Side Story Chapter 3 

 “Your Majesty, it’s me.” 

 Ratius’s hand stopped while reading the newspaper. He slowly closed and opened his eyes at Selvia’s voice, trying to grasp reality. 

 “Selvia?” 

 “May I come in?” 

 “Of course.” 

 He immediately rose from his chair and neatly buttoned his shirt. 

 Only after checking his unruffled appearance in the mirror did he open the door. 

 “What brings you here at this hour?” 

 “I want to sleep together.” 

 “It seems you’re more at ease now that you’ve told me.” 

 Ratius smiled gently at Selvia holding a lamp. 

 She spread her arms and burrowed into Ratius’s embrace. Welcoming her gladly, he lightly stroked her back while taking in her scent. 

 “I’ll stay by your side until you fall asleep.” 

 “Stay with me until morning too.” 

 “That might be a bit difficult.” 

 He had to restrain many things whenever he saw her. The urge to kiss her, the desire to embrace her, wanting to explore her soft flesh all night. 

 Even now, seeing his rising desire, he must surely be a beast. 

 However, it was enough if he could just hold his lovely Selvia who wanted to fall asleep in his arms. 

 “Come here.” 

 Ratius pulled her hand. He pulled back the blanket on the bed, gently laid her down, and took his place beside her. 

 “Did you enjoy the picnic with your friends?” 

 “Yes, very much. From tomorrow, I want to go on walks with Your Majesty too.” 

 “That’s welcome news.” 

 He held Selvia in his arms with a happy smile. Running his fingers through her hair, he kissed her white, rounded forehead and it was sweet. 

 “So what’s the plan for tomorrow?” 

 “Sleeping in late with Your Majesty, going for a walk, and eating meals together.” 

 “Sleeping in is quite the grand plan. I like it.” 

 “Really?” 

 Selvia didn’t know. How happy it made him to sleep in late with her and greet the morning together in bed. 

 Those moments were precious to him — when after hearing complaints and dealing with state affairs all day, silence fell at night and he could sleep listening to her steady breathing. 

 “I’ll have them postpone the morning meeting tomorrow, so don’t worry.” 

 “You’re not overdoing it?” 

 “Of course not.” 

 Ratius held Selvia and listened to her breathing. 

 “I missed you.” 

 “I missed you too.” 

 Seeing her mumble without even opening her eyes, Ratius kissed her cheek. 

 He too closed his eyes to sleep the long sleep she desired. 

* * *

 When Selvia leisurely woke in the morning, she quietly gazed at Ratius’s face. 

 His high nose bridge remained striking, his long eyelashes even while closed, his sharp facial contours visible even from the side. 

 Time seemed to flow slowly just watching him quietly. If only it could stop like this. 

 She had heard from Belrocan that he hadn’t been sleeping well due to work. 

 She had turned her back while sleeping because she feared her heart would weaken if she saw him. 

 “I thought we were sleeping in.” 

 “You’re awake?” 

 “Someone was looking at me too lovingly.” 

 Selvia placed her hand on Ratius’s cheek and smiled softly. 

 “Even though your eyes were closed.” 

 “I can still feel your gaze. Your breathing too, and even your scent.” 

 He took her hand and kissed the back of it. When his closed eyes opened, his blue irises appeared. 

 The mole under his eye was still charming. She touched the mole with her finger after trailing past his eye. 

 “I want to hug you.” 

 Ratius’s eyes sparkled at her words. 

 “That’s a dangerous statement.” 

 “I know.” 

 Ratius shook his head. Then he held Selvia in his arms and spoke tenderly. 

 “I understand your feelings perfectly. You don’t need to rush or feel anxious. Selvia, just being able to fall asleep with you is enough for me.” 

 Hearing those words made her feel better. In truth, she too was happy just falling asleep and waking up in his embrace. 

 “What should we have for breakfast?” 

 “Whatever you’d like.” 

 “I’ll tell Mellin.” 

 “No need. I already told her yesterday.” 

