I won't fall for the queen who burned my world-Chapter 60: The next morning

The next morning came and Elysia felt strong arms around her. She blinked sleepily, her eyes adjusting to the dim light of the room.

She was naked. And in Malvoria's arms.

The events of last night came flooding back to her at once, and Elysia fought back a blush. She remembered the way Malvoria had taken control, the way she had kissed Elysia so deeply.

And she remembered how she had tried to stab the queen.

Elysia felt a shiver run through her, remembering how the blade had fallen to the floor without so much as a second glance from Malvoria. And she remembered the look in Malvoria's eyes as she had pressed against Elysia.

The look of power.

Elysia struggled to sit up, her face heating when she felt Malvoria's arm tighten around her waist.

"Don't move," Malvoria muttered, her voice low and rough from sleep.

Elysia hesitated for an instant before settling back against the queen once more. She could feel the heat of Malvoria's skin, the soft rise and fall of her chest as she breathed.

And Elysia realized, with a flutter of surprise, that she didn't hate this. She didn't hate being held by Malvoria, didn't hate the way her body seemed to fit perfectly against the queen's.

They lay there for another hour before Malvoria stirred, pulling away from Elysia with a sigh. Elysia watched as the queen rose, stretching her lithe frame in the morning light.

"Get dressed," Malvoria said shortly. "We have to go down for breakfast."

Elysia nodded quickly, scrambling out of bed as Malvoria disappeared into the bathroom. She dressed quickly, pulling on the first gown she could find without even looking to see what it was.

And then, as she passed the mirror, she stopped short.

There was marks on her neck. A scattering of hickeys in various shades of red, all of them spreading out in an array of patterns across her skin.

Elysia blinked, her mind struggling to remember how they had gotten there.

And then Malvoria emerged from the bathroom, her robe hanging loosely from her shoulders.

"Oh," she said, her brow raising at the sight of Elysia's blush. "How sweet. You're shy."

Elysia flushed, her hands going automatically to cover the marks. "I'm not—" she started to say.

But Malvoria cut her off. "Bathrooms's yours," she said curtly, moving past Elysia towards the door.

Elysia followed her with a sigh, her thoughts whirling with all the things she would need to do today. They had to go downstairs and have breakfast.

And yet... a tiny part of her was still wondering what had happened last night, still wondering why Malvoria had chosen not to kill her.

"Come on," Malvoria snapped, her sharp voice pulling Elysia from her thoughts. "Don't make me wait."

Elysia sat on the edge of the massive bed, her hands gripping the silky sheets as the events of the morning replayed in her mind.

The room was still, save for the faint crackling of the dying embers in the fireplace.

She could feel the lingering warmth of where Malvoria had been beside her only moments ago, the ghost of the Demon Queen's presence still clinging to the space around her.

What am I even doing? she thought, rubbing her temples.

Her violet eyes flicked to the mirror across the room, and her breath caught as she took in her reflection. The faint marks along her neck stood out like scarlet ink on parchment. She groaned softly, burying her face in her hands.

Great. Just great.

There was no time to dwell. She needed to get ready—quickly. Breakfast awaited, and the last thing she wanted was to give Malvoria another reason to smirk at her expense.

She rose from the bed and made her way to the bathroom, her bare feet padding softly against the cool floor.

The bathroom was just as grand as the rest of the chambers—polished marble floors, golden fixtures, and a large mirror that reflected her tired expression back at her.

She sighed, stepping into the spacious shower, letting the warm water cascade over her.

How am I supposed to face everyone? she wondered, tilting her head back under the stream. Zera is going to kill me with her glare alone. And Malvoria's mother... She winced at the thought.

Her mind raced as she hurried through her shower, scrubbing away the remnants of sleep and stress, though no amount of water could wash away the fluttering nerves in her chest.

She ran through every possible scenario, every awkward conversation that could unfold.

Maybe I can cover them with magic... She glanced at the clock on the wall. No time.

Her hair still damp, Elysia wrapped herself in a soft towel and rushed back into the main room.

She rummaged through the wardrobe, pulling out the first gown she could find—a simple lavender dress with delicate embroidery along the sleeves. She slipped it on, her fingers fumbling with the buttons as she cursed under her breath.

A soft knock at the door made her freeze.

