“Calm down, Your Grace,” the Marquis said, wiping the sweat off his brow. “His Majesty—the King of Apollo—is actually the prince of the Hades Kingdom. So, it’s only natural that he has access to the inside information that no one else knows.”
Julian’s eyes widened in shock. “What?” he whispered, barely able to believe what he had just heard. “He is the prince?” Then… what the fuck is actually going on here? Why does he want to attack Hades?”
The marquis nodded grimly, sensing Julian’s confusion and rising tension. “That I do not know of,” he admitted. “I only told you what I was ordered to say.”
The flood of sudden information pressed heavily on Julian’s mind, tumbling all at once. It was a lot to take in, yet despite the weight, a slow smile crept back onto Julian’s lips. It had been a long time since he had felt this overwhelmed—this creeping feeling of excitement and challenge—it was something he had missed.
“So it’s like that,” Julian whispered. “Apollo wants to attack Hades, and you want Ares to strike Ernia.”
He paused, the silence stretching painfully long, enough to make the marquis’s heart pound in his ears.
Then, breaking the stillness, Julian finally agreed, “Alright, I’m in.”
The Marquis released a relieved laugh. “Go on, tell me your terms, Your Grace.”
Julian leaned forward, his eyes burning with a sudden intensity. “First,” he began, “I want half of every city conquered in Hades. And in return, Ares will take half of the Ernia Kingdom after the campaign.”
The Marquis blinked, taken aback by the boldness but unable to mask a growing respect.
Julian continued, “Second, I want the engineers and builders who designed this estate to come work under me.”
The Marquis nodded slowly, his smile returning with renewed admiration. “Ambitious, yes. But wise. I will see what can be arranged.”
Julian straightened, his gaze sharp and unwavering. “I don’t deal with ‘cans.’ It’s a must.” His eyes bored into the Marquis’s, leaving no room for doubt.
The Marquis met his stare and nodded firmly. “I will convince His Majesty.” Don’t worry, Your Grace.”
“Good,” Julian said, satisfaction clear in his voice. The entire world had taken an unexpected turn, but he was more than ready to be part of it, to see where this would lead.
The Marquis then stood, extending his hand for a handshake. “Let us celebrate, Your Grace. To the grand alliance of Ares and Apollo.”
Julian rose as well, accepting Marquis’s hand. “Yes,” he said. “To the dawn of a new era.”
The marquis leaned closer. “Your Grace, though this alliance remains secret and we cannot celebrate openly, I have planned something for later tonight. Be sure to come.”
Julian leaned in as well, a faint smirk playing on his lips. “Well, how can I miss it?” he whispered back.
With that, Julian walked out of the chamber, his heart beating in a mix of anticipation and excitement. Eliz stood silently just outside, her back straight, eyes fixed on him the moment he appeared.
“You are back, my lord,” she said.
“Yes, Eliz. “Let’s go,” Julian replied, not wasting any time.
They began walking down the hallway, the soft echoes of their steps breaking the silence. Just a few feet ahead stood Shayla and Vigg, both waiting in silence. The mother and son glanced at Julian as he approached.
Shayla bowed gracefully, her voice gentle, “Your Grace, allow me to guide you to your room.”
Julian paused in front of her, his gaze fixing on her face for a moment, then slowly trailing downward. Alina’s words echoed in his mind—the marquis is into cuckoldry. His eyes gleamed faintly with intrigue.
Not bad. Beautiful, mature, and sexy… the perfect kind of MILF.
Shayla noticed the way his gaze lingered. She smiled faintly, acknowledging his roam.
Beside her, Vigg’s jaw tightened. He had been observing Julian cautiously, but now—watching his mother draw Julian’s attention—something fucked within him. His brows furrowed deeply.
This fucker… he cursed inwardly, his possessive instincts boiling up. He wanted to say something, to step forward, but he didn’t. Not yet.
Shayla gestured softly, “Please, this way.” Julian offered a small smile and followed, leaving Vigg to war silently with his own emotions. She led the way through the castle’s halls, her gown swaying with each of her steps.
“A fine estate, Lady Shayla,” Julian said, a hint of double meaning present in his words. “I can see why the Marquis takes such… pride in his family.”
Vigg trailed silently behind, his eyes burning into Julian’s back. His hands clenched into fists, trembling with the urge to lash out.
Shayla’s smile, however, didn’t fade, though her eyes flicked to Vigg, catching the storm brewing in his expression.
“You’re too kind, Your Grace,” she replied to Julian, steering the conversation away. “Ravenswood is a house of devotion—to our legacy, to our blood, to those we serve.”
She turned a corner, leading them toward a grand staircase.
Eliz walked silently at Julian’s side, her eyes scanning the hall with vigilance. She noted Vigg’s clenched fists, Shayla’s subtle teasing, and Julian’s playful edge.
“Your Grace,” she said softly, leaning closer as they ascended the stairs, “shall I ensure the room is prepared to your standards?”
Julian waved a hand dismissively. “No need, Eliz,” he said. “I’m sure Lady Shayla has everything… well in hand.” His eyes flicked to Shayla, watching as he caught the faintest flush on her cheeks.
They soon reached the top, and a massive hall opened before them—towering chandeliers, golden walls, intricate designs—everything mirroring the main hall.
Shayla paused at the threshold, turning to Julian curiously. “Your Grace, do you like it?” she asked, gesturing to the magnificent hall.
Julian walked in, his eyes glinting with approval as he glanced around. “It’s good,” he muttered, his shoes clicking against the polished marble floor. He tilted his head, assessing the grandeur with a smirk.
Shayla nodded, her smile deepening. “This hall is reserved only for those of great importance,” she said, her voice carrying a note of pride. “The last time someone was here was His Majesty.” She stepped closer, watching for his reaction.
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