Chapter 10

Adela lifted her chin at his provocation. Never in her life had she met a man who scratched at her insides like this.

And that opponent was a slave—how ridiculous. To think he was testing her.

Even more astonishing was her own reaction.

He hadn’t even properly washed; his body was still covered in dust. Yet, just recalling that earlier kiss made her heart pound and her body feel light.

The dust covering his body did nothing to diminish his charm. No, if anything, it overflowed excessively.

She fully understood why so many women followed him.

Adela quickly recalled not only the kiss they’d just shared, but also the bedroom arts she’d learned and forgotten, thinking she’d never use them.

Edel was a small Kingdom. The population was low, but thanks to abundant sunlight and a great river, crops grew well, and the land, surrounded on three sides by deep mountains, was rich in magic stones and all kinds of minerals.

Though it had the geographical advantage of a natural fortress, there were always powerful nations eyeing the Kingdom.

What allowed them to survive among such powers was not only the best mercenaries money could buy, but also outstanding diplomacy.

That diplomacy included bedroom arts.

To secure alliances, her ancestors had entered political marriages with the imperial family of powerful nations, and their pillow talk played a significant role in saving the Kingdom from danger.

Thus, the bedroom arts naturally developed and became as important to learn as etiquette.

First, she had to stimulate the man’s gaze.

By day, she could be a refined lady, but by night, she must become a temptress.

She couldn’t remain as prim as she was now.

Adela’s hand reached up to her hair, which had been tousled by the kiss. She pulled out the pin holding her hair, letting her glossy black hair fall like a waterfall.

Next was her body. She had to reveal it.

Rising from the sofa, Adela untied the sash of her ash-gray robe that concealed her figure. The fabric slipped off with a soft sound, sliding down to her feet.

She wore a deep navy, modest dress underneath, but as the robe fell to the floor, her appearance became sensuous.

Braden narrowed his eyes, watching every move as she changed dramatically in an instant.

Adela’s fingers touched the pearl buttons fastened all the way up to her neck. She began to unfasten them very slowly, one by one.

Her movements were so slight they were almost silent, yet Braden’s lips grew dry just watching.

Her fingers kept twitching.

Her slow movements were so tantalizing, he wanted to tear the buttons off all at once.

At last, she undid the final button at her cleavage, revealing a glimpse of her full, white valley.

“Ha!”

Braden let out a hollow laugh at her provocation.

He had lost.

She hadn’t even approached him yet. Just by removing her robe and unbuttoning her dress, his arousal, which had risen during their kiss, surged wildly.

Ha! He’d asked for a woman who could arouse him, and he’d truly found one.

Braden hadn’t felt desire for women in ages. As Shutal had said, he’d wondered if he was dysfunctional, but after today, he could put that doubt to rest.

Hot desire surged violently inside him. He felt as if he might lose his mind any moment.

If he kept watching, he’d rip her dress apart, expose her bare body, and thrust himself deep inside her like a beast.

It was absurd—this explosive, messy craving.

So this kind of desire really did exist.

“That’s enough, Princess.”

Braden raised his palm to stop Adela as she started to approach.

Suddenly, the dust on his own body bothered him. He regretted not washing properly before meeting her.

“What do you mean, enough?”

“It’s confirmed. I’m looking forward to making love with you, Princess.”

“With just this?”

Her innocent expression as she blinked in disbelief was almost naive.

Braden gave a faint smile.

She’d just acted seductively, as if begging him to take her.

He’d been right. Inside the perfectly trained, elegant Princess, her true self was hidden.

Curiosity surged again.

What kind of laughter would she make if she truly enjoyed herself?

What kind of expression, what sounds, what actions would she show when excited?

Would she remain elegant even while making love?

Just how sensual would her face become?

“The contract will be with Duke Shutal. During the match in two days, watch from the designated royal box with the Duke. I’ll dedicate my sword to you and kiss you.”

Braden approached Adela. The scent of lily of the valley mixed with her skin teased him.

“And….”

