A Dinner With The Rose

After a rather extensive meeting with the nobles and the now loyalist Tech-Priests, Bann made Ramela escort Tech-Priests towards the Saiyan Base while she stayed there to look after the scholars learning their technology.

Meanwhile, Bann listened intently to the report on the number of psykers willing to come forward and be counted in Redentia. Although he was hoping for a larger turnout, he was not entirely surprised by the small number. The majority of psykers were still living in fear of the public opinion towards them, as they had been shunned and ostracized for years. There were also those who suspected a trap, and thus remained in hiding.

Bann knew that he had a long road ahead in order to change the mindset of the psykers and the society as a whole. It was not a task that could be accomplished overnight, and he was aware that it would require a great deal of effort and patience on his part. However, he also understood the importance of creating a safe environment for the psykers to come forward and be recognized. Only by doing so could they begin to integrate into society and be accepted for who they were.

As such, after being briefed on the number, which was only a meagre four hundred and twenty-six, Bann ordered that their housing, food and education would be paid by the nobles as he explained what kind of power these psykers would present in the future.

Their training, on the other hand, will be held back for the time being as Bann himself wanted to supervise it after learning the basics from Urocain and Anáeth.

This was mostly to prevent their powers from going berserk and to prevent any sort of incident. However, this didn't mean that they wouldn't be briefed about the dangers of using their powers and the knowledge about the warp itself. For Bann believes it was more prudent to make them aware of the danger they were in. Rather than let them remain in the dark.

Although their view on the matter was heavily frowned upon among the nobles and officers, none dared to raise a voice of concern as they simply accepted his order.

More so when Bann made an emphasis on explaining how powerful the psykers could be, and the utility of them in the future. All of which are based on treating them as decent human beings.

Thus, when the sun began to set everyone was able to exit the room as they prepared to follow what was spoken. The psykers were brought into Redentia while Bann and Cielo spoke with each other.

"You'll be partaking also lessons with the rest of the psykers, even if you don't want to acknowledge it, it would be best for you to start familiarising yourself with your abilities so we can reduce the chances of a fucking daemon possessing you," Bann said to the hard-headed Battle Sister who looked with a frown at Bann.

"His light shines brightly within me, so there's no chance for a scourge of darkness to hold on me." She answered him with respect yet was clearly pissed off at Bann's words.

Not having none of it he said to her "It doesn't matter, since you seemed to have visions of the future it would be better for you to start knowing how to make use of them to our benefit. That is if you want to ensure whatever He entrusted you is done." He didn't mind using her faith against her.

With the Emperor's task being brought into the conversation, Cielo's negative was shut down while she bit her lips. Yet she nodded her head while she said "If the Emperor's will's it, then so it shall be." And went silent.

Just before Aurora approached them two as she asked with a polite tone "I hope I'm not interrupting anything. But I came here to invite you sire, for a dinner with me." She eyed Bann while saying so. A rosy hue adorned her cheeks as she saw Bann's grin.

Nodding his head vigorously, he accepted "But of course Aurora, I will gladly accept your kind invitation. I'll be accompanying you shortly after finishing some tasks." He tried to act properly while saying so.

Yet his eager tone and thug grin made him look otherwise. Yet none pointed out as Aurora gracefully nodded her head and exited the Chamber. Leaving behind Bann and Cielo, with the latter staring at Bann's large grin with a complicated look on her face.

"Is she your fiancée? I heard the rumours among the logistics crew yesterday." She asked him with a low voice.

Making Bann turn to look in her direction as he nodded "Yes, I've taken her the day before as my woman." Cielo felt something stung at her heart, yet she nodded nonetheless in acknowledgement.

For a few seconds, silence reigned over the chamber until she spoke softly again "She's a reputable woman for all I've heard, she has taken the position previously held by her mother while being young and has been exemplary among the nobles in Redentia, I'm sure she'll be a good wife for you."

