ONE NIGHT STAND WITH HOT DUKE-Chapter 17: Three days

For three days, storms and fierce winds battered the camp. No one ventured outside unless absolutely necessary.

But for Demian and Valerie, the world beyond their tent seemed to vanish, they spent the days wrapped together beneath blankets, losing themselves in each other’s warmth.

Nearly three days passed with barely a moment spent outside the covers, except when Valerie, with playful insistence, begged to bathe, claiming her skin felt sticky.

Now, they found themselves soaking together in the steaming bath, mist curling in the air.

Demian was due to meet the Crown Prince and the Emperor, strategy and counterattack would be discussed soon. But before that, he wanted one last lingering moment with Valerie.

"Don’t touch," Valerie pleaded as Demian’s hand drifted lower under the water.

"Why not?" Demian asked, mischief glinting in his eyes.

"Because you won’t stop if you start," Valerie replied, her voice both shy and teasing.

Demian only laughed softly, pulling her closer so their bodies pressed together.

"Of course I won’t," he whispered, his lips brushing her shoulder.

"You’re about to meet the Emperor," Valerie reminded him, her voice hushed in the steamy air.

"I know," Demian answered, his tone turning rougher. "That’s why, one more time before I go. Okay?"

His familiar persuasion worked its magic, as always.

"But this time, I’m on top," Valerie declared boldly.

Demian grinned wide, clearly delighted by her initiative. Slowly, Valerie climbed onto his lap, her movements creating ripples that sent water spilling over the sides of the tub. Neither of them cared.

This time, Valerie was in control, but Demian didn’t simply yield. With every touch and every look, they each pushed back, neither truly able to stop when they were together like this.

The steam grew heavier, swirling around their intertwined bodies. Valerie took control, her fingers tracing Demian’s shoulders as she moved above him. She relished the shift in power, the way his hands instinctively gripped her waist, yet didn’t dare to guide her, letting her set the pace.

Demian’s eyes never left hers, burning with a hunger that matched her own. Every movement, every ripple of water, heightened the tension building between them. Their breaths echoed softly in the small space, growing faster, mingling with the sound of water spilling over the edges.

Valerie leaned in close, her lips brushing the shell of Demian’s ear. "You’re not the only one who can take charge," she whispered, a playful challenge in her tone.

A low laugh rumbled in Demian’s chest, but he gave himself over, surrendering to her rhythm. The pleasure between them coiled tighter, their bodies moving in perfect sync.

The world outside faded away, no storm, no Emperor, no war only the rising tide of desire between the two of them.

At the peak, their voices blended into one, soft moans, gasps, and whispers lost in the misty air. For a moment, time itself seemed to pause as they both toppled over the edge together, held fast by each other’s arms.

As their heartbeats slowed, Valerie rested against Demian’s chest, their bodies still tangled in warmth and lingering aftershocks. The storm outside might have been subsiding, but inside the tent, their connection blazed brighter than ever.

Demian was already fully dressed by the time Valerie finished washing up and stepped back into the tent. The air inside was still damp from last night’s cold rain, but Demian looked composed in his dark coat, the ends of his hair slightly wet.

"I’ll be gone for a while," Demian said without preamble, watching as Valerie tried to tidy her hair.

Valerie paused. "Are we... having dinner together?"

Demian looked at her for a moment, then exhaled quietly. "I don’t know. I might dine with His Majesty the Emperor. You should eat on your own, or with your maids. Don’t wait for me."

Valerie gave a small nod, unable to completely hide the flicker of disappointment. But before she could say anything else, Demian suddenly stepped closer. With a gentleness that contrasted sharply with his cold demeanor, he lowered his head and pressed his lips to hers, brief, tender, yet enough to steal her breath.

"I might only have midnight supper with you," Demian murmured against her lips, voice low and full of meaning. "Wait for me for that."

Valerie nodded softly, trying and failing, to hide her smile.

Demian then left the tent, his coat fluttering lightly as the morning breeze caught it. The moment his figure disappeared, Sera and Lira stepped inside, carrying fresh clothes for Valerie.

"Lady, let us help you prepare," Lira said as she closed the tent’s curtain. 𝒻𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝘯𝘰𝑣ℯ𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝘮

But the moment Valerie slipped off her light robe, both maids froze, then exchanged glances before trying (and failing) to contain their laughter.

The red marks scattered over Valerie’s pale skin... so many, so obvious... and such a common sight in the past three days.

Sera cleared her throat, smiling mischievously. "My Lady... you don’t look like someone who has been lacking attention."

Lira giggled. "Indeed. It seems the Duke has been quite... occupied... with you."

Valerie flushed instantly. "You two... don’t tease me like that."

"How are we not supposed to tease you?" Sera covered her mouth, trembling with suppressed laughter. "You and the Duke didn’t leave the tent for three days! The soldiers were even making bets about when you’d finally come out."

Valerie buried her face in her hands. "Oh no... don’t tell me everyone is talking about it."

"Everyone is talking about it," Lira replied honestly, stepping closer to help Valerie into her dress. "But they’re also jealous. Because the Duke... has never treated a woman the way he treats you."

Valerie fell silent, her heart beating a little faster despite her efforts to stay composed.

And even as she tried to remain calm, her cheeks warmed, remembering how Demian looked at her... touched her... and how she could barely stand after those days had passed.

Sera patted her shoulder lightly. "Don’t worry, Lady. We’re on your side."

Valerie managed a smile. "Thank you... even if you two love to tease."

"If you don’t want us to tease you," Lira murmured with a sly grin, "then don’t let your skin be covered in marks like this."