Su Yaoyao finally realized Augustine wanted her to take a bath.

She was just about to refuse when she saw Augustine emerge from behind a nearby screen, a silk robe in hand, which he gently offered to her.

"This was prepared specially for your bath. Go on, get changed." Augustine’s voice was low and gentle, possessing a magic that made it impossible to refuse.

Su Yaoyao bit her lower lip, a faint blush creeping onto her cheeks. Though she was still hesitant, under Augustine’s gaze, which was filled with anticipation and concern, she finally accepted the garment and turned toward the changing room.

Inside the changing room, Su Yaoyao slowly slipped out of her clothes and put on the silk robe.

The robe clung to her skin, its touch silky and cool, as if she were enveloped in a soft, light mist.

A moment later, Su Yaoyao emerged in the silk robe, which perfectly accentuated her graceful figure.

A flash of admiration crossed Augustine’s eyes. He gently took Su Yaoyao’s hand and led her to the hot spring.

Su Yaoyao slowly stepped into the hot spring. The warm water instantly enveloped her, its perfect temperature feeling like a pair of gentle hands caressing every inch of her skin, gradually washing away the weariness of her travels.

Su Yaoyao closed her eyes, letting out an involuntary sigh of contentment. "This feels so good..."

Just then, Augustine, who was standing nearby, began to slowly shed his clothes.

Hearing the stirring, Su Yaoyao opened her eyes a crack and caught a glimpse of Augustine’s powerful physique as it was gradually revealed. A wave of heat rushed to her face. She frantically turned her head away, her heart hammering against her ribs as if it would break free.

She bit her lip, not daring to look again, her mind a flurry of shyness and panic.

The corners of Augustine’s mouth lifted in a gentle smile. He stripped down to just his trousers before calmly entering the hot spring and sitting down beside Su Yaoyao.

Steam from the hot spring swirled between them, adding a hint of intimacy to the tranquil atmosphere. "How does it feel?" Augustine asked softly, his voice drifting through the mist with a distinct gentleness.

Su Yaoyao kept her head down, not daring to meet Augustine’s gaze. "It’s very comfortable, thank you, Your Majesty..." she said, her voice barely a whisper, as if she feared any louder sound might shatter the delicate atmosphere.

Augustine gently reached out, scooped up a handful of water, and slowly let it trickle over Su Yaoyao’s shoulder. The stream slid down her delicate skin, creating tiny ripples.

"You’ve worked so hard for the Empire. This is all well-deserved." Augustine’s gentle gaze rested on Su Yaoyao, and the emotion in his eyes made her heart race with even more panic.

Su Yaoyao trembled slightly. She could feel his gaze fixed on her—a look so fervent yet gentle that it made her incredibly shy.

"Your Majesty, the peace talks were a success because of everyone’s combined efforts. I... I just did what I was supposed to do," Su Yaoyao stammered, her cheeks as red as ripe apples.

Augustine gently shook his head. "No, Yaoyao, you were the indispensable key to the success of the talks. Without you, the Empire would never have amended its laws, and Snake Scale City would not have agreed to submit."

As he spoke, he moved closer to her. The distance between them shrank until Su Yaoyao could feel the warmth of his breath on her cheek.

The steam from the hot spring grew thicker, enveloping them and creating what felt like an intimate space just for the two of them.

Su Yaoyao chanced a glance up at Augustine.

His long, silver hair curled slightly in the steam, shimmering with a captivating luster like a moonlit stream. It was a beauty you couldn’t tear your eyes from.

His physique made her heart race. The lines of his firm pectoral muscles were so defined, they seemed meticulously carved by a master sculptor, each one radiating masculine strength.

Lower down, his six-pack abs were visible through the water, their hard lines like perfectly arranged stones, showcasing his flawless physique.

Her gaze roamed over his body, and a sudden impulse rose within her. ’I really want to reach out and touch him.’

Augustine seemed to see through her thoughts, the corners of his lips turning up as he chuckled softly, "You little minx."

’The honey trap worked,’ he thought smugly. ’I knew wearing less in front of Yaoyao would get her heart racing.’

As he spoke, he gently took her hand and placed it on his chest. He then guided it downward, past his firm abdomen, finally resting it on his abs.

Su Yaoyao’s eyes flew open, and her breathing hitched.

’I’m panicked but also thrilled. It’s not like I’m trying to take advantage of him... he’s the one who let me touch him!’

Her hand felt the firm warmth of his muscles, and it was as if an electric current shot from her fingertips through her entire body, making her cheeks burn even hotter.

As Su Yaoyao lost herself in the wondrous sensation, Augustine’s gaze drifted over her body.

The silk robe she wore was soaked through, clinging tightly to her skin and revealing tantalizing glimpses of her complexion beneath.

His gaze drifted downward, and he saw the proud peaks of her chest, their outlines faintly visible through the wet fabric, exuding an indescribable allure.

His Adam’s apple bobbed, and a flicker of unconcealable desire flashed in his eyes.

Su Yaoyao seemed to sense his gaze and panicked, subconsciously trying to cover her body with her arms.

However, the inadvertent movement only served to accentuate the curves of her chest, adding to her allure.

Seeing her bashful display, the passion in Augustine’s heart swelled.

He slowly reached out and gently took her arm. "Yaoyao, there’s no need for that..." he said, his voice slightly hoarse. "You’re beautiful."

Su Yaoyao looked up, her eyes meeting Augustine’s. She saw deep adoration and desire in his gaze.

It made her heart lose its rhythm, like a frantic, trapped deer. "Your Majesty..." she murmured, her voice trembling—whether from nerves or shyness, she couldn’t tell.

Augustine gently pulled her closer, until she was leaning against his chest.

Su Yaoyao could hear his powerful heartbeat—THUMP, THUMP, THUMP—like a war drum, speaking to the fiery passion in his heart.

Seeing her so shy and flustered, Augustine could no longer restrain himself. He lowered his head and captured her lips in a fiery kiss, as if intending to melt her very being into it...