Translator: Atlas / Editor: Regan
āHeās asleep again. He must be tired from losing so much blood.ā
Annette grasped her fatherās other hand. He was much cooler than usual, and she rubbed his hand in her own as she turned to Claire.
āItās a blessing that youāre safe!ā exclaimed Claire, smiling.
āItās all thanks to you. How long ago did you arrive in Deltium? I hardly expected you to pop out of the bushes, I was so surprised.ā
Remembering Claireās sudden appearance, Annette laughed. Her sister-in-law seemed like some heroine out of legend. Even as she thought it, Claire reached over to pinch Annetteās small chin as if she were a man.
āDidnāt I tell you that your sister-in-law would protect you? Did you forget?ā
Claire hadnāt been able to do anything when Celestine was kidnapped and Annette was blamed for it. That was why she had raced to Deltium, even beginning her journey before dawn.
Celestineās chest swelled with pride. This time, she had succeeded.
āThank you so much.ā A slight smile touched Annetteās lips, but her thanks was from the heart. āIf it hadnāt been for your help, this might not have ended well.ā
Of course, that wasnāt wholly true. Annette had accomplished a great deal on her own, rescuing Celestine with her own small strength, and vigorously defended herself against all the Kingās accusations.
But none of that mattered. A little exaggeration would please her sister-in-law, and Claire grinned from ear to ear.
āItās only natural. I will always protect my little sister-in-law.ā
Annette wondered if Arjen had planned this. The only person who could foresee so much from so far away was Arjen.
Annette also did not mention this. The two of them knew each other so well, they seemed like true sisters. At that moment, there was a false cough from behind them.
Raphael was feeling a little neglected.
Annetteās gaze had gone to Railin first, and then to Claire. His wife had too many friends. Raphael glared fiercely down at Claire, and she gave him a triumphant smile.
āā¦Raphael?ā Annette asked.
āTell me,ā Raphael said, as if he hadnāt been glaring at Claire an instant before. Annette couldnāt imagine what he had actually been thinking about, and lowered her eyelashes shyly.
āIām grateful for your protection, Raphael.ā
āIām sorry Iām late,ā Raphael began. āYou must have been so scaredā¦ā
āā¦but as soon as I saw your face, I calmed down because I knew you would save us,ā Annette finished.
Abashed, Raphael smiled and kissed her cheek. This beautiful woman always knew just what to say. She was perfect in every way.
It made him feel as lovesick as a teenager, and he longed to be alone with her. The taste of her body was so sweet, like the first time he had ever tasted candy. Like a bee drawn to a flower, he could not take his eyes away from her.