𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓣𝓱𝓲𝓻𝓭 𝓢𝓸𝓷

Chapter 18

As the servants silently cleared away the remains of the celebrations, the flickering candles created long shadows in the room. The air was filled with the sweet aroma of wine and the distant echoes of laughter, reminding us of the joyful voices that once filled the space.

Sylvina found herself standing at the edge of the hall, her heart pounding with nervousness as she bid farewell to the final guests. Her eyes anxiously scanned the room, marveling at the opulence that surrounded her. Earlier, the king's messenger had discreetly handed her a summons to the royal chambers. With a nod of acknowledgement, she felt a mixture of emotions and unease swirling in her stomach.

As the crowd thinned, she felt a gentle hand on her shoulder. She turned to see her father, his eyes filled with a steely resolve.

"Remember your duty, Sylvina," he whispered, his voice low and insistent. "This is your chance to secure our family's future. Do not fail."

Sylvina nodded, her throat dry. She understood the stakes. Her father's ambition was a heavy burden, one she had carried for as long as she could remember. With a final, reassuring squeeze of her shoulder, Otto turned and left, leaving her alone in the vast, empty hall.

Taking a deep breath, Sylvina gathered her courage and made her way through the dimly lit corridors of the Red Keep. The silence was oppressive, broken only by the distant clatter of armor as the guards patrolled the halls. Her heart pounded in her chest, each step bringing her closer to the king's chambers.

When she arrived, two guards stood at attention by the heavy wooden doors. They nodded respectfully and pushed the doors open, allowing her to step inside. The room was warm, the fire in the hearth casting a golden glow over the rich tapestries and plush furnishings.

In a beautifully crafted, oversized chair, Viserys sat with his attention fixed on the flickering flames. As she stepped into the room, he glanced up, a subtle smile gracing his lips. His gaze carried a weight she struggled to decipher—perhaps it was expectation, or maybe a yearning that she wasn't quite ready to acknowledge.

"Sylvina," he greeted her, his voice a low rumble that seemed to fill the room. "Come, sit with me."

She moved forward, her legs trembling slightly as she crossed the room. She perched on the edge of a nearby chair, her hands folded in her lap, her eyes avoiding his.

"You looked lovely tonight," Viserys said, his tone gentle." Thank you, Your Grace," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. She could feel his eyes on her, studying her with a warmth that made her skin prickle.

Curiously, he asked, "How did you find the celebration?" With a deliberate pace, she shifted her gaze towards him. "It was absolutely splendid, your grace. You truly outdid yourself," she commended him, prompting a smile to form on his lips as he nodded in acknowledgement.

For a moment, there was silence, the crackling of the fire the only sound in the room. Then Viserys spoke again, his words slow and deliberate.

"Do you know why I summoned you here tonight, Sylvina?"

She shook her head, her heart racing even faster. She could guess, of course, but she wasn't sure she wanted to hear him say it.

"I need someone I can trust," he continued, his gaze still fixed on her. "Someone who understands the burdens of the crown, who can share in them with me."

He reached out, taking her hand in his. His touch was warm, his grip firm yet gentle. Sylvina felt a shiver run through her, a mix of fear and anticipation.

"I want you to stay with me tonight," he said softly. "To be by my side, as more than just an ally. Will you do that for me, Sylvina?"

A surge of emotions filled her as her heart fluttered. She recognized that this was her father's wish, the path he had guided her towards. However, as the moment approached, doubt crept in. Was she up for the challenge? Could she truly meet the king's expectations and intertwine her destiny with his?

She glanced up at Viserys, his eyes pleading, almost vulnerable. She could see the weariness in his face, the weight of his crown pressing down on him. In that moment, she made her decision.

"Yes, Your Grace," she whispered, her voice trembling. "I will stay with you."

Viserys's smile widened, relief and gratitude washing over his features. He stood, gently pulling her to her feet. His hands moved to her shoulders, his touch sending a thrill through her.

"You have no idea how much this means to me," he said softly, his breath warm against her cheek. "Thank you, Sylvina."

As she lay there, her eyes growing heavy with sleep, she heard a faint sound from outside the room. She stiffened, realizing that it must be her father, waiting for her to return. Panic surged through her, and she carefully disentangled herself from Viserys's embrace, moving silently to the edge of the bed.

She glanced back at the king, his face peaceful in the dim light. She felt a pang of guilt at leaving him, but she knew she couldn't stay. Not tonight.

With one last look, She quickly put on her gown before she slipped from the room. Her heart pounding as she made her way down the corridor. She had barely made it halfway when she saw her father's shadowy figure waiting for her, his expression unreadable in the darkness.

"Is it done?" Otto hissed, his voice low and urgent.

"It's done," Sylvina replied, her voice trembling.

Otto nodded, his expression softening slightly. "You did well, Sylvina," he said, his tone almost approving. "Now, go to your chambers and get some rest. We have much to discuss in the morning."

Sylvina nodded, her heart still racing as she hurried down the corridor, her mind a whirlwind of emotions. She had done what was expected of her, but at what cost? As she reached her chambers and slipped inside, she couldn't shake the feeling that her life had been irrevocably changed.

As she lay down in her own bed, her mind still buzzing with the events of the night, she felt a strange mix of pride and dread. She had played her part, but she couldn't help but wonder what the future held for her and her family. And whether she would ever truly find peace in the choices she had made.

I refrained from including any explicit content because I wanted to ensure everyone's comfort. If you're okay with it, I can consider adding it in the future. Feel free to leave a comment and let me know your thoughts on this matter!!!