Nine Hot Therians and Their Only One Queen novel Chapter 207

**When She Opened the Door to the Life She Was Afraid to Live by Nora Vale Kingsley**

**Chapter 207: What He Wanted Most**

“I can’t shake this fear that once we form this bond… I’ll be left behind, lost in the shadows of everyone else,” Lucien admitted, his voice trembling, betraying the raw vulnerability that he seldom allowed to surface. Gradually, he released his hold on Emma, sinking down to one knee, the weight of his apprehensions visibly pressing down on him like a heavy cloak.

“Emma,” he breathed, barely above a whisper, “I’m not asking you to love me as you love Edric. All I yearn for is for you to look at me without that flicker of disdain in your eyes. After we bond… could you find it in your heart to spare me a bit more of your time? Just a touch more of your attention?”

Emma was momentarily frozen, the intensity of his words striking her like a bolt of lightning.

A painful twist clenched her heart as she looked down at him, her breath hitching in her throat.

This was Lucien—the second prince of Aurelia, a warrior whose name sent shivers through the bravest of hearts, a war god who had dismantled armies with his cunning strategies and unparalleled skill.

Yet here he was, kneeling before her, his voice quaking with a fear that resonated in the stillness of the room. It was as if he feared that even the faintest sound could shatter this fragile moment.

Seeing him so exposed cracked something deep within her soul.

Without thinking, she knelt beside him, her hair cascading around them like a silken veil, creating an intimate sanctuary just for the two of them. Her fingertips grazed his cheek, feeling the warmth radiating from his skin, and a torrent of emotions surged through her. Gradually, she lifted his chin, her heart racing as she pressed her lips against his—soft, warm, imbued with an unspoken promise of what could blossom between them.

“Lucien,” she whispered, her voice infused with both tenderness and resolve. “You are my first mate, the one I trust above all others. I could never harbor hatred for you. I promise to carve out more time for us.”

As she helped him rise to his feet, her gaze remained steady, unwavering.

He was her first bond, her anchor in this tumultuous world rife with pride and power. How she treated him would dictate his standing among all the others vying for her affection.

“Emma…” Lucien’s voice was barely audible, a whisper of longing before he pulled her close again, kissing her with a fervor that balanced urgency and restraint. If he had the power, he would have locked the outside world away, preserving this moment just for them.

But then, a sharp knock shattered the intimacy of their embrace.

Knock, knock, knock.

Emma’s breath caught in her throat, but Lucien’s fervor remained unyielded. His kiss deepened, passion eclipsing any semblance of reason. One hand gripped her waist, drawing her closer against the door, while the other cradled her face, his thumb tracing the line of her jaw before tilting her chin upward to capture her lips once more.

Knock, knock, knock.

The knocking grew more insistent, a reminder of the world outside their cocoon of warmth. Their lips parted only for a fleeting moment, gasping for air, their breaths quickening and uneven. Emma clutched at his collar, her heart racing so fast it felt as if it might leap from her chest.

Knock, knock, knock.

“Emma, are you still awake?” Silas’s voice drifted in from the hallway, cutting through the spell that had enveloped them.

“Lucien…” Emma pushed gently against his chest, her voice trembling with uncertainty.

With a deep, steadying breath, Lucien stepped back, the moment slipping away like water through his fingers. Without uttering a word, he lifted her effortlessly and carried her to the bathroom.

“You’ve just returned home,” he murmured softly, yet with a tone that left no room for argument. “You must be exhausted. Take a bath and unwind. I’ll ensure no one disturbs you.”

He turned on the bathwater, watching as steam began to fill the room, creating a cocoon of warmth and comfort. Reluctantly, he stepped out to confront the door.

At the threshold stood Silas, a familiar half-smirk dancing on his lips. “Still here, I see? I thought you’d already taken off.”

Lucien crossed his arms, a knowing glint in his eyes. “Please. You knew I was still here. That’s precisely why you came.”

Lucien blinked, momentarily stunned. Unbelievable. It’s just a ragged old bag, and he genuinely wants it back?

He chose not to engage further. Instead, he stuffed the shabby thing into his storage band and turned away.

Inside the room, the steam still hung thick in the air, wrapping around everything like a comforting embrace.

Emma emerged from the bath, toweling herself dry as a soothing warmth spread across her skin. She climbed into bed, stretching out with a contented sigh.

Finally, there was peace. No one hovering, no arguments—just a serene quiet.

She picked up her lightcore and opened the “video” she had left unfinished earlier. The screen illuminated with a soft glow, casting a flickering light that danced across her sly smile.

Some lessons, she mused, are ones you must learn in advance.

That’s the only way to maintain control when everything around you spirals out of it.

As the echoes of the outside world faded away, Emma found solace in the quietude of her room, a stark contrast to the turmoil that had defined her recent days. The weight of Lucien’s vulnerability lingered in her heart, a reminder of the bonds she was forging amidst the chaos of royal expectations and rivalries. Kneeling together, they had shared a moment that transcended their titles, revealing the depth of their connection and the promise of what lay ahead. Emma’s heart swelled with the understanding that love could be a refuge, a sanctuary where fears were laid bare and vulnerabilities embraced. She resolved to honor that bond, to give Lucien the attention he sought, and to navigate the complexities of their world together, hand in hand.

In the delicate balance of power and affection, Emma recognized the importance of her choices. With Edric’s advancement looming, the stakes had never been higher, yet she felt a newfound strength coursing through her veins. The lessons she had learned—of trust, vulnerability, and the courage to embrace what she feared most—had equipped her to face the challenges ahead. As she settled into the comfort of her bed, her sly smile reflected not just the peace of the moment, but also the fierce determination to carve out her own path. Emma was ready to embrace the life she had once feared, knowing that every step taken in love would fortify her against the storms yet to come.

**What to Expect in Next Chapter?**

In the upcoming chapter, the tension between the characters is poised to reach a boiling point as the stakes of Emma’s relationships become even more pronounced. With Edric’s recent injury and the impending bonding ceremony, the atmosphere is charged with uncertainty and rivalry. As Lucien grapples with his feelings of inadequacy and jealousy, Emma must navigate the complexities of her affections, weighing her burgeoning bond with Lucien against her established ties with Edric. Readers can expect intense emotional confrontations and revelations that will challenge the characters’ loyalties and desires.

Moreover, the arrival of Silas with the leaves serves as a catalyst for deeper conflict, hinting at the brewing animosity among the princes. Will Lucien’s frustrations boil over into a confrontation with Silas, or will he find a way to channel his jealousy into a more constructive path? As Emma seeks to establish her own identity amid the chaos of royal expectations, her decisions will have far-reaching consequences. The chapter promises to delve into the intricacies of trust, vulnerability, and the true meaning of love in a world where alliances are constantly shifting. Prepare for a whirlwind of emotions and unexpected twists that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next turn of events.