In the Celestian Empire, the four Dukedoms stood as the Empire’s shield, each strategically placed at the Empire’s farthest reaches.
To the north, the Frostwind Dukedom held the line against the frozen wilderness.
In the east, Stormridge Dukedom watched over the vast coastline, guarding against foreign invaders.
The western mountains were protected by the Ironclad Dukedom, a bulwark against any forces that dared approach.
And, to the far south lay the Darkhart Dukedom, its lands bordering the dangerous jungles that stretched into the unknown.
Each Dukedom not only protected the Empire, but also served as a symbol of its strength and unyielding defense.
The Frostwind Dukedom, guarding the Empire’s northern border, shared its frontier with the frigid lands of the Sky Empire.
Tensions between the two Empires had always simmered beneath the surface, but recently, an unexpected proposal had been made.
The Sky Empire’s Crown Prince had sought an alliance through marriage by proposing to Princess Isabella, the Empress’s only daughter.
…
The journey to Darkhart Dukedom from the Royal Capital was no small feat.
The route led through several thriving cities, across vast lands, and eventually up to Darkhart Dukedom, which lay close to the dense jungles that formed the edge of the Empire.
But, the deeper one went, the more perilous the road became, with fewer signs of civilization and more lurking dangers.
Only the strong or the heavily guarded could afford to make such a journey, with the Dukedom standing at the edge of the Empire like a lone sentinel.
And, it would take nearly two days to reach the city where Eloise was supposed to stop, a bustling hub nestled between the Royal Capital and Darkhart Dukedom.
***
Lucian leaned back in the soft interior of the carriage, his crimson eyes narrowing in satisfaction.
Eloise lay beside him, her body still quivering with the lingering aftershocks of pleasure.
Her delicate face was flushed, her breath uneven.
The scene before him was intoxicating.
His hand traced her trembling thigh as he admired the way her bare body still reacted to his touch, even after the peak of ecstasy had passed.
Knock! Knock!
Suddenly, there was a knock on the door of the carriage.
Lucian’s eyes flickered with irritation, his pleasure was interrupted by the sudden knock.
He glanced at the carriage door, knowing the thick wood and velvet curtains would muffle any sound.
With a sigh, he still leaned forward and slid the small window open just enough to let the sound pass through, careful not to expose the interior.
His voice was cold and indifferent as he asked, “What is it?”
Outside, the soldier’s voice was respectful but hurried, “Your Highness, we are nearing the designated rest area.”
Lucian’s gaze remained lustful,”Fine.”
He closed the window, his expression predatory as he turned back to Eloise.
She twitched slightly, her body still sensitive.
A small smirk tugged at the corner of Lucian’s lips.
…
In a remote clearing near an unknown jungle’s edge, three chariots were stationed, encircled by nearly twenty guards.
The men sat around small bonfires, roasting wild animals over open flames.
The smell of cooked meat drifted through the air as the guards relaxed, preparing their meal.
At the center of the camp, Lucian sat with Eloise and Drake.
Lucian poured a glass of wine, his crimson eyes gleaming as he leaned close to Eloise, speaking in low tones.
The firelight danced across her red gown as she laughed softly, her gaze fixed on Lucian with clear affection.
Drake sat across from Lucian and Eloise, his gaze lingering on their closeness.
The firelight flickered over their figures, casting long shadows, but his mind was trapped by darker thoughts.
The Crown Prince’s words echoed in his mind.
“With the Emperor’s obsession with his sister, he’d kill his own son without blinking.
So, if you see that closeness between aunt Eloise and that bastard is growing, don’t wait.
The moment she’s out of the picture, kill that son of a bitch. No second thoughts — end the bastard as soon as she had left.”
Drake didn’t understand why the Emperor would go to such extremes? And by ‘Emperor’s obsession’, what did he mean exactly?
Why would he be willing to kill his own blood? The thought seemed irrational.
Yet, Drake had long since learned not to question Julius’s judgment.
The Crown Prince was calculating and sharp. If he said something, it was best to trust his instincts.
