The Eccentric Entomologist is Now a Queen's Consort

Estella couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement as they rode deeper into the dense forest. Her eyes flickered over to Mikhailis, who seemed lost in conversation with Lira. He smiled, said something that made Lira's lips twist in an amused, half-smirk. To Estella, that smile was her key, her entryway into manipulating the Prince Consort of Silvarion Thalor. He seemed enthralled by her beauty; every time she glanced his way, he was already looking, his eyes drifting over her face, her body. She could practically feel the power she held over him, and she intended to use it.

She had seen men like him before—arrogant, handsome, always a touch too confident for their own good. He was no different, perhaps even easier to manage given his apparent fixation on women. She just had to play her cards right. Lira, his maid, was the cautious type—always keeping an eye on her, perhaps even suspicious of her intentions. Estella knew she had to tread carefully there, masking her ambitions behind smiles and polite gestures. She'd spent the past few days focusing on harmless small talk with Lira, trying to disarm her.

Cerys, on the other hand, was another challenge. The knight seemed indifferent, as if she couldn't care less about what Estella wanted or did. Estella could use that, perhaps. A person indifferent was a person less likely to interfere. Vyrelda was the toughest nut to crack—strict, watchful, like a hawk circling its prey. She barely spoke but her eyes spoke volumes. Estella would have to ensure she did nothing too obvious under Vyrelda's cold scrutiny.

But Mikhailis himself—he was an enigma. He acted interested, flirted even, but at the same time, he seemed aloof. There were moments she thought she had him, only for him to suddenly make a joke or shift his focus elsewhere. Like when she tried to charm him during one of their breaks, subtly hinting about how grateful she was for his protection. He had just laughed and mentioned something about "being more interested in bugs than politics."

Is he playing hard to get, or just being difficult? Estella wondered. It didn't help that he seemed genuinely nice, a warmth behind his smile that made her question if he was truly as shallow as she had initially thought. His unpredictability was unnerving, to say the least.

Even so, the Skalvern cooking incident had surprised her. She watched as Mikhailis took the lead, his hands skillful and precise as he prepared the meat. The result was something unexpectedly delicious. The aroma of the Skalvern meat as it roasted over the fire, the way the herbs he carried blended with the savory flavor—she couldn't help but be impressed. Even Rhea, who rarely spoke of such things, had quietly admitted it was the best meal they'd had in weeks.

"So," Mikhailis had said with a grin, offering her a piece of the cooked Skalvern, "what do you think, Lady Estella? Is it worthy of a traveling princess such as yourself?"

Estella had laughed, accepting the food. "You've impressed me, Mr. Mercenary. Who knew you had skills beyond swinging a sword?"

Mikhailis had winked at her, that easy-going smile never leaving his face. "Oh, you'd be surprised."

And that was it—a moment of genuine, simple warmth. It had thrown her off balance, made her feel uneasy. Perhaps he wasn't as easy to manipulate as she thought. But tonight, she would ensure that she took full control. The opportunity had arrived, and she intended to seize it.

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Enjoy new tales from empire

The sun dipped below the horizon, the sky transitioning from warm hues of orange to the cool blues and purples of night. The group settled down for the evening, the large, luxurious tent that belonged to Mikhailis standing out starkly against the natural surroundings. It was far too extravagant for a covert journey, its embroidered fabric and rich colors making it clear to anyone who saw it that this was no ordinary group of travelers.

Is he doing this on purpose? Estella thought as she eyed the tent.

It was as if he had no intention of hiding who they were, and it made her even more certain that she could sway him. When Mikhailis offered for her and Rhea to share the tent, she didn't hesitate. This was her chance—her chance to ensure that Mikhailis was entirely under her influence.

She turned to Rhea, her trusted bodyguard, her voice low.

"Tonight's the night, Rhea. We're going to use the aphrodisiac." She held up a small vial, the liquid inside shimmering in the dim light.

"Once he's affected, he won't be able to think clearly. We'll have him wrapped around our fingers."

Rhea nodded, her expression unreadable.

"As you wish, Lady Estella."

Estella smiled, her heart pounding with anticipation. She would play this perfectly—first, the sleeping potion. She moved through the tent, ensuring that both Lira and Cerys were comfortably settled. The potion, colorless and odorless, was evaporated easily into the air. Slowly but surely, she saw Lira's eyes droop, her body relaxing as she slipped into a deep sleep. Cerys, too, was soon unconscious, her stern expression softening as she gave in to the potion's effects.

Estella activated the soundproof talisman, a small but powerful enchantment that ensured no sounds would escape the tent. She took a deep breath, steadying herself. She was ready.

She nodded to Rhea, and the two of them approached Mikhailis. He was sleeping comfortably. Estella moved behind him, slipping her arms around his shoulders, leaning in close. Her voice was soft, trembling just enough to sound convincing.