Suppressing his desire, Braden buttoned her pearl buttons again. His touch was firm.

“I’m very particular. If another man even glances at the bare skin of the woman I embrace, I’ll kill him on the spot. So don’t unbutton yourself carelessly anywhere.”

Braden smiled at her, but the warning was clear in his expression.

“I was planning to wear a more daring dress next time.”

Adela looked down at herself.

Today, she’d dressed as inconspicuously as possible to negotiate, but next time, she intended to wear something bold to draw everyone’s attention.

Braden picked up her robe from the floor and wrapped it around her shoulders, covering her tightly.

“No, don’t do that. A lewd woman isn’t made by her clothes. Just letting your hair down is enough.”

Before putting up her hood, Braden stroked her thick, soft hair as if caressing it.

A sudden wave of heat crashed over him.

How ridiculous, to get aroused just by her hair.

“D*mn, I tried to hold back, but I can’t.”

Braden cupped her cheek in his palm and pulled her close.

Her soft lips were drawn into his mouth. Braden bit and sucked on her lower lip.

“Mm!”

With a moan, her lips parted. Through the open lips, Braden’s tongue plunged deep inside.

Braden’s tongue persistently explored her mouth, sweeping her inner cheeks, palate, and teeth.

He devoured her hungrily, as if he’d been starved, tangling their tongues, sucking and wrapping around hers.

Why does she taste so sweet?

Even her breath was sweet and fragrant. The kiss was so delicious, he couldn’t stop.

“Hnnn…….”

As the kiss grew more intense, she let out a nasal moan.

Chup, chup.

Their tongues rubbed together, making lewd, sticky sounds.

“Haa, wait….”

She staggered slightly. To support her, Braden grabbed her slender waist.

Just a little longer, a little more.

Braden changed the angle of his head, greedily sucking her tongue. When she tried to pull away, he chased after her, tangling their tongues even more fiercely.

It was an obsessive kiss, chasing desire with intensity. Blood boiled, pleasure spread through his whole body.

Not enough, just a bit more.

His base desire wasn’t satisfied with this, craving even greater pleasure.

At some point, he’d pressed her against the wall, trapping her delicate body against his own. Her full br*asts pressed against his bare chest.

“Haa, haa.”

Her breath came in short gasps, almost suffocating. Braden regained his senses—he’d nearly grabbed her br*asts.

Braden pulled away.

Her wet eyes looked at him. Her flushed face and swollen red lips were exactly to his liking.

Braden wiped the saliva glistening on her lips with his thumb.

He needed to send this tempting woman away quickly. If not, he’d do something reckless.

“I’ll see you in two days.”

Without giving her a chance to say goodbye, Braden ushered her out of the room.

“D*mn, I should’ve just washed.”

Leaning against the door, Braden muttered in a voice thick with regret.

Now, he was bothered by his dirty body. It was the first time he regretted not listening to Shutal.

***

“Here are the documents.”

Shutal handed Braden the contract.

“They really gave up the magic stone mine. Did you find out the reason?”

Braden looked over the contract, lost in thought.

“She just got swept up by the charm of a gladiator slave.”

“The real reason. I’m not in the mood for jokes.”

“When are you ever in the mood for jokes?”

“Hurry up. I’m busy today.”

Braden’s eyebrow twitched, his mood turning fierce.

Shutal subtly straightened his posture. When Braden showed real intensity, even Shutal couldn’t handle him.

“There really isn’t any reason, except the Princess’s personal obsession with a man.”

“Nothing?”

That couldn’t be.

Braden recalled her desperate blue eyes. After a moment of thought, he spoke again.

“Profit.”

“Profit?”

“Who stands to gain the most when the Princess’s reputation is ruined by a scandal?”

“Who could possibly benefit from a scandal? It’s just personal and national disgrace. Years of reputation destroyed in a moment.”

“The King, of course.”

“The abdication went smoothly. Princess Adela made it happen.”

“Was it really smooth?”

Braden narrowed his eyes at Shutal, as if doubting his political skills.