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

𝕮𝖍𝖆𝖕𝖙𝖊𝖗 16: 𝖂𝖍𝖎𝖘𝖕𝖊𝖗𝖘 𝖔𝖋 𝕬𝖑𝖑𝖊𝖌𝖎𝖆𝖓𝖈𝖊: 𝕴𝖓𝖙𝖔 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝕾𝖍𝖆𝖉𝖔𝖜𝖘

"My love," he began, his voice soft, "I have a small token of my appreciation for your unwavering support."

He walked over to his bedside table and retrieved a small velvet box. He walked back to Nia. He opened the box, revealing a pair of exquisite gold earrings, each shaped like a blooming rose. "They are called 'Rose of Ivamis' earrings. They have been worn by the queen of Ivamis for generations. They symbolize love, loyalty, and protection. I would be honored if you would accept them and wear them as a symbol of our love and the bond that we share."

"Kiyoshi," she breathed, "these are magnificent, but truly not necessary." Her voice was soft, gentle, and yet full of emotion. She reached out, carefully taking the earrings from the velvet box. They glinted in the candlelight; the gold work intricate and delicate. She studied them for a moment, a small smile playing on her lips.

"But necessary, nonetheless. You are the queen, my love, and these earrings are a symbol of your love and loyalty to our people, just as much as they are a symbol of my love and loyalty to you."

Nia smiled, her heart swelling with love and gratitude. "Thank you, my king," she said, gently taking his hand in hers. "I will wear these earrings with pride".

As they stood there, lost in each other's gaze, a gentle knock sounded at the door. Startled from their intimate moment, they exchanged glances, both feeling a sudden wave of anticipation and nervousness. "Come in," Kiyoshi called out, his voice slightly strained.

A guard entered; his face grim. "Your Majesty," he announced, bowing low. "King Madoc of Niameda and his advisors have arrived, seeking an audience regarding the recent...developments."

Nia's smile wavered. The air grew heavy, the weight of the situation settling upon them like a leaden cloak. Kiyoshi took a deep breath, steeling himself for the meeting to come. "Thank you, Captain," he said, his voice firm. "Please show them to the Grand Hall. We will be there shortly." The guard bowed once more and left, leaving a tense silence in their wake. Nia met Kiyoshi's gaze, her eyes reflecting his worry.

"Are you ready for this, my king?" she asked, her voice steady despite the tremor in its depths. Kiyoshi took her hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "We are in this together, my queen. We will face whatever comes our way with strength and courage."

Together, they walked down the grand staircase, their steps echoing in the hushed hallway. As they entered the grand hall, the air was thick with tension as they approached the gathering of nobles and advisors. King Madoc of Niameda stood at the head of the table, his features etched with concern and determination. Beside him were his advisors, their expressions a mix of curiosity and apprehension.

As they took their seats, King Madoc spoke. "King Kiyoshi, Queen Nia," Madoc began, his voice thick with fear. "We come to you today seeking answers and assurances. The news of vampire involvement...it is deeply unsettling." He paused, glancing at the gathered nobles, who shifted uncomfortably in their seats.

"As it is for us, King Madoc. Be assured, we are leaving no stone unturned in our investigation. Our first priority is to ensure the safety of our people and yours," Kiyoshi replied, his voice steady despite the turmoil within. He glanced at Nia, who sat beside him, her expression equal parts determination and worry. "We have already begun to gather intelligence on the matter and have dispatched our best trackers to follow any leads."

Madoc's advisor, shouted "Justice, you say? Yet, you harbor a human queen in your midst. Is that not a greater irony, my king?" His voice echoed through the hall, drawing gasps from the nobles.

Kiyoshi's expression darkened at the insinuation; his eyes became crimson red as he glared at the advisor. "My queen," he said through gritted teeth, "is not only a beloved member of this realm but also a vital part of our alliance with Niameda. She has proven her loyalty and dedication to our people time and again. To question her worth or her place here is an insult to us all."