Without Words, Without Sight

8: Cold Halls and A Confession

After instructing his vassal through a quick note, Nyx had all the servants removed from the Southern part of the castle where his chambers lied.

Before they left, Nyx pulled Iris close once again.

I hope you will forgive me, he began, but after we leave this room, I cannot show you any affection. No matter my feelings, I have to stay composed at all times. If anyone were to find out what you mean to me, your life would be in constant danger. I was taught never to trust completely. Even before my vassal, I will act cold and distant towards you, so that they will not see you as my weakness. So that they will not try to use you against me.
"I understand", she said.
Hearing that, his grip around her waist tightened slightly.
You see, he then said, sounding sorry. I let them think I brought you here on a whim, against your will. They think I simply wanted you for your beauty.

Iris fell silent for a moment.

She could hear Nyx' breathing, his chest slowly widening and contracting. Still in his embrace, her hands rested on his stomach. His skin under the luxurious cloth felt like stone. He was much taller than herself, her forehead barely reaching his heart. The most powerful being in the Kingdom, and yet he was so gentle around her. She could not help herself, it made her incredibly happy.
"It was the only way. And just as you said, what they think does not matter." Iris snuggled into his chest and held him for a moment.

You are too forgiving.

Indeed, the castle was enormous. They walked up and down the corridors for hours, while Nyx explained and Iris tried to memorize every inch of it. Under her long skirt, her feet were bare as always. She could feel every vibration, every pore of the stone ground.
You learn quickly, praised Nyx.
"The wind sounds different in every hall, the stones have their own temperatures and scent. Where there are flowers, I can remember their fragrance and hear their rustling resound from the walls. This castle seems so alive", Iris explained. "But it might still take time."
Is there something I can do? I can easily have my servants put different flowers in every hall, Nyx encouraged.
"But would that not be a sign of affection?", whispered Iris.
I can do as much, said Nyx reassuringly. I had them collect flowers before. It might as well be my own waywardness as their King. Iris could hear him grinning as he spoke.

After another hour, Nyx suddenly stopped and fell silent. His attention seemed to be drawn to another corridor to their left. Iris could feel his muscles tightening.
Come, he said, pulling her towards it.
A staircase lead down the dark hallway. The steps grew colder and colder under her feet, while overhead the air seemed to move to and fro.
As if it were breathing, Iris thought.

What I am about to show you is not exactly a beautiful or comfortable place, said Nyx. But no one ever comes here for fear of being cursed. It is one of the few places where I can be by myself.
He had not been here since the day they had put his father's crown on his head.
All of a sudden, the hallway ended and they entered a room so high and wide, Iris felt like falling.
"What is this place, my King?"

It is the halls where the former kings are put to rest.

The Kings' Crypt stretched out before them. Iris could not see, but she could feel the weight of the massive ceiling arching overhead and the high pillars that carried all of it. She could sense all of the force needed to uphold the immense structure, coursing beneath her bare feet on the ice cold stone ground.
And yet.
"The atmosphere is so calm and gentle", said Iris, taking in the air. Her hand rested on the back of Nyx' claws.
So you can feel it, too, Nyx concluded. I had expected nothing less.
"But they say the souls of the former Kings are fearsome and wild. How is this possible?"
I am not sure myself. Nyx hesitated. He had suspected before that Iris and her nurse had lived a rather secluded life.