entered their room, he was already there, dressed in his nightwear, sitting on the sofa. More precisely, he was drinking wine as he waited for her.

To his misfortune, he couldn't get to see her today as both of them were busy since the morning. Throughout the night, he had heard vague whispers of people saying how beautiful the Queen looked today.

Just as she made her way in the room and just as his gaze met hers, it took a lot of self control just not to hover onto her and put her into the bed and then…. Before he could think further he put a break on his enticing thoughts.

Meanwhile, she watched him as she walked in his direction. She, as well, was quite fascinated by the sight of him. It was nothing special than usual, but still seeing him made her feel butterflies in her stomach. He looked as regal as he always did, even in the nightclothes. His golden hair that surrounded his face shined in the candlelight. He had always looked so stunning than she ever admitted to herself. It wouldn't be wrong to say any woman would be willing to sacrifice her everything to be in her place now.

"Did you have a good conversation with Shirayuki and Zen?" She asked, sitting beside him, smiling gently.

He was too distracted staring at her to take her conversation seriously.

"What do you think?" He retorted back without answering her question.

"Whenever it comes to you, Shirayuki seems rather nervous or reserved to talk to you. Well, it's a little bit the same with zen." She tried to explain what she had always seen.

"Is that so?" He said, before bringing a corner of goblet he was holding in his hands to his lips, savouring the taste of wine in his mouth.

"Don't pretend like you don't know. After all, you are someone who's going to decide their future. They obviously feel little fear on the same level. You should go easy on them." She strongly suggested.

"It's fun messing with them sometimes."he admitted, his lips turned into a smirk "I don't get the opportunity everyday."

She huffed an amused sigh at his words. It was very like him. Finding amusement in trolling his little brother.

"Well, by the way, I left both of them in Zen's room, alone." he informed her and then put the goblet on the table.

"I see," she continued before realizing , "you did what?!" She questioned out of sudden shock. She didn't think he would do something like this.

"I thought I should reward him sometimes." He simply explained the reason.

She stayed silent, not knowing what to reply. She was not oblivious to where this conversation was heading. And neither she was unknown to the thought of his gaze that continuously lingered on her. His striking blue eyes seemed so alive, crinkled in vivid passion.

"I wouldn't be surprised if someone found them engulfed in each other's arm, drunk in love." He further said in a dangerously alluring tone.

Was it really necessary to say something like this in front of her? There was no doubt he was doing it on purpose.

"That would be scandalous." She replied, getting appalled by the idea.

"Indeed." He hummed. But he had already told Mitsuhide to look over the situation. He only wanted to see her reaction by teasing and provoking her.

He captured her wrist, pulling her towards him. His one hand looped around her waist and one hand held her cheek.

Her heartbeat accelerated, eyes closed.

"Do you find the idea arousing, wife?" He caressed her soft lips by his thumb. Feeling her. Also tempting her, burning her.

Her face flushed tenfold. Few words and touches, and she was already weak against the man's advances. Why did he have to tease her like this? She could sense the crooked smile on his face. He was sure enjoying it so much, seeing her all flustered.

"Is it really that enjoyable to tease me?" Her lips unintentionally brushed his thumb as she spoke, sparking a thrilling tension between them.

"You know, it is."He admitted, whispering in her ear, his lips ghosting over her skin.

The next moment she shivered as she felt his lips trailing down her nape, nuzzling the soft skin.

"Izana" A moan escaped her lips as waves of tingling pleasure traveled through her body, leaving her breathless.

Just after a moment, her lips were sealed with his. He kissed her slowly yet passionately, savouring each feel. She could distinctly taste the essence of wine in her mouth.

When he pulled away, she breathed heavily. Their foreheads rested on one other. "You are shaking, anna. Are you sure you'll be able to withstand the entire night?" he asked.

Breath, she reminded her again and again. She hated to tease like this.

She cupped his face in her hands and then with all the courage she could gather, she pressed his lips against his. He almost let out a groan in surprise at her unexpected action. But again composing himself, he returned the gesture.

Just when they parted from one another, after heated kiss, he spoke, "My, my, "he chuckled proudly in an utter triumph, "Aren't you courageous?"

If she could only bury herself in the depths of the ocean at that moment. She was beyond embarrassed. She knew he was definitely provoking her, teasing her and yet she walked right into his trap.

Without sparing any second, he again captured her mouth with his, taking control over her. She tried hard to suppress her moans and gasps when he slipped his tongue in, ravishing her completely.

A warmth spread to her core. She felt frenzy. She couldn't help but to surrender to the inner desires which burned through her very being.

They kissed each other violently, shamelessly in the heat of the moment.

She didn't know when, but she was carried to the bed, placed in the soft mattress. Roses were now decorating the floor, the hair fell down.

She could feel his hands roaming around her body feeling every curve. Her chest rose and fell continuously. The quick gasps of her breath indicated the condition she was in.

Heavy royal clothing was removed slowly, one by one, exposing the bare skin to the cool air. She let out whimper in anticipation and little fear. Her body was her own territory no one had ever seen, touched.

"Relax... "he whispered against her skin, assuring her, "Enjoy the process to your heart's content."

His mouth traced the lines from her jaw to the curve of her neck to further down. He took his sweet time, savouring every new touch with a burning desire. His touch was so sensual. So intoxicating. He was driving her crazy. Each nerve on her body tickled with pleasurable sensations. She just couldn't wrap her mind around all the feelings he was giving her. He was devouring her in a way that every hair on her body stood with thrill.

Back arching, muscles tensing and hands digged into the sheets.

She did her best not to shiver. Not to yelp in pleasure too much. But she was sure her cries and screams must have pierced through walls of heaven.

That night, their bodies and souls were connected by the love they felt for each other. They were lost in each other. Not worrying about anything.

I can't believe I finally completed this chapter. It was hardest one to write. I hope you enjoyed it.