We stayed entwined for a while, her body relaxed against mine, her soft breaths tickling my neck. Slowly, I eased myself up and laid her gently on the sofa. My cock slipped out of her with an audible, wet plop, her inner walls clenching as if trying to hold me in, reluctant to let go. The moment I withdrew, her slick, swollen folds tightened, trapping every drop of my essence inside her.
"Greedy girl," I murmured, brushing my fingers lightly against her puffy entrance. She stirred faintly, a soft moan escaping her parted lips even in sleep.
I stood and pulled my discarded robe around me loosely, the silk barely tied at my waist. Bending down, I scooped her up in my arms, one hand cradling her back while the other supported the firm curve of her ass.
"Let's get you settled," I said softly, my voice barely above a whisper as I carried her out of the room and down the quiet corridor to my chambers. The castle was steeped in silence, save for the occasional creak of wood or distant rustle of wind through the high windows.
Upon reaching my room, I nudged the door open and stepped inside, laying her down on the expansive bed. She barely stirred, her body completely spent, her serene face framed by disheveled strands of hair. I went to the adjoining washroom and returned with a basin of warm water and a silk cloth. Dipping the cloth into the water, I wrung it out and began to gently clean her, starting with her tear-streaked and saliva-smeared face. She shifted faintly under my touch, her soft sighs mingling with the faint sound of water being wrung from the cloth.
I worked my way down her body, wiping away the sheen of sweat from her smooth skin, savoring the intimacy of the moment. As I reached between her thighs, her body tensed slightly, her still-clenched entrance refusing to release what I'd left inside her. I dipped the cloth again, the water growing muskier, and continued with tender care.
A knock at the door broke the quiet. "Greetings, Prince," came Eldon's respectful, aged voice. I didn't stop, carefully dabbing her most sensitive parts.
"Your presence is requested by His Majesty," he continued, his voice steady And respectful . "The council is waiting."
"I'll be there shortly," I replied, tucking Elara under the Thin silk Sheet as to not stop the moonlight from bathing her whole form and aiding in her recovery before glancing at the window. The sun was dipping below the horizon, its last rays giving way to the soft glow of the moon. I pulled back the curtains, letting the silver light flood the room, bathing her resting form in an ethereal glow.
After cleaning myself and changing into silver silk trousers and a matching shirt adorned with dark, swirling patterns, I opened the door. Eldon stood waiting, bowing slightly as I stepped out.
"Let's leave," I said, my voice calm as I began walking. Eldon followed silently, and the soft echoes of our steps filled the quiet corridor. We reached the grand doors of the council chamber, where guards stood at attention. They bowed before opening the heavy doors.
Inside, the air was thick with murmurs that fell silent the moment I entered. I walked toward the head of the grand table where Father sat, his presence commanding as ever. Beside him was an empty chair, crafted almost like a miniature throne. I approached, and everyone in the room stood, bowing in unison.
"Greetings, Your Highness," they echoed as I motioned for them to sit with a flick of my hand. Taking my place beside Father, I sat in the throne-like chair. Eldon stood beside my father's larger throne, his expression unreadable but sharp.
Victor stood at the far end of the table, rising as he addressed the council. "Gunnar has submitted the financial report to be approved so he may draw funds from the state treasury."
"And what does the report state?" I asked, my tone measured as I studied him.
Victor glanced briefly at Gunnar, who stood by his side, then answered. "The report claims that one million crescent coins are required to complete the upgrade."
"Oh, is that so?" I remarked, my tone neutral. "And what does the council think?"
Victor hesitated before continuing. "Though his claim exceeds our estimates by around two hundred thousand, his calculations are thorough," he said, his voice tinged with apprehension.
"Then he should be clear," I said simply, still wondering why I had been summoned. "What else?"
Victor shifted on his feet. "There is one more matter. Whenever an amount this large is requested, a supervisor is assigned to oversee the operation."
I raised a brow. "And?"
Victor looked toward Kai Rylan, who sat silently at the left side of the table, his head slightly bowed. "This time, Kai proposed that the role of supervisor should go to you, Your Highness," Victor finished, his voice steady.
"And what does the council think of that?" I asked, glancing at the fifty council members seated around the table.
"There has been a vote," He answered. "The results are in favor."
Victor added cautiously, "Though some believe using such a sensitive and urgent matter as a learning opportunity is a risk. Even the smallest mistake could endanger the outer circle."
I noticed Gunnar's hateful gaze dart toward Kai and Finnian, his displeasure obvious. The tension in the air was palpable, his irritation further proof that Kai and Finnian had acted without consulting him. It seemed their loyalty was shifting—evidence that my efforts at the academy were paying off.
Kai spoke up, his tone steady and clear. "But His Highness is the future head of House Aetherisin. The decisions he will face in the future will make this seem like child's play."
