The Eccentric Entomologist is Now a Queen's Consort

Chapter 178 Lira's Concern

Mikhailis blinked as the morning sunlight filtered into the room, painting everything in a gentle gold. He felt the soft weight of his glasses on his nose, the familiar voice of Rodion still echoing in his mind. He had just returned from an intense and thrilling experiment, one where he had transferred his consciousness into the Skullborne Ravager. But all of that felt far away now, like a dream fading in the face of reality. His gaze shifted, and he noticed Lira, still beside his bed, her head resting on her folded arms on the mattress.

Suddenly, her eyelids fluttered open, revealing her strikingly clear eyes, and she blinked as if trying to focus. Her gaze immediately fell on Mikhailis, and within a second, a mix of surprise and relief washed over her face. She quickly sat up, her mouth slightly agape as she stared at him.

"Your Highness!" she exclaimed, her voice trembling slightly.

Before Mikhailis could react, Lira threw her arms around him, her body pressing against his. Her embrace was tight, almost as if she feared he might disappear if she let go. Mikhailis could feel her trembling, her heartbeat pounding against his chest. He blinked, slightly taken aback, but then let a soft smile curl onto his lips as he slowly wrapped his arms around her.

"I was so worried," she whispered, her voice breaking.

"We were all so worried. I thought... I thought I lost you."

Mikhailis felt her fingers clutching the back of his robe, her body shaking as she held onto him. He didn't know how long he had been out, but it was long enough to make her feel like this. He gently patted her back, his eyes softening.

"Hey, hey... I'm alright, Lira," he said softly, his voice almost a whisper.

"I'm here now. See? Nothing to worry about."

Lira pulled back just enough to look at him, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. Her lips quivered, and she swallowed hard, trying to hold back her emotions.

"Do you have any idea how scared I was? I... I found you lying on the floor, and no matter what I did, you wouldn't wake up. It was like..." Her voice caught in her throat, and she shook her head, her grip tightening.

"I'm sorry," Mikhailis whispered, his gaze locking onto hers. He could see the worry and the pain in her eyes—and beneath that, a deep sense of care. A care that she tried to hide beneath her sarcasm and composed demeanor, but one that shone brightly now.

Lira sniffled, her eyes searching his face. She took a deep breath, calming herself before speaking again.

"I wasn't the only one worried. The entire palace was in a frenzy, Your Highness. And..." She hesitated, her brows furrowing as her voice took on a more serious tone.

Mikhailis arched an eyebrow, curiosity flickering in his gaze.

"And?"

She sighed, her shoulders slumping slightly.

"There have been rumors, Your Highness. Nasty ones. Some of the nobles, even some servants... They're saying that you were pretending to be ill to get Her Majesty's attention."

Mikhailis's eyes widened slightly before a chuckle escaped his lips. He leaned back against the pillows, his gaze playful.

"Oh, really? I never thought I'd be the kind of guy who fakes an illness just to impress the queen."

Lira's eyes narrowed, her lips pressing into a thin line.

"This isn't funny, Your Highness. These rumors... they're harmful. They're saying you're just seeking her attention because you're jealous of her duties. That you're an irresponsible prince consort." Her voice trembled with frustration.

Mikhailis sighed, his playful demeanor fading as he looked at her.

"I'm sorry, Lira. I didn't mean to make light of it. I know these kinds of things can be... complicated." He reached up, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.

"But, I promise, everything will be alright. I'll handle it, in my own way."

Lira nodded slowly, her eyes downcast, her voice softening.

"Also, there's more... The Queen, Earl Vaelis, Lady Serelith, and Lady Vyrelda left the palace last night. They went north to subjugate the Goblin Apostle. They haven't returned yet."

Mikhailis's heart skipped a beat, though he kept his expression calm. Of course, he knew that already. He'd seen everything that had happened, been a part of it—albeit as a goblin. Still, it was strange hearing it from Lira, like a reflection of his secret life.

