Legacy of Fire and Sand

Chapter 15: Whispers of Danger

The bustling energy of the brothel enveloped Ashara as she made her rounds, her demeanor a practiced facade of charm and confidence. Despite her best efforts to bury the threat of the letter in her mind, it gnawed at her, a constant reminder of the peril that lurked in the shadows.

As she moved through the common room, greeting clients with her usual flirtatious banter, Nymeria was never far from her side. The noblewoman's presence was both a comfort and a distraction, her touch grounding Ashara even as her playful words brought a genuine smile to her lips.

"How about a little break?" Nymeria suggested, her fingers lightly brushing Ashara's arm as they passed through a quieter hallway.

Ashara glanced around, ensuring they were out of earshot of any prying ears. "A break sounds lovely," she replied, her voice softer than usual. "Lead the way."

They slipped into a small, private room, the noise of the brothel muffled by the thick walls. Nymeria closed the door behind them, turning to face Ashara with a concerned expression. "You can't hide it from me, you know. I can see the worry in your eyes."

Ashara sighed, leaning against the wall. "I'm trying, Nymeria. But it's not easy."

Nymeria stepped closer, her hands gently cupping Ashara's face. "You don't have to do this alone. Let me help."

For a moment, Ashara allowed herself to relax into Nymeria's touch, her eyes closing as she savored the warmth of the connection. "I just... I don't want to put you in danger."

Nymeria's lips brushed against Ashara's in a tender kiss. "We're in this together, remember? No matter what."

Ashara nodded, her resolve strengthening. "Thank you, Nymeria."

Before they could delve deeper into the conversation, a loud crash echoed from the common room, followed by a chorus of raucous laughter. Ashara's heart raced as she recognized the voice that followed.

The door to their private room burst open, and a tall, drunken man staggered in, his eyes wild with excitement. "Where's the Targaryen whore?" he bellowed, his gaze sweeping the room until it landed on Ashara.

Nymeria stepped in front of Ashara, her expression fierce. "Who do you think you are, barging in here like this?"

The man laughed, swaying on his feet. "I've heard the tales all the way from Westeros. They say you're the best there is. And I've come to see for myself."

Ashara took a deep breath, stepping around Nymeria to face the man. "You should leave," she said, her voice steady despite the fear bubbling beneath the surface. "You're causing a scene."

The man's eyes gleamed with drunken bravado as he took a step closer. "Not until I've had a taste of the last Targaryen."

Nymeria's hand tightened around Ashara's arm, her voice low and dangerous. "Get out, or you'll regret it."

The man laughed again, reaching for Ashara with a lecherous grin. "Feisty, aren't you?"

Before he could touch her, Ashara moved swiftly, her knee connecting with his groin. The man doubled over with a groan, his bravado crumbling in an instant.

"Don't ever touch me," Ashara hissed, her voice cold.

As the man stumbled out of the room, still clutching himself in pain, Ashara felt a surge of relief. But it was short-lived, the threat of the letter looming larger than ever.

Nymeria pulled her into a tight embrace, her voice soothing. "Are you okay?"

Ashara nodded, her heart pounding. "I am now. Thank you."

Nymeria kissed the top of her head, her touch a balm to Ashara's frayed nerves. "We'll get through this, Ashara. Together."

As the night wore on, Ashara tried to push the fear aside, focusing on the warmth of Nymeria's presence. But as she lay in bed later, the darkness closing in around her, the weight of the threat felt heavier than ever.

Tomorrow, she would have to face it head-on. But for tonight, she let herself find solace in the arms of the woman she loved, hoping that together, they could overcome whatever dangers lay ahead.