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

𝕮𝖍𝖆𝖕𝖙𝖊𝖗 17: 𝕸𝖊𝖓𝖉𝖎𝖓𝖌 𝕭𝖔𝖓𝖉𝖘: 𝖀𝖓𝖛𝖊𝖎𝖑𝖎𝖓𝖌 𝕿𝖗𝖚𝖙𝖍𝖘

As Kiyoshi rode back to Ivamis, a sense of determination settled over him. He knew that his journey to the elven kingdom was fraught with danger, but he was prepared to face whatever challenges lay ahead. He would not rest until he found his kingdom's children. Reaching the city gates, he was met with cheers and relief. The guards, initially alarmed by his absence, were relieved to see their king return unharmed.

Even the streets seemed to vibrate with the news of his return. As he dismounted and strode towards the castle, a familiar figure on the balcony caught his eye. Nia, her face etched with worry, leaned over the railing, her hands gripping the stone as she watched him approach the castle. He quickened his pace, anxious to reach her and reassure her that he was safe.

The cheers and relief of the gathered guards and servants echoed in the air as Kiyoshi reached the castle steps. "Your Majesty! You are back!" they exclaimed, joy filling their eyes. But Kiyoshi's gaze remained fixed on Nia, who descended the steps, her expression hardening with each step.

As they met, Nia's eyes sarched his face, "Nia," he began, his voice soft, "I..." But she cut him off, her tone cold.

"Don't even begin, Kiyoshi! Where have you been? Why did you leave without a word? Do you know how worried I was?"

Her anger and fear were palpable, and Kiyoshi winced beneath her gaze. He opened his mouth to speak, but no words came out. He had never seen Nia like this, and the guilt of leaving her behind weighed heavily on his shoulders. "I... I had to go," he stammered, searching for the right words.

"Had to go?" Nia repeated, her voice dripping with disbelief. "You did not even tell me where you were going, or why! You just left, without a care for how it would affect me!" Her hands bawled into fists at her sides, and her eyes flashed with anger and hurt.

"Nia, please, it's not what you think. It is about the children, the council..." Kiyoshi began, but she cut him off again.

"The council?" she scoffed, her anger rising. "And you did not tell me about this? You did not think I deserved to know?" Her eyes filled with tears, and Kiyoshi could see the pain in her face. "You are my husband, Kiyoshi. My partner. And you just left me in the dark, with no explanation? How could you do this to me?"

She turned away from him, her shoulders shaking with silent sobs. The guards and servants, who had been watching the exchange in shock, shifted uncomfortably, not knowing what to do. Kiyoshi felt a pang of guilt deep in his chest. He had never meant to hurt Nia, but he had done exactly that. He had to make things right.

"Nia," he said softly, reaching out to touch her shoulder. She flinched away from his touch, "Don't," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "Not until you are ready to trust me." Her words were like a knife to his heart, but he knew she was right. She walked back into the castle, leaving Kiyoshi standing alone on the steps.

He took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts as he watched her retreating form. He knew he found it difficult to trust people, and that was why he had wanted to keep her out of the loop. But he had underestimated the damage it would do to their relationship.

Kiyoshi knocked softly on the chamber doors, his heart heavy with guilt and anticipation. "Nia, my love," he called out gently, "may I come in?"

Nia sat by the window, her needle diligently stitching intricate patterns onto a silk cloth. Her heart still ached from the pain Kiyoshi had caused her, but she could not deny that she wanted to hear his explanation. "Come in," she replied, her voice strained.

The door creaked open, revealing Kiyoshi, his expression filled with remorse and determination. Nia rose, her hand instinctively reaching for the embroidery hoop. She wanted to turn away, to hide the storm brewing within her, but Kiyoshi was already crossing the room, his hand outstretched.