The first rays of morning sunlight filtered through the draped windows of the Imperial Northern Palace, glinting softly off the gilded mirrors.
Gina stirred awake, her body sinking into the silken sheets before she noticed that Rnzo was no longer beside her. She stretched slightly, the events of last night returning in a haze of warmth.
A soft knock came at the door.
When she called them in, two young maids entered, both looking barely older than girls. They bowed deeply before speaking in perfect harmony.
"Good morning, Your Grace. I am Yamir, and this is Ona. We've been assigned as your personal maids."
Gina blinked at them—so young, so timid—and couldn't help but smile, though she suddenly felt older than she'd ever imagined.
"The bath is ready for you, Your Grace," Yamir said softly.
Gina followed them through the side door and froze the moment she stepped inside.
It was breathtaking.
A large, dimly lit chamber opened before her, constructed of dark stone and timber, its low ceiling trapping the soft warmth within. At the center stood a massive circular stone tub, its surface shimmering with ripples and rose petals drifting lazily across the steaming water. Metal lanterns hung low around the room, casting golden pools of light that danced across the rough walls and shadows. The air smelled faintly of cedar and rose oil—rich, soothing, and royal.
Gina's jaw dropped. She took a slow step toward the tub, her reflection flickering in the ripples. She dipped her hand into the water—it was perfectly warm.
Behind her, the two maids exchanged puzzled glances, unsure why their new duchess was staring at her own bath like it was a miracle.
Gina turned to them quickly. "I'm going to bathe now."
They stepped forward obediently, ready to assist.
She raised her hands at once, shaking her head. "No, no—I mean alone."
Ona looked startled. "But, Your Grace, we are here to aid you—"
"I said I'll be fine," Gina interrupted with a soft smile. "Please, go and prepare a set of clothes for me."
The girls hesitated, then bowed and slipped quietly from the room.
When the door shut behind them, Gina grinned to herself, dropped the robe, and sank into the warm water with a delighted sigh.
Gina let out a light giggle as she leaned back against the smooth stone edge of the tub, her skin glistening beneath the ripples of rose-tinted water.
"I could get used to this," she murmured to herself with a grin, tracing lazy circles on the water's surface.
The warmth enveloped her like silk; she didn't want to leave. For a fleeting moment, she imagined herself staying there all morning—it would be just peaceful.
But the thought of Rnzo shamelessly barging in crossed her mind, and her lips twitched. "Knowing him, he'd do it too," she whispered, half amused, half alarmed.
With a sigh, she rose from the water and put back her robe, the lingering scent of rose and cedar clinging to her skin.
When she returned to her chambers, she froze at the sight awaiting her on the bed.
Laid out neatly was a stunning emerald gown, its fabric shimmering faintly like sunlight over still water. Alongside it sat a set of silver jewelry, intricately crafted—delicate yet regal.
Gina tilted her head, admiring the work. "Mother," she muttered under her breath with a soft smile. "You just can't help yourself, can you?"
She dressed carefully, smoothing the gown over her form. The green complimented her complexion perfectly, making her look effortlessly noble.
As she fastened the last piece of jewelry, a gentle knock came at the door.
"Your Grace," came Ona's voice, "may we come in to assist you now?"
Gina laughed lightly. "Yes, you may. I promise I'm decent this time."
The two maids entered, relief flickering on their young faces. With practiced grace, they began styling her hair, weaving it up into soft curls and adorning it with small silver pins that caught the light beautifully.
When they finished, Yamir misted her neck and wrists with delicate perfume while Ona stepped back to admire the final look.
"His Grace is waiting for you by the breakfast table, Your Grace," Ona said softly.
Gina glanced at her reflection one last time—the serene duchess staring back almost unrecognizable from the woman she'd been just yesterday.
She smiled. "Then let's not keep him waiting."
And with that, she swept toward the doors, emerald silk whispering with each confident step.
Gina's footsteps echoed softly through the wide corridors of the northern palace. Morning light poured through the tall windows, painting the marble floors in golden streaks. For the first time, she could truly see the beauty of the place — the vases overflowing with fresh flowers, the carved pillars, and the gentle hum of servants moving quietly through the halls.
She still couldn't quite believe it.
Duchess of Magili.
Every person she passed stopped to bow deeply, and though she returned each nod with a polite smile, her heart fluttered at the thought that they were bowing to her.
When she entered the breakfast room, Rnzo was already seated by the window, flipping through a few documents. The moment he saw her, he rose at once — his expression softening.
"You're awake," he said, crossing the room with that easy confidence that always made her nervous.
Gina smiled as he approached. "This place is beautiful," she said, glancing around.
