Chapter Twenty Three - Asher
I strolled through the palace gardens, hoping the cool evening air would clear my mind of the swirling thoughts that plagued me. The soft rustle of leaves and the distant sound of birds settling in for the night offered a brief reprieve from the weight of my responsibilities. Yet, despite the beauty surrounding me, my mind remained tangled in the discussions with my father and the impending ceremony.
As I wandered deeper into the gardens, the glow of twilight painted the sky in hues of purple and gold. I found myself drawn toward the fountain, a familiar spot where I often came to think. But as I approached, I halted, my heart pounding slightly as I spotted Dante standing by the fountain, his expression serious and contemplative.
Curiosity piqued, I slipped behind a nearby hedgerow, positioning myself to remain unseen. I'd never known Dante to linger in the gardens, especially at this hour. What was he up to?
The fountain was one of the most beautiful spots in the palace gardens, a cascading waterfall surrounded by vibrant flowers that filled the air with their sweet fragrance. I had always found peace in this spot, a contrast to the turmoil in my mind. Yet, tonight, that peace was shattered as I strained to understand the conversation that was about to unfold.
Moments later, Ava appeared, gliding through the garden with a grace that caught my breath. Her usual composure seemed slightly off, and for a fleeting moment, I was struck by the contrast of our worlds. Here was a maid of the palace, summoned by a prince. I didn't understand why they would meet in secret, but something felt off, and I felt a prick of unease.
As she approached Dante, I noticed the tension between them, palpable in the air. I leaned in closer, straining to catch their conversation, my heart racing with anticipation and a twinge of protectiveness.
"Ava," Dante began, his voice low but firm and gentle at the same time. "I'm glad you came."
"Of course," she replied, though her tone was hesitant. "What is it you wanted to discuss?"
I could see the uncertainty written all over her face, and it made me wonder why she had agreed to meet him. They had always seemed so distant when interacting in the palace, exchanging only the briefest of pleasantries, well, at least when I'm around. Now, in the fading light, the atmosphere was charged, and I felt like an intruder in a moment that was both personal and significant.
Dante's face was serious, his brow furrowed as if he were wrestling with something heavy. "I've been meaning to talk to you. Things have been hectic around here with the upcoming ceremony, and I wanted to see how you're holding up."
Ava stiffened slightly at his words. "I'm fine," she said, but there was a tremor in her voice that betrayed her confidence. I could sense that there was more beneath the surface.
"Really? Because you seem... distant lately," Dante pressed, his eyes searching hers. "If there's anything you want to talk about, you can trust me."
She glanced away, a flicker of something in her eyes—was it fear? "I appreciate your concern, Dante, but I'm just busy with the preparations for the ceremony. It's a lot of work."
I felt a pang of frustration on her behalf. Did Dante not see that there was something troubling her beyond mere preparations? The unspoken emotions hung between them, thick and charged.
Dante tilted his head, studying her closely. "That's fair, but you know I'm here for you. If you need help, I'm more than willing to lend a hand. You don't have to do this alone."
Ava shook her head, her expression resolute. "I can manage, really. I just need to stay focused."
I could see the determination in her eyes, a fierce need to maintain control, but I sensed the cracks in her armor.
"I understand," Dante replied, but I could see the concern etched on his face. "Just remember, you don't have to carry everything by yourself. We're all in this together."
"Thank you, Dante. That means a lot," she said softly, but there was a hesitance in her words. "But please, promise me you won't tell anyone about this conversation."
"I promise," he replied earnestly, though doubt flickered in his eyes. "Just take care of yourself, okay?"
Ava nodded, though her expression remained clouded, as if she were grappling with a storm of emotions beneath the surface. "I will. I promise."
As she turned to leave, I retreated further into the shadows, my heart racing with confusion and intrigue. What had just transpired? I felt a deep-seated need to protect her, to uncover the truth, but I also felt the weight of the brewing storm on the horizon.
Why was she meeting with my brother? Did she confide in him? Did she trust him more than she trusted me? Those questions gnawed at me, and I struggled to suppress the jealousy rising within me.
As I watched her walk away, I couldn't shake the feeling that something significant was unfolding just out of reach. Whatever game was being played between us, it was far from over. There were secrets hidden beneath layers of civility and duty, and I was determined to peel them back, even if it meant confronting the chaos of my own emotions.
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𝒜 ℋℯ𝒶𝓇𝓉 ℴ𝒻 𝒮𝒸𝒶𝓁ℯ𝓈 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝒮𝓉ℯℯ𝓁
Fantasy"You kept all these secrets from me...I trusted you, Ava." he says as he took a step closer. "Was it all a lie...?" "It was better for the both of us..." I said, my voice calm and cold. "You should go before I kill you, like I did to your father." A...
