Legacy of Fire and Sand

Chapter 61: Shadows of Desire

Ashara spent the day in a daze, the King's violation weighing heavily on her mind. She had not slept, nor had she found any solace in the daylight. The shadows of the night lingered in her heart, poisoning every thought, every breath she took. She could still feel the King's hands on her, the way he had forced himself upon her, the sickening words he had whispered in her ear.

But as the day wore on, she knew she couldn't let the darkness consume her. She had to push forward, to find a way to survive until she could put her plan into action. She had to keep moving, had to keep her mind sharp, no matter how much she wanted to collapse into a pit of despair.

She knew that Valen and Elara would be expecting her. They had been occupied with their duties, attending to their responsibilities in court, but they had sent word that they were finally free to see her. A part of her longed to be in their arms, to feel their warmth and affection, to drown out the memory of the King with their love. But another part of her was terrified—terrified that they would see the truth in her eyes, that they would know what had happened.

Ashara pushed those thoughts aside as she made her way to Valen and Elara's chambers. She couldn't afford to show weakness, not now. She had to keep up the facade, had to pretend that everything was normal. The King's words echoed in her mind: You will carry my seed.

She could still feel the weight of his body, the force of his touch, the malicious intent in his voice. The thought that she could be carrying his child made her sick to her stomach. But she couldn't let that fear show. Not to Valen, not to Elara. She had to keep the secret buried deep within her, where no one could find it.

When she reached their chambers, Valen was already there, sitting by the fire with a glass of wine in his hand. His eyes lit up when he saw her, a smile spreading across his face. But as he took in her appearance, his smile faltered, concern flickering in his gaze.

"Ashara," he said, rising from his seat and crossing the room to meet her. "You look exhausted. What's happened?"

Ashara forced a smile, though it felt brittle on her lips. "It's nothing," she lied, hoping her voice didn't betray her. "Just the weight of the wedding preparations, I suppose."

Valen frowned, his eyes searching hers for the truth. "You've been distant these past few days," he said softly, reaching out to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. "We've missed you."

Ashara swallowed the lump in her throat, trying to push down the flood of emotions that threatened to overwhelm her. She had missed them too—missed their touch, their warmth, the way they made her feel alive. But the King's shadow loomed over her, tainting every thought, every feeling.

"I've missed you too," she whispered, her voice trembling slightly despite her efforts to keep it steady. "It's just... been a lot to handle."

Valen's brow furrowed, his concern deepening. He gently took her hands in his, rubbing his thumbs over her knuckles. "You know you can talk to me, Ashara. Whatever it is, I'm here for you."

Before she could respond, the door to the chamber opened, and Elara entered, her presence commanding the room as always. Her eyes brightened when she saw Ashara, a smile curving her lips as she walked over to them.

"Finally, we're all together again," Elara said, her voice a mix of relief and satisfaction. She wrapped her arms around Ashara, pulling her close. "It hasn't been the same without you, my dear."

Ashara closed her eyes, leaning into Elara's embrace. The warmth of her touch, the scent of her skin, it all brought a sense of comfort that Ashara desperately needed. For a moment, she allowed herself to relax, to forget the horrors of the night before.