Eyeing Cielo with a positive glint, Bann couldn't help but say to her with sincerity "Thank you for your kind words, it is nice to hear someone praising the person I've chosen as my wife instead of cursing at them like others." There was a wry smile as he thought over Seleri and Ramela who weren't pleased by his choice of woman.

Forcing a polite smile on her face, Cielo answered him "There's nothing to be thankful for, I'm just pointing out the truth."

Although Bann wanted to say something in that regard, he held back before Cielo excused herself and exited the Chamber. Heading to meet with her Sisters who were appointed to leave tomorrow. Wanting to spend the last night with them.

Leaving behind Bann who let out a deep sigh while he stared at the high ceilings of the chamber. Thinking about the life he was currently living, not long before deciding to head forward to meet with Aurora.

Exiting the chamber while the cleaning personnel entered to gather the remaining dust of the Tech-Priests and other trash that remained.

...

As I trailed the servant's lead, an undeniable sense of awe enveloped me as we navigated the sumptuous corridors of the palace. Our journey culminated in a pause before a grand door that loomed above us. As the servant exerted pressure to swing it open, I was ushered into the embrace of a splendid dining room. Moonlight cascaded through expansive windows, casting a gentle glow over the opulent space. Luxurious furnishings and golden carvings adorned the creamy walls, imparting a regal essence to the surroundings. Above the table hung a breathtaking crystal chandelier, diffusing sparkling shadows throughout the room. The air bore the rich scent of delectable cuisine, and strategically placed candles cast flickering flames, elevating the room to an even grander stature.

Seated at the head of the table was Aurora, draped in a breathtaking white and golden gown meticulously crafted to accentuate her nape, shoulders, and cleavage. A frilly choker adorned the dress, contributing an additional layer of refinement to her ensemble. The dress gracefully embraced her hourglass figure, accentuating natural curves while preserving a regal and graceful allure. Instead of veering towards vulgarity, the dress elevated her innate charms, amplifying her already stunning beauty. Fiery red locks cascaded down her back, framing her visage in a captivating manner. To manage her tresses, she sported a braided crown, introducing an extra layer of charm to her overall appearance.

Her captivating gaze followed my entrance, her eyes, reminiscent of a sly fox, possessing a striking icy blue that seemed to pierce through the depths of my soul. A subtle reddish hue graced her cheeks, bestowing upon her an alluring, flushed countenance, accentuated by her full, red-coloured lips. A discreet smile adorned her lips as she responded to my reaction.

As I opened my mouth to speak, she preempted me with a welcoming statement, "It is nice to see you here."

Nodding my head, a wide smile stretched across my face as I clumsily exclaimed, "...You look breathtaking..." My eyes unabashedly feasted upon her exquisite figure.

A more intense flush graced her cheeks as she awkwardly thanked me, "I'm glad to hear such words. I do hope you find the food to your liking too." She subtly gestured towards the table, where rows of delectable dishes lay. Their fragrance indeed stirred my appetite, but not as much as the woman seated in front of me.

Taking a seat at the other end, I attempted to conceal my displeasure with the arrangement. After all, if things didn't take an unfortunate turn, I'd soon be devouring more than just the meal in front of me.

Tension began to build as an awkward silence lingered; servants brought drinks to the table as we started to partake in the dinner.

My eyes fleetingly glanced at the peculiar piece of alien meat before me as I awkwardly began to cut it. In a matter of minutes, I polished off what could pass for a hefty five-kilogram steak, accompanied by some peculiar vegetables and a porridge of cereals.

Meanwhile, Aurora consumed significantly less than I was accustomed to seeing Saiyan women eat. Not entirely surprising, given the biological differences between us.

Having sated my hunger, I initiated a small chat, "I've heard that news of our engagement has already spread throughout the city." My eyes fixated on her, relishing the alluring view of her beauty against a backdrop of a painting with a starry sky and moonlight rays highlighting her features.

Nodding, she replied, "When a member of a Noble house gets engaged, it is customary for such news to spread soon. It serves as a way to showcase for our families." Her voice resonated like a song, and I absorbed her explanation.

