Arthur gasped as he returned to his body, feeling dizzy but excited. Dream Walking was powerful—he could gather information, plant ideas, and build loyalty, all without tiring himself physically.
He looked at the window. Midnight was coming. Lady Valentina was waiting.
The east courtyard was quiet under the moon, with shadows between the decorative trees and stone benches. Arthur approached carefully, senses alert despite his low energy. After today's assassination attempt, he trusted nothing.
[Warning: Energy level critical at 25/100]
[Combat Mode unavailable due to insufficient energy]
[Recommendation: Get energy before facing potential threats]
"Your caution is warranted, Prince Arthur."
Valentina stepped out from behind a marble statue, the moonlight making her features look silvery.
She had changed from her court gown to a fitted black riding outfit that showed her curves while allowing easy movement. Practical. Dangerous.
"Lady Blackrose," Arthur acknowledged, keeping his distance. "You suggested we might have things to discuss."
"Indeed." She circled him slowly, studying him. "You've become quite interesting since your... awakening." She emphasized the last word meaningfully.
Arthur tensed. "I'm not sure what you mean."
"No?" She moved closer, her perfume surrounding him—spiced flowers over a metallic hint he now recognized as blood magic. "Two days ago, you were a disappointment to the crown. Today, you defeated an assassin with unexpected skill." Her eyes gleamed in the darkness. "And your aura has completely changed."
[Emotional Reading]
[Valentina: Ambition 90%, Lust 55%, Danger 65%]
"Perhaps I've been underestimated," he countered.
"Perhaps." She smiled like a predator. "Or perhaps something fundamental has changed. Your energy signature has been altered. I can sense it.
" She held out her hand, a small ball of red light forming above her palm. "Blood reveals truth, Prince Arthur. Shall I taste yours and learn your secrets?"
[Warning: Blood Magic Detection Attempt]
[Recommended Response: Deflection or Counter-Offer]
Arthur didn't back away, though every instinct screamed danger. "You're assuming I have secrets worth the risk of threatening royal blood."
Her laugh was genuine this time. "Oh, I'm not threatening. I'm offering an exchange." The blood magic disappeared. "My House has stayed neutral in the succession race.
Gareth courts us with promises of power; your father offers gold. But you..." She stepped closer. "You might offer something more interesting."
"And what would that be?" Arthur asked, though his incubus nature was already sensing her underlying desire.
"Partnership," Valentina proposed. "House Blackrose has information networks throughout the kingdom. I know which nobles can be bribed, blackmailed, or seduced.
I know Gareth plans to marry Lysandra of Silvermoor to secure divine backing." Her fingers traced Arthur's jaw. "And I know you've developed abilities beyond the ordinary."
[Valentina: Lust increasing to 65%]
[Potential Alliance: High Value, High Risk]
"You're offering your support in exchange for...?" Arthur let the question hang.
"Acknowledgment of your true nature," she whispered, leaning close to his ear. "I know an incubus when I sense one, Prince Arthur. The question is... how did a Lionheart prince become a creature of desire?"
Arthur stiffened. She knew. Somehow, this dangerous, alluring woman had identified his powers after just one public appearance.
[Critical Decision Required]
[Options: Deny, Confirm, Seduce, Threaten]
[Energy: 25/100—insufficient for Combat Mode if threatened]
"If I were such a creature," Arthur said carefully, "why would you approach me? Incubi are dangerous. Forbidden."
"The forbidden has never stopped House Blackrose." Her lips curved. "And such a creature would make a fascinating ally—or consort."
Her hand rested on his chest now, warmth radiating through his shirt. Arthur made his decision, catching her wrist and pulling her closer in a show of dominance that made her pupils dilate.
"Come to my room, Lady Blackrose," he said, voice dropping to a seductive tone. "And I'll show you exactly what kind of creature I've become."
She smiled, victorious yet yielding. "I thought you'd never ask, my prince."
As they walked from the courtyard, Arthur's mind raced. Valentina could be his most powerful ally—or his most dangerous enemy. Either way, he needed more energy, and the duchess was clearly offering herself as a source.
[Quest Updated: Seduce Valentina Blackrose]
[Warning: Subject is highly dangerous, may try to dominate rather than submit]
[Reward if successful: Political Alliance, Information Network, Energy Harvest]
"I should warn you," Valentina murmured as they approached his room, "I don't surrender easily."
"Good," Arthur replied, feeling his incubus nature rising to the challenge. "Neither do I."
He opened his door, inviting her into his room.