Juli smiled slightly and spoke softly. “While I would very much like to speak to you about politics and history soon, I have to admit there’s something else I simply cannot put out of my mind.<br/><br/>“We don’t know each other very well yet, but it’s plain to me—from your writing, your conversation, even just gazing into your eyes—how brilliant and knowledgeable you are, and how driven. Even in Theiri, women are often discouraged from intellectual pursuits, and I find you exceptional among every woman I’ve ever known.”<br/><br/>The princess stepped closer, looking deeply in Olivia’s eyes. “But just as exceptional is how exquisitely beautiful you are.” Ever so gently, Juli traced one of her fingers slowly over Olivia’s arm. “I’ve always prided myself on controlling my emotions, but the alchemy between us drove me to distraction. I could tell you felt it to. I think every noble at our table must have suspected our lust as we whispered to each other, but I hardly care.”<br/><br/>She continued more shyly. “It’s not my intent to upset or pressure you by being so forward. If what I’m saying troubles you, I promise I’ll never speak of this again. I don’t know whether or not you’re spoken for, whether or not you’ve known the touch of another woman before... But if you share my bed tonight, I’ll do everything I can to bring you to extraordinary heights of pleasure...”