The Eccentric Entomologist is Now a Queen's Consort

Chapter 117 The Queen's Inner-Conflict

Mikhailis is up early again, as always, she mused, the thought bringing a small smile to her lips.

Usually, by this time, he would already be out of bed, either training or tinkering with his strange inventions, always too energetic for his own good. But today, here he was, still holding her. Perhaps he knew she was tired, and he was allowing her this extra moment of tranquility. Perhaps, today, he chose to pamper her.

She let herself relax into his embrace, trying to push away the worries that lingered at the edge of her mind. But despite her best efforts, her thoughts began to drift back to yesterday, to the look on Vaelis's face, his confident words, and how she felt so confused by it all despite at the same time it's annoying.

But it's conflicting as she need to make a distance with Mikhailis, but she don't want to hurt him, but at the same time it's the perfect chance to make him make a distance with her.

As she would never be able to ask him to make distance with her herself.

She recalled her conversation with Saintess Myria Elthea, the elder of the tree, and her heart sank. The saintess had been so clear in her words—words that haunted Elowen even now.

"The Prince Consort will face a life-threatening trial because he is close to the queen."

The queen.

It was obvious who the saintess meant.

It was her.

And Mikhailis—he was in danger simply because of his connection to her. The idea made her stomach twist in dread.

She had to keep him safe, had to find a way to make sure he wasn't exposed to whatever threat lay ahead.

The only thing she could think of was distancing herself from him.

But here, in this moment, while she pretended to still be asleep, she allowed herself this closeness.

She cherished his warmth, the gentle way he held her, and the way his fingers ran softly through her hair.

She wanted to stay like this forever, but she knew better. She knew she couldn't. There were duties to attend to, decisions to be made, and people relying on her to lead them. But right now, just for a little longer, she allowed herself this stolen moment.

Please, let me cherish this warmth a little longer.

Eventually, Elowen opened her eyes, blinking against the morning light. She let out a soft sigh and carefully pulled away from Mikhailis, stretching her limbs, feeling the slight ache from staying in the same position for so long.

"Got a good sleep, wifey?" Mikhailis's voice, laced with its usual mischief, greeted her, and Elowen couldn't help but smile at the sight of him—his eyes bright, his lips curved into that familiar grin.

"Yes," she replied, her voice still soft with sleep, "Good morning, Mikhailis."

Mikhailis leaned forward, his expression softening slightly, his eyes meeting hers.

"You know, jokes aside," he said, his voice quieter now, "I mean it when I say I'll always be here for you. No matter what happens."

Elowen's heart ached at his words, the sincerity in his eyes cutting through her like a knife. She wanted to tell him everything, to share her fears, her worries, but she couldn't. Not yet. Not when she wasn't even sure what the future held.

Instead, she reached across the table, her hand finding his, giving it a gentle squeeze.

"Thank you, Mikhailis," she said softly, her eyes holding his, "That means more to me than you know."

Mikhailis smiled, giving her hand a squeeze in return before letting go.

"Anytime, wifey," he said, his voice back to its usual playful tone, "Now, let's enjoy this tea before it gets cold."

They continued their morning, the conversation shifting to lighter topics, Mikhailis keeping her entertained with his anecdotes, his jokes. And for a while, Elowen allowed herself to forget the worries that plagued her, allowed herself to just be there, with him, enjoying the moment.

But as the morning wore on, as the tea was finished and the plates cleared away, the weight of her thoughts returned, heavier than before. The memory of the saintess's words, the ominous warning about Mikhailis's future, loomed over her, refusing to be ignored.

She glanced at Mikhailis, watching as he leaned back in his chair, his eyes closed, a contented smile on his lips. He looked so carefree, so at ease, and it made her heart ache even more.

How am I supposed to protect you when you don't even know the danger you're in? she thought, her chest tightening with worry.

She wanted to tell him, wanted to warn him, but she knew that if she did, he would never let her face the danger alone. He would throw himself into whatever trial awaited him, consequences be damned. And that was exactly what she feared. She couldn't lose him. Not now, not when they had come so far.

She took a deep breath, forcing herself to push the thoughts away. She had to be strong, had to find a way to protect him without putting him at risk. She had to keep him safe, even if it meant keeping her distance, even if it meant pushing him away when the time came.

But for now, she would let herself have this—this small moment of peace, of happiness. She would let herself be close to him, let herself feel the warmth of his presence. Because she knew that soon, things would change. Soon, she would have to make choices she wasn't ready for.

Mikhailis opened his eyes, catching her gaze, his smile softening.

"Everything okay, Elowen?" he asked, his voice gentle.

Elowen nodded, forcing a smile, her heart aching with the weight of everything she couldn't say.

"Yes," she said, her voice barely above a whisper, "Everything's fine."

But deep down, she knew it wasn't. Deep down, she knew that this peace wouldn't last. And as she looked at Mikhailis, as she watched the way he smiled at her, so full of warmth and love, she made a silent promise to herself.

I need to protect him.