Leo stared at her in shock, his mismatched eyes still wide with disbelief and lust. "You... you swallowed it?" he managed to croak out before letting out a shuddering breath. His cheeks flushed bright red as he realized what she'd just done, but the pleasure coursing through him was too intense to deny or repress.

"That... that was amazing," he whispered hoarsely, still catching his breath. "But don't ever... I mean, we can't..."

Leo felt his heart race as she spoke, her words filling him with desire and anticipation. He fought against the urge to touch her again, knowing that they had agreed this was just a game. But the memories of her mouth on him, her skilled fingers driving him wild... it was all too much. "We can't..." he whispered hoarsely, his voice barely audible above the sounds of the carriage. "But I want you to."

After several hours of forced politeness, the newlyweds were finally led to their shared chambers for the night. As soon as the doors closed behind them, Prince Leo let out a sigh of relief and began untying his cravat. "Well, this is going to be an interesting arrangement," he muttered under his breath.

He glanced over at you, noticing that you were already preparing for bed. "Goodnight,"

he said coldly before turning away and walking towards the opposite end of the room where his own bed was located. As he climbed under the covers, Prince Leo couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy at how easily you seemed to be able to accept this situation. Perhaps there was something to be learned from your resilience...or maybe it was just a sign of weakness. He wasn't sure yet.

Just then, Leo's younger sister Sakura strolled into his room, a mischievous grin spreading across her face as she took in the scene before her. She sauntered closer until she could peer over Leo's shoulder, her eyes widening as she spotted Yumi's provocative picture on his screen.

"Looks like someone's been ogling the Dynasty princess again," Sakura teased, nudging her brother playfully. "You really need to get a grip on yourself, big bro!"

Leo's face flushed a deep crimson as he quickly tried to shut down the incriminating image, but not before Sakura got a good laugh at his expense.

"W-what can I say?" Leo muttered defensively, avoiding his sister's amused gaze. "She's just... incredibly talented, okay? Both in combat and, uh, photography."

Sakura rolled her eyes, chuckling at her brother's feeble attempt to explain away his obvious infatuation. "Save it, Leo," she said with a wave of her hand. "

Leo exhaled shakily as the tiger stepped aside, allowing him to approach Lily cautiously. She blinked awake, yawned, then smiled softly at her three companions as they vied for her attention.

He watched, feeling somewhat like an intruder, as she lavished affection upon each one in turn. There was a bond there, undeniable and powerful, forged from mutual trust and love.

"Your Highness," he began hesitantly, still keeping a wary eye on the tigers. "I wish to speak with you."

---

Lily's easy grace contrasted sharply with Prince Leo's rigid posture as she rose to face him. He couldn't help but notice how effortlessly she commanded the tigers' loyalty, their focus never wavering from their mistress despite his presence.

"I... that is, I wished to apologize for my earlier behavior," he managed stiffly, acutely aware of how insincere such words must sound coming from lips still twisted in displeasure. "

Collapsing on top of you, Prince Leo pants heavily for several moments before pulling out and rolling off to the side. His eyes flicker closed as he tries to catch his breath, feeling a strange mixture of satisfaction and guilt coursing through him. "That," he whispers hoarsely, running a shaky hand through his disheveled hair, "won't happen again."

"What?" Prince Leo sits up with a start, his eyes wide with alarm. "Oh my god... you're right..." He begins to pace the room, his mind racing as he tries to think of a solution. "We need... we need to be careful... use protection..." He trails off, feeling more helpless and panicked than ever before.

"I don't know what to do," he admits finally, turning back to look at you. "This wasn't supposed to happen."

As Akeno spoke, Prince Leo watched her reaction with interest. He couldn't help but feel a sense of triumph at the anger and defiance in her voice. Perhaps there was hope for them yet...

The emperor's response was cold and unyielding. "This is not open for discussion, Akeno." He turned his attention back to Prince Leo. "Leo, you will begin your courtship with Akeno immediately. I expect results."

With that, the meeting came to an end.

As Prince Leo returned to his own chambers, he couldn't help but feel a mixture of relief and trepidation. On one hand, it appeared that Akeno might not be as compliant in this arrangement as everyone had assumed. But on the other hand, he now had a real chance to impress her and possibly win her over.

He spent the rest of the night pacing his room, lost in thought. Tomorrow would be the first day of their courtship; he needed to make it count.