A Barbaric Proposal Chapter 86

※An Impossible Request※

[Liene] "Wow..."

While she had been lost in sleep, the world had shifted.

[Liene] "When did all of this happen?"

The bathhouse had been completely transformed.

What was once a cavernous, utilitarian room with nothing but a basin and a drain was now anchored by a gleaming marble tub. A massive mirror hung on the wall, and a broad stone vanity held a neatly arranged wash basin.

Most impressive was the new furnace. It looked like a foreign contraption designed to heat the water directly; a fire stoked in the belly of the stone would warm the basin above.

[Liene] "I’ve never seen anything like this. It must be an import."

Fascinated by the mechanics connecting the furnace to the tub, Liene wrapped a thick towel around herself and stepped in.

Madam Flambard had insisted that a long soak in hot water was the only cure for her deep-seated aches. As the heat seeped into her skin, a long, shaky breath escaped her.

[Liene] "Oh... that’s perfect."

She had forgotten how much of a luxury a proper bath could be.

Leaning her head against the marble rim, she closed her eyes. The sharp throbbing in her joints began to dissolve, melting away into the steam.

Tap. Tap.

A firm knock sounded at the door.

[Black] "May I come in?"

It was Black.

[Liene] "Oh! Wait... just—yes, it’s alright."

Liene fumbled with her towel, ensuring she was covered before giving her consent.

The latch clicked, and he stepped into the room.

[Liene] "Don't come too close. I think I’ll die of embarrassment if you do."

Black paused, a slow smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth.

[Black] "I’ll stay back if you insist, but I don't see a single thing for you to be ashamed of."

[Liene] "How can you say that?"

She was facing away from him, her head craned back over her shoulder. It had been hours since she’d seen him—nearly an entire day.

[Liene] "I’m wrapped in nothing but a towel, and my face must be beet-red from the steam."

[Black] "You didn't even have the towel last night."

[Liene] "That was different! It was dark."

[Black] "The moonlight was plenty bright for me."

He says the most scandalous things with such a straight face. 

[Liene] "Now you’ve made it even worse. You really should leave."

[Black] "Perhaps my memory is failing me. It was pitch black, wasn't it?"

[Liene] "Is there any point in lying about it now?"

[Black] "Just let me have this one. I’ve been holding back all day just to see you."

Liene felt her resolve crumbling. What was she supposed to say to that?

[Black] "I even had to sneak in here. I didn't want the Madams catching me."

So the rumors were true; he really was being bullied by the Madams.

[Black] "...Do I really have to go?"

Of course not. She had missed him just as much.

[Liene] "Fine. But stay behind me."

Black didn't need to be told twice.

He moved with predatory grace, kneeling by the edge of the tub and resting his arms on the marble.

He leaned in, his lips brushing against her damp shoulder like a soft, warm sigh.

[Black] "I missed you."

Me too. 

[Liene] "Where have you been all day?"

[Black] "Everywhere but here. I was explicitly forbidden from setting foot in the bedroom."

She let out a bubbly giggle.

[Liene] "Were you actually afraid of the Madams?"

[Black] "I was afraid of you, Princess."

[Liene] "Me? Why?"

His lips traced a path of fire across her shoulder.

[Black] "I thought you might be disappointed in me. Or angry. Because I... lost my self-control."

Liene felt a rush of heat that had nothing to do with the bathwater.

The memories of the previous night, which she had been trying to keep at bay, came flooding back in vivid detail.

[Liene] "Well... I don't think it was entirely your fault."

[Black] "I didn't realize it would take such a toll on you. I should have known."

There was a genuine note of dejection in his voice. Liene realized then that he wasn't sulking because of the Madams' scolding; he was genuinely guilt-ridden over her condition.

[Liene] "How could you have known? It was a first for both of us."

[Black] "I was... out of my mind."

Liene reached back, her fingers tracing the line of his jaw. She wanted to see his face, but she wasn't brave enough to turn around in her current state.

[Liene] "It didn't feel like a mistake to me..."

