Conquering the Emperor

Chapter 168: Permission

“I do appreciate what you’ve done for me. However, I just wanted you to know that I’m happy enough already. When you apologized to me, I was so surprised but at the same time I felt so happy,” I told him honestly.

“Apologies can’t be slept on like a new bed or sat on like a new chair. It can’t keep your body warm like new clothes and it cannot decorate the hair on your head like a golden hair pin,” Ren said as he tried to make his point.

He’s right...but...

“But if you meant it when you apologized, it goes to show how much you care for me and my feelings. That to me...means more than comfort in my sleep, warmth in my body or the beauty of my hair style...” I replied with an argument of my own.

Ren paused as he stared at my face before he put his teacup down and started laughing. I watch Ren bend over and laugh loudly while I wondered what he found so funny.

“As my woman, I don’t see why you have to choose between those things. You can have my apology and the gifts as well and let’s leave it at that, ok?” Ren said while he tried to control his laughter.

“Ok...” I whispered softly in agreement.

After a while, a maid tapped on the door before they started serving us dinner. I had ordered my dinners to be simple; however, since Ren was present, the cooks really went out of their way to prepare a very luxurious meal for us.

“Has work been busy? You look a little tired...” I asked while we dined.

“It’s normal. There’s nothing for you to worry about,” Ren replied reassuringly.

“I see...” I said with a relief smile.

“Eat this...and this...and this...” Ren said, and he picked up various pieces of meat and vegetables with his chopstick and placed them on my plate.

“Thank you...” I said happily.

“Should I feed you?” Ren asked as he stood up and came to my side.

Why is he doing this all of a sudden? I watched in confusion as Ren sat down on the chair next to mine.

“It’s ok...really...” I said, meaning it.

“Open your mouth...” Ren said gently as he positioned some food in between my closed lips.

Slowly, I parted my lips so that Ren could feed me. His gentle smile surprised me even further. I watched him movements and his face closely as he continued to feed me.

“That’s enough, Ren. I’m full now...so...” I told him when I felt like I had had enough food already.

“Is that so? Don’t you think you ate too little?” Ren asked with a concerned look on his face. freёwebnoѵel.com

No, I think I ate my usual amount. Ren is just...acting strangely...

“I’m fine. I’m full already,” I replied.

Honestly, I wanted to ask Ren about Jeely’s case based on what Shin had told me earlier, but I wasn’t sure if this was the right time for it. Ren seemed in an extraordinarily pleasant mood, and I was scared to ruin it for us.

“How are things going in the hospital?” Ren asked with interest.

“It’s gotten busier for sure, but we are somehow managing. I think I’m learning a lot and I’ll be taking some exams soon...” I replied confidently.

“Wow. Exams for your royal doctor qualification?” Ren asked.

“That’s too far ahead. No, the exams are for specialization. You know, like in treating wounds...and stuff,” I tried to explain honestly without mentioning the ‘going to help out on the battlefield part.’

“Congratulations, Rin! You’ve worked so hard, so I’m not surprised that you’re making so much progress,” Ren complimented.

It made me so happy that I couldn’t stop smiling and giggling from joy. I was proud that Ren seemed proud of me. Most importantly, I was proud of myself and my humble achievements. I worked hard and my father would’ve been proud too. The small cuts on my hands and the ache in my back were proof of my hard work. freёwebnovel.com

“Thank you...Ren...” I said softly.

Ren’s arms were around me as he pulled me into a tight hug. His large hand petted my head lovingly and I could feel the warmth of his body and his familiar smell envelop me. I closed my eyes and enjoyed the feeling of bliss in his arms. Somethings were not going well but at least I was making progress in my studies and training.

“Rin...” Ren called my name softly next to my ear.

“What is it?” I asked as I continued to stroke his back.

“Can we...do it?” Ren asked hesitantly.

I couldn’t see his face, so I didn’t know what face he was making at the time. His softly spoken question stunned me into silence. It was hard for me to believe that Ren was asking me for permission. I closed my eyes and smiled, thinking that the arguments that we’ve had didn’t all go to waste. Perhaps, Ren is trying his best to be considerate of me too.

“Ok...” I whispered softly.

Ren loosened his hold on my body, and I could see the look of relief on his face. Now that I think of it, this is the first time that we’re going to do it after our argument from last time. It had been a while and I felt slightly nervous.

“Can you walk, or should I carry you?” Ren asked teasingly.

“I can walk...thank you,” I replied firmly.

Ren held my hand as he led me to the bed. I glanced at my old bed and thought that I should tell Ren soon that I don’t want it to be replaced with a new one. Perhaps, we can find a guest bedroom somewhere to put the new bed. I didn’t have much time to linger on that thought when I felt the soft mattress against my back.

I looked up and saw Ren looking at me with a very gentle look in his eyes. Ren...I wonder if he missed me. Without thinking, I lifted my arms upwards and beckoned him to come closer. Ren leaned down over me, and his lips were on mine while I wrapped my arms around his neck and pulled him even closer. He kissed me softly and I kissed him back before parting my lips in invitation. His warm tongue slid into my mouth before he tasted me slowly and passionately.

--To be continued...