Dark Desire-Caught between duty and desire (englisch version

Chapter 2

Corvina POV:
"What damned prophecy are you talking about?" I asked, my voice sharp with irritation, watching as the heavy doors swung shut and Despia stormed out of the room. I made a mental note to check on her later, making sure she was alright.
Hades, still seated on his throne, looked at me calmly. "An ancient prophecy states that the heirs of Mandalore must marry a son or daughter of Olympus and the Republic to preserve the ancient alliance and maintain peace. But it's more of a tradition now than an obligation," he explained in a composed tone. "Persephone and I married out of love more than duty. She wanted to escape the tradition that would have bound her to Zeus, but that's a different story and not up for discussion now. Honestly, I'm against this union, too. Despia is right. It would be more sensible to approach Poseidon diplomatically before summoning the power of this alliance, risking an outright conflict that could provoke him."
Hades sighed, taking a seat opposite me. "And since the prophecy only says 'a child of Olympus,' she could marry anyone. It's her decision to make, not ours. I want her to be happy, and that means letting her choose her own path. It's her life, and she must live with the consequences. Forcing her into something would be unfair." His gaze shifted to Zeus and Lux. "So, Zeus, Lux—leave. You've caused enough turmoil for one day. We'll try negotiating with Poseidon to see if he'll lower the tariffs. In the end, this is just about a few trade routes, and primarily the ones you're using."
„So, all this drama and fuss is just because Zeus has to pay more for using and wearing down Poseidon's routes?" I asked pointedly, watching Zeus and Lux as they took their leave.
„Essentially, yes. These routes often handle heavy shipments, which wear them down faster, and the tolls are used to maintain them," Persephone clarified, her gaze soft as it landed on me.
„Unbelievable," I muttered, standing up in frustration. "And Despia's the one who has to pay the price for all this?"
Before I could walk away, I remembered why I had come in the first place. "By the way, my father wanted me to inform you that he'll have the data from the latest measurements in the next few days. He'll get in touch if needed. But if I'm not needed here anymore, I'm going to check on Despia."
With a nod from Hades, I left the throne room, determined to find her. "All of this, just because Zeus doesn't want to pay more for his trade routes. His own damned fault," I thought bitterly as I made my way through the palace.
I reached Despia's chambers and knocked softly. "Despia? Are you in there?" I called out gently, but there was no response.
„Alright, on to the next place," I muttered, heading down to the stables, hoping she might have gone there.
The stable's earthy scent and the faint sound of horses shifting greeted me, but Despia was nowhere to be seen. "Hey, Corvin, you looking for someone?" one of the stable boys asked, pausing his work.
„Yes, I'm looking for Princess Despia," I replied.
„She ran out towards the gates earlier. I'm not sure if she's still there, though," he informed me, and I took off in a sprint.
The bitter chill outside hit me like a wall as I stepped out into the snow-covered grounds. It was freezing—colder than usual, with the kind of sharp, biting wind that cut straight to the bone. And Despia hadn't taken a coat.
„Shit," I cursed under my breath, scanning the area frantically until I spotted her small frame curled up beside Cerberus. Her body trembled with the cold, and she was clutching her arms, trying to stay warm in her thin dress.
„Damn it," I growled, rushing over. Charon was nowhere to be seen, and I wasted no time as I knelt down beside her, wrapping my arms around her shivering form and draping my thick cloak over her shoulders.
„Corvin?" Her voice was soft, almost dazed, as she looked up at me, her green eyes clouded with exhaustion.
„It's alright. I've got you," I murmured gently, scooping her up into my arms. "I'm taking you back inside."
Her body was cold, too cold, and I moved as fast as I could without jostling her too much. The palace loomed ahead, and I called out to the guards at the gate. "Get the healers! Now!"
They sprang into action, and I didn't wait for a response, pushing through the entrance and making my way up to her chambers.
„Stay with me, Despia," I whispered as I kicked open her bedroom door, laying her carefully on the bed. I could feel her trembling even through the layers of blankets I wrapped around her. I brushed a strand of hair from her face, her skin still icy to the touch.
„Don't leave me alone..." she murmured weakly, her voice barely above a whisper.
„I'm not going anywhere," I promised, sitting beside her and taking her hand in mine. The healers arrived shortly after, checking her over and confirming that she was just cold and exhausted, not seriously hurt. Still, I stayed, watching her closely until the color slowly returned to her cheeks.
