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

𝕮𝖍𝖆𝖕𝖙𝖊𝖗 52: 𝕬𝖈𝖈𝖚𝖘𝖆𝖙𝖎𝖔𝖓𝖘

Kiyoshi's heart stopped for a moment before racing with fear and anger. "An accident?" Nia managed to ask, her voice barely above a whisper. The captain hesitated before shaking his head. "We believe it to be foul play, my lord. There are signs of struggle, and her wrists show signs of having been bound."

A knot of dread formed in Kiyoshi's stomach. This was no accident. "Inform Prince Daemon immediately," he ordered the captain, his voice thick with anger. "And summon my most trusted advisors to the throne room. We will discuss our next course of action."

The guards bowed and hurried out, leaving Kiyoshi and Nia reeling from the news. Their peaceful moment shattered, they both rose from the bed, still dressed in their nightclothes. Kiyoshi began to pace the room, his mind racing with possibilities. Who could have done this? And why?

Grief and shock filled Nia and Kiyoshi as they rushed out of the chamber, their steps echoing through the halls. As they hurried towards Prince Daemon's chambers, they heard a heart-wrenching sound – the cries of Daemon.

They found Daemon's door open, the room empty save for the prince himself, who was curled up on the floor, his back to them, sobbing uncontrollably. His shoulders heaved as he took in great, gasping breaths between wails. Kiyoshi and Nia exchanged a silent look, their hearts heavy with sympathy for Daemon's loss.

Daemon, sensing their presence, looked up, his eyes red and puffy. "You," he choked out, "you did this. You killed her!" He lunged at them, his hands outstretched, his nails clawing the air. Kiyoshi and Nia stepped back, shocked by his accusation.

"Daemon, what are you saying? Elspeth... we had nothing to do with her... her death." Kiyoshi took a step closer, his voice calm and reassuring. "We are just as shocked as you are. We want justice for her too."

But Daemon's grief seemed to know no bounds. He scrambled to his feet, his fists clenched, his eyes wild with rage and sorrow. "Don't lie to me! You always hated her, did not you? You could not bear the thought of her being queen!"

"Daemon, please. We understand you are grieving, but these accusations..." Nia's voice trailed off as she saw the look in his eyes.

"Don't play innocent with me, my 'beloved' sister-in-law. I know what you are capable of."

"We want to help you, Daemon," Kiyoshi said gently, "But you need to listen to reason."

Daemon scoffed. "Help? What you can do is tell me the truth," he sneered. "Tell me why you would kill her!"

Kiyoshi and Nia exchanged another look, unsure of how to respond to Daemon's accusations. Just when it seemed the tension in the room could not escalate higher, another figure emerged, drawn by the commotion. Princess Serena, her face pale and eyes wide with alarm, rushed into the chamber.

"What in the heavens is happening?" she gasped, taking in the scene before her. Her eyes darted between the three of them, her expression growing more and more confused. "I heard shouting... and Daemon..."

Nia stepped forward, "Serena," she began, her voice gentle, "Lady Elspeth is... she is dead. She was found at the foot of the cliff, and..." Nia took a deep breath, trying to find the right words. "They suspect foul play."

Serena's hand flew to her mouth, her eyes growing wide with horror. "Foul play? Elspeth... but who would...?"

Daemon broke the silence with a bitter accusation. "They did it," he spat out, pointing at Kiyoshi and Nia. "They've always despised her, and now she is gone!"

"Daemon! What are you saying? Kiyoshi and Nia would never..." Serena's voice trailed off as she looked between them.

"Don't be a fool, Serena," he spat. "He is an illegitimate son, a cold-blooded murderer. Why are you taking his hand over me, your own brother?" He shouted, his voice echoing off the walls.

"Kiyoshi has been kinder, more loyal, and a far better brother to me than you have ever been, Daemon!" she shouted, her voice breaking. "He has my trust, and I refuse to believe he is capable of something so heinous."

Serena turned back to Kiyoshi and Nia; her voice softened. "You know I believe you. But Daemon... he is blinded by grief. Right now, he needs support, not further accusations."

She moved toward her brother, reaching out a gentle hand. "Daemon, please," she pleaded, her voice trembling slightly. "I know you are hurting, but casting baseless accusations won't bring her back. We need to find the truth, and we can do that together."

"Get out! All of you!" Daemon shouted, waving his arms wildly. "You are no help to me! Get out of my sight!"

Kiyoshi and Nia exchanged a worried glance before turning to Serena. "Serena, we should leave him be for now," Kiyoshi said gently. "He is in no state to listen to reason."

"Yes, you are right," Serena agreed, her voice barely above a whisper. "Let's give him some space. But know that here for you, Daemon. We will get through this together." With that, they all turned to leave Daemon's chambers. Yet, the mystery surrounding Elspeth's death cast a long, heavy shadow over them all.