IMDD CHAPTER 182 (Patreon)

Another new day dawned, casting its gentle light into the spacious chamber where Evangeline prepared for the day ahead. The room was adorned with luxurious furnishings and soft, flowing fabrics that added an air of elegance to the space. Evangeline, however, appeared disheveled, her hair slightly tousled and her eyes carrying traces of sleepiness.

As the warm water cascaded down her body, she sat in a marble bath, surrounded by fragrant oils and petals that floated delicately in the water. The comforting touch of the maid's skilled hands as she bathed Evangeline seemed to made her slowly relax.

"My lady, why don't you tell his majesty to give you a break? I believe he will listen to anything you say," the maid said to Eva as she bathed her. "You are aware that anything in excess can be bad, aren't you? Too much sex is not exempted."

Evangeline's lips curved into a gentle smile as she contemplated the maid's words. The water rippled around her as she shifted, finding a comfortable position.

"Don't worry. Though he's extreme, he knows when to stop. He always knows how to pleasure me without causing harm. It's actually me who can’t resist him..." she trailed off, hugging her knees. "I think I've become addicted to him."

The maid looked at her, concern etched on her face.

"I can't stop wanting him. I desire and lust for him so intensely that I can't help but question myself, what has happened to me? Is it because he has given me pleasure I have never known before, or perhaps... it's something else?" Eva pondered.

"You don't think it's love, my lady?" the maid asked, her voice gentle.

Eva fell silent, her thoughts racing. Eventually, she posed a question to the old maid, seeking her insight.

"What do you think of His Majesty's affection towards me?" she asked, her voice filled with uncertainty.

The old maid looked at her, concern evident in her eyes. "His Majesty's affection, I must say, is too much. I don't approve of the way he shows his love for you. It has turned into an unhealthy and dangerous obsession. His possessiveness and protectiveness may suffocate you to an unbearable degree."

Evangeline's voice became strained as she tried to defend him. "But His Majesty... he has never hurt me. Everything he does is out of his desire to protect me. No one... no one has ever desired me or protected me the way he does."

"Yes, my lady," the old woman nodded, her expression motherly. "But I'm afraid... His Majesty does not know how to love someone properly."

Evangeline dropped her face onto her knees, shivering a little. The old maid embraced her.

"Perhaps it is because the King has only ever desired and seen you, and nothing more. I am truly amazed at how strong you are, my lady. You have been handling the king with grace and strength that no one ever could. I only hope and wish that you will remain strong and not break," the old maid spoke with sincerity. “I’m genuinely afraid and worried for you, my lady, but I am worrying about the King too. I don’t even want to think of what could happen between the two of you in the near future but… I genuinely hope and pray that fate will be good to the two of you.”

After the maid left, Evangeline found herself seated in front of her mirror. She opened a drawer and retrieved a book. Turning to a specific page, she stared at the tiny tally marks, 29 in total, scribbled onto it. Each mark obviously indicated the number of days that passed since she agreed with his deal.

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a/n: Whew! Thanks for your patience, guys! I know you guys are itching for this arc to finish so i'd like to tell you that we're finally getting there!