In truth, it had been the opposite.

If she had to describe last night, it felt like being caught in a tide—relentless, crashing waves that never let up.

She’d had no idea that a human body could be so sensitive, or that pleasure could have so many different layers.

Her face burned a deep crimson.

[Black] "I’ve spent the day reflecting on my actions."

Despite his words of "reflection," his lips never stopped their gentle assault on her neck and shoulders.

[Liene] "If you're so busy reflecting, why do you keep kissing me?"

[Black] "Because I’ve finished my reflection."

[Liene] "Excuse me?"

[Black] "And because of that, tonight will be different."

Good heavens, that isn't reflection at all!

[Liene] "I fail to see how you've learned anything."

[Black] "You’ll see."

So he’s already planning for a 'demonstration.' 

She tried to keep a straight face, but a smile kept tugging at her lips. She reached over her shoulder and playfully pinched his ear.

[Liene] "You seem to lack some conscience. How will you face the Madam tomorrow?"

[Black] "Is a conscience strictly necessary?"

He caught her chin, turning her face just enough to capture her lips with his.

The kiss, shared amidst the rising steam of the bath, felt even more decadent than the ones before.

[Liene] "No... no more. We're in the bathroom."

She pressed her wet hands against his chest, trying to find the strength to stop the deepening kiss.

[Black] "Can't you give me a little mercy? It’s our first kiss of the day."

[Liene] "It’s already gone on too long. And my towel is going to slip!"

She knew that if he set his mind to it, she wouldn't even notice the towel falling. She had to draw the line.

[Liene] "I think that’s quite enough kissing for now."

[Black] "Impossible."

Black cupped the back of her head, pulling her into a kiss so deep it left her breathless.

[Black] "I could spend a lifetime kissing you, and it wouldn't be 'enough.'"

[Liene] "But... mmph..."

The kiss stretched on until her head began to spin.

[Liene] "Seriously... stop. I can’t afford to oversleep again tomorrow."

[Black] "Newlyweds are allowed to sleep in."

[Liene] "I wouldn't know. This is my first time being a 'newlywed.'"

[Black] "Then take my word for it."

He’s so stubborn about the most ridiculous things. 

He usually deferred to her on everything else.

[Liene] "I haven't even eaten yet."

[Black] "Ah..."

He pulled away slowly, his lips lingering with a palpable, heated regret.

He muttered under his breath, sounding thoroughly annoyed.

[Black] "Well, I can hardly argue with that."

At least he knows he’s being difficult. 

[Black] "Finish up and come out. I’ll have a meal ready for us."

She was amazed at how much effort it seemed to take for him to stand up and leave.

[Liene] "Wait, one more thing."

She reached out and snagged his finger.

[Black] "Yes?"

[Liene] "One more kiss before you go. A short one."

He let out a rough, amused laugh, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

[Black] "Do you have any idea how impossible a request that is?"

[Liene] "But you’ll do it anyway, won't you?"

Black leaned down.

It was, indeed, an impossible request.

---

[Dieren] "Now is the perfect time."

Dieren muttered to his reflection as a servant pinned a heavy gold-and-gemstone pendant to his silk shirt.

In the mirror stood the Heir of Alito—smooth, polished, and gifted with a tongue that could charm the birds from the trees. He had never once doubted his effect on women.

[Dieren] "The day after the wedding. That’s when the regret usually sets in."

He flashed a predatory grin at his reflection.

The servant continued his work in silence, thinking that "regret" was a strong word for a royal wedding, but he knew better than to correct his master.

[Dieren] "They say the Princess hasn't left her chambers all day, using 'oversleeping' as an excuse. That’s a clear sign of misery if I ever heard one."

[Servant] "...You are ready, Your Grace."

[Dieren] "Comb my hair again. I need to look perfect."

The servant dutifully picked up the comb, though the hair was already slicked back with expensive oils.

[Dieren] "What’s the best thing for a woman in despair?"

[Servant] "I suppose most ladies appreciate jewelry, Your Highness."

