Incubus System In a World of Women
Chapter 32: Princess’s Summon

Chapter 32: Princess’s Summon

"Any particularly interesting ones?" Cassandra asked, and I caught the sharp edge in her voice. Her knuckles were white where she gripped her fork.

She’s really not enjoying this. The bond’s making her possessive as hell.

"Princess Seraphine sent a personal letter," Mother said, producing an envelope sealed with the imperial crest. "Very... forward. She’s requesting a private meeting before the academy term begins."

Princess Seraphine. The one the System wants me to seduce for the bloodline awakening. Level 140+ Beyond Mortal tier.

"What did she say?" I asked, trying to sound casually curious rather than strategically interested.

Mother opened the letter and read: "’Marcus von Ravencrest. Your unprecedented awakening intrigues me greatly. I require a private audience to assess your... potential personally. You will make yourself available at my discretion. I do not make such requests lightly, nor do I accept refusal gracefully. Expect my summons within the week.’ It’s signed with her personal seal."

Jesus Christ. That’s not a request; that’s a royal command wrapped in barely polite language. She sounds like she’s used to getting exactly what she wants, when she wants it.

I tried not to wince at the imperious tone. "She seems... confident," I said softly, playing up the innocent uncertainty.

"That’s... significant," Lyanna said slowly, eyebrows raised. "The heir to the throne doesn’t send personal summons lightly. Especially phrased like that."

Cassandra’s fork clattered against her plate. "She’s treating him like a curiosity to be examined! Like he’s some kind of... of specimen for her collection!"

Mother shot Cassandra a warning look. "Lower your voice. And Princess Seraphine has every right to be interested in such an unprecedented awakening."

But Cassandra’s not wrong. That letter basically said ’show up when I call or else.’ Still, this could work to my advantage.

"Which is exactly why we need to be careful," Mother replied. "One wrong move with the imperial family and we could find ourselves in a very delicate political situation."

If only you knew how delicate it’s about to get.

I glanced at Cassandra, who looked like she was ready to burn something. Through our connection, I could feel her jealousy and fury warring with understanding of the political necessities.

"What do you think I should do?" I asked innocently, tilting my head slightly like a confused flower seeking guidance. "I don’t really understand all these political things..."

Perfect innocent act. Let them think I’m just a naive boy who needs their protection.

Mother’s expression softened immediately. "Oh, darling, of course you’re confused. This is all very overwhelming."

"Accept, obviously," Mother continued. "But with proper supervision and in a controlled setting. Since Princess Seraphine resides in her private palace rather than the main imperial palace, we could arrange a meeting at one of the neutral venues in the capital. Much easier to manage than trying to navigate main palace protocols."

A neutral venue with chaperones. That’s definitely not going to work for what I need to accomplish. I need to get to her private palace.

"Or," Cassandra said tightly, barely containing her irritation, "Marcus could meet her at her private palace directly. He’s proven he’s more capable and special than any other male in this world. Maybe it’s time we stopped treating him like he needs constant protection."

The silence that followed was deafening.

Mother’s fork paused halfway to her mouth, eyes widening slightly.

Lyanna’s analytical gaze snapped to Cassandra like she’d just announced she could fly.

Even I blinked in surprise at how boldly she’d stated that.

"Cassandra," Mother said slowly, "that’s... quite a change in perspective from someone who usually insists on wrapping Marcus in protective silk."

Lyanna leaned forward, ice-blue eyes sharp with suspicion. "Since when do you advocate for giving Marcus more independence? And ’special compared to other males’? That’s not like you at all."

Shit. She’s really stepping out of character here. The bond must be affecting her more than I thought.

Cassandra’s cheeks flushed slightly. "I just think... Marcus has proven he’s more capable than we sometimes give him credit for. His awakening showed extraordinary potential. Maybe it’s time we started treating him like the powerful mage he’s becoming instead of the child he was."

Smooth. Using my awakening as cover for why she’s acting differently.

Mother looked between us thoughtfully. "You’re both acting strangely tonight. More... adult, somehow." Her eyes sharpened. "Marcus, you haven’t been doing anything inappropriate, have you?"

Define inappropriate.

"Like what?" I asked innocently.

"Like sneaking around with serving girls or getting ideas above your station because of all this marriage attention."

Oh, if only you knew what ideas I’ve been getting.

"Mother," I said with just the right amount of wounded dignity, "I would never compromise the family honor like that. Or my own."

Technically true. Bonding with my sister actually strengthens family honor, in a twisted sort of way.

"Good," she said firmly. "Because we cannot afford any scandals right now. Your awakening has put us in a very delicate position, and we need to navigate it carefully."

The rest of dinner passed with more political discussion, talk of academy preparations, and Mother’s increasingly detailed analysis of the various marriage proposals. I played my part perfectly—interested but naive, asking innocent questions, deferring to their wisdom.

But all the while, I was hyperaware of Cassandra across from me. The way she moved, the soft sounds she made, the occasional flash of heat in her eyes when she looked at me. And through our connection, I could feel her struggling with the same awareness, the same barely contained desire to touch me.

This is going to be the longest week of my life if we have to keep pretending nothing’s changed.

Finally, mercifully, dinner ended.

"I think I’ll retire early," I said, standing and stretching with deliberate innocence. "Still feeling a bit tired from the awakening. And all this talk about princesses and politics is making my head spin..."

Perfect helpless male act. Make them think I’m overwhelmed by things beyond my delicate understanding.

Mother’s expression immediately turned maternal and protective. "Good idea, sweetie. You need your rest. We have a busy few days ahead of us, and we don’t want you getting overwhelmed."

You have no idea.

As I headed for the door, Cassandra’s voice stopped me.

"Marcus? Sweet dreams."

I turned back, and the look in her eyes made my heart race. She was smiling innocently, but there was promise there. Heat. A reminder of what waited for me once we could be alone again.

"You too, sister," I said softly.

Sister. For now. But not for much longer.

As I reached the doorway, Lyanna’s voice cut through the air.

"Marcus. A word?"

Shit.

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A/N: A word?

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