 Selvia kissed Ratius’s cheek. 

 “Let’s go.” 

 “As you command.” 

 The two rose from bed. For their first late breakfast together in a long while. 

* * *

 Her black hair fluttered in the gentle breeze. 

 “The child is healthy.” 

 “Really?” 

 “Yes, there’s nothing to worry about.” 

 Amon’s words put her mind at ease. Then suddenly she thought of Leliana’s child. 

 “……How is that child doing?” 

 “Agate is growing up no different from other children.” 

 “That’s good.” 

 “The power is well sealed too, so there’s no need to worry.” 

 Selvia nodded. A child living without knowing anything, memories erased. 

 Fortunately, it seemed Agate was growing up well on the right path. 

 “Would you like to see them sometime?” 

 “No, it’s better not to.” 

 Because her heart might weaken if she saw them. She shook her head. 

 “It’s enough if they grow up well. Please take good care of them.” 

 “I will.” 

 Amon nodded slightly. 

 “You’ll enter the stable period soon.” 

 “Time has flown by already. Is there anything else?” 

 “Nothing particularly concerning.” 

 “I see.” 

 Selvia expressed her gratitude to Amon and headed to her private room. 

 Her heart fluttered at the mention of entering the stable period. 

 ‘Have I really gone crazy?’ 

 She calmed her heart while drinking warm tea. 

* * *

 After finishing state affairs, Ratius ran his hand through his hair with a tired expression. 

 “I miss her terribly today.” 

 Though he had seen her this morning, he felt like he would go crazy wanting to see her again. 

 Amon had said he would come report after examining her condition, so he decided to wait patiently. 

 “Your Majesty, the High Priest is here.” 

 “Have him enter.” 

 The door opened and the awaited Amon appeared. 

 “How is Selvia?” 

 “Both Her Majesty the Empress and the child are healthy. The power is stable too, so there’s nothing to worry about.” 

 “If you say so, I can believe it.” 

 Ratius nodded. As long as what Selvia was worried about was resolved, that was enough. 

 “Have there been any prophecies?” 

 “Not yet. Are you waiting for the next child of prophecy?” 

 “Of course not. I hope there are no more prophecies.” 

 “I feel the same. Above all, peace will continue.” 

 Amon turned toward the door saying he would take his leave. 

 “Her Majesty the Empress seems to truly love Your Majesty.” 

 “I too love Selvia very much.” 

 “Then express those feelings more. Pregnancy makes women anxious and causes them to think many thoughts.” 

 “To think I’m getting such advice even from you, High Priest.” 

 Amon bowed his head and left the room. Express his feelings more…

 It wasn’t such a difficult thing. It was easier than suppressing his overflowing emotions. 

 Though he shouldn’t embrace her, there was no need to suppress his love. 

 ‘But in this state, it’s difficult.’ 

 Ratius barely suppressed his urges. Then he headed to the bathroom. 

 He felt he needed a cold shower to clear his mind. 

 Ratius bowed his head, pushing back his wet hair as water poured over him. 

 The heat burning his body wouldn’t cool. It seemed it wouldn’t change even if he soaked in cold water or added ice. 

 ‘D*mn.’ 

 He took a breath to steady his breathing. 

 She wouldn’t leave his thoughts. Only after cooling his body with cold water for quite a while was he able to leave the bathroom. 

 However, he didn’t know another trial awaited him. 

 “……Selvia?” 

 “I didn’t know you were bathing.” 

 “I didn’t know you would come either.” 

 “I couldn’t sleep.” 

 “Me neither.” 

 Their gazes tangled in the air. Without anyone’s prompting, they embraced and kissed. 

 Though reason’s thread barely held them back, their desire yearning for each other didn’t cool. 

 Rather, it only burned hotter. 

 Each time hot breaths burst between their lips, he calmed himself. 

 Whenever the emotion of wanting to devour her right then surged up, he thought of the child in her womb. 

 The hot kisses showed no signs of stopping, and the hands caressing each other’s bodies were tender and careful.