Life Beyond the Doors

Chapter 80 : Melt

Ethan entered Marlin's room, finding her sitting on the bed lost in thought. As she looked up and saw him, her face lit up with a smile. Ethan's heart swelled at the sight of her, but he couldn't shake the weight of the news he had just received.

Marlin noticed the troubled expression on his face. "What happened, your highness?" she asked, concern lacing her voice.

Ethan opened his mouth to speak but found himself lost in her gaze. He couldn't help but stare at her, taking in every detail of her beautiful face.

Her emerald green eyes were downcast and filled with contemplation, and her soft lips were turned into a thoughtful frown. Ethan's heart swelled at the sight of her, and he silently thanked the universe for giving him such a beautiful gift.

Marlin's voice brought him back to the present moment. "Nothing," he sighed, the weight of his thoughts still weighing heavily on his mind.

Marlin stood up from the bed and approached him, taking his hand in hers. "Ethan, you can tell me anything," she said softly, her warmth spreading through him like a balm.

Ethan looked at her, feeling his resolve crumbling. "Mathias just came to see me," he explained, his voice low. "He...he wants to hand over the throne to me."

Marlin's eyes widened in surprise and admiration. "That's incredible, Ethan. Congratulations." Her smile was like a ray of hope in the darkness.

Ethan shook his head, a troubled look on his face. "But I don't know if I'm ready for this. The weight of responsibility...it's daunting."

Marlin squeezed his hand reassuringly. "You're not alone, Ethan. You have me and Mathias by your side. We'll face this together, and you'll make an amazing king."

Ethan's voice broke the silence, his words filled with genuine concern. "Stop talking about me," he said softly, a tender smile playing on his lips. "Tell me your condition... Are you okay? Like not any girl can handle that death scene, you know."

Marlin's mind struggled to process his concern, a mixture of surprise and gratitude washing over her. She took a moment to gather her thoughts, her eyes never leaving Ethan's gaze. "Well, I am not like any girl," she replied with a faint frown. "I am yours, remember? So of course, I'm valiant."

Ethan's lips curved into a loving smile, his heart swelling with pride.

"'Yes, that's my empress for sure," he said, his voice filled with admiration.

He took a step closer, his hand reaching out to gently brush against her cheek. The touch sent a surge of warmth through Marlin's body, intensifying the connection between them.

A trembling breath escaped her lips as Marlin found herself drawn irresistibly towards Ethan. She watched as he knelt before her, his eyes filled with unspoken devotion. Slowly, he took her leg in his hands and pressed a gentle kiss against it, leaving a trail of warmth in his wake.

"My empress," he whispered, his voice laced with reverence. "My queen. My love."

The intensity of the moment overwhelmed Marlin, her heart pounding in her chest. She tried to find the words to express herself, but the depth of her emotions rendered her momentarily speechless. "I-I..." she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper.

But Ethan understood.

"My empress..."

"Yes, my highness"