Kapitel 23: Lucky charm...

As they neared the front of the line, Adrian noticed the guards' attention shifting to Lilith. Their eyes widened as they took in her beauty, the usual scowl on their faces replaced by something more akin to awe.

When it was their turn, one of the guards stepped forward, eyeing Lilith with an almost predatory gaze.

"She's permitted," the guard said gruffly, "but you"—he jabbed a finger at Adrian—"can't come in."

"What?!" Adrian asked, confused and a bit offended. "What do you mean I can't come in?"

The guard smirked, his eyes narrowing as he crossed his arms over his chest.

"I don't have to explain myself to you," the guard replied, his tone dripping with arrogance.

Adrian felt a surge of anger and was about to reach for his weapon when Lilith placed a hand on his arm, stopping him. "Let's not be hasty," she whispered, her voice soothing. "There's a more subtle way to handle this."

She turned her attention back to the guard, her expression shifting from one of concern to a sultry smirk.

"Now, now," she purred, "there's no need to be so rude. My friend and I are just trying to get into the city."

"Yeah, well, we have no issues with you going in, but he has to stay out." The guard said.

Lilith pouted, her lower lip jutting out in a way that was irresistible.

She was about to work her charms on the guards but stopped herself, turning around to look at Adrian. Before Adrian could resist, Lilith wrapped her arms around his hand, her soft boobs pressing against his body.

"Don't worry, love," she whispered as she led Adrian a few feet away. "I have an idea."

Adrian met her gaze as soon as they were away from earshot. "What do you suggest?"

"Ask them about their desires," Lilith said with a smirk.

Adrian's eyes narrowed, his brows furrowing as he tried to understand her 'plan'. "But how does that help?"

"Trust me," she replied, her gaze intense.

Adrian paused for a moment, unsure what to do. But he had no other options, so he decided to play along.

"Alright," he agreed. "What should I ask them?"

"Ask them about their deepest desire. And maintain eye contact with them."

Adrian nodded, and they both returned to the front of the line. Lilith's expression shifted once again into a sultry smile.

"Hello, handsome," she cooed, leaning forward to reveal a generous amount of cleavage.

The guard's gaze immediately went to her breasts, and his face flushed red.

"I see something has got your interest piqued," Adrian teased, taking a step closer. "Tell me, what is it you desire the most?"

The guard sneered, his eyes still lingering on Lilith. "I desire for you to leave and let me do my job," he replied, his tone dismissive.

"I know that," Adrian said, keeping his voice calm. "But I'm looking for something deeper. Look at me for a second."

The guard glanced at him, irritation flashing in his eyes. But as their gazes locked, something shifted. The guard's expression softened, his eyes glazing over slightly as if he were in a trance.

"Well," Adrian prompted, his voice low and commanding. "What do you desire?"

"W-what?" the guard stuttered, taken aback by the intensity of Adrian's look.

"I asked you, what do you desire the most?" Adrian repeated, his tone soft and inviting.

The guard looked confused. There was something in Adrian's eyes that seemed to have drawn him in, and he found himself answering without thinking.

"I-I don't know," the guard replied, his voice wavering slightly.

"Are you sure?" Adrian pressed, taking a step closer. "There must be something."

The guard hesitated, his mind clouded by conflicting emotions.

Then, as if a dam had broken, the words came pouring out.

"I... I desire to leave this gods-forsaken duty post," he said, his voice filled with longing. "To have some fun. And if possible, to take the fair lady beside you." His voice grew more fervent, and his face flushed. "I don't mind dying with her sitting on my face."

Adrian's eyes widened and he fought back the urge to chuckle. Lilith on the other hand had a full smirk on.

The guard was panting, his face red with desire.

"Well," Adrian said, his expression thoughtful. "That's a very specific desire."

The other guards who had approached them stood slack-jawed, unable to comprehend what had just transpired.

Lilith's expression had also changed, her smirk replaced by one of curiosity and amusement.

"How interesting," she murmured, her gaze fixed on the guard.

The guard blinked, as if waking from a dream. He looked around, his gaze shifting between Adrian and Lilith.

"W-what did I say?" He asked, his voice shaky.

"Oh, nothing too incriminating," Adrian assured him.

The guard cleared his throat, visibly embarrassed.

"Well, since that's settled," Adrian said, turning his attention back to the gate.

"Right," the guard replied, straightening his posture. "You're free to enter."

Adrian nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "That wasn't so hard, was it?" he mocked.

The guards hurriedly stepped aside, granting them access to the city. "Just don't come through here again," the guard muttered, his face flushed with shame.

As Adrian and Lilith passed through the gate, Lilith turned and flashed the guards a sultry smile. "See you soon, sweethearts," she purred, her voice dripping with seductive promise.

Adrian couldn't help but chuckle as they entered the city. "You certainly have a way with people."

Lilith grinned, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "It's a gift, darling. And now, it's yours."

They climbed back on the horse and rode in.

The capital city was a bustling hub of activity, with people from all walks of life filling the streets. Merchants hawked their wares from colorful stalls, children darted through the crowds, and the air was thick with the scent of spices and fresh bread.

The buildings were tall and ornate, with intricate carvings and bright banners fluttering in the breeze.

Adrian guided the horse through the throng, his eyes scanning the area for any sign of danger. Lilith's arms were wrapped around his waist, her body pressed close against his as she took in the sights with a look of amused detachment.

"So, what's the plan?" Lilith asked, her voice low in his ear.

"We need to find the royal palace," Adrian replied. "Kaleb should be there. If we can get to him, we can figure out our next move."

Lilith nodded, her fingers tracing circles on his chest. "And if things go wrong?"

"Then we improvise," Adrian said with a determined look.

The city was a maze of streets and alleys, and after a few false starts, they finally managed to locate the royal palace.

The imposing structure rose above the surrounding buildings, its stone walls and turrets stretching high into the sky.

The streets were lined with guards, their armor glinting in the sunlight as they patrolled the perimeter.

Adrian guided the horse through the crowd, his eyes fixed on the palace entrance.

A dozen heavily armed soldiers with stern faces stood guard at the palace's gates.

Adrian dismounted, helping Lilith down from the horse before they approached the gate.

One of the guards stepped forward, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. "State your business," he demanded, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Adrian met the guard's gaze, his voice steady. "We're here to see the king."

The guard snorted, his eyes narrowing as he took in their appearance.

"And who are you to seek an audience with the king? You don't look like royalty, and the king only sees those of high social standing." he retorted, his gaze flickering over them.

"That's none of your business, just take us to the king," Adrian demanded, his patience wearing thin.

The guard chuckled. "You don't seem to understand, peasant. The king will not see you. So, you'd best turn around and leave before I decide to arrest you for wasting my time."

Lilith stepped forward, her expression calm as she whispered something in the guard's ear.

Whatever she had said seemed to have had an effect, and the guard's expression changed from one of annoyance to surprise, and then to a lecherous smirk.

The guard straightened up and said, "My apologies, I did not realize it was you, my lady. Come with me."

With a flick of his wrist, he ordered the rest of the guards to make way, and he began leading Adrian and Lilith through the palace grounds.

As they passed through the gates, Lilith leaned closer to Adrian. "You just need to offer them something they desire, and they'll do anything for you," she whispered.

"Is that so?" Adrian asked, raising an eyebrow.

"It's part of my lucky charm," Lilith replied with a grin.

Adrian allowed himself a small smile. "Let's hope that luck holds."