„I'm taking you up to your room so you can rest," I murmured softly, helping Despia carefully off the examination table. Her legs trembled beneath her, and I held her firmly until she found her balance. She leaned heavily against me, exhaustion etched into her delicate features.
„I don't want to be alone, Corvin," she whispered so quietly it was almost swallowed by the empty halls as we made our way to her chambers. Her voice was fragile, nearly pleading, and it twisted something deep inside my chest. She was still so pale, her eyes heavy with fatigue, yet there was that familiar determination in them, the same fire I admired so deeply.
„You won't be alone, Despi. I'll stay with you until you fall asleep," I promised, squeezing her hand gently, hoping to offer her some comfort.
We reached her room, and I helped her settle onto the bed. She sank into the soft pillows, her body drained of all energy. Her gaze stayed locked on mine, wide and searching. "You'll really stay?" she murmured, her voice barely a breath.
„Of course. I'm not going anywhere," I affirmed, sitting beside her on the edge of the bed. A faint smile tugged at her lips, and she scooted over, making space for me.
„Can you read to me?" she asked softly, nodding towards the small shelf beside her bed. I followed her gaze and pulled out a worn, familiar book — a collection of fairytales she had treasured since childhood.
„How could I ever refuse you, Princess?" I murmured and settled next to her, the book resting in my hands. I began to read, my voice low and steady, as she curled up beside me, resting her head on my shoulder. I told her stories of brave knights battling fierce dragons, of wise and strong princesses, and of friendships that withstood even the greatest trials.
With each word, she seemed to relax a little more, her breathing growing slower, more even. Her eyes fluttered closed, then opened again, fighting against sleep. But gradually, exhaustion won out, and she sank deeper into the bed, her fingers still curled around my arm.
„Sleep well, Despi," I whispered and tried to carefully pull away, but she clutched at me, her grip tightening around my shirt.
„Stay ... please ... don't go ..." she murmured, her voice so faint I almost missed it, but the fear in those words was clear.
I hesitated for only a moment, then set the book aside and shifted to lie beside her. "I'm not going anywhere," I assured her, pulling the blanket over the both of us. Her hand stayed tangled in my shirt, as if she needed that anchor to keep me close. I leaned back against the pillows, feeling her settle against me again. Her breathing steadied, her body relaxed, and she pressed herself closer to me, her heartbeat faint against my chest.
I knew I should get up and leave. But in that moment, it felt like the last thing she needed. She needed me — someone to hold onto, someone to remind her that she wasn't alone.
So, I stayed.
With each slow breath she took, I felt my own exhaustion creeping in. Her warmth against my side, the gentle rise and fall of her chest, lulled me into a drowsy calm. My head fell back against the pillow, and I closed my eyes. Just for a moment, I told myself. Just until she was really asleep.
But then I felt her fingers tighten in my shirt, felt her press closer, and heard her whisper my name in her sleep. "Corvin ..." she murmured, and my heart skipped a beat.
How could I ever let go when she needed me like this? How could I ever walk away from this closeness, this trust?
„I love you, Despi," I breathed softly, knowing she wouldn't hear me. Knowing she could never hear me.
Her hand stayed clenched around my shirt, and I let her hold on. I closed my eyes, feeling her soft breath against my neck, and before I knew it, sleep claimed me.
When I woke the next morning, she was still nestled in my arms, her body warm and relaxed, her face buried against my chest. A soft ray of sunlight filtered through the curtains, illuminating her features, casting her hair in a soft, ethereal glow.
I held my breath, unwilling to break the fragile peace of the moment, knowing how much I wished I could hold on to it forever. Wishing, just for once, that time would stand still.
But it wouldn't. Sooner or later, reality would catch up to us both. And then ... I would go back to being the friend by her side, the warrior who fought for her — and not the man who loved her.
„Good morning, Princess," I whispered gently, and she stirred slowly. Her eyes fluttered open, meeting mine with a sleepy smile.
„Good morning, Corvin," she murmured, her voice soft and warm. "Thank you for staying."
„For you, Princess? Always."
But deep down, I knew I would regret this one day. Regret not leaving when I had the chance. Because no matter how much I loved her — I could never truly have her.