Stand By Me Darling
Chapter 276: Finding Strength

Chapter 276: Finding Strength

Perfect! My life is just too perfect!

Arthur ran his fingers through the long hair of Talia, now sleeping with her head resting on his chest.

His lips curled to a smile remembering how she pushed him on the bed and let him watch her undress. She looked very sexy as she gracefully slipped out from her dress and she was wearing red lacy underwear! His favourite! She even brought condoms when he forgot!

And what followed... She always goes beyond his expectations. He felt the sting in his chest and noticed the scratch marks made by her nails.

How adorable... His lips curved to a smile.

He picked up a bunch of her hair sprawled on his chest, covering her face. Holding it near his nose, he took in the scent.

How marvelous!

He held her hand resting on his chest and rubbed it. That empty ring finger irritated him so much.

What will they do of I publicly renounce the council’s decision? He wondered. He did not have the patience to wait for ages to be able to date his Iris publicly.

I can’t openly go against the Council. I am a Boswell and those council members will spin it as if I’m being a traitor, like my ancestors were.

Rather than that, he decided to use the public’s opinion to shift positively towards Talia. That way, people will be accepting their relationship and not consider Sophia as even his potential partner.

The workers of Northern Star and the shareholders already have a very favourable opinion about Talia after her public opposition to the nationalisation of the Northern Star. The King hasn’t given a statement of his opinion yet and there are a lot of people in the government who are benefited by the nobles, supporting the nationalisation of Northern Star too. Right now the situation is highly risky, but people’s opinion about Talia is greatly improving.

Arthur decided to talk to his father and express to the public his thoughts about his future daughter-in-law for his youngest son. His father; the politician, will have subtle ways to say he prefers Talia as his daughter-in-law. Roderick will help too.

Arthur’s mind cleared as he found himself a way forward. Tracing his hands through her naked body warm to touch, he closed his eyes with a calm heart.

He didn’t know when he fell asleep, but he was awakened by her loud screech.

"Ahhhh! Why didn’t you wake me up? I have to be back before midnight!"

He saw her scrambling around the floor, trying to find her underwear. Her side view was perfect with those bouncy little balls in the front and the firmness at her back. He felt his lower abdomen stirring up again.

"Are you Cinderella? Will the magic wear off at midnight and you’ll turn from a Princess to a toad or a rat?" Arthur chuckled, trying to change his mood. As much as he wanted to go another round, he knew it won’t be possible. He knew she had sneaked off and she needs to be back before anyone starts doubting her.

"A toad or rat? Idiot! You’re the ugly one, " Talia threw the piece of red fabric she had in her hand at Arthur’s face, without thinking twice.

Who would compare her to a toad or rat?

"Oh well, what do we have here...?" Arthur picked up the fabric piece that landed on his hair and asked holding it pinching between his fingers.

"You... Give it back!" Talia’s face went red seeing his smirk holding her thongs and she lunged at him, forgetting she is bare-naked.

"No, I’m keeping this as a souvenir... Proof that I conquered a Princess-- the demure princess who wears thongs," Arthur rolled in the bed as she lunged and Talia ended up on the bed on her fours, and still tried to get her underwear from the claws of the bear.

"Give it back you dummy," Talia decided to fight for her underwear and put her hair in a bun as it fell on her face and neck, disturbing her.

Arthur who was lying on his back, holding dear to life, the piece of fabric, had a very pleasant view of her kneeling while raising her hands above, leaving her bouncy chest vulnerable. Maybe she started to workout a bit, her stomach has tightened and she had a really enticing midriff.

Ah...

He said in his mind as he felt his member getting very excited. His brain didn’t work anymore as certain other part took full control of him and he pulled her, wrapping his hand around her waist and pinned her under him.

Talia could sense the warm breath of the man above her on her cheeks and she felt a certain part of the said man, running below her abdomen. The coarse, manly hands of Arthur on her waist slowly travelled to her abdomen and above. Talia felt her body slowly heating up.

Ah, Screw it!

Talia let herself get immersed in the sensations of his warm hand. She wrapped her arms around his shoulder and kissed him.

"Just a quickie," she said in a strict tone and Arthur nodded enthusiastically.

"Yes, My Queen!" he grinned.

It took three hours after that for Talia to get dressed and get down.

How can a quickie last hours? Is that even a quickie? He didn’t leave me alone in the shower either. What a beast! At least I can walk properly this time!

She was mumbling as she got down the stairs and paused seeing Amy. Amy was downstairs with a do-you-remember-what-you-promised-us look.

" Let’s leave... I’m ready," Talia smiled as if she didn’t understand Amy’s look. "Let me get my phone." she walked to the table.

She saw many notifications in her phone and took a quick glance. Upon seeing a message and a missed call from Cyril, she immediate clicked it to take a look.

Reading the message, Talia dropped her phone. Luckily, Amy who was fast-handed caught her phone before it hit the floor.

It’s happening... It’s happening... What should I do? What did Lord Lockhart find out? What will he do to me?

"Iris, what is it?" Arthur who was descending the stairs buttoning his wrinkled shirt, asked increasing his pace.

"Fred... It’s... Lord Lockhart wants to meet me. Cyril said that it is regarding Cyrus." Talia said wetting her lips and Arthur gave her a hug immediately.

She expected this to happen and had prepared her heart for this day, but when faced with that day in reality, her heart felt unready.

" We can get through this, Iris. I promised you, didn’t I?" Arthur said patting her head.

Talia closed her eyes, burying her head in his raid chest. She could hear his heartbeat as she listened. It was beating erratically too and as she kept on listening it became steady.

" I’ll be with you all the way, Iris. No matter what." he said and his heart was beating steadily with no wavering.

She trusted him. She knew he means what he says. And it gave her immense strength.

"I’ll depend on you then." Talia accepted his help and Arthur kissed her forehead. He was happy she is relying on him.

"I’ll be in Esteria tomorrow or the day after. Help arrange my stay there." Talia got out of Arthur’s embrace and said looking at him in the eyes. She still was scared. But she was confident she can get through this.

"Meet him after the Spring Ball. Isn’t it just a week away?" Arthur said.

He didn’t think she needs to be there this early.

Talia on the other hand, felt like she should rip the band-aid as quickly as possible. Good or bad, she wanted to get it over with. Also, Lord Lockhart demanded her to be there quickly and so she will do that.