Cassian felt a little annoyed by her no-kissing rule, but since it only applied to her lips, he didn't mind too much. Instead, he focused on her neck, trailing a series of lingering kisses down her skin.
Sher, already excited by his touch, watched him with growing anticipation. But just as she was starting to lose herself in the sensation, a sudden knock on the door made her body tense.
Cassian paused, his lips hovering just above her collarbone as Sher turned toward the door and asked, "What is it?"
"Apologies for the disturbance, my lady," the voice from outside called. "The young lord is on his way back to the mansion. He's at the city gates and asked me to inform you that he'll be arriving soon."
Sher let out a small sigh of annoyance before responding, "I'll be there in a minute." Then, turning back to Cassian with a smirk, she added, "Sorry, lad. Looks like we'll have to put this off for now."
Cassian forced a smile and nodded. "No worries. Next time, then..." But despite his words, his hands remained firmly on her waist, still unwilling to let go. His disappointment was obvious, and Sher could only sigh as she watched his pitiful expression.
After a moment of thought, she smirked and said, "How about tomorrow? That little brat's probably just here to ask for more money. As soon as he gets it, he'll be gone again."
Cassian smiled and nodded, but when he realized she was talking about her younger son, curiosity sparked in him. Was he same age as him, If he was the things gonna get complicated for Sher—but she didn't seem to mind. Even as she sat up, she let Cassian continue playing with her buttocks.
"So, should I be going now?" he asked with a smirk.
"No, if you want, you can stay and leave after meeting Kainear… he's about your age," she said, her face flushing as the realization hit her—she was letting a man the same age as her son touch her bare body. The thought made her instinctively put some distance between them.
Cassian shook his head and said, "Nah, that'd be a bit awkward. I'll go..." He could see the realization dawning on her—the weight of just how illicit things between them had become. Now that she was fully aware, there was a chance she might change her mind. But Cassian was confident she wouldn't.
As she covered her bare body with clothes, he gave her one last lingering glance and asked, "Then... I'll be seeing you tomorrow?"
"Yeah, Late in the evening sounds good. Just come over to the Drunken Noodle—I'll pick you up from there," Sher said, avoiding his gaze.
Cassian smirked, recognizing the hesitation creeping into her. Reality was setting in. But that didn't bother him—he knew she wouldn't back out now. With a nod, he said, "I'll be there," before stepping out of the room.
Cassian was a bit disappointed that he hadn't gotten any action with Sher, but knowing Katherine was waiting for him back at the Tower kept his spirits high. As he walked through the affluent district, he watched the wealthy citizens strolling along the wide, spotless streets, enjoying the night. It was much the same as the rest of the city—just with finer clothes and an air of luxury.
Surprisingly, the Tower—the massive monolithic structure at the city's center—was closer than he had expected. He figured many of those working there must live in this district, considering that everyone he knew from the Tower was rich. Well, he only really knew Katherine, and she was beyond wealthy. Though, unlike the others, she actually lived inside the Tower itself.
Thinking about the Tower, Cassian realized he had no idea how many people actually lived there or what went on across all its countless floors. Were they all occupied by mages conducting research, developing new spells, and constructing magical artifacts? He wasn't the type to keep up with the latest happenings in the magical world—he simply didn't have the time. The life of a Circle Warrior was filled with endless battles, leaving little room for anything else. He had no regrets, but sometimes he wished he had a moment to catch up on what was going on around him.
Then again, maybe he did have free time—he just spent it all either chasing women or being with them. Like tonight, when he had wasted an entire evening hoping to bed Sher. Now, with only a few hours left until midnight, he was feeling restless.
Without wasting another second, he hurried toward Katherine's chambers. He had only done it once today, and once was far too little for his appetite.
Cassian, his appetite still unfulfilled, found Katherine alone in her room. Lucy and Laureen had already retired for the night, leaving her to rest. To his disappointment, Katherine was fast asleep.
He considered waking her, moving closer to her bed. But as he watched her curled up, snug and peaceful in the soft bed, with the fresh spring air drifting in from the window, he paused. Her ethereal beauty, usually so refined, now appeared softer and more human, especially with her mouth slightly open in deep slumber. The sight made Cassian smile. He gently brushed a strand of her red hair away from her milky-white cheek.
Cassian whispered softly, "What a beautiful creature you are, my lady."
To his surprise, Katherine's lips curled into a slight smile, as though she had heard him. She shifted a little, moving closer toward him, and Cassian couldn't help but smile. Feeling a bit tired himself, he hurriedly made himself comfortable and slid into the bed beside her.
He pulled her close, enveloping her in a tight embrace, savoring the feeling of her soft body against his. His face nestled into the curve of her neck, inhaling the sweet scent of her hair. A wave of relaxation washed over him, the warmth and comfort of the moment pulling him deeper into a peaceful state, his mind drifting toward sleep.