Julian flashed a mischievous grin as he leaned slightly closer to the ladies. “Just hearts?” he teased, his voice smooth and confident. “That won’t be enough to satisfy me. I seek more… thrilling treasures.”
The ladies gasped, their blush deepening as they exchanged wide-eyed glances.
Sylvia replied, “Your grace, how bold!” while Elvina let out a soft, surprised laugh while covering her mouth with her hand. Ellie’s eyes sparkled with excitement, and she leaned forward, eager to hear more, while Cecilia rolled her eyes playfully, half amused, half flustered.
Julian grinned wider at their reactions, clearly enjoying the effect he had on them. “Come now, ladies, don’t be shy. Life is too short to only chase hearts!”
Ellie playfully raised an eyebrow, a teasing smile dancing on her lips. “We are all married, your grace,” she said, leaning closer as if sharing a delightful secret.
“And besides, our husbands are busy strategizing about war. They might not take kindly to your charming advances.”
The other ladies giggled, their laughter mingling with the soft clinking of utensils in the dining hall.
Sylvia added with a mischievous grin, “Yes, indeed! I wouldn’t want my husband’s battle plans to include a duel over my affections!”
Julian grinned and said, “And is that suppose to stop me, my ladies?”
His confidence radiated as he leaned in closer, enjoying the blushes that spread across their cheeks. The noblewomen exchanged playful glances, their laughter bubbling up once more, clearly amused by his boldness.
Elvina laughed and teased, “Do you dare, my lord? Besides, we are way too old for you!”
Julian smiled, “Oh, you do not want to get me started, Lady Elvina.”
With a swift, playful movement, he stepped forward, gently grabbing her waist and pulling her closer. The other ladies gasped in surprise, their eyes widening at Julian’s audacity.
Elvina’s laughter turned into a delightful squeal, as she said, “Your grace, how bold of you!”
Julian leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a passionate whisper, “I can be even more bold, my lady.”
Elvina’s heart fluttered at his words, a mixture of excitement and disbelief swirling within her. “Oh, care to show us?” she replied. Her tone was laced with playful challenge and a spark of intrigue lighted up in her eyes.
With a teasing smirk, Julian ran his fingers delicately along her jawline, his touch sending shivers down her spine. He let his hand travel gracefully through her silky hair, pausing to tuck a loose strand behind her ear. His fingertips lingered just above her lips, and he felt the heat radiating from her skin.
“You do not want to play this game, Lady Elvina,” he warned, his voice low and husky. The grip of his hand on her waist tightened possessively.
With a mischievous glint in his eyes, he gently pinched her lips as his thumb brushed over the soft skin. Elvina gasped softly, her breath hitching as a rush of desire flooded her senses. Julian held her gaze, his eyes filled with intensity, daring her to respond.
“What if I enjoy the game, Your Grace?” Elvina challenged, a teasing smile breaking through her initial shock.
Julian chuckled softly, his expression playful yet serious. “Then, my lady, we might just find ourselves in quite the predicament.”
The other noblewomen watched with their breaths held in anticipation, both amused and captivated by the audacious interaction unfolding before them.
Julian leaned in closer, his lips almost brushing against Elvina’s. “Should we start our game, Lady Elvina?” he asked, his voice low and seductive.
With a swift motion, Elvina brought her finger to his lips, silencing him gently. “Not now, Your Grace,” she replied with a teasing smile.
Julian raised an eyebrow. “Oh? And what might your reasons be, my lady?” he inquired, genuinely curious.
Elvina leaned back slightly. “My husband is strategizing about war, and I’d hate to cause any… distractions,” she teased, her tone light and flirtatious. “Besides, I wouldn’t want to get you into trouble, now would I?”
Julian leaned in close, his breath warm against Elvina’s ear as he whispered, “Come to my chambers tonight, my lady.”
The words sent a thrill through her, and for a moment, she could only blush as her voice failed her.
“Your Grace…” she stammered softly, but any further protest caught in her throat, replaced by a nervous smile. Julian gently let go of her waist and stepped back with a satisfied smile as he gazed at the group of noblewomen.
“Lady Sylvia, Lady Elvina, Lady Ellie, Lady Cecilia,” he said with a graceful nod, each name coming out his tongue with charm, “it seems I must take my leave.”
The ladies curtsied in return, still caught in the magnetic pull of his presence. Their faces were painted with smiles and flushed cheeks as Julian turned and walked away.
As Julian walked away from the ladies, he chuckled quietly, running his hand through his hair. “I really am handsome,” he murmured to himself, smirking with unmistakable pride.
After spending the day training with the army and engaging in various drills, Julian finished his evening meal and quietly retreated to his chambers as night fell, ready to rest and prepare for what lay ahead.
He then changed to his nightgown that highlighted his toned physique, eagerly waiting for Elvina’s arrival. He casted a glance at the mirror and his grin was visible.
