Chapter 348: The Queen Who Became His Comfort
Fortunately, Edmund didn’t do anything reckless just because she had rested her head on Salem’s shoulder for barely ten minutes.
Well, it wasn’t as if she would ever do that with any man, only with someone she trusted completely and who, most likely, didn’t even see women in a romantic way.
"Husband, I didn’t expect you to finish your work this quickly." Primrose walked toward her husband after parting ways with Salem. He was still standing behind the pillar, not even trying very hard to hide his tall frame from others. "Or ... were you spying on me?"
He had already been watching her through the ring, but apparently that wasn’t enough now that he knew she carried their child.
"It’s not like that." Edmund turned his gaze aside, lowering his head, looking very much like a guilty dog caught red-handed. "I ... saw you walking in the front garden and worried you might catch a cold."
Primrose sighed, her lips curving into a faint smile. "I’m not that fragile, husband." She slipped her hand into his and guided him back toward his chamber. "I won’t catch a cold just because I walked outside for a little while."
In truth, she suspected the real reason he had rushed to her side was because of Salem’s reckless mouth, using her as an example of inviting him to bed, which was absolute nonsense.
Sometimes, she really couldn’t tell how far Edmund’s jealousy would go. He rarely showed it, yet at the same time, it was always there, simmering under the surface.
He had never stopped her from speaking to other men, especially those she considered friends. That was a relief, because if he became too possessive, it would feel like living in a cage.
Yet, at the same time, she knew he was perfectly capable of doing something ruthless to anyone who ever crossed the line.
So Primrose concluded that as long as the men around her didn’t make her feel uncomfortable, Edmund would hold himself back.
That was actually rather sweet, because in a way, it showed how much her husband trusted her, enough that he didn’t even think of shooing away every man who came near her.
"Do you want to sleep in my room tonight?" Edmund asked softly once he realized they were heading toward his chamber instead of hers.
"Mhm." Primrose nodded quickly, her tone light. "I know you still have plenty of work to do. So I thought ... maybe it’s better if I wait for you in your room."
Besides, in his room, she could breathe in his comforting scent, his pheromone, more fully.
Edmund paused as they reached his door, his hand still clasped with hers. "Do ... you want me to work in the bedroom?" he asked, a little uncertain. "I can do that."
Primrose’s face brightened the moment she heard his words. Her steps quickened, tugging him gently by the hand. "Really? You’ll work in the bedroom?" she asked, her voice carrying a trace of excitement she didn’t bother to hide.
Edmund glanced at her, the corners of his lips curving upward. "If that makes you happy, then yes."
"It does," she admitted softly. "That way, even if you’re busy, I’ll still be close to you."
Her simple words struck deeper than she realized, and Edmund’s heart gave a heavy thump. He squeezed her hand a little tighter, silently vowing that no matter how much work awaited him, she would always come first.
After that, Primrose asked Marielle to help her change into her nightgown while Edmund went to his office to gather the work he hadn’t finished yet.
When he returned to his bedroom, he set the stack of documents on the desk before settling onto the couch. To his surprise, Primrose didn’t go to the bed as he expected. Instead, she walked straight toward him.
Without a word, and without asking for permission, she gently sat on his lap, as if it were the most natural place for her to be.
Edmund froze for a heartbeat, his hands hovering uncertainly before instinct took over. He wrapped his arms around her waist. "Wife," he murmured. "You should be resting in bed."
Primrose shook her head, leaning into his chest. "But this place is more comfortable, and I can also see your work."
She didn’t know what was happening to her, only that both her mind and body longed to stay close to Edmund.
Maybe it had something to do with her pregnancy, or maybe she had simply become too spoiled to the point that she couldn’t bear to be too far from her husband.
Part of her thought it might be a bad habit. If she kept clinging to him like this, how could he possibly focus on his work? But ... Edmund didn’t seem to see it as a problem at all.
If anything, he actually looked delighted whenever she wanted to be with him all the time.
Edmund didn’t complain when he had to work with his wife sitting on his lap. He had once thought that he wouldn’t be able to concentrate on his work with her close by. Now, however, her warmth gave him the energy he needed to finish everything in front of him.
Whenever he felt the smallest trace of stress, he would pull her close, bury his face against her hair, and press a gentle kiss to her cheek.
For some reason, Primrose felt like her husband was treating her as his little source of comfort, almost like a soft rabbit doll he refused to let go of.
"Sir Dorne taught me how to organize the inventory reports for winter today, husband," Primrose said suddenly, her voice light but a little hesitant. "I know my pregnancy came so suddenly, but ... I hope you won’t forbid me from doing my work."
Edmund immediately stopped what he was doing and turned to her, his eyes filled with concern. "I can handle it for you," he said gently. "I’ve heard that a first pregnancy isn’t easy for a woman, so I don’t think letting you take on too much work would be good for you, my wife."
He didn’t say it in a way that made her feel belittled. Instead, his words carried only warmth and tenderness, the kind that could only come from someone who loved her deeply.
"It’s not like I have to run around the field for ten laps or leave the palace," Primrose chuckled. "I think I can still manage the reports. Besides, if you do everything, then the chances of us seeing each other will grow fewer. That sounds scarier than working."
Before Edmund could reply, she quickly added, wanting to ease the worry in his eyes. "But! If the doctor tells me to rest, I promise I’ll listen." She clutched the fabric of his shirt and looked up at him with a reassuring smile. "Don’t worry, I’m not that stubborn. If I feel I can’t handle it, I’ll tell you right away."
Edmund’s stern expression softened, though the worry in his eyes didn’t completely fade. He reached up to brush a strand of hair from her face, his fingers lingering against her cheek.
"You promise?" Edmund asked after a moment.
Primrose smiled and lifted her pinky finger toward him. "I promise."
For a second, he just stared at her, then a soft chuckle escaped his lips. Carefully, he hooked his pinky around hers, sealing the promise like children might.
"You really know how to make me give in, wife," he murmured, pressing a kiss to their linked fingers before pulling her closer against his chest.
Primrose murmured, "Didn’t you also hear what Sir Vesper said earlier? He told me that I’m stronger than I think. Maybe ... I’m more special than an ordinary human."
Edmund caressed her head softly, his fingers threading through her hair. "You’re indeed special," he said.
Primrose’s lips curved into a small smile, her chest warming at his words. She leaned deeper into his embrace, feeling the steady beat of his heart against her ear.
Without realizing it, she had drifted off to sleep in his arms while her husband quietly worked through his papers. When she finally opened her eyes again, she found herself lying in bed, the morning sunlight spilling gently through the curtains.
As always, Edmund was no longer beside her. But only moments later, she caught sight of him at the doorway, his tall figure framed by the light. He was speaking to someone outside in a calm voice.
"Please wait a moment, Dr. Celdric," he said. "I’ll wake my wife first."
Primrose immediately pushed herself upright on the bed. "Is that the doctor who’s here to examine me?" Her voice was soft, still heavy with sleep, as she rubbed at her eyes before turning them toward her husband.
Edmund blinked in surprise, clearly not expecting her to be awake yet. Then he gave a small nod. "Yes, Dr. Celdric has arrived. Do you need a little time before he comes in to see you?"
Primrose shook her head quickly. "No ... let him in. I’d rather he examine me now."
She wasn’t sure she could stand waiting any longer. Her heart was already restless, desperate to hear the beast doctor’s opinion about her pregnancy.