Whispers of Desires: A Sense of Duty {Book 1}

𝕮𝖍𝖆𝖕𝖙𝖊𝖗 5: 𝕴𝖓𝖓𝖔𝖈𝖊𝖓𝖈𝖊 𝖆𝖓𝖉 𝕴𝖓𝖙𝖎𝖒𝖆𝖈𝖞: 𝕿𝖍𝖊 𝖂𝖊𝖎𝖌𝖍𝖙 𝖔𝖋 𝕽𝖊𝖘𝖕𝖔𝖓𝖘𝖎𝖇𝖎𝖑𝖎𝖙𝖞

They all gathered in the foyer, their nerves on edge as they awaited the arrival of King Kiyoshi. The grand clock in the entranceway ticked loudly, its pendulum swinging back and forth like a metronome, marking off the seconds that seemed to stretch into eternity. The air was thick with anticipation and uncertainty, as if a storm was brewing just beyond the walls of the estate.

At last, the doors swung open, revealing guards and courtiers, led by King Kiyoshi himself. His dark eyes scanned the gathered crowd, finally resting on Nia, who felt her heart skip a beat as their gazes met. She took a deep breath, steeling herself for what was to come.

They bowed respectfully as the king entered, his steps firm and assured.

"Welcome, Your Majesty," said Duke Nari, stepping forward to greet the king. "We are honored to have you here at our estate once again."

The King's gaze flickered over to Nia once more, his expression unreadable. "Good evening," he murmured, his voice deep and commanding. "It is good to see you again, Lady Nia." He inclined his head in a slight nod, and she found herself responding in kind, her heart fluttering uncontrollably beneath her bodice.

"I am here to discuss our impending marriage," he announced, eyes locked on Nia's face. There was a hint of command in his voice, a subtle reminder that she was now his. Her heart skipped a beat as she forced herself to meet his gaze, her lips parting slightly as she tried to form a reply.

"Of course," said the duke. "Nia, please escort him to the parlor."

"This way, Your Majesty," she said softly, leading him down the hall. Once inside, she busied herself preparing tea with trembling hands. The King sat near her, watching her every movement.

As Nia carefully poured his tea, he suddenly said, "We do not need to consummate the marriage."

Startled, she spilled hot tea over his hand. "Oh! Forgive me, I am so sorry!" She quickly dabbed at his skin with a cloth, her cheeks flaming with embarrassment.

"It is nothing," he said calmly, still gazing at her.

"Please, I feel terrible," Nia insisted, dabbing at his hand with increasing urgency. Her heart felt as though it were fluttering in her throat, her cheeks burning with a mix of embarrassment and something else she could not quite identify. The King merely watched her, his expression unreadable. There was a strange tension in the air, a sense that something more was happening between them than just the exchange of polite formalities.

"Hush now, do not distress yourself," the King soothed. He gently took her hands in his cold ones and held them steady. The touch sent a shiver down her spine, and she could feel her heart flutter even faster.

"Come, sit by me," the King said softly, patting the cushion beside him. Nia hesitantly obeyed, her heart still racing as she perched on the edge of the seat. She felt his gaze on her, cold and intense, and yet she could not help but glance up at him from time to time. He smiled reassuringly, his dark eyes crinkling at the corners.

"I will not force you to my bed," he continued gently, his voice low and soothing. "I will not touch you in a way that you do not wish to be touched." His fingers brushed against her hand, sending a shiver down her spine. She could feel the warmth of his skin through the thin fabric of her glove.

"But I thought...is that not what man and wife are meant to do?" she asked timidly, her voice barely above a whisper. The words were out before she could stop them, and she felt a flush of embarrassment wash over her.

His eyes darkened. "You wish to share my bed on our wedding night?" he asked, his voice low and rough. Nia could feel her heart skip a beat. She could sense the strength and power emanating from him, and it made her feel both safe and terribly exposed at the same time.