Rnzo lifted his brows. "More beautiful than me?"
She rolled her eyes immediately, which made him laugh — that deep, genuine laugh that filled the room.
"Come," he said, leading her to the table where breakfast had been prepared.
The spread was magnificent — plates of tropical fruits, warm pastries, honey, and spiced tea. Gina picked up a slice of something unfamiliar, examined it, then took a brave bite. Her eyes widened instantly, and she grimaced.
Rnzo burst into laughter. "Not to your taste?"
"It's sour!" she protested, reaching for her cup.
He grinned. "That's the face you make when you regret a choice — I'll remember it."
They continued breakfast, Rnzo mostly watching her — the way she tasted everything with curiosity, how her eyes lit up at each new flavor, and the little frown she made whenever she disliked something. To him, it was endlessly entertaining.
After they finished eating, they wandered out into the palace courtyard together. The air smelled of roses and jasmine, and birds flitted through the high trees surrounding the garden.
As they walked, Gina glanced at him and asked, "What are your plans for today?"
Rnzo looked at her with a lazy smile. "Spend time with my wife."
She returned his smile. "And after that?"
"Hmm…" He pretended to think for a moment, then turned to her. "I don't know. I'll ask my wife what she wants to do." He paused deliberately, lowering his voice with mock seriousness. "What should we do, Your Grace?"
Gina froze, caught off guard by the title on his lips. "I—I don't know," she stammered, suddenly flustered.
Rnzo laughed softly, clearly amused. "How about I show you the lake east of the palace? It's quiet there. Beautiful, too."
Gina nodded, trying to hide her smile. "Okay… but after I've eaten."
Rnzo raised a brow. "After you've eaten? We just had breakfast."
"I mean lunch," she said quickly.
He chuckled, shaking his head. "Alright, my Duchess. Lunch first, then the lake."
As they turned back toward the palace, the sun shimmered off the garden fountains.
After lunch, Gina sat by the window, her fingers tracing idle circles on the teacup beside her. Rnzo had stepped out a while ago, promising to be "just a moment," but he was taking longer than she expected.
She was about to stand when she heard the steady rhythm of hoofbeats in the courtyard below. Her eyes lit up as Rnzo appeared — leading two beautiful horses.
Unable to contain herself, she hurried outside.
"They're beautiful!" she exclaimed, reaching out to stroke the velvety muzzle of one of the horses.
Rnzo chuckled at her excitement. "Did I take long?"
Gina glanced at him briefly, her lips curving into a small smile. "You can do whatever you like, Your Grace," she said playfully, turning her attention back to the horse.
His smile faltered for a moment — her teasing tone caught him off guard — but then he exhaled softly and said, "Let's go. I brought these to take us to the lake."
At his signal, two attendants approached with cloaks and riding gloves. They helped Gina mount her horse first, and then Rnzo swung onto his
The moment they started moving, Gina couldn't hold back her laughter. The wind whipped through her hair as the horses galloped down the forest path, the sunlight flashing through the trees. Her delighted screams echoed through the air, and Rnzo rode close behind her, watching her joy with quiet amusement.
When they finally reached the lake, Gina gasped — her jaw dropping at the sight.
The water was impossibly clear, shimmering like glass beneath the afternoon sun. It looked almost unreal, reflecting the sky so perfectly it was hard to tell where water ended and heaven began.
Rnzo dismounted first and came to her side, helping her down with gentle hands. "Careful," he murmured, his voice low near her ear.
There was a small shelter nearby, draped with vines, overlooking the tides. Rnzo started toward it, but Gina had already run ahead — straight for the lake.
"Gina—!" he called, half-laughing, but she didn't stop.
She crouched by the edge, dipping her fingers into the cool water. "It's so clear! You can see the stones!" she said, laughing in disbelief.
Rnzo walked over, shaking his head, amusement tugging at his lips. When he reached her, he suddenly wrapped an arm around her waist and spun her around.
She let out a surprised shriek that turned into laughter, the sound echoing across the lake.
When he set her down, she immediately ran away from him — splashing water behind her in a playful attempt to slow him down. Rnzo stopped to shield himself, grinning, but just as Gina turned to run again, her foot slipped, and she fell straight into the water with a splash.
For a heartbeat, Rnzo froze. Then Gina emerged, soaked but laughing uncontrollably.
"Are you—" he started, but she cut him off with a giggle.
"I'm fine! It's just water!"
He exhaled in relief, shaking his head with a half-smile. "You'll be the end of me," he murmured, wading in to help her up.
But when he reached her, Gina splashed him on purpose — twice.
That earned her another chase, both of them laughing like children beneath the golden light of the afternoon.
