The golden light of the setting sun cast a soft glow over the garden while Emilia walked alongside Alistair. The scent of blooming flowers filled the air, and the peaceful atmosphere seemed far removed from the previous day's chaos. Lady Seraphine, walking ahead of them, paused near a cluster of roses, admiring the view.
"Lady Seraphine, I wanted to ask you about yesterday's incident at Duke Rhys' estate. The boys were found alive, weren't they? Do we know how they ended up in the lake in the first place?"
Lady Seraphine turned, her expression slightly strained at the mention of the event.
"Yes, thankfully they were rescued in time. But it was a close call, far too close. It's strange, isn't it? Four boys, all strong swimmers, suddenly found themselves in a lake like that. They claimed to have no memory of how they fell in."
Emilia exchanged glances with Alistair, whose face remained composed but serious. His hand rested lightly on her lower back while they walked, offering silent support. Somehow to lure the target, they have to use other paths that can lead to one person, like what the woman in front of her was doing to the Queen.
"It seems odd. Do you think someone pushed them? Or was it just a terrible accident?"
Lady Seraphine looked uncomfortable for a moment just like weighing her words carefully.
"The official explanation is that they slipped, perhaps after drinking too much at the gathering. But to see all four of them fall in together, with none of them remembering… it doesn't sit right with me."
Emilia nodded, "I agree. There is something about it that feels… off. I'm not sure it was an accident at all. If someone was responsible, they probably meant to hurt them."
Alistair's hand tightened slightly on Emilia's back, though he remained silent, his expression betraying nothing. She could sense his unease, knowing how the incident with water might have stirred old memories for him.
Lady Seraphine sighing, "If there's another story, I think Duke Rhys has already handled it quietly. The last thing they need is a scandal."
Emilia said softly but firmly, "But if the boys are being targeted, we can't just leave it at that. We need to find out what happened before anyone gets hurt."
Alistair, though still silent, gave a small nod, signaling his agreement with Emilia's sentiments. He was disturbed by the situation but trusted Emilia's instincts. However, Lady Seraphine remained cautious.
"You are right, Your Highness, but I'd advise you to be careful. If you dig too deep, you might find things best left buried. Duke Rhys is not an easy man to cross."
Alistair spoke, his voice calm but with a tinge of worry. "We'll tread carefully, but I trust the Crown Princess's judgment. If there's any foul play involved, it is best to get to the bottom of it now before it is too late."
Emilia squeezed Alistair's arm lightly, appreciating his support. Then, turning her attention back to Lady Seraphine, she spoke with renewed determination.
"I understand the risks, but we owe it to those boys to make sure this doesn't happen again. Even if it means asking difficult questions."
Lady Seraphine stared at the two of them, her lips pressed into a thin line. "You two are braver than most. Just… be careful. You may not like the answers you find."
As they continued their walk, the tension between caution and the need for truth hung in the air. The flowers around them swayed gently in the breeze, but there was a sense of urgency in Emilia's heart. Whatever Duke Rhys hides, she will not rest until she finds out.
The trio walked further into the garden until they reached the edge, where the sprawling estate was visible in the distance, framed by lush trees. They stopped for a moment, taking in the tranquil view. Lady Seraphine admired the horizon, but Emilia had something else on her mind.
"I've heard some interesting things about Duke Rhys' private collection, things not everyone gets to see. Have you ever had the chance to see it, Lady Seraphine?"
Lady Seraphine stiffened slightly, her gaze fixed on the horizon as if considering her words precisely. Alistair remained silent but attentive, his eyes darting between the two women, wondering where the conversation might lead.
Lady Seraphine smiles, "The Duke is a collector. He has many treasures, some inherited, some acquired over the years. But he's always kept his most prized possessions a secret."
Emilia's interest is piqued when Lady Seraphine admits it. She tilted her head slightly, leaning in just a bit to ask further.
Emilia gently probed, "You mean there are things even you haven't seen?"
Lady Seraphine glanced at Emilia, her expression wary but not entirely dismissive. She seemed to consider her answer, realizing that too much curiosity could be dangerous.
"There are always rumors, Your Highness. However, whether that's true or just fanciful gossip, I couldn't say. It's better not to pry too deeply into the Duke's affairs."
Emilia could sense the sharpness in Lady Seraphine's words, perhaps a silent warning. But her curiosity is already sparked, especially after the royal amulet she found out. Emilia looked back at Lady Seraphine, a small innocent smile on her lips.
"Of course, I wouldn't dare peek. But I've always been fascinated by the idea of ancient artifacts, especially those related to the history of the kingdom. You know how some objects are said to carry… certain powers. Such as those that could ensure longevity, or even bring great fortune to their owner."
At this, Lady Seraphine's expression wavered modestly, a flash of something unreadable crossing her face before she regained her composure.
"You have heard too many stories, Your Highness. However, I must admit that some of the Duke's items are… extraordinary. He guards them closely for a reason."
"They are indeed guarded closely. But those who seek power through objects often find themselves entangled in more than they bargained for." Alistair spoke with a hidden sternness.
The woman stared at Alistair for a moment, perhaps trying to discern if he knew more than he was letting on. The conversation seemed to hang in the air, filled with unspoken truths. Emilia glanced at Alistair again, sensing that they were discussing something deeper than a mere collector's hobby.
"It makes you wonder… Why would someone be so protective of certain things? What could be so important that they'd hide it from even their closest allies?" Emilia asked quietly.
Lady Seraphine gave a tight-lipped smile, clearly uncomfortable with the direction of the conversation.
