Herald of Steel

Seelima was no fool who could not spot the various cracks appearing in her relationship with Ptolomy.

Rather, the many palace maids and priests she employed as spies would bring her all kinds of worrying news every day.

For instance, they told her that some of the temple priests, most probably on either Lord Assazd's or Amenheraft's payroll, had posed to Ptolomy that even if she could give him a boy, because of her age and history, the infant would likely be cursed- growing up to be rebellious and possibly even snatching the throne from his father through blood.

They instead introduced him to various other women, presenting them as much better alternatives, which included Lord Assazd's daughter.

Yes, that is right, Lord Assazd's daughter was only the most prominent addition to Ptolomy's harem; there were plenty of other new pretty faces too.

Similarly, other factions in the court poisoned Ptolomy's ears against the Queen Mother attending court, fearing her influence on the king would one day grow to such an extent that Ptolomy would become her puppet, pushing everyone else out.

And there were many other examples too.

Seeing all this, Seelima was initially more saddened than offended, as she thought Ptolomy was simply too weak-willed and easily misguided. To her it felt more like a mother seeing her son going astray but being unable to do anything about it.

But over time, she started to wake up to see that that was not necessarily the case- Ptolomy was becoming more and more rebellious of his own accord, engaging in all kinds of illogical and muddleheaded actions while eschewing all her advice.

Over time it started to wear even her patience thin- slowly turning the disappointment into resentment and anger. To see all the effort and sacrifices she had made for the sickly boy now be treated so lightly and with neglect….

Seelima was finally pushed beyond her limits today, when Ptolomy turned so openly against Alexander in court for seemingly no apparent reason. Seelima did not show that outward shock to let Ptolomy save face, but internally, she was beyond appalled.

It was then she made an extremely bold decision for herself and her child, realizing it was too risky to put all her eggs with Ptolomy.

She decided to 'diversify'.

….

As Hellma slowly stepped out of her dimly lit room, Alexander's eyes went wide in shock. He never expected the externally ice cold girl to be dressed like this.

It was too shocking!

The princess's upper torso was wrapped only by a bright red band of cloth, covering just her chest but leaving her shoulders and arms bare. The skimpy fabric wrapped around her pert breasts with a skintight fitting, letting Alexander clearly see her delicate flesh jiggling against the glittering fabric as she moved towards her mother.

Just down below, from her midriff to her belly, Hellma was completely bare, fully showing off her swollen, pregnant belly. Only a golden piercing dangled from her exposed belly button, the diamond stone at the end swinging and shimmering under the candlelight.

Both her arms, from the wrist to elbow were covered with a thin, gauze like red sleeve, held in place by golden drawstrings.

And the same translucent fabric made up the baggy pants she was wearing, sensually showing off her creamy thighs and long, sexy feet from behind the smoky cover. Only the centremost part of her pants was made of proper cloth, hiding her most precious part.

Although that cloth seemed to only highlight the alluring place even more- by contrasting against the surrounding lighter cloth, and making the thin strip appear like a forbidden curtain.

It was like tempting all men to try and part it.

Alexander too was no different and his eyes heated up at the thought of peeking at the young, fair lips- he would dare say this was among the 'boldest' dresses he had seen in this life. He did not even know something like this existed.

The princess on the other hand seemed to be totally oblivious to her scandalous state and walked in a slow, sluggish state, as if she was taking in the beautiful scenery.

Hellma appeared completely unbothered by Alexander's heated gaze and only focused on reaching her destination, upon which she greeted the Queen Mother with a small, gentle bow, "Royal Mother!"

"..." It was only afterward that she turned to Alexander, giving him a similar nod of acknowledgement.

Normally, this sort of greeting would have been hardly anything out of the ordinary for Alexander.

However as the fresh woman turned to face him, the young lord was once again struck by surprise, this time by her looks.

