Chapter 275: Did Nothing Wrong
Raegar ordered the food and watched the server rush off just as Dominique spoke first. ’’So why did you choose me? Out of everyone, I thought it would’ve been Dahlia or Za.’’
’’Because I feel like I’ve neglected you,’’ he admitted.
A guilty expression appeared on his face as the young woman reached over and grabbed his hand. ’’I understand why we haven’t done it yet and don’t hold it against you, Rae.’’
’’Really? I mean, everyone else had their turn, but not you.’’
’’Don’t worry about it, handsome,’’ Dominique waved him away, a bright smile crossing her pretty face. ’’Just make it up to me.’’
Raegar nodded, relieved. ’’I will and promise not to keep doing it.’’
Following that, the couple started talking about everything from school to becoming entangled with the empress. She was still shocked by the whole situation as he shrugged. ’’Our Aethers resonate, and she seems to be interested in me, unlike some of the other girls will be when we return to Drakenwood.’’
’’I agree,’’ she answered, looking at him, grinning. ’’Now the scars are gone, you’re extremely handsome. I mean, you were before, but now it’s obvious, and I noticed other women looking at you.’’
Raegar was confused, but the Vampress pointed at the people around them, following her finger, and noticed several young and older ladies were staring at him. He felt his cheeks go red, making Dominique giggle. ’’See, wait until the other students see you. Especially after Dahlia announces your engagement.’’
’’Oh god,’’ he muttered. ’’It’s going to get bad, right?’’
’’Yes, handsome,’’ she laughed even more. ’’They will be flocking to you, especially with the Vaelthorne white hair and those gorgeous blue eyes.’’
He got even more embarrassed, making Dominique’s smile grow wide as she got up and slowly approached him. She cupped his cheeks, pressing her soft lips against his, surprising him. The two continued kissing before the young woman leaned back, a bright smile crossing her face. ’’I’ll be there to chase them away, you’re mine after all.’’
’’Thank you, Domi,’’ he replied as she sat back down.
The server approached their table once more, this time balancing a tray packed with steaming dishes that filled the air with irresistible aromas. Raegar and Dominique exchanged smiles as their meals were set in front of them. They wasted no time, savoring each bite while chatting, weaving through topics as varied as the spices on their plates.
Laughter punctuated their words as they enjoyed chatting, with the young woman opening up to him. Nearly an hour slipped by, the plates now cleared and their bellies full. He leaned back, stretching slightly, rising to his feet. ’’I’ll settle the bill," he said, his voice warm but resolute. ’’You get ready to head out.’’
The Vampress nodded her head in agreement, her green eyes glinting. Noticing the chill that had settled over the city, she reached for her cloak, its fabric draping over her shoulders. She fastened it to shield her from the biting cold that seemed to have crept into the air without warning.
Raegar approached the counter and put two gold coins on there, and the duo left the Golden Goose to take a walk through the city. Dominique grabbed his arm, getting close thanks to the wind blowing through the street. They continued talking as he told her more about his childhood, which fascinated the Vampress.
’’Didn’t you get tired of going to all those parties?’’ She questioned.
The couple dodged a cart full of barrels as he answered. ’’Mother wanted me to get used to crowds and nobles. She believed it would help me when I was older, which I admit it has, especially when I met you girls.’’
Raegar went on to explain everything, and when Dominique heard this, her eyes widened. Realizing that his mother had helped him so much that it put a big smile on her face as she replied. ’’Victoria is a wonderful woman; she truly cares for you, Rae.’’
Following that, the couple continued walking as he went on to tell her about his training with Rodric and his father. The Vampress was impressed by his age of him starting and asked so many questions that his head was going to explode. Soon enough, they reached the main square and saw a stand selling ice cream.
’’Do you want some Domi?’’ He offered.
Dominique turned to it and beamed. ’’Yes, please!’’
