Chapter 67:
Cedric
I watch the dancers move gracefully across the stage.
Their every step is precise and practiced, drawing the attention of everyone in the room. This is the Elysium of Petals—one of the most renowned brothels in the capital.
Yet I find myself here for reasons that have little to do with the entertainment.
I swirl the alcohol in my glass. Take a sip.
Even the finest drink in the city does little to spark my interest.
The women and men before me are undeniably beautiful.
But my mind wanders to someone else.
Someone whose beauty renders all others insignificant.
The third princess. Lucina Solana.
Her gray eyes—like the moon reflecting on still water—seem to pierce through everything. As if she can see the very essence of your soul.
No one else compares.
No one else even comes close.
Rumors say Princess Lucina is close to the owner of this establishment.
That's why I'm here.
It's my only chance to see her. She never attends the social events I frequent. She doesn't grace tea parties or banquets with her presence. I'm certainly not someone with enough standing to request an audience at the royal palace.
So I sit here. Hopeful that she might come by.
Even though I know it's unlikely.
In the meantime, I have the best food, the finest entertainment, and the richest alcohol in all the empire.
But none of it matters.
Not when my thoughts are consumed by her.
"Enjoying yourself, I hope?"
A melodic voice interrupts my thoughts.
I turn toward the source.
Standing beside me is an utterly devastating beauty. I assume this must be the elusive owner of the Elysium of Petals.
Kai.
Only his dark, almond-shaped eyes are visible. The rest of his face concealed behind an elegant fan.
Mysterious and intriguing. Just as the rumors suggested.
"It lives up to its reputation as one of the best places in Lumine."
I respond smoothly, taking another sip from my glass. My gaze remains fixed on him.
Kai fans himself lazily. His eyes assess me with a slow, deliberate up-and-down glance.
"I would like to think so."
He murmurs, leaning in closer. His presence though graceful,carries a subtle air of dominance.
I clear my throat. Suddenly aware of the proximity.
His casual confidence is... unnerving.
"You've been here every single day. All week."
His voice is teasing.
"Yet you've chosen not to have any of my babies keep you company for the night. Should I be offended?" He quirks a brow.
"Or do you have... specialpreferences? "
His fan flutters softly in his hand. His other hand tucks a stray lock of inky black hair behind his pointed ear. A subtle reminder of his half-elven heritage.
The foreign features that set him apart.
I shift slightly. Offer a nonchalant smile.
"I'm just here for the atmosphere. Nothing more."
But even as I say it, my eyes wander. Briefly. Wondering if maybe, just maybe the princess has graced this place with her presence.
"No need to be shy."
Kai purrs, snapping his fan shut with a sharp flick of his wrist.
"I'm sure we can find someone who fits your criteria. Man or woman—it doesn't matter. We have all kinds."
He leans closer. His dark eyes shimmer with mischief.
For a moment, it feels as though I've fallen under some spell. Bewitched by his mere presence.
It's no wonder the rumors surrounding him exist. The vast wealth. Territories gifted by nobles—both local and foreign.
I get it. I really do.
The man is a living work of art.
"No, thank you."
My voice comes out stiffer than I intended.
"Hmmm..."
Kai hums, circling me like a predator assessing its prey.
He halts in front of me. A slim, elegant finger presses against my chest.
Sending a jolt of awareness through me.
"If I'm your target, though..." His eyes gleam as they rake over me like I'm a product on display. "I'm afraid you can't afford me."
His words hang in the air. Playful. Yet laced with unmistakable challenge.
"But." A devilish smile. "You are quite attractive. I might just give you a massive discount."
The temptation is almost tangible.
I take his hand. Lift it to my lips for a respectful kiss.
"It would be an honor." I reply. "But I'm really not here for that kind of entertainment."
Kai watches me for a moment. His gaze sharp and amused.
As though I'm the most curious thing he's encountered in a while.
I mean, I am in a brothel, after all.
He studies me further. Lets the moment linger.
Then turns to leave.
Before he walks away, a surge of boldness rises. A need to keep him close.
"But—" I call out quickly. "I'd love for you to accompany me for drinks."
He pauses. Casts a glance over his shoulder.
The fan snaps open with a subtle flourish.
Then he disappears into the crowd.
As he leaves, it all makes sense.
His formidable presence. His ability to command a room without effort.
This is why he's rumored to be so close with Princess Lucina.
They're both terrifying.
I glance at the time.
Sigh.
It's frustrating to be an adult with a curfew. But such is the life of the illegitimate son of a dukedom. No matter how much freedom I crave, there are still chains.
Hidden.
But there all the same.
I leave the towering gates of the Elysium.
The night air cools my skin.
My carriage waits by the entrance. My driver stands at attention.
"Master."
He bows respectfully.
I nod, acknowledging him silently before climbing onto the back of the Gilcha lizard.
The creature takes off. Soaring through the night.
I close my eyes. The rhythmic sway of its movement almost lulls me to sleep.
But my thoughts betray me.
They circle back to her.
To that certain Princess with her piercing gray eyes and untouchable beauty.
This is becoming an obsession.
And I have no idea how to stop it.