Chapter 128: Indulgence of Tenderness

Chapter 128: Chapter 128: Indulgence of Tenderness

For a moment, Vaelen simply stood there, staring at the closed door.

The sounds from within continued to echo in his mind—the breathless pleas, the unmistakable intimacy in Elysia’s voice, the words she had spoken.

Images he desperately tried to suppress began forming in his mind.

His cousins had spoken of such things often enough during family banquets. After a few too many drinks, their faces would flush with pleasure, their smiles would turn lewd, and their voices would grow increasingly unrestrained describing the pleasures of the flesh.

So he knew exactly what was happening inside.

And the realisation sent a sudden, irrational fury surging through him.

How dare she?

What does she take me for?

Blind with anger, he raised his hand, intent on shoving the door open.

---

Inside the chamber, Elysia was still sitting on Cassiel’s lap, her arms loosely draped over his shoulders.

She had long since lost track of how much time had passed.

To her, each kiss had felt interminable.

She was completely drained, her head resting lightly against the side of his face as she struggled to catch her breath.

Cassiel’s voice held a faint trace of amusement.

"Is that all you can manage?"

"Yeah..."

Elysia breathed the answer weakly.

After a moment, she asked, "My lord, are you feeling better now?"

Cassiel’s expression did not change. He merely coughed naturally.

"Almost."

Elysia fell silent.

For a long moment, she had no idea what to say.

A part of her even felt a quiet sense of resignation.

If only his true love were here.

Cassiel could hold her instead, and I wouldn’t have to endure this.

Noticing her distraction, Cassiel asked, "What are you thinking about?"

Elysia immediately straightened.

She certainly couldn’t tell him the truth.

"I... I was wondering whether there might be aftereffects from the aphrodisiac wine."

She said it almost casually, merely grasping for an excuse.

But Cassiel’s brows lifted slightly.

Aftereffects?

Why hadn’t he thought of that?

If the effects could recur later, then today’s kisses had merely been the beginning.

When the symptoms returned, another kiss would naturally be necessary and Elysia might have to help him again.

For a moment, his eyes darkened with amusement, before restoring their former factual seriousness.

"The effects of this particular substance are difficult to predict.," he murmured. "We’ll have the royal physician examine me once we return. We should know more then"

Elysia nodded, just about to suggest that they stop for the day.

Then his hand returned to the small of her back.

"One last time."

Tears immediately welled in Elysia’s eyes.

"Again?"

"Just once more."

She looked at him suspiciously.

He had said the same thing last time.

She didn’t believe him in the slightest.

"Truly."

His voice dropped lower, slightly hoarse now, carrying an indescribable allure.

Unable to resist, Elysia gave a soft hum and slowly turned her head towards him.

Cassiel lowered his head and kissed her gently.

Elysia closed her eyes again as he deepened the kiss.

His movements remained meticulous.

He did not rush her.

Instead, he seemed intent on drawing out the moment, allowing her to become familiar with every small sensation until her thoughts gradually dissolved into a pleasant haze.

Elysia’s fingers curled against his shoulders.

Without quite realising it, her hands slowly slipped higher until they rested against his back.

Just then hurried footsteps sounded outside.

A guard’s voice followed immediately.

"Your Highness!"

Elysia jolted.

Her entire body went rigid.

Your Highness? Vaelen?!

What’s he doing outside?

Was my voice too loud? Did he hear...?

This is so embarrassing!

A wave of mortification swept through her.

She instinctively tried to push Cassiel away.

He didn’t budge.

She attempted to lean backwards, trying to break the kiss, but Cassiel’s other hand moved to the back of her head holding her firmly in place.

Rather than allowing her to retreat, he deepened the kiss.

This time, the movement was almost rough, tinged with unmistakable irritation.

Elysia’s thoughts scattered once again.

Outside, Vaelen’s voice remained deceptively calm.

"I’m here for my uncle."

The guard hurriedly replied, "Your Highness, His Grace is resting within. He gave orders that no one is to disturb him except Duchess Elysia—"

"Duchess Elysia?"

Vaelen interrupted.

"Yes, Your Highness."

The guard continued respectfully, "His Grace’s command was explicit. No one but Duchess Elysia is permitted to enter. I must request you to visit at a different time."

"How exceptionally special he makes her."

Vaelen’s voice carried through the door, the words sounding as though they had been forced through gritted teeth.

Inside, Elysia remained tense, unable to relax.

"Can’t focus, huh?"

Cassiel finally released her.

His eyes lowered, his gaze dark and unreadable.

"What’s wrong?"

It was a simple question, but his tone held clear displeasure.

Elysia flushed.

"There’s someone outside..."

"I know. He can’t get in."

"But I..."

She lowered her voice.

"I feel embarrassed."

A slight, enigmatic smile touched Cassiel’s lips.

His thumb brushed over her burning cheek.

"Lysa..."

His voice was low.

"Are you embarrassed because someone is outside?"

His gaze lingered on her flushed face.

"Or because you don’t want him to know what we’re doing?"

Elysia’s eyes flickered with confusion.

"Huh? What?"

Before Cassiel could say anything more, Bran’s voice suddenly boomed from outside.

"Your Grace, we caught him!"

There was a brief pause before he added, sounding surprised,

"Your Highness? What are you doing here? Are you looking for His Grace?"

Before Vaelen could answer, the guard hurriedly leaned towards Bran and whispered, "Lieutenant, His Grace and Her Grace are inside..."

Bran’s eyebrows rose, glancing towards the closed chamber.

A grin slowly spread across his face.

"They’re husband and wife. It’s perfectly normal for them to be together."

He glanced meaningfully at the crown prince before offering his observation with complete sincerity.

"Their relationship seems to be getting better and better."

His grin widened.

"Shutting the door in broad daylight... I daresay it won’t be long before we have a young lord or lady running around Draevenor Manor."