Lucian's words reached Seraphina's ears like a stone dropped into a still lake. Her gaze lifted from the silk in her hands to meet Lucian sitting across from her. The smug smile playing on his lips was insufferable.
Seraphina let the cloth slip from her fingers. Her emerald eyes remained unshaken, but beneath that composed surface, a storm was beginning to churn.
She said nothing, her eyes fearlessly meeting Lucian's. He let out a soft laugh, his finger slowly caressing his lips, waiting for her next move.
Standing between them, Victoria could feel the pressure radiating from their silent exchange, unsure of what to do.
"…Did I hear that correctly, Your Highness?" she asked, even though she knew questioning Lucian was unwise. Still, the situation left her too bewildered to be certain of anything.
"Yes." Lucian's response was light as a feather, yet it landed with the weight of a thousand bricks.
A prize too good to pass up.
Whatever confusion Victoria had evaporated instantly. Her face lit up with a wide grin as she hurried off, calling for the finest, most expensive gowns to be brought for Seraphina to choose from.
Now all eyes in the boutique turned toward Seraphina and Lucian. The attention of the other noble ladies narrowed in, whispers and discussions beginning to spread.
Seraphina leaned back against the chair and took a slow sip of tea before speaking with practiced calm.
"You're still not giving up?"
"How could I give up on my mate, Seraphina?" Lucian replied, amusement laced in his voice.
"You still believe I'm your mate?" she scoffed, letting out a dry sigh.
"I don't believe it." His words were firm, his gaze darker now as her denial met him like a slap. "You are. That's not belief, it's truth."
Seraphina gently set her teacup down, resting her hands on her lap, every inch the picture of noble Alpha grace. Only the gods knew how much willpower it took to keep her pheromones from spilling out in waves.
"That truth exists only in your mind, Your Highness."
"Lucian." His tone lowered, more command than request. "Call me Lucian."
But her response was the same indifferent, unshaken defiance he'd come to know.
"I dare not, Your Highness."
Lucian's jaw tightened, his lips pressing into a thin line. He was still trying to be patient, but every word she spoke, every gesture she made screamed rebellion, testing the very limits of his restraint.
He wanted nothing more than to lunge forward and devour that calm exterior of hers. But instead, he balled his fists, keeping the beast inside from breaking free.
"Deny me all you want," he said, voice low and edged with danger. "I will not give you up."
Seraphina rolled her eyes, not hiding the contempt in her words.
"You're insufferably stubborn."
"Good. You've learned something more about me."
A deep, husky laugh emerged from Lucian's throat, like the growl of a predator hiding in the shadows, waiting to attack.
"Run all you want. Hunting you down… is my pleasure."
Seraphina didn't bother replying. She knew better than to waste breath arguing with him. Victoria had returned, bringing with her a trail of assistants lugging racks of gowns.
"Lady Ashbourne," Victoria beamed at Seraphina, "These are all the latest designs—exclusive, luxurious, the best of my collection."
Seraphina gave the gowns a glance, vibrant colors and intricate designs catching the light. Then she shifted her eyes to Lucian, who looked far too satisfied, far too pleased.
Was this some kind of game to him? A show for his amusement?
Unfortunately for him, Seraphina had no desire to play.
She rose and walked toward the dresses, her expression the same calm indifference. Her fingers glided lazily across the fabrics, not even bothering to lift one for closer inspection.
Victoria blinked in surprise at how nonchalant she was. The cheapest dress on that rack was worth a hundred thousand gold. Swallowing nervously, the shopkeeper darted a glance at Lucian.
She didn't mind gold flowing into her pocket, but angering the crown prince through a duke's daughter? That could ruin her.
"Your Highness…"
But while Victoria fretted, Lucian didn't so much as furrow a brow. His eyes followed every sway of Seraphina's hips, and his tongue slid across dry lips, whether consciously or not, even he couldn't tell.
He'd pampered prey before. Showered them with gifts, indulgences. None of it had ever meant anything to him. It was just a means to an end.
But watching her now—carelessly spending his wealth, as if it were hers—Lucian didn't feel anger, or even irritation. What he felt was something far more dangerous.
Satisfaction. Raw, uncontrollable satisfaction.
His whole body trembled as pheromones surged beneath his skin. He brought a hand to his lips, hiding the smile of ecstasy breaking through.
Seraphina was spending his gold.
She was accepting his indulgence.
The thrill of it… was intoxicating.
Victoria caught the fire in Lucian's eyes and couldn't help but sigh internally. These two were mad. She had a feeling they'd flip this kingdom upside down before their game was over.
Seraphina's fingers drifted off the last gown, and just when everyone thought she was done, she continued walking, her hand now grazing the dresses on display along the walls.
Victoria gasped quietly.
Was the Duke's daughter… planning to buy the entire boutique?
***