Whispers of Deceit | wlw

Chapter 7 | Duties and Desires

Orion, following King Maximus's directive, gracefully led Cairo to the designated bedroom.

Orion and Cairo moved through the silent corridor. The walls adorned with a rich tapestry of portraits unfolded a visual history of Orion's family.

Each portrait told a story, frozen in time, showcasing the faces of kings, queens, and influential figures from generations past.

The shorter girl, intrigued by the serious faces adorning the corridor, couldn't help but pause to study the portraits. Orion, noticing her companion's curiosity, offered a gentle smile.

"That's my father's great-great-grandmother," Orion shared, pointing to the portrait Cairo was inspecting.

Cairo, intrigued by the history embedded in the gallery, inquired with curiosity, "She was beautiful, what happened to her?"

Orion's responded, "She was poisoned, and no one knows who did it." The corridor, filled with the watchful gazes of ancestors, seemed to hold secrets and untold stories.

"Let's go, I don't like staying here," Orion suggested, resuming her walk through the moonlit corridor.

Cairo, curious about Orion's sudden unease, inquired, "Why?"

"I don't know," Orion admitted, her voice carrying a tinge of vulnerability. "I feel judged by all these faces that expect me to follow their tradition."

"Are you talking about that guy? His name is Nathaniel, right?" Cairo inquired with a sad gaze.

Orion nodded, acknowledging Nathaniel's name. "Not only, but yeah."

Cairo, puzzled by the recent events, ventured further, "I thought you were attracted to him. I mean, you two danced together, and he kept calling you with weird nicknames."

"What? No, it's complicated. It's my father who wants me to 'like' him. But he's not my type at all," Orion clarified, a sweet laughter accompanying her words.

"Oh, and what's your type Orion." Cairo asked, taking a step closer to her new 'friend'.

Orion froze at these words, a peculiar sensation gripping her stomach and she felt her body get hot. Quickly she remembered that what she had to do was trick Cairo, not fall in love. So, she walked away from the girl.

"Let's go, we're almost there." Orion said, a tinge of embarrassment in her voice.

Cairo, with a playful tone, probed further, "Why do you not answer? Are you shy?"

"No." Orion replied, quickly regaining her composure. "Well, someone who doesn't come with titles and expectations. Someone genuine, who sees beyond the royal façade."

Cairo, seemingly satisfied with Orion's response, followed the taller girl as they resumed their journey through the corridor.

In the hushed ambiance of the moonlit corridor, Orion and Cairo reached the designated rooms. Orion opened the door to Cairo's chamber, and a soft glow spilled into the hallway, revealing a serene space adorned with luxurious furnishings.

Cairo, appreciative of the gesture, smiled at Orion. "Thank you for guiding me." she said, her voice carrying a warmth that resonated with the developing bond between them.

Orion returned the smile, "You're welcome. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask."

Cairo, with a sad gaze, opened her mouth as if to speak but decided against it.

Orion's eyes remained locked onto Cairo's for a couple of seconds, a silent exchange of emotions passing between them.

"Goodnight Cairo" softly said Orion while she was closing the tall door.

Once the door closed behind her, Orion pressed her back against it, conflicted emotions swirling within her. The weight of fulfilling her father's expectations clashed with the undeniable attraction and connection she felt toward Cairo. The lonely corridor bore witness to Orion's inner turmoil.

She closed her eyes briefly, taking a deep breath to steady herself. The air seemed charged with the unspoken tension of the night, and Orion grappled with the intricate dance of duty and personal desires.



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Once Orion arrived in her rooms, she put the gold dagger away carefully.

In the quiet solitude, Orion found herself at a crossroads, torn between the expectations of her father and the burgeoning emotions she felt for Cairo. The moonlit room, adorned with regal furnishings, became a sanctuary for contemplation.

Feeling the need to clear her mind and find a moment of respite, Orion decided to take a bath.

She took of her red dress and carefully placed it on a nearby table as the water filled the tub. Orion, shedding the weight of concerns, immersed herself in the warm embrace of the bath. The gentle sound of water provided a soothing backdrop, allowing her to reflect on the choices made and those yet to come.

After relaxing in the calming waters of her bath, Orion wrapped herself in a comfortable robe and settled into the softness of her bed. However, as she closed her eyes, thoughts of Cairo continued to linger in her mind.

As Orion succumbed to the embrace of sleep, Cairo's face remained imprinted in her dreams, creating a canvas of intertwined emotions that would accompany her through the night.

She knew she shouldn't have these feelings for the enemy, for a woman, for Cairo Edeos. As sleep gradually claimed her, Orion found herself caught in a web of conflicting desires.