Chapter 38: An Empress'' Playful Demand

    Arkanos looked at her, his lips curling into a teasing smile. "Your training will be more intense, Seraphine."

    She raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "More intense? How so?"

    Arkanos grinned. "Sparing with me."@@@@

    Seraphine stopped in her tracks, blinking in surprise. "Sparing with you, my lord?"

    He chuckled, noticing her hesitation. "What, you don''t believe me to be a match for you?"

    "No!" Seraphine quickly responded, shaking her head. "It''s not that... It''s just that I don''t want to end up hurting you."

    Arkanos raised an eyebrow, his smile growing. "You''re underestimating me, Seraphine."

    She let out a soft sigh. "I guess you''re right."

    After a brief pause, Arkanos added, "How about this? Let''s make a bet. If you manage to win our first spar, I''ll grant you any wish of yours."

    Seraphine smiled playfully. "I''m afraid that wouldn''t be much use to me, my lord."

    Arkanos looked at her in curiosity. "How so?"

    As they continued walking, Seraphine''s expression softened, and she glanced ahead. "Because... I''m already living a wish of mine. Watching the empire rise under your rule, seeing everything you''ve envisioned come to life... it''s the greatest wish I''ve had since the day I swore to be your knight."

    Arkanos chuckled, his voice warm. "That''s admirable, Seraphine. But I''d suggest you think about yourself a bit more. You deserve something just for you."

    Seraphine shook her head, smiling. "This is for myself. I love my job as your knight. Helping you build the empire, serving your cause... it''s everything I''ve wanted."

    Arkanos chuckled again, enjoying her resolve. "Speaking of the empire," he said, his tone shifting, "I believe Arval is supposed to summon all the officials for our meeting tomorrow. I can''t wait to get the project rolling."

    Seraphine nodded, her expression full of anticipation. "Yes, but, my lord, you have me curious."

    "What exactly is it you plan to build?"

    Seraphine''s question was related to the officials Arkanos had instructed Arval to inform about the meeting tomorrow: builders, blacksmiths, and the guildmaster of the Adventurers'' Guild. Arkanos intended to involve their capable hands in making way for the grand structures they planned to create, as well as the innovations he intended to introduce.

    Empress Illena stood in the doorway, a soft, teasing smile on her lips.

    Her green and silver hair shimmered in the warm candlelight, falling in graceful waves down her back and framing her beautiful face.

    Draped in nothing but a plush white towel that clung to her curvy figure, she was alluring as she took a confident step into the room.

    The maids froze, their postures rigid as they awaited their emperor''s reaction.

    Illena''s golden eyes gazed at them, her tone light as she commanded, "Leave us. I wish to speak with His Majesty alone."

    Not a moment later, Lirael and the other maids bowed deeply. "As you wish, my Queen," Lirael said before turning to gather the others.

    The soft rustling of fabric and footsteps echoed through the chamber as the maids departed, their heads bowed low as they exited.

    The massive doors closed with a soft thud, leaving only Arkanos and Illena in the room.

    Arkanos straightened slightly, a faint smirk curling his lips. "To what do I owe this unexpected visit, my dear?"

    The queen approached the bath, her bare feet silent against the marble floor, her massive bust bouncing lightly with each step. She stopped just at the edge, her gaze holding his steadily.

    "Does a queen need a reason to see her emperor?" she replied, her voice as smooth as silk.

    "Or to remind him that he''s not the only one deserving of relaxation?"

    She moved gracefully, lowering herself to sit at the edge of the tub. Droplets of water sparkled on her skin as her fingers idly trailed along the surface of the water, sending ripples spreading outward.

    Arkanos chuckled softly, leaning back again. "Somehow, I doubt you''re here just for the bath."

    Illena''s smile deepened, her expression mysterious, a blush appearing on her cheeks as well as the tops of her pointy ears. "Perhaps," she said playfully.

    "Or perhaps I simply wanted to enjoy a moment of passion with my emperor. Surely you wouldn''t deny me that?"

    Their gazes locked. Arkanos smiled as he then said, "Well, if you want to spend a moment of passion, my dear,"

    He tilted his head to the left as he added, "Then wouldn''t it be necessary that you took off the towel?"