QT: I hijacked a harem system and now I'm ruining every plot(GL)-Chapter 256: Heartbeat

Chapter 256

Nima

It’s the end of the year vacation and somehow, Daphne dragged me all the way out to her territory.

The eastern part of the kingdom feels like another world. The air here is colder, thicker and the architecture itself feels alive—carved obsidian and dark steel that hums faintly when you walk past it. Home of the Panthers. Home of the Nyxclaw.

The only comfort is that Poppy is here too. She came with Isaac, who’s apparently getting serious about her. Engagement serious.

I was worried at first—worried she’d be mistreated, her being a Longear and all—but the opposite happened. His family welcomed her warmly. You can see how much he loves her, how proud he is to show her off. It makes my chest ache, but not in a bad way.

I’m happy for her.

The servant leading me down the long corridor stops before an enormous set of carved doors. I can feel the hum of power behind them.

"The Duchess will see you now," she says, bowing.

Right. The Duchess.

Sometimes I forget that side of her exists. When it’s just the two of us, she’s all sarcasm, teasing, and stolen kisses. But here, this is her kingdom, her throne.

The doors open, and I step inside.

The hall is vast, light by elegant lamps, shadows clinging to the edges like living things. The walls are tall, the pillars impossibly high. It feels sacred in a way. Heavy. Intimidating.

And there she is.

Seated on a throne of dark crystal and steel, black velvet draped around her shoulders, her hair gleaming like onyx under the dim light.

For a moment, I forget to breathe.

That’s my lover. That’s Daphne Nyxclaw.

And she looks every bit like someone who could rule a kingdom.

***

Daphne

This is torture.

Every noble in this damned region decided that today was the day to dump their complaints, scrolls, and stupid ceremonial gifts at my feet.

Normally I’d have snapped halfway through—but my bunny’s watching.

I can feel her eyes on me from the side of the room, and it’s the only reason I’m pretending to be responsible and collected.

Two hours later, I’ve had enough.

"Dismissed," I say, voice cold and final. The crowd scatters.

Finally.

I turn to her, motioning for her to come closer. The moment she reaches me, I pull her down onto my lap.

"I’m sorry, it took longer than expected," I murmur against her cheek before I can stop myself—and then, yeah, I lick her.

Am I turning into an animal? I swear I lick her more and more, maybe even more than I kiss her.

She laughs softly. "It’s okay. I liked seeing you work."

"Did you fall in love with me again?" I tease, grazing her neck with my fangs.

"Maybe like," she says, smiling.

I chuckle. "I’ll take it."

***

Nima

Her arms tighten around my waist, and I melt against her chest. She smells like smoke and citrus, like home and danger mixed together.

"So," she asks, voice lazy, "how are you liking this place?"

"It’s... what I expected," I say slowly.

"That’s not an answer."

"It’s good," I rush to add, and she laughs softly.

"Just a little dull and dark," I admit.

"I give you free rein to change whatever you like."

"Oh my heavens, no. I couldn’t. This place has looked like this for generations!"

She tilts her head. "I’m telling you it’s fine."

"Maybe the garden," I say finally.

Her brow arches. "Ah, the garden?"

"It’s desolate," I tell her.

She frowns, genuinely puzzled. "Is it?"

I stare at her in disbelief. "Of course you haven’t noticed."

She grins, clearly amused, and I can’t help but laugh.

"Think you could live here the rest of your life?" she asks.

"Is this a proposal?" I tease.

"Maybe."

"Then maybe yes," I whisper.

She studies me for a long moment, the humor in her eyes softening into something deep and almost fragile.

"Fine," she says at last, her voice low and sure. "Nima Longear, will you spend the rest of your life with me?"

I smirk. "It’s not like you’d let me spend it anywhere else."

Her tone drops. "Nima."

I soften. "Yes," I say quietly.

Her breath catches. She leans forward and presses a kiss to my lips—gentle at first, reverent. Then another.

Then one more, lingering and slow.

She takes my hand, turning it over, and presses a kiss to my palm.

"Thank you," she whispers against my skin.

I smile, touching her cheek. "You’re not allowed to get bored of me."

"Impossible."

"But as what?" I ask softly. "We can’t get married."

Her expression darkens slightly—not with anger, but with determination.

"You don’t deserve to stay as something undefined," she says. "You’ll be my legal consort."

"Okay," I whisper, I don’t know how she’ll do it but I believe she will.

Her eyes soften again, and she leans in, placing another kiss against my jaw.

"So we’re engaged now," she murmurs.

"Hmm," I hum, leaning into her touch.

Her hands find mine again, her thumb tracing circles against my skin. There’s warmth in it—a promise without ceremony.

***

Daphne

I can’t stop looking at her. Every breath she takes, every time her lashes flutter—she draws me in further.

This girl. My bunny.

I reach up and cup her face, my thumb brushing her bottom lip.

She looks at me like I hung the stars. And it’s terrifying.

And exhilarating.

"You have no idea," I murmur, "how much I love you."

She smiles, faint and soft. "I might have an idea."

I laugh quietly, but the sound dies as our lips meet again.

It’s a slow kiss this time. No teasing. No pretense. Just the taste of something inevitable.

Her hand curls around the back of my neck, her fingers threading through my hair.

I pull her closer until there’s no space left between us, until her heartbeat drums steady against my chest. Closing my eyes, I listen to the stable beat of her heart, my home.