Morning came slow.
Soft light filtered through the high jungle canopy, casting golden patterns over Rivan's bare chest. Birds chirped. Leaves rustled. The village was silent.
Except for the steady breathing of the woman in his arms.
Selix, the assassin, lay naked and curled against him like a wild animal tamed. Her violet eyes were closed now, her breath warm against his shoulder. Her body was still twitching from the night's aftershocks.
And Rivan?
He was already awake.
His system pulsed softly in his head.
> [Status: Yin Reserves Full] [Power Boost Active: +3 Strength, +5 Stamina, +2 Libido] [Selix: Bonded. Behavior Tag - Submissive Alpha]
He looked down at her.
Not bad.
Last night, she'd come at him like a weapon. Now? She was marked. Claimed. Loyal.
He kissed her shoulder and slipped out from under her, standing tall as the wind brushed over his skin. Still naked. Still hard. Still powerful.
Rivan dressed slowly, piecing together the loose fabrics the villagers had offered him after last night's… display.
He stepped outside the hut.
And was met with silence.
Not fear. Reverence.
Women paused mid-task to stare. Eyes widened. Jaws dropped. A few licked their lips unconsciously.
Some bore hickeys on their necks. Bite marks on their thighs.
They remembered.
And wanted more.
> [Aphrodisiac Aura: Passive Emission Detected] [Village Libido Index: 88% and climbing]
But before Rivan could say a word—
BOOM.
A sound split the sky.
A flaming sigil appeared above the village, bright gold and blood red.
The women gasped. Even Selix, inside the hut, sat bolt upright.
> [System Alert: Royal Summon Detected] [Message Origin: Crimson Citadel] [Direct Order from: Queen Alyxia]
A scroll formed in midair and dropped before Rivan's feet, hissing as it landed.
He picked it up. Unrolled it. Read.
Rivan Cross, Male Subject R-001. You are hereby summoned to the Crimson Citadel by royal decree. Do not resist. The Queen awaits.
Rivan smirked.
"Of course she does."
Six Hours Later
Rivan stood at the gates of the Crimson Citadel.
A palace carved from black stone and red crystal, surrounded by waterfalls and jungle vines. Towering spires rose into the clouds. Armed women stood guard everywhere—soldiers, assassins, priestesses.
All female.
And all staring at him like he was prey—or prophecy.
He was escorted inside.
The halls were quiet, but not empty. Women lined the walls, highborn and commoners, nobles and mages. Their eyes followed him. Their breaths quickened. Whispers passed like fire.
"Is that him?" "The last male?" "He walked naked into a village and made them beg."
Rivan didn't smile. He strode like he owned the floor.
At the end of the hall, two massive doors opened.
And she stood waiting.
Queen Alyxia.
The Crimson Throne.
She was everything power could be wrapped in silk.
Tall. Dark bronze skin. Eyes the color of fire opals. Her dress was sheer crimson, layered over gold embroidery, with a slit running all the way to her hip. Her cleavage spilled out in a way that said, "I'm untouchable"—but dared you to try.
Her breasts were huge, round, and firm—the kind that made men kneel and women stare. Her hair was braided in coils, heavy with jewels. She wore no crown.
She didn't need one.
She was the crown.
Rivan's eyes flicked over her once. Then back to her gaze.
She smiled.
Not sweetly. Like a queen about to devour her dessert.
"Welcome, Rivan Cross," she said. Her voice was low. Smoky.
"Nice place," Rivan replied. "Bit overdressed for a meeting."
The Queen laughed. "I don't dress for meetings. I dress for conquests."
He stepped forward, slowly.
"You summoned me. I assume it wasn't to shake hands."
She descended from her throne, walking in a slow circle around him. Her perfume was thick with spice and sin.
"No," she said. "I summoned you because you've broken protocol."
"Protocol?"
"You used the LustCore without royal sanction. You left your containment. You… seduced my assassin."
"Selix came on her own," he said. "Left on her back."
The Queen's eyes narrowed. Then lit with dark amusement.
"You think this is a game."
"I think the game started the moment you locked me in a cage."
> [System Warning: Royal Power Detected — Tier 9 Yin Aura] [Caution: This target may override system influence temporarily]
Alyxia leaned close. Her breath tickled his neck.
"I could end you here," she whispered.
Rivan didn't blink.
"Try."
They stood like that—fire to fire.
And then she kissed him.
Hard. Commanding. Deep.
But Rivan didn't submit. He kissed back. Stronger.
Her nails dug into his arms. His hand found her hip. Pulled her closer.
Their energy crackled. The entire chamber trembled.
> [Dual Orgasm Risk: HIGH] [System Limiter: Engaged]
She broke the kiss. Barely.
"You're dangerous," she whispered.
"I'm free," he corrected.
And her eyes—those queenly, untouchable, throne-born eyes—flashed with something new.
Lust.
"I'll make you an offer," she said.
"I'm listening."
"You stay in the citadel. I'll give you luxury, women, protection, power. But your seed belongs to the crown."
Rivan chuckled.
"My seed doesn't belong to anyone."
"Then we have a problem."
He stepped closer.
"Or an opportunity."
She blinked.
And for the first time… looked unsure.
> [System Alert: Queen's Bonding Attempt Blocked] [You have resisted Royal Claim — Title Gained: Seed Sovereign]
Rivan turned his back to her.
"Send your best. Send your worst. Send your royal decree."
He looked over his shoulder, smirking.
"I'm not here to serve. I'm here to conquer."
---
To Be Continued…
Next Chapter: Temptation Chamber [18+]
Queen Alyxia sends her three best seductresses to tame Rivan in a test of ultimate restraint… or surrender.