Predatory Marriage

tself, he would cut the shackles from his ankles without a moment’s hesitation.
And he would not flee far.
He would claim vengeance on those that had subdued and mistreated him.
It was not difficult to imagine Ishakan stained with the blood of her enemies.

Her efforts seemed insignificant in comparison.
He wouldn’t understand her.
He wouldn’t comprehend her desire.

“I can’t…do it,” she whispered.
His eyes narrowed, and she stopped trying to avoid them.
She met his gaze.
“Securing the peace treaty is my last duty to Estia.”

As much as she wanted to die, she didn’t want to end her life irresponsibly.
People who were precious to her would live on after her death.
She wanted to build a solid foundation for them.

“Oh.” Ishakan sighed deeply and ran a hand over her face.
“I’m in trouble…”

She didn’t understand.
She wanted to ask what she meant, but then Ishakan smiled at her.

“Your complaint almost makes me want to accept the agreement,” she said quietly.
She blinked, surprised at the affection in his musical voice.
Her cheeks flushed, and she said quickly,

“Making an important decision just because of something like that…”

“It’s not the only reason.” He moved closer to her, and she allowed their noses to touch as he whispered, “I’m serious.”

Leah’s eyes grew very wide.
His usual teasing, mischievous attitude had vanished, and his eyes were dark and magnetic.

“Wouldn’t you rather become a Kurkan’s wife than marry Byun Gyeongbaek?”

Her lips parted automatically to answer, but she couldn’t speak.
This was something she had to think about carefully.

The Queen of the Kurkans…

Though Ishakan had suggested this in their negotiation, she had assumed he was just teasing her.
She had never thought that he was truly offering her that position.
So many thoughts whirled in her mind, she felt as if there were a storm raging inside her.

Was he being honest? There was no reason to trust his words.
At most, they had a s3xual relationship.
Superficial, a relationship where they only shared their bodies.
Therefore, if their bodies changed, so would their connection.