Garden of May - Chapter 90
“Even an old woman confined to her chambers has ears. I’m not here to reproach you for it. Considering the times, it was arguably the best choice you could have made.”
“….”
“Nevertheless, the world will always find fault. To prove your patriotism, you may even be forced to abandon your family name, like that Windsor.”
Indeed, the name Batenberg itself was foreign in Ingram. It was the name adopted by the Duchy of Ehrmann when they sought refuge decades ago. No matter how loyal the Batenbergs were to Ingram, what hadn’t been an issue during peacetime often required proof during war.
Such were the times. Decades of peace had led to overflowing coffers, centuries-old borders felt constricting, and the bloodshed that had secured those lands had faded into a distant memory for the general populace. They lived in an era where the conquest of a mere island was touted as war, where fabricated heroes were paraded to incite shallow patriotism in the youth.
In such times, even the smallest spark could ignite a war. Even the newspaper boys on the street chattered about the volatile political climate.
“In these times, marriage is the most effective way to demonstrate our loyalty.”
“.…”
“These are the things Hayley sent me.”
The abrupt change of topic caught Theodore off guard. He glanced down at the flat box the old woman presented. Inside were an assortment of trinkets.
“She visited often, keeping this old woman company in your absence. I don’t know how much I hurt her with my initial prejudice.”
“.…”
“The Mortons are a founding family of Ingram, with an impeccable reputation. If you absolutely refuse to marry into the royal family, Morton is the best option. I would be content with her.”
“Grandmother.”
“Meet her three times. After that, I will respect your decision.”
Theodore stared at the items Grace had laid out with a sense of disbelief. They were such trivial things, devoid of any discernible value: dried flowers, a handwritten copy of a rare poetry book, a fallen leaf for some inexplicable reason, a handkerchief embroidered with a brightly feathered bird, and…
A photograph.
Think of me whenever you see this, read the inscription beneath it. Theodore’s gaze lingered on it for a moment, then his eyes narrowed. What hadn’t been apparent when she was sitting before him now shone with a stark clarity, frozen in time.
The faded colors sharpened her features. The woman’s face, looking directly at the camera with a bright smile, stirred a long-forgotten memory. Involuntarily, Theodore reached out and covered the woman’s eyes in the photograph.
As the vague sense of unease solidified, he let out a soft chuckle. He understood now. Why his grandmother was so insistent on pairing him with this woman. Why Hayley Morton’s cheerful face had bothered him so much.
Morton was his mother’s maiden name.
***
“Haah…”
The penetration was a little tight. Vanessa let out a soft moan, her fingers clenching the sheets.
It had been three whole days since they’d last seen each other. They kissed as if to quench a thirst, clinging to each other as if to soothe the wounds they’d sustained in their separate worlds. Like young animals licking each other’s blood. Their lovemaking had continued until dawn.
He nipped at her swollen n1pples, his teeth gently grazing her sensitive skin. Having just returned from the capital, he was more urgent than usual in every way. It was so unlike their usual rhythm that, in the darkness where she couldn’t even see his features, she felt almost as if she were in the arms of a stranger.
“Hhh, ah…”
She bit her lip to stifle a moan, and the force driving into her stilled. He gently pried open her lips, which she had been worrying with her thumb.
“Does it hurt?”
Vanessa shook her head, tears welling in her eyes. She preferred the pain. It chased away the tangled thoughts that plagued her, if only for a moment. She wouldn’t have minded if he hurt her even more.
“Continue, just, like this…”
“Tell me if it hurts. Don’t hold it in.”
“It’s okay, mm… it’s…”
She wrapped her legs around his waist, urging him on, moving instinctively. River Ross’s arms, braced against the bed, tensed. His initial caution vanished as he plunged deep inside her again and again. Unchecked moans spilled from Vanessa’s parted lips.
“Nn, mm! Ahh…, ah, ahn!”
She raised a hand to cover her heated eyes, but he immediately caught her wrist and pulled it away, as if forbidding her from hiding anything from him. Vanessa looked up at River Ross through tear-blurred eyes. The face of the man moving powerfully above her was breathtakingly handsome. He looked flushed, radiant, beautiful. Like this poignant, aching summer.
“Hhh, ah!”
I wish your hair were as long as mine. He lowered his head at the indistinct murmur that escaped her amidst the passionate throes, as if determined not to miss even her slightest whisper.
She meant it. She wished his hair were very long, and hers as well, so that they could intertwine them, binding themselves to each other.
Like two trees meeting and their roots tangling together. Like forging an unbreakable bond that would last forever.
- Protected: Garden of May Chapter 152 - Jun 16, 2026
- Protected: Garden of May Chapter 151 - Jun 16, 2026
- Protected: Garden of May Chapter 150 - Jun 16, 2026
