She focused on admiring the beauty of the flowers, while the man, wearing a smile, looked at her with an unmistakable eagerness and tenderness in his eyes. He held her hand and led her through the flowerbeds, gently saying, "They seem to thrive here, don't they?"
The one being led remained silent, maintaining a serious expression, but her gaze lingered on the roses.
He almost became infatuated watching her like this.
He truly wished to keep her by his side for a lifetime.
The two of them left the estate in a carriage. Cassie lifted the curtain, gazing lightly at the night sky. The sky of the human city differed greatly from that of the vampire world. The vampire's moon was always a deep purple, much like her eyes, as if harboring countless dangers. In contrast, the human night belonged to the city, adorned by magic stones, glittering and dazzling.
Amused, she enjoyed the exotic sights she had never seen before.
The carriage advanced through the streets, heading deep into the city. They arrived at a magnificent Gothic building, where tall spires loomed in the night, presenting an atmosphere of grandeur and mystery.
Staff members on both sides approached, wearing black uniforms. The butler, dressed similarly, respectfully addressed, "Sir."
Xavier nodded faintly, but most of his attention was on the young girl beside him. She seemed lost in thought, her delicate face slightly wrinkling her brows, pondering something.
"Your Majesty?" he inquired.
She furrowed her brows but said nothing, just obediently leaning towards Xavier.
Xavier enjoyed her dependence. Leaning down, he whispered into her ear, "Whatever you like inside, Your Majesty, feel free to speak up."
She only nodded quietly.
This place was an auction house. Pedestrians came and went, adorned with luxurious attire - nobles, merchants, elegant young ladies, all with their eyes collectively fixed on the movements at the entrance.
The only one addressed as "Sir" by the auction house staff was Duke Xavier. He glanced sideways, seemingly speaking to a girl.
The girl was petite, with a small face, and was being carried forward by him. Soon, they disappeared into the crowd's line of sight.
Reserved rooms were prepared upstairs, offering a clear view of the items. The surroundings were bright and spacious, not ostentatious.
She looked around with a hint of curiosity. In fact, this was her first time in such a place.
For the first nineteen years of her life, she had been gentle, obedient, and focused on cultivation. Her main goal was to uncover the truth behind the treasure left by her master. After refining the treasure, she didn't know if it was absorbed or if, upon her death, those people would extract it from her body again.
"What is Your Majesty thinking?" Xavier raised an eyebrow slightly, his tone somewhat reproachful. "You haven't looked at me."
He was like an elegant fox, probing without a sound, then enclosing the prey in his embrace.
Not knowing how to explain, Cassie walked over to him and playfully tugged at his coat corner.
It was a small act of coquetry, adorable and cute.
Vampires were heartless creatures.
But at this moment, Xavier felt a strong and fervent heartbeat.
"All right, I forgive Your Majesty's neglect," he said, though his smile held deeper meaning. "Perhaps, to Your Majesty, I'm just an insignificant part."
Knowing well he was acting, and considering he was the target... Cassie pulled away from his hand and sat on his lap.
He seemed genuinely surprised by her move.
His smile deepened, and he gently pressed her down onto the sofa, his hand circling around the back of her head, tenderly caressing her scalp.
Their breaths intertwined.
Cassie noticed his gaze lingering on her neck. Perhaps he wanted to feed on her? She speculated but couldn't help closing her eyes involuntarily. The warm breath approached, but the touch wasn't on the neck or collarbone, the usual biting spots. His lips pressed down; he was kissing her.
He embraced her waist, and his other hand gently stroked her long hair in a soothing manner, easing her tense nerves. Gradually, the kiss deepened, exploring the softness of her lips, each move a strategic advance.
He kissed her passionately, his gaze focused and devoted, as if treating the most precious treasure in the world, his eyes filled with intense infatuation. Especially when he sensed the girl closing her eyes, accepting it with docility, further desires were effortlessly aroused.
"Your Majesty is so obedient," he mumbled against her lips, his voice husky and deep. "Open up a bit more."
The kiss, a prolonged blend of warmth and invasiveness, left Cassie breathless. She felt herself succumbing to his presence, her hands unconsciously embracing his waist.
The voice of the announcer brought them back to reality.
Reluctantly, Xavier released her lips, but he was unwilling to let go of the softness in his arms. He picked her up and settled her back on his lap. The girl, with her deer-like, dewy eyes, akin to sweet wine, easily captivated anyone.
Xavier closed his eyes.
He was about to fall.
Queen Cassie seemed not to grasp the meaning behind his actions, just touched her lips and glared at him with anger.
"Your Majesty," he smiled, "I can't bear to bite you, so I had to find another way to express my affection." He casually adjusted his shirt collar, "If Your Majesty isn't happy, how about biting me back?"
Cassie turned her face away. She had thin skin; how could she compare with someone shamelessly playing the rogue in such a serious manner?
He chuckled lowly.
One valuable item after another was presented on display. Delicate silk fabrics, dazzling pearls, countless magic stones, and potions—these were all things belonging to the human world. Cassie wasn't particularly interested, but as the auctioneer eloquently introduced each item, she found it somewhat amusing. Although she didn't speak, whenever she stared at something for a while, Xavier would bid for it. If someone was willing to spend money for her, Cassie didn't refuse. Xavier also seemed to enjoy it; even if she didn't look at the items when they arrived, he would happily make the purchases.
The atmosphere in the auction house soon heated up.
Despite the variety of items, the auction process was monotonous. Apart from Xavier, who would confidently double the price whenever he spoke, others would follow a scripted routine in their bidding. It became rather tedious.
Feeling bored, Cassie yawned and snuggled into Xavier's arms, becoming drowsy. With nothing else to do, sleeping seemed to be the most productive activity for her throughout the day.
Xavier gently stroked her head, and they continued attending the auction, the monotony broken only by Xavier's occasional bids.