Chapter 274: I’m Glad For The Rest Now
Raegar felt Dominique nervously fidget in his lap, but he spoke to reassure her. ’’Just take a bite and drink some Dom. That’s what lovers are here for?’’
The young woman gave him an almost predatory smile, her eyes glinting with a promise as her fangs slowly grew, gleaming like polished ivory in the dim light. She leaned closer, her breath warm and teasing against his skin, and as her sharp canines grazed the flesh of his neck when they pierced, sending a shiver racing down his spine.
He loved how there was no pain, but something far more electrifying, a wild, intoxicating surge that crashed through his body like a tsunami, flooding his senses with a thrilling mixture of exhilaration and a yearning for more. Soon, Dominique started drinking, feeling the Aether pouring into her alongside the blood.
Raegar held the Vampress’s waist as she pushed herself closer, putting a smile on his face before groaning. This went on for a while until she was full and leaned back, blood dripping down her chin, a wild look in her green eyes that spoke so many emotions that it took him by surprise.
’’Thank you for that,’’ she muttered, a bright smile crossing her lips. ’’Your blood is delicious, didn’t realise it tastes so good.’’
’’Your welcome,’’ he replied. ’’Now let’s get ready and head into the city for our date.’’
After that, Raegar reached for the sweet-scented soap resting on the porcelain edge, its fragrance a delicate blend of roses and honey that mingled with the humid air. As he lathered the soap over his skin, the bubbles cascaded down his arms, washing away the grime of the day.
His gaze, however, was irresistibly drawn to Dominique, who stood nearby, her presence captivating. Her slender yet curvaceous body was lean and toned, with no trace of excess fat save for the graceful curve of her hips, where her round, perky backside drew the eye.
Her smooth, flawless grey skin shimmered faintly under the soft glow of the Aether light above; he couldn’t see the slightest blemish, as if crafted from polished stone by a divine artisan. Each glance at her sent a shiver coursing down Raegar’s spine, a mix of admiration and desire that quickened his pulse and set his heart racing in the moment.
The young woman turned around, her bright green eyes glowing with affection. ’’Like what you see, Rae?’’
’’Yes, you’re gorgeous, Domi,’’ he answered. ’’You truly are.’’
When the Vampress heard this, a bright smile appeared on her pretty face. ’’Thank you, Raegar. That means a lot to me.’’
After their bath, the two lovers scrubbed away the day’s grime, ensuring every trace of dust and exhaustion was washed clean. Their laughter echoed softly in the chamber as they reveled in the warmth of the water. Once they were thoroughly cleansed and invigorated, they stepped out, drying off with towels before slipping into fresh clothes.
Now fully prepared, the couple exchanged glances, their spirits lifted, and together they left the bathroom. They navigated the grand corridors of the palace, their footsteps resounding on the polished marble floors, as they made their way toward the entrance, ready to go on their first date.
When the duo reached the gates, the Imperial Guard and Alfred were already waiting there. The older man stepped forward with a stern expression on his face as he spoke. ’’The empress has told me of your plans. You must be careful while in the city, any of your enemies could try an attack you.’’
’’No, they won’t,’’ Raegar responded. ’’Plus, I have my Fusion Knight with me at all times, and he’s ready at a moment’s notice.’’
Dominique smiled at this, but Alfred sighed. ’’I know this, I was just warning you, young master.’’
’’I will be,’’ he answered as the guards opened the gate. ’’You can send some of the Imperial Guards if you like.’’
When the older man heard this, he smiled. ’’Thank you.’’
Following that, Raegar led Dominique along the winding path toward the bustling city for their date. The air was crisp, and the road stretched before them, a ribbon of dust and stone cutting through verdant fields and rolling hills. As they traveled, the world came alive around them.
They passed merchants with carts groaning under the weight of their goods, silks from distant lands, spices that scented the breeze, and gleaming trinkets that caught the sunlight. Fellow travelers shared fleeting glances or nods of camaraderie, their faces etched with stories of their own journeys.
