I won't fall for the queen who burned my world-Chapter 260: What to wear?

Elysia nudged the door open with her foot and stepped into the guest room once again, Kaelith still nestled securely in her arms.

The moment the door clicked shut behind them, Kaelith let out a proud little hum and flopped her head against Elysia’s chest, utterly satisfied.

"You really think you won, don’t you?" Elysia murmured, kissing the soft silver-and-red curls atop her daughter’s head.

"Manipulated your way into being held the entire time. You’re going to be a nightmare in strategy meetings one day."

Kaelith made a contented, babbling sound and drooled on Elysia’s collarbone.

Elysia smiled despite herself and walked toward the divan near the windows.

The light here was soft and cool, filtered through frost-patterned glass and sheer indigo curtains. The kind of morning light that made everything look a little more serene.

She sat down carefully, keeping Kaelith cradled in her arms, and rocked gently while her daughter blinked around at the unfamiliar room like she might one day rule it.

"Look at you," Elysia whispered. "Little tyrant. You already command armies with your shriek."

Kaelith stretched her arms overhead, her fingers curling into the edge of Elysia’s robe, as if claiming ownership.

"I don’t even know what kind of queen you’ll be," Elysia murmured, "but I hope it’s one with a soft heart. And a sharp spine."

Kaelith squeaked and blinked up at her with eyes too large, too knowing for someone not even three months old.

Elysia rocked them slowly, humming under her breath. "You scare me a little," she confessed, brushing a lock of hair from Kaelith’s forehead.

"Not because of your power. But because I love you too much. I keep wondering how to protect you... when I don’t even know what dangers are coming."

The baby burbled.

Elysia chuckled. "And you think I’m being dramatic. That’s fair."

After another minute of quiet rocking, Kaelith began to doze again, her thumb finding her mouth.

Elysia slowly shifted and laid her down on the padded changing table nearby, bundled her up in the soft starry blanket Saelira had left for them, and kissed her cheek before stepping back.

"Alright," Elysia said aloud to the room, hands on her hips. "Let’s figure out what on earth I’m going to wear."

She padded barefoot across the polished stone floor to the wardrobe.

To her mild surprise, it had been filled.

Robes, tunics, training leathers, and—yes, even dresses—were neatly hung in gradient order, ranging from moonlight silver to wine red and deepest black.

There was an entire shelf dedicated to tailored boots. Another of sashes and belts. She briefly wondered if Saelira had raided half the capital’s noble tailors.

She glanced at the sleeping baby.

"You really do have all the powerful people wrapped around your finger, don’t you?"

Kaelith snored in reply.

Elysia huffed a laugh and turned back to the wardrobe.

"I need something I can move in," she murmured, fingers trailing across velvets and silks. "Not a ballgown. Not armor. Something in between."

She paused at a deep maroon tunic with slitted sleeves and intricate beading. Lovely. But too dramatic.

Next, a soft cream wrap-dress that looked dangerously easy to trip over.

Nope.

She rifled through the hangers again, pulling out various options and discarding them with increasing frustration.

"Too stiff. Too sheer. Too royal. Too... stabby."

Kaelith stirred and made a noise that sounded suspiciously like agreement.

Finally, near the back, her fingers brushed against fabric that made her stop.

It was a black combination—simple but elegant. A one-piece garment with a high collar, subtle embroidery down the legs, and short sleeves cuffed in smoky silver thread.

The material was stretchable, breathable, and moved like water through her fingers. Practical. Sleek. Made for combat or movement—but beautiful enough to wear into any room and still hold her head high.

Elysia pulled it out and held it up against herself.

Then glanced at the cradle.

Kaelith was still asleep, her tiny chest rising and falling under the stars of her blanket.

Elysia smiled, a little breathless, and whispered to her daughter:

"Well then, little one. I think we’ve found our uniform."

Elysia turned her back to the cradle and slid her robe off one shoulder, then the other, the silk whispering against her skin as it fell into a puddle at her feet.

The air of the guest room was cool against her bare shoulders, and she moved slowly, unhurried, stretching just slightly as she reached for the black combination folded neatly on the nearby chair.

Just as her fingers brushed the fabric, the door creaked open.

Elysia froze.

Malvoria stepped into the room with the confidence of someone who had never questioned her welcome. She shut the door behind her quietly, her lips already curled into a slow, knowing smirk.

Elysia sighed, without turning. "You could knock."

"I did," Malvoria replied. "Very politely. In my mind."

Elysia rolled her eyes but didn’t move. "Kaelith’s asleep."

"I noticed," Malvoria murmured, crossing the room like a panther in silk. "And you’re... nearly naked. That’s a very good combination."

She stopped behind Elysia, close enough that Elysia could feel her warmth without being touched.

"I’m trying to get dressed," Elysia said pointedly.

Malvoria’s hands settled lightly on her waist. "Mmm. And yet, you’re so... distracting."

Elysia turned slightly, one eyebrow raised. "I swear, you have an alarm in your head that goes off the moment I take off a robe."

"It’s a wife-sense," Malvoria murmured, leaning in.

She pressed a kiss to Elysia’s shoulder. Then another, just below her jaw. Slow, affectionate, heat curled into softness. Her lips brushed across the curve of Elysia’s neck, lingering.

Elysia tried very hard not to melt.

"Mal," she warned, biting back a grin.

"Yes?"

"Please let me dress."

Malvoria groaned dramatically but stepped back, one hand still trailing down her side as she moved away. "You ruin all my fun."

"I have plans," Elysia said, grabbing the black combination with triumphant determination.

Malvoria crossed her arms and leaned against the wall, watching appreciatively. "Oh, I know. I’m just selfish."

"Tell me something I don’t know."

Before Malvoria could make a smart reply, a soft little grunt came from the cradle.

Then another.

Then—"AHHHHHHHHHHHH."

Elysia and Malvoria turned at the same time.

Kaelith’s eyes blinked open, wide and gleaming, and she let out a single dramatic wail.

Malvoria sighed.

Elysia groaned. "I should’ve known. She’s got your timing."