Chapter 24 Chapter 24 The Empress watched Dorian shooting off his mouth, scared he'd stoke Luciana's r this loose cannon around. rage even hotter. She didn't dare keep her not with At the same time, she thought Dorian might as well not have come at all. It seemed like Luciana really had fallen out of his favor. To her, Dorian was still young and playful, not understanding Luciana's efforts. A good talking-to would set him straight. After leaving Celestine Hall, Luciana asked about Jacob Hutton, the hostage prince from Velmora Empire. She didn't plan to go herself, instead sending Camille to gather information. While waiting for Camille by the waterside pavilion, she heard arguing in the distance. Listening closely, she realized it wasn't an argument-just one-sided bullying. It was Lady Emilia picking on someone-the Ninth Prince, Caleb Langston. Emilia had been riding high lately. With the war between Duskwyn Empire and Velmora Empire, her brother had distinguished himself in battle and recently returned. Right now, she was basking in glory. Caleb's mother had passed away long ago, and he had no one to protect Him. Today, Emilia had taken a dislike to him, accusing him of lacking manners, and was about to punish him. The area near the lake was paved with stones, cold and damp. Kneeling for two or three hours would likely leave him injured. Luciana walked over unhurriedly. Seeing her approach, Emilia stopped her scolding "Who's so blind as to upset you, Lady Emilia!" Luciana greeted her with a bright smile. Pleased by her friendly and enthusiastic attitude, Emilia softened slightly. She tilted her chin toward Calch. "Prince Caleb just bailed the moment he saw me. Ain't no respect left in that boy's bones!" Luciana soothed, "Rage wrinkles your gorgeous skin-ain't worth wasting a frown on him, Lady Emilia. With so many people coming and going here, those who know will say he's ignorant, but those who don't might think you petty. You've already taught him a lesson- he'll know better next time." Truthfully, if Luciana wanted to save him, even with a firmer tone, Emilia would've let it go. That was how she'd always handled things before. But today's Luciana was different-she negotiated gently, coaxing Emilia as much as possible. Ernilia was surprised. Faced with her honeyed words, Emilia had to pay the courtesy debt-couldn't exactly spit on the olive branch. Thus, she cut Caleb some slack. "Alright, for Princess of Latymer's sake, I'll let you off. With that, she swayed away. Caleb looked up in disbelief, glaring at Lady Emilia as she left. "Stop staring at her. She won't come back, Luciana said. Camille stepped forward to help Caleb up, only to find his clothes soaked at the hem, his sleeves completely drenched. Luciana gasped, "Where've you been playing? Didn't greet Lady Emilia earlier cause you were scared she'd scold you?" Looking disheveled, even if he'd gone to greet her, he'd still get an earful. Just then, rustling came from the nearby bushes, followed by a weak meow. Caleb tensed up and looked over, but Donovan was already there, scooping up a drenched tabby from the grass. The kitten newed faintly, shivering all over. Caleb quickly explained, "It was stuck in the water-1 just pulled it out when Lady Emila showed up 4:00 РМ рр. Chapter 24 The kinen looked tiny, eyes wide with fear, trembling uncontrollably while letting out weak little mews now and then-pitiful and frail "Seems sick. I'll take it to the Royal Menagerie. The critter-keepers there know their stuff. You-get those robes changed, stat!" Luciana's heart melted as she scooped up the kitten like it was glass. Then she told Donovan, "Give him my cloak. It's a long way back. Don't catch a cold," Caleb wanted to refuse, but Luciana was already hurrying off, worried the little life in her arms wouldn't hold on At the Royal Menagerie, an old servant checked the cat and said it was sick and needed medicine. In "Cougar and Cub" by CrushReel, a touching tale unfolds where the protagonist juggles her career and motherhood with grace. Upon receiving a promotion, envy lurks among her friends, leading to a deceitful scheme against her. Amidst this turmoil, a man inadvertently eavesdrops on their nefarious plan. As events unravel, the heroine emerges as a savior for the man entangled in unexpected trouble. This romance novel intricately weaves themes of ambition, loyalty, and betrayal into its modern setting. The protagonist's unwavering dedication to both her professional life and her child showcases her resilience in the face of adversity. Set against the backdrop of a grand mansion, the story delves deep into hidden emotions and intricate relationships, making it a captivating read for fans of sweet romance. What sets "Cougar and Cub" apart is its ability to blend contemporary elements with timeless romantic tropes. The author masterfully crafts a narrative that resonates with readers seeking a modern love story intertwined with moments of vulnerability and strength. Available to read at CrushReel, this ongoing saga promises an immersive experience that transcends traditional romance narratives.