As they waded deeper into the lake, the water rippled around them, catching glimmers of gold from the sinking sun. Gina's laughter had softened into breathless giggles, but soon, she began to tire.
she said between soft breaths, "I'm too tired… I want to go back."
Without hesitation, Rnzo moved closer and, without a word, scooped her into his arms — carrying her effortlessly, water streaming down his clothes as he walked toward the shore.
Gina blinked in surprise before a small smile curved her lips. "You seem to enjoy carrying me like this lately," she teased, her voice light but warm.
Rnzo didn't hesitate. "Anything to touch you," he said simply.
She looked up, expecting a playful grin — but his expression was calm, steady, and sincere. The words sank deeper than she'd expected, and her heart fluttered in a way she hadn't felt before.
Unable to find words, Gina just smiled faintly, resting her head against his chest.
When they reached the small vine-draped shelter, Rnzo set her gently down on the bench and pulled a cloak from nearby, draping it over her shoulders. "You might get cold," he murmured.
Gina didn't answer at first — she just looked at him. The way his hair clung damply to his forehead, the faint trace of concern in his eyes, the quiet steadiness in his movements — it all felt too intimate, too real.
When his gaze finally met hers, he smiled softly, almost shyly.
"Thank you," Gina whispered.
Rnzo's smile deepened. "Then thank me properly," he said, voice low, teasing but tender.
Before she could react, he leaned in — slow enough for her to pull away if she wished, but she didn't.
Their lips met — soft, hesitant at first, then lingering just a little longer, warm and unspoken.
Rnzo's powerful arms crushed Gina against his solid chest, yanking her so close she could feel the rigid bulge of his cock grinding into her belly through his trousers. He devoured her mouth, tongue thrusting deep like he owned her, fucking her lips with brutal strokes that made her head spin. Fire scorched her tits, nipples stabbing at the corset as her cunt throbbed, already leaking slick down her thighs.
His grip bruised her hips, pinning her in place like a ragdoll, no room to wiggle away. Gina dove into the kiss harder, her tongue battling his, desperate for more as her fingers clawed into his neck, nails digging into skin. Rnzo growled low, scooping her ass up in one swift lift, her legs clamping around him instinctively. He slammed her down onto the high table's edge, the impact jarring her bones, wood scraping her bare ass cheeks where the gown had hiked up.
Rough hands shoved her thighs apart, knees splaying wide as he wedged his hips between them. Fingers latched onto her corset laces, ripping them apart with a savage tear—fabric shredding like paper under his strength. The damn thing burst open, her heavy tits spilling out, bouncing free into the cold air, nipples puckered and begging.
Gina broke the kiss with a sharp inhale, shock punching through her haze—how the fuck did he destroy it so easy? But Rnzo didn't give a shit about her surprise. He wrenched the gown down her arms, trapping them at her sides as her naked chest heaved. His hot mouth clamped over one nipple, sucking like a starving man, teeth biting down hard enough to sting while his tongue lashed the peak. The other tit got no mercy—his fingers twisted the nipple viciously, pinching until it burned, yanking it like he meant to rip it off.
She clamped her teeth on her lip, biting back a whimper as lightning shot from her tits straight to her pussy. Her hole spasmed, gushing more juice that smeared across the table, the wet spot growing under her ass. The scent of her arousal hung thick, musky and raw, mixing with the faint sweat on his skin.
Rnzo popped off her nipple, leaving it swollen and spit-slick, then crashed back to her mouth, tongue-fucking her sloppy and deep. His hand roamed lower, calluses scraping her inner thigh before shoving between her legs. He pried her pussy lips apart roughly, fingers plunging into the sopping mess, two digits spearing her cunt without warning. She was a fucking flood, walls clenching around him as he pumped in and out, thumb mashing her clit in circles that made her hips buck.
His cock twitched hard against her, pre-cum probably soaking his pants, dying to ram balls-deep into her dripping slit and pound her until she screamed. But the chill wind howled outside, biting at their skin—a harsh reminder they had to move. Palace guards wouldn't wait forever. Rnzo yanked his fingers free with a wet squelch, her juices stringing between them, and stepped back, breathing ragged.
"We head back," he snarled, wiping his hand on her thigh like she was his to mark.
He tugged the ruined gown up over her shoulders, the fabric sticking to her sweat-damp skin, then draped the cloak around her, hiding the evidence of her ravaged body. Gina nodded weakly, flower still pulsing empty and aching, tits throbbing from his abuse, a trail of her own slick cooling on her legs as she hopped down, knees wobbling. The unfinished heat between them simmered, promising he'd finish wrecking her once they were behind closed doors.