Among them marched the Dawnfire soldiers heading south, their armor clinking rhythmically, their banners fluttering like flames against the blue sky. Each encounter painted a vivid picture of the empire’s heartbeat, pulsing with trade as the couple traveled toward their destination.
Raegar was amazed by the scenery and was only brought back to reality by Dominique commenting beside him. ’’The empire seems peaceful when Devils or enemy soldiers aren’t attacking.’’
’’You’re right,’’ he answered. ’’Hopefully it stays like this, I don’t feel like constantly fighting anymore.’’
’’I don’t blame you, it must be annoying to have peace for a while.’’
’’It is,’’ Raegar admitted. ’’But I’m glad for the rest now.’’
As the sun climbed higher, casting golden rays across the landscape. They continued their steady pace. The road dipped and curved, flanked by oaks whose branches formed a canopy overhead. He pointed out landmarks: a crumbling stone marker etched with runes, a clear stream where they paused to drink.
The Vampress listened, fascinated by his knowledge of the surrounding land. Their conversation flowed easily, weaving tales of the empire. Ten minutes passed, and the terrain began to change. The fields gave way to clusters of homes, their roofs glowing warmly in the afternoon light.
Children darted along the roadside, laughing as they chased one another, while farmers worked in nearby pastures. The air grew thick with the scents of freshly baked bread and woodsmoke, signs of life thriving in the capital’s shadow. Raegar’s stride quickened, a spark of anticipation in his eyes, and the Vampire felt her own heart lift, sensing they were nearing their destination.
At last, the capital came into view, and Raegar’s breath caught in a rare moment of awe. The city sprawled not far from them. Towering spires pierced the sky, their golden tips gleaming like beacons, and sturdy stone walls encircled a labyrinth of markets, halls, and bustling streets.
The great river that split the capital shimmered under the sunlight. Dominique turned to Raegar, whose usually composed features softened. ’’There it is,’’ he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. ’’The heart of our empire.’’
Following that, they made their way toward the city and were stopped by the soldiers at the gate. However, when he flashed the plate Dahlia had given him, the commander’s eyes widened in shock before ushering them into the city. ’’Come this way, my lord.’’
Raegar chuckled at this, and Dominique found it amusing that Dahlia was spreading the word. They entered the city and were greeted by a massive square with several roads leading across the place. He scanned everything, seeing people rushing around as soldiers patrolled, keeping the peace.
’’This place hasn’t changed,’’ the Vampress commented. ’’I remember coming here with my father many years ago.’’
’’You’ve been here before?’’
’’Yes, he brought me here when I was a little girl,’’ she revealed as the duo walked down the street.
They dodged rushing people as he spotted a restaurant and pointed it out. ’’Do you want to eat there?’’
’’The Golden Goose? They serve some of the best meat in the city,’’ she answered.
Raegar glanced at the Vampress, who smiled at him. ’’My father took us here, it’s one of the last times he spent time with me and my siblings.’’
’’Don’t worry, I’ll take you out alot more,’’ he reassured.
This put a big smile on Dominique’s face as the two entered the restaurant and realized it was busy, but a young man approached them, a friendly expression on his face as he greeted them. ’’Welcome to the Golden Goose, there’s a table out back you both can have?’’
’’Yes please,’’ Raegar responded.
The server led them to the back of the shop, where the other patrons glanced at them before going back to their meals. Moments later, the two arrived at a table that gave them a view of the place’s garden as the young man spoke once again. ’’Take a seat and I’ll go get the menus for you both.’’
When Raegar spotted all the things growing outside, he was surprised, as he thought. ’Why does a restaurant have a garden?’
When Dominique saw where he was looking, and explained. ’’The owner grows her ingredients for the kitchen; they’re too expensive in the capital.’’
’’Oh, that’s smart,’’ he muttered.
The server returned, presenting a menu and holding a notepad to take their order. Dominique perused it alongside her companion, and together they chose spicy noodles along with a few other dishes.