Nine Hot Therians and Their Only One Queen novel Chapter 147

**When She Opened the Door to the Life She Was Afraid to Live**
**by Nora Vale Kingsley**
**Chapter 147: The Man Who Wore Discipline**

Emma found herself grappling with a profound realization—the kind that left a lingering ache in her chest. It was as if Marcus’s words about the futility of life had seeped into her very bones, wrapping around her thoughts like a heavy fog.

After breakfast, the atmosphere in the manor felt thick with unspoken thoughts. Edric remained behind, his focus entirely on the humanoid robot, programming it with meticulous care to ensure every surface in the kitchen shone like polished glass. Meanwhile, Marcus had retreated to his room, sliding back into his crystal coffin, seeking solace in rest.

Emma’s mind was already racing ahead; she had a plan in place and a gift for Silas that was just waiting to be crafted. As she made her way toward her room to gather her materials, Lucien’s voice echoed through the corridor, halting her in her tracks.

“Emma. Do you have a moment? I could use your help in my room.”

Curiosity flickered within her, overcoming any hesitation. She followed him down the quiet corridor, her heart beating a little faster with every step.

This was her first venture into Lucien’s private quarters, and she was struck by the sheer perfection of the space. It was immaculate; every surface gleamed under the soft lighting, and every line was so precise it could make even the most seasoned architect swell with pride. The air felt distinctly different here—crisper and colder, as if it had been meticulously curated to reflect the order and discipline that Lucien embodied.

The room was minimalist yet striking. Aside from a bathroom that was almost austere in its simplicity, the bedroom featured a remarkable walk-in closet, hewn from spatial stone, its surface glowing softly under the overhead lights, as if holding secrets within its depths.

Yet, the true gem of the room was undoubtedly the study. It loomed like a cathedral, with walls of translucent spatial stone that reached toward the ceiling, which was adorned with a living starmap of the Empire. Constellations danced across the vast expanse above, shifting like ink spilling across the night sky.

Books lined the shelves—an eclectic mix of traditional paper tomes and sleek, glowing data tablets. The enormous desk was a chaotic masterpiece, filled with advanced equipment, models of warships, and intricate weapons that left her feeling both intimidated and fascinated.

In one corner, a cozy reading nook beckoned, featuring a solitary chair and a lamp—his only concession to comfort. To the east lay another chamber, even larger than the study itself, filled with an array of weapons—some ancient, others modern, and a few that looked like they belonged in a science fiction novel.

Lucien gently took her hand, guiding her toward the desk. “Sit here for a moment,” he instructed. “I just need to change. It won’t take long.”

Emma’s brow furrowed as she caught his wrist before he could walk away. “Change? For what exactly? I thought you needed my help.”

Her mind raced, trying to comprehend how she could possibly assist him in this domain of discipline and precision.

With a soft smile, he leaned in and brushed his lips against hers, leaving her breathless. “You’ll see soon enough.”

What was he up to? She watched him disappear into the adjoining room, her curiosity igniting like a flame.

Just then, her lightcore buzzed to life, pulling her from her thoughts.

It was Edric’s voice, tinged with concern. “Emma, did Lucien take you somewhere? I went to your room, and you weren’t there.”

She could almost picture him, having finished his task with the robot, now fretting over her absence.

“I’m still at the manor,” she reassured him, her voice steady. “Lucien needed my help with something in his room.”

“Oh.” The tension in his tone eased slightly. “Alright, just checking. I’ll be training for a while. Once I’m done, I’ll come by.”

The warmth in his voice contrasted sharply with the quiet intensity radiating from him, creating a tension that resonated deeply within her.

Emma’s heart raced, caught in a whirlwind of awe and disbelief. “No, I just—it’s my first time seeing you in it.”

She thought, Oh, Beast God, look at him. That uniform should be illegal. How can one man look that incredible?

Lucien stepped closer, his smile widening as he braced his arms on the desk, leaning in until the space between them felt charged with unspoken words.

“Do you like me in uniform?” he asked, his voice dropping to a low, inviting tone, threaded with an undeniable confidence.

Emma swallowed hard, her gaze locked onto his.

What is it with these guys and uniforms today? First Silas, now Lucien—both could wield discipline like a weapon. Had they been trained at the same charm academy or something?

“Yeah,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. “I do. A lot.”

No one else would understand the magnetic pull it had on her, but she was utterly captivated. The combination of uniforms, authority, and that subtle undercurrent of danger—it was intoxicating.

Lucien’s gaze lingered on her, the amber in his eyes intensifying, glowing faintly as if a spark was about to ignite.