Whispers Of Desires: A Sense Of Courage {Book 3}

❀ꗥ～ꗥ❀ 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫: 𝐌𝐨𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐢𝐭 𝐖𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 ❀ꗥ～ꗥ❀

Moonlight covered the castle garden as Nia strolled amongst the flowers. Maids scurried around her, their movements precise and silent as they tended to the morning rituals of watering and pruning.

Suddenly, a voice broke the tranquil silence. "Nia!" It was Princess Serena, her tone bright and full of energy. Then, noticing the maids, Serena quickly amended her greeting in a flustered manner, "I mean, Your Majesty!"

Nia's lips curved into a gentle smile. "Serena, no need for formalities here amongst the flowers," she said, gesturing to the empty space beside her on the garden bench. "Come, sit."

Serena settled onto the bench, "How was your visit to Niameda?" she asked, her eyes alight with curiosity.

"Quite delightful, thank you for asking," Nia replied. "The air there is always so refreshing."

"That is lovely," Serena said, her voice trailing off momentarily. "Now, you did summon me, may I ask for what reason?"

"Ah yes, right to the point as always," she chuckled.

Serena let out a dramatic gasp, her hand flying to her mouth. "Do not tell me you are with child again!" she exclaimed, her voice laced with false horror.

The maids stifled giggles behind their hands, eyes darting between the Queen and Princess.

Nia laughed, a soft, melodic sound. "No, no, no, Serena," she reassured, waving a dismissive hand. "There is no need to worry about any impending nieces or nephews. However, I do have a proposition for you."

"A proposition?" Serena repeated, curiosity getting the better of her. "Do elaborate, Nia."

"My younger sister, Adanna, prepares for a journey to Aerionia," Nia explained. "There is a rather grand competition being held there, a chance to win the hand of the Duke himself, I hear."

Serena's eyes widened in surprise. "A competition for a Duke's hand? Hmm, that does sound rather...intriguing," she admitted, a hint of a smirk playing at her lips.

"Intriguing indeed," Nia agreed with a nod. "However, let me assure you, there is no pressure to participate in the competition itself. Perhaps you would simply enjoy accompanying Adanna and experiencing the festivities."

Serena tapped her chin thoughtfully, her gaze fixed on the moonlit gardens. "Winning the hand of a Duke is not exactly something I aspire to," she stated bluntly. "Frankly, the idea of competing for a man's attention sounds rather...distasteful."

Nia nodded understandingly. "Of course, " she said. "But from what I have heard, Aerionia boasts magnificent balls and social gatherings. And rumor has it, the men there are quite...well, handsome."

A mischievous glint sparked in Serena's eyes. "Handsome, you say?" she mused. "Well, perhaps a trip to Aerionia would be just the thing to break the monotony of court life."

Nia chuckled softly. "So, what do you say, Serena? Up for a little adventure in Aerionia?"

Serena pondered for a moment, a slow smile spreading across her face. "While I doubt I shall be a contender in any competition for the Duke's affection," she admitted, "a visit to Aerionia does hold some appeal. I would not mind experiencing a different culture for a change."

"Excellent!" Nia exclaimed, relief washing over her. "Adanna departs in a few weeks' time. You shall be traveling together."

Serena raised an eyebrow. "Adanna? Is she not your third youngest sister?"

"She is," Nia confirmed with a smile.

"I have only met her a few times," Serena mused, "at your wedding and after the births of your children. But she seems a pleasant young woman. Traveling with her should not be a problem."

"Wonderful!" Nia declared, her smile widening. "Then it is settled. I shall write to Adanna right away, informing her of your company. And you, Serena, I suggest you begin preparing for your journey to the fascinating land of Aerionia."

Nia rose from the bench, the moonlight glinting off her regal gown. With a graceful tilt of her head, she bid farewell to Serena and walked back towards the castle, the maids following closely behind.