Drake’s own position within the imperial family was weak, compared to Crown Prince.
He knew that his chances of ever ascending the throne were slim, a mere dream in a Palace filled with political intrigue.
In such a brutal environment, survival often meant choosing sides.
And to Drake, the best side was the one where the Crown Prince ruled.
‘Better to be a loyal dog,’ he thought, ‘and help Julius rise to the throne. That way, I can also enjoy a pleasurable life after his ascension.’
But now, as Drake observed the subtle touches and lingering glances between Lucian and Eloise, his unease gave way to cold certainty.
Lucian was destined to die sooner or later — Drake knew that much.
The Crown Prince’s hatred for him was no secret, and Lucian’s recent arrogance would only hasten his inevitable downfall.
Drake’s eyes gleamed with ruthless intent, his decision already made.
‘Little bastard, you were meant to die eventually,’ he thought darkly, ‘but if you’re so eager to meet your end early, I’ll gladly fulfill that wish.’
To Drake, Lucian’s fate was sealed. He wasn’t just an annoyance anymore — he was a dead man walking.
And when the time came, Drake wouldn’t hesitate.
Lucian had already been sentenced in his mind, and now all that remained was the moment to carry it out.
Drake quickly masked the flash of killing intent that surged within him, his expression returning to its usual calm, composed demeanor.
No one could know what he was thinking — not yet.
Growing up as a Prince, he was more adept at hiding his emotions than most.
He couldn’t afford to act impulsively, not when the game was still unfolding.
Lucian might be destined for death, but it had to be done at the right time, when the Crown Prince would benefit most from his fall, and without leaving any traces.
After all, the assassination of a Royal Prince would undoubtedly unleash the Emperor’s wrath, sparking a fierce investigation that could expose the very plans Drake sought to keep hidden.
If the Emperor could not even uncover the culprits behind his own son’s death, it might shake the very foundation of the Empire.
The common people would lose faith in the Royal Family, their belief in the Royal Clan’s invincibility shattered.
Whispers of betrayal might spread like wildfire, igniting unrest and emboldening rival factions.
Other Empires would smell blood in the water, seizing the opportunity to undermine the Celestian Empire’s authority.
Drake knew the stakes were high. It wouldn’t just be Lucian’s life on the line; it would threaten the stability of the entire realm.
To avoid drawing suspicion, the plot had to be executed flawlessly.
Lucian’s death needed to appear as a tragic accident or the work of unseen enemies, diverting attention away from the Crown Prince and Drake himself.
And, he already had an idea of who to blame for Lucian’s death.
‘Julius sure is ruthless, he even hired people from that ‘place’,’ Drake could not help but shiver.
So for now, Drake would play the part of the observant bystander, watching and waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
But, the fire of ruthlessness still burned behind his eyes, only carefully concealed.
His eyes, however, was soon drawn to the glass of wine Eloise held.
The liquid was a deep, blood-red, but something strange swirled within it — a peculiar whiteness that caught Drake’s attention.
“Aunt, what kind of wine is that?” Drake asked, his tone curious but cautious.
The odd mix in the wine made his instincts flare. He couldn’t explain it, but something felt wrong.
Eloise giggled softly, leaning closer to him with a playful smile.
“Would you like to try some, Drake dear?” she asked, her voice light and teasing as she held the glass toward him.
Drake hesitated.
The offer seemed innocent, but his gut told him otherwise.
Something about it made his heart race with caution.
“No, I’m fine,” he replied, keeping his tone steady, though his unease was hard to mask.
Eloise smiled wider, swirling the wine in her glass.
As she knew it was mixed with Lucian’s c*m, and the very thought sent a thrill through her.
There was something intoxicating about it, a secret pleasure that made the drink feel forbidden.
As she brought the glass to her lips and took a slow sip, the rich flavor enveloped her senses, filling her with warmth.
Eloise savored the moment, her heart racing with delight.
The idea of drinking Lucian’s c*m in front of so many people sent a rush of excitement through her, — making her c*nt wet, and leaving her feeling flushed and lustful.