Emilia had been sitting at the café for almost three hours, her intense gaze fixed on a figure sitting far away from her. She was there not for breakfast like everyone else, but to continue her investigation into Lady Seraphine as ordered by Alistair. During that time, Emilia had consumed several cups of coffee to stimulate her brain and stay focused, trying to suppress the exhaustion in her body, just like she had finished sparring with ten people all at once.
After this, she needed to talk to Alistair, so that he could control himself better during their intimate moments. Emilia realized that she had weaker physical endurance compared to him, which will affect her other duties that were unrelated to him. The more she thought about it, the more she was convinced to also have a discussion with Countess Evelyn. Explaining her condition to make sure the activities wouldn't be too tiring, since she had no intention of having a child with the Crown Prince.
While Emilia sat at the table, she observed several people take seats in front of Lady Seraphine. Their discussions revolved around business matters, leading Emilia to believe that the woman held significant influence in Velaris, perhaps even more than what she had witnessed or heard. After spending quite some time alone, the woman dressed in luxurious green attire rose from her seat.
Emilia glanced at the girl sitting at the table beside hers, wearing a maid's outfit but with a serious and intense look on her face as if on a secret mission. The girl returned Emilia's gaze before getting up, seemingly understanding the unspoken plan they had made during their carriage ride to this place. She watched her maid carrying a cup of coffee, which slipped from the girl's hand and spilled all over Lady Seraphine dress, leaving a dark black stain on the front.
"What have you done to my dress? Have you no sense?" The sudden incident startled Lady Seraphine and the maid.
"I apologize, my lady." The maid replied hurriedly with a look of remorse.
"Do you realize how much this dress cost?" Lady Seraphine inquired, but speaking in a near whisper that could only be heard by the two involved in the situation.
The woman appeared to be suppressing her emotions, avoiding drawing attention to protecting her public image. The second floor of the cafe was spacious with many empty tables and chairs, allowing people to sit far apart from each other. However, with many windows open at the time, sunlight spilled into the room, illuminating the area where Lady Seraphine had been sitting earlier and giving Emilia a clear view of what was happening.
"What's going on?" Emilia walked towards the scene.
When Lady Seraphine turned around, her expression immediately stiffened and she reflexively bent her knees, lowering the body while holding onto the sides of her dress. "Your Highness, Crown Princess Emilia." The woman greeted with a graceful curtsy and a slight nod of respect.
Even though Emilia is unaccompanied and wearing a simple dress, Lady Seraphine still gives her a formal greeting, indicating that the woman has been targeting the royal family for quite some time. "My apologies, it seems my maid spilled something on your dress, lady."
The three of them immediately turn their attention to Lady Seraphine's dress. "It also appears to be quite expensive," Emilia says with a soft expression. "What can I do to make amends, lady?"
The woman feels embarrassed and realizes her misstep, bows slightly lower and speaks in a hushed voice, trying to make a good impression. Unfortunately for her, Emilia can read minds and already knows what will happen next.
"It doesn't matter, Your Highness," replied Lady Seraphine calmly. "It's just a dress. What really matters is the condition of the person wearing it. Since I am unharmed, this issue should be resolved."
Emilia agreed with her argument and responded, "Then it's settled." Although she already knew the woman's name, they had not formally introduced themselves yet, because this was their first face-to-face meeting. "And you are...?"
As if realizing this as well, the woman immediately introduced herself. "I am Seraphine Marlowe, Your Highness," she said politely. "I am the owner of The Whispering Phoenix."
After that statement, Lady Seraphine suddenly had a thought and hurriedly voiced it out. "But, if Your Highness wants to show gratitude for this incident, I would be delighted."
The woman's head lifted slightly, waiting for Emilia's response. "Of course," the Crown Princess finally mumbled, "What do you need, Lady Seraphine?"
The woman's body immediately straightened and her beaming face looked at Emilia hopefully. "I am having a small gathering tonight at my place, it would be wonderful if Your Highness could spare some time to come, even if it's just briefly."
Emilia had expected this request, so her answer sounded certain. "That sounds lovely. Let me check my schedule for tonight and see if Crown Prince Alistair can make it or not."
Emilia deliberately mentioned the specific name of a potential guest for the party, which made Lady Seraphine's eyes immediately sparkle like the morning sun shining down on them. She flashed a wide smile and responded with gratitude, "Thank you, Your Highness. I look forward to seeing you both tonight."
***
"A light touch on her neck or a whisper against ear can send shivers down her spine. Start slow and gentle, but don't be afraid to increase the intensity as you sense her body respond."
