The Crown's Seduction-Chapter 482: The Responsibility and The Risks

Niran couldn’t help but smile softly as she looked at the serene beach stretching out before them. The clear waters sparkled under the midday sun, and the gentle crash of waves against the shore brought a sense of calm she hadn’t realized she needed. Her blush deepened whenever her eyes accidentally met Raul’s intense, unreadable gaze.

"Where are we?" she asked curiously, breaking the silence.

Raul glanced at her, his voice steady. "We’re at the northern part of the capital city."

Niran hummed in appreciation. "This is beautiful," she said, taking in the pristine shoreline.

Her gaze shifted to the cozy setup nearby, a tent with blankets spread across the sand, baskets filled with an array of fruits, breads, and meats carefully arranged.

"I thought you’d appreciate a picnic like this," Raul commented, his tone more casual than she was used to hearing. "It’s something humans enjoy, isn’t it? And I figured you’d be starving by now, it’s already lunchtime."

They settled onto the blankets, and Raul immediately began piling food onto a plate, handing it to her once he was satisfied. His actions were a little awkward, but Niran noticed the effort he was putting in. ƒreeωebnovel.ƈom

"Thank you," she murmured, her voice soft but genuine. She started eating, occasionally glancing at him from the corner of her eye. There was something strangely endearing about how out of his element he seemed, yet how determined he was to make her comfortable.

The silence between them wasn’t uncomfortable... it felt reflective, as if neither of them wanted to ruin the moment with idle chatter. When they’d both finished eating, Raul stood and extended a hand toward her.

"Come," he said. "Let’s walk along the shore."

Niran slipped off her shoes, letting the cool sand meet her bare feet, and took his hand as they walked side by side. The breeze tugged at her hair, and the sun warmed her skin. It was peaceful, almost surreal.

"Do you want to swim?" Raul suddenly asked, his deep voice breaking the tranquility.

She blinked up at him, surprised. "Swim?"

He nodded, his expression unreadable but his eyes flickering with something, anticipation, perhaps?

Niran hesitated, glancing at the inviting waves. A small smile crept onto her lips. "Why not?" she said, a playful lilt in her voice. Without waiting for his response, she hitched up her dress and ran toward the water, laughing as the cool waves lapped at her feet.

Raul stood back for a moment, watching her with an almost amused expression before he shrugged off his coat and followed her into the water.

Niran splashed into the shallow waves, the cool water soaking the hem of her dress. She laughed freely, her earlier reservations washed away with the tide. The sound of her laughter was infectious, and Raul, who had just stepped into the water, raised an eyebrow.

"You’re going to ruin your dress," he remarked, though there was a faint hint of amusement in his tone.

"It’s just a dress!" she called out, bending down to scoop a handful of water and splashing it in his direction. The water hit his chest, and she couldn’t help but giggle at the surprised look on his face.

Raul stared at her for a moment, and then his lips curved into a rare, mischievous smile. "You’ll regret that," he said, his voice low and teasing.

Before Niran could react, Raul waded further into the water and cupped his hands, sending a wave of water her way. She squealed, half laughing, as the water drenched her even more.

"You call that a splash?" she taunted, gathering as much water as she could and launching it at him.

Raul chuckled... actually chuckled... and splashed back with more force. Soon, the two of them were engaged in a full-blown water fight, their laughter and playful shouts mingling with the sound of the waves.

Niran tried to dodge his attacks, but Raul’s long stride and quick reflexes gave him the upper hand. He caught her by the wrist and tugged her closer.

"Truce?" he asked, his voice deep but light, his dark eyes sparkling with an uncharacteristic playfulness.

"Truce," she agreed, panting lightly. But as soon as he let go of her wrist, she flicked water at his face and darted away, laughing.

"Oh, you’re going to pay for that," Raul said, shaking his head with mock seriousness.

He splashed after her, catching up easily and scooping her up into his arms. Niran shrieked, squirming in his hold, but she couldn’t stop laughing.

"Raul! Put me down!"

"You asked for it," he said, his voice low and teasing. And with that, he gently dropped her into the water, ensuring she landed softly in the shallow waves.

Niran emerged, gasping and laughing, her hair plastered to her face. She shoved at his arm playfully, and Raul actually smiled, a warm, genuine smile that made her heart skip a beat.

For a moment, they stood there, the laughter fading into a comfortable silence as they both caught their breath. The sun glistened on the water around them, and the world seemed to slow down.

"You look happy," Raul said, his voice quieter now, his gaze softening.

Niran pushed a strand of wet hair from her face, smiling up at him. "I am. This... this is the happiest I’ve felt in a long time."

She meant that. She never thought she was capable of laughing like this around anyone aside from her blood sisters and their princess Mineah...

Raul didn’t respond, but the way he looked at her said everything he didn’t put into words. Then, with a slight smirk, he said, "Good. But don’t think this means I’m going easy on you next time."

She laughed, splashing him one last time for good measure before they slowly waded back toward the shore, their playful energy leaving a warmth between them that lingered long after the waves had settled.

Both of them were soaked, water dripping from their clothes as Raul stepped closer and pulled Niran gently toward him. His hand rose to brush away the wet strands of hair clinging to her face, his touch soft yet deliberate. Niran’s breath hitched, her throat tightening as she met his gaze... intense and unwavering, as if he was looking straight into her soul.

The world seemed to pause, silence stretching between them save for the rhythmic sound of waves crashing nearby. Niran’s heart pounded erratically in her chest, each beat louder than the last, as Raul’s hand lingered on her cheek.

He caressed her skin with a tenderness that made her knees feel weak. His voice, steady and full of conviction, broke the quiet. "Will you marry me, Niran?" he asked, his words carrying the weight of both hope and vulnerability. "I want you to be my wife, my life partner... for as long as you’ll have me."

Niran froze, her breath catching in her throat as Raul’s words settled over her like the waves gently lapping at their feet. She blinked, searching his intense eyes for any hint of jest, but all she found was sincerity, deep and unwavering.

This was what she had been waiting for... for Raul to take her seriously and ask her to be his legal wife. The proposal would give her the standing she needed within the court, enabling her to better assist Princess Mineah. Yet, as the words settled in her mind, a wave of mixed emotions crashed over her.

Excitement and relief were quickly overpowered by an unexpected surge of fear and nervousness. Her chest tightened, and her hands trembled ever so slightly. Could she truly take on the responsibility and the risks that came with his offer? Niran’s thoughts raced, her heart caught between longing and apprehension.