On the outskirts of a city,

    The sun hung low over the horizon, casting a warm, golden hue across the land.

    The distant city walls stood tall against the sky, their stone towers dotted with vigilant soldiers.

    Merchants and travelers bustled at the gates, their wagons creaking as they rolled forward, while guards inspected each person entering the city.

    Lucian stood on the outskirts of the road, his gaze drifting lazily over the distant scene, though his attention was fully on the woman standing in front of him.

    Eloise, his aunt, was dressed in a rich purple palace gown that hugged her figure in all the right places.

    Her long, dark golden hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her flawless skin shimmered under the sun, catching the eye of any man who happened to glance her way.

    But they didn’t dare linger, for the carriage she stood beside bore the Royal Family’s insignia.

    There was a subtle temptation in every movement she made, the kind that was not lost on Lucian.

    "Well, nephew," Eloise said, her voice as smooth as silk, "this is where we must part ways."

    Her words were light, but the seductive undertone in her voice was unmistakable.

    Lucian’s lips curled into a small, amused smile.

    He took in the sight of her, lingering on the way her new dress clung to her body.

    Earlier that day, her previous gown had been ruined — courtesy of him — and now she wore something fresh, though still revealing enough to ignite his lust.

    His gaze darkened as he recalled the intense sex they’d shared just hours ago.

    "I’ve had quite the time, aunt," he replied, his tone suggestive, "though I’ll admit it’s a bit disappointing to part so soon."

    Eloise chuckled, stepping closer to him. "Oh, Lucian, we both know this won’t be the last time. You’re a resourceful young man. I’m sure you’ll find your way back to me soon enough."

    They stood on a large crossroads, a bustling intersection where several paths met.

    Soldiers patrolled the area, their eyes scanning the horizon for any threats.

    Though they were far from the capital, the roads were not entirely safe — bandits and wild beasts often prowled these parts.

    The soldiers kept their hands on their weapons, ever alert, but Lucian and Eloise’s interaction seemed entirely ’innocent’ to them.

    "Come now," Eloise said, extending her arms. "Give your aunt a proper hug before you go."

    Lucian stepped forward, wrapping his arms around her waist.

    Their embrace appeared affectionate, though nothing out of the ordinary to any casual observer.

    "Drake, darling," Eloise called, flashing him a bright smile, "come here and give your aunt a hug too."

    "Forget it aunt, I’m drenched in sweat," he said coolly, his tone polite but distant, "I wouldn’t want to ruin your fine clothes."

    Eloise sighed with a dramatic roll of her eyes.

    "Oh, very well. But don’t be a stranger. I’ll be in this city for a while, and you know I always enjoy your company," she gave him a playful wink.

    "Shall I show you around the city?" Eloise asked,"there are some... relaxing places here. I’m sure we could find something to occupy our time."

    Drake shook his head, "Thank you for the offer, aunt, but my destination is the next city. I’ll be traveling with Lucian for a while longer."

    His gaze flickered toward Lucian, his words calm.

    "Suit yourselves then," Eloise replied with a shrug, clearly more interested in Lucian than Drake.

    She turned toward her carriage, but as she walked, her steps were slightly uneven.

    One of the soldiers noticed and hurried over, concern etched on his face.

    "Lady Eloise, is everything all right?" the soldier asked, his brow furrowed as he noticed her faint limp.

    Eloise waved him off with a dazzling smile, "it’s nothing. The roads were a bit bumpy, and my waist is a little sore."

    She shot a playful wink in Lucian’s direction, her smile widening as she saw the amusement in his crimson eyes.

    The soldier nodded and stepped back, and soon after, Eloise climbed into her carriage.

    With a final wave, she and her guards began their journey into the city, the convoy disappearing from view as they moved toward the city gates.

    Lucian watched her leave, a small smile lingering on his lips.

    Only after her carriage was out of sight did he turn to his own.

    Up until now, he had been traveling with Eloise’s, but now that their paths had diverged, he would be using his own carriage.

    As he climbed into his carriage, Drake followed towards his own, his expression still unreadable and calm.

    "You seem to have gotten quite close to aunt Eloise," Drake said, his voice flat, though there was an edge to his words.

    Lucian chuckled, leaning back in his seat, "what can I say? She enjoys my company."

    Drake’s eyes gleamed coldly, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.

    ’Oh, dear brother,’ he mused, ’enjoy this fleeting moment while you can. The ignorant always cherish peace just before the storm swallows them whole.’

    He remained silent, his thoughts venomous, as their carriages rumbled forward.