Chapter 26
“Uh, hng.”
The entrance, softened by the consecutive insertions, accepted him without resistance. But as the position changed, the altered pattern of stimulation made Lena flinch and tremble once more.
Goosebumps rose along her spine at the unfamiliar sensation.
“Hat, uhng…”
Before she knew it, she was repeating an up-and-down motion with her body fully entrusted to Godfrid’s hands.
Each time his p***s rammed deep inside her with a pounding sound, everything around her seemed to recede far away as if swept by a wave, then return.
“Ah-hk, ah-ungnk.”
Using the tensing of her body as a signal, Godfrid thrust his hips fast and hard, steadily piercing the places she felt. Unaware that he had by now grasped every inch deep inside her body, Lena floundered in the throes of pleasure before losing consciousness.
* * *
“Pardon?”
A tapestry with ornate patterns and furniture of elegant taste. Bedding in soft colors was laid out, making it a space that anyone could see was meant for a young woman.
A woman with long golden hair hanging loose sprang up and exclaimed.
“There is a woman in His Imperial Majesty’s chambers?”
“So they say.”
A tall, middle-aged man nodded. He was the Margrave of Kärnten, the uncle of the young lady before him. Eyes of the same shade of scarlet gleamed beneath both of their brows.
“That cannot be… He is someone who does not so much as blink at the seductions of any beauty. It was so difficult just to have our betrothal arranged, precisely because he shows absolutely no interest in women!”
“Indeed.”
“Then why? Could he have found some toy that caught his fancy during the campaign?”
“I heard she was a princess of Aitalos.”
“Ugh, Aitalos?”
The woman, Hilderud, furrowed her brow as if disgusted. No matter that it was to maintain royal bloodline and power, infamous customs like sibling marriage and human sacrifice had come to mind.
“Is this woman pretty? Are her conduct and bearing elegant, befitting the reputation of royalty? She is not one of those imbeciles or deformed creatures occasionally born into the Aitalosian royal house, is she?”
Hilderud traced her lips with her fingertips as she paced the room. Though from a defeated nation, she was a princess, and if she were not lacking in any way, she might push her aside and become the emperor’s new betrothed.
But the Margrave of Kärnten, reading his niece’s worries, quietly let out a laugh.
“Do not fret, Hilderud. His Majesty considers that woman nothing more than a piece to be used and discarded.”
“A piece to be used and discarded?”
“When the Taringian army made its triumphant return, there was an attack by the Aitalosian remnants. His Majesty violated the princess in full view of the refugees and prevented further rebellion.”
“Oh my.”
At the unhappy news of the nameless princess, Hilderud’s lips curled upward. Though she could not know for certain, if it had been done before countless people, her mind was likely not intact by now.
“And then?”
“Is she not a woman he trampled before everyone as a warning? He keeps her merely as a tool, and holds no attachment whatsoever.”
The Margrave of Kärnten nodded again, as if once more convinced by his own words.
“That is why we nobles are also staying quiet. If he does not consider her seriously, can an emperor not have as many such playthings as he likes?”
“You are right, Uncle.”
“The women of Aitalos are renowned for their beauty, so he is simply keeping her as a bed warmer because she feels pleasant to hold.”
The Margrave of Kärnten affectionately stroked Hilderud’s hair.
“So you need not worry about a thing, and focus your efforts on binding His Majesty more closely to you.”
“Yes, Uncle.”
“By showing him the dignity of a proper betrothed, something a mere slave girl could never imitate.”
“Yes.”
After the margrave left, Hilderud called for her maids and spent a long while grooming herself.
Then she placed figs and wine in a basket, covered it with a white cloth, and headed for the imperial palace.
At the palace, she spotted the person she wanted, but could not approach him. It was because the guards in iron armor blocked her way.
“What is the meaning of this, sirs?”
“His Majesty is in discussion with General Ludwig.”
Seeing the black-haired man beside the ever-majestic Emperor Godfrid, Hilderud’s face crumpled once more.
It was a group of utterly loyal retainers who pursued no one’s interests but the emperor’s. General Ludwig stood above those men, and Hilderud had always been irked by their fastidious attitude.
“I have eyes and can see that. As His Majesty’s betrothed, I am merely offering a brief respite during his heavy work.”
As the squabbling noise dragged on, Godfrid finally spotted them and came to a halt.
“Hilderud. What is it?”
“Your Majesty.”
Hilderud beamed. She needlessly swept back her carefully styled hair once again.
“I thought you might be weary from work, so I brought a light snack…”
“If it is not urgent, let us meet later. Ludwig, where did we leave off?”
“Yes. The budget allocated for this campaign…”
Godfrid hurried on his way as if he had never seen her at all. His demeanor was as indifferent as if he had merely flicked away a worm wriggling in his path.
Discussion
0 CommentsNo comments yet.