After chatting for a while, Lyra said, "Now give me a massage as you promised. I'm very tired and stressed."
Lucien didn't notice her expression and simply replied, "Alright. Go upstairs. I'll come in a moment. I need to prepare something first." He gestured for her to go.
Her expectations immediately rose. She assumed he was finally thinking along the same lines as her. Smiling to herself, she hurried upstairs, took a quick bath, and changed into a black T-shirt and trousers. Her damp hair clung to her neck, and she applied her best perfume.
She went all out.
She closed the curtains, lit scented candles, dimmed the lights, and sat on the sofa, waiting eagerly. It was still afternoon, but she didn't care.
This was her moment.
When she heard his footsteps approaching, her heart began to race. Excitement and nervousness mixed inside her. It was her first time feeling this way. Despite being admired by many, she had never given anyone a chance. Even after a year of marriage, nothing had happened between them.
But today, she wanted that to change.
The door opened.
Lucien stepped inside and paused, looking around at the dim room lit only by candles. He frowned slightly, clearly confused.
Before he could say anything, a pair of arms wrapped around his waist from behind.
Startled, he flinched.
Lyra leaned close to his ear and whispered softly, "Shhh… it's me."
Her voice sent a chill down his spine.
"Lyra… what are you doing?" he asked, confused, trying to gently free himself.
"You promised me a massage, remember?" she said in a low, teasing tone. "I've been waiting. Now come and give me a proper… massage."
Lucien blinked at her, still completely missing her intention.
"Of course I remember," he said. "That's why I went to prepare properly."
He lifted his hand.
A set of acupuncture needles gleamed between his fingers.
Lyra froze.
Her expression dropped instantly.
"I sharpened them," he added, looking completely sincere.
For a moment, she just stared at him.
Then she slowly stepped back.
"Lucien… why are you holding needles?" she asked carefully.
"I told you," he replied calmly. "You're stressed. Acupuncture will help relieve the tension in your body. Now lie down. And it would be better if you change into something looser."
Her eyes widened.
Needles.
Out of everything… needles.
Lyra, who could face ruthless businessmen without blinking, who could intimidate entire boardrooms, was absolutely terrified of needles.
"No," she said immediately, shaking her head. "No, no… just put those down."
Lucien tilted his head slightly, still acting innocent. "Why? This will help you."
She took another step back.
"Lucien, I don't need that kind of massage. Just… a normal one."
He took a step forward instead.
"Don't be stubborn," he said lightly, raising the needles slightly.
That was enough.
Lyra turned and bolted out of the room.
Lucien stood there for a second… then let out a quiet laugh.
"So she's really scared of needles," he murmured.
A few minutes later, Lyra reappeared—fully dressed in a black pantsuit.
Lucien raised a brow. "Where are you going? And why did you change? How am I supposed to do acupuncture like this?"
"I just remembered—I have urgent work at the office," she said quickly. "I need to leave right now."
"And the massage?"
"Forget it," she said immediately. "You don't need to repay me anymore. I'll see you tonight."
Without waiting for a reply, she rushed out.
Lucien stood there, then shook his head, amused.
"That woman…"
He chuckled softly.
"Who would have thought someone like her is scared of something so small?"
…
NOK KINGDOM
Queen Anna entered her chamber, where her mother, Rosa, was already waiting.
Anna greeted her briefly and sat down, her expression calm.
Rosa scoffed. "That man has completely ruined the dignity of the king consort. And now he's pretending to be pitiful after throwing himself into the pond."
Anna's eyes turned cold, but she said nothing.
"How shameless," Rosa continued. "To be caught with a servant and then try to escape the consequences."
Anna's voice cut through sharply. "He did not do that."
Rosa paused, surprised.
"He is not dead either," Anna continued, her gaze steady. "He will wake up."
Her tone left no room for argument.
Rosa frowned. "Even if he wakes up, what changes? A man like him doesn't deserve that position. We should appoint someone more suitable."
She leaned forward slightly.
"Syran."
Anna didn't react immediately.
"He is worthy," Rosa went on. "Strong, capable, and from a powerful background. Unlike that… boy."
Anna finally spoke. "I cannot do that."
Rosa's expression darkened. "Why not?"
"The crown of the king consort is missing," Anna said calmly. "Without it, no one can officially take the position."
Rosa scoffed. "Then find it."
Anna remained silent.
Rosa's voice grew colder. "Listen carefully. If he does not wake up before the full moon banquet in two weeks, I want Syran named as the new king consort."
She paused, then added with quiet menace, "If you refuse… I will handle that boy myself."
Anna's gaze hardened, but she didn't respond.
Instead, she stood up and walked out.
For the first time, uncertainty flickered in her eyes.
"Lucien… wake up soon," she murmured under her breath.