NTR: King gets Cucked-Chapter 9: Whispers of Temptation

Althea sat by the grand window of the royal chamber, her golden hair glinting in the afternoon sun. The soft silk of her gown pooled around her slender frame as she gazed at the distant mountains, lost in thought. Her hazel eyes, once bright and playful, now carried a shadow of uncertainty.

"It's nothing..." she whispered to herself, clutching the delicate stem of a crystal goblet. Her lips curled into a thin smile as she recalled Karlos's words from earlier that day.

"This is all thanks to you, Lady Althea."

Her heart fluttered despite herself. The way his dark eyes softened when he spoke to her, the low cadence of his voice—it made her feel... seen. Wanted.

"No... he's just helping."

Karlos had been instrumental in securing a financial lifeline for Draconia. He had arranged a sizable loan through his personal connections. His father, Lord Otterson, and several other influential nobles from the western territories had agreed to back the loan under Karlos's name. The terms were generous, the repayment delayed for years, with low interest—almost suspiciously favorable.

It was more than Zyran could have hoped for. For the first time in months, few merchants were returning, and the nobility had stopped whispering about the kingdom's imminent collapse. Although trade was still a problem, Draconia's debts were no longer suffocating the treasury.

And Karlos had done it for her.

Althea's breath hitched when the door to her chamber creaked open. Karlos stepped inside, dressed in his usual tailored black coat and crimson shirt, the imperial crest embroidered along the cuffs. He smiled.

"My lady." He crossed the room in smooth, deliberate strides.

Althea stood, placing the goblet on the table. "You shouldn't be here."

"Should I not?" Karlos's smile widened as he approached her. He reached out and tucked a lock of golden hair behind her ear. His fingers grazed the soft skin of her cheek, lingering a moment too long.

Althea's breath quickened. "Karlos—"

"Relax, my lady." His thumb traced her jawline before he stepped back, his gaze hooded. "I only came to ensure you were well. After all, you've done so much for Draconia. None of this would have been possible without you."

Althea's lips parted, but no words came. Her heart thudded painfully in her chest.

"Your husband is lucky to have you," Karlos added, his smile sharpening at the edges.

Althea's fingers curled against her skirt. "He... he trusts me."

"Of course he does." Karlos's hand lingered at her shoulder, squeezing lightly. "And so do I."

Althea's breath trembled as he left the room, the click of the door echoing behind him. She stood there, motionless, her cheeks burning with confusion and guilt.

"He's just helping..."

⸻

This chapt𝙚r is updated by freeωebnovēl.c૦m.

Meanwhile, in the darkened halls of the imperial manor, Karlos Otterson reclined on a crimson velvet divan. His dark hair was tousled, his shirt half open, revealing the smooth line of his chest. A naked woman knelt between his legs, her head bobbing steadily, soft moans echoing through the chamber.

Across the room, Ian Valefort lounged against a table, a bored expression on his face. His tall frame cast a shadow in the dimly lit chamber, and his tousled ginger hair caught the flickering candlelight. A half-empty goblet of wine dangled lazily from his fingers. A dark-haired slave with soft curves straddled his lap, grinding against him, but Ian barely reacted.

"You're not even trying, Ian." Karlos smirked as he leaned back, one hand curling into the woman's hair as she sucked him deeper. His eyes flicked toward his cousin.

Ian sighed. "It's boring. They just do whatever you tell them to do. No fight, no resistance... no challenge." His hand slid down the slave's bare back, but his expression remained indifferent. "What's the point if there's no thrill?"

Karlos's dark eyes gleamed. "Perhaps your appetite has... evolved."

Ian's gaze sharpened. "What are you implying?"

Karlos's smile widened. He gently pushed the slave's head down, groaning softly as he finished in her mouth. The woman obediently swallowed, her eyes filled with devotion and submission. Karlos pushed her away casually, standing and adjusting his shirt.

"There's a different kind of pleasure, cousin. The thrill of taking something... forbidden."

Ian's eyes narrowed. "Go on."

Karlos approached him, his smile turning predatory. He leaned down and whispered something into Ian's ear.

Ian's eyes widened slightly, and then a slow, hungry smile spread across his face.

"Are you certain?" Ian asked.

Karlos's eyes glittered. "The prey is of top-notch quality."

Ian chuckled darkly, his hand sliding up the slave's thigh. "Now this... sounds interesting."

Both men smirked as Karlos poured himself another glass of wine, his dark gaze gleaming with anticipation.

⸻

That evening, Zyran sat on the edge of the royal bed, his hand trailing through Althea's soft golden hair as she lay beside him. His blue eyes softened as he watched her sleep, the soft rise and fall of her chest calming his troubled mind.

"For once... things are improving," he murmured. His hand slid down her back. "We'll be fine now. I know we will."

Althea stirred, her eyes fluttering open. She smiled faintly as Zyran leaned down to kiss her shoulder.

But beneath her smile, Althea's heart twisted.

"This is all thanks to you, Lady Althea."

She closed her eyes as Zyran's hands slid beneath the sheets, his lips pressing to her neck.

"It's nothing..."

But she couldn't shake the feeling of Karlos's hands brushing through her hair, his dark gaze lingering far too long.