Rossweise's current mood was very complicated.
On one hand, she was still feeling scared from the spider.
On the other hand, Leon suddenly holding her hand left her feeling confused.
But if she had to describe this confusion more specifically, it was probably, shyness.
Even though she did not want to admit it, her warm, red cheeks were the best proof.
Should she keep enjoying this innocent, shy feeling? Or, should she let go of Leon's hand and pretend nothing happened?
Thinking about it, Rossweise subconsciously took a deep breath.
But this action made Leon think she was still scared. So, he held her hand even tighter.
It felt like an electric current. It spread from Rossweise's palm to her fingertips. It was a tingling, numb feeling that made her fingers naturally curl to hold his back.
From their fingers being laced together, to their hands being tightly clasped, it did not feel so, awkward, Rossweise thought.
So, after a short pause, she completely gave up on the idea of "letting go and pretending nothing happened."
What does 'nothing happened' mean?
As the Silver Dragon Queen, she dared to do anything. She never acted like things did not happen.
What is so embarrassing about holding hands?
Just hold them.
Fine.
The reason was just too perfect. Rossweise silently praised herself in her heart.
"Thinking about the last time we held hands," Leon said, looking up at the ceiling.
Rossweise glanced at him. Her silver eyes held a little expectation.
"It was during our last date," Rossweise added.
"I know. I just wanted to hear you say it," Leon replied.
Rossweise sighed. "Okay, I said it. So what?"
Leon shook his head and asked, "Why are your hands always so cold?"
"My body is naturally cold."
"You have lived for over two hundred years and have not fixed it?"
"It cannot be fixed. I told you, it is natural."
"Oh."
"Yeah."
Leon commented, "Your hand is sweating."
"It is you."
"No, it must be you. Holding your hand would not make me nervous enough to sweat."
"Hmph, I bet you are sweating a lot. Stop pretending."
Leon glanced at Rossweise's chest. "Your dragon mark is not glowing. That proves I am not taking this seriously at all."
"Are you really thinking about that just from holding hands? What a pure little boy you are. Besides, your dragon mark is not glowing either."
As soon as she finished speaking, a soft purple light began to glow under the blanket on Leon's side.
Rossweise was flustered. "N no, that is impossible. Absolutely impossible."
"Oh, Your Majesty, are you panicking? Holding my hand has made you all nervous, has not it?" Leon teased proudly.
Rossweise's eyes darted around. After a short moment of panic, she immediately understood.
She kicked the blanket off, revealing Leon's chest.
There, she saw his other hand was holding the purple night light she used to scare him earlier. He was pretending it was his dragon mark glowing.
Rossweise narrowed her eyes and stared at Leon.
Leon's smile changed from proud to awkward.
He sheepishly threw the night light on the floor. "I said it jumped into my hand by itself. Do you believe me?"
Rossweise replied with sarcasm, "Sure, I will believe anything you say."
"Aww, you are so kind, my dear."
"Do not be disgusting, you idiot."
Even though they were joking, their hands never let go. They were still holding on tightly.
Slowly, Rossweise's fast heartbeat from the spider scare calmed down.
Their grip became more natural. They were not holding on with so much force anymore.
This relaxed state was the most comfortable. Otherwise, with the mother dragon's strength, Leon might have needed a cast on his hand by morning.
But the night was long, and neither of them felt sleepy.
After a few jokes, they both started to feel a little bored.
"Hey," Leon's tone became more serious.
"What?" Rossweise answered.
"About your standards for choosing a partner."
"That is fake. It has been over a hundred years. Do not take it seriously."
"Oh, so what are your standards now?"
"I do not have any standards now."
As she said this, Leon could feel her fingers twitch a little.
Leon was not sure what this small movement meant.
But based on what he knew about this mother dragon, her words just now were probably not completely honest.
Hmm, that is strange. What does his honesty have to do with Rossweise's standards?
Why would he care about Rossweise's standards for a partner?
It must be because the night was too boring, and they could not sleep, so they had run out of things to talk about.
Yes, that must be it.
The excuse was perfect. Leon silently praised himself in his heart.
