The next day, in the Countess's office, Seraphina sat behind her intricately carved desk, drumming her fingers on the polished surface with a rhythm that betrayed her irritation. Sunlight spilled through the tall windows, highlighting the faint tension in her amber-gold eyes.
Across from her, Commander Dorian Vexthorne lounged in his chair with that infuriatingly smug expression plastered on his face, his crimson eyes gleaming with amusement. His suit, sharp and pristine, seemed to mirror his condescending attitude.
Seraphina forced a polite smile. "Good day, Commander. To what do I owe this unexpected visit?"
Dorian's smirk widened. "Oh, nothing too urgent, Countess. Just thought I'd drop by and see how the ever-diligent Countess of citizen affairs is faring. After all, it's my duty to stay informed."
Her eyebrow arched. "That's very considerate of you, but I have a rather busy schedule today."
He let out a low chuckle, completely unfazed. "Busy? With what? Babysitting the Paladin Knights again? Or perhaps playing watchdog for the Queen?"
Seraphina kept her tone icy. "If I were, it would certainly be more productive than humoring your baseless accusations. Is there a point to your visit, Commander, or are you simply wasting my time?"
Dorian's smile thinned, but he straightened in his seat. "You want a point? Fine. Your precious Paladin Knights are overstepping their bounds, getting involved in affairs that don't concern them. They're making a mess of our operations, and I'm not going to stand for it."
"Oh?" Seraphina tilted her head, her eyes narrowing. "And what affairs would that be? No reports of misconduct have crossed my desk."
He scoffed. "That's because you're not looking hard enough. The king himself wants them to stay out of our business. You'd do well to remind them of their place."
She leaned back in her chair, giving him a look of mild amusement. "Our business, you say? Or your business? Because I've heard a few troubling rumors myself—a certain priest forming a cult, recruiting citizens under the guise of charity. Ring any bells?"
Dorian's fists clenched, and he slammed his hands down on the desk, making it rattle. "And why the hell are you telling me this? It's your job to handle those issues!"
"Oh, struck a nerve, did I?" Seraphina's lips curved into a sly smile. "Funny how quick you are to dismiss my concerns when you barged in here demanding I address yours. Seems like you're not too keen on being questioned, Commander."
"You think you're so clever," Dorian hissed, his tone seething with anger. "Watch your mouth, Countess. I have ways of dealing with nuisances like you."
She didn't flinch, her calm gaze unwavering. "And I suppose that's how you got your position? Intimidating and silencing anyone who questions you?"
He shot to his feet, his eyes blazing with rage. "You insolent whore!" In one swift motion, he lunged across the desk and gripped her neck, lifting her out of the chair. She struggled, gasping as his fingers dug into her throat, her feet barely brushing the ground.
Dorian leaned in, his breath hot and venomous against her ear. "You think being backed by the Queen makes you untouchable? Let me make something clear. Your title means nothing to me. Cross me again, and I'll make you regret it."
Just as Seraphina's vision started to blur, a loud knock echoed through the room. "Countess, may I come in?" Angelo's calm voice sounded from the other side of the door.
Dorian released her with a shove, and she stumbled back, clutching her neck as she caught her breath. Composing himself, Dorian adjusted his uniform and sneered. "You're lucky this time." He shot her one last glare before striding to the door and yanking it open. As he passed Angelo, he shoved him aside with a muttered, "Worthless pest."
Angelo stepped inside, his gaze instantly catching the red marks on Seraphina's neck. Though his expression remained neutral, a flash of something dark passed through his green eyes.
"Countess, are you alright?" he asked, his tone calm but edged with concern.
Seraphina forced a weak smile. "I've been better. It's just… the usual power struggle."
Angelo approached the desk and carefully placed a small emerald stone on the surface. "While searching for the princess, I came across this. A man was raving about it—said it drained his wealth. Thought it might interest you."
Seraphina picked it up, examining it with a frown. "So this is one of the stones being smuggled… They've started spreading among the citizens already."
Angelo gave a slight nod. "Yes. What are your orders?"
She set the stone down and sighed. "For now, monitor the situation discreetly. No need to draw unnecessary attention."
He gave a curt nod, but his eyes never left her neck. Seraphina caught his intense stare and raised an eyebrow. "Does it bother you that much?"
Angelo looked away, but not before muttering, "It's unacceptable."
She couldn't help but chuckle, stepping closer to him. "You're always so serious… Relax a little." Her fingers lightly brushed his jaw, and his gaze snapped back to her, green eyes intense and unwavering.
"Countess…"
Seraphina smiled mischievously, her fingers tracing his cheek. "You've been working so hard… Let me take care of you."
He stiffened, clearly unsure how to react, but she didn't give him the chance to retreat. Leaning in, she pressed her lips against his, pulling him into a heated, lingering kiss. Angelo didn't resist, his hands instinctively resting on her waist as he kissed back, his touch both hesitant and possessive.
When she pulled back, her voice was soft yet commanding. "Lock the door."
Angelo hesitated only for a second before moving to secure the door, the click of the lock echoing in the quiet room. Turning back to her, he found her leaning back against the desk, her gown slightly disheveled, amber-gold eyes gleaming with temptation.
She patted the spot beside her. "Come here."
Without another word, Angelo approached, his movements cautious but deliberate. Seraphina pulled him closer, her hands slipping under his jacket as she whispered, "Don't hold back."
Angelo's resolve finally cracked as he cupped her face, kissing her with a raw intensity that sent sparks through her body. His hands trailed down her sides, tracing the curve of her waist as he pressed her closer.
Seraphina smirked against his lips, her fingers tangling in his hair as their breaths mingled, heat building between them. "I knew you wanted me… You're always so composed, but I can feel it—the desire you're trying so hard to suppress."
Angelo didn't deny it, his grip tightening as he pulled her flush against him, his voice low and rough. "You're reckless, Countess… tempting me like this."
Her laugh was a sultry whisper. "And you love every second of it."