LIGHTNOVELONLINE "Mother, is something wrong? You seem to be lost in thought?" Xulan asked in concern as they walked out of his Master's mansion after his class was over.
He now had more respect for Lord Bai King after he taught him a simple technique that increased his focus two fold.
But after his class, he noticed his mother's eyes drifting away as if she was deeply thinking about something when usually she always talk to him about a lot of things.
Celia's hands tensed for a moment as she realized she shouldn't think about what happened with Lucas, at least not in front of her son.
"I was thinking about how long it would take you to finish your classes with Lord Bai Long," Celia said with a warm smile.
Xulan smiled and said eagerly, "I hope to learn as much as I can from a powerful expert like him. So it could take a few years. I only wish he wouldn't get disappointed in my performance if he expects me to complete it in a shorter time."
Celia patted his head and said, "Don't worry about it. You aren't going to disappoint anyone. I will see to it that he teaches you everything."
Xulan gave a heartwarming smile as he hugged her, "Thank you, mother. I love you so much. You are the best mother in this world."
"I love you too, my Xulan," Celia said with a complicated smile while her free hand clenched tightly.
********
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm, golden hue across the sky, Nadia found herself in a state of agitation, her hands trembling slightly as she shoved the dress Lucas had sent her into her spatial ring.
It was a command, thinly veiled as an invitation, and it filled her with a mix of anger and apprehension.
She couldn't believe she would have to wear this and go out to meet Lucas at a certain location.
She was about to leave her room when Yiman appeared at the door, his expression a mix of surprise and concern, "My love, are you going somewhere?" he asked, his eyebrows raised in question.
Nadia's heart skipped a beat, her mind racing to fabricate a plausible excuse. With a calm exterior belying her inner turmoil, she offered him a serene smile. "I have a business meeting with one of the managers of my establishment," she explained smoothly.
"At this hour? How dare they inconvenience you like this?" Yiman's annoyance was evident.
Nadia placed a comforting hand on his chest, her touch gentle. "It's nothing, husband. I chose this time intentionally. The evening air is refreshing, and I thought it might be a good change. Plus, I might visit Olivia afterwards if there's time. Don't worry if I return late or even decide to stay overnight. I just might spend the night there if it gets too late," she said, her voice filled with reassurance.
She didn't know when she would return and wanted to be prepared for the worst.
Yiman exhaled deeply, a resigned sigh escaping him. "You're always thinking of others. I wish I could join you, but with the empress here, my time is not my own. I trust you understand why I must remain preoccupied these days."
Nadia nodded, a sense of relief washing over her. "Of course, you must attend to the empress. It's crucial she has a favorable impression of our kingdom. And as her son, you have much to catch up on. I'm certain she will be proud of all you've achieved," she said, her tone supportive, trying to bridge the gap between Yiman and his mother since that should keep him distracted and busy enough to not notice what was going on with her.
Yiman's gaze drifted, a distant look in his eyes as he mused about his mother's pride in him.
But then his expression darkened momentarily, the image of Lucas—Bai Ling—flashing across his mind, unsettling him.
Nadia noticed the change. "What is it?" she inquired, her brows knitting together in worry.
Yiman forced a smile, pushing aside his disquiet. "It's nothing. You should head out before it gets any later," he said, though his smile didn't quite reach his eyes, troubled by the unease Lucas's presence brought.
Nadia, sensing his discomfort, chose not to press further, giving his hand a reassuring squeeze before she turned to leave, her heart heavy with her own set of fears and uncertainties about the night ahead.
****** In the middle of the kingdom's most notorious district, where the shadows grew thicker and more sinister beneath the cloak of darkness, a peculiar sight unfolded on the filthiest street known to its inhabitants.
A street that might swallow a person whole, with its denizens of drunken peasantry, far removed from the genteel society of nobles. No noble would bother blemishing their reputation by coming here. It was far beneath them.
Here, amidst the cacophony of raucous laughter, debauchery, and lewdness emanating from rundown taverns and brothels, an unexpected pair made their way down the narrow cobblestone path.
A tall, charmingly handsome man exuded power and confidence as he walked nonchalantly alongside a heavily pregnant woman, whose presence drew all kinds of gazes towards her.
Her figure was a sight that sent whispers and shocked exclamations echoing through the crowded street.
Her attire, however, proved shocking even within such disreputable surroundings: a form-fitting black latex bunny suit, hugging every curve and accentuating her volutpous assets and supple bare thighs; a sheer black veil obscured the lower part of her face while allowing tantalizing glimpses of luscious red lips.
Long, silken black locks cascaded down her back, shimmering like ink against her pale skin.
Despite the concealing veil, there was no doubt that hidden behind it lay a countenance befitting celestial beings—a truth only too apparent to those fortunate enough to catch fleeting peeks of her ethereal eyes.
As they sauntered along, heads turned en masse, greeted first by gaping mouths, then wide-eyed astonishment, followed swiftly by lustful grins.
Men, emboldened by drink yet wary of trouble, stared unabashedly at the vision before them.
However, rather than focusing their attention solely on the captivating gentleman accompanying her, these roguish individuals found themselves entranced instead by the mysterious, expectant woman.
Her voluptuous figure made the very air around her sizzle with repressed desire, causing even the most virtuous of men among them to stumble in her wake.
They marveled at the audacity of whomever claimed ownership over her – husband or paramour alike – wondering if this creature of fantasy might be bound by matrimonial vows or merely another conquest added to his growing list of illicit affairs.
Nadia bristled beneath the weight of salacious gazes boring into her flesh. She clenched her hands tightly, fighting the urge to just leave for the sake of her daughter.
How long had it been since she experienced such blatant humiliation?
Yet now, circumstances dictated otherwise.
Lucas, ever cognizant of her inner turmoil, leaned toward her ear, whispering soft words meant only for her consumption. "Relax, mother. There's no need to stiffen up just yet. Our evening has only just begun and you will be playing the role of the pregnant Bunny Queen."