The Countess begins to explain some of the most sensitive areas on a woman's body that can build intense arousal to Alistair.
"The lower back is particularly sensitive. When you hold her, let your hand linger there, pressing gently as you guide her movements. This will make your wife feel safe and desired."
Countess Evelyn continues with an instruction on how to properly touch Emilia.
"Before you touch her more intimately, caress the inside of her thighs. Tease your wife, this will build anticipation and increase her pleasure when you finally touch her where she craves it most."
The Countess's voice remains calm and clinical, though there's a warmth in her tone that suggests she understands the power of these actions.
"Before you touch her, use your words to ignite her imagination. Tell your wife what you plan to do, but leave room for mystery. This will make her anticipate your touch and build excitement before you've even laid a hand on her."
The countess then addresses communication during the intercourse, something Alistair has recently begun to explore with Emilia. The woman explains how words can build arousal and create a deeper emotional connection.
"While you pleasure her, be vocal about how much you enjoy it. Whisper in her ear how good she feels, how tight she is around you, or how much you want to hear your wife moan your name. This constant feedback will increase her arousal and will encourage her to let go, embrace the pleasure."
Even though Alistair's expression was barely visible to the Countess, he actually listened intently. The Countess's advice gives him the tools he needs to take control of the next encounter, ensuring that both he and Emilia feel the fullness of their connection.
"Once you've both reached your release, don't let the moment end abruptly. Continue whispering soft, intimate words as you hold her, that will help maintain the connection you've built. These feelings of pleasure are as important as the act itself in strengthening your bond."
With the book in hand and the Countess's guidance fresh in his mind, Alistair feels more prepared than ever to take the next step in building true intimacy with Emilia. Although their relationship started out of obligation and they had to act well for others to believe, somehow he began to sense something deeper, a connection that could blend desire and emotion, forged in moments of vulnerability and passion.
"Remember, my lord, intimacy is not just about the physical. It's about making her feel safe, desired, and cherished. If you master this, your marriage will no longer be a formality, it will be a bond that neither of you can deny."
Countess Evelyn paused for a moment, as if her next words were important enough for Alistair to take note of.
"In the meantime, why don't you try to find each other's insecurities?" This time, the woman made a rather unique suggestion, one that no one else had ever given. "Perhaps the two of you could even help each other overcome your deepest fears."
The woman's face showed a clear expression of reassurance, just like to say that if you can't handle it alone, then it means you need someone else. And if that person also can't help you, perhaps she is not the right one.
"Sometimes, it's all about the individual who is willing to open her heart and embrace you when you're broken," Countess's soothing voice gave crucial meaning. "Because if she does, it shows she has more courage than anyone else you'll meet."
The words echoed in the room, not only resonating in Alistair's mind but also Emelia's who stood behind the slightly open door. Hesitation and fear began to consume her, reminding her that the fire she and Alistair were playing with could result in one of them flare and burn .
Lost in her own thoughts, Emilia didn't notice that the door in front of her had opened and Alistair was standing there. While the man's expression remained stoic, Emilia seemed surprised as she looked back and forth between the two people. Eventually, she could only manage a stiff smile towards both of them, indicating that what she had done wasn't a great crime.
"Countess, I've been searching for you everywhere," Emilia spoke up first, directing her gaze towards the woman who was inside the room.
"Is there something you need, my lady?" she asked politely, meeting Emilia's gaze.
"When I was out, I met Lady Seraphine, the owner of The Whispering Phoenix." Emilia began to explain, "She invited me and my husband to go there to attend a party tonight."
There was no visible reaction from Countess Evelyn or Alistair to the news, so Emilia continued. "Since neither of us have made any public appearances when we arrived here, I thought this would be a good opportunity to get to know some of the people in Velaris."
Then the Countess's expression started to change as did Alistair, "Why don't we use this opportunity to show them about me and my husband's love affair?"
Hearing Emilia's idea, who seemed very excited while talking about it, a new idea came to Alistair and the Countess' heads. "In the end, the purpose of us doing this exercise is for others to judge."
Emilia said seeking their approval, "Although it's still too early, there's no harm in trying to check the waves."
Countess Evelyn began to show interest. "Then what assistance do you need from me, my lady?"
Emilia's lips curled into a broader smile, but her eyes were full of the hidden plan. "We would greatly appreciate it, if you could teach my husband and I how to dance," she promptly replied. "Which perfectly demonstrates the depth of our love for each other."
***