"Mr. Mercenary... I'm scared..."

Mikhailis turned, his eyes widening slightly in surprise. He looked genuinely concerned, his brow furrowing as he studied her face.

"Lady Estella, what are you doing here? Are you alright?"

Before Mikhailis could react further, Rhea stepped forward, her expression softer than usual. She was dressed in simple sleeping attire, her posture hesitant.

"The lady is frightened," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

"And... I am as well. Please, could you keep us warm?"

Mikhailis blinked, then sighed, a small smile playing on his lips.

"Alright, alright. Come here." He opened his arms, allowing them closer, his demeanor gentle.

Estella's heart raced—this was it. She had him. She looked up at him, her eyes wide, her lips parting slightly. She could feel her pulse quicken, each beat resonating with anticipation. She drew a shaky breath, her voice barely audible as she whispered, "Please... kiss me." Her voice trembled, a perfect blend of vulnerability and seduction. She knew he wouldn't resist. The aphrodisiac was hidden under her tongue, ready to be transferred with a kiss. She had planned this moment meticulously, and now all she needed was for him to take the bait. Once he was affected, he would be hers to control—his reputation would be ruined, his position vulnerable, and she would have all the leverage she needed. She watched his face closely, her eyes searching for any hesitation, but also filled with the kind of innocence that she knew would make her request irresistible.

Mikhailis hesitated for a moment, his eyes searching hers, as if trying to understand her intentions. His gaze lingered, and she felt a flicker of doubt—but she pushed it aside. Then, finally, he leaned in, his lips brushing against hers in a gentle, almost hesitant kiss. Estella closed her eyes, her heart pounding in her chest. She was ready to push the aphrodisiac into his mouth, feeling a rush of triumph welling inside her. But then, something unexpected happened. Instead of the hurried, clumsy reaction she had anticipated, Mikhailis kissed her slowly, his lips moving with a tenderness that caught her off guard. His touch was deliberate, controlled, almost as if he was savoring the moment. She felt his tongue brush against hers, a shiver running down her spine. Before she realized what was happening, he maneuvered the kiss skillfully, drawing her in deeper, until she found herself swallowing most of the aphrodisiac, her own trap turning against her.

Estella's eyes flew open, her body tensing.

What…? She tried to pull back, but Mikhailis held her gently, his lips still against hers, his tongue moving skillfully. His tongue brushed against hers in a slow, rhythmic dance, coaxing her into following his lead. The way he moved was deliberate, each motion drawing her deeper, making her match his pace. The warmth spread through her body like a wave, each pass of his tongue sending a shiver down her spine. She couldn't help but follow his rhythm, her body responding instinctively. Her limbs grew weak, her knees threatening to give out as the aphrodisiac took hold. She could feel her heart pounding in her chest, her vision blurring as her thoughts grew hazy, replaced by the overwhelming sensation of his kiss.

Before she could comprehend what was happening, Mikhailis pulled away from her and turned to Rhea. He moved smoothly, his hand reaching up to tilt Rhea's chin up as he leaned in, pressing his lips to hers. Rhea's eyes widened in shock, but she didn't resist. Estella watched, her heart pounding in her ears, as Mikhailis kissed Rhea, his tongue moving with the same deliberate precision, transferring the remaining aphrodisiac to her.

Rhea's body tensed, then relaxed, her eyes fluttering closed as the substance took effect. Mikhailis pulled away, a small smile on his lips as he looked at them both, his eyes glinting with something that Estella couldn't quite decipher. It wasn't lust, it wasn't anger—it was almost amusement, as if he knew exactly what she had planned and had turned it against her.

Estella's breath came in short gasps, her body feeling heavy, her mind clouded.

No... this wasn't how it was supposed to go. She looked at Mikhailis, her vision swimming. He was still smiling, his expression calm, almost kind.

"You should rest, Lady Estella," he said softly, his voice gentle.

"You seem... tired."

Estella's body trembled, her legs giving out as she sank to her knees. Rhea was in a similar state, her face flushed, her eyes half-lidded as she struggled to stay standing. Estella tried to speak, tried to say something, but her voice wouldn't come. The warmth of the aphrodisiac spread through her veins, making her feel lightheaded, her thoughts slipping away from her grasp.

This can't be happening... She had been so sure, so confident. Now, here she was, kneeling before him, her body betraying her, her plan unraveling before her very eyes.

Mikhailis knelt down in front of her, his hand brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. His touch was gentle, his eyes meeting hers. There was no malice there, no cruelty—just a calm, collected understanding.

"Don't worry," he said quietly, his voice barely above a whisper.

Leverage... I'll make it look like he assaulted us... while we were asleep...