Legacy of Fire and Sand

Chapter 49: Entangled Desires

As Ashara stood, Valen's playful smirk faded into a watchful gaze, his grip on her hand firm yet supportive. She could feel the tension radiating from Quentyn, and the weight of the court's eyes pressed down on her as if they were all holding their breath, waiting for the drama to unfold.

Without warning, Quentyn stood, his chair scraping loudly against the floor, drawing the attention of the entire hall. He crossed the room in a few quick strides, grabbing Ashara's arm roughly. "We need to talk. Now."

Ashara barely had time to react before she was pulled to her feet. Elara's hand slipped from her thigh, and Valen's possessive grip on her waist loosened, though they both watched the scene unfold with knowing smirks.

"Quentyn, what are you—" Ashara started, but Nymeria was already at her other side, gripping her arm just as tightly. The two of them practically dragged her out of the hall, ignoring the curious whispers and stares from the other nobles.

They didn't stop until they were in a secluded hallway, far from the prying eyes of the court. Nymeria was the first to speak, her voice trembling with anger. "How could you let them parade you around like that? Like some kind of prized whore they've won?"

Ashara laughed bitterly, the sound harsh and filled with years of pent-up rage. "Isn't that what I am? Your uncle and his father made sure that was made very clear. I'm nothing but property of the King and his court—a thing to be played with until the lords get bored of me or break me."

"Stop it," Quentyn snapped, his voice low and dangerous. "You know that's not true."

Ashara's eyes flashed with fury as she rounded on him. "And why isn't it true? It's been my life for the past year and a half. You didn't care then!"

"Don't you dare tell me what's true, Quentyn," she continued, her voice rising. "You stood by and watched as six men—the King's chosen—had their way with me. You even took part in it yourself. And now, now that Valen and Elara show me a shred of kindness, now you plan to take that away? Now you care? Now you have feelings for me?"

Nymeria's grip on Ashara's arm tightened, but it was Quentyn who spoke, his face hardening. "You let them flaunt you in front of the entire court as if you're nothing but their plaything."

"And what if I am?" Ashara shot back, her voice shaking with anger. "What else am I supposed to be? You've ignored me, abandoned me, and now you dare to be angry? You're just like the King—both of you. You don't care about me. You just want to control me."

Quentyn's eyes blazed with fury, but he didn't deny it. "You're wrong."

"No, Quentyn," Ashara said, her voice low and deadly. "You are dead to me. Both of you."

She ripped her arms out of their grasps, stepping back as if their touch had burned her. "You let this happen. You watched as they broke me over and over and over again, and now you want to pretend that you care? You don't get to do that. Not now."

Nymeria's eyes filled with tears, but she said nothing. Quentyn, however, took a step forward, his expression desperate. "Ashara, please—"

But Ashara cut him off, her voice cold and final. "Stay away from me."

With that, she turned and walked away, making her way back toward the feast, leaving Quentyn and Nymeria standing in the dimly lit hallway, their hearts heavy with the weight of her words

As Ashara stepped back into the grand hall, the cacophony of laughter and conversation enveloped her like a shroud. She felt raw and exposed after her confrontation with Quentyn and Nymeria, but the sight of Valen and Elara across the room reignited a flicker of warmth within her.

Elara's eyes found Ashara's, and a sultry smile curved her lips as she glided toward her. Valen followed, his brow furrowed in concern for Ashara, but before he could reach her, Elara was upon her, asserting her presence with a magnetic pull.

In a bold move, Elara closed the distance between them, her fingers grazing Ashara's arm. Without warning, she leaned in, capturing Ashara's lips in a passionate kiss that sent a jolt of electricity through her. Ashara's eyes widened for a moment, but then she melted into the kiss, feeling the heat radiate from Elara. The world around them faded, and even the curious glances of Nymeria and Quentyn felt distant. As they kissed, Elara's gaze locked onto Nymeria, a gleam of mischief in her eyes, causing a flicker of jealousy to flash across the Princess's face.

Breaking the kiss, Ashara drew a breath, her heart racing. "I'm ready to retire to your chambers tonight, if you'll have me."

"Of course, my love," Elara replied, her voice sultry. "But allow me a moment to retrieve Valen. He's having a dreadful, terrible conversation with Lord Wars."

With a final, lingering look, Elara slipped away, leaving Ashara to gather herself amid the chaos of the feast. It wasn't long before Elara returned, a glint of mischief still dancing in her eyes, but Valen was not with her.

"He'll join us later," Elara explained, her tone conspiratorial. "He believes we could use some girl time, just you and I, Ashara."

Ashara's heart raced at the thought, but she felt a familiar flicker of caution. "We shouldn't express our feelings for each other out loud," she warned, her voice barely above a whisper. "The King's house could do unspeakable things to us or to me."

Elara waved her hand dismissively, a confident smile gracing her lips. "The King can't touch us. He needs us to help fund his petty wars and extravagant events. We're not fools; we know that's the only reason we were invited to this wedding."

A sense of relief washed over Ashara, but it was quickly replaced with curiosity as they entered Valen and Elara's lavish chambers. The room was adorned with rich fabrics and ornate decorations, exuding an air of opulence. Ashara turned to Elara, her eyes glinting with interest. "How did you two meet, anyway?"

Before Elara could dive into the story, the door swung open with a flourish, and Valen stumbled in, the smell of wine clinging to him like a second skin. His cheeks were flushed, and his laughter echoed in the room, a stark contrast to the tension Ashara had just felt.

"Ladies!" he exclaimed, his eyes bright as he staggered toward them, arms outstretched. "What a sight for sore eyes!"

As he approached, Valen's hands found their way to Ashara's waist, pulling her close as he showered her with compliments. "You look absolutely divine, Ashara! Like a goddess descended from the heavens."

Elara shot Ashara a knowing look, a smile tugging at her lips as Valen continued to heap affection on them both, his hands roaming possessively. "You're both enchanting," he declared, his voice thick with drunken admiration. "I must say, I'm the luckiest man alive."

Elara leaned closer to Ashara, her voice a low murmur meant only for her. "Just remember, it was I who persuaded Valen, not the other way around. A woman gets what she wants, Ashara."

Ashara's heart raced as she absorbed Elara's words, a newfound confidence swelling within her. In this moment, perhaps she could reclaim her own desires amidst the swirling chaos of her life..