The carriage rolled slowly into the distance. Even though it was already late at night, Cassie found herself unable to fall asleep. Moreover, Xavier had come in halfway through and caused a commotion. After he left, a powerful energy surged through her body. It took considerable effort to calm the unusual sensations, and sleep was the last thing on her mind.
Now, leaning against the soft cushion of the carriage, she gave a lazy yawn. Tired and drowsy accurately described her current state. Xavier sat beside her, elegantly flipping through a book with his long and beautiful fingers. His simple movements were pleasing to the eye.
She stared at him for a while, a hint of tears welling up in her eyes. Slowly, she shifted closer to him.
Seeing that he seemed unaware, her courage grew, and she rested her head on his lap. Xavier glanced at her but said nothing, gently stroking her hair.
It was as if a little Persian cat had lazily intruded into someone's territory and then confidently settled down. After all, who could refuse it?
In the human world, Xavier held the title of a Duke. In the broader context, obtaining a title wasn't a difficult task—countries encouraged commoners to buy titles with money, creating what they called the new nobility. Xavier controlled the vital business network underground, a vast web interweaving vampires and humans, forming a commercial empire.
News of Xavier's return spread, and the castle's servants waited outside early on. Despite being the castle's master, Xavier had been away for a long time, leaving the vast castle mostly unoccupied. It was his first return in such a short span.
The Duke's carriage was easy to identify, adorned with the radiant symbol of his status. The maids eagerly anticipated his arrival. The Duke, with his handsome and courteous demeanor, was someone everyone enjoyed being around. Every appearance of the Duke caused a stir among the crowd.
However, this time was different— the commotion was even more pronounced. The Duke was not alone in the carriage; he cradled a young girl in his arms. The slumbering girl curled up like a kitten, and though her face was unseen, her graceful figure and skin hinted at her beauty.
This should have been a beautiful scene. However, the one holding her was Duke Xavier— known for his purity and never having had a female companion by his side. Although he was amiable and gentle, there was always a layer of distance.
How could he take the initiative to hold a woman?
The butler stood in front to welcome them, and the Duke gestured for him to remain silent. With gentle care, he walked into the castle, holding the girl as if cradling a fragile porcelain doll.
A magnificent carriage appeared silently near the castle.
The princess, dressed in courtly attire, looked anxious. "Who is that woman? Go find out for me!"
She felt fortunate that she chose to visit Duke Xavier today and encountered his carriage head-on. However, everything she saw today was something she wished had never happened.
A maid knelt on the ground, trembling. Inside the castle, there was a room specially prepared for Cassie, decorated exactly like her original room, unmistakably crafted by Xavier.
He walked out of the room, and the butler reported, "Your Grace, Princess Tavia has come for a visit."
"Say that I'm not here," his tone was calm.
"But..." The butler was somewhat troubled, "the princess's carriage is parked outside the castle, and it has been a long time."
The new nobility might have privileges, but royalty was still not an entity they could offend. His expression still calm, Xavier said, "Then say I am trimming the roses in the estate and have no time."
The butler nodded respectfully, "Very well."
Cassie woke up to find herself in the middle of the night. She blinked, and the handsome man was sitting next to her, reviewing documents. Seeing her awake, he lifted her onto his lap, seemingly unconcerned that she might see the files he was perusing. Cassie glanced over the documents.
It involved internal affairs among the vampires. The eight major clans, noticing Xavier's prolonged inaction and intentionally supporting a new queen, began plotting. The animosity between them was deep-rooted, and Xavier, who once forcibly united them, now seemed lax, prompting them to reveal their ambitions eagerly.
The issue at hand concerned the division of territories, and every document carried a sense of threat.
Seeing her engrossed in the documents, the man, with his long fingers, hooked her chin gently and asked with a smile, "What does Your Majesty think?"
Cassie gave him a look. It wasn't her concern, and she had already stated that. Did he expect her opinion to be considered?
Seemingly aware of her silent disdain, Xavier chuckled and casually signed his name on the papers. His handwriting was exquisite, a flowing and graceful cursive script, resembling a meticulously drawn scroll.
"If Your Majesty is interested, you can personally take action," he teased, never missing a chance to coax her into speaking. "After all, it is Your Majesty's prerogative."
Cassie had no interest in reviewing documents. She found joy in being a mascot.
Ignoring her silence, Xavier raised an eyebrow in regret and shifted to a new topic. "Has Your Majesty awakened?"
Her gaze met his. Of course, she had awakened.
He suggested, "Shall we go out for some fun?"
The sparkle finally appeared in her lively eyes. Taking advantage of the situation, he looked at her meaningfully. "I've been entertaining Your Majesty for so long. Wouldn't Your Majesty consider entertaining me a bit?"
Cassie rolled her eyes. How was she supposed to entertain him? She couldn't read this enigmatic man at all.
He said, "Stay still, Your Majesty."
A gentle and restrained kiss landed on her lips. She stared at him in astonishment, and he smiled, asking, "Does Your Majesty not like it?"
A feeling she couldn't put into words enveloped her. He then bit his own lip, and a few drops of blood emerged. The sweet fragrance instantly surrounded her, silently captivating her heart.
Cassie was once again certain that in a harem, no one could surpass this man. His skillful play of teasing and restraint was impeccable.
In the following hours, Xavier took her out of the castle to explore the garden. In just an afternoon, various types of roses were delivered to the castle. All the roses, almost instinctively, made way for the roses.
The magical soil of the garden seemed to have a unique power. Every wilting flower, when transplanted into the soil, regained vitality in an instant.
The backyard garden turned into a lively spectacle, with a variety of scents wafting through the air, pleasing to the eyes.
Everywhere she could land her sight on, she saw beautiful blooming roses.
Shed loved roses.