"We cannot afford an inexperienced ruler," Finnian added, bowing his head slightly. "This is a necessary step."
Father remained silent, watching the council deliberate. I realized he hadn't been informed of this proposal either, or he would have told me beforehand.
"I can take the role," I said after a moment. "But I will need an experienced assistant."
Eldon stepped forward. "I have a suggestion," he said.
"Speak," I said.
"Lucian Blackwood is in the castle. He has experience and insight," Eldon said, his voice calm but firm. I didn't miss the way Gunnar's face tightened visibly at the mention of Lucian.
"Is that so?" I said, meeting Gunnar's gaze. "Then it is decided."
Gunnar's composure cracked slightly. "Lucian just returned and has been gone for a long while. He will require time to reacclimate."
"It is fine," I replied, holding Gunnar's gaze firmly. "He's a fast learner."
Father's voice cut through the tension like a blade. "It is decided. The appeal is approved, and Gunnar may collect the funds from the treasury." He picked up the dark silver royal seal, the ornament shimmering with a swirling silver essence. He pressed it onto the paper before him, the mark it left behind glowing with the radiance of a full moon—a symbol reserved only for the royal family.
"And Caelan will oversee the operation, with Lucian Blackwood as his assistant," Father continued, his tone final. Gunnar bowed stiffly, his resentment poorly concealed.
"The next meeting will be held one week from today to assess progress," Father said before Eldon's voice rang out. "The council is adjourned."
He announced as Father stood up, his commanding presence radiating through the room. The elders bowed in farewell as he left, his steps measured and deliberate. I followed suit, rising from my chair and motioning to the guard outside before stepping through the grand doors.
Kai and Finnian walked out shortly after, side by side, their movements as synchronized as their unspoken alliance. Finnian's soft voice broke the silence first.
"What compelled your actions today?" he asked, his tone curious yet restrained.
Kai's gaze remained ahead, his expression thoughtful. "The Great Elder thinks highly of His Highness," he replied. His voice held a quiet reverence as he added, "And I hope to see what vision of the future he saw in those silver eyes."
Kai's gaze grew distant, his steps slowing slightly as he seemed to lose himself in thought. Then, with a final glance at Finnian, he walked on, his words lingering like an echo in the dimly lit corridor.
I returned to my room, the door closing softly behind me. Elara still slept, her enchanting figure bathed in the ethereal glow of the moonlight streaming through the grand windows. Her peaceful expression, framed by silver strands of hair, made her seem Adorable . I changed Into A silver silk robe before sitting beside her on the bed. Her steady breathing filled the room as I closed my eyes and began to refine my essence.
The moonlight was alive with fireflies, each flicker of their glow imbued with the silver energy . They danced in the quiet stillness, their light filling the room as I focused inward. Time seemed to stretch as I refined, the energy coursing through me in rhythmic waves.
A knock at the door pulled me from my focus. My eyes opened, and I called out, "Come in."
The door opened to reveal Rowena, her aged yet sharp presence carrying an air of respect. "You called for me, Your Highness," she said, her voice even but reverent.
I inclined my head slightly, signaling for her to proceed.
"The task Your Highness requested has been fulfilled," she reported. "The room across from Lucian's has been converted into a sewing room. It has been furnished with all the luxuries and necessities such room may need. "
Her words carried a quiet efficiency as I listened, my eyes half-closed. "Okay," I replied simply, my mind still partly immersed in the refinement process.
Rowena bowed slightly, understanding my distraction. "If there is nothing else, I will take my leave," she said before quietly departing.
I remained seated, the fireflies' glow slowly dimming as the moonlight receded. The first rays of the sun broke through the horizon, casting a soft golden hue over the room. Slowly, I opened my eyes, the warmth of the morning light washing over me.
Elara stirred beside me, her toned figure lazily shifting beneath the thin translucent sheets. Her greenish eyes fluttered open, meeting mine as she shielded her face from the golden rays with one delicate hand.
"How long has it been?" she asked, her voice still heavy with sleep as she nestled closer to me.
"Not too long," I replied, leaning down to press a light kiss to her forehead.
Her lips curled into a soft smile, but there was still a hint of weariness in her eyes. I brushed my fingers through her hair, caressing her head gently. "I have some things to do," I said. "You should rest a bit more if you still feel weak."
She nodded faintly, her gaze lingering on mine. "Leave when you feel rejuvenated enough," I added, standing. My tone turned stern as I continued, "And don't push yourself to the point of essence exhaustion." "If you need me to fill you with essence, just ask. There's no need to suffer for it." My voice softened, the gentle teasing drawing an even deeper red to her face. The sight making me chuckle.
With a final glance at her, I left the room, my steps carrying me down to the second floor.
I arrived at the familiar door and paused before knocking.