"Elysia," Malvoria's smooth voice called, laced with amusement, "are you planning to hide in there all day?"

Gods, help me.

"I'm coming!" Elysia called back, hastily smoothing down the dress and brushing through her silver hair.

She stared at herself in the mirror one last time, wincing at the faint marks still visible along her neck. She tugged her collar up slightly, but it didn't do much.

It'll have to do.

Taking a deep breath, she opened the door to find Malvoria leaning casually against the frame, her arms crossed and a faint smirk playing on her lips.

"Cute," Malvoria teased, her gray eyes flicking to Elysia's neck. "No need to hide it."

Elysia shot her a glare, cheeks flushing. "I'm not—let's just go."

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Malvoria chuckled softly but didn't press further. She turned and began walking down the corridor, her long red hair flowing behind her like a river of fire. Elysia followed, her steps quick as she tried to keep up without meeting the curious gazes of the passing servants.

The dining room doors loomed ahead, tall and imposing. Elysia's heart pounded as Malvoria pushed them open effortlessly, revealing the grand room inside.

The long table was already set, gleaming silverware placed neatly beside fine china. Platters of fresh fruits, warm bread, and other breakfast delicacies filled the air with mouthwatering aromas. But Elysia barely noticed.

Her eyes locked immediately onto the three figures seated at the table.

King Thalor sat at one end, his eyes narrowing slightly as he took in his daughter's appearance.

Zera stood just behind him, her arms crossed tightly over her chest, her piercing eyes practically blazing with restrained fury.

And across from them, lounging gracefully with a knowing grin, was none other than Malvoria's mother, Veylira.

Elysia swallowed hard, bracing herself.

"Ah, there they are," Veylira purred, her silver hair gleaming in the morning light. "The happy newlyweds."

Elysia's cheeks burned, and she quickly averted her gaze, hoping the floor might swallow her whole.

Malvoria, however, seemed entirely unbothered. "Good morning, Mother," she greeted smoothly, leading Elysia to a seat beside her.

Zera's glare intensified, and Elysia could practically feel the waves of disapproval radiating from her friend. She offered a tight smile, silently pleading with Zera to not say anything... yet.

Veylira, clearly enjoying herself, leaned forward slightly. "Elysia, dear," she drawled, "you're looking positively radiant this morning."

Of course she'd say that. Elysia forced a polite smile. "Thank you, Lady Veylira."

Veylira's grin widened, her sharp eyes flicking to Malvoria with a glint of mischief. "I must say, Malvoria, you've certainly outdone yourself."

Malvoria chuckled softly, reaching for a piece of fruit. "I always do."

Zera's grip on her arms tightened, and Elysia could see the effort it took for her not to launch across the table. King Thalor, simply cleared his throat.

"Shall we eat?" he suggested, though there was a faint tightness to his voice.

Elysia nodded quickly, grateful for the distraction. She reached for the nearest platter, hoping that focusing on food would somehow make the entire situation less unbearable.

Malvoria, however, wasn't going to make it easy.

As Elysia picked up a slice of bread, Malvoria leaned in slightly, her voice a low murmur only Elysia could hear. "Relax," she whispered, amusement lacing her tone. "You're making it obvious."

Elysia stiffened, shooting her a glare. "You're not helping."

"Oh, but this is so much more fun," Malvoria teased, taking a leisurely sip from her goblet.

Veylira watched the exchange with open delight. "Ah, young love," she sighed dramatically, placing a hand over her heart. "So sweet, so... endearing."

Elysia bit the inside of her cheek to keep from snapping.

Zera, however, had no such restraint. "Must you always be so insufferable?" she hissed, glaring at Malvoria.

Malvoria, entirely unfazed, arched a brow. "It's a talent."

"More like a curse," Zera muttered under her breath, earning a sharp look from Thalor.

"Zera," he warned softly.

"Apologies, Your Majesty," Zera replied stiffly, though her glare remained fixed on Malvoria.

Elysia sighed quietly, focusing on her plate as the conversation continued around her.

She barely registered what was being said, her mind too preoccupied with the weight of everything that had happened—and everything that was still to come.

Malvoria chuckled softly beside her, clearly enjoying every moment of Elysia's discomfort.

This is going to be a long morning.