Lady Dhampir
Chapter 156

"Evening, my dear wife."

Milena raised her eyes from the black corset she was tying up with Olivia's help. Wearing black clothes as well, Rayan walked in their apartments, looking a bit more tired than usual. She knew he had woken up early, for when she had gone back to their bedroom "Evening, my Prince," she said. "How was your meeting?"

earlier that afternoon, he was gone.

"Oh, surprisingly well, aside from the fact that my cheeks hurt."

"Your cheeks hurt?" She frowned.

She turned around to let Dinah check on the lower folds of her dress, and tie her boots' laces for her. Meanwhile, Rayan walked up to the little table, and poured himself a glass of red wine before falling into the large leather seat.

"Yes," he sighed. "I heard these gentlemen praise my wife's wonderful sword fighting skill for hours. My cheeks hurt from grinning so much, my Lady. I don't think I've been acting properly for a man attending a funeral tonight." Milena rolled her eyes.

Indeed, the situation was rather... unique. Due to Philomenie's health, and the snowstorm that had started again, Milena had decided the King's funeral should be held privately that night, and for the ceremony with the people to be held later. People would have made a fuss if the King's body remained uncared for too long. Most believed the quicker a funeral ceremony was done, the quicker the loved ones could move on to the other side. Regardless of her own belief, Milena agreed they couldn't let this situation continue. No one could tell how long that snowstorm was going to continue, and, sadly, they had way too much going on to push back the Funeral. They could watch over the King tonight and until dawn and, after tomorrow, it would be time for a new Council already. Milena knew both Princes had agreed so no one would use their Father's funeral as a room for gossiping. Hence, the Ceremony was to be held with a very small group of people for the King, and the commoners could attend a proper ceremony in a few days, once the Castle's Courtyard would be open again. For now, the snow had begun to pile up again right after Milena and Rachael's battle, and it was getting thicker and thicker each hour. Milena was even worried for her horse and had gone to the stables to make sure they had everything they needed before coming back here. This snowstorm was threatening to become a future huge issue. While taking a warm bath, Milena had gone over recommendations on how she should prepare for a long snowstorm, and given orders to have the adequate preparations done. This time, she truly regretted Philomenie couldn't help her out. She had sent copies of her orders, but the servants had come back with it, claiming the Princess' office was still closed. Milena was a bit annoyed at that. She couldn't tell if Philomenie was truly too sick to work, or if this had just become her latest excuse...

Still, she hadn't gotten any time to get madder or ponder more over it. She had barely grabbed a quick meal, and worked all afternoon until it was time to get ready.

"Really?" She chuckled, walking to him fully prepared and ready. "I'm surprised it has come to so many ears already."

Rayan sighed, and shook his head.

"Of course it has. I bet half our soldiers are jealous of me now... I, for one, certainly can't blame them. I'm jealous of them too, actually. I've seldom had the occasion to see my beloved wife use her fighting skills, and against a worthy opponent at that. I still have to figure out who won, though."

Milena crossed her arms, and sighed.

"I'll admit my defeat if it makes the Duchess De Nova happy. Still, we had to stop because of the snow."

"Oh, so that's why they couldn't tell me who had won."

Milena chuckled, and walked up to her husband. As soon as these two got closer, Olivia and Dinah quietly left the room to leave the young couple some private time. As soon as the door was shut behind them, Rayan opened his arms, and Milena came to sit on his knees with a smile.

They hadn't seen each other all day, and this was why she preferred the evenings, among all times of the day. That one moment they had together, before dinner, and before her husband got immersed in his work. Although he had obviously taken a head start today. "I also quite liked today's newspaper," he said. "At least, the headlines. I didn't get to read them in full before people found me some papers to sign, other boring things to review..." "Your brother saw it too," shrugged Milena.

"Let me guess. He did not like it."

"Of course not... Although it was most likely because he recognized my doing in this. Ellias is almost... paranoid now. He thinks everything you and I do is made to destroy him."

"My brother is quite delusional indeed, to think I have that much free time," sighed Rayan.

"The news about the pregnancy is spreading fast, though. Too fast, even. I already had to deal with Noblemen sending presents today."

"I'm not surprised. Ellias made quite a show out of it for them all to see, and now I suppose he got my sister-in-law all locked up in her new golden tower..."

Milena sighed.

She did not like that. Philomenie had almost begun to break out of her perfect girl shell, but now, her pregnancy was going to hold her back. Ellias was going to level her up, regardless of if she wanted to or not. Milena couldn't believe Philomenie was really too sick to work. No, it felt more like another act. The sicker and more fragile his wife would appear to me, the lesser would Ellias' chances be to be sent to war. Milena only hoped Philomenie wouldn't play along. She had seen something in the other Princess that had given her hope before, but now, she feared this would all amount to nothing and she was going to go back to obeying each word of her husband like a mindless puppet...

"The nobles will all be skeptical, though," suddenly said Rayan.

"What about?"

