As the feast came to an end, the king rose from his seat, his face beaming with satisfaction.
“Well, that was very fun, Viscount,” he declared, his voice echoing in the grand hall.
The dukes nodded in agreement, each joining in with their own expressions of appreciation.
“Yes, Viscount, I haven’t had such delicious dishes in ages,” Duke Alden remarked.
The Viscount beaming with pride said “Thank you, my lords. We are pleased to know that you enjoyed it.”
“Your grace, your majesty, we have prepared a room for you. A maid will be stationed there to wake you when the time arrives for your departure.” The Viscount with his respectful and inviting demeanor addressed the king and dukes.
The Duke of Ethwer nodded appreciatively. “Viscount, we thank you for your hospitality, it is truly commendable.”
The Viscount bowed humbly. “It is our pleasure, my lords.”
He then turned his attention to Duke Alden with a thoughtful expression crossing his face. “Your grace, may I take some of your time for a brief discussion?”
Duke Alden smiled warmly and said. “How can I say no after you have shown us such hospitality?”
The king sensed the conversation might be more personal interjected, “Well, take your time. We will excuse ourselves.”
The other dukes nodded in agreement but could not help themselves from being curious as to what the conversation might be about.
As the dukes exited the hall, their voices echoed softly behind them. “We are indeed fortunate to have such a loyal count among us,” one remarked while another nodded in agreement.
With the door closing behind them, the atmosphere shifted back to the remaining group.
Duke Alden broke the silence as he addressed the Viscount. “Your hospitality has been unparalleled, my friend. Your loyalty to the crown is commendable.”
The Viscount smiled appreciating the acknowledgment. Meanwhile, Julian’s gaze drifted back to the Viscountess, who seemed to be wrestling with her own emotions.
“Your Grace, lets go to a more private setting”, The viscount said. Duke Alden nodded and followed the Viscount out of the room.
As the Viscount and Duke Alden exited the room, the atmosphere shifted again leaving only Julian and the Viscountess in a delicate silence.
The Viscountess while maintaining her composure, stole a glance at Julian, who leaned casually against the table as his eyes sparkled with mischief.
“Lord Julian,” she began, “I hope you understand the respect that is expected between nobles. Your gaze—”
Julian interrupted with a charming smile, “Ah, but it’s hard not to admire such grace and beauty, Viscountess. You have an undeniable presence.”
She frowned slightly as she crossed her arms defensively. “Flattery does not suit you, my lord. I expect a future duke to carry himself with dignity, not indulge in childish pursuits.”
Julian smirked, leaning closer as he teased, “Dignity can go suck its own dick but I want you to suck mine.” The audacity of his words hung in the air, and the Viscountess’s eyes widened in shock.
“Lord Julian!” she exclaimed, her voice a mix of disbelief and indignation. “How dare you speak to me in such a manner?”
He shrugged. “What can I say? I’m just being honest. You can’t blame a man for wanting what he desires.”
The viscountess flared in anger, her eyes narrowing as she confronted Julian.
“You really think you can do anything just because you have power?” she snapped, her voice laced with disdain. “You may be a future duke, but that does not give you the right to disrespect me or my marriage.”
Her heart raced with a mix of fury and disbelief surging within her as she struggled to maintain her composure in the face of his boldness.
“I have a husband, you know that,” she continued. “Yet you are saying such things. How can you be so bold? You might think you can charm your way into anyone’s heart, but I am not someone you can easily manipulate.”
Julian chuckled as he leaned closer. “Oh, don’t be so hard to get. Besides, I know I can give you pleasure in a way your husband never could.”
The viscountess’s eyes narrowed, her anger flaring as she stared at Julian in disbelief.
The viscountess took a step closer, her voice firm as she continued, “Your power and status may mean everything to you, but to me, they do not hold any weight. You can throw around your title and charm, but that won’t sway me.”
Julian leaned back with a smirk playing on his lips as he pondered her response.
“Oh, you really believe that, do you?” he teased, his tone light yet curious. “So, in your eyes, power and influence mean nothing? I must admit, I’m intrigued. What do you think truly matters in this world if not the ability to shape it?” He leaned in closer, his interest piqued by her conviction.
The viscountess squared her shoulders. “Love and loyalty,” she declared firmly, her voice steady.
“Those are the true essence of life. Power can be great but it does not last for a long time, and influence often corrupts, but love is steadfast, and loyalty builds lasting relationships. I know you may not grasp the depth of these words, considering your background and how you wield your title like a weapon.” Her eyes flashed with determination, revealing the depth of her conviction.
Julian chuckled with a mix of amusement and challenge in his expression.
“So, you believe your love for your husband is stronger than my status and power? That’s quite a bold statement,” he replied raising an eyebrow. “What makes you so sure that it cannot be broken by anyone, even someone like me?”
The viscountess met his gaze with unwavering resolve. “Because true love is built on trust and respect, things that cannot be bought or manipulated. My bond with my husband is genuine, a result of years of loyalty and commitment. No amount of power can alter that,” she asserted, her eyes narrowing slightly as she gauged his reaction.
“Your charm and status may be powerful, but they will never hold a candle to the strength of real love.”