Raegar guided the Vampress through the bustling city streets, weaving toward a dessert stall where a small crowd had gathered. They joined the line behind a cluster of chattering families, the air sweet with the scent of sugar. To their surprise, the stall owner worked fast, doling out treats so no one was waiting too long.
Within five minutes, the couple stepped away, each cradling a chilled ice cream in their hands. The young woman, her eyes sparkling, gently tugged his arm, steering him toward a nearby park. They settled onto a weathered wooden bench beneath the shade of an oak, its leaves whispering in the cool evening breeze.
He picked a vanilla ice cream, while Dominique savored her vibrant strawberry scoop, its rosy hue catching the fading light. As they ate, their gazes wandered to the stream of families passing by, children chasing one another, laughing, couples strolling hand in hand, and vendors hawking their wares with animated calls.
Raegar and the Vampress shared their treats in silence at first, the gentle rustle of park leaves filling the air. As they started chatting naturally, each bite of their sweets enhanced the warmth of the moment. He found himself captivated, realizing she was far from the gloomy figure the other students imagined; her spirit shone through.
When he asked about her childhood, Dominique’s expression faltered, a brief frown appearing. She shook it off and opened up, revealing how her siblings had shunned her for the Death Aether she wielded, and how her father’s neglect had stung. Yet, her resilience was evident, her strength quietly radiant despite the pain.
’’I understand,’’ he revealed once she finished speaking. ’’In my past life, my parents were the same, shunned me for the twins who are my younger siblings, and did nothing wrong.’’
Raegar watched a young family walk past, eating ice cream as a little boy and girl ran around them. He sighed, continuing. ’’My old parents would always pick them over me or forget about my birthdays while planning lavish parties for the twins. Don’t get me wrong, my siblings tried to involve me, but by then I wasn’t bothered anymore.’’
’’Did you stop caring in the end?’’ Dominique questioned.
’’Yes, there was no point in holding grudges or hating the twins over it,’’ he admitted. ’’I just moved on, read my books, and lived my life until the accident sent my siblings to the hospital and me here.’’
Raegar looked at the Vampress and concluded, a small smile crossing his face. ’’But I’m happy that all happened otherwise I wouldn’t have been brought here, born into the Blackwood Family, where I have loving parents, and finally, meeting you girls makes me feel full.’’
Dominique’s large green eyes widened at Raegar’s words. Before he could process, she leaned in, kissing him passionately, her body pressed close as she deepened the kiss, surprising him. Pulling back, she grinned. ’’Sorry, I had to stop those dark thoughts before they took hold.’’
’’Huh?’’ Raegar blinked, still reeling, his mind teetering on the edge of a spiral.
’’I can sense when your emotions are about to unravel, just like the other girls, especially Yuki,’’ she said with a playful smile.
Afterward, the two sat together, enjoying their time in the park. Raegar felt a rare peace settle over him, savoring the moment. They sat in silence until Dominique turned to him, smiling. ’’Do you want to continue our walk? I’m enjoying the views of the capital.’’
’’Let’s go,’’ he replied, taking her hand and walking toward the entrance.
The Vampress looked at him and curiously asked. ’’When are we going back to the palace?’’
’’We’re not,’’ came Raegar’s answer.
This put a smile on the young woman’s face as she continued her line of questioning. ’’Where will we sleep?’’
’’In a bed?’’
’’Where, though?’’
’’Over there,’’ Raegar replied, pointing at a hotel that sat in the center of the massive city. ’’Dahlia reserved the best room for us and we’ll enjoy our night.’’
Dominique’s face lit up with a bright smile, and the pair continued their stroll through the bustling streets, where the crowd seemed to swell. The late afternoon sun cast a golden glow over the cobblestones, reflecting off shop windows and illuminating the faces of passersby.
Street vendors called out, their voices mingling with the hum of conversation and the occasional strum of a busker’s guitar. The air carried the warm scent of fresh-baked bread from a nearby bakery, blending with the faint tang of roasted chestnuts from a cart that smelled delicious.
’This place is amazing,’ he thought, taking in the sights.