CHAPTER 109: WHISPERS OF SEDUCTION

Ariana and Zavren sat together as Zavren turned to her. It was already getting late, and he wanted her to rest well or...

Ariana simply listened to the melody of the instruments while Zavren leaned gently to her side and spoke calmly.

"Now I’m curious... what exactly did you think I was going to surprise you with tonight?"

Ariana’s ears warmed instantly—that was what gave her away. Her heart began to pound loudly in her chest as she turned to him. The moment their gazes locked, Ariana quickly looked away. She had really thought it was something else, and now she couldn’t help but feel like she was the naughty one here.

"Oh, sweetheart... you’re getting so naughty. I don’t know who taught you this, but I’m interested," Zavren said as he watched Ariana eye him suspiciously.

’Why is he acting like he’s not responsible...? Take responsibility,’ Ariana muttered in her mind, making Zavren chuckle as his lips curled into a wide smile.

"But sweetheart, I’ve already taken responsibility. Don’t you think it’s your turn now—for making me naughty?"

Ariana’s eyes widened at his teasing words. This man had to be kidding, and the glint in his eyes told her all she needed to know. He was trying to annoy her. Without thinking, she leaned in—completely forgetting they were still at a gathering...and pinched his cheeks hard.

Zavren eyes danced with wicked intent before speaking.

"You really need to learn how to accept responsibilities sweetheart because I do."

Ariana glared at him.

Yet he remained calm, his lips curling into a subtle smirk. Ariana noticed the hidden glint dancing in his gaze, and that was when it hit her—they were still at the celebration. She quickly straightened her posture on her sit, and when she glanced around, she saw the shocked expressions on the faces of the crowd.

They were stunned. The queen had just pinched the king’s cheeks, and his expression was calm, even welcoming. It was as though all the rumors about the brutal king turning soft because of the queen had just been confirmed... all with a little pinch.

Ariana silently scolded herself for forgetting where she was. But it was all his fault—this husband of hers, always finding ways to annoy her, getting under her skin. And even when something wasn’t true, he would make it look true with that smirk of his if she could wipe it out she would not hesitate.

"Wife, you’ve stayed so long. How about we go to our chambers?" Zavren suggested.

Ariana turned to look at him. She knew this man and his mischievous ways. Now she was curious what he had planned again. Zavren was full of surprises.

"Sweetheart... I can’t wait for the day I hear your sweet voice," he whispered, his eyes now resting on her lips. Ariana, noticing his grey gaze locked there, waited. And before she knew it, she had unknowingly bitten her bottom lip.

Zavren’s lips curled up. "Oh, you really want me to kiss you, huh?" he teased, then added in a husky whisper, "I can do it right here if you don’t mind..."

His words trailed off as she shook her head. This man’s shamelessness was advancing by the second. And what shocked her most was knowing he truly wouldn’t hesitate to do it.

"Let’s go, Zavren," she mind-linked.

He nodded, Ariana noticed after that king and queen had come to see them, no one approached the king and queen. Ariana knew exactly who was responsible for that.

Then he stood as the music slowed down a bit. He gently brought out his hand, and Ariana placed hers atop it with a smile on her face. Zavren held her gently as they walked towards the main door.

All eyes remained on them as Ariana walked with him towards the hallway. She noticed the eyes that stared at them but maintained her expression—her face calm and collected.

She shifted her gaze to the side as a figure caught her attention. That seer...the old one—stood there at the corner, holding a glass of wine in her hands. Ariana didn’t know why, but she immediately shifted her gaze. She didn’t know why she felt some kind of suspicion toward the lady. She pressed her lips together. Of course, this was the Luna celebration and anyone was invited.

The door opened as Zavren and she walked through the hallway. Zavren then called her calmly.

"Aria, something seems to bother you," he spoke, having observed her and realized she had been dazing out.

Ariana shook her head as she knew she was simply overthinking.

She realized the earlier nervousness she had been feeling was long gone now—maybe because Zavren was beside her. Zavren nodded calmly as he decided not to speak further on it.

They reached the door to their room. As they entered, Zavren shut the door, his lips curling upwards, and before Ariana knew it—

CLICK.

Ariana’s body stilled. Now she was curious about what Zavren was planning. She turned to him, staring as if waiting for answers, but he said nothing. His expression gave nothing away as he spoke calmly, his voice deep and low.

