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

𝕮𝖍𝖆𝖕𝖙𝖊𝖗 13: 𝕷𝖔𝖈𝖐𝖊𝖉 𝕴𝖓: 𝕿𝖍𝖊 𝕽𝖔𝖞𝖆𝖑 𝕲𝖆𝖑𝖆

"I do not require breakfast," he said dismissively. "You may go now." he motioned for her to leave.

"I will not be going anywhere until you eat, my king." Nia's voice was steady and firm. "You have not eaten properly since we returned, and I will not stand by and watch you waste away before my eyes." She took a deep breath, trying to control the emotion that threatened to spill over. "Please, just try a bite. For me."

Kiyoshi's expression softened slightly, but he did not respond. He looked away, back to his papers, unable to meet her gaze. Nia hesitated, then took a step closer, reaching out to touch his hand where it rested on the desk. The touch was gentle, but intentional. She felt him tense beneath her fingertips but did not pull away. "Kiyoshi," she said softly, her voice breaking slightly. "I shall not leave this room until you have eaten it".

Kiyoshi sighed heavily, leaning back in his chair as he studied her. "Very well," he said at last, his voice tired and resigned. "I shall try it." He took a small bite of the pastry, closing his eyes as he savored the taste. Nia's heart leapt in her chest, hope surging through her. "It is delicious," he murmured, and she could see the colour returning to his cheeks. He took another bite, then another, until he had finished the entire pastry.

Nia collected the tray with a satisfied smile, careful not to gloat. "I am glad you enjoyed it," she said simply, setting the empty platter aside. "I hope it brought you some comfort, if only for a moment."

"Nia...," Kiyoshi began, his voice soft and hesitant. "I want to apologize...for yesterday." He looked down, unable to meet her gaze. Nia placed the tray on the desk and put her hand on his. "I should too, should apologize for flaring up so easily," she said, trying to make him feel more comfortable. "Let us forget about it and start fresh, yes?" He looked up at her then, his eyes full of relief, and took her hand in his. "Thank you..."

Nia took the tray once more and turned to take her leave. However, when she tried the door, it would not budge. She turned back to face Kiyoshi, her expression confused. "The door...it's locked." She fumbled with the handle, but it would not move. "I... I cannot seem to open it.

Kiyoshi walked over, attempting to open the door himself. When it did not open, he looked back at Nia, confusion etching his features. "It appears we are locked in," Nia said quietly.

Kiyoshi raised a hand, his fingers flexing as he concentrated on the lock. A flash of red light burst from his fingertips, striking the door with a loud click. The lock disintegrated; the metal twisted beyond recognition.

"What is it?" Nia asked, her voice tinged with concern. She moved closer to Kiyoshi, "A protective enchantment," he growled. "Designed to prevent magical tampering with doors. A useless precaution." He slammed his hand against the door, frustration etching his features. The door rattled but did not budge. "It seems we are truly locked in," he said through gritted teeth.

Nia's eyes widened. "Can you not simply undo it?"

"Unfortunately, no. It was designed years ago. The magic is too strong." His jaw clenched in frustration.

"Perhaps you could send a message? Let the guards know of our predicament?" Nia suggested, hoping that someone would come to their aid.

Kiyoshi nodded, returning to his desk. He scribbled out a quick letter and infused it with magic. The parchment vanished in a puff of blue smoke.

"Now, I suppose we must wait," Nia murmured, trying not to let her frustration show. She busied herself with rearranging some of the books on Kiyoshi's shelves, hoping to distract herself from the growing sense of claustrophobia. Kiyoshi, however, remained seated at his desk, his expression distant and thoughtful.