The Eccentric Entomologist is Now a Queen's Consort

Estella woke up with a groan, her body still aching from the events of the previous night. Every part of her felt sensitive, and she was painfully aware of her hips aching with each small movement. It was an odd mixture of embarrassment and an unfamiliar warmth that spread across her face as she looked down at Mikhailis. He was lying underneath her, completely at ease, his eyes closed, mouth slightly parted, and his entire demeanor radiated carefree innocence. It was almost like he was a different person from the previous night—that intense, charismatic side of him was nowhere to be seen.

She couldn't help but think about how his hands had held her so possessively, the way his gaze had burned into hers with a seriousness that left no room for games. But now, the very same man lay there, snoring softly, his face relaxed and devoid of the commanding presence he had displayed before.

Estella shifted slightly, feeling the warmth of his bare chest beneath her.

How could someone look so careless and be so dangerous at the same time? she wondered.

Her mind wandered back to her original plan—to frame him, to use him to her advantage, or maybe even to get rid of him if things got too complicated. But now she wasn't so sure. There was a nagging doubt in her mind, a suspicion that Mikhailis had been aware of her plan all along.

He's smarter than he looks, she mused.

Her instincts as a merchant had rarely led her astray, and they were telling her now that Mikhailis was not someone to be underestimated. Despite herself, she blushed as fragments of last night surfaced in her thoughts—how his touch had made her skin tingle, how gentle yet intense he had been, how he seemed to know exactly what she wanted even before she realized it herself. She shook her head, trying to dismiss the warmth that spread through her body.

Focus, Estella, she told herself.

He's a means to an end—nothing more.

Estella turned her head to look at Rhea, who was lying just a few feet away, her face glowing with satisfaction. Her lips were slightly parted, her expression utterly peaceful, as though she were caught in the midst of a blissful dream. It annoyed Estella to no end.

You're supposed to be serving me, you know that? Estella thought, her eyes narrowing at her personal bodyguard.

She leaned over, pinching Rhea's cheek in an attempt to wake her up. Rhea made a small, funny face in her sleep, her lips twitching into a pout. Estella couldn't help the small smile that tugged at her own lips, but she quickly hid it.

Suddenly, a voice interrupted her thoughts, and she nearly jumped out of her skin.

"Stop that, let her sleep calmly."

Estella looked down at Mikhailis, startled to see his eyes half-open, a knowing smile playing on his lips.

"Good morning, Lady Estella," he said, his voice still thick with sleep.

"Last night was... quite something, wasn't it?"

Estella's face flushed a deep shade of red. She looked away quickly, her eyes focusing anywhere but on him as she realized her entire body was still pressing against his.

"I... suppose so," she mumbled, her voice barely above a whisper. She tried to move, but his arm wrapped around her waist, holding her in place. His warmth enveloped her, making her stomach flutter despite herself.

Mikhailis shifted beneath her, his expression turning serious, his eyes locking onto hers.

"I know what you're planning, you know," he said, his tone losing its usual lightness.

"It's pretty obvious."

Estella's body went stiff, her heart pounding in her chest.

"W-What are you talking about?" she stammered, trying to maintain her composure.

Mikhailis's gaze didn't waver.

"Come on, Estella. You're a cunning, beautiful merchant. A foreign prince consort like me would be a prime target—either to be manipulated or sacrificed. It's not a bad plan, honestly. If I were in your shoes, I'd probably consider doing the same thing." His lips curved into a teasing smile, his voice dripping with charm.

"And I have to say, your intelligence and ambition are quite impressive."

Estella's breath caught, and she felt her whole body tense up. His words were blunt, yet there was no malice in them. He was simply stating things as they were, and that made her feel even more exposed. Before she could think of a response, she let out a startled gasp as his hand moved, grabbing her buttocks firmly.

"Ahn!" she yelped, her voice a mix of surprise and something else she didn't want to acknowledge.

Mikhailis chuckled, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

"Relax, Estella. I'm not going to harm you or hold this against you. In fact, I have a deal to propose," he said, his tone returning to its usual casualness.

Estella blinked, her heart still racing.

"A deal?" she repeated, her curiosity piqued despite herself.

Mikhailis nodded, his expression shifting once again—this time to one of confidence and intrigue.

