Arthur led Valentina across the east courtyard toward his chambers.
The area was bright with moonlight. Although he was tired, he remained watchful.
Everything had changed when she revealed she knew he was an incubus.
He now faced a critical question: Would she help improve his position, or would she become his enemy and reveal his secret to others?
[Warning: Energy level critical at 25/100]
[Combat Mode unavailable due to insufficient energy]
[Recommendation: Harvest energy before confrontation]
"Your rooms are very far from where the royal family lives," Valentina said quietly as they walked down the empty hallway. "That must be helpful for your secret activities."
"My father likes to keep disappointment far away him," Arthur answered as they moved through the corridor. "Though now I think it's good that way.
As they continued walking, Arthur saw small red sparks flickering between Valentina's fingers. He realized she was preparing her magic, ready to use it if needed. She had come prepared for any possible danger.
Her riding outfit, practical black leather that hugged her curves while allowing freedom of movement, further confirmed she expected this encounter might involve both pleasure and combat.
"Tell me, prince," she asked while looking at his face, "when did you get your powers? Was it during the attack when someone tried to kill you, or did it happen earlier? People at court are talking about your sudden change."
"Maybe I was always like this and just waiting for the right time," Arthur replied carefully, watching how she would respond.
She smiled like someone who had spotted prey. "No. This change happened recently.
She paused a bit. Your magical energy is completely different now. Just two days ago, you barely had any magic at all. Now your power glows bright red and is very strong."
[Emotional Reading]
[Valentina: Curiosity 85%, Caution 70%, Lust 60%]
They arrived at Arthur's rooms, and he opened the large oak door that had the Lionheart family symbol carved into it. This symbol reminded Arthur of the royal power he hoped to claim one day.
Unlike his father's fancy gold-decorated rooms or his brother Gareth's rooms full of weapons, Arthur's space showed his love of learning, with many books and maps of the stars. Only the big bed suggested other interests.
Arthur locked the door behind them with a clear, final click.
"You've brought me to your private space, my prince," Valentina said smoothly, touching some books on a shelf.
"You're brave to think you're the predator here."
Arthur smiled confidently. "Yet here we are together."
Valentina moved smoothly around Arthur, like a wolf checking out possible prey.
She noticed everything—the messy sheets from earlier activities, a woman's hairpin by the bed, and the light smell of women's perfume still in the air.
"My family, House Blackrose, has lived in darkness much longer than you've even known what darkness is," Valentina said.
Then she suddenly stepped forward, pushed Arthur against the wall with unexpected strength, and brought her face close to his. "You may be an incubus, Prince Arthur, but my family has controlled more powerful creatures than you."
Her eyes widened as she took a small ceremonial knife from her boot. The blade wasn't very long—just the size of her palm—but it had ancient symbols carved into it that glowed with a faint red light. Without looking away from Arthur, she carefully cut her fingertip.
"Blood shows the truth. Blood controls power," she said in a rhythmic voice as she drew red symbols in the air between them. "Let's see what you really are."
The blood magic moved toward Arthur's wrists and throat, trying to trap his power and make him tell the truth.
[Blood Magic Detection: Attempting to Bind Incubus Energy]
[Warning: Resistance Requires 30 Energy]
[Alternative: Redirect Instead of Resist - 15 Energy]
Arthur didn't move, feeling the cold magic touch his skin. Though he wanted to fight back, he saw a chance to turn the situation to his advantage.
"Your magic is impressive, Valentina," he said calmly as the blood magic wrapped around his wrists like handcuffs. "But you've made an important mistake."
The duchess raised an eyebrow, looking very confident. "What mistake would that be?"
Arthur smiled, and his green eyes suddenly glowed with golden light. "You've created the perfect connection between us."
[Aura Manipulation Activated: 15 Energy consumed]
A red mist came out from Arthur's skin, flowing into Valentina's blood magic.
Instead of fighting against her spell, he sent his incubus power through the magic she had created.
The red streams of blood magic vibrated and glowed brighter as they carried his power back to where they came from—to Valentina herself.
Her eyes opened wide, surprised as her magic worked against her, bringing Arthur's power directly into her blood.
She fell to unexpected feelings of lust moving through her body, making her legs weak for a moment.
[Emotional Reading]
[Valentina: Lust 80%, Resistance 45%, Surprise 95%]
Arthur stood over Valentina, his green eyes glowing gold.
He took off his shirt showing his fit chest and held her wrists above her head with one hand while touching her body with the other.
His fingers gently touched her collarbone, then moved to her breasts.
Valentina's breathing quickened, her nipples hardened. "Mmm..."
"Think you can control me, Duchess?" Arthur asked deeply.
He leaned close, lips near her ear, making her shiver.
"Let's see how long you can resist," he whispered, warm breath on her skin.
"Mmm..." Valentina moaned, smiling defiantly, though moving toward his touch.
"I've handled tougher men than you," she challenged sexily.
"You'll be begging before we're done," Arthur laughed, making her tingle with excitement.
"Ah..." she gasped at his touch.
"We'll see." His fingers moved down to her wet underwear.
He slowly pulled them down.
"Ohh..." Valentina gasped, legs trembling.
He spread her legs and moved between them. "You're so wet already."
"Mmm... yes," she whispered, hips lifting slightly.
"And I've barely touched you." His fingers stroked her wetness, making her hips move. "Admit it, you want this."
"Never," she whispered, voice shaking as his fingers circled her sensitive spot.
"Ah..."
Arthur smiled. "Liar." He slid two fingers inside, curling them to hit a special spot.
Valentina gasped, head falling back with pleasure.
"Ohhh..." she moaned, hips rising to meet him.
He felt her tightness, growing harder. His fingers moved faster, thumb pressing her most sensitive spot.
"Ohhh, fuck… Arthur!" Valentina cried, hips moving against his hand.
Her breasts bounced, nipples hard.
"Mmm… yes," she breathed.
Arthur took one nipple in his mouth while pinching the other.
Valentina moaned louder. "Yes! Right there!"
Her body tensed, thighs squeezing his hand. With a loud cry, she came hard.
"Ahhhhhh… yes!" she screamed, body shaking. She soaked his hand and the sheets.
Arthur licked his fingers clean, looking hungry.
"Delicious," he said as Valentina caught her breath, face flushed.
He took off his pants, releasing his hard penis. Valentina's eyes widened, licking her lips at his size.
"Mmm…" she moaned, completely focused on him.