Sorry, I got distracted by your looks

After the whirlwind of a wedding, I suddenly found myself in the eastern palace’s bridal chamber.

The Eastern Palace was primarily Mikrok’s residence, equipped with not only a bedroom, study, and lounge but also his office, official reception hall, and banquet room.

I, however, was meant to live in the Southern Palace, which was designated for the queen.

Would he ever have a reason to visit the queen’s residence when everything he needed was right here?

‘Wait… Am I actually disappointed by that?’

Shaking off the unfamiliar feeling, I surveyed the room.

This bedroom, decorated for the wedding night, was actually Mikrok’s usual chamber.

The spacious bed was neatly arranged with luxurious linens, and a pleasant, subtle fragrance lingered in the air.

A table beside the bed was set with fine champagne and fresh fruit, and through the arched door, a small adjoining lounge could be seen.

As I gazed at the bed, my thoughts drifted to the intense kiss from earlier, and heat suddenly rushed to my face.

Feeling utterly drained, I sat at the edge of the bed, waiting for Mikrok.

The wedding dress was starting to feel uncomfortable, but taking it off myself seemed… inappropriate.

Wasn’t it tradition for the husband to undress his bride on their wedding night? I supposed I should wait.

Then, my eyes caught something in the corner—his armor and helmet.

The polished sword, gleaming helmet, and well-maintained armor seemed completely out of place in a bridal chamber.

Curious, I moved closer to examine them.

Just then, a knock sounded, and Millie burst in with urgency.

“Lady Leah—no, Your Majesty! Have you heard?”

“Heard what?”

“His Majesty and the knights are leaving soon!”

“I know. They’ll probably leave at dawn.”

I nodded, already aware. But Millie, still fuming, exclaimed,

“No! They’re leaving

! Without even consummating the marriage!!”

“What? Are you serious?”

“Yes!! You know how brides who don’t consummate their marriage are treated in Harlan!”

Oh, I knew all too well. Brides who never shared their wedding night were seen as

.

“They say this expedition will last at least four months. What if the rumors reach Harlan? Worse, what if the Marquis of Uzcal hears?!”

My stomach dropped. I hadn’t thought about that!!

If word got back that I had been abandoned on my wedding night, my stepmother and Hailey would be

!

‘So much for acting high and mighty as a queen. Look at her now! The unwanted daughter of House Uzcal has become Pritan’s unwanted queen!!’

I could practically hear their mocking laughter ringing in my ears.

No way. I would

let that happen. I clenched my jaw so tightly I nearly bit my lip.

“Millie, I

consummate this marriage!”

“Do you have a plan?”

“I’ll convince His Majesty, even if I have to grab onto his leg and beg.”

Seeing my determination, Millie nodded and left the room with a resolute expression.

Now alone, I paced anxiously.

‘What do I say to make him stay, even for a little while?’

Could I really delay a pre-planned expedition?

No matter how hard I racked my brain, no answer came. My anxiety peaked.

“Ugh… This is driving me crazy!”

“That would be a problem.”

A sudden voice made me jump.

Mikrok stood by the door, his ceremonial jacket unbuttoned at the top, smirking as he watched me.

During the wedding, he had exuded an aura of cold charisma.

But now, with just two undone buttons, his entire vibe had shifted.

He looked… incredibly decadent.

The way his lips curled into a smirk made me recall that searing kiss from earlier.

But now wasn’t the time to be distracted.

“You’re really leaving

?”

“Yeah. I planned to leave after dinner, but things got delayed.”

Running a hand through his hair, he added,

“I wanted to eat with you, but I’m sorry. I have to leave soon, so make sure you rest, eat, and get some sleep. You must be exhausted.”

“…You think

is the issue here?”

His casual talk about dinner made something inside me snap.

“What else is there?”

He looked at me quizzically, undoing the rest of his buttons at a leisurely pace.

Damn it. Why did I swallow at that moment?

I was

! But now he might misunderstand…

Stealing a quick glance at his expression, I sighed in relief.

Fortunately, he hadn’t noticed.

Mikrok shrugged off his jacket and carelessly draped it over a chair before heading toward his armor.

“No!”

I dashed in front of him and threw my arms around his helmet, clutching it tightly.

He crossed his arms over his waist, tilting his head at me.

“…What exactly are you doing?”

“You can’t go. Not yet. Stay in this room for

three hours. No—at least an hour!”

“And why is that?”

I squeezed the helmet tighter.

I had to say it.

No matter how embarrassing, this had to be said.

“…You

leave this room before we consummate the marriage!”

“…What?”

His deep blue eyes widened, filled with shock and disbelief.

Yes, this was unexpected.

But I

to back down.

“You must stay for at least an hour. If word spreads that I was abandoned on my wedding night… If House Uzcal finds out… I… I…”

Just imagining the humiliation made my face burn.

I was practically fuming with rage when he suddenly spoke.

“You’re saying… you

wish to consummate the marriage?”

“…Excuse me?”

Oh no.

Had I explained this too poorly?

“Who said anything about actually

it?! I have my dignity, you know!”

I waved my hands frantically, desperate to correct the misunderstanding.

But his expression only grew more bewildered.