Secrets of the Azure Sea - Chapter 43

The cheerful chirping of birds gently tickled her ears, and a warm, enveloping sensation roused Floria from sleep. To her surprise, she found herself floating in a spring surrounded by trees.

Her hazy memories returned in fragments, Zanarf carrying her away, her body sticky and spent. Now she was cradled nak*ed in his arms within the clear water, her skin being washed clean of sweat, the traces of their int1macy, and all lingering evidence of passion on her lower limbs.

“You’re awake?”

Zanarf greeted her with a refreshed smile, , the kind of smile a man wears when all desire has been satisfied.

Floria’s cheeks flushed. After the more than l3wd acts she had surrendered herself to last night, she couldn’t bring herself to meet his gaze.

“Um… where are we?”

“A nearby spring. The water is warm, so you won’t catch a chill. Come, I’ll carry you back. We’ll get you changed and return to the castle.”

She nodded softly.

What had begun as a simple outing to observe the islanders had unexpectedly turned into an unexpectedly intense, intoxicating experience. Yet her heart overflowed with happiness.

“Zanarf-sama… thank you for the ring. I’ll treasure it.”

“It’s proof that you belong to me.”

After dressing her with care, Zanarf lifted her onto his back and carried her down the mountain path, as she found herself too weak to walk properly. Returning to the castle in such a state would surely invite teasing from the staff, but Floria didn’t mind. Happily, she clung to his broad back tightly, pressing her cheek against him.

The blue, wing-like markings etched across his skin made her feel as though she were being shielded beneath his protection.

“Mmm.. Zanarf-sama, do you think… I might have a baby?” she asked abruptly.

It was something Aura had hinted at recently, noticing how often Zanarf cherished her each night and had murmured, ‘You may well conceive soon…’ Though Aura’s expression had been tinged with concern, Before knowing, Floria herself had begun to hope for it. She longed for a child with Zanarf, for a life with him and their baby on this island.

“It’s possible. I’ve given you plenty of my seed. But for now, I’d rather pour all my affection into you than into a child.”

“You mean… You don’t want a baby?”

“No, that’s not it. Only… before we spoil a child, I want to spoil you more.”

His words were blunt, yet they carried a promise that made her heart flutter: she would always come first. Still, she couldn’t help but dream of the future.

“If we do have a baby, what should we name them?”

“You’re not even pregnant yet..” Zanarf sighed, shaking his head.

“I still want to know. Tell me… if it’s a boy?”

Realizing it was easier to indulge her than to argue against her eager imagination, he thought for a moment before replying, “Then… Kanal. It’s the name of the sea god worshipped on these islands.”

“Oh, how wonderful. Kanal, Kanal… It has such a beautiful ring to it.”

Floria pressed a soft kiss against his back. Whatever lay ahead, she felt certain Zanarf would protect them. She imagined bearing children here, growing old with him on this island, their lives unfolding in peace.

Their happiness flowed gently, calm and unhurried, like the stillness before a storm.

❣  ❣  ❣  ❣

When they returned to the castle, Aura and Kyrie were already waiting, restless with concern. They had brought a message from Largo, the massive warrior who served as Zanarf’s right arm aboard the flagship.

“A nearby island… I see.”

According to Kyrie, fleets from the continent had crossed into their waters, plundering fish, rare shells, and coral—a dire threat to the island’s fishermen. Largo and his men were already preparing the warships, ready to sail at Zanarf’s command.

“Ria, I’ll be away for a while. While I’m gone, I’ll assign a strong guard to protect you.”

“But the island is safe… I’ll be fine. You don’t need to worry about me.”

“…Still-..”

“In that case,” Kyrie offered, “allow me to remain with Lady Floria. As a healer, I can ensure her well-being should she fall ill and You’ll have peace of mind.”

“Very well… That’s settled.” Zanarf agreed after a pause, “Another healer can sail with me. I leave her in your care, Kyrie.”

“As you command, my lord.” Kyrie smiled warmly at Floria.

Unease rose like a tide within Floria’s chest. The thought of being parted from Zanarf was unbearable.

“Floria,  I’m setting sail with Largo and the others now. Until I return, stay put within the castle walls. Don’t go taking little boats out alone on a whim.” Zanarf teased lightly, then drew her into his arms.

Right in front of Kyrie, he kissed her deeply. The soft, wet sound made Floria’s ears burn with embarrassment, but Zanarf paid no mind. He kissed her thoroughly before slowly drawing back, reluctant to let her go.

“I love you. Be a good girl while I’m gone, Floria.”

Bashful and dazed, Floria nodded with a tender smile.

.

.

.

She never imagined that this would be their last kiss.