Till now, Alexander had not been able to get a good look because of the soft glow of the oil lamps. But now that she was directly facing him…. Alexander had not seen Hellma for almost five years. So in his mind, he still imagined the teenager with that soft, developing face, possessing only the barest traces of womanhood.

But time stood for none.

And as she turned, Alexander found the once adolescent girl had already grown into a full fledged woman- the face and figure displaying all her charms and allure to the fullest.

Complementing her dress, Hellma was also fully dolled up in perfect makeup.

Her face was sharp and glowing with sensuality, while her rosy cheeks were full and swollen, giving her a vibrant complexion with a blushing, reddish hue. Her eyes were outlined with dark mascara that nearly reached the ends of her eyelids and her cheery lips were colored a deep, alluring red, making them thick and inviting.

Her flaming long red hair reached up to her perky buttocks, the silky mane decorated with braided locks locked in place by golden pins, and on her neck, ears and wrists lay various exquisite gold and silver gemmed necklaces, earrings and bangles, all shimmering in the candlelight.

The girl instinctively stood with her hands protectively over her swollen, bare belly- like a mother shielding her child. And then she looked straight at Alexander with some wariness, as the absence of any cloth over that area made her feel particularly vulnerable.

"Hehehe… Lord Alexander, what do you think? My dress fits her perfectly, does it not?" Hellma's mother however did not seem to notice her daughter's wariness, but warmly introduced her to the sitting man while joyfully welcoming her in her arms.

"...." And Alexander's lips nearly twitched at the sight.

A mother whose breasts were still showing and a daughter dressed so scantily…he was no fool who could not understand the meaning behind such a display.

It was impossible that the young princess was simply wearing such elaborate clothes by coincidence, nor that she just happened to have such expensive ornaments on her at this time of night.

The only thing Alexander did not get from all this was the Queen Mother's phrase 'my dress'.

'Did she mean this dress belonged to her?' Alexander wondered while scanning the attire.

But he soon put those thoughts away as right now he had much bigger concerns.

Thus facing the Queen Mother's expectant, slightly mirthful gaze, Alexander forced himself to cool his head, and then intentionally replied with a frigid, wooden nod, "Indeed, Your Highness. I am amazed by how beautiful the royal princess has become. I am almost unable to recognize her… especially in this dress. It seems to really wear her, hahaha. Truly a surprise!"

The words were as hollow and empty as they come… except the last bit.

"..." And the Queen Mother knew it.

But she did not seem to mind.

Rather with a small sneer, she teased, "Hahaha, yes, I thought you would like it! The dress used to belong to me…In my slave days, I used to dance for Alozmer in this! What do you think? Fits Hellma quite well, right?"

Seelima rubbed her hands behind Hellma's back as she said so, likely marvelling at the perfect fit. To her it seemed like a glance at the past. Inside she was even quite proud that she had a beautiful 'inheritor'.

"You will love to see her dance in it, Lord Alexander! I taught her everything." She thus very enthusiastically declared, before sharply turning to order the girl, "Hellma! What are you waiting for? Go to your lord! Now!"

However the icy cold princess seemed to initially hesitate a bit, clutching her belly tighter and only sending Alexander some cautious glances. It made him recall that this girl did not exactly like him from the day they met… possibly due to his low lineage.

So Alexander figured Hellma probably felt it too demeaning to do such a shameful act in front of him.

However no matter what the young girl thought, ultimately she moved, powered by intense glares from her mother at the back. Given she was already here and dressed like that… there was little point in resisting.

So with steady steps, she started to approach her man, each pace causing her modest breasts to jiggle, as if wishing to pop out of her red band. Below, her heavy thighs rippled oh so sensually under the semi transparent cloth and from behind, her wide, curvy ass swayed hypnotically like a pendulum.

But the most eye catching sight for Alexander was certainly her pregnant belly, as he marveled at the way the heavy laden part moved and shook. His hands itched to have a feel of the warm life inside.

"...." Yet despite his rising feeling, Alexander outwardly only pursed his lips and kept his eyes cool, knowing this was still too expensive.