"Ellias' child. While I talked with some of the men today, they were rather... surprised that Ellias had conceived a child so soon, even for a human couple."

Milena opened her eyes.

"They don't believe the pregnancy is true?"

"They don't doubt the pregnancy. They doubt the pregnant one..."

Milena was so surprised, she left her mouth open and suddenly stood up.

"...Are you kidding? They doubt... Philomenie?"

Rayan shrugged, and grabbed his glass again, handing one to Milena.

"I suppose some people are starting to wonder if she's really the saintess they've all believed her to be. After what happened to you, rumors began to spread, and people know a portion of what happened. The accusations went to the Bertrilly family, but... no one can ignore Philomenie was most involved with that family, not just the House De Winter."

Milena went quiet.

It was something she hadn't thought about. People were always most suspicious of the Royals' actions, and they were right to be. However, after her poisoning, and Rayan's revenge for her, she had thought most of the blame had been taken on the now gone House De Bertrilly, the House De Winter, and Ellias, as their son-in-law... while Philomenie had remained unstained. At that time, her popularity in the heart of the people had worked to protect her, while people saw Ellias or the House De Winter as the possible culprits. However, the Nobles weren't so kind, trusting, or sensible to her good deeds. Many of them were probably as skeptical as Milena regarding Philomenie's actions. Moreover, she had been seen many times with the culprit family, yet had remained completely unscathed by the scandal, and that horrific revenge of her brother-in-law. Of course, they'd suspect she wasn't a total stranger to all of this. Which meant, there was now a climate of doubt surrounding the Second Princess. After all, Ellias wasn't the only one desperate for an heir. If she could become the mother to the heir to the throne, Philomenie's position would be secured as well.

...Could it be? Indeed, the timing had felt strangely odd, and Ellias himself, to Milena's opinion, may really have nothing to do with it. However, Philomenie was the main protagonist there. She knew her body better than anybody else. For her to suddenly puke in the middle of a Council Meeting...

"... Honestly, I'd be extremely surprised if the child was someone else's than Ellias", said Milena, careful with her words.

Her husband raised an eyebrow.

"So you do say you think of it as a possibility."

"I can't say anything," she retorted. "I have rarely seen these two interact, and for... Ellias to be affectionate towards his wife. I really wouldn't know. Philomenie, too, I don't know her enough to judge."

"...That's interesting. However, I doubt we will have the leisure to wait and see if that child is born with my brother's green eyes."

Indeed, one of the princes would be long gone to the war before Philomenie could get a child.

Milena stayed quiet for a little while, silently sipping her wine. Suddenly, another thought hit her.

"Oh... That explains why Ellias was so furious this morning."

"Why?"

"The headlines. I deliberately put Philomenie on the front page... Now he must have thought I drew the attention to her on purpose. Moreover, I presented his usually quiet wife as a strong woman, capable of her own decisions and leading Charities..." "Another reminder of her alliance with the Bertrilly," chuckled Rayan before another sip.

Milena sighed, brushing her hair with her fingers, a bit annoyed. That wasn't what she had intended at all... Of course, it served their purpose in a different way, but it would also definitively fuel more animosity between Ellias and them. Milena hated unexpected results, even in her favor. This was a miscalculation on her part, and she knew this was precisely the kind of mistake that could have negative effects. Thankfully, this time, there would probably be nothing more than a tantrum from Ellias, and that would be it. Still, she ought to remember to be careful while pulling Philomenie into her plans unwillingly...

"If it can make you feel any better," chuckled Rayan. "You certainly aren't the main culprit from Philomenie's situation. I think your brothers had quite some fun taking revenge for their younger sister as well."

Milena frowned. That was something she hadn't heard of, not even from her brothers. Moreover, Rayan seemed very amused by whatever they had been doing to get back at the House De Winter... She crossed her arms, turning to him. "...What is this about?"

"Well, first, Valentin used his connections and made a nightmare out of the third Squadron."

Milena closed her eyes a second. The Third Squadron was the one Ellias had trained with, undoubtedly a lot of his friends were there, including some of the House De Winter's guards or guards in training. "...What else?"

"Your brother Raphael wasn't as direct, but I do have to say the young De Winter now has a quite surprising reputation going around for his... lacking."

"Lacking? Lacking of what?" Asked Milena, confused.

Rayan cleared his throat.

"Well, apparently several ladies of the Houses of Pleasure claimed they had very unsatisfying nights with..."

"Enough, enough!" Exclaimed Milena. "I get the picture."

Just thinking about the young Duke in that way gave her terrible nausea, and probably, nightmares. At least, she was glad he'd be attacked in his dignity, for someone who walked around like a p****** praying on women... "That p*****t doesn't deserve any better," she grimaced.

However, her husband was quite surprised at her words, and tilted his head, confused.

"...What is this about?"

"Not much," she sighed. "That p*****t's been eyeing me for quite some time now. He and his sister did intrude once while I was taking a bath... I hate to remember that. Stop asking."