[Dieren] "Right. Fetch something appropriate. Not too expensive, but something flashy enough to catch the eye."

Something cold that drinks like a hot tea?*

The servant wondered at the logic, but he nodded.

He opened a massive travel trunk and pulled out a lily-shaped brooch made of sapphires and opals.

[Servant] "How about this?"

[Dieren] "Fine. That’ll do."

Moments later, Dieren—dressed like a prize peacock in the flamboyant style of Alito—headed toward Liene’s quarters with the jewelry box in hand.

---

Fermos found himself in a thoroughly irritating situation. He was currently making his way toward the private parlor shared by Liene and Black.

Their late dinner was being served in the parlor rather than the dining hall. It was obvious—his lord had no intention of appearing in public.

Fermos had a mountain of paperwork and delayed business to discuss, and the urge to complain was clawing at his throat.

Fine, they’re newlyweds. I’ll give them a few days. If I interrupt now, I’ll probably lose my head.

As he approached the parlor, he spotted the Heir of Alito lurking outside the door.

Is he insane?

Fermos’ sharp eyes immediately took in Dieren’s appearance—dressed like a peacock in heat and clutching a jewelry box.

His intentions were glaringly obvious.

Fermos clicked his tongue.

This man is a special kind of stupid.

Even if he was a notorious womanizer, trying to move in on the Commander’s wife was a death wish.

[Fermos] "What are you doing here?"

Dieren and his servant jumped at the sudden shout.

[Dieren] "Ah, perfect timing. Inform Princess Liene that I have arrived."

[Fermos] "And what business do you have at this hour?"

[Dieren] "That’s none of your concern. Just announce me."

[Fermos] "It is very much my concern. I handle all requests for audiences with my Lord."

[Dieren] "I thought you were just blind, but apparently you're deaf as well. I said I am here to see Princess Liene."

[Fermos] "I heard you. But since they are currently together, what difference does it make?"

[Dieren] "...Together?"

Dieren’s face paled.

Fermos clicked his tongue again.

[Dieren] "It’s dinner time. Of course they’re together."

[Dieren] "Eating? At this hour?"

[Fermos] "The Princess woke up late. Shall I announce you anyway?"

[Dieren] "...No. If that’s the case..."

Dieren hesitated, his brain finally catching up. He knew that whatever he’d planned to do in those flashy clothes wouldn't work with Black in the room.

[Dieren] "I’ll see her another time."

[Fermos] "And what’s in the box?"

Dieren’s expression soured.

[Dieren] "Nothing you need to know about."

It was obviously jewelry.

Dieren’s list of conquests was long, and he’d paved the way with gems. He liked to believe women loved him for his charm, but Fermos knew it was 80% status and 20% bribery.

[Fermos] "Then run along. It’s getting quite late."

He offered a mock-polite bow as Dieren turned on his heel, his servant trailing behind him.

[Fermos] "Tsk. Not even a thank you. I just saved him from having his limbs snapped."

He knocked firmly on the parlor door.

[Fermos] "My Lord, Your Highness. It’s Fermos. May I enter?"

[Black] "...Come in."

The response came after a significant delay.

Fermos wasn't surprised. It was the day after the wedding, and Black hadn't left her side all day.

[Fermos] "I trust the meal was satisfactory?"

As he stepped inside, his first thought was that the room was blindingly bright. Liene looked so radiant and full of life that it actually hurt his eyes to look at her.

Good thing I chased that peacock away. If he’d seen her looking like this, he would have never left.

The two of them looked so disgustingly happy that Fermos felt like a massive third wheel.

He cleared his throat awkwardly.

[Fermos] "Since it’s late, I’ll keep this brief."

His report wasn't long, but it contained information they absolutely needed to hear.

---

* Note: A phrase used to describe something contradictory. The servant considered Dieren's request to be impossible. Dieren asked for a gift that was 'appropriate' and 'eye-catching', but on the other hand, also asked that the gift "not be too expensive."

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