After a couple of intense rounds, Julian and Lisa lay breathless on the bed. Julian stood up and he began to dress. The morning sunlight creeping through the window illuminated his toned physique, and Lisa couldn’t help but admire him with a smile.
Her gaze lingered on him as she softly said, “You truly are captivating.”
Julian smiled down at Lisa, his eyes twinkling with playful mischief. “I have to say the same thing Lisa, you are beautiful as well,” he said warmly.
Then, with a teasing smirk, he added, “Especially those big, lush fruits you carry around. Truly a treasure.”
Lisa gasped at his bold words, her cheeks turning a deep red. “Julian!” she exclaimed.
Julian chuckled. “Just being honest, my dear wife,” he said, his tone dripping with charm.
Lisa’s heart fluttered as she looked into his eyes, unable to suppress the smile tugging at her lips. “So, is Isabel pregnant too?” she asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
Julian nodded. “Yes, she is.”
Lisa burst into laughter, shaking her head in disbelief. “You are so shameless, Julian. Do you just go around impregnating everyone?”
Julian leaned closer, his smile turning tender. “Only those I truly care about,” he replied.
Lisa’s laughter softened, and she gazed at him with a mix of admiration and amusement. “Well, at least you’re honest,” she said.
Julian’s teasing smile returned as he said, “What is Isabel’s child going to be to you?”
Lisa raised an eyebrow at his question, clearly amused. “What do you mean?” she asked, though she already had an idea where Julian was going with this.
Julian smirked. “Well, think about it. If Isabel’s child is also mine, what will that make her child to you? A grand daughter Or… stepdaughter?”
Lisa laughed, shaking her head at his playful remark. “You’re unbelievable, Julian. Only you would find amusement in such tangled relations.”
He leaned closer. “It’s all part of keeping things interesting,” he teased.
Julian extended his hand to Lisa, helping her sit up from the bed. She smiled warmly at him, still flushed from their earlier intimacy. He handed her dress.
As they got dressed, Julian adjusted his collar and glanced at Lisa, who was fixing her hair.
Without warning, he stepped behind her and gave her a firm slap on her ass. Lisa gasped at the sudden spank and spun around with wide eyes.
“Julian!” she shouted shooting him, a playful glare. “That hurt!”
“Couldn’t resist. You looked too good,” he teased.
They left the room together, walking through the halls side by side. Lisa’s face glowed with happiness as they made their way to the dining hall for breakfast.
The grand dining table was still empty when Julian and Lisa arrived. They both sat in their seats. The room was quiet for a moment before the sound of footsteps echoed in the hall.
Soon, Alden and Regina entered together. Regina’s gaze lingered briefly on Julian before she composed herself and took her seat next to Alden.
Eva arrived shortly after, her expression awkward and uneasy as her eyes met Julian’s. She quickly looked away, her cheeks betraying a faint blush. Julian smirked inwardly, knowing the seeds Eleanor had planted were already taking root.
Eleanor and Isabel were the last to arrive, their expressions full of amusement. They exchanged knowing glances with Julian.
As the rest of the family settled in, the room was filled with soft murmurs as servants began bringing in the morning breakfast.
Just then, Frederick, Duke Hans, rose from his seat and bowed deeply towards Augustus and Gregoria. His voice carried a grace and confidence as he addressed the room. “Your Graces, I have something to say.”
Augustus chuckled lightly. “Please, go ahead, Frederick,” he said, leaning forward slightly with an intrigued expression.
Beside him, Gregoria gave a slight nod, her piercing gaze fixed on Frederick as if already anticipating his words.
Frederick straightened as he cleared his throat. “The Hans family would like to formally request an alliance with the Easvil family.” he declared.
His declaration silenced the murmur of conversation and drew everyone’s attention.
The room erupted in a series of exchanged glances, some shocked and others curious. Alden gave a knowing smile while Regina’s expression flickered with intrigue.
Augustus remained unfazed as a soft smile played at his lips. He already knew this was coming and appeared completely at ease.
“An interesting proposal, Frederick,” he said, his tone calm yet commanding. “Let us hear the reasoning behind this request.”
Frederick’s voice remained steady as he continued, “With the growing influence of the Easvil family, along with the leadership of Your Grace and Duke Alden, it is clear that an alliance between our families would be mutually beneficial.”
“Especially after witnessing Julian’s impressive achievements, it is evident that the future of the Easvil family is secured. As such, we wish to offer our full support to the Easvil family and maintain this powerful alliance.”
Augustus leaned back in his chair, lost in his thought, while Gregoria’s expression showed no emotion.
The mention of Julian’s success had clearly caught everyone’s attention, particularly the eyes of those who were deeply invested in the family’s future.
Gregoria, who had been silent until now, took a deep breath and leaned forward. “Your proposal holds merit, Frederick,” she said, “However, we must consider all factors before finalizing any alliances.”
Frederick gave a respectful bow. “Of course, Your Grace. We only wish to offer our unwavering loyalty and support.”
Finally, after a moment of thought, Augustus spoke. “Go on, Frederick,” he urged. “I am sure you’ve figured everything out by now. What’s the next step in this alliance you are suggesting?”
Frederick continued with confidence, his proposal gaining momentum as he outlined the benefits of the alliance.
“In addition to the direct trade between our two duchies, I suggest that any citizens of the Easvil family be granted free passage and privileges when visiting or conducting trade in Hans territory. They will be treated as if they were our own citizens, ensuring a seamless exchange between our people.” He paused for a moment, letting the weight of his words sink in.
“Moreover,” Frederick added, “should the need arise, we will immediately mobilize our forces under your name, Grand Duke Augustus, to defend the Easvil family and its interests. This is a gesture of not only support but commitment to your family’s continued growth and security.”