Chapter 162 - A Beautiful Gift
Despite the tense atmosphere, Kaden still drove them to their initial plans. She was staring out the window, unable to meet his gaze. She pressed her entire body to the corner of her seat.
Whether it was intentional or not, Lina kept her legs firmly pressed together but tucked close to the car door. Even so, Kaden was shameless.
Kaden reached over, resting a hand on her thighs. He had stopped at a traffic light. She jumped at his touch, but did not look at him. His grip tightened on her upper thigh. He pulled her legs closer to his directions. She tried to resist, but he was much stronger.
"You brute—"
"My dove," Kaden said with admiration.
Lina pressed her lips together. She briefly glanced at him, unable to resist him. Stupid heart. Despite what he did, her heart still loved him dearly.
Kaden was attractive. She already knew that, but the glow of the night added depth to his fierce features. He was so handsome that it hurt. He drove with one hand, revealing his toned forearm. There were thick veins running from his knuckles that only made him even more charismatic.
"You have a little something on your chin," Kaden teased her.
Kaden didn't have to look over to know. She was admiring him. Her eyes never left him. Well, now,? did.
Lina touched her chin and glared at him. Then, she quickly looked away. As if she'd ever drool over him!
Lina went back to sulking by the window. Despite that, she shifted her legs closer to him, so that he'd drive safely. His grip loosened on her leg. She tried to not focus on his long fingers.
Suddenly, his fingers slipped in between her thighs. Her breath hitched. She pressed her legs together. It was what he wanted. He softly chuckled. Her stomach churned in anticipation, suddenly feeling warm down there.
"A slip of my hand, dove," Kaden teased. "But it seems you want to keep me there."
Lina grew red. She quickly parted her legs, but to no avail.
"If you're going to spread your legs for me, I'll take it as an invitation, dove of mine," Kaden murmured. His voice grew dark and humored.
"You tricked me," Lina shot back.
Kaden glanced at her. She was glowering at him. He pressed his mouth together, holding back a grin. He did.
"I don't know what you're talking about," Kaden teased.
Lina narrowed her eyes. In retaliation, she crossed her legs and kept them glued as close to the door as possible. He loudly laughed at her antics. She struggled to maintain her irritation. Why did his deep laughter always tickle her stomach? She couldn't remain annoyed with him when he was happy.
Lina didn't understand herself. Maybe she was growing crazy. Yeah, that definitely had to be the reason.
Suddenly, the car came to a rolling stop. Lina was surprised. Kaden got out of the car. Before she could even look, he opened the car door for her.
Instantly, Lina's legs spilled to the pavement. She glared up at him, knowing this cheeky man did it on purpose. Kaden simply smirked. He bent down and offered her his hand.
"My lady?" Kaden teased.
"Irritating," Lina shot back.
Lina got out without his help. She pushed past his hand. Kaden let out a soft chuckle behind her. He locked the car, hearing the satisfying click and beep. Then, he admired Lina from behind.
Did his dove even know where she was going? Obviously not.
Lina's arrogance could not be ignored. She was proud and prideful. So was he. Kaden watched her saunter down the pavement. She was a vision from behind as well. The dress did her justice. It clung to her waist, revealing a lovely hourglass shape.
Lina wasn't short, but she wasn't tall either. Despite that, her legs were longer with the heels. She walked like she owned the place and mayhaps she did.
"This is…" Lina realized.
"The Temple of the Favored," Kaden said.
Lina was stunned speechless by his actions. This was a popular tourist attraction in Ritan. There were gardens and ponds with small bridges that people could cross. Small statues of protective beasts were at every entrance. The temple itself was an enormous building of ten floors. It was an extremely difficult infrastructure to build back then.
"Dedicated to the Fourth Princess of Teran, she, who sacrificed everything," Lina read out loud.
Lina stood by the monument in disbelief. She knew this entire place was dedicated to her.
"The history books said you'd pay respect to this palace every morning," Lina muttered.
Kaden stopped beside her. He carefully laid his eyes upon the statue of her. She was beautiful even when she was made of steel.
"And every night," Kaden added.
"Why?"
"It was where your soul rested," Kaden said. "You were buried within this temple. In Ritan, there used to be a national holiday dedicated to giving blessings towards you."
"You made me a goddess?" Lina deadpanned.
"Of course," Kaden said; it was a stupid question.
Lina did not know what to say. She could only turn her head to peer up at him. He was staring straight at her. Under the darkness, his expression was heartbreaking. He was physically standing next to her, but his eyes were far away. Was he reminiscing?
"Sometimes Sebastian would have to pry me away from this place," Kaden softly told her. "On days where the nightmares worsened, I'd sleep on the ground here."
"I didn't know you had nightmares…" Lina trailed off.
"When your wife dies in front of you with a blade you gifted her, would you not have nightmares?" Kaden asked.
Lina could not respond. She could only tug at the belt loop of his pants. She wanted him closer. And he came to her. He always did. The realization made her chest swell. She wrapped her arms around his narrow waist, burying her face within his chest.
"It's a beautiful gift, thank you," Lina said in a small voice.
Kaden slid his arm around her shoulders. He bent his head and kissed her on top of the head. She squeezed him tighter, unable to look him in the eye. He did not mind.
"Just don't do it again," Kaden stated. "Ever."
Lina did not think she'd ever do such a thing. It wasn't like there'd be a modern war breaking out. How could there be? The last battle in memory was the Species War, involving the entire world.
The Species War occured when vampires stopped hiding in the dark and out came with other supernatural creatures like werewolves. Humans were frightened and tried to eradicate the new race, but to no avail. A full-blown war occured, with the supernaturals coming out victorious.
"I am surprised you donated the sword to the museum," Lina murmured.
"I didn't. Somehow, the officials took the relic and donated it there," Kaden deadpanned. "Unfortunately for them, I still own this temple."
"How?"
"Long story," Kaden said.
Lina had a good feeling that Kaden owned the majority of Ritan. How could he not? This man was filthy rich, AND he founded the entire country. He was a respected war hero and King.
"I am surprised people don't recognize your similarity to the Second King of Ritan," Lina said.
"It's a good thing art back then wasn't as developed," Kaden mused. "Especially in Ritan."
"I recognized you at first glance in the museum," Lina pointed out.
'That is because you knew me from your first life as a human," Kaden said.
"As a human?" Lina echoed. "Was I not human before?"
Kaden stiffened. He glanced down at her. How much did she not know? How much did she know? It was then he realized. She did not regain all of her memories. The electric shock therapy must've wiped everything from existence. It seemed she didn't even recall her second lifetime. With this many limitations, she would not be able to recognize what she truly was. Perhaps, it was for the best. That way, she wouldn't be troubled by the information. That way, they would not be able to find her.
"It is nothing," Kaden said to her. "You're as human as I am immortal."
Lina did not understand what he meant. But she didn't have time to ask him. In the distance, a man called out for her.
"Lina?" The voice stated, astonished by her presence.
When Lina turned, she felt the wind knocked out of her. Not in a bad way.
"Atlantis," she gasped.
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