The Crown's Seduction
Chapter 329: Beats Only for You

Chapter 329: Beats Only for You

Nikolai was content simply watching his wife’s radiant smile as she celebrated her birthday with her family. She was engrossed in conversation and enjoying drinks, and for her special day, it was entirely fitting for her to have fun, perhaps even indulge a bit too much, and get drunk!

Fritz, however, couldn’t help but question the unusual illusion spell that Nikolai had orchestrated for the occasion. He suspected there might be a deeper meaning to it.

"I can’t quite fathom why you went through the trouble of creating such a powerful illusion spell for her birthday. It seems somewhat out of place for a celebration... I’m beginning to wonder if there’s something more to it, something you want her to discover that sets you apart from the rest," Fritz commented, his analytical mind at work.

Nikolai heaved a deep sigh in response. The conversation he’d had with Seer Tarah weighed heavily on him. It had been an unexpected revelation, and he wasn’t entirely sure how to handle it.

"I’m not entirely certain myself," Nikolai confessed, his tone reflecting his uncertainty. "But Seer Tarah had a private conversation with me, and she mentioned that it’s necessary. It’s as if it’s a form of training for her."

Fritz gave his friend a keen look, perceptive as ever. "You’re holding back, Nikolai. I know that look. Something is going on, and you’re keeping it to yourself. Why don’t you share it with me?"

Nikolai turned to his friend who’s bubbly aura had turned very serious. "I have no intention of keeping things from you. I will discuss this with you and Abel soon, probably before Ezekiel and I leave to do the mission," Nikolai disclosed.

He had contemplated it thoroughly and reached the conclusion that discussing it with Fritz and Abel was the right course of action. As for Mineah, he decided it was best not to burden her with these concerns; she would undoubtedly do everything in her power to dissuade him from going, and he couldn’t risk her well-being. This was something he had to do.

At the end of the day, this was a risk worth taking if it meant protecting Mineah. He wouldn’t let anything happen to her because of that curse. He would do everything for her to end this curse looming around his wife.

"Why do I have a feeling that it’s something I won’t like," Fritz said with a frown.

Nikolai chuckled and patted his friend’s shoulder as he said, "Relax Fritz. Let’s not dwell on it right now. This is a celebration. Enjoy yourself and perhaps dance with some of the maidens" Nikolai suggested with a smile, deftly changing the topic.

Fritz clicked his tongue before finishing his drink in one go. "I find it amusing that you’re drinking wine right now... Didn’t you say that you will never drink any type of alcohol?" Nikolai asked, making sure to change the topic completely.

"Well, I’ve been challenged by your new Minister of Justice... The two of us made a bet. So you can say that I’m training for that bet right now," Fritz commented with his eyes directed in Laura’s direction.

Nikolai was intrigued by Fritz’s response. "A bet, you say?" he inquired, arching an eyebrow.

Fritz nodded, smirking. "Indeed. Laura challenged me to see who could hold their alcohol better. Apparently, she thinks she can outdrink me. So I’ve been practicing my tolerance."

Nikolai shook his head and reminded, "My dear Fritz, you underestimate the allure of a challenge. While it’s not like me to interfere or meddle in your personal affairs, just remember, while you’re building your alcohol tolerance, please handle Mineah’s ladies-in-waiting with care."

Fritz turned to him, blinking innocently, as he said, "You’re overreacting, my King. Do you really think I have the luxury to do what you’re thinking right now? The last thing on my mind is getting entangled with any woman!"

"Be careful, Fritz. You never know when life will surprise you. The next thing you know, you’ll be asking me for help with a woman... I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with it. In fact, I’ll be here to offer advice if the time comes. How many years has it been since-"

"My King. Let me please excuse myself for a while. I need to check on Lady Laura and ask her for a dance," Fritz quickly stated and made a swift exit, leaving Nikolai with an amused grin.

"That brute," Nikolai chuckled. "Ah, Fritz, you can’t escape me for long," he murmured under his breath.