"How about I help you with your zip, sweetheart? You wouldn’t want to sleep like this, would you?"

Ariana’s eyebrow raised questioningly. Was she walking into this man’s den? She knew how he was. Not after all those things he had made her believe. At this point, she believed he had his own language—he always said one thing, but it had a different meaning, yet it made sense. Like when he had talked about... his wolf.

She shifted her gaze. This man was really reminding her of naughty things, but she realize he wasn’t teasing her. She noticed there was no teasing glint in his eyes, so she believed he would not.

Zavren was calm as Ariana nodded softly, turning, and just as she did, a smirk rested on his lips as he walked toward her. His hands moved as he pushed Ariana’s hair to the side of her shoulders.

Ariana’s body stilled. Why did she feel like time had suddenly slowed down? Because right now, it felt like it had. She knew zipping someone down doesn’t take this long. As if that wasn’t enough, a soft gasp escaped her lips as she felt his thumb gently circle around her neck in a feather-like touch. She moved to turn to him.

"Don’t, sweetheart."

Her breath caught when she felt him move, his face now resting atop her neck as his warm breath fanned her there gently. Her body tingled. Why was she already feeling this way?

This was not the kind of zip-down she expected. As if that wasn’t enough, his face still pressed lightly on her neck, he spoke, his deep voice vibrating through her.

"Don’t move. Allow me strip you."

Ariana gulped lightly. She knew that this man was not just going to zip her down...he was even going to do more than undress her. She had unknowingly...no, partly knowingly—entered his trap. Her body shivered as it remained aware of his warm breath fanning her neck.

And then, she felt his hand hold her zip as he zipped her down slowly. Just as he reached halfway, he paused. Ariana’s body felt more aware of his presence. She held her breath as his finger went back to the back of her neck. He used his pointer, running it down her back to where the zip stopped.

"Ah..."

Zavren stilled, his eyes widening as he heard that soft sound that left her lips. That little sound had made his body react in the most shocking way—one he had not expected at all.

"Sweetheart, don’t hold back."

Who knew he would hear this just by running his fingers through her back? Ariana’s face burned. She had no idea how that sound had slipped out.

Zavren’s hand moved as he slowly zipped her down again. He finally reached the end and realized she was wearing matching black bra and panties—and that made her even more sexy.

His eyes stared at her well-shaped, curvy back as his hands moved to her shoulders. He then pushed it to the side as the gown fell to the floor, leaving Ariana with the little hindrance.

Ariana noticed he was taking things slow and steady—something very unlike him. Zavren wanted to savor the moment. His grey eyes moved toward her clip of her bra as his hands moved gently.

CLIP.

Ariana’s body stilled as the sound echoed through the room. Zavren pushed it aside, and it fell off—but Ariana’s hands shot up as she grabbed her bra before it could fall to the floor.

"Leave it, sweetheart. Allow it."

Zavren’s slow, seductive voice rang through her ear like some tempting spell, and before Ariana knew it, she calmly let go of it. Zavren’s lips curled up as it fell to the floor. His eyes slowly traced down the curve of her back to where her panties still remained.

Her round, ample butt was hidden due to the hindrance. Ariana’s heart raced. She felt different tingles, and she knew any further and she might not be able to stand herself.

The fact that Zavren was taking things slow, too slow...made her wonder what he was planning.

SHRA!!

A gasp escaped her lips. She had not expected her panties to fall to the floor—and the fact that she hadn’t even felt him tear them if not for the sharp quick sound shocked her.

"Turn to me now, sweetheart," Zavren spoke huskily as his eyes hungrily stared at her butt. Ariana slowly turned. Immediately, their eyes met, her body shuddered with residue as her stomach flipped dangerously.

She noticed his eyes move to her breasts, and her nipples hardened even more as he stepped back. Her face now flushed more. She had no idea what he was thinking, but she felt slightly embarrassed now—watching his gaze drink in her body seductively.

Zavren worshipped her body with his gaze, and then his eyes locked on hers as he spoke in a deep whisper.

"Now go to the bed. Lie atop of it. Your hands over your head, your legs wide, and wait for my next instruction."

Ariana’s eyes widened at his words.