The Warrior’s Kiss [Part -2]
Leon didn’t hurry it. He just leaned in, soft lips brushing softly against hers, lingering for a moment or two. Then, slowly, he drew back.
His eyes drifted down to her face. Flushed. Her eyes were confused, surprised... and something else. A flash of pleasure.
A slow grin twisted his lips, but his heart was still pounding in his chest. He hadn’t meant to kiss her. It wasn’t a tactic—it was instinct. A rush of feeling.
But as the passion of the moment wore off, a cloud of doubt was awakened in his chest. "What if she didn’t enjoy it... this whole scheme—to get her to come to my side—could be doomed before it’s even begun."
But seeing her face in front of him now—he knew. He hadn’t erred. And the system verified it.
[Mission triggered by the host’s bold action.]
A metallic chime clanged sharply within his mind.
[Mission Triggered: Screw Duchess Nova]
[Goal: Screw Duchess Nova and make thoroughly yours]
[Award: Lover’s Seal, 150 Black Points]
[Warning: Failure in Mission will lead to disabling of Touch of Charm]
[Time Limit: 27 Days]
Leon’s smile grew wider, a flash of satisfaction dancing in his golden eyes. Looks like I have another ideal reason to claim her as my own.
Nova was unaware of Leon’s thoughts or the mission trigger of the system when she blinked, her mind shocked—still under him. Something within her mind short-circuited—unexpected and undeniable.
"He kissed me... does that mean...?" Her mind reeled crazy.
She blinked again—then out of habit pushed him quickly.
Leon backed away with a bewildered grunt. "Huh?"
Nova jumped up, smoothing behind her ear. Her cheeks flushed—not only from combat, but from a flash of embarrassment she couldn’t quite conceal.
Her gaze darted aside, and she clicked her tongue. "Tch..."
Leon laughed as he rose to his feet, nonchalantly brushing dust off his arms. "Those expressions and reactions... so adorable, Duchess."
Nova gave him a look—a combination of a glare and sheer humiliation. "Lord Leon," she said under her breath, her eyes narrowing. "That was my first kiss. And you... you stole it, you idiot."
Leon cocked his head, his smile unbroken. "So what?"
Leon just laughed again, shaking his head as though he were teasing a recalcitrant child. "Tsk, tsk. Looks like with age, you’re forgetting things."
Her stare became as cold as a knife. A battle maniac, yes—but still a woman. And no woman appreciated jokes about age. "Excuse me?!"
Realizing his mistake, Leon coughed hastily. "I mean—I just meant... recall years ago? When you came to me with that two-fold request?"
Nova folded her arms, frowning. "How could I possibly have forgotten? I came to you more than once." She pointed a finger at his chest. "And you rejected me. Every. Single. Time.
Leon rubbed the back of his neck, giving a weak, culpable smile. "I had... my reasons at the time." It was a hasty fib—because it wasn’t him who’d turned her down, anyway. That was the previous Leon. But she wouldn’t have to find out that.
"Oh, really?" Nova’s tone was dripping in sarcasm.
"But you must recall something," he added, eyes shining. "You yourself told me—if I ever defeated you in combat, you’d marry me. And didn’t you promise publicly to marry any warrior who could conquer you?"
Nova’s cheeks grew hot. Her eyes went wide—then narrowed fiercely. "Don’t puke rubbish!" she spat. "Yes—I said it. I took the vow. But I’m not beaten yet!"
Leon laughed. "Oh, indeed?"
Yes," she grumbled, folding her arms. "I was just. surprised, that’s all."
He laughed louder, his smile expanding. "Then explain—why didn’t you shove me away when I kissed you?"
Nova had her mouth open to come back at her—Then hesitated.
Leon caught sight of it. Her hesitation. Her flushed cheeks.
He moved closer to her slowly. She didn’t budge—only gazed.
When he was beside her, he wrapped his arms around her gently. She gasped. "Wha—Leon?!
He pushed her hair back behind her ear, his tone suddenly husky. "Listen, Nova..."
His voice changed—firm, adamant, commanding.
"I don’t care who wins. You or me. From now on—you’re mine. Only mine."
Her eyes opened wide. His declaration wasn’t a flirtation. It was a vow.
"If you want a rematch, okay. You’ll get one. Or as many as you desire." He moved in closer. "But it won’t make a difference—you belong to me now."
Nova’s heart pounded uncontrollably. Her temper flashed with warmth, bewilderment, excitement— But her body... her heart... sensed something it hadn’t sensed in years.
Stability. Strength. A companion. And that reckless, delectable rush of being desired by someone who could match pace.
She met his gaze. And for once—she didn’t crave to flee. Didn’t crave to punch.
He was all she’d ever hoped for—Strong. Handsome. same age as she was, Mad for fighting like she was... and daft enough to kiss her after attempting to push her into the ground in mid-battel.
Her silence spoke louder than words.
Leon glimpsed it within her eyes—the change. The capitulation. The flame.
His smile broadened. He drew her slightly closer, his arm around her waist.
"Then... tell me, Lady Nova—" he whispered, gold eyes shining, "What’s your answer?"
Nova blinked, the flush still on her cheeks—but her broad smile gradually reappeared. "Then... you think you can keep up with me for the rest of your life, Leon?" she asked, softly teasing.
He picked up on it—the lack of Lord. His grin grew broader.
"Give me a chance, Nova," he told her, voice unshakable, eyes fastened on hers. "And I’ll spend the rest of my life showing you I won’t let you down."
Her smile remained firmly in place, mischievous and arrogant. Then she leaned in.
He leaned in as well.
Their lips hovered about an inch away from each other when—
Nova punched him in the stomach. Leon bounced backward with a whoosh, crashing to the floor.
He moaned. "Haa—damn."
Nova loomed over him, hands on hips, her smile large. "Never give up an opening to your enemy—especially if she’s going to be your wife."
Leon coughed out a laugh, still holding his side. "You really do love to hit me, don’t you?"
She spun a lock of hair, smiling.
"And with that punch... I officially declare victory."
Leon laughed, shaking his head in admiration of her endless spirit of battle. But with a smile. "Okay, okay, you win... but I got the real prize—so no whining."
Nova blinked and cocked her head at him with over-the-top innocence. "Reward? I have no clue what you’re talking about, Leon."
"Oh, so now we’re acting stupid?"
Nova smiled, "I have no idea.
Leon rose laboriously and moved towards her, eyes blazing. "Then let me be your guest and tell you in person."
But before he could reach her, Nova wheeled round. "Sorry, I don’t have time to mess around with you" she said cheerfully, "I have an appointment with the king."
She smirked, and about-faced—focusing her mana onto the stone as she dashed for the door. The massive slab groaned, then slid open.
Leon stood there, blinking like a fool as she disappeared through it.
He laughed, hands on hips, grinning like a lewder. "Hah... Guess the capital’s toughest loveliness is falling...
He looked at the training room, now still.
For now, you may go. But next time." he grinned, golden eyes sparkling, "we’ll see how you manage to escape me then."
Then, with one last smirk, he turned to exit the chamber.
The door to the private training hall closed on him—releasing behind it sounds of laughter, a pilfered kiss.
And the first ember that would one day coronate the next King of Moonstone.