Chapter 14: The Game Begins

“…You’re not a warrior.”

“True.

But as the future Countess of Rosaider, shouldn’t I be allowed to make a vow?”

Fine said, looking up at Hawk steadily.

‘What’s her intent?’

Hawk narrowed his eyes, likely exuding intimidation.

Yet Fine refused to look away.

“Staring me down like that—you’ve got more courage than your appearance suggests.”

“I’ll take it as a compliment.”

Fine replied with a haughty air, but Hawk saw through her bravado.

Her trembling hands on her lap betrayed her.

The Oath was a form of ancient magic.

Once sworn, breaking it was unthinkable—violators faced agony worse than death.

‘What does she want to bind me to?’

A chuckle escaped him.

Fine was indeed different, an intriguing woman unlike any other.

“Very well.

My wife’s first request.”

Hawk took the sword from the bedroom wall.

“This is the holy sword passed down through the Rosaider family.

Legend says a young soldier received it from a goddess who visited this land.”

Fine’s eyes widened at the massive blade, likely her first time seeing such a weapon.

‘What will she swear?’

Considering what Fine might want, Hawk guessed she sought assurance against betrayal, like her former fiancé.

He had no intention of acting like that scoundrel, but if vowing it eased her mind, it wasn’t a bad deal.

“I swear by this sword and the omniscient god to provide you treatment befitting a countess.

In return… you must never betray me.

Is that acceptable?”

“Yes.”

Fine nodded.

“Then, make your vow.”

Prompted, Fine placed her hand on the sword’s hilt.

Tension was evident in her profile.

She took a deep breath.

“I swear by this sword and the omniscient god.

While I’m here, I’ll devote myself wholly to Rosaider’s prosperity.

In return, no children for two years.”

“What?”

—No children for two years.

It was completely unexpected.

Hawk married to produce an heir for the Rosaider family, something Fine should understand.

‘Then there’s only one reason.’

Two years.

Even if conception was difficult, most doctors in this country believed pregnancy would occur within two years.

After that, a divorce request was far more likely to be approved.

‘She has no intention of staying with me forever.’

What a ruthless woman behind that beautiful face.

When asked, she gave a plausible excuse about focusing on enriching the territory.

‘Intriguing.’

This vow meant Fine couldn’t stray.

Betraying him would bring excruciating pain.

With no other man in sight, what was she thinking?

Didn’t she realize her actions only piqued his interest further?

Their blood dripped onto the sword, sealing the Oath.

“Then the Oath is sealed.

I’ll provide you treatment befitting a countess, and you’ll strive for Rosaider’s benefit.

In return, you won’t betray me, and I won’t make you pregnant for two years.”

“Pregnant…”

Fine blushed.

“That’s what you wanted, right?”

Her flush at such a word contrasted with her earlier bravado.

Hawk cupped her chin and kissed her.

He noticed her pushing against his chest, struggling to pull away, but pretended not to.

Her resistance was childlike to him.

“What are you doing?!

We just agreed—no children for two years—”

“Oh, I won’t make children.”

“Then why—”

“Children come from planting my seed here.

Didn’t you know?

I never promised not to touch you.”

Hawk traced her lower abdomen.

“What?!”

He gazed at her, now bright red.

Her naive reaction made it clear she was inexperienced.

She likely didn’t know the specifics of marital intimacy.

He’d meant to stop at a kiss, but a playful urge arose.

They could enjoy intimacy without going all the way.

Hawk pushed Fine down, pinning her to the sheets.

*

Late at night, Hawk watched his new wife, sleeping with steady breaths.

Under the moonlight, Fine was as beautiful as in daylight.

Her closed eyes, framed by long, curled lashes, and her slender yet curvaceous figure—everything about her was stunning.

Hawk sat up in bed.

Perhaps feeling the chill, Fine snuggled closer in her sleep.

“You’re like a cat.”

Hawk chuckled.

Scared yet defiant, hissing one moment, then whimsically cuddling the next.

‘Two years, huh.’

The thought of this tantalizing limbo for two years was daunting, but as a soldier, Hawk had exceptional endurance.

More than that, he found Fine’s strategy fascinating.

“Then I’ll spend these two years making you unable to leave me.

Let’s see who wins.”

Hawk lifted a strand of Fine’s hair and kissed it.