"Yes, a deal. You see, I'm not just any prince consort. I believe you have heard the rumors about how I came from another world—one far more advanced than this one. And I possess knowledge that could be extremely beneficial to you." He paused, watching her reaction closely.

Estella stared at him, her mind struggling to process his words.

"Another world?" she repeated, her skepticism evident.

"Are you serious?"

Mikhailis smiled, his eyes gleaming with amusement.

"Very serious. And to prove it, I brought a couple of things with me." He reached behind him, pulling out two small vials. He held them up, letting the light catch the shimmering liquids inside.

"This one," he said, indicating the vial with a soft pink glow, "is a magical concoction that can enhance a woman's beauty manyfold. Made from herbal ingredients, of course." He then held up the second vial, which contained a golden liquid.

"And this is an elixir called Kombucha. It promotes health in a way that's superior to any traditional potion you've seen in this world."

Estella's eyes widened slightly as she looked at the vials.

"And you're willing to give these to me?" she asked, her voice tinged with disbelief.

Mikhailis shook his head, his lips curving into a sly smile.

"Not so fast, Estella. I have more creations like these, more ideas that could make you even wealthier and more powerful. But that depends on you." His gaze darkened slightly, his charisma almost overwhelming.

"You need to prove yourself. I want a mutually beneficial partnership, and you have to show me you're worth it."

Estella swallowed, her throat suddenly dry. She could feel the challenge in his voice, the way he was testing her. She hated that he seemed to be in control, but at the same time, she couldn't deny the excitement that stirred within her. Her competitive nature flared, her desire to win—to prove herself—taking over.

She leaned in closer, her lips just inches from his.

"You sure know how to flirt with a merchant, Your highness," she whispered, her voice low and husky.

Then she realized, she slipped out calling her Your highness.

Mikhailis raised an eyebrow, his smile widening.

"Flirt? Who, me?" he teased, his tone playful. But there was a flicker of something else in his eyes—something deeper, more intense.

Estella could feel his body beneath hers, the warmth radiating from him, the hard press of his erection against her thigh. Her breath caught, and she felt a rush of heat spread through her body. She hesitated for just a moment, then closed the distance between them, her lips brushing against his in a tentative kiss.

This time, it's not from the effects of aphrodisiac like last night.

Now that she is sober, it felt more heart-pumping than she thought.

Mikhailis didn't move at first, letting her take the lead. His lips were soft, warm, and he tasted faintly of something sweet—like honey. Estella deepened the kiss slowly, her hands moving to rest on his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart beneath her palms. She could feel his response—the way his lips parted, his tongue brushing against hers, teasing, exploring.

The kiss grew more intense, filled with challenge and desire. Estella's body responded instinctively, her pulse quickening, her skin tingling with every touch. Mikhailis moved skillfully, his lips pressing firmly against hers, his tongue sliding into her mouth with a confidence that made her body melt. He sucked gently on her tongue, his movements deliberate, exploring her mouth with a practiced rhythm that sent shivers down her spine. Estella felt herself getting lost in the kiss, the way he played with her tongue, coaxing her into responding with equal intensity. His hands slid up her back, tangling in her hair, pulling her even closer, deepening the connection between them until it felt as though there was no space left between them. Each movement of his lips and tongue was precise, every caress sending a surge of pleasure through her, leaving her breathless and wanting more. She could feel herself getting addicted to the kiss, the way he skillfully alternated between teasing and devouring, making her crave every second of it. It wasn't just a kiss—it was an art, and Mikhailis was a master, making her feel things she never thought she could.

This is different, she thought, her mind spinning.

This isn't about manipulation or control anymore.

There was something raw, something real in the way he touched her, the way he kissed her, and it scared her.

But it also thrilled her.

Mikhailis broke the kiss first, his forehead resting against hers as he looked into her eyes. His gaze was soft, but there was a knowing glint there, as if he understood exactly what she was feeling—the confusion, the desire, the fear. Continue your adventure at empire

"So, Estella," he murmured, his voice low, almost a whisper.

"Do we have a deal?"

Estella stared at him, her breath coming in short gasps, her heart pounding in her chest. She wanted to say no, to push him away, to regain control. But she couldn't.

"Yes, Your Highness,"