Chapter 47: I love you, I promise

Damien's POV

I don't know what came over me… I have a duty to my realm as the future king. My loyalty should lie with my House, right? But I couldn't help it. I realized how I truly felt about Angelique. Whether I admit it or not, I was falling in love. No. I fell before I knew it. But I suppose who wouldn't fall for a woman like her? 

I regret hurting her. All the things I did… I was wrong. She didn't deserve that. Choking her that night… I wasn't even there to protect her when she was giving birth to our children. I'm a useless husband. 

There are things I can't change, but I can always change for the future. Perhaps I'm a fool for giving her my heart… For surrendering everything to her. And maybe one day, she'll betray me… but life without her isn't worth living. I'm not a fool. In the end, one of us will end up hurt or destroyed. But if it's inevitable, let it be me. 

Angelique wrapped her arms around me, her touch warm and soothing. We just made a vow that whatever happens, our children will be protected. I suppose she wasn't certain about us, but she had faith that I'd protect our children. 

I mirrored her actions, wrapping my arms tightly around her. "I love you, I promise," I whispered in her ear, planting soft kisses from her neck to her shoulders. All I want, from here on out, is to protect our family. To cherish her forever and to raise our children better than our parents raised us. 

"I'm sorry," Angelique said hesitantly, tears falling from her eyes. 

I pulled away gently, wiping the tears from her cheeks. Seeing her in pain broke my heart. I badly want to make her forget everything. Every single trauma and painful memory—I want to erase them. 

Angelique continued, her voice but a whisper. "I apologize for… cheating on our marriage."

"Sh," I reassured her, stroking her back. "I don't want to be reminded of what already happened, love. Let's just focus on what's ahead, alright? You and I, we're moving forward. No more games… It's just you and me." She slept with Conner once, and it hurt like a bitch. I wonder how much worse the pain I caused her was… She must've felt a lot worse.

"You love me?" Angelique asked, resting her forehead against mine. 

I nodded, locking our hands together. "I do, love," I assured her. "Do you love me? No… do you feel something for me? Even just a little bit?"

Angelique looked at me wide-eyed, her hand squeezing mine. For a moment, she couldn't express her thoughts. She just stared at me with her piercing eyes. "I don't know," she admitted, her voice strained with confusion and doubt. "I wouldn't feel pain if I didn't feel something, right? I want… No…" She struggled with her words. 

"You don't have to give me a response right now," I said, planting a kiss on her forehead. 

She shook her head, determined to give me an answer. "I think I'd be lying if I said I wasn't falling for you," she confessed. "I did. Perhaps I fell first… But I'm not just a girl. I'm the princess of House White and you're a threat despite being my husband. So, stubbornly, I suppressed whatever I felt for you… I think of myself foolish, you know? Tracking down your sister… Putting Grea on a leash." Angelique shook her head in disappointment. "It was obvious that I was doing something for you. Anyway, deep down, I knew that there was something between us… But that night, when you…" She held her neck, refusing to say the words. "I suppose that's when I decided I couldn't have feelings for a person who would hurt me that way. I felt hurt and betrayed. But most of all, I felt like a fool."

Damn it, Angelique! 

"I fucked up so bad," I groaned, ashamed to look her in the eye. How could I? It was difficult to hear this from her.

Angelique shook her head, placing her hand over my chest. "Let's forget it like you said," she insisted, her voice firm and assuring. "Besides, it's all in the past right?"

"Yeah," I nodded, kissing her softly. 

As Angelique pressed me gently onto the bed, a surge of anticipation swept through me, mingling with the warmth of her embrace. I welcomed her closeness, feeling her soft curves fitting perfectly against mine as she settled on top of me. In her embrace, I found solace and a sense of belonging, as if every worry melted away in the comforting cocoon of her arms. With a contented sigh, I wrapped my arms around her, pulling her even closer, cherishing the intimate moment we shared. 

"I promise to love you as honestly as I can for as long as I can," Angelique swore, her fingers tracing the scar on my chest. There was something she was keeping from me, I'm certain of that. It's as though her love had an expiration. 

"I will love you until I face death," I vowed, "And I'll protect our family with my life."

Reluctantly, we tore ourselves away from the cocoon of warmth and intimacy, knowing that duty called beyond the confines of our private sanctuary. With lingering glances and tender touches, we rose from the bed, preparing ourselves to face the world once more. As we dressed and composed ourselves, the memory of our shared moment lingered, infusing us with a quiet strength and a renewed sense of purpose. With a silent vow to carry the warmth of our connection with us, we made our way to the court, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, hand in hand. 

I reached for Angelique's hand and she hesitantly accepted. Fear was evident in her eyes. She feared something or someone. Perhaps something more dangerous was happening beyond my knowledge. Whatever it was, I will destroy it. 

Conner approached us, his expression unreadable. He bowed lightly, greeting, "Cousin and Prince Damien."

"Prince Conner," I nodded, fighting the urge to pound my fist against his pretty face. How dare he touch what is mine? 

Conner reached for Angelique's hand, planting a soft kiss on it. "You look well, cousin. You're glowing."

Angelique withdrew her hand abruptly, sweat dripping from her face. "Well," she tried to say something. 

"My wife and I finally reached an understanding," I replied in her stead, pushing her gently behind me. "Since the twins are born, the South has been cleared, and the war is coming to an end, my wife and I will return to my realm."

"Is that so?" Conner pursed his lips. As Conner's gaze shifted between Angelique and me, I could sense the tension thickening in the air. His words carried an undertone that set my nerves on edge, hinting at depths of intrigue I had yet to fathom.

"Yes, that is so," I asserted firmly, my grip tightening subtly on Angelique's hand as if to reassure her and stake my claim simultaneously. "Our presence here has fulfilled its purpose, and it's time for us to depart."

Conner's expression remained inscrutable, but a flicker of something unreadable passed through his eyes. "I see," he murmured, though his tone betrayed nothing of his true thoughts.

"We'll depart soon, cousin," Angelique declared, meeting his gaze. "Thank you for the help and the comfort you provided when I needed you. It was appreciated." 

Conner's hands clenched into fists as he struggled to maintain his composure. His eyes darkened, glancing at me and back at Angelique. "I suppose we're done here," was all he said before he walked away.

In a hushed tone, I whispered into Angelique's ear, enveloping her in a protective embrace. "Don't be afraid," I assured her, my voice a gentle caress against her ear. "I promised I'd protect you, didn't I? No one can hurt you."

Her nod conveyed a silent acknowledgment, accompanied by a tightening of her embrace as if seeking solace in the strength of our bond. "I'll go with you," she declared, her voice resolute. "Let's pay our respects and return home. Maidservant Rose can take care of Dianne and Alexander while we're away."

Perplexed, I furrowed my brow, seeking clarification. "What do you mean?" I inquired, a hint of confusion coloring my tone.

A soft smile graced Angelique's lips, her gaze unwavering as she spoke with newfound determination. "I'll join you in ending this war once and for all… When that's done…" she declared, her voice unwavering, "When the battles are won, perhaps I could tell you everything."

I held Angelique closer, her words igniting a spark of determination within me. Despite the uncertainty that lay ahead, her unwavering resolve filled me with a newfound sense of purpose. "Thank you," I whispered, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. "Together, we will face whatever challenges come our way. And when the time comes, I will stand by your side as you reveal whatever secrets weigh heavy on your heart."