The Duke appeared restless in the situation, as it was assumed that Livia no longer had the king's support. Yet, at this moment, the king seemed to side with Livia regarding the aggression caused by the Duchess.
"Your Majesty...please...I assure you my wife has learned her lesson, allow me to take her away, our reputation is at stake."
"What reputation? As far as I know, your reputation has been tarnished for some time. Do you think I'm not aware of everything? I turned a blind eye because I believed the queen was acting to help you, but it turns out it was you who coerced her into giving away all her money."
"What? The queen said that? I assure you, she is lying, Your Majesty."
"Now you accuse her of lying, what audacity, and right in front of me. Duke Fiore, be gone and do not ask for anything more, or your family will fall even further from grace."
The king orders him to be removed from the hall, to stop the nuisance, and he is even escorted to the exit. There, Livia waits with a mocking smile.
"Greetings, Duke Fiore. Did you have a pleasant conversation with His Majesty?"
"You...what a poor son you are, locking up your mother and abandoning your family."
"What? But it was you who abandoned me first, after all. You wanted me to be queen for your benefit. I hope you enjoyed it while it lasted."
The Duke is restraining himself from attacking Livia because of the guards' presence, but don't think for a second that he has given up. If he can't reap benefits from Livia, then there’s no use for her as a queen. He strides to his carriage while Livia returns, accompanied by guards. Along the corridor, she meets with the king, who approaches to hold her hand in his.
"Are you alright? I've already sentenced the Duchess, but the Duke..."
"I know, without evidence you can't imprison him, but it’s fine for now, as long as he’s out of the palace. I’m grateful."
"I won't let them hurt you."
Livia senses the king's concern but draws her hand back, as it seems he hasn't fully come to accept that he is not the real one. Livia bows and continues on her way, while the king sighs deeply, realizing it will be hard to get closer to Livia.
Livia wakes up in the middle of the night, struggling to sleep, so she gets up to go out the window of her chamber, careful not to be seen by the guards. A walk in the woods might do her good in finding sleep. The palace is silent, and so is the forest, filled with the singing of insects. It has always been ensured that there are no wild animals, so there is no need to worry. The moon is bright, offering easy navigation through the trees, until near the lake, she hears the sound of water as if something has fallen in. She cautiously moves closer, thinking it might be an animal, only to find the king seemingly cooling off. She didn't pay much attention before, but now, noticing his well-toned body and the marks that give it a sexy edge, and from her vantage point, he seems somewhat sad, likely due to everything that's happening. It's a shame he cannot have the real Livia, but soon someone will appear to ease his heart; she backs away to leave but the slightest crackling of leaves makes the king go on high alert and Livia sees a flurry of golden dagas heading towards her. Livia uses her chains to stop them, but she falls to the ground, letting out a groan from the impact, and as she looks up, the king is already on top of her with a dagger at her throat.
"Your Majesty, it’s me..."
"Ah! Livia?"
The king is surprised to see the young man and immediately releases the dagger to embrace him against his chest, Livia can feel his racing heart.
"Livia...what are you doing here? I could have killed you..."
Livia senses the king is shaking.
"S-sorry...I was just taking a walk..."
"A walk, at this hour?" The king steps back but still holds her by the shoulders.
"I couldn't sleep...I apologize for startling you."
"Just signal that you're here, I must maintain my guard high when I’m alone."
"I understand...but why are you here? You could have bathed in your chamber."
"I enjoy swimming here, we used to meet at this spot before we married."
The king sighs and steps away from Livia, putting something on his waist. Livia can't help but look, even blushing. There's no denying that the king has an impressive physique, worthy of an alpha, of course.
"I'll be more cautious next time; sorry for interrupting you."
Livia stands up, dusting off her clothes, and is about to leave when she notices a light approaching. With the moon's help, she can see it's Rita, probably searching for the king—or maybe they had an appointment? After all, she is his favorite concubine. Livia clicks her tongue, just as she had said they used to have their dates there with the real Livia, and now here comes his lover. Livia moves closer to the King and pushes him to the ground before capturing his lips in a deep kiss. The king, caught by surprise, soon reciprocates, embracing Livia by the waist; Rita arrives, witnessing this passionately intimate scene, with the barely clothed king. Her lips tighten in fury, having followed the king to the woods with the intent of seducing him, never imagining Livia would be there. She hurries away, while Livia gets carried away by the kiss, savoring the taste until they break apart for air.
"And what was that for?"
The king is puzzled by this sudden move.
"Someone was coming...they should think things are better between us."
"I see..."
The king caresses the youth's cheek, brushing a strand of hair from his face, Livia still observing the king's face, attractive, yet his gaze seems so relaxed and kind.
"Maybe they haven't left yet..."
Livia leans in again to resume the kiss, feeling her heart race and her body shiver from being close to the king, the desire to be with him growing irresistible.
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