At Libitina's place

Libitina had built a mansion an hour's travel by horse from your castle. The fact that she dwells in a place away from the castle town's protection in the midst of wild animals and monsters highlights what kind of a woman she is. Speaking about the wild animals and monster, you have yet to see them on your trek there. There's the grizzly bear in the distance but it didn't even approach the road you're on.

Finally, you arrive at the place where a young maid greets you. Signaling your two guards to wait at a room just inside the main entrance, you followed her. The young specimen is quite attractive and if not for the enormous task ahead, you would be more than willing to ogle at her body and perhaps do something more beyond that. However, you need to be on top of your game.

You end up in the guest room, where the maid tells you that the mistress of the house would come soon. It is better than you have thought, since you half-expected Libitina to have you led directly to her, similar to a manner where your subjects would be brought to your attention at the court.

After a few minutes, the door opened quietly, and you find your eyes found drawn to the woman entering the room. Her appearance sucks the light toward her, making the room feel colder, causing you to shiver involuntarily.

"Greetings, my son," Libitina said.

You note her way of greeting you. It is worded in such a way that looked to a casual observer Libitina treated you like her son, as a mother would, even if she is just a stepmother. However, the emphasis on your status as her son is actually intended to allow her to get away with not greeting you as her king.

"Greetings, mother," you say, letting her get away with the small lese-majeste.

Libitina moves to the sofa in front of you with a grace that is almost otherworldly, each step measured and fluid, as if she is gliding rather than walking.

Her dark hair cascades in luxurious waves, catching the light and shimmering with every subtle movement. It framed her face perfectly, accentuating her striking features. Her eyes, deep and mesmerizing, causing you to be mesmerized.

She wears a gown that seemed to have been tailored specifically for her. The fabric flowed effortlessly, its ruby visage covers just enough of her every curve but at the same time elicits onlookers' imagination. You swallow your saliva, wondering how it would feel removing it.

Libitina takes her place on the sofa, leaning into lazily on the seat. She smiles at you, knowing that it has such an effect on you. She is the epitome of a poisonous flower, beautiful but deadly. Even at almost twice your age, she still arouses your lust, even though you should put more thoughts into defeating her son.

"What is your desire, my son?" Libitina purrs.