Nia bit her lip uncertainly. "Very well," she said, placing her hand in his. As they danced, Lord Darius leaned in conspiratorially. "Pretend I have said something amusing."
Puzzled but obliging, Nia threw back her head and laughed, a genuine, uninhibited sound. As they danced, he continued to amuse her with his dry wit and clever observations, and the tension that had been building between them began to ease. Their movements grew more fluid and confident, their bodies swaying in perfect rhythm. The other guests seemed to fade away, leaving them alone in their own little world.
Finally, as the music reached its climax, Lord Darius leaned in closer, his breath warm against her ear. "Do you see him?" he whispered. "The one standing across the room, watching us?" Nia felt her heart skip a beat as she glanced to her side and out of the corner of her eye. There, standing several feet away, was Kiyoshi, his expression unreadable. "He is jealous," Lord Darius continued. "He cannot help but notice the connection between us, the way we move together on the dance floor. And I must say, my lady, you are dancing like a queen."
Kiyoshi watched Nia dancing closely with Lord Darius, his fists clenched at his sides. How dare another man put his hands on his wife! He was about to storm over when King Madoc said, "Shall we withdraw to the throne room? There are sensitive matters to discuss regarding the children."
Suppressing his anger with effort, Kiyoshi nodded tightly. As he exited, he glanced back once more at Nia. Her laughter pierced him like an arrow. Clenching his jaw, he turned away and led the king to the throne room. In the throne room, Kiyoshi only half listened as Madoc proposed search parties and magical tracking spells. His thoughts kept returning to Nia in that rogue lord's arms, her smile meant for another. It was maddening. She was his wife!
Meanwhile, Nia was conversing pleasantly with Lord Darius when the ballroom doors opened. A wave of emotions washed over Nia as she saw her father, Duke Nari, followed by her sisters, Kazi, Ife, Adanna, Asha and Tanisi. Ignoring the surprised murmurs around her, Nia rushed towards them, her heart filled with joy and relief. "Father! Sisters!" she exclaimed, throwing her arms around them.
Tanisi, the youngest, squeezed Nia tightly. "Nia! We missed you so much! You have no idea how much I missed you! Why did not you write or send word?" she gushed, burying her face in Nia's shoulder.
Nia chuckled, "I apologize, I have been really busy with...well, you know...," she muttered "Never mind I missed you all too," she smiled, taking in her sisters' beautiful faces and her father's stern expression. "I am so glad you could make it," she said, looking around the room, taking in the decorations and the bustling crowd of nobles.
"Ah yes, this is Lord Darius, my ballroom instructor," Nia said, gesturing to Lord Darius, who bowed politely. Darius bowed respectfully.
"Your Highness, a pleasure to meet you all. Please allow me to excuse myself and leave you to catch up with your family." Lord Darius bowed again before stepping away, disappearing into the crowd.
Nia nodded her thanks, leading her family out of the ballroom and into the drawing room. The room was smaller, more intimate, with a fire crackling in the hearth and comfortable chairs arranged in groups. Servants flitted about, offering tea and refreshments. Nia took a seat on a plush velvet sofa, patting the spot next to her for her father. He sat down stiffly, his expression unreadable.
"How are you adjusting to life as queen, dear?" her father inquired, his expression filled with concern. Nia took a sip of her tea before answering. "It has been...challenging, but I am doing my best. And to be honest, the responsibility hasn't been as grand as I expected."
Tanisi raised an eyebrow. "Are you happy?" she questioned; her voice laced with concern.
Nia sighed. "There's happiness, I suppose. I have made friends with the staff, and my duties keep me occupied. Butβ¦" she hesitated, unsure how much to reveal.
Kazi cut in. "But what about Kiyoshi? Is he treating you well?" she asked carefully. Nia's face flushed at the mention of her husband's name. "Kiyoshi and I... we've had our differences. But we're working on it. He is trying to be better, and I am trying to understand him," she said, her voice trembling slightly.
Adanna inquired, "Has he shared his plans regarding recent troubles?"
Nia shook her head sadly. "No. He keeps everything close to his chest, unwilling to confide in me." She took another sip of her tea, trying to calm the butterflies in her stomach. "He has been distant, preoccupied with...things. I wish I could help him, but he does not seem to want my support."
They all looked at each other with concerned expressions, unsure of what to say. Asha tried to lighten the mood. "So, tell us, how's married life? Any dreamy nights shared under the moonlight?"
Nia laughed nervously. "Well, we do share a bedchamber, but that is about it. Kiyoshi prefers to sleep alone." She glanced at her sisters, hoping they'd understand the subtext of her words.
Ife spoke up for the first time. "Have you discussed children? It is a natural next step in any marriage."
Nia's heart clenched. "Children? No, there haven't been any talks about that. Right now, it just does not seem⦠feasible."
As the night wore on, they reminisced about their childhood, shared stories, and laughed until their sides ached. But under the surface, a heavy weight lingered. Nia knew her sisters sensed her unhappiness, but she wasn't ready to fully expose the vulnerabilities of her marriage.
As the time for their departure neared, they began to say their goodbyes. Nia hugged each of her sisters tightly, whispering words of love and encouragement into their ears. When it came time for her father to leave, she hugged him as well, feeling his strong arms wrap around her protectively. As they waved goodbye, Nia felt a bittersweet ache in her chest. The visit had been a balm to her soul, a reminder of the love and support of her family. Yet, it also highlighted the stark contrast between the warmth she shared with them and the coldness she experienced with her husband.
Turning to the remaining guests, a bittersweet smile graced her lips. She spent the next hour mingling, conversing with ambassadors and nobles. One by one, the guests departed, until at last the castle was quiet and empty. Nia climbed the grand staircase to her bedchamber, πππ πππππ πππππ ππππ πππ ππππππ ππ πππ πππππππ.