Duty-Bound: Chapter 28
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He was deeply satisfied when he saw her flushed face as her eyes glazed over after the kiss. While holding her small frame, he pressed his lips on her slightly hot brow and whispered into her ears, "You have to return, Mikan."
The word 'return' brought her back from her dazed state. After blinking a few times, she tried to smooth her kimono that was askew by his handiwork. As she finished, he took her warm hand and gave a light squeeze. With a low voice, he breathed out, "Promise me that you won't let go of this hand."
He was not one that would take back what was said and neither she, but he needed a promise that they would be together and go through what would come between them in the future. She was the most important person in his life. Without her, he would lose his purpose to live.
She kept her gaze aligned with his as she repeated his words, "Promise me that you won't let go of this hand."
They gazed into each other's eyes for several moments.
Leaning down to her, he pressed his forehead against hers and closed his eyes. As if their minds were connected to each other, she replied along with him, "I promise."
After giving her a chaste kiss, he hid his face again and watched her go back to the hall. Ten years ago, he couldn't go with her, for her Lady Mother had personally asked him to remain in this land. Before he could refuse, his father had talked to him about her future with him. His father believed Lady Yuka had disowned her for a reason, and one day, she would be back. His father was right, so this time he would definitely not let her go.