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

𝕮𝖍𝖆𝖕𝖙𝖊𝖗 24: 𝕿𝖍𝖊 𝕻𝖆𝖈𝖙 𝖔𝖋 𝕽𝖊𝖙𝖚𝖗𝖓: 𝕮𝖔𝖓𝖘𝖚𝖒𝖊𝖉 𝖇𝖞 𝕯𝖊𝖘𝖎𝖗𝖊

Anger coursed through Daemon's veins as he stormed into his chambers, his vision blurred with rage. He had never been more furious in his life, and the humiliation of being dismissed by his own brother only served to fuel his anger. He punched a pillow, sending feathers flying, and kicked a chair across the room. Elspeth, startled by his sudden outburst, looked up from her vanity, a startled expression on her face.

"Elspeth!" he screamed; his voice hoarse with fury. "How could you?"

"D-Daemon? What... what are you talking about?" she stammered, her voice barely a whisper.

"Don't play innocent with me!" he spat, taking a step closer to her. "You know what you have done!" He grabbed her by the throat, squeezing tightly as she struggled for air. His grip was like steel, and he felt a sick pleasure at the way she winced in pain. "Kiyoshi knows. Everyone knows. You, my own wife, have betrayed me!"

Her struggles grew weaker, and her eyes began to glaze over. Daemon felt a moment of triumph surge through him. Then he let go of her throat, watching as she crumpled to the floor, gasping for air. He took a step back, his chest heaving with rage.

"There is nothing to know," she croaked, struggling to her feet. "Kiyoshi is a liar, trying to cause trouble. He hates me, and he hates you. He wants to see you ruined. But it won't work." Her voice grew stronger as she continued, "You and me, we are meant for greatness. Together, we will rule this kingdom. You must believe me."

Daemon shook his head, his laughter bitter and cruel. "You think I am some fool? You think I do not know what you have been doing? I have seen the way you look at them, the way they look at you. You are mine, Elspeth. Mine to command. And I will not share you with anyone." He grabbed her roughly by the arm, pulling her close. "I will not allow you to tarnish our name. You will stay in your chambers from now on. You will not leave unless I say so. Do you understand me?"

Her eyes flashed with anger and fear, but she nodded slowly, forced to submit to his will. He let her go, relishing the look of submission in her eyes. "Good," he growled, turning away from her. "Now leave me. I have work to do."

With a stiff nod, she exited the room, leaving him alone with his thoughts. He paced the length of the chamber, his mind racing with schemes and plans for revenge. Kiyoshi would pay for what he had done, and so would anyone else who dared to stand in his way. He would not be denied his rightful place as king, and he would not allow Kiyoshi to succeed.

Meanwhile, Kiyoshi stood in his study, his heart heavy with the burden of his decision. He held a map of the region, his finger tracing the path towards Blightfang. Leaving Nia just after he had returned, broke his heart, yet the cries of the missing children and the anguish of their parents were more than enough to push him forward.

A soft knock on the door interrupted Kiyoshi's thoughts. Before he could respond, the door creaked open and in came Nia. Her smile, as she took in his gaze, was enough to make his heart skip a beat. She was wearing a figure-hugging gown that clung to her curves. It made it difficult for him to focus on anything else besides how alluring she looked.

"Kiyoshi," she said softly, walking towards him. Her voice was like honey, smooth and sweet, and it sent a shiver down his spine. He felt his hand twitch, as if it were drawn to her without any conscious thought. He tried to focus on her words, but her presence was overwhelming, making it difficult to think clearly.

"Good evening, my love," she murmured as he approached. The warmth of his hand on her waist sent a wave of desire coursing through her. She leaned into him, feeling the solid strength of his body against hers.

"You look stunning, my dear," Kiyoshi said, his voice thick with desire. He meant every word, for she truly was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. The way her body moved when she walked, the way she breathed, the way her eyes seemed to sparkle whenever they met his... it was intoxicating. He leaned in closer, inhaling her sweet scent, feeling the warmth of her skin against his. Nia's smile widened, her fingers gently stroking his chest.