His attention soon shifted to his lovely wife, Mineah. As she approached him, her radiant smile lit up the room. Her positivity and endless optimism were something he cherished very much.

He had never met anyone like her. Yet he knew that despite her smiles and cool behavior she carried her own burdens and worries, especially about her being unable to bear a child because of the dagger. Nikolai knew how much she had been hurting inside.She was a strong woman, putting on a brave face, but he saw through her.

The two of them were really excited and eager to have babies. Sporting a bright smile, Nikolai also walked towards her.

"Do I get the privilege to dance again with the birthday girl?" Nikolai teased as he offered his hand to her.

With a blush gracing her cheeks, Mineah took his hand, and he drew her close, their bodies swaying to the slow music. As they moved together, his gaze never wavered from her. The deep affection in his eyes was a testament to how content he was with her by his side.

"Umm, my dear husband, I think I’ll melt if you keep looking at me like that. I can’t believe that all it takes for me to blush is just a look of yours," Mineah mumbled with a pout.

Her playful complaint earned her a chuckle from Nikolai. As they danced, he couldn’t help but pull her in even closer, their foreheads touching. In a hushed tone, he admitted, "I can’t resist you, my love."

Nikolai gazed at Mineah with genuine curiosity and asked, "Tell me... How did you recognize that it was me? Among others, how did you find out it’s me?"

Her smile was warm and affectionate as she replied, "I’ll recognize you no matter what, Lai. Because my heart beats only for you..."

Nikolai chuckled at her answer but pressed further, "I’m serious Mineah. How did you know? What if you ended up in a situation facing many versions of me, all with the same physical appearance and voice?"

She pondered for a moment and then leaned in, her eyes locked with his, and said with a playful determination, "Hmmm, I will definitely find you, Lai. My heart will always recognize you, no matter what. So stop doubting my capability of recognizing my own husband."

She backed her head away a little and stared at him with a frown.

"Tell me what’s going on?" Mineah questioned, making Nikolai shake his head. His wife was so witty and good at analyzing situations, even picking up on the smallest details or actions. It was a good thing that she couldn’t read his mind or else she’d have already found out that there was something bothering him and that he had made a significant decision without discussing it with her.

Wearing an easy, reassuring smile, he responded, "I was just curious, Mine. I just wanted to know if you really can still recognize me among impostors. By the way, are you feeling tired? Do you want to escape from here and get some rest?"

He had a mischievous and devilish grin, knowing that his wife would easily catch on to what he was implying. This was his way of distracting her, although he had every intention of having some private time with her. He longed to sweep her off her feet and carry her to their bedchamber, where they could indulge in passionate lovemaking, as he couldn’t get enough of her. He would never get tired of his dear wife.

Her face turned beet red as he raised his hand to gently caress her cheek. He adored how her cheeks flushed with every word he uttered.

"But Lai, won’t it be embarrassing if we suddenly disappear? We’re the hosts of this party and we’re supposed to ensure that we’re here for our guests," she reasoned.

Nikolai leaned and whispered in her ear, "Hmm, well, if that’s what you want, then, your wish is my command. Don’t blame me for what I’m about to do."

With audacious boldness, he proceeded to lick and suck her earlobe, drawing a suppressed moan from her.

Unyielding, he continued, trailing his kisses from her ear down to her shoulder blades, nipping and sucking her soft skin.

"Lai, stop it! W-what a-are you doing," she stammered, her voice quivering. He could sense her body trembling and hear her heart racing. Still, a sly smile adorned his face as he persisted, "Me? I’m just kissing you, Mine. You smell so delightful and you look so glowy that I couldn’t resist not kissing you. So tasty."

He continued kissing her, moving back up to her earlobe.

"Ahhn, fine, you win! Let’s have a quickie, and then we’ll return, alright? But don’t you dare mess with my dress," Mineah warned.

Nikolai chuckled triumphantly and in an instant, he transformed into his mist form, taking his wife with him into their bedchamber. He felt a sense of pride in being so irresistible to his wife. He was elated that Mineah was as enamored with him as he was with her.