bookpower Chapter 331 You know why you are here
Chapter 331 You know why you are here
Chapter 331 You know why you are here
"Oh, Duchess of Ethwer," he said. "What a surprise."
The duchess, Julia's mother, stood before him. She was dressed in a flowing black gown with beautiful jewels adorning her neck and wrists.
Her eyes, however, seemed weary as if something heavy was settling on her mind.
"Julian," she replied, "You came."
Julian chuckled softly. "Yes, I had to; how could I ignore your invitation, Duchess?"
She remained silent for a moment, observing him. Finally, she spoke again.
"I did not come here to play games, Julian. There are things that need to be discussed."
Julian laughed, his voice filling the quiet garden. "Oh, why so serious, Duchess?" he teased. "It's a day to enjoy, isn't it?" He paused for a moment, his expression turning serious, before he closed the distance between them.
"Or... do you think you have an excuse for the betrayal that your family has done?"
The duchess took a step back, her calm demeanor faltering for just a second.
She met his gaze. "We have no excuse," she replied, "And we certainly do not regret doing what we did. My husband did what he thought was right."
Julian's smirk returned, "Oh, so this is the reason you called me here?" He took another step forward.
"To mock me to my face, telling me that your coward of a husband doesn't regret attacking my family?"
The duchess's eyes turned red with anger, and she glared at him. But despite the visible fury in her gaze, she remained silent, unwilling to give in to his provocation.
Julian, however, wasn't done. His voice turned cold. "You know, Duchess, you may think you are justified, but remember, betrayal carries a heavy price.
Duchess simply glared at him, trying her hardest to maintain her composure.
Julian tilted his head, smirking at her reaction. "Maybe I should do the same," he said. "What do you think, my beautiful Duchess?" The duchess took a step back, her composure slowly slipping as she realized the gravity of his words. Her composure faltered, but before she could respond, Julian cut her off again.
"But not with just 1,500 soldiers," he continued, his hands on his chin as if he were contemplating the options.
"Hmm... let's see... 1,000 Easvil soldiers, 5,000 from the nearby nobles I have gathered... And since the king has already accepted me as his grandson, I could sneak 2,000 of the royal army too..." He paused; his eyes glowing predatory as he let the words hang in the air.
"Now, Duchess, that sounds like quite a force, doesn't it? Enough to crush anyone who dares to betray me."
Her cheeks flushed deep red, and she instinctively lowered her head, avoiding his gaze. Julian leaned in even closer, his breath hot against her ear, "You came to offer yourselves," he whispered.
The Duchess's blush deepened as her heart pounded rapidly in her chest. Her lips parted slightly, but no words came. She felt embarrassed; however, she couldn't deny the truth of his words.
Julian's fingers lowered down her neck, feeling the warmth of her skin. He could feel the way she tensed beneath his touch, her breath coming in uneven gasps.
His hand didn't stop. It moved lower, teasing her beauty bone, before hovering just above her breasts.
He watched her, enjoying the way her body betrayed her, the way her mouth opened like she wanted to speak but didn't dare.
"You are shaking," he murmured, his voice low. "Is it fear, Duchess? Or is it something else?"
Julian's smirk deepened as he dragged his fingers over her breast. He circled around the nipples, not quite touching where she wanted him to. He could see it in her eyes, the frustration, the heat, the way she fought against it but still leaned into his touch.
"You knew this was coming," he said. "You came here knowing exactly what you have to offer."
He finally cupped her breasts, feeling the softness in his palm. He gave it the slightest squeeze, just enough to make her slightly moan. His thumb grazed the nipples once, twice, testing her reaction.
"You should speak," he teased, rolling his thumb in slow circles. "Or is your body going to answer for you?"
His other hand moved to her waist, gripping it tightly before pulling her closer. Their bodies were now stuck together, her softness contrasting with his muscled body.
He tilted his head, waiting for her to speak.
She still didn't speak.
"Good girl," Julian murmured, dragging his fingers back up, this time stronger and more confident.
He lowered his fingers again, cupping her breast fully. He squeezed and massaged the sensitive flesh, feeling the way her body reacted under his touch.
Her fingers curled into fists at her sides, but she didn't push him away.
Julian leaned in. "You were never here to negotiate, were you, Duchess?"
His other hands moved again, slower this time, caressing the curve of her waist. His touch was scorching hot as he explored her body like he already owned it. And maybe, deep down, she knew he did. The thin fabric of her gown did nothing to protect her rather made it even more intense.
She shivered when his fingers slowly dropped below her waist. Her eyes flickered up to meet his, wide and uncertain, but there was something else in there that Julian immediately recognized.
Desire.
His smirk deepened.