Leland felt helpless when he knew Sophie had a bad feeling about something but he couldn't really find the solution to address that situation. What could they do when they didn't actually know the problem?
He was a man who relied on logic and information, unlike women who might be used to using their intuition. He didn't want to brush off her lingering bad feeling, but at the same time, he didn't know what to do about it.
However, he also didn't want Sophie to keep feeling bothered by it. So, he put down his book and pulled her into his embrace. He said, "Maybe... we are just not used to having good things, even though we deserve it. So, we become suspicious when things are going well. I know that feeling."
He could recognize the feeling within himself. He knew it was not a good thing, but he couldn't help harboring that feeling for as long as he lived. Maybe he was just too damaged that he couldn't sincerely accept good things when given to him.
For most of his life, he was told he was not good enough or that he was not wanted. He tried to fix himself but it was not an easy thing to do. He needed help from outside to restore his self-worth. Sophie's presence, together with her family, helped him a lot.
He had learned to take charge of getting the things he wanted in life. He now thought he deserved his happiness with Sophie. He deserved their little loving family. He wouldn't let anyone take them from him. They could try, he would fight them to the death.
That was also the reason why he preferred to fight Nicholas for Sophie, no matter what.
If Nicholas insisted, Leland would kill him just to keep Sophie. Fortunately, the king knew better than to force his will. Now, they could finally make peace with each other.
"Hm... maybe you are right," Sophie sighed. She looked up at him and touched his chin. "I should not worry too much. I have you beside me. I know you will protect me and our children."
"Yes," Leland smiled sweetly. He tilted his face and planted a deep kiss on her lips. Then, he wrapped his hands around her waist. Her body felt so soft and warm.
Sophie was right. He would always be there for her and their children. Leland would never let anything bad happen to them.
"I feel better now," Sophie said. She smiled playfully and slipped her hand inside his shirt and touched his broad chest. She liked touching him and feeling his muscle. Her husband was truly a manly man. She always felt safe around him.
"Good," Leland looked at her with a twinkle in his eyes. Now he felt better too. He pushed his book away and moved to be on top of her. He kissed her lips again and this time with so much more passion.
Sophie chuckled and wrapped her hands around his neck. She could feel his temperature rise and something hard poking from his pants. They had not had sex for a week now because they had to travel from Hastings to Livstad. She was also tired and didn't have the energy to do it after she nursed their babies.
However, tonight, she felt relaxed enough and the babies didn't tire her as much as before. She also missed being intimate with him. It was good to have his big and strong body engulfing hers like this. She felt safe and protected.
Leland's right hand snaked inside her dress from under and caressed her inner thighs alternately. Sophie squirmed and let out a soft moan when she felt aroused by his touch. She pulled his head closer and took the initiative to kiss him.
Then, with her hands, she unbuttoned his shirt and help him take it off. And then she moved down to his pants. It felt so tight already.
Leland growled huskily when Sophie's hand slipped inside his pants and touched his manhood. It was so hard and engorged now that his pants felt so tight. It was uncomfortable.
"Take it off," Sophie ordered him coyishly.
Leland grinned and obeyed. He moved up to remove his pants. Soon, he was towering above her with his rock-hard manhood stood erect, ready to do its duty to pleasure the missus.
Sophie had forgotten the bad feeling she was having earlier. Right now, nothing mattered but the handsome man before her. As long as Leland was by her side, she knew no matter how bad things got, she and Leland would be able to brave them together.
The Alpha helped Sophie off her dress and soon both their bodies were intertwined in bed, naked, and started pleasuring each other. They made love sweetly and passionately until midnight and then slept in each other's arms, feeling at peace and happy.
***
Queen Marianne tucked the boys to bed. She was so excited about this new experience of finally being a grandmother. She pinched her arm several times, trying to convince her that all this was real. Then, she would laugh heartily and smile to herself.
Ah, seeing Luciel and Jan reminded her of her own son, Nicholas, when he was their age. Back then, things were easier and simpler. Nicholas was her pride and joy. Even though her husband didn't love her, she didn't mind because the late King William Hannenebergh gave him a sweet and beautiful son.
Nicholas was such a good boy. Queen Marianne loved him to death and she spoiled him. She couldn't have another child, so all her love was poured only for Nicholas. Things changed and became complicated after he was kidnapped and caught lycanthropy, but she loved him unconditionally, still.
Seeing Luciel and Jan now made her relive those moments when Nicholas was a child. She read him bedtime stories, and they spent so much time together. So, tonight, she also read Luciel and Jan bedtime stories.
Queen Marianne brought the books from the library and opened Nicholas' favorite stories. They listened to her voice reading stories with perked-up ears. They seemed to enjoy her stories very much.
"And they finally live happily ever after," Queen Marianne ended her final story and closed the book. She looked at the boys alternately with a happy glint in her eyes. "What do you think? Do you like the story?"
Both boys nodded in excitement.
"Yes," Luciel said. "Can you read us more?"
The queen chuckled. This was already the third story and, of course, she would love to read to them a thousand more. However, she must make sure they sleep so they could have the energy tomorrow. "Well, I will read more stories tomorrow."
Luciel looked disappointed. "We will go home tomorrow."
"Oh, you will?" The queen was disappointed too. "Why can't you stay for like... a week? Or even a month?"
Both boys shrugged. Queen Marianne nodded, looking dejected. She had heard about Nicholas's present situation and the complicated relationship he had with Sophie and Leland. She really wished things were different.
If only Sophie was not married to that other man, the queen would have nagged Nicholas to get back together with Sophie. Weren't they actually still husband and wife?
Nicholas and Sophie were never divorced, so it was within Nicholas' right as her husband to claim her and the boys. However, since Sophie was known to the public as Duke Ariam Romanov's wife, claiming her as the king's wife would create a big commotion in the capital. Perhaps even a civil war.
The other man was quite dangerous because he was the Alpha of one of the biggest werewolf packs on this continent. He almost attacked Riga and waged open war with the Hannenberghs.
If Nicholas did not act wisely, perhaps, now Riga would already face a bloodbath. So, Queen Marianne could only keep her desire to herself. She also should learn to count her blessings. Having her grandchildren for a visit was already a good start.
Perhaps, in the future, they could get more time with Luciel and Jan and, finally, Nicholas could really have the boys inherit the throne of Riga.
She quickly smiled and ruffled the boys' hair. "It's okay. I hope you can visit again and I will definitely read more stories for you. Okay? But now you must sleep. It's already late."
Luciel and Jan nodded. They each received a good night kiss from the queen and went to sleep. After she turned off the lanterns in the children's bedroom, the queen left and closed the door behind her.
She found Nicholas was standing outside the door, waiting for her. The young king was smiling.
"Are you happy now?" Nicholas asked his mother. He walked to her and held her arm.
The queen nodded and smiled back. "Yeah. Very happy."
"I am glad to hear that," Nicholas said.
Mother and son walked arm in arm to the terrace where a jug of wine and two cups were waiting for them.
"I wish they could visit more often," the queen said after she sipped her wine.
"I wish the same," Nicholas replied. "I will see what I can do, mother."
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