Upon waking up, Emilia's first concern is locating Countess Evelyn. However, she is informed that the woman is taking a day off from her duties, leaving her feeling unsure about how to control her body's urges. Despite this, the girl has already invited Lady Seraphine for afternoon tea, since they still need to gather evidence, so she must maintain her composure during their meeting.
To avoid any awkward situations in front of Lady Seraphine, Emilia arranges the couches in the garden where they are back-to-back, allowing them to focus on the surrounding plants and flowers. A small table is placed in front of each sofa, with tea and various snacks to suit their taste. Even though the three of them are not facing each other, thanks to Countess Evelyn's tonic, Emilia can hear Lady Seraphine's thoughts clearly without making eye contact.
The garden atmosphere during the day was tranquil, with perfect weather that was not too hot or cold, and a gentle breeze wafting through. Emilia and Lady Seraphine were discussing business matters and the current state of Velaris. Alistair sat beside Emilia, appearing calm and attentive while sipping on freshly brewed tea.
However, after only ten minutes, Emilia's composure began to slip as she felt the tonic taking effect, heightening her sensitivity and causing her body to react. Alistair noticed her discomfort and set his teacup back on the glass table before discreetly sliding his hand under her skirt. Inch by inch, he lifted the girl's skirt, his fingers teasingly brushing against her bare skin in an attempt to ease her itchiness.
"Velaris is expanding its trade routes with the southern kingdoms. Do you believe this will increase the kingdom's prosperity, Your Highness?" Lady Seraphine's voice is sharp yet measured, her gaze locked straight ahead while she sips her tea.
Emilia tries to focus on the conversation, though she's distracted by the smooth movements of Alistair's fingers pressing into her, providing a soothing friction that makes her pulse quicken.
"Yes, I believe so," Emilia's voice steady. "The trade routes will provide an influx of resources that our kingdom can't afford to overlook. Our people need it, and so do our allies."
The man's fingers explore Emilia intimately, finding the sensitive areas that soothed the lingering pain while also evoking a deep, building pleasure within her. Alistair's touch is deliberate, working in small circles, teasing her just enough to bring relief while heightening her arousal. The girl's breath hitches slightly while his fingers press in a little deeper, rubbing slowly when his thumb circles her sensitive nub with exquisite precision.
"Indeed, Your Highness," Lady Seraphine continues, oblivious to the growing tension between Emilia and Alistair. "I've always admired how quickly you grasp the intricacies of trade. However, rumors are circulating about new tariffs being imposed on imported goods from Velaris. Do you think this will affect your plans?"
The girl opens her mouth to respond but stutters when Alistair's fingers slide deeper, caressing Emilia in a way that makes her toes curl. Her breath catches, and she quickly brings the teacup to her lips to cover the sharp gasp she nearly let out.
"There may… be some delays," Emilia replies, her voice now slightly uneven, though she manages to regain some composure. "But I've ensured that Velaris has alternate routes to avoid serious economic impact."
Alistair's fingers curl inside her, hitting just the right spot, and Emilia presses her thighs together, trying to suppress the rising heat in her body. The man moves deftly, alternating pressure between her sensitive spots, giving her both relief and the slowly burning pleasure. Casually picking up his cup and taking another sip of his tea, Alistair comments on the conversation while his fingers quickened the tempo.
"The crown is well prepared for such changes, Lady Seraphine," his voice smooth, betraying nothing of what's happening on the couch. "We've already considered several contingencies."
"Expansion plans are all well and good, Your Highness." Lady Seraphine says. "But without careful control over the influx of foreign goods, we risk losing our influence with the southern kingdoms. I strongly advise against opening the gates too wide, especially with the political instability in the region."
Alistair, who had been listening with a neutral expression, narrows his eyes slightly. The man's hand beneath Emilia's skirt did not stop, his fingers pressed deeper into the girl, as if in response to his disagreement with the woman. She grips the cushion of the couch, her breath coming out in ragged puffs.
"That's where we differ, Lady Seraphine," Alistair tone calm but firm, with a hint of impatience. "The southern kingdoms may be unstable, but it's precisely because of that instability that we must seize this opportunity. If we close our doors now, we risk isolating ourselves and pushing them into another alliance."
Alistair's fingers increase their pace inside Emilia, matching the intensity of his argument. Each time Seraphine counters, his touch grows more insistent, sending waves of pleasure through the girl's body that make her squirming faintly in her chair. She bites her lip, barely able to contain herself as she feels the force inside her.
"But Your Highness," Lady Seraphine retorted, setting her cup on the table. "If we allow these unstable kingdoms too much access to our resources, we could end up on the losing end of this trade. We'll be vulnerable to their political upheaval."
The man, still keeping his composure, smiles slightly, but there's a sharpness in his eyes. Alistair inserted another finger into Emilia and moved faster, with greater intensity, his thumb now expertly circling her sensitive nub, pushing her closer to the edge of pleasure. The girl's heart is pounding, her chest heaving while she fights to control her breathing.
"That's exactly why we need to assert our dominance now. We have the upper hand, and if we hesitate, we'll lose our advantage. The strength of our kingdom lies in its ability to adapt, not retreat."
