"Nux, what are you doing?"

Rose's voice trembled, her tone sharp but carrying a softness that betrayed the heat climbing up her neck.

The corner of Nux's mouth curved as he leaned close, his breath teasing the delicate curve of her ear. His warm exhale brushed against her skin, and the mighty Queen of the Soulforge Citadel—who could make nations bow with a single command—shuddered like a mortal girl caught off guard.

"What do you think I'm doing?" Nux's voice was low, wickedly playful. "If you guess right… I'll let you go."

Her cheeks burned crimson, her violet eyes shining like pools ready to spill. She bit her lip and spat softly, voice quivering, "Nux, you… you're too bad."

Her lashes fluttered, a rare hesitation seizing her. "How am I supposed to guess? What if I say it… and you just tell me I'm right, and then—"

"And then what?" Nux's golden eyes glinted, catching her stammer like prey caught in a net.

Rose's breath caught, her lips parting. Before she could speak further, Nux's hand tilted her chin up. His thumb pressed against her red lips, silencing her, while his other hand slid unashamedly along her snow-pale thighs, fingers tracing the silken skin with dangerous intent.

"Mm—!" Rose jolted, her long lashes trembling wildly. She twisted slightly, her proud body betraying her as it tried to recoil. Yet his strength held her firmly, refusing to give her the dignity of escape.

In the corner, upon a golden quilt tossed carelessly aside, Syra—the Soft Bones Charming Rabbit—sat abandoned. Her round pink eyes brimmed with resentment, ears drooping.

Unbelievable. Just moments ago, you said my fur was soft and comfortable to touch. Now? Tossed away like trash the instant you found someone warmer?

Her tiny nose twitched, indignation boiling. I swear, I won't love anymore.

Syra, watching from nearby, cast a furtive glance at Rose's figure and snorted internally, her pride pricked. Hmph. If I took human form, I wouldn't lose to her either.

But Rose, the untouchable Empress, was already undone. Her breath quickened, her composure shattered, her body swaying in rhythm with his teasing. The woman who ruled with iron majesty now looked nothing like a queen, but a woman sinking into Nux's orbit.

Nux's patience snapped. His hands moved with bolder hunger, sliding toward the folds of her royal robe, intent on peeling away the last barriers between them.

Just then, a spark of clarity returned to Rose's eyes. A flicker of brilliance lit her gaze, and with a graceful twist born of instinct and control, she slipped from his grasp.

She stood a step away, her chest rising and falling rapidly, violet eyes both accusing and flustered. "Nux, you… you're too impatient."

Her voice softened, almost trembling. She drew in a breath, then added with reluctant firmness, "But right now… the time isn't right."

Nux blinked, stunned for a breath before chuckling. Impatient? Was I the impatient one… or were you too tempting?

His gaze drifted briefly—too briefly—toward the rabbit in the corner. Syra's beady eyes gleamed like twin lanterns, unblinking. A bead of cold sweat slid down Nux's back.

Don't treat her like a rabbit… she's watching. Watching with judgment.

He scolded himself silently, yet his irritation flickered not at her, but at Rose herself. Damn it, woman. You're too alluring. Who wouldn't lose control?

Rose noticed his expression, misreading it entirely. She thought he was sulking. Her heart softened. The proud queen's steps lightened into delicate lotus blossoms as she walked back, her robe fluttering with every step. She sat gracefully beside him, eyes lowered, and shyly guided his hand back onto her thigh.

"Nux," she whispered, her voice like velvet, "don't be angry. The moment I promised to marry you… from that day, I was already ready to give you everything of mine."

Nux's sharpness melted. His hand rose, threading gently through her silken purple hair. "I'm not angry. Just… I got a little carried away."

Rose shook her head quickly, lowering her eyes like a girl caught in her first secret tryst. "I don't blame you. I… I liked it just now too." Her cheeks glowed, words trembling with honesty.

The warmth between them thickened, but suddenly Nux frowned. "Strange… why does it feel colder in here all of a sudden?"

Rose blinked, glancing around. A faint shiver slid across her skin. "You're right… I feel it too."

Neither of them knew that in the shadows, Felberta—silver hair cascading, hatchet clenched in her hand—was watching through narrowed eyes, gritting her teeth until they nearly cracked. Dog man… one more step and I'll cleave you in half.

Rose, unaware of the murderous gaze, smoothed her messy hair, her robe half-unbuttoned from the chaos of moments earlier. She sighed softly. "Nux, I still have to preside over a ceremony today. I'll come back tonight… and keep you company properly."

"Mm." Nux nodded, his golden eyes lingering on the ravishing scene before him, committing it to memory.

Rose glanced at him again, hesitating. Then she leaned close to whisper in his ear, her warm breath tinged with mischief. "I have an apprentice. I'll send her to you later… to walk around the hall with you so you won't feel lonely."

"Apprentice?" Nux arched a brow, suspicion stirring.

Rose smirked faintly, her voice carrying both warning and teasing. "She's my precious student. Beautiful, clever. But hear me now—don't you dare harbor evil thoughts toward her."

Nux raised his hands in mock surrender, though a sly smile tugged his lips. "Don't worry. I've got no such intentions. You have my word."

"Pfft." Rose covered her mouth, laughter spilling despite herself. "You say that now… but you never spared me. How could I believe you'd spare her?"

Her eyes narrowed in playful threat, her cheeks redder than before. "The fat water doesn't flow into outsiders' fields. If you must… wouldn't it be better to keep it in the family?"

Nux choked, coughing at her bold implication. "Fuck, Rose, who even talks like that?"

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