Droit du Seigneur: His Lordship's Right of the First Night - Chapter 31
“You’re very handsome, my lord.”
“…You’re drunk.”
“No, really. I’ve never seen anyone as handsome as you.”
“Stop talking nonsense and go to sleep.”
Mary had told her that “that thing” between men and women was very important, but Louise had never really understood. It’s like hearing about a gourmet dish you’ve never tasted—you can’t crave a flavor you’ve never experienced. Although she was curious, that’s as far as it went.
But she clearly remembered the strange, melting sensation she felt when their lips accidentally brushed, or when he had suckled on her skin on the night she came for the droit du seigneur, leaving a mark. Through the metaphorical and suggestive expressions in romance novels, she vaguely understood that the act wasn’t just about reaching the end.
Feeling his warmth and heartbeat every night was already enough to make her sleep comfortably, and she believed that even without ‘that’, they could still experience enough pleasure by kissing, hugging, or touching each other.
But what about Richard? Even if he couldn’t perform that function, didn’t he want to or feel curious about women? Being of royal blood, it would be difficult for him if rumors of his impotence spread, but she already knew, so…
“My lord.”
“What are you doing? Go back to your place and don’t be insolent.
Richard sternly warned Louise as she suddenly sat beside him.
“Aren’t you curious about women? I can teach you.”
“Are you that drunk? You’re spouting nonsense.
He shook his head as if he couldn’t listen any longer. But Louise’s heart pounded again at the sight of his golden eyes reflecting the light.
“I promised His Majesty the Emperor. I promised to teach you about women. I’ve already received adequate compensation for it. So, I’m just doing my duty.”
“Wouldn’t it be better for you if you received the compensation without doing anything?”
“It’s also to keep the secret. If I go back like this, my br… husband will notice that I’m inexperienced, and then I won’t be able to hide that we faked the first night.”
Louise, thinking there would be no other opportunity after tonight, actively seduced Richard.
The strong liquor, less than half a glass, gave her the courage she wouldn’t normally have.
Why am I doing this?
Richard’s mind was a whirlwind as he watched Louise scoot closer, chattering away. He couldn’t deny that he was attracted to her from the first moment he saw her. And that feeling had only grown stronger over time.
“My lord, you’re back?”
Coming back to the bedroom at the end of the day to find someone waiting for him was a surprisingly pleasant feeling. Every night, he struggled to suppress the overwhelming desire that made him feel like a beast in heat
His body felt warm wherever they touched, and there were nights when she nestled into his arms while sleep-talking, leaving him aroused until morning. Her slightly open lips and peach-colored cheeks were so adorable that he often felt an urge to reach out and touch her face while she slept.
“Oh! Helio is my…”
The name of another man coming from Louise’s lips. He stopped her, not wanting to hear more, but he knew that was the name of the man who would soon be her husband.
Feeling a surge of envy and anger toward the peasant he’d never even seen, Richard tried to rationalize their relationship as that of a lord and his subject. Yet, every time he saw her, he felt an uncontrollable turmoil.
‘Why does she affect me so much?’
At some point, he had been ensnared by her without even realizing it. Suppressing his rising emotions, Richard stepped closer to Louise. Already struggling to maintain control, her blatant provocation vexed him.
Perhaps experiencing this could sever the emotions tormenting him. What could she, a naive country girl, know about teaching him about women? Her bold declaration was almost cute.
A little scare might stop her from ever attempting such a silly trick again.
With that in mind, he grabbed her round chin and turned her face toward him, drawing closer.
Of course, he had no intention of going all the way. He believed he could control himself.
At least, that’s what he thought at the time.
