The Crown's Seduction-Chapter 476: Boundaries

Niran tossed and turned, unable to sleep after experiencing her first kiss. She couldn’t deny the effect it had on her—how that single kiss had left her feeling like her body wasn’t her own but his, even if just for that fleeting moment.

"Damn," she cursed under her breath, frustrated with herself. This wasn’t how it was supposed to be. She was meant to be the one in control, to dominate the situation and not be swayed by mere physical attraction. Her goal was clear: to gain a hold over Prince Raul and use that power to her advantage in assisting Princess Mineah.

Niran’s thoughts drifted to Princess Mineah, who was soon to marry the King of Valcrez and come to this kingdom. If Niran could secure Prince Raul’s trust and affection, she could help solidify the princess’s position, ensuring her influence and power in the new court.

Her true intentions were far more calculated. She didn’t just want to be another fleeting conquest or a source of sustenance for the prince. No, she intended to involve Prince Raul in something much deeper—a connection that went beyond mere physical attraction. She wanted him to fall in love with her, to become so captivated by her that he would be at her mercy.

’If I can make him fall in love with me,’ she mused, her eyes narrowing in determination, ’I could get him under my control... make him vulnerable.’

But now, after that kiss, everything felt uncertain. The plan that had seemed so straightforward was suddenly clouded by emotions she hadn’t anticipated.

"No," she whispered fiercely to herself. "I can’t let this distract me. I need to stay focused." She couldn’t afford to lose sight of her ultimate goal. Niran knew that if she allowed herself to be swayed by her feelings, everything she had worked for could unravel.

In the end, Niran resorted to using a spell to help herself fall asleep. She knew that without it, she would be awake for hours, her mind racing with thoughts of what had happened—and what might come next.

Unbeknownst to her, a visitor had silently entered her bedroom. Raul stood still in the shadows, his eyes fixed on Niran’s sleeping visage. There was something about this human that intrigued him. Unlike the others who had easily succumbed to his charms, Niran was different. He could sense how strongly she fought against the pull of his seduction, how she resisted where others would have given in without hesitation.

Raul’s lips curled into a smirk as he watched her, his thoughts swirling with curiosity. "Aren’t you quite different, hmm? Or are you just playing hard to get?" he murmured softly, his voice barely more than a whisper in the stillness of the room.

The idea of her resisting him, of not immediately falling under his spell, only fueled his interest further. Most women would have surrendered by now, and he would have lost interest just as quickly. But Niran... she was a challenge, and Raul found himself intrigued by the game she seemed to be playing.

He took a step closer, his gaze lingering on her peaceful face. "You’re an interesting one, Niran," he mused quietly, "and I do enjoy a good game."

His eyes darted to her slightly parted, red lips, and he found himself unconsciously touching his own. Her taste still lingered on his lips, the memory of their kiss vivid in his mind. His eyes then trailed down to her bare neck, where her pulse beat softly beneath the skin. "She looked so frightened of being bitten... I wonder how her blood would taste," Raul murmured, his voice laced with dark curiosity.

The temptation to find out was strong, the urge to sink his fangs into her and taste what she was so desperately trying to protect. But Raul shook his head, forcing himself to step back. He had no intention of losing control—not yet. The thrill of the chase was too intoxicating, and he wanted to savour it.

With one last lingering look, Raul disappeared into the night, his form dissolving into the shadows before he could give in to the hunger gnawing at him. He would let her sleep peacefully for now, but he knew this was far from over.

"She’s still interesting," he thought with a smirk, already anticipating their next encounter. "And I do love a challenge."

****

Morning arrived, and as usual, Niran prepared everything Prince Raul needed. However, this time, Butler Moller approached her with a new task. "Prince Raul wants you to bring these to his bathhouse," he said, handing her a basket filled with fresh petals.

Niran bowed in acknowledgment, taking the basket. She knew that male servants were typically assigned to the prince’s bath, so it was clear that Raul had something planned for her this morning. With a steadying breath, she made her way to his private bathhouse, her heart pounding in anticipation.

As she reached the doorway, Niran paused, inhaling deeply to calm her nerves before pushing the door open. The familiar scent of sandalwood filled the air as she stepped into the bath chamber, the aroma both comforting and unsettling.

Her gaze immediately fell upon Prince Raul, his bare back facing her, his lower body submerged in the steaming water. The sight of him, so casually exposed, made her pulse quicken. "Prince Raul, I brought you the petals," she informed him, her voice steady despite the flutter of nerves in her stomach.

"Come here, Niran, and scatter them in the water," he instructed, his tone commanding yet smooth, leaving no room for hesitation.

Niran hesitated for a fraction of a second, her mind racing as she approached the edge of the bath. She could feel the heat of the water radiating against her skin as she knelt beside the pool, her fingers brushing the soft petals.

As she began to scatter the petals across the surface of the water, she couldn’t help but notice the way they floated gracefully, creating a delicate contrast against the dark, rippling liquid. She tried to focus on the task at hand, but the awareness of Raul’s presence so close to her was overwhelming.

"Is this to your liking, Your Highness?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper, trying to keep her composure as she continued to spread the petals.

Raul didn’t respond immediately, but she could feel his eyes on her, the weight of his gaze sending a shiver down her spine. Finally, he spoke, his voice low and teasing. "You seem nervous, Niran. Why is that?"

She swallowed hard, not daring to meet his gaze. "I’m simply trying to fulfil your request, Your Highness."

Raul let out a soft chuckle, the sound rich and full of amusement. "And you’re doing so very well," he said, his voice like silk. "But I wonder... are you afraid of me, Niran? Or is it something else that has you so on edge?"

Niran’s hand faltered for a moment, her heart racing. She forced herself to stay calm, to not let him see how his presence affected her. "I respect you, Your Highness," she replied carefully, "and I’m aware of the... boundaries between us."

"Boundaries," Raul repeated, a note of intrigue in his voice. "Interesting choice of words. And what do you think of those boundaries, Niran? Do they comfort you... or do they confine you?"