After the banquet ended, Carl returned to his chambers with his attendants, including Lily.
As long as Carl continued drawing from the Empty Throne Seal, she had no chance of leaving his side.
Back in the palace, the usual routine began—bathing first. Lily, of course, was reluctant, but under Carl's overbearing gaze, she had no choice but to yield. Monet and the others swiftly undressed her and led her into the bath alongside Carl.
The women naturally disrobed, standing unabashed before Carl as they gently washed his body.
Enjoying the moment, Carl chuckled lightly.
"Lily isn't exactly in the best shape to move around right now—help her out, will you?"
Hearing this, Sugar and Robin volunteered, stepping forward. Lily's eyes widened in protest.
"That's not necessary! I'm not used to being touched by others!"
Carl gave her a sidelong glance.
"Still playing modest after all we've been through? I'll be sleeping beside you tonight. If you're not clean, I might just kick you out."
Lily snapped,
"You're out of your mind! I'm cleaner than you could ever be!"
"Is that so? I don't buy it. Sugar, Hancock—make sure she's spotless, inside and out."
Sugar and Robin exchanged a look. A mischievous glint lit their eyes, echoing Carl's wicked grin.
A second later, they moved in, and Lily trembled.
"You dare...!"
Smack!
A sharp sound echoed through the bath chamber. Lily froze, eyes locked on her reddened hip.
Carl calmly flexed his fingers and said,
"Out there I might spare you some pride. In here? Obey."
Clenching her teeth, Lily fell silent, enduring the indignity in silence as the two women worked methodically. Only once the ordeal was over did Lucia arrive, draping a black and gold bathrobe over Carl's shoulders. Together with Monet, she escorted him out of the bath.
Carl didn't summon anyone else that night. He simply led Lily into the room.
...
The door shut.
Carl lifted Lily into his arms without warning, drawing a gasp from her before tossing her onto the bed.
"Let go! I told you—what happened last time was a mistake!"
Smack!
"Behave," Carl said coldly. "I'm letting you off easy tonight. Don't test that luck."
Lily froze, her body stiffening as he pulled her close.
She wanted to push him away, but hesitated—afraid to provoke him further. Instead, she shut her eyes, resigned.
Carl looked down at her with a smirk.
"Already sleepy? Come on, open those eyes. Talk to me."
Reluctantly, Lily glared at him.
"If you're so desperate, do what you will. I'll just pretend I was bitten."
"Hm?"
Carl raised an eyebrow.
"Did you just insult me?"
A dark vortex of power spun in his palm. With a single pull, he drained Lily's strength, her freshly bathed body soon covered in a sheen of sweat. Strands of ocean-blue hair clung to her forehead, giving her a strangely alluring look.
She lay weakly in his arms.
"You really enjoy bullying me, don't you?"
Carl stroked her hair with surprising gentleness.
"Yes. I think I'm addicted."
"Your hand... you're not planning to keep it there forever, are you?"
"Of course not. That'd be selfish. Lucia and the others wouldn't be pleased."
Lily didn't quite understand the last part. She gave a cold laugh.
"You? Care about others' feelings?"
"What, Lily, do you really see me as some heartless monster?"
She said nothing, just sneered.
Carl didn't wait. He leaned in and claimed her lips.
"Mmmpf! You...!"
This time, Carl said nothing—only took.
Time blurred. Her protests weakened. With a final soft sound, he pulled away, grinning.
Lily lay breathless, lips parted in a small "O".
He brushed a lock of damp hair from her face.
"How does it feel?"
Her voice trembled.
"What... what do you take me for? I am the ruler of this world for eight hundred years—how dare you..."
Carl chuckled.
"Exactly. That's what makes it so exciting. Lily, you really don't understand men."
"You want to conquer me?"
"That's right."
"Keep dreaming! You think I'll be broken by such crude methods? Do you know who I am?!"
"Who? Imu? Or Lily?"
"Nefertari D. Lily! Remember that name!"
"Too long. I prefer Lily—it suits you. And Lily, you're already mine. There's no escape."
Lily sat up defiantly, arm crossed over her chest, fire in her eyes.
Carl ignored her glare and pinched her chin, drawing her face close.
"Perfect. Keep that fire. I like you this way."
Furious, Lily raised a hand to slap his away—but her strength failed her. The blow landed weakly, looking more like a lover's quarrel than defiance.
Carl caught her hand easily.
"Lily... eight hundred years on that cold throne—you must've been lonely. Why didn't you ever leave? Were you afraid?"
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+140 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg