The Crown's Seduction-Chapter 478: Even More Real

Raul watched as Niran hurriedly fled from his private bathhouse, her wet clothes clinging to her as she dashed away. A satisfied smirk played on his lips as he observed her retreat.

"She has guts," he mused to himself, intrigued. "No woman has ever spoken so candidly about her dreams like that. Her eyes truly sparkled at the idea of creating a family and finding a place where she belongs."

For the first time, Raul felt a genuine interest in a woman that went beyond mere attraction. Niran’s vision of a meaningful life and her vulnerability had struck a chord with him. He found himself drawn to her in a way he hadn’t been before.

He leaned back, a thoughtful smile on his face. "My brother is marrying a human from Ebodia. It seems quite entertaining to marry a human. Though, unlike him with his princess, I have a different kind of intrigue with Niran. She may be a nobody, but that only makes her more interesting."

Raul relished in the thought of seeing Niran each day, finding amusement in her presence. The sight of her—even in her peaceful sleep at night—brought him a strange sense of satisfaction. His fascination with her was growing, and he knew he wanted to see where this unusual connection would lead.

***

Days quickly passed by, and Raul’s pursuit of Niran remained relentless. Each day, he found new ways to test her resolve and draw her into his orbit. Whether it was through unexpected encounters or subtle gestures, he made sure to keep himself in her thoughts.

Raul’s advances were not merely physical; he began to engage Niran in conversations that delved deeper into her hopes and dreams. He would inquire about her aspirations, her vision for a future, and what she truly desired from life. His questions, though seemingly casual, were designed to reveal her innermost feelings and to further entrench his presence in her life.

Despite his relentless pursuit, Niran maintained a guarded demeanour. She was aware of Raul’s intentions and understood that his interest was not purely about affection. Yet, she couldn’t completely ignore the fact that he was different from others she had encountered. His intrigue was unsettling but oddly compelling.

One evening, Raul invited her to a private dinner. The setting was intimate, with soft lighting and a beautifully set table. As they dined, Raul’s gaze was unwavering, his attention solely on her.

"Niran," he began, his voice smooth and deliberate, "I’ve come to appreciate your company more than I expected. You have a unique perspective on life that’s rare and refreshing."

Niran looked up from her plate, meeting his gaze with a mixture of curiosity and wariness. "Thank you, Your Highness. I’m flattered by your attention, but I still don’t quite understand what you’re seeking from me."

Raul’s smile was enigmatic. "It’s not just about seeking, Niran. It’s about understanding. I find myself intrigued by you, and I’m curious to see where this path leads."

As weeks continued to pass, Raul’s advances became increasingly bold. He would surprise Niran with gifts, invite her to exclusive events, and ensure that their interactions were frequent and memorable. His persistence was both a challenge and a test for Niran, forcing her to confront her feelings and her own goals.

Niran bit her lower lip as she gazed out from her balcony, her thoughts swirling with uncertainty. Tonight, she was sleeping in a bedchamber adjacent to Prince Raul’s, a gesture that only heightened her awareness of his persistent courtship. Despite his attentions, he had yet to propose the one thing she truly wanted to hear—his offer of marriage. freewёbnoνel.com

She wondered if Raul was even contemplating that step. The arrival of Princess Mineah as the new Queen of Valcrez was imminent, and Niran couldn’t help but feel the pressure of time. It would be ideal if she could secure an engagement or, better yet, a marriage to Prince Raul before the princess arrived.

The thought of being officially connected to Raul before Princess Mineah’s arrival stirred a mix of anticipation and anxiety within her. She knew that a formal commitment could solidify her position and possibly influence her future in the court. But she also questioned whether Raul’s intentions were genuine or if he was merely drawn to the chase.

Niran stirred as a sensation jolted her awake, her quilt being pulled away from her body. Disoriented, she blinked in the dimly lit room, her eyes struggling to adjust. The soft rustle of fabric and a warm presence near her made her heart race. She realized someone was in her bedchamber.

Before she could react, a familiar touch traced her body, sending shivers through her skin. Prince Raul, his movements deliberate and confident, had silently made his way to her side. His eyes, intense and dark, were fixed on her with an almost predatory gaze.

Raul leaned closer, his breath warm against her skin. He began to kiss her gently, his lips trailing from her shoulder down her neck and to the curve of her collarbone. Each kiss was soft yet charged with a hidden intensity that made her body respond against her will.

Niran’s breath hitched as she felt his lips explore her body. She was caught between the desire to push him away and the overwhelming sensation of his touch. Raul’s kisses were both tender and assertive, his hands caressing her sides with an intimate familiarity.

"Why resist, Niran?" Raul murmured against her skin, his voice low and enticing. "You know what you want. You’ve wanted this from the start."

Niran lay there, her mind spinning as Raul’s lips traveled down her body. The warmth of his mouth and the way his tongue teased her skin felt both amazing and confusing.

When his tongue flicked against her nipples, she gasped, her senses overwhelmed by the pleasure. She couldn’t believe what was happening and wondered if it was just a dream.

A soft moan escaped her as Raul continued to explore her breasts with his lips and tongue. The sensation was so intense that it made everything else fade away. The world outside her bedchamber disappeared, leaving only the feeling of Raul’s touch.

"Raul," she whispered his name, barely able to find her voice. His name on her lips made the moment feel even more real.