THE ASSASSIN'S FLAME

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

The night cast its veil over the castle, and General Alethea stood poised in the garden, her slender figure illuminated by the soft glow of the moon. Her lightweight armor seemed to shimmer in the lunar light, accentuating the curves of her athletic build. The red stripes woven through her long, dark hair gleamed like threads of fire, cascading down her back like a waterfall of night. She exuded an aura of quiet strength, her beauty tempered by the steeliness of her demeanor.

As she waited, the sound of footsteps echoed through the garden's winding paths. Prince Kieran emerged from the shadows, his features chiseled and handsome in the moonlight. His eyes locked onto Alethea, and a faint smile played on his lips. He approached her with a confident stride, his movements fluid and effortless.

"Good evening, Alethea," he said, his voice low and smooth.

Alethea inclined her head, her expression measured. "Good evening, Alexandre," she replied, using the middle name he had requested she call him.

The prince's smile widened, pleased by her familiarity. "I've been eager to speak with you, Alethea. May I have a moment?"

She nodded, her dark eyes never leaving his face. "Of course, Alexandre. Please, proceed."

Prince Kieran paused, collecting his thoughts before speaking. "Since your triumph in the Continental Tournament, I wished to extend an invitation to celebrate your victory. Would you do me the honor of joining me for dinner tonight?"

Alethea's expression softened, the faintest hint of a smile playing on her lips. "I'd be pleased to accept your invitation, Alexandre."

Together, they walked to the Silver Room, a majestic dining hall adorned with glittering candelabras and polished silverware. The room shimmered with an ethereal light, as if the stars themselves had descended to witness their dinner.

As they sat, Alethea's reserve began to thaw, though only slightly. Prince Kieran engaged her in conversation, inquiring about her experiences in the tournament. Alethea responded with measured words, sharing anecdotes and insights into her strategy. Though her demeanor remained guarded, her eyes sparkled with a hint of amusement, betraying a deeper passion beneath her composed exterior.

Their discussion flowed effortlessly, touching upon topics ranging from military tactics to literature and art. Prince Kieran listened intently, fascinated by Alethea's sharp intellect and unique perspective. As the evening wore on, the room seemed to shrink, leaving only the two of them, lost in conversation.

As the final course was served and cleared, Alethea pushed her chair back, her movements economical. "Thank you, Alexandre. I had a wonderful time tonight."

Prince Kieran rose, his eyes locking onto hers. "The pleasure was mine, Alethea. May I escort you to your chambers?"

For a moment, Alethea hesitated, her gaze searching the prince's face. The silence hung between them, heavy with unspoken questions. Then, with a subtle nod, she acquiesced.

"Very well, Alexandre."

A smile spread across Prince Kieran's face as he offered his arm. Alethea took it, her hand resting lightly on his sleeve. Together, they strolled through the castle's corridors, the night air thick with possibility. The moon, now a silver crescent in the sky, cast its benevolent gaze upon them, illuminating the path ahead, and the uncertain future that lay beyond.

As Prince Kieran escorted Alethea to her chambers, the soft glow of the torches lining the corridor cast a warm ambiance around them. The silence between them was comfortable, but Kieran's curiosity got the better of him.

"Alethea, may I ask you something?" Kieran inquired, his voice gentle.

Alethea replied, "Sure, my prince."

Kieran asked, " I want to know what happened in your past."

Alethea's pace slowed, and she eventually came to a halt, her gaze fixed on the floor. Kieran noticed her hesitation and immediately regretted his question.

"It's alright, Alethea. You don't have to answer if you don't want to," Kieran reassured her, his voice filled with understanding.

But Alethea's resolve strengthened, and she took a deep breath before responding, "No, I will talk about it, Prince Alexandre."

Kieran's eyes encouraged her to continue.

"Years ago, when I was living at the south border of this Kingdom, Avalor," Alethea began, her voice measured, "I lived with my parents by my side. At that border, was a tribe renowned for forging weapons with remnants of ancient creatures. That's how my sword was forged from dragon scales. They called it, a katana."

Kieran's interest piqued, he leaned in slightly.

"The tribe's craftsmanship was unmatched," Alethea continued. "My sword's unique properties allow it to withstand the power I imbue in it, thanks to the dragon scales. If it were a normal sword, the intensity of my power would cause it to break. However, this also made it a coveted target for invaders seeking to exploit these powerful weapons."

Alethea's eyes clouded, and her voice trembled.

"The invasion... it claimed my parents' lives as well as the lives of all those who l8ved there. I would have suffered the same fate, but the kingdom's army intervened, saving me and bringing me to the palace."

Kieran's grip on Alethea's hand tightened in sympathy.

"On the way to the palace, I was attacked by a monster," Alethea's gaze met Kieran's, "but you saved me, Prince Kieran. Your solar magic and reality-warping manipulation protected me. I was only ten at the time."

Kieran's expression softened, memories of that fateful day flooding back.

"Your father, King Thane, your mother, Queen Harper and your sister, Princess Elianne welcomed me with kindness and treated me like family," Alethea's voice filled with gratitude. "But I vowed to repay the debt by dedicating myself to the kingdom. I honed my ice and light magic, determined to serve Avalor."

Kieran's admiration for Alethea grew.

"At fourteen, I became an assassin, utilizing my skills to aid the kingdom," Alethea's eyes sparkled with determination. "And at nineteen, I was appointed General of the Kingdom's army."

As Alethea finished her story, Kieran's heart swelled with empathy. He opened his arms, embracing her warmly.

"Alethea, I'm so sorry for the pain you endured," Kieran whispered, his voice filled with compassion. "But I'm proud of the strong, courageous woman you've become."

Alethea's tension melted away as she surrendered to the comfort of Kieran's embrace. The scent of his cologne wafted into her nostrils, and she felt entranced.