I don't want to be loved (Book II)

Chapter 224: Together Once More

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"Salerno Inn"

Lalisa read the old sign that was hanging atop a building. It was an inn, so it definitely offered food and shelter to travelers.

"It would take us around two hours to reach your mother's mansion. It might be faster if we rode my horse together, but you can't while pregnant... if you don't want to spend the night in a place like this, then I'll find another way..."

Jungkook murmured while trying to assess Lalisa's reaction. He knew that the inn was old and gloomy. He'd spent some nights here before himself but he knew that it was different for Lalisa, who'd only lived in mansions and palaces. She might even find this place repulsive.

He did not want the news of them here to spread too much, which was why he'd chosen this place as he could keep their identities hidden. But... perhaps he should have thought of Lalisa more. Maybe it would be best to go to someone else's house and reveal their identity so they could spend the night somewhere more comfortable.

As he kept thinking of this, Lalisa pulled the hem of his clothes and spoke.

"It looks a bit old but seems clean and nicely kept. Let's get in."

When Jungkook opened the door, the cold night air was immediately replaced by the warm interior of the inn. The people inside, who were noisily enjoying their dinner, turned their eyes on the newcomers out of curiosity. Their gazes remained fixed on them.

It was quite easy to tell at first glance that they were a man and woman from high class. Their appearance was impeccable and their cloaks were obviously made with high-end fabric. However, what intrigued them more was their unnatural beauty.

The man was tall and handsome with a firm body that did not resemble the sailors that usually visited the inn. He had black ebony hair, deep eyes and a well-rounded mouth that marked him as a high-born. The woman, on the other hand, was shorter than the average woman and looked even frailer. Her face had a peculiar shape and her brows were dyed silver. Anyone would say that she was obviously from the north, or had blood-relatives from there.

The woman realized that they were staring at them and hurriedly covered herself with her tunic. She stepped behind her companion and lowered her head.

Someone in the crowd burst in laughter.

"Hohoho, you both look like fugitive lovers! Make sure your families don't catch you!"

His jest prompt a wave of laughter from the rest of the inn visitors. Among the noise, a man asked curiously "wait, how do you know that? is there a way to identify eloped lovers?"

"It's obvious. A noble man and a noble woman coming here this late at night, to this port, no servants in sight. And look! they are holding hands! that means they are not married. Only fresh lovers hold hands like that, married couples are already over that stage."

"Hmm, you're right. Here, here!"

Lalisa's face reddened immediately. Out of shame, she tried letting go of Jungkook's hand but he would not let her.

Jungkook simply ignored the nosy people around them and walked straight ahead while firmly holding Lalisa's hand. The owner of the place approached him and began talking to him.

"Are you planning on spending the night here?"

"Yes. We'll only stay for the night. Do you have any room available?"

"Oh, of course. In fact, we've just prepared a nice newly furnished, pretty room on the last floor. You can both stay there if you want, but it's a bit expensive. Is that alright?"