Nine Hot Therians and Their Only One Queen novel Chapter 299

**When She Opened the Door to the Life She Was Afraid to Live by Nora Vale Kingsley**
**Chapter 299: Winning Her Heart**

Drake stood off to the side, a silent observer, allowing Thero to immerse himself in their task. An unreadable emotion flickered in his deep, obsidian eyes, betraying the tumult within. He was a man of few words, but the weight of his thoughts hung heavy in the air.

As Thero became aware of Drake’s quietness, he paused in his movements, stepping closer with an air of conspiratorial secrecy. Lowering his voice as if he were sharing a treasured secret, he leaned in and said, “Mr. Smith, simply giving gifts won’t suffice. You must learn how to truly win over Ms. Tibarn’s heart.”

His expression was that of a sage, the kind of wisdom that only comes from years of experience, as if he were saying, “I’ve walked more roads than you’ve tasted salt.” With a seriousness that demanded attention, he began his earnest lecture, the kind that felt both daunting and enlightening.

“You’ve been far too much like a lord, always cold, formal, and distant. What woman would be drawn to that?” Thero’s voice was firm, yet there was an undercurrent of concern for his friend. “You need to change your approach.”

Drake finally broke his silence, his voice low and contemplative. “How exactly should I change?”

Without missing a beat, Thero responded, “First and foremost, you need a sweeter tongue. Women adore men who can speak with charm and warmth. Just look at Silas Hamblin. Ms. Emma Tibarn has a soft spot for him. He was the first among her companions to father a child with her.”

Compliment her? The thought struck Drake like a bolt of lightning, and he furrowed his brows in confusion. “But how do I even begin to do that?”

He was painfully aware of his own shortcomings in the realm of flattery. Thero pressed on, his enthusiasm unwavering. “Tell her she’s beautiful. Comment on how amazing she looks today, that her hair is lovely, that her attire suits her perfectly. Whatever sounds good, just say it! Let the words flow!”

“And there’s more—you need to be attentive. When you approach Ms. Emma Tibarn, we can’t bring attendants from the Thalassian Palace. She wouldn’t appreciate that. You can’t wait for others to serve you.”

Drake nodded, absorbing the wisdom. “I understand.”

Thero continued, his voice gaining intensity. “You must take care of her personally. If she’s thirsty, offer her water immediately. If she’s weary, find a way for her to rest. If you notice her other mates fawning over her, you must outshine them!”

“Lastly—and this is crucial—” Thero’s expression turned grave, as if he were imparting the most vital piece of advice. “You need thick skin! Ms. Emma Tibarn may not have any feelings for you yet. She might ignore you or even dismiss you entirely. In those moments, you must endure. Suck it up. Show her your sincerity and your willingness to change. If she scolds you, listen attentively. If she strikes you—though I hope it doesn’t come to that—let her see that you would do anything for her.”

As Thero concluded his passionate discourse, he let out a long sigh of relief, as if a great weight had been lifted from his shoulders.

“Mr. Smith, when pursuing a woman, especially one as remarkable as Ms. Emma Tibarn, you cannot cling to your pride or dignity. What is pride when weighed against the affections of your beloved?”

With Emma, none of them needed to resort to cruelty to earn her affection because she provided them with a sense of security. They never feared abandonment. A little competition here and there was harmless, even enjoyable.

Yet, they all understood that if anyone crossed the line into cruelty, Emma would undoubtedly despise them.

Another message from Embrace of the Moon flashed across the screen, ‘So, do you want to get along with her other mates?’

How close are we talking? Just polite on the surface, or like true brothers? Drake pondered, reflecting on the camaraderie shared between Lucien and Silas.

After a moment of contemplation, he typed back, ‘Like brothers.’

Embrace of the Moon responded, ‘That’s harder. True heart for true heart. If you want them to see you as a brother, you must first treat them as one. Step one, ease the tension. As the saying goes, no one strikes a smiling face. Start with gifts.’

Just then, as if summoned by fate, the door swung open, and Emma walked in, her presence illuminating the room.