"Mh, it sounds like I should rip his eyeballs out if I get the chance..."

"Please do."

Even Rayan was surprised by his wife's annoyance at the young Duke. Milena was frowning while drinking more of her cup, and had begun pacing in front of him, making him a little bit confused. ... Perhaps the young Duke De Winter really had to go, after all. He really didn't like the idea of any other man than him peeking at his wife's n***d body...

"Wait, what of Lucian?" Suddenly asked Milena, turning to him again. "I know my brothers. There's no way Lucian didn't do anything, he's the worst of them when it comes to things like this."

Rayan chuckled, and put his glass down.

"Indeed. I'm actually surprised you haven't heard of it. I guess the House De Winter made sure the newspapers spoke nothing of it..." "What did he do...?"

"Apparently, your brother and some of the De Cresent guards dropped a... quite impressive amount of fennels in the House De Winter's courtyard. Not just him, but after that, it looked like the House De Winter had brought the entire production of fennels for the month, because the merchants all claimed they were paid to deliver at their property..."

Milena was astonished, but she had to bite her lip not to laugh.

That was so typically reckless of Lucian... and impressive, too. She wished she had seen all those vegetables dumped into the House De Winter's courtyard, and their faces, too. It was as if the House De Crescent itself had officially designated a culprit to what had happened to Milena. Her brother had openly brought their opponent in the mud, and with a public humiliation, too... There was no way no one would ignore that move.

"How come they didn't respond? I mean, for Lucian to go that far..."

"Well first, they did, but your brother did this late in the night, claiming he was drunk after your older brother's wedding. Secondly, he had the De Crescent Guards with him, so I suppose the House De Winter had really little way to protest. On the other hand, if they did try to protest, I highly suspect your Father would have gotten involved this time."

That was certainly not what the House De Winter would ever want.

As rivals, the two Houses had tried to avoid direct conflict as much as possible until then, and Lucian's prank could have been the reason to start an open fight. However, the fact that her brother had used fennels to provoke the De Winter family was what had kept them from responding. Milena had been poisoned with fennel flowers, and that detail was known in the public already. This was basically a statement that the House De Crescent held the House De Winter responsible for her poisoning, and that was not something they could easily respond to. Milena was proud of her brother's shrewdness. He could be reckless at times, but Lucian had grown up with her and he could be as sly as a fox when he wanted to.

"Oh, Lucian," she chuckled. "Ever quite the joker..."

Rayan stood up with a little smile. He took her glass off her hands, putting it down on the table, and wrapped his arms around her waist.

"Now, that's my Milena..." He whispered against her ear.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"I thought you were quite... down lately. I'm glad to see you busy and smiling again."

to.

Milena let out a long sigh. Of course, she couldn't forget the ongoing issue of the selection, but she couldn't let herself go to sourness either. She knew she still had a lot she could do to support Rayan, and she'd do it. She'd pull the fight to the very end if she had However, for now, her husband clearly didn't have their schemes in mind. Instead, his hands were getting all over her, caressing her exposed back above her corset, and caressing her nape. Milena felt her breathing accelerate a little as he slowly began kissing her neck. "You can't... go overboard," she said. "We have to go to the funeral soon."

"I know," he whispered gently against her neck. "I'm just... thirsty. You're always so sexy when you wear nothing but black like this... it's hard to resist."

Milena blushed. She knew he liked her in black, but she also knew he probably needed some sort of... comfort, as tonight he'd have to say goodbye to his father.

Rayan gently kissed her neck, sending delicious chills down her spine. Milena blushed uncontrollably, a bit excited. It had been a while since he had actually bitten her... He had been cautious of her health, but now, she missed it a little, and was even more impatient. She gently caressed his scar with her fingers, her touch so subtle, she wondered if he could even feel it. Rayan's cold breath was sending a delicious sensation down her neckline. She felt his fingers undo some of the lace binding her collar, and his lips went a bit further down, making Milena redden even more. She wanted him... now. She was afraid she soon wouldn't even be able to control her desire.

He bit her suddenly, making her moan to the pain. Milena leaned back a bit, and let him drink, all of her senses completely absorbed by this. This was almost as good as s*x. She kept her eyes closed, and felt his lips, hungrily sucking against her neck, making her weak, and all of her body reacting. It was hard to stay calm in such a situation. It even felt a bit... pleasantly wrong. Still, she knew he needed this kind of contact with her right now. She knew her husband.

Milena calmed down her breathing, and let him drink until he had enough. Gently, Rayan licked the injury, making sure no blood was left.

"Mh... I should make you drink that wine more often," he chuckled.

Milena smiled.

"It's my favorite too..."

After a few more seconds of daze in each other's embrace, they slowly separated, and helped each other erase the traces of what had just happened. Milena was glad this dress covered enough of her neck to completely hide the bite. She laced her dress back up, checked her hair and makeup and, once Rayan's lips were clean, they got ready to leave.

They couldn't afford to be late for this funeral...