Chapter 12 : The King of Alburg

It started tentatively, but Priscilla began to realize that beneath that cool exterior beat a living heart. That didn't mean Léo apologized for what he had asked of Elbra, it wasn't as if he regretted it.

Now that she understood him better, she saw it for what it was, vanity and arrogance. He was bound to be that way, to some extent. But there was no malice in it. He wanted something, so he took it. She was the one who had been outmaneuvered, proof that, deep down, his reputation was a weapon in itself.

One month, two months, six months !

Throughout that time, they grew closer. Léo was clearly awkward, simply expressing his feelings was a monumental challenge for him. You had to learn to read the subtlest of his facial expressions.

As for whether things had turned intimate ? Not yet. Priscilla was the type who preferred to be wooed, which didn't exactly speed things along. Still, at least she dressed well.

She no longer felt ashamed to be his fiancée, even though nothing official regarding their upcoming marriage had been announced yet. It would likely take more time for it to truly feel like a real relationship.

So, more time passed. They were approaching the ten-month mark since the negotiations. It had been a long time. And today was a significant day; they had just finished yet another date.

The mood was good. Léo was even wearing a simpler suit that made him look more approachable. He was happy, holding Priscilla’s hand firmly yet gently, just a touch of gentleness.

" Um... Priscilla, would you... marry me ? "

" Yes ! "

She didn't hesitate. She understood how he worked by now. Deep down, he was a truly kind man. She wouldn't suffer with him. Her smile was magnificent, leaving the man speechless.

Not everything was perfect, but the situation was far better than what she had envisioned upon her arrival.

It was certainly better than nothing. He was a man easy to love once you understood him.

And she would have no trouble with that. Even now, to say she felt nothing would simply be a lie.

---

A few days later, Priscilla was summoned by Leo’s father, a man surrounded by rumors even more unsettling than those about his son. Unlike his son, however, his domineering nature was deeply ingrained.

He was a man who got straight to the point. And when she saw him, he was exactly that way.

An older version of Leo, with white hair. Despite his age, his large frame remained imposing.

" I salute the Sun of the Empire. "

" Yes, yes, thank you. You may sit. "

He didn't care for formalities, so long as the proper greeting was offered.

" I hear my son has finally asked for your hand in marriage ? "

" Yes, indeed. "

" Good, good, good... . Excellent ! "

He slammed his fist onto the table, clearly excited.

" Is it really that good ? "

" Of course ! My son is nearly thirty and has no wife ! You are young and beautiful. I need an heir. I was tired of waiting ! "

He spoke with great fervor, walking over to a corner of the room to pick up a large carafe.

" Water ? He asked. "

" Oh, yes, thank you... . "

She took the glass when he handed it to her and took a few sips. At first glance, the King seemed expressive and pleased with the situation.

" So, when is the baby coming ? "

" Urgh... . "

She nearly choked. It was unexpected.

" Sorry ? "

" Well, yes... . Now that you’re engaged, you might as well not wait ! Waiting for the wedding and all that, who cares ? You’re young, you might as well go all out. I can give you all the ingredients to be the most... productive. "

Of course, there were foods that could boost one's chances of conceiving. A shiver ran through her body when she heard that. Her lips felt dry. She took another sip of water.

" It's... well, it's not necessarily on the immediate agenda. It takes time ! "

SLAM !

Another heavy blow against the table. He didn't look pleased.

" No ! We need to get started right away ! What use is a woman if not for that ? "

She understood.

A male chauvinist. He viewed women merely as tools. That was likely why his wife had left him. She had thought he was being kind to her, but his kindness had been driven by expectations regarding potential offspring... .

That explained a lot. It was the typical behavior of a king with an iron fist. She didn't know where to look or how to react. It was a delicate situation.

" Um, I... well, it's probably in the plans, but we need to be patient. "

Her throat felt so dry.

GULP GULP !

She downed the rest of her water in one go.

" That’s a start ! Anyway, I also wanted to talk about the Elbra artifact. "

" I've told you everything I know... . "

She wiped the sweat from her brow. Priscilla was hot. The conversation was becoming difficult to follow and manage. She felt dizzy.

" Are you sure ? I’ve heard things. Besides... the fragment's position has changed. "

" Huh ? What do you mean ? "

She unconsciously pressed her legs together. Uneasy ? No, just uncomfortable, and that discomfort was growing. It was strange.

" Well, ever since you arrived, the fragment has been located here, in Alburg. "

He stepped in front of her, looming over her. His gaze felt heavy and oppressive. She tugged at the collar of her garment, trying to get some air.

What do you mean, the fragment has moved ?! Could it be on me ?

That realization was clearly what the king had in mind. He placed his hand on her thigh, making it tremble.

" A magical object... there can't be many ways to hide it... . Tell me... . "

His voice grew smoother, stronger, and more commanding. It was intimidating, yet instead of feeling frightened, she felt aroused. Her eyes locked with his. For a moment, she thought she saw a heart, and a jolt of electricity shot through her entire body.

" And what if I showed you how to make babies while we're at it ! "

He squeezed her thigh tightly as he tilted her head up with his other hand. Priscilla’s whole body was burning now.

My head... my body... why am I... ? But it feels so good.

She was completely under the influence of an aphrodisiac !