"If you promise me that... you can have me," she said, her voice dropping to a husky whisper. "Anyway you want."

Julian’s eyes glittered at that.

The hunger in Kraven’s body returned with full force, surging hot and dark through his veins. For a moment, the residual patterns roared to life, flooding him with vivid, filthy images of bending her over the table, tearing that elegant corset off, claiming every inch of her. But unlike before, the hunger was more controlled now. Julian kept it leashed, letting it simmer beneath the surface rather than take over.

Before he could respond, Louisa raised a hand, cutting him off.

"But I will only give myself to you after you formally announce that you have abstained from the race for heir."

Julian chuckled.

"How cunning," he said, tilting his head. "Don’t you trust your nephew, Aunty?"

Louisa shook her head as if answering a real, serious question, completely ignoring the sarcasm in his voice.

"And you know what I mean by formal, right?" she continued, her tone firm. "In front of the King. When he finally arrives. You will publicly step back and declare your support for Marcus as the heir. Only then... will I be yours."

The room fell into a charged silence.

Julian leaned back in his chair, studying her with renewed interest. Louisa stood tall in front of him, looking every bit the proud, ambitious noblewoman — yet she had just offered her body to him in exchange for political move.

He could see the conflict in her eyes. The way her fingers twitched slightly at her sides. The faint flush that still lingered on her neck and chest.

She hated this. She hated having to bargain with her body. But she was willing to do it anyway.

Julian’s smile widened slowly. 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝔀𝓮𝒃𝙣𝓸𝒗𝒆𝒍.𝙘𝒐𝒎

"You’re willing to whore yourself out for your son’s future," he said bluntly, his voice carrying no judgment, only dark fascination. "That’s... admirable. In a twisted sort of way."

Louisa’s jaw tightened, but she didn’t look away.

"I am willing to do what is necessary," she replied, her voice steady. "Marcus is my son. He is the future of this family. If I have to trade my body to secure his position... then so be it."

She stepped closer again, stopping right in front of his chair. She placed one hand on the armrest of his chair and leaned down slightly, bringing her face close to his.

"So... do we have a deal?" she whispered. "You step back publicly in front of the King... and I will be yours. Completely. No limits. No hesitation. You can have me however you want — whenever you want — until you grow tired of me."

Her breath brushed against his lips.

Julian looked up at her, his eyes dark with hunger. He reached out slowly and traced a single finger along the exposed skin of her thigh, sliding it upward until it disappeared beneath the slit of her skirt. Louisa’s breath hitched, but she didn’t pull away.

"You drive a hard bargain, Aunty," he murmured, his finger continuing its slow, teasing path higher up her thigh.

"But I accept."

Her eyes flashed with a mix of relief and triumph as she processed his words.

"Good," she whispered. "Then we have an understanding."

She straightened up slowly, but not before letting her breasts brush deliberately against his shoulder. She then adjusted her corset with elegant fingers, pulling it back into place and smoothing the neckline.

At the same time, Julian’s hand didn’t retreat. Instead, it slid higher and his palm cupped the soft, warm flesh of her inner thigh, his fingers brushing teasingly close to the heat between her legs.

"Mmhh..."

Louisa’s breath caught again. A soft, involuntary shiver ran through her body. For a brief moment, her thighs pressed together instinctively, trapping his hand there. Then she smiled and gently but firmly pushed his hand away.

"Remember the deal, nephew," she said, her voice low and slightly breathless as she stepped back slightly.

"You get me... only after you publicly step back and support Marcus as heir in front of the King. Not before."

Julian leaned back in his chair, his eyes dark with hunger as he watched her. His hand, now empty, flexed slightly as if remembering the feel of her skin.

"I remember," he said. "But deals can have... interim payments."

Louisa’s lips curved into a small, knowing smile. She reached out and lightly traced a finger along his jaw.

"Interim payments?" she echoed. "You’re already pushing the boundaries, Kraven. Don’t get greedy. You’ve had your fun tonight. That should be enough motivation for now."

She stepped back further, creating a small distance between them. Her posture was regal once more, but the flush on her chest and the slight unsteadiness in her breathing betrayed how affected she still was.

"Besides," she continued, smoothing her skirt down over her thighs, "if I give you everything tonight, what reason would you have to keep your promise later? I know how men like you think. You get what you want... and then you lose interest."

Julian chuckled softly.

"You underestimate me, Aunty," he said, his gaze drifting slowly down her body again. "I don’t lose interest easily. Especially not when the prize is this... tempting."

Louisa’s cheeks warmed again, but she held her ground. She walked around the table, picked up her wine glass and took a slow sip to regain some control.

"Then prove it," she said, setting the glass down. "Keep your word when the time comes. And in return... I will be yours. Completely. No limits. You can have me in this room, in your bed, in the gardens at midnight if that’s what you desire. I will come to you whenever you call."

She paused, her eyes locking onto his with intense focus.

"But until that moment... you will keep your hands to yourself. No more touching. No more demands. We play by my rules until the deal is sealed."