It was funny how similar they were in this way of fooling themselves.
They both loved to give themselves a 'perfect reason' and then feel good about it.
When would they ever share their real thoughts? Let the other person also praise and comment on them?
Leon sighed, trying to relax.
Rossweise looked at him. "Why are you sighing?"
"Huh? Oh, no reason. Just trying to relax and fall asleep faster."
"Mm."
Their hands were still held together under the blanket. But after staying in the same position for a long time, their fingers were starting to feel numb.
Leon tried to move his thumb. But this small, unintentional movement made it feel like he was gently stroking the back of Rossweise's hand.
The hand at Rossweise's side instinctively tightened on the edge of her skirt.
This guy, just hold hands. Do not start touching all over. You are a prisoner, and you dare to touch your captor.
Fine, then I will touch you too.
Rossweise also moved her fingers. Her warm, smooth fingertips brushed over an old scar on Leon's hand. It created a unique feeling.
There is a saying, 'the fingers are connected to the heart.' Especially in this intimate and ambiguous atmosphere, the feeling was even more special.
Even the smallest touch could pull at their heartstrings.
Tingling, itching.
They both wanted to, do something more.
Gulp.
Rossweise suddenly heard Leon swallow.
It seemed, at this moment, this guy was feeling the same way she was.
As the night got darker, people's hearts seemed to be covered by a veil.
They always wanted to use this time to do things they normally would not dare to do.
Once such thoughts appeared, they grew stronger, like dragon marks resonating.
Rossweise licked her slightly dry lips. She wanted to say something, but the words got stuck in her throat.
It was really strange. This thing called 'ambiguity' was like water. It seeped in everywhere, always slipping in when they least expected it.
At the same time, it was more captivating than any carefully planned flirting.
Leon and Rossweise had never lain together like this so consciously, still holding hands.
A raw, simple affection took root in their hearts and then grew wildly.
This had nothing to do with their usual 'enemy' relationship. In this moment, on this night, they were both lost in the ambiguity.
Thud.
The water bed made a low sound.
They both, without thinking, moved closer to each other.
The lace edge of Rossweise's thin nightgown gently brushed against Leon's hand. Under the nightgown was her soft body, giving off more and more warmth.
Suddenly, the same thought flashed in both their minds.
Just for tonight.
They both turned their heads to look at each other.
The moment their black and silver eyes met, no more words were needed.
Leon gently rose up. He still held Rossweise's hand tightly with one hand. His other hand moved over and wrapped around her fragrant shoulder.
The sexy nightgown slipped from her shoulder, showing half of her chest. It was a breathtaking sight.
She lowered her eyelashes slightly. Her gaze was hazy and captivating.
Even though this was behavior driven by the ambiguous atmosphere, Rossweise still tried to add her own style.
She lifted her long leg and gently rubbed it against Leon's calf.
Skin against skin, smooth and soft.
Then, she reached out her hand. She used her index finger to lightly lift Leon's chin. At the same time, her body slowly moved back.
Her gaze, her expression, seemed to say, 'Come on, devour me.'
Rossweise moved back to the very edge of the bed. There was no further back to go.
Leon leaned closer to her. Their noses touched. Their breath mixed.
Interestingly, even though they both knew what was going to happen next, their dragon marks did not react at all.
After all, dragon marks were just a kind of magic to add spice.
When both people had the purest appreciation and desire for each other, even without dragon marks, everything would happen naturally.
Under the cover of night, Rossweise was stunningly beautiful.
She closed her eyes, welcoming what was to come.
Leon did not hesitate either. He responded to Rossweise.
But just as their lips were about to touch, a small black object suddenly fell onto Rossweise's arm.
"Ah."
Before Leon could react, a silver head was buried in his chest.
She held onto Leon's shoulder tightly, her face hidden in his chest.
A tail.
The tail had been scared out again. It was wrapped tightly around Leon's waist.
Leon snapped out of the ambiguous mood. He patted Rossweise's head gently and picked up the spider, flicking it away.
Similarly, this spider felt, strange.
