Clouds Over the Sea

Chapter 35: The Kings Gambit

Elowyn's heart beat louder than the music that surrounded them, a staccato rhythm she feared the King might hear. His presence, all-consuming and magnetic, pressed in on her as they twirled across the ballroom floor. The Heartstone pendant swayed with each movement of his chest, its blood-red glow a beacon in the sea of pale faces and shimmering gowns.

The crowd's eyes were on them, but the King's gaze was locked on hers, unwavering. His touch was gentle yet commanding as they glided through the waltz, each step measured, controlled. He had the power here—he was the center of the universe, and everything else bent around him, including her. The realization was both thrilling and terrifying.

She could feel the weight of the jewel against her chest, a reminder of why she was here. The Heartstone was close, so close, but she couldn't just grab it. She had to wait for the perfect moment. She had to get him alone.

But how?

As if sensing the shift in her thoughts, the King's smile deepened, his grip tightening slightly around her waist. "Aria," he whispered, his voice smooth and low, "you're not thinking of escaping me already, are you?"

Elowyn's breath caught in her throat. She had been trying so hard to hide her thoughts, but it seemed the King's keen eyes had caught her distraction. "I would never dream of leaving, Your Majesty," she replied, her voice calm, betraying none of the fear swirling beneath her skin.

He laughed softly, the sound carrying through the air like the tinkling of distant bells. "No, I don't think you would. But even now, I can see the spark in your eyes. You've come for something more, haven't you?"

"I seek only to serve you," Elowyn answered, keeping her tone neutral, careful not to reveal too much. She forced her thoughts back to the task at hand. She had to maneuver him.

"I have no doubt you do," the King replied, his eyes gleaming with something unreadable. "But I've always believed that loyalty can be... quite the tempting thing. It is a fragile thing, as well, don't you think?" His gaze dropped to the Heartstone, his fingers brushing the pendant almost absently. The action was enough to send a cold shiver down her spine. He was letting her know that he knew more than he let on.

Elowyn's mind raced. This was the opening she needed. He was testing her, pushing her, and she would use it to her advantage.

"Perhaps it's not loyalty I seek, Your Majesty," she said, leaning in just slightly, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Perhaps there's something else I desire."

The King's eyes flashed with interest, and for a brief moment, the world around them seemed to still. He led her out of the dance, his movements smooth as he guided her toward a quieter corner of the ballroom, away from the watchful eyes of the courtiers.

"Aria," he said, the way he said her name now unmistakably different. "I'm intrigued. What is it you truly want?"

She took a step closer to him, her eyes never leaving his, her heart beating faster now—not with fear, but with something darker, more dangerous. This was the moment. She couldn't afford to hesitate.

"I want... power," she said, her voice soft but firm. "The kind of power you wield. The kind that shapes kingdoms."

The King studied her for a long moment, his lips curling into a smile that sent a thrill through her. "Power," he repeated, as though savoring the word. "You're a dangerous woman, Aria. I've been wondering if you had something like that in you."

He stepped closer, his body almost brushing hers now, his presence overwhelming. "Power... can be a very alluring thing," he murmured. "But it's not easily obtained. Not even for someone as talented as you."