Chapter 10 : Choose Dila

The choice was difficult. She knew that choosing one would be completely alienating the other. Choosing Alburg would be security. It was clear that the Empire could prevent any future problems in Elbra.

But Dila ?

" They knew how to force negotiations just by their presence ! And then I made a promise. I don't know what was said during the negotiations, but I have the last word. What pressure ? "

She took a deep breath and walked to the left.

She wasn't going to take back her words. Priscilla made Theo a promise, and she would keep it !

The princess was convinced that he would protect her. With the goal of the Empire in her hands, Dila could also prepare a political counter-offensive !

---

" So you came, darling ? Said Prince Theo with this beautiful and cute smile. "

" Yes. We made a promise, and I was able to find out why the Empire came. "

" Oh... . Tell me... . »

The prince stood next to her. She was in her room, it was another excuse to get closer. With him, it wasn't unpleasant at all. If anything, the fact that he expressly showed his attraction to her without going too far was nice.

Priscilla began to tell the story without going into details. She had to avoid saying things that were too humiliating.

Once finished, Theo thinks.

" The Artifact of Elbra. And you even say that there is one in Dila ? I didn't know about it. But it all makes sense... . "

He stood up, starting to walk in circles.

" Actually... I think I know what it is. If Dila was able to become so good at magic, it was thanks to a treasure, from what my father told me. This may be the last fragment in question ! I only came for your beautiful eyes, but I avoided much worse, it seems. "

His look and his slight smile made her blush.

" Tsss Théo, don’t try your little shenanigans. I'm not an easy girl. "

" Haha, I know, I know, but thank you for telling me all that. I will make Dila protect Elbra. In fact, by officially announcing our engagement, Elbra will be protected. "

He held out his hand, which she took before he pulled her close.

" Your nightmare will be over... . "

" Can you really stop Alburg from acting ? "

It was his biggest fear ! And there was plenty. The Alburg Empire is not the friendliest, and its expansion campaign since the last king has been incredible.

Priscilla felt the prince's hands move further down her back.

He is incorrigible.

But she let him. If there was ever a time she could let go, it was now. His soft side was just better.

" We can... . We have not been an independent and free Nation for several generations for nothing. We'll get there. "

" Thank you again... . "

They stayed like that in this slightly erotic cuddle with the prince's fingers gently feeling the flesh of her buttocks.

" Do you want to stay and sleep ? "

" Um...why not ? "

The question was surprising, but she found herself agreeing much quicker than she expected. It was probably the fact that now Alburg was an enemy and therefore staying with the prince of Dila was more reassuring.

" I sleep naked, be careful. "

" You have no interest. "

She herself normally slept with not much. But sleeping with a man... . This would be a first. He reassured her once again.

" And don't worry about everything else, we'll take care of it. "

Even now, she thought about all the problems of refusing Alburg's help. Except that she didn't feel comfortable with Leo. She has already given a lot. Being able to relax, not think about anything. It was just nice.

She fell into the bed behind.

" Sleep, I’ll call your maids and some of your things. "

" Thanks. "

Even after sleeping during the day to catch up, it hadn't been enough. Before long, she was whisked away to the land of dreams.

---

Priscilla stirred. It was night.

" Still night ? It feels like I’ve slept way too long. Hmm ? "

Before her lay a broad, strong chest. It was warm and comforting... perfect, even, if only... .

" His hands on my backside again ? "

She said it with a soft laugh. There was no contest between his hands and Leo’s, she preferred his. Gently, she extricated herself and got out of bed. She was still wearing her dress and felt a bit stifled.

So, she began to change. She needed to put on something more comfortable to finish out the night. As she did, her thoughts turned to what lay ahead.

He’ll likely make an official announcement about the marriage. The outcome of the negotiations will be announced, too. The people... they’d be happy, right ? Protection was essential. Théo assured me he’d see to it. I trust him.

She found herself standing in her undergarments, gazing out the window.

Then she took them off and slipped on a long, lightweight nightgown that reached her knees. She climbed back into bed, keeping a bit of distance this time. Letting him tease her was one thing, but it would take more time for a deep intimacy to develop between them.

The night passed. Morning came, and she opened her eyes.

" Sleep well ? "

Théo was already up, holding a cup of tea, or maybe coffee, she couldn't tell.

" Yes... I think I’ve made up for all the lost sleep. I suppose not having anything on my mind helps a lot. My head feels clear. "

" I imagine so. "

He walked quietly over to the sofa. Priscilla’s eyes widened. Her underwear from the day before was still lying on the sofa. After all, she had set it aside to sleep in just a nightgown, the height of comfort.

Théo smiled. He picked up the underwear.

" Purple ? That's cute. "

" Don't touch ! "

She got up and quickly snatched them away. This little interaction was simple but meaningful. With him, these small moments could become a routine she already loved.