Maxwell was still holding Liora’s hand when they entered their bedroom. The moment the door closed behind them, Liora found herself staring at her husband in confusion. His behavior had been strange ever since they left the room, and the longer she remained beside him, the less she understood what was happening. Maxwell had not let go of her hand. That alone was enough to make her uneasy. Liora was used to being treated as someone who had to obey rather than someone whose presence was wanted. Whenever Maxwell summoned her, she knew exactly what was expected of her. She would go to him, endure whatever he demanded, and leave as soon as he was finished. There was never a reason for her to remain by his side afterward. Sometimes, even when Maxwell touch her as his wife, his expression made her feel as though he could barely stand being near her.His eyes would be filled

Liora’s fingers tightened against the fabric of her dress. Maxwell words were almost too unfamiliar to accept. She had spent so much time convincing herself that she needed nothing from him beyond the bare minimum that hearing him offer something more left her at a loss. Maxwell lowered his voice. “And one day, I want you to carry my children in this womb.” Liora’s eyes widened. For several seconds, she could only stare at him. Children? His children? Maxwell's children?The thought struck somewhere deep inside her, awakening emotions she had carefully buried beneath years of resignation. She had never dared imagine that Maxwell would speak about having children with her as though it were a future he actually wanted. Her heart trembled. “Your Highness…”The words escaped her in a wh

Her hesitation gradually faded as she allowed herself to accept the affection she had spent so long longing for. That night, there were no arguments about Shera, no discussions about family status, and no reminders of the expectations placed upon them. There was only the quiet warmth between a husband and wife who had finally found their way back to each other. For Liora, it was the happiest night she could remember. She had spent countless nights dreaming of this moment, imagining what it would feel like to be cherished by the man she loved. Now, she no longer had to imagine it. Maxwell stayed beside her until the night slowly faded into dawn. When the first light of morning entered the chamber, Liora was still resting beside him, her head against his chest and her hand gently holding onto his robe as though she feared that when she open

Liora nodded, her cheeks flushed. “I will.” Maxwell gave her one last affectionate look before turning toward the door. Liora remained where she was, watching him leave. The moment the door closed behind him, she touched her lips unconsciously. Her heart was still beating rapidly. She had no idea what had caused such a drastic change in Maxwell, but for the first time in a very long while, she felt as though she had truly been chosen. Not tolerated. Not obligated to remain at his side but chosen. However, neither Maxwell nor Liora noticed the figures waiting not far from the chamber. Consort Shera had been hiding nearby with several servants. She had arrived earlier than necessary and had deliberately remained out of sight, waiting for Maxwell to leave. Shera had no intention of confronting him while he wa

If Maxwell found the letter after she left, he would believe that Liora had gone to visit her parents with Shera’s permission. There would be no reason for him to suspect that she had been forced to leave. Liora swallowed hard. “Yes, Your Highness.” Shera seemed satisfied with her answer. She then turned her attention toward the small dining table. Several dishes had been prepared there, but Shera merely looked at them with indifference. After a moment, she reached out and picked up a piece of chicken. Then she threw it onto the floor. The food landed near Liora's feet.“You can eat there.” Liora stared at the piece of chicken on the floor. Her face grew pale.She knew Shera was deliberately humiliating her, but she dared not protest. She could only remain silent. Shera was about to turn away when she suddenly stopp