Legacy of Fire and Sand

Chapter 48: The Feast of Tensions

The Great Hall was adorned with lavish decorations, a riot of colors that danced in the candlelight. Laughter and music filled the air, a stark contrast to the tension brewing beneath the surface. Ashara sat at the Elegant table, flanked by King Valen and Queen Elara, their presence both intoxicating and suffocating.

As the feast commenced, the atmosphere crackled with an electric energy, fueled by the watchful eyes of the court. Valen and Elara seemed to thrive on this attention, their flirty banter drawing even more gazes toward Ashara. Valen leaned closer, his warm breath ghosting against her ear. "You're a sight to behold tonight, Ashara. It's no wonder the court whispers of you. They speak of the skills you possess—both in the bedroom and out." His voice held a teasing lilt that made her pulse quicken.

Elara chimed in, her fingers lightly tracing Ashara's thigh, the touch both daring and electrifying. "It's hard to tame a dragon like you, isn't it? Especially when everyone else can only dream of what we share." A playful smirk danced on her lips as she met Ashara's gaze, their connection palpable.

From across the hall, Prince Quentyn and Princess Nymeria watched with growing discomfort. Quentyn's jaw clenched, a storm brewing in his chest as he observed Valen's hand slip around Ashara's waist, pulling her closer. "Look at them," he muttered to Nymeria, his voice low and strained. "They flaunt her like a trophy, as if she's nothing but a possession."

Nymeria's eyes darkened, her expression mirroring his frustration. "They're disrespecting us, Quentyn. It's as if they're taunting us in front of the entire court." She felt the weight of jealousy pressing down on her, gnawing at her insides as she fought to keep her composure. "And they know how the court views our relationship with her."

Ashara's laughter rang out like music, drawing their attention back to the table. Valen playfully smacked her arse, causing her to jump in surprise and delight. "Easy, love. We don't want to ruin that lovely gown before the night is through," he teased, a wicked gleam in his eyes.

Elara leaned in closer, her voice sultry as she whispered, "Everyone's talking about you, Ashara. The nobles have a betting pool on how long it will take for you to truly be tamed. It's quite a spectacle—a dragon, a queen, and a king, all entangled in desire." Her eyes sparkled with mischief as she captured Ashara's gaze, urging her to embrace the moment.

The tension in the room thickened, palpable and suffocating. Quentyn clenched his fists under the table, his jealousy and frustration bubbling just beneath the surface. "Do they truly believe they can simply claim her like this?" he seethed, casting a quick glance at Nymeria, who looked equally torn between anger and sadness.

"Ashara deserves more than being paraded around like a prize," Nymeria murmured, her voice trembling. "If only they knew the danger they're placing her in."

Elara's laughter cut through the tension as she leaned over Ashara, her lips brushing against her cheek in a playful kiss. "They have no idea, do they? How deeply you've enchanted us both," she said, her fingers trailing down Ashara's arm, igniting a fire in her veins.

Valen's gaze flicked over to Quentyn and Nymeria, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips. "It's quite clear our dear Prince and Princess are struggling with their emotions. Perhaps we should remind them how fleeting this life can be." He turned back to Ashara, his eyes darkening with mischief. "Wouldn't you agree, love?"

Ashara's heart raced as she felt the weight of their attention, her body responding instinctively to their touch. "You want the court to see us?" she whispered, her voice barely audible over the din of the feast. "You cannot express your feelings for me or it will put me in even more danger from the King. Is that what you want?"