The heavy doors closed with a final thud behind the last noble. Their voices faded down the hallway how they were not even escorted this time and it had never happened before but Elias ignored them.
He stood there silently for a moment reveling in their expressions. Soon, Velmore would not even be able to stand in front of him. Then he turned slightly, his gaze falling on the maid who was still standing near the wall, unsure if she should leave or wait for further instruction.
"You did well," Elias said, his tone gentler than before. "You handled their insults well. Trust me, the silent slap was much better than any harsh words you could offer to them. You are perfect at it."
The maid blinked, surprised by the praise. A faint blush crept up her neck as she bowed her head, murmuring, "i.. I did not do anything. Thank you, my lord."
Elias nodded. "Do not underestimate yourself, I have high expectations from you in the future. Go and rest now. You have to cook for me later."
She gave another quick bow, a bit flustered now, and turned to leave. She nearly bumped into the wall before finding her way out.
Elias let out a low chuckle and turned only to see Seraphina standing on the other end of the room.
Seraphina leaned against the wall with her arms crossed. her sharp eyes watching Elias like a predator watching prey. The playful darkness in her gaze was impossible to miss.
"Such praise for a maid," she drawled, pushing off the wall. "If I didn't know better, I would say you've taken quite a liking to her."
Elias raised an eyebrow. "She is efficient and I need loyal hands."
"Loyal dogs, you mean," she said with a smirk, walking closer. "Careful, Elias. The more you feed them, the more they expect bones."
He met her gaze evenly. "Then I will teach them to bite when I command, and stay silent when I don't. You know that I need it."
Seraphina chuckled, the sound low and sultry. "I did not know it, but I will accept it as long as you know what you are doing."
In a second, she was standing in front of him. She circled behind him, her fingers barely brushing the edge of his shoulder as she came to his side. Her voice dropped to a whisper and it felt so warm against his ear.
"Congratulations on your first win."
Elias turned his head slightly, his face inches from hers. "It won't be the last."
She tilted her chin up, close enough that he could feel her breath against his lips. Her hands slid up his chest, slow and teasing, feeling the beat of victory pulsing beneath his skin.
"I know," she whispered, before leaning in.
Their lips met slowly at first, a testing brush of power and tension, until Elias deepened the kiss, his hand rising to rest against the curve of her waist. Her fingers tightened in his coat as her mouth parted for him. Their tongues met, entwining in a kiss that was no longer just celebratory; it was a claim, a promise, and a challenge that he belonged only to her now.
She tasted of wine and something darker, dangerous and alluring. He kissed her back with a quiet hunger and desire. His touch was controlled, yet undeniably intimate. When they finally parted, breath mingling between them, Seraphina's lips were curved in that same dangerous smile.
"You are learning, this kiss was much better than the last time." Elias stiffened for a second at her remark and then smiled.
"I will learn more in the future." He knew she did not love him, but he did not desire it anymore. Her body was just fine.
"You came here only to congratulate me?" he asked as he pulled her closer. Her hands wrapped around his neck as she smiled at him with satisfaction.
"You are learning my ways." she pouted carefreely, "my brother had sent more dogs to follow me. Since you dealt well with them last time, you would not mind dealing with them again. Right?" she whispered breathy leaving a shiver in his spine. But at the same time, he was curious.
"Why did you brother hold so much power when you do not?" He tested the waters. If she would not share now, he would not ask in the future until he secured a strong position in her army.
At this moment, he did not even know how her army looked, how many men she was training. He was sure he was the only one. But did she kiss all of them to congratulate them? He pushed that thought away, it was not about love anymore.
Seraphina's pout deepened, through her eyes gleamed with amusement. "Mmm… such a heavy question after such a sweet moment," she sighed dramatically, her fingers beginning to move again. It was a light, deliberate touch along his chest, tracing patterns through the fabric of his shirt as if she owned the skin beneath it.
She slid her hands up, over his shoulders, then down along the line of his arms, lingering just long enough to make him feel the press of her presence.
"Because they think he is stronger! Which he is, but he only thinks from his muscles. He could annihilate my army no matter how many times I built it with his powers."
Her voice turned mocking as she slowly trailed her hand down the buttons of his coat. "He had raw force and no one can deny it. He can break necks and throw men across a room. That's what they understand. That's what they have followed so far."
Her fingers slipped just beneath his collar, barely grazing skin. Elias's breath hitched slightly, but he didn't stop her. She pulled back just enough to meet his gaze, her eyes dark and gleaming. "But he thinks with his fists, not with his mind. That's why he will never rule."
Seraphina's lips curved as her hand slid around his waist. "To be a ruler you need control on those with muscles and they will fight for you while you could just enjoy the luxury." She pressed her body against his, her voice a soft purr in his ear. "You need to make others bleed for your cause without ever lifting a blade yourself. That's what I can do, Elias."
Elias's hand found her hip, anchoring her in place. "And I will make sure that you prove this to them."