Leon frowned a little. "It is okay, it is okay, it is gone now."
But how could there be so many spiders in a guest room at the Red Dragon Temple?
He gently stroked the back of the beauty in his arms and looked up at the ceiling.
Sure enough, he found a clue.
A small, hinged mechanism was slowly closing.
It seemed the 'spider' had dropped from there.
As for who set up this tricky mechanism, Leon could easily guess.
So, what was the scheming big sister's goal?
Leon glanced at the spot where the first spider had fallen.
He compared the distance between the two spots and the width of the water bed.
After thinking for a moment, Leon could not help but give a bitter smile.
He understood.
The spider mechanism would only go off on the two far sides of the water bed. It would not activate if they were pressed together from the start.
It was only when Rossweise moved to the corner of the water bed, just before they were about to kiss, that she triggered the spider mechanism.
Well done, big sister.
You have planned everything for us so carefully.
After realizing this, the scared mother dragon in his arms stopped trembling.
Leon patted her shoulder. "Do you want to keep holding onto me like this?"
Even though she was a little embarrassed, the silver haired head nodded twice.
Now Rossweise did not feel like they were in some themed couple suite anymore.
It felt more like an 'adventure room,' with traps hidden everywhere.
In a situation like this, where was the safest place?
Well, it was in Leon's arms.
If anything happened, he would be the first one hit. She would not be in danger of getting close to the spiders.
Even though it was a little embarrassing, this was probably the only way to get through the night safely.
Also, if they had really kissed just now, Rossweise really did not know how it would have ended.
So, let us thank Mr. Spider.
For interrupting that reckless moment of intimacy.
Rossweise's body slowly relaxed. She nestled comfortably in Leon's arms, letting him hold her.
Her body was soft, completely different from the image of the Silver Dragon.
Plus, she was wearing a tight, sexy lace nightgown that showed a lot of her skin.
Being so close, held so tightly, made Leon's heart feel itchy.
Even though Rossweise was not trembling anymore, Leon could still feel her fear.
So, Leon comforted her patiently, just like he did with Muen. He stroked her head, patted her back, and said, "Do not be afraid, it is okay, I am here."
Rossweise wanted to say, 'Do not treat me like a child,' but the words would not come out.
She enjoyed this somewhat shy and awkward tenderness. Without thinking, she said, "Your, heartbeat is so fast."
"I am afraid of spiders too," Leon replied immediately.
"Just for tonight, Leon. I will not do this with you again. So after tonight, let us both pretend this never happened, okay?" Rossweise said.
"Okay."
In the end, the Silver Dragon Queen chose to 'pretend nothing happened.'
This was the first time she had broken her own rule.
And it was in front of a human.
Talking about it, would be so embarrassing.
After being scared twice, Rossweise was very tired. She was overcome with sleepiness and fell into a deep sleep in Leon's arms.
With her into sleep was the strong, steady sound of his heartbeat.
The next morning, when Rossweise opened her eyes, Leon was not next to her. The bed was cold, meaning he had been up for a while.
Rossweise sat up and rubbed her eyes. She thought that after last night, he must also be feeling a little confused.
If Rossweise had woken up first, she would have also chosen to go out for a walk first. Just like Leon did. When the other person came back, the subtle awkwardness between them would naturally fade.
Feeling a little more awake, Rossweise threw off the covers. She changed out of the embarrassing lace nightgown, put on her clothes, quickly washed up, and went to the door.
As soon as she stepped out, Rossweise went back inside. She looked straight ahead, only using the corner of her eye to see the person who had been waiting at the door for some time.
"Sis, are you here to spy on us so early in the morning?" Rossweise said, leaning against the door frame with her arms crossed.
"How was last night? Exciting?" Isha's eyes were shining.
Rossweise gave her sister a silent glare. "Exciting, very exciting."
If a few more spiders had come, Rossweise would have blown up her sister's home.
Hearing this, Isha's eyes got brighter. "Then did you use the little toys I prepared for you?"
Rossweise sighed. "Leon is afraid of pain, so we, did not use them."
"Well, that is a shame. How about I give you a few to take home? You can practice with them there," Isha suggested.