"Some things are better left hidden, Your Highness. Curiosity can be a dangerous thing, especially in the world of a Duke."
The tension in the air grew, but before Emilia could press further, Lady Seraphine gracefully steered the conversation back to the beauty of the garden, as if trying to put an end to the unsettling questions. But Emilia's curiosity was still there, and she knew there were greater things hidden in the Duke's mansion. While they stood there, the evening sun casting long shadows, Emilia and Alistair exchanged a look, silently agreeing that this matter was far from over.
"The gardens are lovely at this time of year, aren't they? The flowers are in full bloom." Lady Seraphine continued with a forced smile.
***
The light of their bedroom illuminated Emilia's glistening skin against Alistair's face, she is sitting on his face, her nightgown long discarded. Her legs are shaking with anticipation, she feels the man's hot breath on her inner thighs, sending shivers down her spine even before his mouth touches her. The girl gasped when his tongue made the first teasing contact, her body reacting instantly to the sensation while her hands gripping the headboard for balance.
"Mmm… yes, like that," Emilia's voice was breathless, her desire evident in every word. She rolled her hips instinctively, seeking more pressure from Alistair's mouth. "You know exactly how I like it… suck me harder."
Alistair's growl rumbled beneath Emilia while he eagerly followed her command, his tongue lapping her folds before his lips sealed around her clit, sucking hard. The man's hands gripped her thighs tightly, pulling her down even firmly. His mouth was eager, tongue flicking over her sensitive spot in a way that made her toes curl.
"Don't stop," she panted, looking down at Alistair with half-lidded eyes, the sight of him completely focused on her sending another wave of arousal through Emilia. "You're so good at this… I need more."
The man's fingers dug into her thighs as his tongue moved faster, Alistair's mouth working in perfect sync with Emilia's words. The girl's head fell back, her body trembling with pleasure. She pushed herself further down, moaning louder while his tongue found the spot she craved.
"Yesss… right there… you're making me so wet," Emilia's hands now tugging Alistair's hair as her hips moved more urgently against his face.
"You love how I taste, don't you?" The girl teased, biting her lip while she looked down at Alistair, her voice filled with lust. "Eat it like you mean it… I know you can make me come again."
Alistair's response was immediate, his tongue thrust deeper, his lips moving with more intensity as his fingers joined the action, teasing her entrance. Emilia let out a gasp, her body shuddering at the sensation. The girl whimpered, her hands gripping his hair tighter, guiding him exactly where she needed him.
"Yes… yes… keep going, I'm so close." Emilia's thighs tighten around Alistair's head while her voice becomes breathy and desperate, and the man increases his pace in response.
Her words only seemed to encourage him more, as Alistair's tongue circles around Emilia's clit harder while his fingers slide inside her, pressing in rhythm with her grinding hips. "More… give me more."
"You're gonna make me come," She panted, her voice trembling as her fingers dug into Alistair's hair. "Don't stop… suck me harder… yes, right there!"
Alistair growled beneath Emilia, his fingers pumping harder into her, and his tongue flicked rapidly over her clit. The girl's voice caught in her throat while the pleasure suddenly hit her. She cried out in ecstasy, her body quivering uncontrollably as she climaxed, her thighs squeezing the man's head.
"Oh, Al… I'm coming!" she screamed, her hips jerking while she rode the wave of pleasure.
Even though she had reached her peak, Alistair didn't stop. His fingers continued thrusting inside Emilia, his mouth relentlessly working her clit. The man knew her body well enough now to recognize when she still needed more.
Emilia moaned, her body still twitching from the aftershocks. But she didn't stop Alistair. The girl's body was still craving the release he was giving her, and she knew he wouldn't stop until she told him to. "You're going to make me come again…"
She groaned, her hips moving on their own again, grinding against his mouth as she chased the second climax. Alistair hummed against Emilia, his hands sliding to her breasts, teasing her nipples in a way that sent another wave of pleasure through her. The man's growl was deep and primal, his tongue and fingers working together to drive her insane with pleasure.
Emilia's hand gripped the headboard tighter, her other hand tangling in his hair while she rode his face shamelessly. "Yes… you're so good at this," she whimpered, her voice raw with desire. "Al… don't stop… I need more…"
The girl's words only made Alistair more excited, his movements becoming even more intense as he brought her closer to the edge again. The man responded with renewed vigor, his mouth and fingers working in perfect harmony. Emilia's voice barely above a whisper as the pleasure built inside her.
"Al.. I'm so close…" She cried out, her body tensing as the second climax hit her with even greater intensity than the first. Emilia hips bucked against Alistair's mouth, her body shaking uncontrollably when she called out his name in pleasure. The girl's thighs clenched around his head when she reached her peak.
Alistair held Emilia tightly, his hands gripping her thighs while he continued to suck and lick her through the second orgasm. The girl collapsed forward, her body trembling from the overwhelming pleasure. She panted, her breath coming in short gasps while she tried to catch her breath.
Despite her exhaustion, Alistair didn't stop until he was sure Emilia had gotten everything she needed. Only then did he finally release her, the man's hands gently stroking her thighs as she came down from the high. The girl let out a contented sigh, her body completely relaxed now, the tension and pain from the tonic finally gone.
However, from the corner of Alistair's eyes, he still saw the door to the room open. It seemed that what he and Emilia had done was still not enough, because Isabella still had not moved from her spot that was peeking at them from outside. The man who was happy to perform again, suddenly said something that surprised the girl sitting on his face.
***