In the dim dungeon, only a faint light flickered in the corridor outside. The heavy footsteps of guards echoed at intervals. Ariana kneeled on a pile of dry straw, her disheveled hair serving as a barrier against the intrusive hands of Lucas. This stinky refugee was truly like a beast! Despite injuries that hadn't even lasted a week, he was still unimpeded in harassing girl! With her status as both a princess and a saintess in Great Persia, even the royal aristocrats in the Ctesiphon City had always shown utmost respect. However, he, at every moment, shamelessly sought to take advantage of her! Now, with life and death uncertain, it's surprising how carefree he remained.
She heard her moan, saying, "Stop it please, and I might get annoyed..."
Lucas grinned triumphantly, "Annoyed about what? My dear, we don't even know how long we'll live. If you don't let me enjoy myself now, we'll both be at a loss." Ariana sighed softly, encircling his neck. Her warm face pressed against Lucas's cheek. Thinking the girl had resigned herself, he eagerly moved his wolf-like claws towards her chest, reveling in the sensation of that tender and warm touch.
His cheek suddenly felt a cool sensation, and upon closer inspection, Lucas realized that Ariana's tears were slowly streaming down. "Lucas, I'm so scared... When I bravely ran out of the Ctesiphon City initially, it was just to see my father again. But I encountered all of this. It's my first time being chased, my first time getting injured, my first time being thrown into a dungeon... My first time not knowing if I'll be alive tomorrow! Fortunately, you're by my side. Can you promise me that, even if I die, you'll stay with me?"
Lucas's heart was suddenly filled with an inexplicable tenderness. He gently kissed the tears on the girl's face, looking at her choked-up expression and the dreamy mist in her eyes. At this moment, Ariana appeared so fragile, causing a pang of pain in his heart.
With a seriousness he had never shown before, he softly said, "Haven't I always been by your side? If fate gives me a chance, I'll ensure I have control over my destiny... I will protect you."
Ariana's tears had not yet dried, but with a sudden smile, she wiped them away. Watching her close her eyes and make an effort to offer her red lips, Lucas immediately understood. Just when he was in high spirits to kiss her, they heard a loud bang from the iron gate of the dungeon. Both of them turned their heads instantly.
Darya stood at the doorway, her tall and perfect figure casting a thrilling silhouette in the shadow of the oil lamp. However, her expression was somewhat strange as she bit her lip, watching them being intimate. She held the riding whip tightly in her hand, and it was unclear what she was thinking.
Lucas was furious, someone interrupting right in the middle of their intimacy! He stood up abruptly, pointing his hand almost at Darya, "You... you... you... you... a voyeur! Even if you're about to hand us over to Cyrus, wait until we're done...".
Darya's roaring voice came back even louder, "I couldn't be bothered to watch! Who knew this woman would be so shameless, and you, you pervert! Doing such embarrassing things even while locked up, disgusting!" As if cursing alone wasn't enough to vent her anger, she spat on the ground and her booted foot stomped forcefully a few times.
Ariana tidied her hair, blushing, and intentionally leaned into Lucas's embrace as she stood up, with watery eyes and a seductive posture. Darya stomped even harder, exclaiming, "Shameless, shameless! I came to deliver good news to you. My father wants to meet Lucas, maybe your lives can be spared! Who would have thought you two would be reveling in such disgraceful behavior here? Bleh, bleh, bleh! I don't care about you anymore!"
Watching her pout and stomp her feet, Lucas and Ariana exchanged a glance. Lucas seemed puzzled, as if asking, "Is it just me?" He was often mistaken for Ariana's subordinate. With the sacred treasure, the Stardust Amulet, on Ariana, and her dual status as a saintess and Prince Farid's daughter, one might wonder why Mishe, the lord of the Ashina, only wanted to meet Lucas.
Both of them understood the situation. Even in the dire circumstance of being thrown into the dungeon upon arrival at the fortress, Darya had somehow persuaded her father, Mishe, to meet Lucas. Lucas blinked in surprise, questioning, "Just me?"
Darya snorted, "Of course! My father has no interest in meeting some Persian woman. If you meet him honestly, plead for his help, you might have a chance. But if you keep talking nonsense, not even God can save you. Are you going or not?"
Lucas hesitated, wondering what to do with Ariana left alone here. However, Ariana gave him a gentle push and whispered, "Go and see what they're planning." He then shouted loudly to Darya, "Of course, I'll go! If anything happens to my fiancee here, I'll dismantle your Ashina fortress!" Darya couldn't be bothered to argue with him, waved her hand to instruct the guards to open the cell door, and Lucas limped out. Several guards held their long swords at their waists, seemingly wary of this guy attempting to kidnap Miss Darya again. It was strange that he never looked at Miss Darya with a friendly expression, yet she still stood up for him, even facing the scolding from the Lord, truly peculiar.
Watching Lucas being escorted up the stairs in a swagger, Darya, with a stern face, was about to follow. However, Ariana stopped her, saying, "Miss Darya, thank you." Darya snorted in a rather masculine manner and waved her hand dismissively. Ariana, with a graceful salute, watched as Darya walked away. As she was about to leave, she stopped, hesitated for a moment, and asked, "What does it feel like when you embrace each other?" Ariana was momentarily surprised but then smiled, "You can ask him."
Darya blushed instantly, her long neck turning a shade of red, "I couldn't be bothered to ask about such embarrassing things!" Saying that, she walked away with large strides. Ariana watched her with a smile as she departed, but her brows furrowed again. What could Mishe, suddenly summoning Lucas, possibly want?