NTR: King gets Cucked-Chapter 7: The Devil’s Favor

Althea hesitated before the tall, ornate doors of Lord Karlos Otterson's residence. The smooth marble walls gleamed beneath the soft glow of lanterns, and the air was scented with expensive perfumes and exotic spices. Despite the luxurious setting, an unsettling chill ran down her spine.

For Zyran. I'm doing this for him.

Althea took a deep breath and pushed the doors open.

A light brown-skinned woman with feline features stood near the entrance, her golden-yellow eyes glowing softly in the dim light. Black hair cascaded slightly above her shoulders, and a pair of cat ears twitched slightly as Althea entered. She wore thin, almost sheer fabric that barely covered her body, and a dark coloured collar with a silver emblem — the mark of House Otterson — also rested on her collarbone.

"Welcome, Your Highness." The woman bowed, her voice soft and melodic. Her tail swayed behind her. "Lord Karlos is expecting you."

Althea's gaze hardened. A slave.

"I'm Luna," the beastwoman added, her expression devoid of emotion as she straightened. "Please, come this way."

Althea followed Luna through a corridor lined with velvet curtains and gold-trimmed tapestries. The room Luna led her to was lavishly furnished — dark mahogany furniture, silk cushions, and a crackling fireplace. It reeked of decadence and wealth.

Soon, the doors opened, and Karlos Otterson entered, wearing a loose black robe that hung open at the chest. His long, dark hair was pulled back, and his sharp amber eyes gleamed with lazy amusement.

"Your Highness," Karlos greeted smoothly. He walked toward her with the grace of a predator, his robe shifting around his tall frame.

Althea tensed as Karlos smiled and settled into a cushioned chair. Luna stepped forward without a word, holding a silver tray with two crystal glasses filled with dark red wine.

"Sit," Karlos said, gesturing to the seat across from him.

Althea hesitated before sitting. Luna handed her a glass of wine, her gaze lingering on Althea's face for a moment before retreating.

"To your health, Your Highness," Karlos said, raising his glass.

Althea took a small sip. The wine was smooth and rich — too rich. A slow warmth spread through her veins.

Karlos' smile widened. "What brings the Queen of Draconia to my humble abode?"

Althea's gaze hardened. "You mentioned something about an offer, a loan? ."

Karlos's brow lifted. "Oh yes, but His Majesty refused that offer."

Althea's fingers tightened around the stem of her glass. "I need... financial support for the kingdom ", getting straight to the point.

Karlos leaned back, swirling the wine in his glass. "Ah, I see." He watched her carefully, eyes glinting in the low light. "And what exactly would you like me to do?"

Althea swallowed hard. "The kingdom's debts are mounting. Trade is failing. Zyran can't lower the taxes because of Grimgaard's demands. Merchants are withdrawing. The kingdom is slipping."

Karlos's smile thinned. "That sounds... complicated."

"I know Zyran is proud," Althea said quietly. "He would never ask for help from you or anyone else. But... I can't stand by and watch him drown."

Karlos hummed thoughtfully. "And you believe I can solve this problem?"

Althea nodded slowly.

Karlos's smile sharpened. "I could arrange a loan through... certain contacts."

Her heart skipped. "You would?"

"Of course," Karlos said. "But..." His amber eyes darkened. "It won't be easy."

Althea's chest tightened. "What do you mean?"

Karlos leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "The amount of money needed to stabilize the kingdom is not small. Grimgaard holds control over half of Draconia's natural resources — iron, coal, minerals — and they're already flooding the market with cheap resources. Competing with them would require far more than gold."

Althea's head spun. The room felt too warm. Her cheeks flushed. Her breathing quickened.

Karlos's eyes gleamed. "Are you feeling alright, Your Highness?"

"I... I don't know," Althea murmured. Her thighs pressed together instinctively as a strange heat spread through her body.

Karlos's gaze flicked to her parted lips. "Perhaps the wine is too strong."

Althea shook her head. "I... need to focus."

Karlos chuckled darkly. "Yes, of course."

Althea steadied herself. "If you can help Zyran... then what do you want in return?"

Karlos's smile was slow and dangerous. "A favor."

Althea's eyes narrowed. "What kind of favor?"

"You'll know soon enough," Karlos said smoothly.

Althea's chest rose and fell quickly. Something was wrong. Her body felt... hot. Aroused.

"I need to go," she said, standing abruptly.

Karlos stood as well, closing the distance between them. His hand brushed over hers — light but lingering. Althea's breath hitched.

Karlos's smile sharpened. "Shall I escort you?"

"No." Althea pulled her hand away and turned toward the door.

Karlos's voice followed her. "The kingdom is lucky to have such a devoted queen."

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Althea hurried down the corridor, her heart pounding wildly.