ITD

CHAPTER XLlV

Courtney had no idea what was going on inside Richard’s pants. The metal device, a cylindrical cage made of intertwined wires, enclosed his shxft, with a ring fitted around his txstxcles and locked into place. Since the key was with Courtney, he couldn’t remove it on his own.

Despite the discomfort, he could still wash through the gaps in the cage, and a small hole at the tip allowed him to urinate. However, self-pleasure was impossible. The cage prevented any real stimulation, and whenever he’d get hard, the metal pressed tightly against him.

Richard’s patience, after nearly a month without relief, was wearing thin. He had even experienced a wet dream the previous night, a rare occurrence for him, but that hadn’t provided much relief. His pent-up desire remained, simmering beneath the surface.

As he let out a strained groan, Courtney’s face flushed red with embarrassment. She frantically looked out the window, seeing the cavalry escorting their carriage.

“What are you doing?! Someone might see!”

Richard, however, didn’t seem to care, continuing to rub his palm over his pants a few more times. A small stain spread on his white trousers from the precxm leaking from his tip. Courtney, horrified, slapped his hand away.

“Stop it!”

“Hnngh… yes.”

With a groan, he finally pulled his hand back. Courtney, her face still burning, turned her attention back to the window, trying to cool down.

At that moment, the carriage carrying them crossed the gates of the palace. As the parade began, the streets filled with people cheering loudly. Courtney blinked, taken aback by the sheer number of onlookers.

“Richard, look.”

When she turned back to him, Richard had already composed himself, once again looking every bit the perfect crown prince. It was, in some way, impressive how quickly he could switch back to his dignified facade. Courtney shot him an incredulous look.

Richard stood up and extended his hand toward her. After a brief hesitation, she took it and stood. Though she knew the protocol, stepping out in front of such a massive crowd made her heart race with anxiety. Sensing her tension, Richard spoke gently.

“There’s no need to be nervous. Everyone’s here to celebrate you. Just smile and wave.”

Courtney nodded. The roof and walls of the ceremonial carriage unfolded with a clatter, revealing the golden coach carrying the crown prince and his new bride. An honor guard lined the streets, and excited onlookers erupted into cheers. Holding Richard’s hand tighter, she nervously raised her hand to wave, just as he had instructed.

Richard waved grandly to the crowd, and flower petals rained down from the windows of the tall buildings. Every time Courtney lifted her hand, the cheers grew louder. Though she was still nervous, she couldn’t deny how special this moment felt. It was an experience few could ever have.

As she waved, her cheeks flushed pink, and Richard watched her intently, smiling softly.

“Courtney.”

“Yes?”

Without warning, he wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her close. Before she realized what was happening, his lips were on hers. Startled, Courtney’s eyes widened as the crowd erupted into even louder cheers.

His lips pressed gently against hers, and his tongue lightly teased the inside of her mouth. Richard’s deep blue eyes were so close, and her eyelids trembled as her heart pounded in her chest. Hesitantly, she wrapped her arms around his waist, and as Richard deepened the kiss, the onlookers cheered even louder.

Smiling slightly, Courtney closed her eyes. She felt like the center of the world, and she knew this was a day she would never forget.

* * *

By the time the reception ended, it was deep into the night. Finally, Courtney could retire to the crown princess’s chambers. Though it still didn’t feel like her room yet.

A maid massaged her tired shoulders as she soaked in the bath.

“Your Highness, are you in any pain?”

“No… ahh, I’m fine.”

“Please let us know if anything is uncomfortable.”

She knew she couldn’t very well say that the pampering itself was uncomfortable. Now that she was officially the crown princess, the number of maids attending to her had multiplied.

Courtney found it hard to get used to such excessive care. Some of these maids were even women she had seen at tea parties or banquets, women who had been important guests while she had been little more than a background figure.

One of the younger maids lifted one of her legs out of the bath and began massaging it.

“It must have been a tiring day, but please try to stay strong. Tonight is a special night.”

Her gentle encouragement brought a somber silence from Courtney.

A special night.

The maid was probably referring to the wedding night, but to Courtney, the phrase stirred far deeper thoughts. Richard was certainly expecting it to be a ‘very special night’. The pressure of meeting those expectations weighed on her heavily.

If Richard were the type to act like a beast, she could probably just endure it until morning. But the fact that she had to be the beast tonight? That was unbearable. She thought back to the humiliation caused by Frederick, trying to muster some savage energy within herself.

“The water is cooling down now. It’s time to get up.”

As much as she would have preferred to stay in the cold bath forever, Courtney couldn’t say that. She stood up, and the maids immediately swarmed her, drying her off.

With fragrant oils, carefully styled hair, and seductive lingerie under a delicate slip, the maids worked their magic to prepare her for a perfect night. But throughout the whole process, Courtney’s mind was elsewhere, wondering if Richard might prefer her to show up in armor, wielding a mace.

When the preparations were finally complete and she slipped into her night robe, the head maid stepped forward.

“Shall I escort you to His Highness?”