Lewd Courtship - Chapter 19

“Yes. They’re said to release rare animals into the royal forest behind the palace. The King wrote that he would be honored if Your Majesty would attend. Would you like to see the invitation?”

Killian raised an eyebrow and extended his hand.

“Give it to me.”

“Here it is.”

The imperial physician took a letter from inside his robe and handed it over. The paper was gilded, shining with a golden hue. Killian thought it was a waste of gold as he unfolded the letter.

As the physician had said, the contents detailed the hunting tournament. Killian tapped the letter with his index finger as he read. He’d grown bored after staying in his room for days. A bit of exercise, hunting small animals, might be just what he needed.

“I was feeling a bit stiff—perhaps I should go.”

“How are your shoulder stiffness and pain? You’ll likely need to use a bow.”

“Today, I don’t feel any symptoms at all.”
“Then I shall have your bow and hunting attire prepared. I’ll also select knights to accompany you.”
“See to it.”

The imperial physician gestured to a servant, who quickly began bringing out hunting outfits in an orderly fashion.

Killian glanced over the array of hunting garments. Among them, a black three-piece style outfit caught his eye. The red embroidery on the vest and collar was striking, and the brooch on the chest was a vivid green—reminiscent of midsummer grass.

The moment he saw the color combination, a certain woman popped into his mind. Killian’s brow furrowed.

Noticing his reaction, the servant cautiously spoke.

“Is there something that displeases you, Your Majesty?”
“No, not particularly… but it’s best to put that one away.”
“Yes, at once.”

The servant swiftly removed the black hunting outfit that Killian had indicated. Only then did the crease between his brows relax.

He was about to resume selecting a hunting outfit but paused, realizing he was letting thoughts of Rachel influence him. His expression hardened again.

“Why should I avoid red and green just because of that woman? I happen to like red.”

Killian stared silently at the hunting clothes before quietly raising his hand. His finger pointed to the same outfit he’d just had put away.

Rachel had been busy preparing since early morning—today was the long-awaited royal hunting tournament.

To look beautiful at the event, she needed something elegant yet easy to move in. Since she would be actively participating in the hunt, she had to wear hunting gear rather than a dress, and that made her selection all the more important.

Rachel scanned the array of hunting outfits with her sparkling green eyes. Unable to settle on one, she hesitated until Maria pointed to the one in the center.

“How about this one? I think the elegant cream color would really suit you, Your Highness.”
“Ooh, I like it. I’ll go with that.”

Maria had a sharp eye. Rachel put on the outfit Maria recommended. It had a riding-suit style that subtly emphasized her figure, so she tied her hair back neatly into a ponytail.

She completed the look with simple pearl accessories and a pair of boots—everything came together nicely. Rachel spun once in front of the mirror to check her appearance.

When she turned her back to the mirror, a silhouette of ornate embroidery came into view. It was stitched with glossy black high-grade thread that she hadn’t noticed before putting it on. The shine of the thread oddly reminded her of someone’s hair.

“I’m going to lose my damn mind.”

Just picturing Killian’s expressionless face made her lower body heat up. It was a reaction completely beyond her will—like a curse.

She had promised herself never to have s*x with him again. But if her body kept responding like this, she might end up shamelessly flirting the moment they met again.

Rachel involuntarily imagined herself spreading her legs and begging him to put it in. Though she usually took pride in being honest with her desires, this time, it hurt her pride. She pressed her palm to her forehead and contemplated her life.