Gold Coin and Freesia

A slight blush on her soft cheeks and the way her blue eyes darted around nervously answered in place of words.

“Mrs. Lament told me to just stay still.”

So, she doesn’t know much.

Edwin couldn’t help but chuckle. Raising her this innocently seemed a bit extreme. Even girls younger than Cordelia were having children, and the idea that simply staying still was proper education seemed absurd.

“Do you know that consummating the marriage could lead to having a child?”

So Edwin asked calmly, though the question was anything but.

“I know that much, even if I don’t know the details…”

Well, she only knew the cause and effect. Edwin felt a pang of pity. What kind of education did her governess give her?

Taking a deep breath, Edwin opened his eyes.

The quality of Cordelia’s education didn’t matter now. To ensure the royal family didn’t whimsically break off the marriage, Edwin knew they needed to consummate it.

He had thought about how to persuade Cordelia, who didn’t want children, but fortunately, she didn’t flat-out refuse to consummate the marriage despite knowing the potential outcome. At least she understood the political importance of the marriage.

“But I’ve heard it’s unlikely to happen in just one night…”

“While it’s unlikely, it’s not impossible. Tonight is a duty for us as husband and wife…”

Despite Edwin’s explanation, Cordelia hesitated.

“If you are not willing, I will handle it myself.”

He didn’t want to force himself on her. That was a matter of pride for Edwin. This marriage wasn’t his choice, he wasn’t head over heels for Cordelia, and he wasn’t desperate for her body.

So she had to cross the line herself.

Watching Cordelia hesitate, Edwin walked over to the table. He rummaged through the pocket of his jacket draped over a chair and pulled out a small dagger.

“What… what are you doing…”

Cordelia was horrified to see Edwin raise the dagger to his arm. She leaped off the bed, forgetting her indoor slippers.

Edwin was startled by her sudden move. He dropped the dagger and looked down at his wife.

Clad in a thin nightgown that barely concealed anything, Cordelia clung to him, her body illuminated softly by the flickering candlelight. Despite her innocent demeanor, her body was that of a mature woman.

“What are you doing!”

Unaware of her appearance, Cordelia scolded Edwin with a pale face.

“A small cut won’t kill me.”

“I hate blood! I don’t want to see blood!”

Cordelia shouted angrily, surprising Edwin with her strong reaction.

The blood from the wedding night was proof of the consummation and the bride’s purity. It signified that the marriage was valid and under divine protection.

But not everyone bled on their wedding night, so it was not uncommon for the man to provide the evidence himself. It was a last resort for Edwin, but he didn’t expect such a strong reaction.

“Understood.”

Noticing her bare feet, Edwin picked Cordelia up. She instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck.

Despite her innocent looks, her body was voluptuous. As Cordelia clung to him, her soft, warm body pressed against his chest. Edwin’s jaw clenched involuntarily.

He took a few steps and gently laid her on the bed, intending to move away.

“Your Highness?”

But instead of letting go, Cordelia tightened her grip around his neck. Edwin was genuinely taken aback. He could feel his voice tremble as he called her.

“I heard it hurts at first…”

“Yes, it can.”

“Can you make it not hurt?”

Cordelia asked hesitantly, her face buried in his neck, radiating warmth.

“It might hurt a little at first, but it will get better…”

Seeing her hesitation, Edwin’s voice softened.

“Is it true it’s hard to get pregnant?”

“Yes, especially if precautions are taken.”

Edwin suddenly felt his throat dry. He realized how easily Cordelia could be swayed.

“If you promise we can stop until I want to…”

“…”

“If you promise that…”

Cordelia whispered, her body warm against his.

“I swear.”

He leaned in, kissing her gently yet passionately, indicating his surrender.

“Open your mouth.”

Cordelia held her breath at the unfamiliar intimacy. Edwin, half-commanding, watched her lips part and gently held her chin.

“Don’t bite this time.”

He teased her lips with his, licking and sucking gently. Cordelia, unsure what to do, let him.

Seeing her confusion, Edwin covered her eyes with his hand.

As his hand covered her face, she instinctively closed her eyes.

At that moment, his tongue invaded her mouth, swirling and tasting. His hand on her eyes was warm, his kiss passionate. Cordelia clung to him, tightening her hold around his neck.

Edwin took that as confirmation and pushed her back onto the bed. Her golden hair spread out on the white sheets, making her look like a frilly flower.

“Does it feel strange?”

Edwin’s hand slid under her nightgown, making her shiver. He watched her, enjoying the sight of her soft body reacting to his touch.

“No…”

Cordelia’s voice wavered. Edwin decided not to be gentle, thinking she needed to learn not to provoke a man.

“Ah!”

Cordelia gasped as Edwin’s lips found her chest. The thin fabric was wet from his saliva, and his hand gripped her thigh.

“It’s strange…”

Frightened by the unfamiliar sensations, she tried to push him away, but Edwin grabbed her hand and kissed her fingertips.

“It’s supposed to be.”

He sat up, tossing his shirt aside, and leaned over her again. As she turned to avoid him, he held her waist and licked her ear.

Their eyes met, and Edwin kissed her again, more passionately.

When their lips finally parted, Cordelia was breathless, her heart racing.

Feeling her gaze, Edwin smiled softly, his eyes glinting like jewels.

While Cordelia was dazed, Edwin positioned himself between her legs. She gasped.

“Wait a moment.”

Her hand twisted the sheets. Edwin’s touch was foreign, and she felt embarrassed.

“Is it embarrassing to look at me?”

“Ugh.”

As Edwin bare her body, he whispered in her ear. His voice, low and sweet, sent shivers through her. Cordelia buried her face in the pillow, overwhelmed by the sensation.