Wildflowers Bloom on the Grand Duchy’s Wall - Chapter 83

Afraid someone might overhear, Cairn quickly covered Lilien’s mouth.

“Quiet.”

As Lilien stopped chattering, another white flower petal drifted down onto her head. Cairn gently brushed both petals away, and Lilien broke into a radiant smile.

* * *

The servant, determined not to repeat his earlier misunderstanding, searched far and wide for a courtesan who met all the requirements.

In the end, he found a mature, discreet woman with years of experience, someone who had long since retired from the profession. She was impeccably dressed, with not a trace of her past life visible, and even the way she lifted her teacup was elegant.

“What business could someone as distinguished as yourself possibly have with me?”

Cairn, legs crossed, coolly looked her up and down as if testing her. Only when he was certain she wouldn’t gossip did he finally speak.

“There’s something I’d like to learn from Lady Robain.”

“You, Lord Headington, want to learn something from me?”

“Yes.”

“And what might that be…?”

“I’d like to know how to satisfy my wife in bed.”

Even Lady Robain, who in her past had heard every conceivable request from men of all sorts, found this question a bit surprising. A crease formed on her brow, but Cairn offered a lazy smile.

“Oh, I just mean in words and writing—don’t get the wrong idea.”

“In the Klatt Empire, there are plenty of men eager to show off their prowess. It’s not uncommon for men to brag about their bedroom exploits. I know you’re close to Lord Regid—why come to me, even offering money, for lessons?”

“He wasn’t much help.”

Robain, trying to maintain her composure, ended up sputtering her tea. Cairn slid a handkerchief over to her.

“Men’s boasts are all the same, aren’t they? Even a lowly soldier claims he beheaded a general on the battlefield. Those who lack skill always make the most noise. It’s the same in bed.”

Robain couldn’t help but agree. She dropped the pretense and spoke honestly.

“You’re absolutely right. In all my years, I’ve never met a single nobleman who was truly skilled in the bedroom. When you’re used to being flattered, it’s hard to learn anything new—flattery blinds you.”

“I’m not looking for flattery.”

“Then what do you want?”

“As I said, I want you to teach me how to please my wife “

Robain gave a dry laugh, lost for words.

“My wife finds me a bit…difficult to handle.”

“I see. That might be troubling now, but in the long run, it’s a good sign.”

Knowing full well what her own life had entailed, Robain dropped all pretense and started listening to Cairn in earnest.

“May I ask a personal question before we begin in earnest?”

“As long as you promise to keep silent.”

“Of course.”

Cairn nodded.

“Is there a reason you’re going this far? I’m curious about your motives.”

“If I want her to stay, I’d better at least make her happy in bed, don’t you think?”

Robain eyed Cairn’s handsome face with real curiosity. Who would ever want to run away from a man like that? She’d heard he and Miss de Bermore were old friends—there must be a story there.

“Sometimes physical closeness leads to emotional intimacy.”

“Is that so?”

“Oh, absolutely. Sometimes the order doesn’t matter. Have you ever known a couple who fought all day but couldn’t keep their hands off each other at night? That’s just how these things go. And in time, the heart follows the body.”

That was exactly what Cairn desperately needed.

“I’d like to win my wife’s heart…”

“And I’ll do my very best to teach you.”

With a spark of her old enthusiasm, Lady Robain set aside all pretense, and the two of them proceeded with a surprisingly wholesome and practical lesson, focused solely on useful advice.