Chapter 97: Get to work
Princess Nyx stood before him, her hair cascading over her shoulders, eyes shimmering faintly in the moonlight pouring through the tall glass windows of the hallway. "Shall we do it?" she asked softly, her voice laced with a mixture of curiosity and weariness.
Lucas gave her a small, knowing smile. "It has to be done in seclusion," he replied gently, keeping his tone respectful. "Somewhere quiet. No distractions."
Nyx looked thoughtful for a moment, then gave a nod. "My chamber. No one disturbs me there."
Lucas followed her as she turned, her royal gait unfaltering even in her drained state. But in the recesses of his mind, thoughts lust stirred. He had used the dual cultivation charm on her gently, laced it into their earlier interactions like silk woven through a thread. Nyx, powerful as she was, remained within the range of his technique, particularly now, when her body and spirit were strained, and her guard was slightly lowered by fatigue and trust.
It wasn’t manipulation to him, not in the sinister sense. She needed what he could give, his Qi, his technique, his knowledge and his Yang energy. And he would give it, he was generous... when it served a greater good. Still, a part of him knew this was dangerous ground. But so was everything that had led him to this point.
They arrived at her chamber. As she opened the ornate door, Lucas caught a full view of the room beyond, and for a moment, even he paused. Her chamber was stunning, a perfect blend of elegance and mysticism. A high canopy bed rested in the center, draped with soft silk veils that danced lazily in the breeze slipping through a tall arched window. Crystals hung from threads in the corners of the ceiling, glowing faintly in colors that shifted with the light. The scent of lavender and moon lotus hung in the air, calming and intoxicating.
Nyx stepped inside first, turning to face him as he entered. She gestured toward a set of soft cushions near the hearth, where a low fire glowed, offering warmth and quiet. "We’ll do it here," she said simply.
Lucas nodded, stepping forward. Whatever this night would bring, he was ready.
Princess Nyx turned toward him, "How exactly do we begin?" she asked.
Lucas’s eyes scanned the room, settling on a wide table carved from dark wood, its polished surface gleaming faintly in the low firelight. He walked toward it, adjusted its position slightly for space, then turned to face her with calm assurance. "We’ll use this," he said, placing a hand gently on the table’s surface. "Please, lie down on it. It’ll help the technique circulate more effectively through your meridians."
Nyx raised an elegant brow, her expression skeptical. "Lie on a table? For your technique? That’s part of it?"
Lucas smiled, understanding her hesitation. "Trust me, Princess," he said, voice steady and reassuring. "I’ll never touch you inappropriately. Not without your full consent and permission."
She studied him for a moment, weighing his words. She was no fool, she was a princess of Valerion, born and raised amidst politics, deception, and power. If he dared to cross a line, there would be consequences severe enough to shatter any ambition he had left. But still... something in his eyes calmed her suspicion. They held no lust, only resolve and quiet strength. She gave a faint nod, then turned away.