Serpent Emperor's Bride-Chapter 96: Beneath the Serpent’s Protection

[Silthara Palace — Emperor’s Chamber — Night]

Night had settled gently over Silthara Palace.

Beyond the tall carved windows of the Emperor’s chamber, the desert sky shimmered beneath a quiet ocean of stars. The moon hung high above the golden towers of Zahryssar, its pale light spilling through the lattice screens and painting silver patterns across the marble floor.

Inside the chamber, the air was warm and calm.

Oil lamps flickered softly along the walls, their flames dancing like small golden serpents in the stillness.

Upon the wide velvet couch near the balcony sat Levin. One leg rested beneath him as he leaned against the armrest, a parchment held loosely between his fingers. The seal had already been broken.

His father’s letter.

The familiar handwriting had made his chest soften the moment he opened it. Between Levin’s legs, kneeling upon the carpeted floor, was Zeramet.

The Emperor of Zahryssar—feared by kings and armies alike—knelt with quiet reverence, his hands resting gently against Levin’s stomach.

His golden eyes remained focused there.

Careful.

Protective.

Almost... fascinated.

"They seem good tonight," Zeramet murmured softly.

His fingers moved lightly across the fabric of Levin’s robes as if he could feel the small lives hidden beneath. Levin lowered the letter slightly and glanced down at him.

"It has only been two days since we discovered I am bearing a child," he said with mild amusement. "What could possibly happen in two days?"

Zeramet lifted his gaze slowly; the warmth in his eyes did not fade, "Being careful is never harmful, consort."

He rose from his kneeling position and settled beside Levin on the couch, one arm instinctively wrapping around his shoulders and pulling him closer.

"The children you carry possess the Golden Blood," Zeramet continued quietly; his voice held a seriousness that softened the moment. "The very bloodline said to end the reign of the Black Serpents."

His thumb brushed gently through Levin’s hair.

"And for that reason..." His voice lowered. "...our enemies will try to destroy them."

Levin blinked once, then he nodded faintly, "Yes... I know."

But inside his thoughts, another voice whispered something he did not say aloud.

’But...why must my children carry such a burden? Why should their lives begin beneath the shadow of war?’

Levin leaned deeper against Zeramet’s shoulder, his eyes softening as determination quietly formed in his chest.

’No. I will end the Black Serpents myself so that they may live freely.’

Zeramet noticed the shift in his expression; his hand continued to stroke Levin’s hair slowly.

"Whose letter was that?"

Levin lifted the parchment again, "My father’s. He was... very happy to hear the news."

Zeramet nodded, "That does not surprise me."

Levin continued quietly, "He wishes for me to visit the Thalryn Empire."

Zeramet stilled, completely, for a brief moment; the quiet warmth in the chamber shifted. His gaze turned toward Levin slowly.

"...You are leaving?"

Levin blinked in confusion.

"What?"

Zeramet’s arms tightened slightly around his waist, "I do not wish for my consort to leave my side."

His voice carried a quiet possessiveness now, "You need my pheromones while carrying our children. We should not remain separated."

Levin stared at him for a moment, then he sighed softly and leaned his head against Zeramet’s shoulder.

"I am not abandoning you." A small smile curved across his lips. "But I am still the heir of House Veyrhold."

His fingers folded the letter gently, "I must attend to my responsibilities there as well."

Zeramet frowned faintly and Levin continued, "And if you provide enough of your pheromones beforehand ..."

His eyes lifted with quiet amusement.

"...I will survive a short visit."

Zeramet stared at him, then his shoulders slumped slightly in reluctant defeat, "...What can I do?"

He muttered quietly.

"When my consort has already decided."

Levin chuckled softly at the sight. He leaned closer and placed a gentle kiss against Zeramet’s cheek, "You should visit your in-laws’ empire as well."

Zeramet blinked, the faint pout on his face vanished almost immediately. Then his arm tightened around Levin’s waist again, pulling him protectively closer.

"...Very well." His voice softened. "You may go."

His chin rested lightly against Levin’s shoulder, "But only for a short time, and when I come to Thalryn..."

His golden eyes gleamed faintly.

"...I will take both you and our children back with me."

Levin smiled faintly, "I will travel after the bridge inspection is completed."

Zeramet nodded slowly, "Yes."

The chamber had grown quiet again, wrapped in the gentle hush of night. Outside, the wind moved softly through the palace gardens, rustling the palm leaves beyond the balcony.

The moonlight spilled across the marble floor, pale and calm.

Zeramet finally broke the silence, "Shall we go to sleep?"

His voice was low now, softened by the quiet intimacy of the moment.

Levin nodded, "Yes... we should."

He began to rise from the couch, but before he could stand, Zeramet’s arm slipped around his waist and pulled him back.

"Kiss me."

Levin blinked; for a brief moment he simply stared at him. Then a small smile curved across his lips. "You are unusually demanding tonight."

Zeramet only watched him. Levin shifted slightly on the couch, sliding closer until their faces were only inches apart.

Then he leaned forward, his lips brushed Zeramet’s gently, and the kiss began soft.

Slow.

A quiet meeting of warmth beneath the glow of the oil lamps. Levin’s hand rested lightly against Zeramet’s shoulder as their lips moved together, calm and affectionate.

