She’s My Wife, So I’ll Protect Her However I Want

Chapter 09: The Dramatic Dinner

Kael walked toward the counter, his footsteps light and steady. The soft scent of food drifted to his nose, instantly sparking his hunger. He ran a hand through his damp hair, a content smile tugging at his lips. The meal waiting for him looked simple yet satisfying—just the kind of comfort he needed after a long day.

He inhaled deeply, letting the aroma settle in his chest before exhaling with an exaggerated sigh. "Mmm, smells good," he mused, glancing toward the table.

Seraphina seated with her legs propped up on the side of the chair—posture still annoyingly perfect—did not react.

Kael smirked. Oh, this is too easy.

"You know…" Kael stretched his arms, flexing his sore wrist with a wince, making sure to exaggerate the motion. His fingers curled slightly before he let out a low groan, rubbing at his wrist for extra effect. His voice carried just the right amount of weakness, the kind that could melt even the coldest heart—well, theoretically. "After everything I went through today, I think I deserve a little kindness."

She didn't react.

Undeterred, he let out a slow, pitiful sigh, his shoulders sagging dramatically. "I mean, I'm in so much pain… I might not even be able to lift a spoon."

Still nothing.

He threw in a hopeful glance, expecting an eye roll at best, a scoff at worst.

Instead, Seraphina's grip on her book twitched.

Kael grinned. Got her.

A long silence followed. Kael adjusting his tone, layering it with every ounce of charm he could muster. "Wouldn't it be nice if someone—oh, I don't know—helped feed me? Perhaps a certain kind, caring wife with soft, delicate hands?"

A muscle in Seraphina's jaw tightened. Kael grinned.

Oh, he had her now.

The grip on her book twitched—just barely, but it was enough. He could practically feel the storm brewing in the air.

A long silence stretched between them, thick and heavy like the quiet before a downpour. Kael pretended not to notice the way her fingers flexed slightly, as if itching to throw something—maybe the book, maybe the table, maybe him—across the room.

Then, finally—

"Hey, loser."

Kael placed a hand over his heart, gasping in mock offense. "Yes, darling?"

Seraphina's blue eyes lifted, piercing him with the intensity of a dagger poised for the kill. Her voice was light, almost sweet—too sweet. "I will strangle you."

Kael leaned forward, resting his chin on his palm, his grin widening. "How romantic."

Seraphina inhaled sharply, her fingers tightening around the book's spine as if she were resisting the urge to snap it in half.

Kael decided to push just a little further.

With all the grace of a tragic hero, he reached for his spoon—well, tried to. His fingers curled around it weakly, and he let it slip from his grasp, the metallic ring as it hit the table echoing through the room. Then, with a voice full of sheer, heart-wrenching despair, he whispered,"I… I can't do it. My hands… they tremble…"

Silence.

Kael risked another glance at Seraphina.

She had closed her book. Slowly. Deliberately.

Kael swallowed. A strange, uneasy chill crawled up his spine, prickling at the back of his neck.

Wait. What?

Seraphina stood, her movements precise, almost calculated. The quiet thud of her book against the table rang in his ears, far louder than it had any right to.

No way.

She was walking toward him. Not just walking—approaching. Her steps were slow, deliberate, each one carrying a weight he couldn't quite define. The air around them shifted, subtly but undeniably. He could feel it—something in the way the space between them seemed to contract, the way his pulse inexplicably quickened.

Kael swallowed hard, his mind racing. Hold on, is she actually going to feed me? I was just messing with her! Just teasing her like I always do. This wasn't supposed to go anywhere. Not like I actually wanted it! I mean, come on, I've been doing this for so long—just playful banter, nothing serious. But now... she's actually reaching out to feed me? What is happening here? I was just trying to get a reaction out of her, not this!

But now, as she came closer, his breath caught.

Oh, no. She was going to do it. She was actually going to—

His stomach clenched as her hand reached out. His plate. She picked it up.

Wait. Wait. His mind blanked. What?

His mouth opened, words scrambling to form— what was she doing? But before he could even process it, before his brain could catch up to what had just happened—

Seraphina vanished.

Kael stood there, completely still, blinking at the empty space she had occupied just a second ago. His plate was gone. His food was gone.

Then she reappeared by the window.

