The Princess’s Final Wish Before Her Time Runs Out - Chapter 73

“How did you find this place…”

Tericia couldn’t finish the sentence.

Before she could get another word out, his lips met hers, filled with longing, fierce with passion.

When she tried to pull away, he came closer. When she tried to run, he chased. Just like their entire relationship relentless, unyielding. And when she finally stopped resisting, when she gave in—he rushed in as if he’d been waiting all along.

Was he always like this?

Of course, his kisses had never been gentle. But before, at least she could follow his lead, however breathless she felt.

But this… this kiss was nothing short of overwhelming, filled with raw desire.

Her head spun. Her breath came short. It felt like drowning—air caught in her throat, chest tight. And when she could no longer take it—

She stumbled back, bumping into something behind her and falling. But Rashid didn’t let go. His arms stayed wrapped around her, and he fell with her.

Their lips still hadn’t parted.

In his mind, reason and impulse collided—his last bit of restraint screaming not to hurt the woman he loved, and his deeper instinct burning to claim her completely.

Tericia instinctively pressed against his chest, trying to break free from the suffocating kiss. But that movement, that small resistance—snapped the last thread of his self-control.

As if refusing to let her escape, he pressed himself closer.

Her lips, trying to breathe like someone surfacing from water, were immediately captured again. He pulled at her slender neck, deepened the kiss, searched her thoroughly.

“…Mmh…”

A small, pained sound escaped her lips.

She tried to catch a breath through the slightest parting of her mouth, but his large hand cupped her flushed cheek and pulled her in deeper.

‘Rashid… stop…’

Just when she thought she couldn’t breathe anymore—when her vision went dark—he finally let go.

“……”

“……”

Both were breathless as they stared at each other.

They were so close, they could see their reflections in each other’s eyes better than each other’s faces.

Tericia gasped for air, her lips slightly parted. Each breath made her soft chest rise and fall visibly.

Rashid shifted slightly, propping himself up just enough so he wouldn’t crush her, but still keeping her firmly in his arms so she couldn’t escape. He looked her over slowly.

Her violet-red eyes shimmered, her golden-brown hair spilled across the sofa in soft waves, and her chest heaved rhythmically with each breath—all of it burned into his memory.

Lying beneath him, inside his arms, Tericia looked only at him. She didn’t speak—just breathed, her body trembling slightly.

Rashid swallowed hard, barely containing the wild desire inside him. His throat bobbed visibly.

Tericia flinched slightly at the sight, but she didn’t turn away. Her reddened eyes remained locked on his.

Rashid held her gaze, and the intensity of it sent a shiver through his whole body.

“…Damn it, Tericia.”

His voice came out low and rough, almost unrecognizable.

If he could have her now—if he could take her without thinking—he would.

‘I’m not leaving Rashid.’

Her voice, clear and determined, echoed in his head.

When he realized the one carrying that armful of flowers was truly her—his whole body had tried to spring forward. And when he heard her voice, he couldn’t hold back anymore.

He had to know she was real.

Tericia.

Why is it… that you always move first? Always ahead of me—too far to reach?

“…Rashid.”

The soft whisper of his name lit him on fire.

He squeezed his eyes shut. If he didn’t back off now, he didn’t know what he might do. He hadn’t realized just how thin his patience had worn.

Rashid let out a long, heavy breath, then gently pulled her into his arms and rolled over, so she was lying against him.

He wanted her to lean on him, to feel safe.

“……!”

Tericia’s vision spun for a moment, and she instinctively shut her eyes tight.

At the sound of a quiet laugh, she peeked through her lashes. Somehow, they had changed positions. Now she was lying on top of him, while he looked up at her with a teasing gaze.

“R-Rashid!”

Flustered, Tericia tried to scramble away. But his brows furrowed as he stopped her.

“Please, Tericia. Just stay still. Just for a moment. If you keep moving…”

His low, gravelly voice made her freeze.

Caught between pulling away and staying still, she hovered over him with a flushed face and unsure gaze. Rashid chuckled quietly. The sound vibrated through her and made her face turn even redder.

“Haa…”

He let out a long breath, as though he’d been holding it forever.

He held her tightly, as if her weight didn’t burden him at all. One arm kept her close, while the other covered his eyes as he murmured—

“You’re going to drive me insane.”

His voice came from deep in his chest, rough and raw with emotion.

“I would never… tell you to leave me.”

Rashid whispered the words as he tightened his arms around her.

“But how…? I was told the Duke was inside…”

“I am the Duke of Hespelt.”

“…Oh.”

That’s why the servant had hesitated. For a moment, they hadn’t been sure which Duke she meant.

In the estate, many still referred to the former Duke as “Your Grace.” She herself had done so. But there was no mistaking it—Rashid was the Duke of Hespelt now.

If both father and son were present, the title “Duke” belonged to Rashid.

“…You’ve lost weight. You look worn.”

The skin beneath his eyes was sunken, and the sharpness of his face had intensified. Had it only been ten days since they last saw each other?

In such a short time, he had become a man with an even colder, harsher expression.

Her heart ached, knowing he hadn’t rested or eaten properly. And yet—something in her chest fluttered, seeing him like this. Seeing how much more of a man he had become.

But still, she hated this face.

It reminded her too much of how he had looked before going off to war in her past life—hollow and wounded.

