Chapter 17: The Proposition

The aftermath of his confession to Selena was like the calm after a storm, a deceptive tranquility masking the brewing turbulence. He could feel the ripples of his decision spreading through his carefully constructed world, the unspoken resentments, the shifting alliances, the simmering desires. He knew he had to address the situation head-on, to manage the fallout and to solidify his control.

He chose to confront the others individually, starting with Lady Thorne. He found her in her suite, her expression a mask of icy composure, her eyes burning with a mixture of anger and hurt.

"So," she said, her voice dangerously low, "you've chosen."

"Yes," he replied, his voice steady. "I've chosen Selena."

He could see the fury in her thoughts, the betrayal, the wounded pride. But he also saw the lingering desire, the desperate hope that she could still somehow win him back.

*"He's made his choice… but I can't accept it… I still want him…"*

"I won't accept this, Leon," she said, her voice trembling. "I've given everything to you. I deserve more than this."

"You deserve happiness, Thorne," he said, his voice gentle. "And I want you to be happy."

He took a deep breath. "I've been thinking about this, about all of you. And I realize that I don't want to hurt any of you. I want you all."

He saw her confusion, the flicker of hope, and the skepticism.

"I want to build something… different," he continued, his voice filled with conviction. "A place where we can all be together, where we can all be happy, where we can all share in the intimacy, the love, and the power."

He paused, allowing his words to sink in.

"I want to create a harem," he said, his voice clear. "A place where we can all be equal, where we can support and uplift each other, where we can explore our desires without judgment."

He saw her thoughts, the shock, the initial resistance, but also the glimmer of curiosity, the secret longing for something different, something unconventional.

*"A harem? With all of them? I don't know if I can accept this, but…"*

"I want you to be a part of it, Thorne," he said, his voice soft. "I value your strength, your intelligence, your passion. I need you."

He saw her struggle, the internal conflict. He gave her time to process.

"I need time to think," she finally said.

He respected her wishes. He gave her a gentle kiss on the cheek and moved on.

He then sought out Rose, finding her in the garden, her face a mixture of sadness and confusion. He sat beside her, taking her hand.

"I'm sorry, Rose," he said. "I didn't want to hurt you."

"But you have," she replied, her voice barely a whisper. "I thought… I hoped…"

"I know," he said, his voice filled with empathy. "But I want you to know that I care for you. I cherish your youthful energy, your kindness, your enthusiasm. I don't want to lose you."

He took another deep breath. "I want to build a harem," he said, repeating the proposition. "A place where we can all be together, where we can love and support each other. I would love for you to be a part of it, Rose."

He saw her hesitation, her fear of the unknown.

*"A harem… with all of them? I don't know if I'm ready for this…"*

He patiently explained the concept, emphasizing the equality, the support, and the freedom. He described a world where they could explore their desires without judgment.

"It sounds amazing, but I'm not sure if I'm ready for this."

He understood her concerns.

"Take your time," he told her. "Think about it. I will respect your decision."

He gave her a hug, and moved on.

He then sought out Anya. He found her in the library, immersed in a book. She looked up, her eyes meeting his.

"I know what you're going to say," she said, her voice calm. "You've chosen Selena."

"Yes," he replied. "But that doesn't mean I don't value you, Anya. I need you. I want you."

He repeated his proposal, describing his vision of a harem. He knew she was the most perceptive, the most analytical, and the most likely to understand the complexities of his plan.

He saw her processing the information, her mind working at lightning speed. He saw her skepticism, but also her interest.

*"A harem… it's a logical solution… if we can make it work…"*

"I'm intrigued," she said, her voice measured. "But I have questions."

He smiled. "Ask away."

He spent the next hour answering her questions, explaining the details, addressing her concerns. He knew he had to be honest, transparent, and realistic.

He finally moved on to Serena, finding her by the pool, her expression unreadable.

"So," she said, her voice calm, "you've made your choice."

"Yes," he replied. "But I want you to know that I value you, Serena. Your mind, your intelligence, your strength. I don't want to lose you."

He repeated the proposal, describing his vision of a harem.

He saw her processing the information, her mind working. He saw her skepticism, but also her interest.

*"A harem… i don't know… will it work…"*

"I'm willing to give it a try."

He smiled.

He spent the next few days giving them time to think, allowing them to process the information, and to talk to each other.

He knew that he had created a complex situation, but he was confident in his ability to manage it. He was building an empire, and he was ready to lead.

He decided to give them all time to decide. He knew there would be drama. He knew there would be challenges. But he was ready. He would wait, and let them decide.

He spent time with Selena, enjoying their growing bond. He also spent time with Chloe and Kai, keeping them close.

He knew that he had to wait.

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