The window creaked open, the cool night air sweeping into the room. Moonlight spilled through the gap, casting an ethereal glow across Seraphina's figure. The moment the breeze touched her, her silver hair shimmered, shifting into a soft blue. It was mesmerizing—almost beautiful—

But Kael had no time to admire her beauty.

Because in her hands—hovering dangerously close to the open window—was his plate of food.

Seraphina's lips curled into a smile, but there was no amusement in her expression. "You've been talking too much today." Her voice was smooth, quiet. "I see you've gained a lot of courage."

Kael took a slow step forward. "Dear, let's be reasonable here—"

"Now, stay hungry."

His breath caught.

She tilted the plate ever so slightly.

"I'm going to throw it away."

Panic flooded his veins. "H-Hey, hey, wait! Wait! WAIT! That's my food!" He scrambled off his feet, nearly tripping over himself in his rush to stop her. "I was kidding! Kidding, I swear! Please don't—"

Seraphina didn't even blink. "Are you now?" She mused, tipping the plate just a little more.

Kael's heart lurched. "Yes! Yes, I swear! I haven't eaten all day! I'm starving! Have mercy on your poor, unfortunate husband!"

Seraphina turned her head slightly, just enough for him to catch a glint of amusement in her gaze.

Then, without a word, she tilted the plate a little more. Another grain of rice fell. Kael nearly had a heart attack.

"Hey, stop—"

"Beg."

Kael choked. "What?"

"Beg," she repeated, her voice smooth, composed. "If you want your food so badly, beg for it."

His pride—a small, insignificant thing—flared weakly. But then his stomach growled, loud and pitiful.

Kael sucked in a breath, pressing his hands together in front of his chest. "Please. I am so hungry. I haven't eaten anything yet. Trust me. Just… give me my food."

Seraphina arched an eyebrow. "Not convincing enough."

"You, my most—"

Her eyes narrowed.

"—I mean, my great and powerful executioner!" Kael corrected instantly, hands pressing together in a pleading motion. "Oh merciless judge, oh cruel goddess of despair—"

Seraphina's brow twitched.

He dropped to his knees. "Please! I have done wrong! I have sinned! I should have never asked such a thing from you! I was a fool, an arrogant fool!"

Seraphina tapped her chin, looking far too pleased. "Go on."

Kael grit his teeth. "I am but a lowly worm beneath your feet! I am undeserving of even your scorn! But please—have pity on me, oh mighty one!"

She hummed again. "Not enough yet."

His eye twitched. "Not enough?! What else do you want? Blood? My soul?"

Seraphina gave him a look.

"Mmm~My most wonderful, most generous, most merciful wife—Oh great tyrant, oh beautiful, almighty, terrifying—queen of my nightmares!"

"—ahem, I mean, the mightiest, most honorable knight captain in the entire world, the strongest and most noble of warriors—"

She smirked. "Flattery will get you nowhere."

"Then what will?"

Seraphina glanced out the window, her lips curving into a small, genuine smile. It lingered for a moment before she murmured, "You're so dramatic."

Then, with the same smile, she added, "It's disgusting."

"I know."

Seraphina sighed. Then, with agonizing slowness, she stepped away from the window.

Kael's knees nearly gave out.

She came forward to him, her movements sharp, decisive. "Fine. You get to eat."

A wave of relief crashed over Kael.

Then Seraphina held up a single finger.

"But," she said, her tone as cold as ever, "if you say one more word—" She gestured toward the window."I will throw your food for real."

Kael froze.

His survival instincts screamed at him to comply. He had faced many dangers in his life—monsters, ruthless mercenaries, the horrors of an empty wallet—but none as terrifying as an angry woman holding his dinner hostage.

He swallowed thickly, nodding like a man on trial. "Yes, ma'am."

Seraphina thrust the plate into his hands with the grace of someone handling something disposable. Kael took it with reverence, holding it close to his chest.

She returned to the dinning table without another word, picking up her book as if nothing had happened.

Kael exhaled, shoulders sagging in relief.

That woman… is going to kill me one day.

He stood there. But he knew better.

She thought she had won tonight. She thought that just because she made him beg—because she saw him grovel, saw him break—he would stop. That he would learn his lesson. That he would behave.

"How adorable... You think this is over? You made me beg tonight. You really believe that's the end? You think you'll walk away unscathed?" His lips curled into a wicked smile. "I'm not done. Not by a long shot."

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(Chapter Ended)