Alistair replies smoothly, more controlled but laced with a quiet intensity. His fingers swirl inside Emilia, hitting a sensitive spot that makes her clench her thighs involuntarily. Her body tensing with each movement of his hand while she tries to focus on the conversation, but it's impossible.
Emilia can barely hear what he's saying. Her vision blurs vaguely, and she bites her lip, trying to hold back the moan that threatens to escape. She's caught between the tension of the conversation and the overwhelming pleasure Alistair is giving her, his fingers still working her with precision, just like emphasizing his words.
"You're playing a dangerous game," Lady Seraphine warns. "If this backfires, the blame will fall squarely on the crown."
"If we take no risks, we gain nothing," Alistair says coldly, his gaze unwavering as he stares at Emilia. "This kingdom requires bold decisions, not fear-driven hesitation. And I, for one, am not afraid to take responsibility for those decisions."
His words are settled, leaving no room for further argument. At the same moment, the intensity of Alistair's touch finally pushes Emilia over the edge. The girl closes her eyes and shudders as the wave of pleasure hits her, but she manages to remain silent, only a stifled blow escaping her lips.
"I trust you'll consider it, Lady Seraphine." Alistair says coolly, his fingers finally slowing down when Emilia's body relaxes in the aftermath of her climax. But, the man still didn't remove his fingers, simply adjusting himself just like nothing had happened.
Lady Seraphine on the other hand seems still unsatisfied, therefore she brings up another topic to Alistair. "Then, what is your explanation of the expansion plan, Your Highness? The stability of our kingdom lies in careful alliances, not in bold, reckless ventures. Expanding too quickly can expose us to vulnerabilities."
Alistair sipped his tea, the man's voice remained steady while he responded, "Bold ventures are necessary for long-term growth, Lady Seraphine. Caution has its place, but so does risk."
As the second waves on Emilia's body come again, Alistair's fingers move skillfully over her most sensitive spot once more. Their eyes lock, and in that heated gaze, the man seems to ask if his touch is hitting just right. The girl's hand reflexively grips the edge of her seat, her cheeks flushed, but she nods imperceptibly.
During Lady Seraphine's continued argument, Alistair maintains eye contact with Emilia, his lips moving soundlessly. He mouths the words with a mischievous glint shining in his eyes, while increasing the rhythm of his fingers. The girl's breath catches in her throat, her legs trembling modestly as she trying to control the intensity of the situation
'Please, don't be too rough.' Emilia makes a clear plea for him to ease up through her eyes. The girl's hand moves from the edge of her seat to Alistair's arm, her fingers gripping him tightly.
However, Alistair's smirk deepens, his eyes gleaming with playful mischief when he meets Emilia's gaze. His fingers continue to move steadily and carefully, unaffected by her silent protests. The language between them is unspoken, but every glance, every gesture, tells a story.
"You want me to stop?" he asks silently, his stare intense yet seductive. The man's lips curved into a knowing smile as if daring her to admit it.
Lady Seraphine remains focused on her words, unaware of what's happening behind her. "If we don't maintain these relationships carefully," she insists. "We'll lose our economic standing."
Emilia grabs Alistair's arm tighter, her eyes wide with both pleasure and frustration. Her expression pleads with him, her body trembling under his relentless touch. The girl shakes her head again, trying to convey that it's too much, but her eyes betray her need.
'I can't hold it in… Please…'
Alistair's fingers tease her mercilessly now, his pace quickening while her hand lifts to cover her mouth, stifling the moan that threatens to escape. The girl's other hand clutches her skirt, trying to maintain some semblance of control. Every subtle movement of her body betrays her growing pleasure.
'You like it like this, don't you?'
The man's eyes flash with amusement as his fingers crinkle more deeply, his motions becoming more urgent. Alistair knows Emilia is on the edge, and every silent plea only makes him push harder, her eyes saying everything without uttering a word. The intensity of his touch aligns with the heated argument between him and the woman, just like his fingers are punctuating his words.
'Don't fight it. Just let go.'
Each time he disagreed with the woman, his fingers squeezed Emilia harder, making her throb with pleasure. The girl torn between resistance and desire, can't help but respond to the heat in Alistair's gaze. Her thighs tense again, but the man responds with his eyes glinting with satisfaction.
"You must realize, Your Highness, that this approach will isolate us from our neighbors."
"Isolation is exactly what we need to avoid, Lady Seraphine. If we don't expand our horizons, we'll be left vulnerable to stronger, more ambitious nations. I have no intention of letting that happen." Alistair glances at the woman out of the corner of his eye.
In the next moment, Emilia's grip tightens around his arm again, her silent plea shifting from 'stop' to 'I am close.' Alistair, reading her like a book, quickens the rhythm just slightly, his eyes never leaving hers, as if communicating. Finally, the girl's body gives in, her thighs shaking while she bites down on her lower lip to stifle the moan threatening to escape.
Emilia squeezes his arm once more, silently telling him she's reached her limit. Alistair, satisfied and slows his movements, but not without giving her one last, teasing stroke. When the tension eases, their eyes meet again, and the man whispers.
'Next time, don't fight me.'
Emilia, breathless and unable to speak, simply leans back in her seat, letting her body recover as the remnants of their wordless conversation.
'You… really know how to multitask, don't you?'
Alistair grinned, stared directly at Emilia, mouths again.
'Just making sure you're taken care of, even during political debates.'
***