Reborn as a Mind-Reading Empress

But that was all they could own. The time and memories they willingly share with each other.

And that was exactly why the time they spent with each other no matter how short was so precious.

Thus, Ferdinand wanted to accept Arabella’s apology immediately, but he could not get over the fact that she thought he would just put it inside her and do her even when she could not feel anything because she was unconscious.

Sure he was a dragon, something humans perceive as a monster, but not even their kind was that disrespectful.

Raymond had kept reiterating to Ferdinand that it was par for the course to ensure the other side was enjoying it as well. And Ferdinand believed in that too.

Ferdinand was never involved in any sexual activity before since he was not interested in it. But now that he was one who had such a huge appetite for it, he was not crazy to just do Arabella without her permission. He would not just keep doing it if she was not enjoying it either. What use was doing it if Arabella was not enjoying it?

Thus, he had to know why she thought of him in such a manner.

Ferdinand could not stop himself from asking. 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝔀𝓮𝒃𝙣𝓸𝒗𝒆𝒍.𝙘𝒐𝒎

"Why did you think that I could take you while you are asleep? Have I been too forceful to you and did not notice? I know I am lustful but I’m not into you just because of your body," Ferdinand reminded.

He did not want his feelings to be mistaken as something that was only physical.

He loved Arabella so much and he wanted her to know it was because of his feelings that he was like this. He loved and desired her so much that being unable to hold her in his arms was torture.

"I did not think of you in such a way. You were not forceful with me either. I was just taken aback because of your reaction when I said it. Your face and ears turned red, so it was then that I thought, perhaps, you did something. But I did not think you went and did something all the way. I was thinking something along the lines of groping my body while you tried to calm it down," Arabella explained.

He watched her closely and was relieved that her reactions were real. She was not trying to hide anything so he would not be hurt. She was speaking the truth.

"I see," Ferdinand sighed in relief. "I was tempted to grope you, but I did not. I just..."

"Just?" Arabella’s eyes followed his.

"I did not do it intentionally," Ferdinand clarified. "My body moved before I could think. I just licked a bit of sweat from your nape."

"Huh?!" Arabella’s face turned red as she touched her nape.

Ferdinand smiled. It was nice that she was the one who was flushed this time.

"It was sweet and salty," he teased and Arabella buried her face in her hands. She was so shy about it when it was not the first time he licked that place while she was sweaty.

"You said you did not do anything."

Arabella glared at him. She was not angry though. Just confused. But Ferdinand could tell that if he did much more, she would, truly be angry.

"It was just one lick. And it was on impulse," Ferdinand clarified. "I was tempted to do other things but I didn’t. I exercised utmost patience."

Arabella eyed him and chuckled.

"I see. That’s good. Let’s not fight about this anymore then," Arabella said, her face still slightly flushed.

"Alright," Ferdinand agreed and cupped Arabella’s face. He was content now that he knew she did not think of him as that kind of person. He captured her addicting lips and Arabella responded, "We still have some time, can we do it?"

"We will be visiting Lobelius later after the court sessions, so just once," Arabella limited the number.

’Once is not enough. I have been waiting for hours.’

"Twice. Just twice and the rest will be for the night," Ferdinand added.

Arabella smiled knowingly. She already knew once was never enough for him.

"Alright," Arabella agreed and Ferdinand could not stop himself from smiling.

His patience was rewarded by Arabella with a wonderful morning before they went to have breakfast.

.

.

.

In the dining room, Arabella glared at Ferdinand and he simply smiled back contentedly instead. They ended up doing it three times since they got too into it.

Ferdinand loved it but Arabella was worried she might fall asleep in the throne room later.

"Oh right, you will help me choose gifts for your siblings, right?" Ferdinand reminded as they headed out of the dining hall.

"Yes, let’s go and choose right now," Arabella easily agreed.

The two of them roamed around Ferdinand’s treasury and Arabella chose what would be appropriate based on her siblings’ preferences.

Once they were done, they headed to the throne room where everyone was already waiting for them.

They were not late though. Just in time.

Since most of the reports and discussions for the activities were already done, it was over in just half a day.

Through Alwin, Arabella immediately sent a letter to Lobelius, that they would be visiting this afternoon. They then proceeded to check that the gifts and souvenirs for Lobelius were ready.

Ferdinand felt somewhat nervous since Arabella’s older brother clearly preferred Icarus over him.

Ferdinand had been thinking about what to do so he could get Prince Benjamin on his side instead of Icarus’.

Raymond had warned Ferdinand though that competing too much would be bad for him so he should follow Arabella’s advice.

’It’s alright. I already met him,’ Ferdinand hoped Arabella would not see his nervousness. But there was no way he would not after he thought about it. She would be able to hear his thoughts anyway.

"Are you nervous?" Arabella inquired.

"No," Ferdinand lied though he was sure Arabella already knew from his thoughts.

"Don’t worry, me too," Arabella said and chuckled.

"Why would you be nervous?" Ferdinand inquired and Arabella had a bittersweet look on her face as if she had not been to Lobelius for years not months.