The Crimson Chains That Bind Us

Chapter 9.2: A letter has Arrived

Looking at Ashton, I tore apart the crust of my bread and slathered it in the ripe berry preserves. I savored the taste of the preserves on my tongue just as I savored the taste of secrets brewing in this castle's dining hall. Cobwebby shadows clung to Ashton stoic features, but I felt familiarity soften his edges. My mind wanted to replay the memories of the night, the action between husband and wife seemed to bring us closer.

The scent of mulled wine and spices permeated the air, giving me extra pleasure as I ventured gently, "You're carrying a heavy load on your mind, my lord. What give them hope in these dark times?"

Ashton stroked his temple thoughtfully as he stared at the pile of letters that had arrived this morning before him. "Hope that gives us the courage to strike back, even if danger lurks. Rebellion buzzes in the whispers, with a goal to dethrone the people's assassin." Regret tinged his voice. "But it's a bitter pill—I wish it wasn't necessary, but King Edward's screws are as tight as the Bog's local pig trying to fatten itself." I stood and strolled to his side of the table. The past few weeks the words of rebellion had floated through the air. I have no idea what side my husband was on, although I figured he would be on the kings since he was the kings lap dog.

"Aren't you worried that stirring rebellion is not a peaceful solution? Diplomacy could heal wounds, while violence only deepens them?" I asked, gently poking at his vulnerabilities. I traced my fingers up his arm, before wrapping my arms around his shoulder. One hand of his reached for mine.

A sigh escaped Ashton. "I've tried to appeal to King Edward's humanity and common sense, but it worked as well as a leave letter to an infant. The people cry out for a leader who will fight for them, no matter what—one I intend to answer, if diplomacy fails us in our darkest hour."

I angled my head, thinking critically. I respected the rebellion's noble goals, but my loyalties exposed a knot of uncertainty. I looked at Ashton's profile, my heart pounding with a mixture of fear and determination. I could see the pain in his eyes, the ghosts of the suffering people haunting his every thought. Ashton's grip on my hand tightened as he whispered, "You've seen the people's suffering. Their cries haunt my dreams, spurring me to action though danger looms."

"But how?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper, fearing the answer.

Ashton turned away, searching for the words to convey his desperate plea. "Prince Isaac favors democratic reform and has pledged troops to our cause, but we lack the strength to shield civilians from bloodshed. Some... darker allies promise power to overthrow the tyrannical rule of man."

I felt a shiver run down my spine at the implications. I clung to him tighter, my own determination to find an alternative to violence and shadowed pacts only growing stronger. "There must be ways to guide this revolution towards justice through compassion instead of carnage. Together, perhaps, we can shape a new dawn for our kingdom."

Ashton lifted his head to met my gaze, searching for the strength to believe me. For Eldarion's suffering, any means justified the revolution, yet my unwavering idealism must have stirred his spirit from the depths of nihilistic despair.  I realeased him from my grasp and took my leave, leaving him. As the storm outside raged on, I strode across the room to find Ashton brooding beneath the unpredictable rainlight. My chest tightened as I readied my voice, ready to debate the actions of our people. "The people suffer, yet defiance endangers all. Must we choose between duty and our righteous cause?"

Ashton finally turned to face me, his body tense. "Justice would spare Eldarion such torment, but the path is treacherous. I made a promise to my homeland—how can I honor that vow if I must abandon it?" His tone was heavy with frustration.

"Perhaps a third path exists." I took a step closer, placing my hands on his shoulders with determination. "We can reform through uniting our warring factions, using Prince Isaac's favor to appeal to the Crown, rather than challenging it. We don't need to bring change on waves of blood if our cause is fueled by compassion instead of vengeance."