Our conversation meandered through noble houses, the city, and the previous Planet Governor. She elaborated on her duties as a Seneschal.

It didn't escape my notice that she was an ambitious woman, well-versed in the power dynamics of planetary politics. Her upbringing and imminent appointment as Seneschal had molded her into a formidable yet cool-headed politician.

A woman with a sharp mind and a calculative tongue, she understood the value of words and used them judiciously.

Curiosity compelled me to ask something more personal, especially after our recent engagement, "Why did you accept so easily to be my woman?" My words momentarily stunned her before she gulped down her honey wine.

Throughout dinner, she had consumed a considerable amount of it, which wasn't surprising given the impending consummation of our relationship.

Her icy gaze locked onto mine as she answered, "Since a young age, I was prepared to give myself to a fitting man. Though I initially thought it would be a noble, not a Xeno." She paused, her eyes subtly scanning the rest of my body above the table. "But considering the circumstances, you're more than a simple man, and despite what some may say, you're a handsome man who gets things done."

Her face flushed completely as she hastily reached for more honey wine, prompting laughter from me. Despite her antics, I appreciated her candid words. Throughout our conversation, compliments from her were not easily bestowed.

Getting more comfortable, I grinned, saying, "The more I talk with you, the more I come to like your personality." She shot me a glance, raising her cup and downing its contents.

Rising from my seat, I stretched and carried the mug of honey wine with me, walking towards the windows under Aurora's watchful gaze as she refilled her drink.

Staring at the almost full moon, I spoke slowly, "I don't know what fate has prepared for us, but I can assure you one thing, Aurora." I turned to look directly into her eyes. "You're not going to bow your head to anyone but me, as you are the woman of Bann."

Walking towards her, I raised my hand for her to take it, saying, "Let me show you what awaits you from now on."

Her audible gulp reached my ears as her soft, warm hands met mine. Assisting her to her feet, we exited the dining room, heading towards a room prepared for our accommodation.

Holding her hand, I sensed tension and anxiousness gripping Aurora as she looked forward with trepidation. Opting to let my actions speak, I refrained from saying anything, focusing on calming her down in our moments together.

Entering a spacious room, my eyes landed on a large king-size bed with four tall corners holding a frame draped in see-through curtains of red. A vast carpet covered the wooden floor, adorned with various pillows surrounding the bed.

Two windows offered a view of the outside, and the moonlight dimly illuminated the room. A faint yet sultry fragrance lingered in the air, one I recognized as belonging to Aurora.

Releasing my hand, she gracefully advanced, and my gaze followed the contours of her back, where her generous, circular, and vivacious curves swayed harmoniously with each step, embracing her form-fitting dress.

With deliberate poise, she elevated her hands, initiating the unhurried unfastening of her dress as she drew near the bed. My senses avidly absorbed the sound of her sigh, igniting a hunger within me as I sensed my heartbeat escalating. The unveiling of her alabaster skin unfolded gradually, casting aside the garment in a tantalizing descent.

Allowing me to relish her captivating silhouette, she subtly pivoted, casting a coy yet alluring glance over her shoulder. With a demure hand delicately concealing her matronly bosom, she spoke in a sultry, enticing tone, "What are you doing standing there? Weren't you about to show me what kind of future awaits me?"

Jolting me from my contemplation, a fervent blaze of desire consumed me entirely. My primal instincts awakened, responding not only to her teasing words but also to the bewitching, celestial vision of her form. Swiftly shedding my attire, I advanced decisively, a deliberate yet unhurried pace bringing me closer to her.

Sensing her gaze exploring my physique, her eyes lingering with intrigue on my groin, a mischievous grin played on my lips. The bravado that once adorned her demeanor now replaced by a gulp, an unspoken acknowledgement of the unfolding desires.

The promise of a protracted night lay before us, a canvas awaiting the strokes of passion and intimacy.

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A.N: 12 chapters in advance on my patreon.