"The queen is inside," the guard said, bowing before he took his leave.
Adrian hesitated for a moment before knocking pushing the doors open.
The queen's chamber was luxurious, the air filled with the scent of exotic perfumes and the warmth of a crackling fire. Rich embroidered works covered the walls, and the furniture was soft and fancy, very different from the rest of the castle, which was very simple and practical.
The queen stood near the fire, her back to him as she gazed into the flames.
She was dressed in a thin linen robe, the fabric clinging to her curves in a way that left little to the imagination. The flickering light highlighted the delicate contours of her body, from the swell of her breasts to the curve of her hips.
The sheer material offered tantalizing glimpses of her skin, the outlines of her nipples visible through the fabric, and the way the robe draped over her backside only emphasized the fullness of her ass.
Adrian quickly averted his gaze, feeling a flush of heat rise to his cheeks. He cleared his throat, trying to maintain a respectful tone. "Your Majesty, you summoned me?"
The queen turned slowly, her eyes locking onto his with an intensity that made his pulse quicken. "I did," she replied in a smooth and inviting voice. She took a step closer, the robe swaying with her movement, offering more of her curves to his view. "I wanted to thank you personally for what you've done for my kingdom, Adrian."
"There's no need for thanks, Your Majesty," Adrian said, still keeping his tone formal and respectful. "I did what was necessary."
The queen smiled, a slow, sultry curve of her lips as she moved even closer, her gaze never leaving his. "Perhaps," she murmured, her fingers trailing lightly along the edge of her robe, "but there is still something I require from you."
Adrian's breath hitched slightly as he watched her, trying to anticipate her next move. "And what would that be, Your Majesty?" he asked cautiously.
The queen's smile widened as she reached for the tie at the front of her robe, her fingers loosening the knot effortlessly.
"A massage," she said, her voice dropping to a whisper as she began to pull the robe off her shoulders, the fabric sliding down to reveal the smooth, bare skin beneath. "My whole body aches in a way that only a skilled hand can relieve. And from what I've seen, you must be a man of many talents."
Adrian's throat went dry as he watched the robe fall to the floor, leaving the queen standing before him completely naked.
Her body was a masterpiece, every curve and contour perfectly formed, her breasts full and perky, her nipples hardening in the cool air of the room. Her hips flared out in a way that drew his eyes downward to the soft, inviting curve of her thighs.
He swallowed hard, forcing himself to maintain his composure as he kept his gaze on her face, his jaw tightening with the effort. "Your Majesty, I'm not sure this is appropriate…"
The queen's laughter was a low, throaty sound as she stepped closer, her fingers brushing against his chest. "Oh, Adrian," she purred, her voice thick with desire. "Don't be so rigid. Surely a hero like you wouldn't deny a lady such a simple request?"
Adrian's mind raced, trying to find a way out of this situation without causing offense.
He could feel the heat of her body as she pressed against him, her hands gliding over his chest with practiced ease. He needed to stay focused, to remember what Lilith had told him—use her desire against her.
His gaze flicked briefly to her exposed skin before he looked away, his jaw clenching. "Your Majesty," he began, his voice strained, "I… I am honored by your trust, but I am not sure that I am the best person for this task."
The queen's expression didn't falter. Instead, she took another step closer, her robe slipping further down her body until it pooled at her feet. She stood before him, completely naked, her posture confident and commanding. "Oh, but I insist," she said, her voice silky smooth. "I believe you are exactly the man for the job."
"I insist, Adrian," the queen repeated, her voice silky as she moved closer, her naked body nearly brushing against his. "You've done so much for my kingdom. Surely, you can do this one small thing for me."
Adrian swallowed hard, his gaze flicking to the ornate decorations of the chamber, trying to focus on anything but the sight of the queen's flawless form. "Very well, Your Majesty," he agreed, his voice carefully controlled. "If that is your wish."
The queen's smile widened, satisfaction glinting in her eyes. "Excellent," she purred, stepping back slightly and gesturing toward a door at the side of the chamber. "Follow me."