The Hero's Forsaken Princess
Chapter 114: Yes and No

Chapter 114: Yes and No

At Alaric’s Old House...

"Finally, I can be with you alone." Alaric’s voice was heard from behind. He hugged Eve, placing his chin over her shoulder while wrapping her arms around her waist.

Eve just let out a soft giggle as she held Alaric’s arms, making him grip her body tightly.

"Aren’t you tired, Eve?" He asked him worriedly, nuzzling his nose on the nook of her neck.

"I’m a little bit tired. But I feel so happy seeing the smiles of the people here. It’s all worth it. Thank you, Alaric," Eve said, gently squeezing his arms.

"You make me so proud, Princess. My wife is so amazing. You are indeed a true princess. You are capable of leading your people. You swayed them so easily." Alaric planted a soft kiss on her cheek as though it was his reward for her.

Eve’s face reddened at Alaric’s compliment. She never received such genuine praise before. His words made her heart flutter.

"Thank you for believing in me, Alaric." Eve removed Alaric’s hands so that she could turn around to face him.

"This old house is so clean. I love it. So simple but homey. How did you maintain this house?" She asked, cupping Alaric’s face.

She felt so glad to finally visit Alaric’s old house. This was the place where he grew up.

"When I transferred to the capital, the Chief helped me maintain this house. The old man is a friend of my late grandfather," Alaric responded.

"I also let the orphaned children stay in this house as their temporary shelter. Leon is one of the children who lives in this house."

Eve nodded, her eyes filled with admiration.

"I’m so lucky to have a husband like you. Your heroic act is not just about being a great warrior... but having a kind and generous heart that cares about the poor, weak, and homeless children." Eve gently caressed his cheeks, expressing how much she admired him.

Alaric smiled faintly. "Don’t flatter me too much, Princess. I’m not that great. I have so many flaws. I even failed you as your husband several times."

Eve shook her head frantically. "Don’t say that. When Annie died, I said I regretted marrying you. But I was wrong. Maybe, the first ever good thing that happened in my life for the past nineteen years was the moment I got married to you."

Eve tiptoed, planting a soft kiss on his lips. Alaric froze in his spot when her warm lips touched his cold lips. His heart started pounding so hard against his chest. Only Princess Eve could make him feel like this.

Alaric absentmindedly traced his lips using his fingers when Eve drew back. He blinked several times, just staring at Eve with a blushing face.

"Is it true... you didn’t regret marrying someone like me?" Alaric asked her for confirmation. He always felt insecure because of the difference in status.

Eve nodded with a smile. "Yes. I don’t regret it."

Alaric felt the lump in his throat. For some unknown reason, he felt so emotional right now. For goodness’ sake, he was a man. He shouldn’t let his emotions embarrass him in front of Princess Eve.

"The truth is... I overheard Crown Prince Cassian’s marriage proposal to you," Alaric confessed.

Eve was taken aback when she heard that while Alaric continued his words.

"I know he offered you wealth and power. He can make you a Queen. Prince Cassian has so many things I can’t give you. I wonder if one day you will realize that I’m not useful to you and you might discard me and abandon me. I’m scared of the possibility that you will divorce me and choose to be with him."

Eve’s heart constricted as she could see Alaric’s fear and insecurity. She didn’t expect that Alaric would feel this way.

Without hesitation, Eve pounced on him, hugging him. She wanted to comfort and console him through this tight embrace. She wanted to reassure him that she would not abandon him for power and wealth.

Alaric slammed his eyes shut as he hugged her back, his arms embracing her tightly.

"But despite that, I don’t want to give you up. If I have to force you, I won’t allow you to leave my side. I will do everything to make you stay by my side." Alaric expressed his true feelings.

Eve broke the hug and gazed up, staring at Alaric intently.

"Why? Why do you want me to stay? Are you doing this because of your duty as Averion Knight? Is it because of the royal decree?" She asked him expectantly. She wanted to know his reason for wanting her to stay by his side.

Deep inside, Eve was hoping that she held an important spot in Alaric’s heart.

Alaric met her gaze. "Before I answer your questions, I want to know if you are reconsidering Crown Prince Cassian’s offer. I haven’t heard your reply to him. I left even before you uttered a word."

Alaric’s heart raced even faster from anxiousness. He confronted Eve, dying to know her response to Prince Cassian.

"Do you remember when I asked to talk to Prince Cassian alone?"

Alaric nodded in response.

"I gave him my answer at that time. I rejected his offer. Prior to that, if you hadn’t left and listened to our conversation... you would know that I told him I didn’t wish for power and wealth. If I were to marry again... I want to marry the man I truly love. Not another political marriage."

There was a moment of silence between them after Eve uttered those words.

Alaric took a deep breath before asking her another question.

"Does it mean... you will divorce me if you find the man whom you truly love? Have you found him?" Alaric lowered his gaze, unable to look at her eyes.

For some unknown reason, Gideon flashed in his mind. He was afraid that Eve had already developed feelings toward the Black Hunter.

Meanwhile, Eve was at a loss for words. She didn’t know how she would answer him without getting embarrassed.

"Y-Yes..." she answered in her stammering voice.

Alaric frowned, clenching his fists. ’Yes for what? Yes for divorcing me and finding the man she truly loves?’

"And no..." Eve added.

"What do you mean?" Alaric probed.

Eve bit her lower lip, playing with her fingers. "No... because I won’t divorce you. And yes... I found him."

Alaric was stupefied. He opened his mouth to say a word only to close his lips again. ’I’m confused.’