Chapter 33
His cape billowing, Xenobius stepped forward and inclined his head toward the Emperor.
“Xenobius Impetraz, having completed the subjugation of monsters on the Ashtun Continent, has returned. Casualties, none.”
He did not kneel.
A brief, silent bow. He lifted his head. It was a gesture permitted only to Xenobius.
The sole man in the Empire who did not kneel even to the Emperor.
The Emperor descended from the dais with a relaxed smile. He quickly approached and placed a hand on Xenobius’s shoulder.
“Grand Duke, you have done well. Your achievements shall be recorded throughout the Imperial House of Impetraz. I congratulate you on your return.”
The Grand Duke gave a small nod, and behind him, the Emperor began to clap. The Empress rose from her seat and followed suit.
In their wake, thunderous applause erupted once more.
The banquet had begun.
Evina’s heart pounded.
Because the time had finally come to pay the price. If Xenobius wanted her to strip naked and crawl like a dog, she would have to crawl.
Music filled the hall, and all eyes fixed on Xenobius’s every step.
Leaving the Emperor behind, the Grand Duke strode forward. He cut through the dukes and counts waiting to greet him, through the vast crowd, and went straight to Evina. She stood in her lavish black dress, her face hidden behind a veil.
When they had been alone before, Xenobius had acted like a libertine. Touching her bare skin. Toying with her. So now, Evina bit her lip hard.
“Lady Siollier.”
She grasped the hem of her dress lightly and bent her knees.
“…Your Grace.”
“How does it feel to no longer be the Viscountess?”
“…”
She chewed the soft flesh inside her mouth.
“It suits you well.”
She felt his heated gaze on her bare skin.
He held out his hand.
Her golden eyes traced slowly up from his gloved fingertips, along his palm, his cuff, and finally to his eyes.
It struck her suddenly. Even with the veil, it meant nothing before this man.
He was looking straight into her eyes, hidden beneath it.
“It seems you have something to give me.”
She raised her trembling hand and laid it gently on his palm. His large hand closed over her shaking fingers at once.
“Good.”
A deeply amused smile spread across his face, as if he were playing a game he found entertaining. He began to walk.
Meaningful stares followed behind them.
Soon, they stood before the terrace. The doors opened, and Evina hesitated.
The threshold from the bright banquet hall into the dark terrace felt like the threshold leading straight into hell.
Xenobius whispered quietly.
“Only now you’re afraid?”
Her shoulders flinched faintly, but she stepped forward.
As she entered the terrace, the man followed, and the door closed behind them.
The murmuring of the banquet hall vanished in an instant. Only silence lingered.
A chill ran down her spine.
The terrace curtains drew shut, and complete darkness descended. The only light came from the lamps illuminating the Imperial Palace gardens.
Evina swallowed dryly. Xenobius walked past her and turned around.
“Take it off.”
The man wore a slanted smile as he pulled off his gloves. His long, thick fingers came into view.
In that instant, a strange feeling seized Evina. She would not escape Xenobius.
She barely managed to fix her clothes and followed the maids out of the terrace. Every step took all the strength she had just to keep her shaking legs steady under the weight of all the stares.
She wanted to collapse. But she clenched her teeth and kept walking.
She could still feel the place where his c**k had pushed in and out. Still not closed. Still pulsing. She gritted her teeth harder.
She knew about the stares. The moment she stepped off the terrace, she had felt them.
Everyone was surely imagining what the Grand Duke and the young widow had been doing out there.
With each step she took, the crowd parted like the sea.
She had feared someone might meddle. But it seemed she didn’t need to worry. They clearly didn’t have the nerve to take any stance without fully grasping what exactly lay between the Grand Duke and Evina.
Xenobius’s power was too immense. No one would risk clumsily insulting a young widow who had dared to step into their circles.
“Right this way, my lady.”
The moment she left the hall and rounded the corridor corner, she collapsed to the floor.
“I’m sorry… I’m so sorry.”
“Not at all. Would you like my arm?”
The palace maids were too well trained. They offered neither judgment nor ridicule. Just blank, practiced kindness.
“…Thank you.”
She took the maid’s hand, barely stood, and slowly made her way down the stairs.
Discussion
0 CommentsNo comments yet.