Chapter 71 Enjoy, Luna
When Everest disappeared from her line of sight, Ophelia felt like she could finally breathe again. She sucked in fistfuls of air, feeling light-headed from his trance. He was an enthralling man of mysteries and secrets, much like her husband, yet he was willing to answer all of her questions? Even her most irritating ones? She couldn't help, but wanted to take him up on that offer.
Immediately, Ophelia hated herself for thinking of such a thing. Killorn was working hard to ensure the safety of his people and the empire. Yet, here she was, attempting to compare her husband when he'd never do such a thing. She rapidly shook her head, freeing herself from her initial opinions. If there's anything she wished to ask Everest, she'll just ask Killorn.
"H-His Highness said I can go to him anytime I have a q-question," Ophelia informed Beetle. A secret between her and the second Prince? What good would that bring her?
Beetle sighed almost in relief. He let out a 'tsk' and placed his hand on his hips. "Luna, if you think I am a flirt, then that man is the worst of us all. He has too many women warped around his fingers. For your sake, never take up his offer. He may not do something, but the Alpha would be furious." "O-of course," Ophelia said whilst glancing up at him. "B-being alone with a man would be disastrous for a w-woman's reputation, e-even if I am married."
Beetle nodded in agreement. "You are a smart lady, Luna. I just know you will not make that mistake. Now, let's go to the library, I can't wait to bother the hot librarians.
"D-don't you have any shame?" Ophelia asked him with a pointed glance.
Beetle cheekily grinned down at her, rubbed his nose, and snickered. "No, Luna. It is a man's duty to—"
"O-oh alright, j-just take me to the library," Ophelia interrupted before he said something that'd make her ears bleed.
Beetle chuckled at her response and happily nodded his head. He continued leading her to the library, all the whilst engaging her in any sorts of conversations, just to ease her nervousness around him. It was slowly working, for she responded every so often to his teasing.
"So tell me, does our Alpha last that long in bed or does he—"
"B-Beetle—"
"I'm just kidding, Luna. With his stamina, I am surprised you're able to walk in the mornings. It's an impressive feat, might I add."
"B-Beetle!"
"Fine fine, I'll pretend to be a prude and not ask you that kind of thing," Beetle snorted whilst crossing his arms behind his head. "Tell me, at the least, does he—"
"Beetle!" Ophelia chided.
Beetle could only reveal a boy-ish grin in her direction. He was certain that was the first and only time she didn't stutter around him. "I was only going to ask if he snores, what did you think I was going to say, Luna?" Beetle teased.
Ophelia glowered at him through her reddening cheeks. She could never understand the sorts of people hanging around her these days. Beetle was shameless in the way he spoke, meanwhile Gerald was just rough. All her life, Ophelia thought werewolves were cruel and intimidating creatures. Who would've known they also had a heart like her? In fact, when you took out the supernatural part, werewolves and vampires were, well, just like humans.
The thought made Ophelia slowly blink. How curious to think that werewolves and vampires were humans too. She was certain this kind of thinking could get her killed, so she wisely kept the thoughts to herself.
- - - - -
Ophelia was always intrigued by magic. Like most little girls, she grew up with the dream of being able to turn water into wine, silver into gold, and all sorts of alchemy. Sometimes, in her youth, she thought she could talk to the moon because it followed her like a shadow. That was, until her Papa said to her that the moon accompanied everyone, for their soul was too gentle, and their heart too giving. Ophelia liked to think overwise, for the moon never shined moonlight on every single person, but each time she prayed upon it, she could relish in the warmth of the great planet.
So, as Ophelia stood at the entrance of the library, she was blown away by the beauty of the place. The ceiling curved into a tall dome above her head as natural sunlight peeled through the glass coverings. There were shelves upon shelves of assorted books, ladders reaching tall places, and stairs leading up to a second floor that contained a balcony overlooking the entire library. As Ophelia walked past the crowned shelves, she was amazed by how many colorful spines greeted her, the polished wooden furniture, the regal green curtains and lamps, there wasn't a single flaw in sight.
"Woah…" Ophelia gasped out.
"Wow, books," Beetle responded in boredom, plopping himself onto one of the window sill seats. He watched as the lady began browsing through every section, until she walked out with a handful of books.
"W-would you l-like one?" Ophelia offered.
"No need, Luna, I can fall asleep without one," Beetle snorted. He rested against the window, his hawk gaze watching as she brought the pile to a large table. There, she sat down and began opening the pages.
Beetle had never been more sleepy in his entire life. He took one whiff of the air, confused by the sweetness of it, and how every cell in his body reacted. He assumed it was just the lady's hormones as usual. In an attempt to distract himself, Beetle grabbed the first book on a low shelf and propped it open. The sound of turning pages filled the air and in the corner of his eyes, he saw his lady reading intently. "Enjoy, Luna," Beetle said with a loud yawn as he stretched and cozied up, ready to take a nap, for what harm could come to a lady in a library? Was the book going to attack her? Obviously not.
"S-sleep tight," Ophelia called over her shoulders as she cracked the novels open. She was immediately fascinated with the current topic that involved the history of magic.
Back in House Eves, Ophelia was seldom allowed to read any non-fiction books. Matriarch Eves said she had no use for an intelligent granddaughter whose appearance was that of a freak. Instead, Matriarch Eves turned the young girl into a punching bag, unable to forgive her for the loss of her husband.
Even now, with Ophelia gone, she was certain her grandmother still blamed her for the death of Patriarch Eves. No one had ever been able to forgive her. To this day, Ophelia doesn't know what she did, but it had been a crime so heinous, the beloved man passed away from a heart attack.
The last thing he breathed out and gasped was, "Ophelia… you must protect Ophelia."
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