Chương 641: Chapter 640: Seductress II

Tara Veyrault"…Dux of Azol, Princep Rohykos." The herald's voice rang clear across the hall as the prince entered with a large entourage behind him. He was in his mid-twenties, close to my own age, tall and lean with the refined build of a duelist. His raven hair fell straight to his shoulders, and his eyes—deep, pure grey—were striking. I had only seen eyes like that once before, among Master Silver's family.

"Your Excellency." We bowed in the Otonian fashion—knees bent, heads lowered. I had practiced it until it became second nature, and I executed it more smoothly than most.

"Thank you for this gracious welcome, Lord Aardwyn," the prince said warmly.

"It is always a pleasure to visit this legacy. I hope to continue doing so for many years." As he spoke, his gaze passed over us. Barb. Gloria. Rexy. Then me. When his eyes settled on me, I lifted my chin slightly, allowing a soft, inviting smile to touch my lips as I quietly activated I Want You. Immediately, I felt the attention of others shift—sharp, heavy, watchful. Some of those presences were powerful—dangerously so. Level forty and above. At least one belonged to someone in the prince's retinue.

I had just used a skill on royalty. Madness, some would say. Perhaps they were right. But I needed this—for Velvet Garden. A tense moment passed before the prince's gaze moved on and his speech resumed. Thank you, I sent silently to Barb. She stepped closer to me, subtle but deliberate, shielding me from the most intense scrutiny. That was dangerous, she replied quietly. There was no anger in her tone—only truth.

"I know," I answered inwardly. The prince concluded his speech to polite applause and began to mingle.

"He draws them like moths," Rexy murmured, watching the crowd form around him.

"He is a prince," Barb replied simply. We did not join the line. We had our own targets. As we moved through the gathering, I caught the prince's gaze on me several times. Each time, I answered with a small, knowing smile—no more skills, no more risks. Once was enough. Direct. Clear. That was my style. We were leaving tomorrow. There was no time for subtler webs. About an hour later, Lord Aardwyn approached with the prince beside him. The elf's expression was tight with displeasure.

"Your Excellency," we greeted in unison.

"These are members of the Velvet Garden," Aardwyn introduced, his glance briefly flicking toward me. I did not look at him. My attention remained on the prince. His face was composed, unreadable to most—but I could see the flicker beneath the surface. Interest. Curiosity. Desire.

"I trust you are enjoying your time here," he said.

"Immensely, Your Excellency," I replied.

"Your kingdom is a haven." This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it A faint smile touched his lips.

"It is indeed. Perhaps you may consider making it your home in the coming months." The invitation was direct—far more direct than before. Barb answered smoothly, "We are grateful for the offer, Your Excellency. We will consider it carefully." He inclined his head and moved on.

"They are confident," Rexy said once he was gone.

"So are we," Barb replied. Whether she felt it or not, she carried it well. The evening deepened. Music rose, laughter followed, and some guests drifted toward the pools to indulge. I declined every invitation. I belonged to Velvet Garden. That meant something.

"It is unfortunate you leave so soon," said a red-haired nobleman we had been speaking with.

"I would have invited you to my birthday celebration next month."

"I doubt this will be our last meeting," Barb said pleasantly. He smiled, satisfied with that answer. When we stepped away, Barb's tone shifted without her expression changing.

"He is coming." She subtly altered our path. Myrrwa had attempted to approach me several times already, each time relying on intimidation. I had no intention of entertaining him again. I searched for someone he would not dare interrupt—few fit that description here. Then Barb stiffened. A man in royal armor appeared before me, moving with swift efficiency.

"Tara Veyrault," he said, offering a sealed letter before turning and leaving without waiting for a reply. I looked down at the envelope. The royal seal. Prince Rohykos's mark. A faint smile curved my lips. As expected. The seal dissolved on its own. An invitation meant to be read immediately. I opened it, read it once, then folded it back with calm composure. Around me, curiosity rippled—but no one asked. They already knew. Half an hour later, we reached the edge of a garden where mist gathered thickly.

"He is royal," Barb said softly.

"I know." I stepped into the mist. When I emerged, I stood near a restricted section of the legacy. I showed the letter, and the guards stepped aside. Moments later, I stood before the familiar gate. It opened with a quiet click. Inside, the artifact awaited. Magnificent. Radiant. Even more breathtaking than I remembered. I took a moment to admire it—its flowing structure, its soft glow, the way the water shimmered with quiet power. Then I stepped forward.

The pools surrounding it gathered the flowing waters before they traveled into the bathhouse beyond. I passed them and approached the outer well. Rylan had assured me it was safe. I stepped into the crystalline water. At once, a deep sense of renewal washed over me—cool, soothing, filling every cell with calm and vitality. The sensation drew a quiet breath from my lips. The artifact was not even running at full power, and yet… It felt like heaven.

I floated there, letting myself drift, absorbing the experience fully. This might be my only chance. Time passed unnoticed until I heard the door open. The prince entered alone. I did not greet him immediately. Instead, I let my movements remain slow, fluid—naturally graceful, gently inviting. He watched me for a long moment.

"You seem to be enjoying yourself," he said.

"Not yet," I replied lightly, turning toward him with a playful smile. He laughed softly and began to remove his outer garments, leaving only simple attire suitable for the water. He stepped closer.

"I have seen many courtesans," he said.

"None as bold as you." I closed the distance between us until only inches separated us.

"And what will you do about that?" I asked quietly. He answered by drawing me into a kiss. I responded in kind, guiding the moment—steady, deliberate, controlled. He followed my lead willingly as I drew him into the water. There, surrounded by the artifact's quiet influence, the world seemed to fade away. Time blurred. The moment became one of shared sensation, closeness, and carefully guided experience. He was passionate—intense—but unrefined. Young. Eager.

I matched him where needed, guided where necessary, letting the rhythm build and settle as I shaped the experience into something memorable. For him. For my purpose. When at last the moment ebbed and quiet returned, he remained close, breath unsteady but satisfied.

"You are extraordinary," he said, voice low with sincerity.

"The finest I have known."

"You honor me, Your Excellency," I replied, lowering my gaze just enough.

"I want you," he stated.

"I will speak to Silver about your contract."

"It would be an honor," I replied, letting my eyes brighten appropriately. Inside, my thoughts remained my own. My loyalty was not for sale. But my role required the appearance of willingness. He studied me, pleased. Then, after a brief rest, he smiled again—eager, energized.

"Stay a while longer," he said. And I did. Seductress Lv. 35 Seductress Lv. 36 [Skill Gained: Moans of Pleasure] [Conditions Met: Seductress – Seductress of Velvet] Seductress of Velvet Lv. 33 [Conditions Met: Seductive Movements + Seductive Smile- Seductive Grace] [Skill Change: Seductive Challenge: Seductress's Challenge]...