Clinton Zadberg, the second prince and now true heir of the throne, sat quietly in the warm water of the royal bath.
His body was relaxed, but his mind was alert. The water was slightly scented with herbs, and light steam filled the room. It was peaceful.
This was no normal bath. It was part of the royal castle of Velmora — the private one, meant only for the king's bloodline. After the king's death, this castle was locked to everyone.
Not even Queen Loraine or Christopher were allowed to enter. Only Clinton was given the right, as per King Adam's last will.
Clinton slowly stood up. His body was fit and strong. Water slid down his back. He looked serious, deep in thought. He had been through a lot, and now he was back home — not as a prisoner, but as the king's chosen heir.
A soft knock came from the door.
> "Your Highness, may we come in?" a maid asked politely.
Clinton didn't say anything at first. Then replied with "yes" in a serious tone .
The heavy wooden door opened. Three royal servants walked in, dressed in fine blue and gold robes. They bowed their heads with respect.
One held a thick white towel. Another had a tray with his fresh clothes. The third gently placed a soft cloth on his head and started drying his hair.
They worked quickly and silently. One wrapped the towel around his waist. Another helped him step out of the bath onto a clean mat.
His new outfit was placed nearby — a soft silk inner shirt, dark blue pants, and a long velvet outer coat with the golden lion crest of Velmora on the chest.
One servant helped him wear the coat and fixed the collar. Another helped him wear polished boots. Then, they stepped back and bowed again.
Clinton looked in the mirror. He looked like a prince. Clean. Calm. Ready.
> "The throne is mine to protect," he thought.
---
Outside the Bath Chamber
As Clinton stepped out of the chamber, the royal guards standing outside stood straight and saluted him.
All around the castle, servants and soldiers worked quietly. The hallways were full, but not loud. Everyone respected Clinton. They didn't dare speak loudly or look him in the eyes.
The castle was under full protection. No one was allowed inside without Clinton's order.
One old general came forward. He bowed deeply.
> "Welcome back, Prince Clinton. The Heartwing Castle is yours."
Clinton gave him a short nod. He didn't smile.
> "Bring me the full list of nobles who visited Queen Loraine in the last month," he said.
"Also, give me all documents signed by William Stride."
> "Right away, Your Highness."
---
Clinton walked through the halls. People whispered quietly behind his back.
But no one dared step in his way.
He was the heir now.
.....
In some unknown palace in the central region far from the king's castle
.....
A soft moan escaped William's lips, his voice thick with pleasure. "Aah, Loraine… you're the best."
Loraine's mouth moved with deliberate grace, her lips wrapping around the tip of him, warm and inviting.
"Fuck, Loraine," William muttered, his voice thick with need.
She grinned, clearly enjoying the effect she had on him.
Her lips parted, and she took him into her mouth, her tongue swirling around the head before sliding down the shaft.
The wet heat of her mouth was almost too much—soft, slick, and so damn good. She sucked him in deeper, her lips tight around his cock, her hand stroking what her mouth couldn't reach.
Her tongue traced slow, teasing circles, swirling with a slick, wet heat that sent shivers down his spine. She took her time, savoring every inch, her breath mingling with his as she deepened the rhythm.
Her fingers curled around the base, steady and sure, heightening the delicious tension.
The flick of her tongue, the gentle suction—it was a dance of power and surrender, and William was utterly captivated. His hands tangled in her hair, urging her closer, desperate to feel more of that intoxicating warmth.
Her hand gripped the base, steady and sure, while her mouth worked him over, hot and hungry.
Just as the pleasure began to crest, a sudden thud echoed from beyond the chamber walls.
William's body tensed, the moment shattered. His eyes snapped open, heart pounding—not from desire, but alarm, he suddenly got alert.
Before he could react, darkness swept over him like a heavy cloak, swallowing the world whole.