"They haven't returned?" he repeated, his voice steady, his eyes watching Lira carefully.

She nodded, her gaze still on the floor.

"Yes, but don't worry, Your Highness. They will return victorious. Her Majesty is strong, and she has powerful allies by her side. I'm sure they'll come back soon." She smiled, trying to reassure him, though her eyes held a hint of worry.

Mikhailis smiled, a soft chuckle escaping his lips as he reached up, stroking her head gently.

"You're right, Lira. I believe in Elowen. She's strong—stronger than anyone I know."

Lira looked up at him, her eyes widening slightly as she felt his gentle touch. Her lips parted, and for a moment, she simply stared at him, her emotions swirling beneath the surface. Then, she blinked, and her eyes filled with tears once more. She let out a soft sob, her shoulders trembling as she hugged him again, burying her face in his chest.

"Feed me?"

Lira nodded, her expression determined.

"Yes. You're still recovering, and I won't take no for an answer." She picked up a spoon, scooping up a bite of one of the dishes and holding it out to him.

Mikhailis chuckled, leaning forward and taking the bite. The flavors exploded in his mouth—rich, savory, with a hint of spice. He closed his eyes, letting out a contented sigh.

"It's delicious!" he said, his voice muffled by the food.

"Really. You're spoiling me."

Lira's lips curved into a smile, her eyes softening as she watched him.

"You deserve it, Your Highness. Even though your duty is emotional support, you deserve this treatment as a prince consort,"

Mikhailis chuckled.

"Thank you for that, my beautiful maid,"

Lira's cheeks flushed, and she looked away, her lips pressing into a thin line. She picked up a cup of milk, holding it up to Mikhailis.

"Here, drink this," she said, her voice slightly shaky.

Mikhailis reached out to take the cup, but Lira pulled it away, her eyes locking onto his. She brought the cup to her lips, taking a sip, and then leaned forward, her face inches from his. Mikhailis blinked, his heart pounding in his chest.

"Lira?" he whispered, his voice barely audible.

Lira didn't say anything. She leaned closer, her lips pressing against his, the taste of milk sweet on her tongue as she passed it to him. Mikhailis's eyes widened, his breath catching in his throat. But he didn't pull away. Instead, he closed his eyes, his hand moving to cup the back of her head, pulling her closer.

The kiss deepened, the world around them fading away. The tray of food, the soft morning light—everything seemed to disappear, leaving only the warmth of Lira's body against his, the taste of her lips. Mikhailis could feel her trembling, her fingers clutching his robe, and he pulled her closer, his heart pounding in his chest.

And then—

A knock on the door.

Lira jolted, pulling away from Mikhailis, her face flushed, her breathing heavy. She stood, smoothing her dress, her eyes wide.

"W-Who is it?" she called, her voice shaky.

The door opened, and one of the maids peeked in, her eyes widening slightly as she looked at Lira.

"The Queen and the others have returned, Miss Lira. They're in the main hall."

Lira nodded, her body tense, her lips pressing into a thin line.

"Thank you. I'll be there shortly."

The maid nodded, closing the door behind her. Lira let out a breath, her shoulders relaxing. She turned to Mikhailis, a small, strained smile on her lips.

"It seems... our breakfast will have to wait, Your Highness." Discover stories with empire

Mikhailis nodded, a soft smile on his lips. He could swear he saw Lira's lips twitch in irritation, her eyes narrowing slightly as she looked at the door. He chuckled, reaching out to take her hand.

"It's alright, Lira. We'll have plenty of time for breakfast later."

Lira sighed, her body relaxing as she looked at him. She nodded, her lips curving into a soft smile.

"Yes, Your Highness." She turned to leave, her hand resting on the door handle. She paused.

Then Mikhailis realize there is another figure there. The figure that he recognize very well.

His wife.

Elowen.

"I'm glad you're awake and fine,"