PLML 12

CHAPTER 12

“Her Reflection Was Irresistible”

Her reflection in the mirror was undeniably lovely.

Big, round eyes and lips like ripe strawberries. Who wouldn’t be tempted standing before such a cute and charming lady?

Unfortunately, standing right next to her was a man who wasn’t tempted at all.

Theoris Li Akrana—a man who, at least on the outside, seemed flawless, with a fantastic physique to match. Yet for some reason, he showed no sign of touching Jaina.

“It’s a political marriage, sure—but isn’t it about time we moved forward?”

They’d been living together for nearly a month. Was it really okay for a husband to neglect his wife like this?

In fact, Theoris and Jaina had never even shared a bed.

Whenever Jaina stayed in his room, Theoris always slept on the floor. Even when she dragged him into bed, he’d sneak away the moment she fell asleep.

Their only physical contact so far had been a kiss on the forehead and an occasional hug.

“This won’t do.”

Jaina decided to seduce him in earnest. Ellie, seeing the wicked grin forming on Jaina’s face, left the room without saying a word.

“Pajamas?”

“Yes, pajamas.”

Angelie echoed the word, clearly baffled by Jaina’s enthusiasm.

In this world, pajamas weren’t considered something worth custom-making. Comfort was the only priority—simple design, soft fabric, no unnecessary embellishments.

But when Angelie saw the design Jaina had drawn…

“Pajamas…?”

It was more a scrap of cloth than a proper garment. The hem didn’t even cover the knees, and there were practically no sleeves. Not something a noble lady should wear—maybe in a back alley brothel.

“Your Grace… are you sure about this design?”

“Yes.”

Jaina beamed at her.

Unable to refuse, Angelie nodded reluctantly.

Only two days later, the pajamas were ready.

“Well? Do you like them?”

“I love them! They’re perfect. Thank you, Angelie.”

The final version was slightly different from Jaina’s original sketch. Instead of a mini dress, Angelie made a floor-length gown, but from the knees down, she used sheer fabric for a suggestive yet elegant effect.

Delicate red rose embroidery and lace details added flair without being gaudy. Flowing sleeves attached from the waist hugged her arms just right.

It looked more like a dancer’s costume than sleepwear—but it hugged her figure gracefully.

“Perfect. Brace yourself, Theoris.”

That night, Jaina stood outside Theoris’s door, fully prepared. He should have just finished his bath.

She adjusted her outfit one last time and knocked.

“Come in.”

Theoris answered, and she opened the door immediately.

“Good evening, Theo.”

“Jay… what are you—?”

He was just putting on his robe when she walked in, wearing that seductive smile.

Theoris froze, mid-motion, unable to take his eyes off her. Jaina walked over and sat lightly on his knee.

“What were you doing?”

She drew out her words playfully, looping her arms around his neck. His eyes darted, clearly losing composure.

“Theo?”

She tilted her head, gazing into his eyes. Her damp hair brushed against his chest. He flinched, then placed his hands on her waist.

“No man can resist a lovely wife coming on like this.”

He gently laid Jaina on the bed. His face flushed bright red, and his breath came heavy between clenched teeth.

As he leaned closer, Jaina closed her eyes.

His cold lips brushed her neck. Her heart pounded loud in her ears. His breath against her skin burned like summer heat.

“Jaina.”

His hoarse voice tickled her heart.

“Jaina.”

Calling her name tenderly, he kissed her softly. But then, he hesitated—and pulled away.

“Theo…?”

“I’m sorry.”

His voice still trembled with restraint.

“What? Why!?”

Jaina grabbed his wrist before he could walk away. Her skin still tingled with heat.

“Theo, look at me.”

He didn’t turn, but neither did he shake her off.

From his reaction, Jaina was certain: it wasn’t that he wasn’t attracted to her. In fact, it was just the opposite—he desired her deeply, but was suppressing it for some reason.

“Do you not find me attractive?”

“No! Absolutely not!”

Theoris spun around in a panic. Meeting her gaze, he quickly looked down.

“Then what is it?”

“It’s just…”

“Sit. Come here and sit down.”

Like a big dog watching his owner’s face for cues, Theoris obeyed and sat next to her.

“Let’s be honest—do you not want to sleep with me?”

Without hesitation, Theoris shook his head furiously, like a child.

Jaina almost burst out laughing but held it in.

“Then what’s the problem?”

After a brief silence, he muttered barely loud enough to hear:

“The problem is… you’re too lovely.”

“Huh?”

“If I touch you… I don’t think I can stop myself.”

That completely unexpected answer made Jaina laugh out loud. Even seeing his hurt expression didn’t stop her.

Laughing until tears welled up, she gently cupped his neck.

“You’re so cute.”

Her hand slid slowly down from his neck to his stomach. His smooth, toned abs shivered under her touch.

Her fingers moved lower.

“W-Wait, Jaina…!”

Theoris grabbed her wrist, voice cracking.

Jaina’s eyes narrowed sweetly, her sultry smile softening his grip.

“I love you, Theo.”

Her shimmering lips whispered in the moonlight. As he hesitated, Jaina whispered again.

“Won’t you say you love me back?”

Like a sailor enchanted by a siren’s song, Theoris’s last thread of restraint snapped.

His hand on her wrist pinned her down gently.

Jaina let out a slow, confident smile.

“I love you, Jaina.”

His voice caressed her body. A soft kiss was no longer enough.

Even his ravenous gaze made her heart flutter. She thought she might be mad for loving even that look of hunger.

But how could she not, when this man—her husband—was still careful not to lean his full weight on her, even as passion overtook him?

“I love you.”

He dropped his usual formal tone.

Jaina replied with the same sincerity:

“I love you too, Theo.”

Their lips met again. A soft kiss deepened, breaths tangled.

Like a starved man, Theoris devoured her.

In the still, windless night, only their breath filled the room.

The moonlight itself felt warm on that scorching night.

Afterward

She came down with body aches.

Even she couldn’t believe it—how hard had they gone? It took serious effort to calm Theoris, who was blaming himself.

“I’m fine, Theo. I just need one day of rest.”

“But Jaina…”

“Don’t worry. Go take care of your duties.”

After sending him off, Jaina made a life-changing decision:

“I need to start exercising.”

“Theo, teach me swordsmanship.”

“…What?”

“Swordsmanship. Please!”

She said it like a child begging for Taekwondo lessons.

“Jaina, swordsmanship isn’t something you pick up casually.”

“Why not?”

She’d read many romance fantasy novels where the heroine became a knight after taking over someone’s body.

Jaina didn’t want to become the empire’s best knight—just strong enough to wield a sword.

“If I learn swordsmanship, I can watch Theo train up close…”

“To wield a sword, you need a strong foundation. Your arms are too thin.”

He gestured toward her arms. Under the sunlight, they looked far too delicate for swordplay.

She hadn’t thought it through, but his rejection lit a fire in her.

“You don’t know until I try. Right?”

Realizing he couldn’t win against her stubbornness, Theoris gave in.

“Fine. Since you’re already asking, I’ll teach you now.”

“W-What? Now?”

“Yes. Didn’t you say you wanted to learn?”

Honestly, Jaina hoped he’d try to talk her out of it once more. She didn’t expect him to agree so easily.

“I can’t back out now…”

“Okay!”

Swallowing her pride, she followed after him with a calm face.