But the moment lasted only a breath before something deeper stirred within the emperor. Zeramet’s hand moved instantly, sliding behind Levin’s back.

Then the kiss deepened.

Suddenly.

Hungry.

The calm tenderness shifted into something far more intense as Zeramet pulled him closer, their bodies pressing together. His other hand slipped beneath Levin’s shirt, fingers sliding along the warm line of his spine.

Levin inhaled sharply; the touch sent a quiet shiver through him. Zeramet tilted his head, devouring the kiss now with the same fierce intensity he carried into battle. His fingers traced slowly upward along Levin’s back, holding him firmly as though reluctant to release him even for a breath.

Levin’s hand tightened against Zeramet’s shoulder.

Then, slowly he pulled back. He pulled back just enough to allow their foreheads to rest together; both of them were breathing a little heavier now.

Zeramet’s thumb brushed gently along Levin’s cheek, the touch slow and affectionate. His golden eyes softened as he studied him carefully.

"Looks like you require my pheromones tonight, consort."

Levin huffed quietly, though the faint flush across his cheeks betrayed him; he met Zeramet’s gaze without looking away.

"I do not mind."

For a brief second, the emperor stilled; that was all he needed to hear. A low, satisfied breath escaped him. In the next moment Zeramet pulled Levin closer and guided him back onto the silk-covered couch, the cushions shifting beneath them as Levin leaned into the pillows.

The lamplight flickered softly across the chamber walls.

Zeramet leaned over him, one hand braced beside Levin’s shoulder while the other moved slowly along his waist, pulling him closer.

"Then allow me," he murmured softly, his voice deep and warm, "to remind your body whose scent it belongs to."

"Let me drown you in my pheromones today," Zeramet promised, his eyes darkening with intent. He reached for the hem of Levin’s shirt, pulling it upward to reveal the pale skin of his chest. "Hold this in your mouth."

Levin nodded, obediently taking the bunched fabric between his teeth, the taste of his own sweat faint on his tongue. Zeramet gently spread Levin’s trembling thighs, his strong hands caressing the sensitive skin there. When his gaze fell between Levin’s legs, a knowing smirk curved his lips.

"You’re really wet down there, consort," he observed, his voice thick with appreciation.

A deep blush spread across Levin’s cheeks and chest as he turned his face away, embarrassment and arousal warring within him. Zeramet leaned down, his hot breath ghosting over Levin’s butthole before his tongue darted out to taste him there.

Levin’s back arched off the bed, a muffled moan escaping around the fabric in his mouth. "Hrngh..."

He reached down to grasp Zeramet’s hair, weakly attempting to pull him away. "Zer... you don’t have to—"

Zeramet captured Levin’s hands, pressing reverent kisses to his palms. "I am helping you to penetrate, my love," he murmured against the skin. "You’re very tight down there."

With a defeated sigh of pleasure, Levin slumped back against the pillows, surrendering completely as Zeramet returned to his ministrations, his skilled tongue working between Levin’s trembling thighs.

Levin slumped back against the silk sheets, his dark hair fanning across the pillow as Zeramet’s hot tongue traced delicate patterns between his trembling thighs.

Levin’s fingers twisted on the sheets, knuckles whitening as waves of pleasure coursed through him.

"Hngh... mmph..." he gasped, his voice breaking as his legs fell wider apart, sweat glistening on his flushed skin.

Zeramet’s skilled mouth worked deeper, the wet heat of his tongue exploring Levin’s butthole. When Zeramet’s fingers wrapped around Levin’s cock, the dual sensation was overwhelming.

"Ah... Zer... wait... no..."

Levin’s protest dissolved into a cry of ecstasy as his sperms spilled hot and pearlescent across his heaving abdomen. Zeramet rose, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction as he deliberately licked a droplet from his lower lip.

"Delicious," he purred, his voice rough with desire.

Levin turned away, cheeks burning crimson, but couldn’t help watching from beneath lowered lashes.

"You’re insane," he whispered.

Zeramet’s laugh was low and dangerous as he leaned forward; his three fingers were deep inside his hole while his mouth found a sensitive nipple.

"Tell me to put it in," he commanded, his breath hot against Levin’s skin.

Levin’s resistance crumbled entirely as he begged, " Please... put it in."

With a satisfied smile, Zeramet held his cock and posistioned himself and claimed Levin completely in one powerful motion that left them both gasping.

THRUST!!!

Their bodies moved together in a quiet rhythm, guided not by urgency but by the deep familiarity that had grown between them.

Outside the chamber, the palace had fallen completely silent.

The night watch guarded the corridors, the desert wind moved gently through the gardens, and in the Emperor’s chamber—Two rulers of Zahryssar remained wrapped within each other’s warmth, the silver serpent king holding his consort close as the long night stretched quietly around them.

The bed remained empty of royal dignity that evening.

Because the Malik and his consort had abandoned the formal chambers entirely—choosing instead the warmth of one another’s arms beneath the watchful stars of the desert sky.

And somewhere within that quiet embrace—Two small heartbeats continued growing, guarded by the strength of the empire that awaited them.

The night of Zahryssar passed in silence, but beyond the palace walls, serpents were already preparing to strike.