Nea really likes Lucien's suggestion to judge the Naga soldiers who were loyal to Tyrion, but she doesn't understand why suddenly everyone is looking at her with strange expressions.
Lucien's sisters and Mira seem quite surprised, but Saria is shocked as she stares at her with wide eyes.
On the other hand, Lucien appears happily surprised and lovingly smiles at her.
Nea takes a few seconds to understand that her words, accompanied by an affectionate tone and an expression she didn't notice, may have had a meaning beyond what she intended.
When did the cold and proud Mermaid Queen become a naughty girl?
The other girls aren't exactly thinking that, but Nea can't help but imagine that they are.
"I... I mean, the idea is good..." She ends up stuttering. "The idea about the judgment, not the reward..."
Lucien can't help but laugh at Nea's lovely embarrassment while the other girls shake their heads.
Half of his group thought that Nea wouldn't fall for his charm, at least not quickly.
Someone so determined and committed to her people, who can literally see through others' feelings, doesn't seem like the type of person who can be easily seduced.
But it was precisely the fact that Nea understands that Lucien is so honest about his feelings that allowed her to form a Soul Contract with him.
Now, what seemed unlikely before, is inevitable – she is quickly falling for him without even realizing it.
And the fact that he is leaving soon is making her feelings a mess.
Lucien understands that and instead of teasing Nea, he helps her regain her composure and act like a majestic Queen again.
"It's alright, Nea," he speaks in a neutral but loving tone. "We have other matters related to Blue Star's future to address before anything else, right?"
Nea really wants to discuss other matters about the Kingdom with Lucien, but the part he mentioned about other things equally piques her interest.
"Yeah, we have a lot to set, you know..." She looks at Mira, seeking help from a friend to not appear like a silly little girl.
"Of course," Mira nods. "We should set the most important things while Lucien is still here."
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtEveryone understands that Lucien will discuss matters regarding the Mermaids and Nagas with Mira and Nea, such as their Kingdom's territories, resources, and other agreements.
The other girls don't mind staying there since the warm and magical water of the pool is so enjoyable.
But some of Lucien's sisters understand that he wants to spend time alone with Mira and Nea since they won't accompany them on their journey.
So far, Lucien hasn't separated from his main wives, and having to leave Mira and Nea in Blue Star will be quite uncomfortable for him.
Therefore, Sophia is the first to give a suggestive look to her sisters, especially Amelia, Naomi, and Claire.
She kisses Lucien before floating out of the pool on her magical pillow. "We'll go look for something to eat, alright?"
Naomi and Amelia sigh disapprovingly but follow Sophia out of the pool.
"I guess we don't have a choice..."
"Well, I'm really hungry."
Claire and Saria exchange glances and both agree to leave the pool now. The Mermaid Princess is too excited to travel through the universe with Lucien, so nothing can bring down her mood now.
"I also need to eat something!" Donna follows her sisters after giving a loving and expectant look to Lucien.
Only four women remain in the pool with Lucien.
Eve looks at him with a curious expression. She wishes she could communicate with him telepathically and have the other benefits of the Soul Contract, but it still feels somewhat wrong.
"You should stay, Eve," Nea comments in a respectful tone. "You've done so much for my people, and they already see you as a leader, just like Lucien and myself."
Mira quickly agrees. "Not all Nagas know you, but those you led alongside Lucien also admire you greatly. They call you the Pink Queen, and Pride the White Queen."
Eve can't deny that leading the Mermaid troops and many Female Nagas with Lucien was an incredible experience.
The pleasure she felt in having so many people respect and admire her, all that Demonic Energy strengthening her, and literally shaping the destiny of so many lives...
Still, her next words sound brutally honest. "None of what I did was for them, it was all for Luci and our family."
Lucien completely understands that and is very grateful to Eve, but she fears that her words may have offended him and his wives.
"I didn't mean to be hostile," she speaks in a friendly tone. "I will always be willing to help your people because of Luci, but I don't really care about your politics."
Mira nods. "I understand, and I am grateful on my behalf and on behalf of my people for everything you've done."
Nea also nods. "The same goes for the Mermaids."
Eve nods at the Queens amiably before getting up and slowly walking out of the pool.