Without thinking, she reached up and touched his cheek. Rashid closed his eyes, leaning into her hand as if to savor the warmth.

“I hate seeing you like this.”

“Then you have to stay with me. You know I’m nothing without you.”

“…I’m sorry.”

Rashid kissed her forehead softly. His lips slid down the bridge of her nose—and then captured hers once more.

“Let’s go back.”

“……”

“Come back with me, Tericia.”

“But…”

**“You said you’d stay by my side. Then you have to return with me… sister.”

There it was again. He only ever called her that when it suited him.

Tericia’s face had flushed a deep red, so much so that her natural complexion could no longer be seen. Even the back of her neck, visible through strands of fallen hair, was tinted pink.

“…I’ll be your weakness.”

“I don’t care.”

“Scandal might follow you.”

“Scandal?”
Rashid’s voice was sharp, unwavering.

“Let them talk. That kind of gossip won’t even scratch House Hespelt.”

A fierce resolve burned in his eyes.

“But still…”

“Is that what’s stopping you? That your name was erased from the family registry?”

Rashid let out a short laugh.

“I don’t know how it happened…”
He paused for a moment, then met her eyes. The harsh glint from before had softened, and he gazed at her with something gentler.

“But if anything, I’m grateful for it.”

“……”

“What I said at the banquet was nothing but the truth. I meant every word. I’m not giving you up. I’ve already spoken with Father.”

“…With His Grace?”

“Yes.”

Tericia caught the subtle hesitation behind his short reply.

“And with the Crown Prince?”

At her question, Rashid flinched briefly, then chuckled quietly.

“Sometimes… just pretend you don’t know, will you, sister?”

Watching him dodge the question with that mischievous grin, Tericia sighed.

“You only call me ‘sister’ at times like this.”

Her tone was closer to resigned than upset. Rashid smiled again.

That familiar sound vibrated softly against her, and only then did Tericia realize just how embarrassing her position was—tangled up with him like this.

Oh no. Just what was she doing?

Suddenly overwhelmed by reality, her heart pounded wildly.

“…Rashid.”

“Yes, Tericia?”

“Let me go. Please.”

“You can stay like this if you’d like, sister.”

His teasing tone made her realize—he knew. He had known the whole time and hadn’t said anything.

‘This awful man!’

Tericia tried to pull herself from his arms, but couldn’t. As she’d realized before, Rashid was much stronger than he looked.

If someone were to walk in right now… especially the rightful owner of this study…

The thought alone made her go pale.

“Please…”

Her whisper of a plea made Rashid laugh out loud. It had been a long time since he laughed like that.

Still, as if reluctant to let go, he hugged her tightly once more—then finally released her and sat up.

As Tericia moved slightly away, trying to keep some space between them, Rashid casually closed the distance again.

“Don’t come closer.”

“The couch is small. And I’m kind of… large, aren’t I?”

“You’re the worst.”

Her voice trembled slightly, and Rashid couldn’t hold back another laugh.

If Heinz or the staff from the capital estate saw him now, they wouldn’t believe this lighthearted man was their master. Rashid was smiling freely—completely unlike the cold, commanding Duke they knew.

“Tericia.”
His voice was still tinged with laughter as he spoke her name gently.

“Don’t pay attention to the voices that bark from afar. Neither I nor House Hespelt are weak enough to bend under such noise.”

“I know. But still…”

“If my father gave his blessing, why should anyone else have a say? I’ll take care of it. No one will lay a finger on you. I’ll make sure of it.”

“Rashid…”

Tericia looked at him. The hesitation in her eyes was gone, replaced with quiet strength.

“It’s not you I doubt. I just… want you to have peace. I want your life to be free of trouble—even if just a little. I don’t want to be the reason you suffer.”

Rashid felt a rush of admiration.

This was the woman he loved—strong, thoughtful, and beautiful.

As if performing a sacred ritual, Rashid gently took a lock of her hair and kissed it.

“Even the pain you give me is sweet.”

Maybe even death would be, too.

“…And you say I talk too much.”

She looked at him in disbelief. Rashid smiled subtly.

“Come back with me, Tericia. I can’t live without you. You’re the one who keeps me going. So please…”

“……”

“Don’t leave me again.”

Without thinking, Tericia pressed her hand to her chest. Her heart was racing uncontrollably.

She didn’t know what to say.

To protect him. To help him claim what was rightfully his.

To never let go of his hand again—and see it through to the end.

That had been her first vow when she came back.

‘If I can fulfill just that… then even death would be worth it.’

But his desperate words kept breaking down her defenses. His unfiltered heart, thrown at her without hesitation, weakened her again and again. Made her want to stay by his side longer—always.

Even if it got hard.

Even if there was pain.

Anything was better than living apart with misunderstanding and regret, like their past life.

A slow smile spread across Tericia’s face. Then, at last, a brilliant, radiant smile bloomed on her lips.

Yes, Rashid. You’ve won.

Maybe… I came back just to be with you. So, “I’ll go back with you.”

At her answer, Rashid let out a long breath. Only then did he realize how tense he had been.

“Ha… Tericia.”

He lowered his head for a moment, his hands curling into fists, then relaxing again.

Reaching out, his fingers brushed her cheek.

Just before he kissed her again, he whispered— “Don’t ever leave me again.”

And this time, Tericia didn’t turn away. She welcomed his kiss.

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