Chapter 907 - 907: Next day arrives

Olivia rolled her eyes, though the flush in her cheeks deepened, and walked back to the door. She opened it just slightly, listened to the corridor, then turned her head enough to face him one last time.

"Next time," she said, "I want to taste you on my tongue. So make sure to save your seed so I can satisfy my hunger."

With that, she slipped out.

**click**

The latch clicked shut behind her.

Inside, Julian remained frozen on the bed, his eyes locked on the now closed door. The scent of her still lingered in the air. Her final words repeated themselves in his mind over and over again.

And his cock was already hard again.

**

The hours passed, and the sun slowly sank below the horizon.

Darkness soon covered the entire Astran duchy. Crickets chirped in the gardens, while fireflies drifted through the hedges like tiny sparks. Guards patrolled the walls and courtyards, lamps burned throughout the estate, and the stables remained restless even late into the night.

With so many important guests staying under one roof, the entire castle seemed to be waiting for something to happen.

Eventually, the long night came to an end.

The first light of dawn appeared over the eastern roofs. A thin layer of mist covered the training fields as the towers slowly brightened beneath the rising sun.

Soon, warm sunlight spread across the estate, reaching the gardens, courtyards, and towering walls of the Astran duchy.

With the arrival of morning, the estate came alive once more.

It was not surprising. The King was resting in his quarters, and with him the Crown Prince and the Queen Mother.

That alone was enough to put every corridor on a stricter clock.

Yawning soldiers took their posts with stiffened backs and red eyes, checking spear tips, armor straps. Maids moved in pairs with utensils, linens, and covered trays. Servants aired rooms, replaced candles, polished already polished dishes, and whispered only when necessity forced them to speak.

The kitchens were clearly working before dawn as well; the smell of bread, spiced broth, and meat began rising through the lower halls.

Everyone was busy.

*

The same was true for the Duke's family.

Olivia and the Duke were already awake, having started their morning early. Vanessa, meanwhile, was taking a walk with her fiancé, the Crown Prince. The morning air was cool and fresh, making it a pleasant time for a stroll around the estate.

Knock, knock.

It was around half past six when Julian woke to the sound of someone knocking on his door.

He stirred slightly but made no effort to get out of bed. His mind was still clouded with sleep, and he needed a few moments to realize where he was. He turned to the other side, hoping the person outside would leave him alone for a little longer.

Knock, knock.

The knocking came again.

Julian let out a sigh and slowly opened his eyes. He stared at the door for a moment before letting out a long yawn. Then, still feeling sleepy, he pushed himself up and rubbed his face with one hand.

"Come in," he called, his voice a little rough from sleep.

The door opened almost immediately.

Julian opened his eyes, yawned once, and stared at the door.

"Come in."

The door opened immediately.

A maid entered with a fresh set of clothes folded over both arms. She was not one of the regular faces assigned to his rooms. Julian's gaze sharpened with mild interest as she stepped inside, closed the door behind her, and bowed deeply.

"Young lord," she said, "the Duke has ordered that you be presentable within the next thirty minutes for breakfast with the royal family."

Julian rubbed his eyes with the back of his hand and pushed himself straight. The sheets slid down his bare torso as he moved.

"What's your name?"

The maid kept her head lowered. "My name is Riya, young lord."

"Riya." He repeated it once. "I haven't seen you before."

"I was assigned to the east wing only this week, young lord. Today I was ordered to assist with your morning preparation."

Julian looked at her more carefully now that the last of sleep was clearing. She was young, perhaps early twenties, with neat dark hair. Her uniform was clean, precisely arranged, and just slightly too stiff. She held the folded clothes as if they were more important than her own hands.

"Who sent you directly?" he asked.

"The head steward, young lord. On the Duke's instruction."

Julian gave a short breath of amusement. "Of course he did."

He threw the covers aside and stood. Cool morning air touched his skin, and Riya's eyes flicked upward for only a fraction of a second before discipline forced them back down.

She said nothing. She did not step back either.

Whoever had trained her had trained her for moment like this.

Julian rolled his shoulders once, then crossed toward the washing basin near the window. "Set the clothes on the chair."

"Yes, young lord."

Riya moved quickly and quietly.

Julian poured water into the basin and washed his face first, letting the cold bite through the last haze of sleep. He cleaned his mouth, his neck, the line of his jaw, then ran wet hands back through his hair until it sat in order.

"Is the Duke already downstairs?" he asked as he dried his face.

"Yes, young lord. The Duchess as well. Lady Vanessa is expected to return from the garden walk shortly with His Highness."

Julian glanced at her through the mirror's edge. "And the King?"

"His Majesty will enter once the family is assembled."

Which meant that no one of importance could afford to be late.

Julian finished washing and reached for the towel Riya held out to him. Their fingers barely touched before she withdrew her hand.

She stood quietly beside him, her eyes lowered and her posture perfectly straight. Every movement was careful and measured. Even her breathing seemed controlled, as though she feared that the smallest mistake might bring unwanted attention.