She casts a loving look at Lucien, and he smiles back at her. He can't help but find her increasingly resembling Pride.
As Eve puts on new clothes and leaves the large bathroom with the other girls, the gazes of Lucien, Mira, and Nea turn to Maya.
The Phoenix has never been so quiet before. Her eyes seem distant, and it's clear that her mind is far away now.
"Maya... Maya?" She snaps out of her thoughts at Nea's voice.
"Oh? What??" It's only now that she realizes the other girls have left the pool. "Where did everyone go?"
"They went to get some food or something like that," Mira responds.
Maya looks at Lucien with a pensive expression. She has already decided to follow his group, but the part about a Soul Contract still leaves her uncertain.
"We will be addressing matters concerning our Kingdoms and all the races of Blue Star," Nea comments. "So, you Rising Phoenix Clan—"
"It no longer is about me," Maya speaks in a sad tone. "I don't know when I will be able to return, but I knew this day would come, so I prepared my girls for it."
She pauses as she thinks about Layla's situation. "Layla will need time to recover, but Kayla is ready to lead our small Clan, so you can discuss politics with her later."
Nea and Mira nod in agreement. "We'll take care of it. And we'll help them keep the Rising Phoenix Clan thriving."
Maya smiles, grateful for their support. "Thank you."
Then she casts another quick glance at Lucien before leaving the pool. "Now, I need to explain the situation to them, and... well, enjoy the little time I have left here."
"Take your time, Maya," Lucien speaks affectionately. He wishes he could do something to help her, but there are no good options now.
Maya nods to him again and then exits the bathroom.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmNow Lucien is alone with Mira and Nea in the large pool. Well, Lust is always by his side, and Sloth and Envy can also stay in his soul as long as his sisters are not far away.
Yet, the Sins allow Lucien to have that moment with his cherished Queens. They discuss various matters regarding the future of their people and easily reach agreements that benefit everyone in the Blue Star.
The conversation may be about politics, but time seems to pass quickly as Lucien greatly enjoys the company of Mira and Nea, just as they enjoy being close to him.
His impending departure makes both Queens want to savor every second with their King, so they have fun together.
Two hours later, the group addresses the last most important item on the list. Mira and Nea still have hundreds of issues to manage, but those are secondary matters that they can resolve between themselves after Lucien leaves the Blue Star.
Both Queens still want to spend more time with Lucien, but while Mira has grown accustomed to sharing his attention with other girls, Nea hasn't even admitted to herself what she wants.
Mira understands that and in an act of utmost generosity, she graciously agrees to leave Lucien and Nea alone for a brief time.
"I'll check on Kamala..." The Naga Queen approaches Lucien gracefully and kisses his lips. "Inform her about our plans and such things, you know..."
Lucien kisses Mira back as he opens the portal to the Purple World for her. And as she steps inside it, he speaks to her telepathically.
"Thank you, my love... I'll be there in a while for that reward you promised me." Lucien finishes speaking and lightly taps Mira's behind, making her smile and blush.
Once the portal closes, Lucien redirects his attention to Nea, who is clearly avoiding looking at him.
"You're terrible at pretending, you know..." He speaks in a teasing tone.
"Pretending what?" Nea tries, but her honest and straightforward nature betrays her failed act.
Lucien chuckles as he slowly approaches Nea. A part of her wants to flee, but that part is so small that her body simply refuses to move away from him.
"I wonder if now is the right time for that?" He comments as he gets closer and closer to her.
"T-that?" Nea stammers again as she can't prevent a slight blush from adorning her lovely cheeks. "What are you talking about?"
Lucien finally reaches Nea, and before she can escape, he places his hands on the pool wall around her.
Nea can barely bring herself to look into Lucien's eyes, and his devilishly delightful scent fills her nose, quickly warming her body and making her heart beat faster.
She is like a shy little fish that has just been caught by a shark, but instead of fear, what she feels most is excitement.
That little fish clearly wants to be devoured, even if she refuses to accept it.
"Don't you remember?" He asks. "You said you would let me know when the time is right for it..."
Lucien acts like a relentless predator and slowly brings his face closer to Nea's. However, his expression is kind and affectionate, and his next words make her smile beautifully.
"Flirting, of course."