Chapter 49 Friends

The skies were blue and not a single cloud could be seen. The sun were shining ever so brightly overhead, but the trees on their path that were enhanced with preservation magic, protected them from the heat.

They held their hands while talking about random stuffs. Aillenne felt her heart tickled when she saw her favorite character who is breathing and in front of her.

One of the perks of being transmigrated to the novel is that you could see the characters doing their roles and acting what they are designated to do by the author, though that didn't exactly apply to the character and events of this world. But--- you can also see your favorite character! Kyaaa! This might be one of the few reasons that's making me alive and kicking. Damien, Damien.

My favorite character is even holding my hand and talking to me. On top of that, this character looked so cute, full of fluff and like a puppy! What a big but cute golden retriever, no should it be black retriever because of his black hair? Nah, nevermind.

I can't help but ogle on his features. The author also gave detail and praise to his features like about two to three sentences and just like Aillenne, the praises was scattered all over the story. But the main point here, the author expressed that only if Aillenne and Damien were destined with each other, they will make a very good pair. Yes, enough to rival the main characters. But, oh well, the novel is within the discretion of the author. As a reader, I can't help but feel twisted.

Like really, and why did Aillenne not notice this young, caring, handsome, had the duke title from a very young age, wealthy, talented and held almost all good qualities--- and only fell in love with that wicked prince?! I don't understand this girl's taste. She must like that bad boy attitude.

"This place must be good. Let's sit here for a while. We need to catch up with each other."

Nick took off his cloak and let Aillenne sit over it. Ahh, so nice to be treated like a princess. She smiled and slightly pulled Damien near her and sat side by side, enjoying the tranquility of the surroundings.

"...so that's what happened. I didn't knwo how it had come to that, anyway..."

They talked for a while but Damien's thoughts were filled with other topics. He really missed the girl. He really loved hearing her melodious voice, her lively aura and her bright eyes that seemed to contain the universe. He really felt being taken back to the day they first met. The day when he fell in love.

'I really love this girl and I want her to be mine.'

He gently snaked his arms around her small waist and hugged the obviously stiffened Aillenne. He rested his head by the crook of her neck then inhaled her sweet scent.

'I missed her unique scent that's making me feel calm.'

"I missed Aillenne. I always waited for this day to come. I was afraid that you've forgotten about me. I am worried..."

Her small palms rested on his back and gently patted him just like what she does to the younger kids in the orphanage.

'I completely understand you, Damien. I know you felt lonely, being an orphan then being forced to succeed the duchy at such a young age. You fought hard for your rightful place and against the adults who are trying to take away what's for you. I definitely understand. You were then confined in your mansion and you only have me as a friend. My life and the life I live from my past is much better than yours. I wish I could help you even just a little.'

"I'm happy that Aillenne didn't forgot about me."

"How could I forget Nick, who is my friend?"

He said then smiled brightly.

'Friend.' He didn't know but his heart seemed prick by an unknown. He leaned down then kissed her cheeks. She belatedly touched it unsure of what happened.

"I'm happy."

He smiled then kissed her other cheek, but stopped when he saw the red marks.

"What's this? Who did this to you?"

"Ah...that..."

Aillenne blushed hard. She was embarrassed when someone other than Derrick saw the mark.

Not even her nanny were allowed to touch her body when she had the marks, she would often provide a hundred reason for her nanny and even to her personal maids. They will just quietly back out and not ask again, but Nick looking at the marks intensified her shame. No, this is not supposed to happen. Would he think that I have skin disease? Or if I am beaten?

"Nick...please don't look at it."

Aillenne tried hard to cover the marks. She took the hair accessories and untied the knots from her hair and let it flow down. It concealed the marks but Nick eyed her with disapproval.

"Does it hurt?"

Aillenne shook her head, no. He softly carresed the marks while looking at Aillenne's expression.

He liked seeing various emotions fleeting in her face, it makes him loose control and it's making him want to gobble her up.

But of course, his anger is seething. He knew Phillip kissed her, but he never imagined that it is to this extent.

"Did you let His Highness bite you here?"

Bite marks were all over her while skin. Her collarbone which she thought were concealed by the clothes were peeking as if letting the world know what happened.

Head drooping down and slightly trembling in his arms, he asked her again. Aillenne answered with a whimper looking so weak that he wanted to protect her with all his might, but at the same time incited his feeling of dominance.

"Yes, I don't know why."

"It's okay... it's okay. You are fine now."

"I didn't know why His Highness kept on inviting me for lunch then kissed me over and over again when we didn't even love each other. Kisses were meant for the person you love, but His Highness...His Highness..."

Damien hugged Aillenne tightly and cooed her to telling her feelings.

"Nick... I don't want this..."

He felt rewarded when she opened up to him. They really felt like long time friends who haven't seen each other for too long for the level of trust Aillenne gave him. Aillenne on the other hand unknowingly shown her thoughts and let a lion hold a leash on her.

At the same time, h was genuinely happy knowing the girl he really likes remembers him too. The feeling of fear and anxiety he always felt thinking about their meeting quickly faded. It's as if it never existed.

The girl in his arms who leaned weakly is so cute that he can't help but kiss again and reassured her feelings. He knew that it is not time to show her his feelings, so kept his gentle friend act.