I won't fall for the queen who burned my world-Chapter 156: Today’s our last day here

Morning came quietly.

The first rays of sunlight crept through the mist-veiled forest that surrounded the secluded mountain cabin, painting faint gold across the wooden floorboards.

The air was still cool, touched by the night’s lingering chill, but inside the cabin, warmth settled—a kind of peaceful warmth, thick with the scent of old timber, fading embers from the hearth, and something far softer, more intangible.

Malvoria was already awake.

She lay there in silence for a moment, one arm folded behind her head, eyes trained on the wooden ceiling beams above, though her thoughts were miles away.

Next to her, Elysia was still asleep, her breathing steady and soft, her silver hair tumbling in a wild mess over the pillows. One arm had found its way across Malvoria’s waist again something that was becoming oddly frequent these days.

It was the kind of embrace that clung even in sleep, the kind that whispered without words: Don’t go yet.

Malvoria didn’t move. She just watched her for a little longer, listening to the muffled rhythm of Elysia’s heartbeat, steady against her side. But eventually, she slipped away gently, careful not to wake her and padded silently across the wooden floor toward the bathing chamber.

The water was cool at first, rising around her ankles, then her waist, until she sank into the smooth stone tub with a soft exhale. The mist swirled up from the surface, curling around her shoulders. She leaned her head back against the rim and closed her eyes.

Today would be their last day here.

The thought irritated her more than she expected.

They’d visited everything too quickly. Not that Malvoria had anticipated Elysia to enjoy hiking or caves or secret lakes. But she had.

Every place they visited, Elysia had lit up with curiosity, touching everything, asking questions, marveling at the world around her like she hadn’t been raised in a palace full of luxury and art.

Now, only one place remained on Malvoria’s list: the magical tree at the heart of the mountain an ancient relic from before even demonkind had names. She’d saved it for last.

Partly because it was the most meaningful.

Partly because she wasn’t ready to leave this place with Elysia just yet.

After her bath, she dressed simply comfortable black pants, a sleeveless gray tunic, and a light cloak thrown over her shoulders. Then she headed to the kitchen, rolling up her sleeves.

This morning, she would cook something sweeter.

She reached for the flour, measuring the ingredients with precise movements, cracking eggs into a ceramic bowl and whisking with quick, efficient strokes. The scent of vanilla, butter, and warm sugar began to fill the air as the first pancakes sizzled on the pan.

As she worked, her mind wandered—to Elysia, as usual.

The lake yesterday had changed something. Not in a loud, dramatic way, but in the quiet, subtle shift of glances that lingered too long and smiles that threatened to be real.

She could still see the way Elysia had looked at her when she laughed.

She wasn’t stupid. She knew that look. That mixture of awe and something far more dangerous. Desire, maybe. Attraction, at the very least.

Or maybe it was just the water. Or her shirt being off. Or Elysia just being... easily distracted.

Still, Malvoria hadn’t missed the way Elysia’s eyes had moved—slow, hesitant, lingering on her shoulders, her chest, her scars like they were something to be studied. Admired.

She smirked, flipping the pancake with a sharp flick of her wrist.

It might’ve been lust.

But it didn’t feel like just lust. Not anymore.

She poured the orange juice into two glasses and began plating the pancakes—stacked with care, topped with a drizzle of honey she’d found in the cabin’s stores.

By the time she finished setting the table, the cabin door creaked open behind her.

Elysia appeared, blinking sleepily, hair a wild silver mess around her face, wearing one of the long shirts she’d brought for sleeping—far too soft and casual for a former princess, yet somehow perfect on her.

She rubbed her eyes, muttering something under her breath about mornings being cruel punishments.

Malvoria smiled.

"Breakfast is ready," she said, turning toward her with an arched brow. "Come eat."

Elysia blinked at the table, then at her, then back at the table. "You made pancakes?"

"I’m full of surprises," Malvoria replied smoothly.

Elysia shuffled toward the table and sat with a yawn. "Smells like magic."

"It’s just honey."

"No. It’s black magic."

Malvoria’s lips twitched.

There wasn’t much silence after that. Elysia, once the first bite touched her tongue, let out an unintentionally pleased hum that made Malvoria raise an eyebrow.

Elysia froze.

"I didn’t make that sound."

"You did."

"Shut up and pass the juice."

They ate, the warmth of the pancakes spreading into something else—something oddly domestic. And when they reached the bottom of their plates, Elysia leaned back, eyes half-lidded in sleepy satisfaction.

Malvoria sipped her juice.

"Today’s our last day here," she said quietly.

Elysia’s head snapped up. "Already?"

"You sound disappointed."

"Well... I mean... kind of? I didn’t think I’d enjoy this much time with you," she said with a shrug, then paused. "Wait, no. I didn’t mean it like that—"

Malvoria raised an eyebrow. "So, you do want to stay longer?"

"I—well—not if you’re going to twist my words!"

"I’m just trying to understand you, wife."

Elysia scowled. "Don’t ’wife’ me with that smug tone."

"I have no other tone."

"That’s the problem!"

Malvoria smirked, resting her chin in her hand. "So you admit it you enjoy spending time with me."

Elysia made a strangled noise and shoved the last bite of pancake in her mouth.

Malvoria’s smile deepened. "I’ll take that as a yes."

When they finished, both of them got up to clear the plates, moving around each other in the small kitchen with a strange kind of rhythm that felt too easy.

Too comfortable.

Once they were done, Malvoria crossed her arms, facing Elysia.

"Go get dressed."

Elysia tilted her head. "Where are we going?"

Malvoria allowed a slow smile to form. "The last place on our journey."

Elysia narrowed her eyes. "Mysterious."

"You’ll like it."

"You said that about the cave and then I got lost ."

Malvoria shrugged. "That was your fault you are a distaction."

"You’re lucky I didn’t trip and crack my skull on one of those glowing crystals."

"You’re lucky I didn’t push you."

Elysia snorted and turned toward the bedroom. "Fine, fine. But if this ends in me falling off a cliff again, I’m blaming you."

"I’ll catch you."

The words left her mouth before she could think. And when Elysia paused just for a second, her back half-turned it felt like something heavy passed between them again.

Then Elysia smiled faintly and disappeared into the room.

Malvoria stood there for a moment, her arms folded over her chest, her lips still curved upward. frёewebnoѵēl.com

She had one day left to show Elysia everything she couldn’t quite say.

She just hoped it would be enough.