Chapter Nineteen: Caught in the Flames

The air in Lucien's chambers was heavy—thick with the scent of sweat, sex, and something darker. Something neither of them dared to name.

Estella lay tangled in the silk sheets, her body aching deliciously from the night before. Lucien's arm draped possessively over her waist, his grip firm even in sleep—as if he feared she might slip away.

Not that she would.

She should've hated how much she craved his touch—how easily he unraveled her defenses. But gods, she couldn't stop herself from wanting more.

"You're thinking too loud," Lucien murmured, his voice rough with sleep.

Estella smirked, stretching against him like a satisfied cat. "I didn't know you could think at all, Your Majesty."

His silver eyes opened, gleaming in the dim light. "And yet, here you are—still in my bed," he drawled, his fingers tracing slow circles on her hip.

"Maybe I'm just using you for warmth," she teased, biting back a shiver as his hand slid lower.

Lucien laughed softly—a sound that sent heat curling low in her belly. "Is that so?" In one smooth motion, he rolled on top of her, pinning her beneath his weight. "Should I remind you what else I'm good for?"

Estella tilted her chin up, refusing to look away. "You're awfully cocky for a man who still hasn't made me beg."

His smile was pure sin. "Careful," he warned, his mouth brushing the curve of her jaw. "I'm in a mood to make you scream."

Her heart slammed against her ribs as he slid between her thighs, the heavy weight of him making it impossible to think.

"Then do it," she challenged, her voice breathless. "Or are you all talk, Your Majesty?"

Lucien's growl was low and feral. "You should know by now," he murmured, dragging his lips down her neck, "I never fucking bluff."

By the time the sun crept over the horizon, Estella's body hummed with exhaustion. She lay sprawled across Lucien's bed, watching through half-lidded eyes as he dressed.

"Going somewhere?" she asked, her voice rough from the night before.

Lucien slid on a black tunic, the fabric clinging to his broad shoulders. "A border dispute," he said, fastening the silver clasp at his throat. "I'll be gone most of the day."

Estella smirked, propping herself up on one elbow. "Let me guess—conquering more land to soothe your fragile ego?"

His gaze darkened as he crossed the room and grabbed her ankle, dragging her toward the edge of the bed. "You're tempting me to cancel my meeting," he murmured, brushing his thumb along the inside of her thigh.

She laughed softly. "Afraid you can't handle me, Your Majesty?"

Lucien bent down, his mouth grazing the shell of her ear. "I can handle you just fine," he promised. "But when I return, I expect you right here—waiting for me."

Estella tilted her head, baring her neck. "We'll see."

His fingers tightened on her jaw, forcing her to meet his gaze. "You're mine, Estella," he growled, the heat in his eyes promising a different kind of punishment later. "Don't forget that."

And before she could fire back, he captured her mouth in a bruising kiss—one that left her breathless and aching for more.

When he finally pulled away, his smirk was as arrogant as ever. "Behave while I'm gone."

Estella snorted. "Not likely."

Lucien's laughter followed her as he strode out the door, leaving her alone in the silence of his chambers.

But something in her gut twisted.

Because the moment he left—the real game would begin.

The Morning After…

The palace gardens sparkled beneath the sunlight—lush and filled with the scent of blooming jasmine. It should've been peaceful.

But nothing in this palace ever was.

Estella strolled along the stone path, dressed in a flowing emerald gown that clung to her curves. Her head held high, her steps slow and deliberate—like she owned the damn place.

And maybe, in a way, she did.

But the quiet didn't last.

"Look who decided to crawl out of the emperor's bed," a sharp, sugary voice cut through the air.

Estella sighed, already knowing who it was.

Valeria.

And, of course, she wasn't alone. Two of her favorite minions—Lady Seraphina and Lady Lilith—flanked her, their silk gowns shimmering like poison.

Estella smiled sweetly, tilting her head. "Valeria," she drawled. "Shouldn't you be licking the emperor's boots somewhere?"

Valeria's smile turned razor-sharp. "Funny," she said, stepping closer. "I thought that was your job now."

Lady Seraphina laughed behind her hand. "Poor thing," she cooed. "You must be exhausted—keeping his Majesty entertained and pretending you belong here."

Estella's blood simmered, but she didn't flinch. She wasn't about to let these pampered bitches get to her.

"At least I'm keeping him entertained," she shot back, flashing a wicked smile. "I can't imagine he's interested in leftovers."

Lilith's face burned red, but Valeria's smile didn't falter. "You think you're special," she said softly. "But Lucien tires of his toys quickly. And when he does—"

"You'll still be here," Estella cut in, her voice dripping with mock pity. "Pathetic. Desperate. And still not in his bed."

Valeria's mask slipped—just for a moment—and the fury beneath it burned bright. "Watch your mouth, little girl," she hissed, stepping closer. "You may have his attention now, but you'll never have his heart."

Estella arched a brow. "And you do?" She laughed coldly. "Sweetheart, if you had it, I wouldn't be here."

The slap came fast. Sharp.

Estella's head snapped to the side, the sting blooming hot across her cheek.

For a breathless moment, the air grew deathly still.

Then Estella smiled. Slowly. Dangerously.

"You hit like a spoiled bitch," she said sweetly, brushing a curl from her face. "Is that the best you've got?"

Valeria's eyes blazed with rage. "You think this is over?"

"No," Estella murmured, stepping into her space. "It's just getting started."

Without waiting for a response, she turned and sauntered back toward the palace, her heart pounding with fury.

Let Valeria play her games.

When Lucien returned—Estella would make damn sure Valeria paid for every word.

And the next time anyone tried to touch her?

They wouldn't walk away.