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Chapter 63 - Heart Problems

"And the option to hate you?" Adeline daringly asked, as if her life was not on the line.

Adeline didn\'t understand the cause of his obsession. She was nothing more than a runaway Princess whose name would be forgotten. He was a King whose legacy would be studied, whose name would be praised, whose life would be envied.

What exactly could Adeline offer him?

"For your best interest, you shouldn\'t," Elias said.

Elias nearly laughed at her attempt at sounding determined. Right now, she had the confidence of a bunny.

Adeline was trapped between a hard space and a rock. It would be better for her to make the best of this situation. It wasn\'t like he wanted to be this creepy. It was just how his nature worked.

"But why?" Adeline mumbled. "I\'m not trying to pity myself, but there isn\'t anything I can offer you, Elias. I am no longer in charge of Kastrem, that right was robbed from me a decade ago."

"You can offer me your body."

Adeline\'s head shot up. Her heart lurched in her c.h.e.s.t. The blood drained from her face at the thought of being at his whim.

"I am kidding." Elias loudly laughed at her expression, like a deer caught in a headlight. She was petrified. Was it that terrifying to be at his disposal? It was not like he was going to force her to do anything.

Peering at her naive green eyes, vibrant as Summer leaves, he knew he could never force her. Not in this life or the ones after that. It wasn\'t part of his personality to violate unconsenting women.

"Don\'t look so terrified, my sweet. Your fear does not evoke my pity or anger."

"I will treat you well, Adeline," Elias murmured whilst reaching a hand for her to take. He needed to guide her back onto the bed before she fell.

As beautiful as she was, cowered on the edge of the bed, he didn\'t need her skull to crack open. He wondered if she knew how defenseless she looked. Her hair cascaded down her back, revealing her slender neck to him. Her eyes glimmered like a lost star in the sky, hoping to find its way back home. She had a pained expression and unknowingly parted her lips.

She resembled a nymph who was discovered by a human in the forest. There had never been so much fear and hesitation in her eyes until tonight.

"All this nonsensical talk and I-I don\'t even know how you feel about me," Adeline mumbled. She briefly looked at his hand and then glanced away.

"If love is what you\'re asking of me, I can\'t do it."

Adeline\'s eyes went wide. Her head snapped towards him. "Then what—"

"I can\'t love you. I am unable to love someone, for I\'ve sacrificed that emotion a long time ago. But I will cherish and care for you more than a lover ever can, my sweet Adeline."

Adeline was floored by his words. What did he mean he can\'t love? Why did he sacrifice that emotion? Was it scientifically possible to do such a thing? But when she stared into his hollow eyes, deep like the ocean trenches, she received her answer. His gaze was warm and gentle, but it was not loving and adoring.

This was not a healthy relationship. Adeline knew it that much. But a part of him believed her, as crazy as it sounded. He had never hurt her before, never placed her in harm\'s way, never forced her to do something.

"Anything you want or wish for, darling, you shall have it. But love and compassion is not something that I can easily give you," Elias gently added on.

Elias didn\'t need to live the rest of his life with a trembling lover. He preferred not to.

How tiring would it be if she flinched every time she sees him? Run every time he was present? Look away when he was focused on her? If this was the relationship he must have, he\'d rather keep her in his castle, but far from him. Though, he will always go back to her. Willingly or not, his feet would carry himself to her.

Adeline truly lived up to her name. She was a beautiful rose with a sweet nectar that attracted many pests. Himself included. He was drawn to her, whether or not she was the Golden Rose.

"W-will you eventually give it to me?" she whispered.

"Pardon?"

"One day, will you be able to love me? Will you be able to feel compassion? Is it possible to reverse the sacrifice?" Adeline asked in a tiny voice. She was hesitant and doubtful, her gaze glued to the white bedsheets.

Elias watched as her hair fell over her shoulders, like threads of spun gold. The moonlight was attached to her lovely silhouette. She glowed in ways that were not humanly possible.

"Perhaps," Elias vaguely responded.

"Truly?"

"Cross my heart and hope to die," Elias swore.

"Then…" she trailed off.

Adeline lifted her head and presented him with a tiny, shaky smile. Quietly, she slipped her tiny hand into his palm.

"I will be in your care, Elias."

Elias\'s lips pulled into a large smile that finally reached his eyes. He wrapped his fingers around her small hand. Without warning, he yanked her forward, until she toppled over him.

Adeline\'s eyes went wide, a gasp leaving her mouth. He was slightly leaning back, her hands pressed upon his c.h.e.s.t, her knees in between his t.h.i.g.h, and closed to his manhood.

"I wouldn\'t have it any other way, my darling Adeline."

Adeline\'s heart skipped at his words. It was a terrifying realization that finally dawned upon her. Her hands trembled, knowing she had sealed her fate with someone who could never love her. But she certainly would love him. She already knew it before it happened.

Especially when he smiled fondly at her, his eyes gentle as a Spring breeze. Just the sight of his smile was enough for her to widen hers. His happiness made her happy.

Adeline knew, even before tonight\'s conversation, she had feelings for him. At that time, she did not understand it. That is until he showed her a genuine smile tonight.

"Elias…" she trailed off, her hands balling the fine materials of his silk button-up.

Elias quirked a brow. Without warning, she came forward and leaned her forehead upon his shoulders. He noted she did this a lot. Did she find him dependable? Was that why she always buried herself in the crook of his shoulder. He did not complain, even when her soft, floral scent washed over him.

Elias did his best to not breathe in deeply like a crazy person. She already viewed him as a serial killer.

"I think… I think…"

Elias\'s hands itched to touch her hair. It was tickling his face, his nose twitching. But she said to not touch her. It was a difficult task, especially when she willingly touched him without qualms.

What an unfair game she was playing…

"I think I have heart problems," she confessed.

Elias let out a small laugh. "You\'re perfectly healthy, darling."