The Crimson Chains That Bind Us

Chapter 11: A Ladies Meeting

Ashton's entered my room, his  eyes met mine. He opened his arms, offering me shelter. I collapsed into his arms, i found peace as I listened to his heartbeat. He held me tightly to mend the insoluble agony. The bond i yearned for evaporated in my wet chest when i gripped tightly to his arms. Moments passed when there was no more tears to cry I looked up at his face. He place his lips roughly on mine.

I pulled at his shirt, my eyes glazed by passion. His gaze was reflective, filled with empathy that radiated into his soul. My movements faltered, and Ashton met him halfway, robbing him of his grip. "I see the depths of your pain, my wife."

Tears spilled onto my lips again, freeing my collapsing spirit as his fingers sank through my tangled hair. I was nothing more than a presence. Exhaustion finished me off once. I stirred lazily as the evening settled around me. Beside me, Ashton's features softened in the flickering glow of the firelight.

"My wife, how are you faring?" he asked gently, his tone laced with concern. I sighed, my heart still heavy but my spirit slowly starting to heal. With a warm smile, Ashton took my hand. "We've invited Prince Lukas to join us. I'd guess when the prince enters, there will be added complexities to our situation."

The night the third Prince arrived, Catherine forced me out of my bed. The winter storm outside caused even the fire in my room to unable to warm the ice in my heart. I arrived to the dinning room on my husbands arm, I wore a simple black dress still in morning for my brother and as we entered Prince Lukas was waiting for us.

"Welcome, your highness." I curtsied to the prince, but Ashton simply nodded to him. Lukas regal bearing bore an expression of worry. I could see the resemblance between him and his older brother the King.

"Lady Farrah, my heartfelt condolences for your losses. Your mother was a wonderful woman and your brother a trustworthy man." He took my hand and kissed my knuckles. We shared grief bound us in an understanding that transcended words.

As the night unfolded, Ashton delved into the increasing unrest spreading throughout the kingdom. "The people were suffering greatly under Edward's tyranny, starving while he reveled in his opulence." Lukas nodded in agreement.

"A rebellion was brewing, though it might take on a more subtle form."

I listened intently, my eyes filled with an inner strength that belied the turmoil I felt. "And what of it, my love?" Ashton ventured, his gaze holding mine.

I met his eyes and spoke with conviction. "While Edward's actions may have driven some to seek vengeance, I believe that diplomacy and unity are our best weapons. If we can get the people to rise up together, we have a chance at true justice, not just retribution."

The men fell silent, considering my words carefully. Finally, Ashton beamed with pride and squeezed my hand. "Your courage gives me hope, my heart." How could I support Edward's tyranny?

I wrestled with dark thoughts night after night. By day, I stared into the mirror, bootstrapping my looks, trying to seem the obedient duchess, buying time. Meanwhile, Ashton and Lukas hatched their plan, because I acted all in compliance, I saved the moment, locked up my turmoil.

The frosty morning of the day I was to attend the ladies meeting, I joined Ashton in his study. He held my hands and spoke softly, "I ask only that you endure no more. Eventually, your good heart will reveal the honest route. Have faith, my sweetheart, in nonviolence and solidarity can win."

His steadfast belief and love healed my soul, but still, doubt grassed at my feet. Still, for now, I tiptoed between responsibility and conscience, searching for the light to shine through the confusion. I shuddered in Ashton's arms, my hollow sobs muffled against his chest. All warmth had fled from my body, leaving a void filled only by anguish's chill. Ashton held me fiercely, lending his heat and strength until my tears slowed.