The Eccentric Entomologist is Now a Queen's Consort

She found herself grateful for his silence. She had expected questions, worried that he might demand answers she wasn't ready to give. But Mikhailis simply walked beside her, his presence a steady and comforting weight at her side. It made her realize just how much she appreciated him. He wasn't like Vaelis, always eager to prove something, or like Vyrelda, protective to the point of smothering.

Mikhailis was just... there. He let her be herself without pushing or prying, and for that, she was thankful.

He reads the room, adapt, and show himself as a fool. Which she completely know just from his eyes, the depth of his intellect.

Perhaps because of how she knows that, she's kind of afraid in trusting him fully.

Elowen's gaze drifted down to their feet, the soft squelch of mud under their boots almost soothing. She didn't know how to describe the warmth that filled her chest. It wasn't something she had ever experienced before—this quiet understanding, this unspoken bond. It made her heart feel lighter, even amidst the storm.

She looked up at Mikhailis again, his face partially obscured by the umbrella's shadow. He turned his head slightly, catching her gaze, and flashed her a quick grin. No words were exchanged, but she found herself smiling back. In that moment, Elowen understood something she hadn't before—that maybe, just maybe, she could rely on him, not just as a consort, but as someone who genuinely cared.

When they finally reached the camp, the storm had lessened, though the sky remained overcast. As soon as they approached, Vyrelda rushed towards them, her eyes wide with concern. She stopped just short of Elowen, her expression a mix of relief and restrained anger. The royal knight took a deep breath before speaking, her voice trembling ever so slightly.

"Your Majesty, I… You shouldn't have wandered off like that," Vyrelda began, her brows knitting together in worry.

"You had us all worried. Please, next time, let someone know where you are going."

Elowen looked down, a pang of guilt tightening her chest. She knew Vyrelda had every right to be upset. The knight had always been by her side, a constant protector and friend, and Elowen could see the toll her disappearance had taken on her. Vyrelda's usually composed demeanor was cracking, her concern bleeding through the façade of formality.

"I'm sorry, Vyrelda," Elowen said softly, her voice almost drowned out by the rain.

"I didn't mean to worry you."

Vyrelda let out a sigh, her shoulders relaxing slightly.

"Your safety is my priority, Your Majesty. Please, just be careful."

Elowen nodded, and Vyrelda stepped back, her eyes still lingering on her queen, as if to ensure she was truly unharmed. The knight's expression softened, and she gave Elowen a small, reassuring smile, one that spoke of her unwavering loyalty.

"Thank you," Elowen whispered, her gaze meeting Vyrelda's. There was a moment of understanding between them, a silent promise that she would try to be more mindful.

As they exchanged these words, Vaelis approached, his eyes flicking from Elowen to Mikhailis. He paused for a moment, his posture stiffening slightly. Mikhailis was still standing close to Elowen, holding the umbrella above her, and Vaelis's gaze lingered on that small, simple act. There was a hesitation in his step, a moment of uncertainty that hadn't been there before.

"Your Majesty," Vaelis greeted, his tone polite but lacking the warmth it usually carried. He gave her a curt bow, his eyes not quite meeting hers.

"I… I'm relieved to see you safe."

Elowen nodded, offering him a gentle smile.

"Thank you, Vaelis. I'm sorry for causing you concern."

Vaelis forced a smile, his gaze shifting to Mikhailis for a brief second before returning to Elowen. There was something different in his eyes, a subtle insecurity that hadn't been there before. Mikhailis, for his part, remained relaxed, his expression unreadable.

"Perhaps it would be best if we all rested for a while before continuing the journey," Mikhailis suggested, his tone neutral, though there was a hint of firmness to his words.

Vaelis hesitated, then nodded, his smile strained.

"Yes… of course. Rest would be wise."

Mikhailis gave a small nod, then turned to Elowen.

"Shall we, Your Majesty?" he asked, his voice light, as if nothing significant had happened.

Elowen nodded, allowing him to escort her back towards the carriages. Vaelis watched them go, a sense of defeat settling over him. He had always believed that Mikhailis was simply a convenient choice for Elowen, a consort chosen out of necessity rather than genuine affection.

But now, seeing the way she leaned into him, the way she allowed him to be close, Vaelis couldn't help but wonder if there was something more. It was a thought that left him uneasy, the realization that perhaps he had already lost a battle he hadn't realized he was fighting.

Back at the carriages, Lira approached Mikhailis, a towel in her hands. She looked at him, her eyes briefly meeting his before she offered the towel wordlessly. Mikhailis took it, nodding his thanks. He didn't say anything, simply escorting Elowen to her carriage, the umbrella still held above her. His silence was comforting, and Elowen found herself grateful once again for his presence.

He wasn't making a fuss, wasn't asking questions. He was just there, quietly supporting her, and that was enough.

As the group prepared to continue their journey, Elowen made a decision. She turned to Mikhailis, her voice soft but firm.

"I'm worried about the Crown Prince," she said, her gaze meeting his.

"And… I think I need the warmth of those I trust around me."

Mikhailis looked at her, his eyes widening slightly in surprise, but then he smiled, a warm, understanding smile. He nodded, offering her his hand to help her into his carriage. Elowen took it, her heart pounding as she climbed inside.

She settled into the seat beside him, the strange atmosphere of the past few days lingering, but there was a sense of comfort too—a sense that maybe, just maybe, things were changing for the better.

Vaelis watched from a distance, his eyes narrowing slightly as he saw Elowen take a seat beside Mikhailis. It was a small gesture, but it spoke volumes. He had always assumed that Mikhailis's presence was a matter of convenience—that Elowen simply kept him close because he was useful.

But now, seeing her choose Mikhailis over him, seeing the way she seemed to relax in his presence, Vaelis couldn't help but feel a pang of something he wasn't ready to name.

Lira and Serelith, meanwhile, climbed into Vaelis's carriage, prompting a startled reaction from the earl. He raised an eyebrow, his gaze shifting between the two women.

"What are you doing here?" he asked, his voice edged with irritation.

Lira gave him a polite smile, her tone calm.

"Her Majesty thought you might get lonely, my lord, now that your carriage has lost one person. She thought it best to provide you with company."

Vaelis attempted to smile, but it didn't reach his eyes. He could feel the weight of their gazes, the subtle scowls in their eyes despite their polite words. It was clear where their loyalty lay, and it wasn't with him. He shifted uncomfortably in his seat, trying to ignore the unease settling in his chest.

As the carriages began to move, Elowen sat in silence beside Mikhailis, her thoughts swirling.

Did I do something strange? she wondered, her heart pounding in her chest.

I've never been in a relationship before. I don't know what's right or wrong. Maybe I've confused him…

Well he must be confused, or perhaps irritated as I accept Vaelis's approaches without explaining anything to him. I guess that's idiotic...

She glanced at Mikhailis, her eyes flicking to his face. He was smiling, a warm, gentle smile that made her heart skip a beat. He turned his head slightly, catching her gaze, and without a word, he lifted his arm and placed it gently around her back, pulling her just a little closer.

"Tell me at your own pace," he said softly, his voice barely above a whisper.

"There's no need to rush."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Elowen felt her chest tighten, a mixture of emotions swelling inside her. She smiled, her eyes glistening as she looked at him. He was always so patient, so understanding, and it made her realize just how much she had come to trust him.

But then her face grew resolute, her heart pounding with determination. She took a deep breath, her voice steady as she spoke.

"Mikhailis," she began, her eyes meeting his, "I want to tell you more about me."