Rossweise quickly grabbed her sister's wrist. "Sis, about that, you do not need to trouble yourself. Let us go have breakfast."
Isha pursed her lips, then reached out and held her sister's hand. "Let us go, then."
The two sisters arrived at the dining room. Leon and the two little dragon girls were already there.
"Oh, Mom and Aunt are here. It is time for dinner." Muen jumped off Leon's lap, ran around the table, and went to her own seat across from him.
Everyone sat in the same seats as yesterday. Isha was at the head of the table. Leon and Rossweise were on one side. The two little ones sat across from them.
As Rossweise walked over, she accidentally met Leon's gaze. But their eyes only met for a second before they both quickly looked away.
After everyone sat down, breakfast began. The two little ones ate nicely. Isha did not eat much. After she finished, she just sat there with an aunt like smile on her face.
On Leon and Rossweise's side, they ate uncomfortably. Even though the breakfast was delicious, they somehow made it seem 'hard to swallow.'
Leon reached for a piece of bread and looked at the jar of peanut butter on the table. He wanted to get it. But at the same time, Rossweise also looked at the jar of peanut butter. The couple reached out their hands at almost the same time. It was too late to pull back.
The moment their fingertips touched, they both reacted as if they got an electric shock. What is more, the hands that touched were the same ones that held each other last night. Memories rushed into their minds. The couple's faces turned red instantly.
Isha saw the small movements of her sister and brother in law. She teased, "Feeling hot?"
"Huh?" Rossweise was a little flustered.
"Is the dining room too hot? Why are both your faces so red?" Isha rested her chin on her hand, squinting and smiling.
Rossweise and Leon both knew Isha was asking on purpose. But they could not say anything in front of the children. They could only nod and agree, "Uh, yes, it is quite hot."
"In that case, let us go back to the room and take a shower after we eat," Isha suggested.
Take a shower.
With what?
Would you use the bathtub filled with rose petals that cannot drain? Big sister, you are so funny, heh.
Finally, they managed to finish breakfast. After that, Isha took the family of four to walk around the Red Dragon Tribe.
Because Noah had to go back to the academy tomorrow, they planned to start going back in the afternoon.
The little dragon girls hugged Isha goodbye. Then, each of their faces got a lipstick mark from their aunt.
"Be safe on your way back," Isha said.
"Okay, we will come visit you again, sis."
Isha nodded. Then she gave a gift box to Rossweise. "Here is a goodbye gift for you. Open it when you get home."
"Okay, thank you, sis."
The two sisters hugged. While hugging, Isha leaned close to Rossweise's ear and whispered, "Have another baby for me to play with. Maybe I will let her inherit my Red Dragon Temple in the future."
Rossweise shyly pushed Isha away. "Sis, what are you talking about."
Isha laughed and reached out to pinch her sister's red cheek.
When it was Leon's turn, he politely shook hands with Isha instead of hugging her.
"Do not forget what you promised me," Isha looked into Leon's eyes. Her smile faded, and her expression became serious.
"Yeah, I will not."
"Alright, then I wish you a safe journey."
Rossweise walked to the front yard of the Red Dragon Temple. She spread her wings and turned into her dragon form. Leon held Noah and Muen and climbed onto her back.
Before taking off, Rossweise looked back at Isha.
Isha nodded. Rossweise nodded back. The silver dragon flapped her wings and flew into the sky.
Watching the distant silver figure, Isha let out a sigh. "Children are just too cute."
With a sigh, she turned and went back into the temple. She went up to the third floor. The maids were cleaning the sister's room where Muen and Noah stayed last night.
Isha walked to the innermost room, the 'romantic suite.' She wanted to see the result of her sister and brother in law's 'battle' last night.
But as soon as she opened the door, a small black dot fell on her nose. Isha was startled. When she looked closely, she saw it was a rubber spider toy.
She pinched the small toy and laughed helplessly. Rossweise was very afraid of such things, so she would not have set up this prank. That only left Leon.
"Young man, so protective of his wife," Isha laughed. She closed the door to the room.