Moonlight spilled through the open window as Kiyoshi awoke first, the gentle rise and fall of Nia's breathing beside him a soothing balm to his restless soul. He cracked open an eye, a smile tugging at his lips as he watched her sleep, her afro a tangle of darkness against the crisp white sheets. He traced a finger along her jawline, feeling the softness of her skin beneath his touch, and was overcome with a sense of peace he hadn't experienced before.
"Nia," he whispered, leaning in to press a gentle kiss against her forehead.
Her eyes fluttered open, a sleepy smile mirroring his. "Good morning, love," she murmured, reaching up to run her fingers through his hair. The simple touch made his heart skip a beat. He felt so lucky to have her here, to have this chance to start over.
"Did you have pleasant dreams?" he asked, his voice still rough with sleep.
"The most pleasant," she answered, her voice still husky with sleep as she cupped his face. "Dreams of peace, and laughter, and..." she trailed off, a smile playing at the corners of her lips.
"And?" he prompted, leaning in closer as her fingers traced his jaw.
"Maybe even a certain stubborn king finally learning to surrender?" she teased, her eyes sparkling with mischief. The feel of her fingertips on his skin sent a shiver down his spine. He chuckled softly, leaning in to capture her lips with his own. The kiss deepened, their tongues dancing together as their bodies pressed closer, the sheets twisting around their legs.
"Now, who said anything about being stubborn?" he whispered between kisses. Their playful banter continued. It was a stark contrast to the tense weeks they had endured, filled with worry and sleepless nights. Today, however, felt different. As if a weight had been lifted off their shoulders. As if they could finally breathe again.
Suddenly, a knock on the door startled them. "Your Highnesses," came a muffled voice. "It is time for your preparations." The king and queen glanced at each other, their eyes brimming with amusement.
Kiyoshi cleared his throat, a chuckle escaping his lips. "Come in," he called out, the playful grin still lingering on his face.
The door creaked open, revealing two young maids, their eyes widening in surprise at the sight before them. The King and Queen, usually reserved and formal, were sharing a playful moment that left them speechless. It was a rare glimpse into their private lives, and the maids could not help but feel a sense of warmth spread through their hearts.
Nia blushed lightly, burying her face in Kiyoshi's shoulder. Kiyoshi, however, simply winked at the maids, his amusement evident. "Good morning, ladies," he said, his voice still warm. "Please continue with your duties."
The maids exchanged glances, unable to hide their surprise. This was not the formal, distant King they were used to serving. He seemed... approachable, almost friendly. They busied themselves with helping Nia out of bed. As she stood, they went to work dressing her in a simple yet elegant gown of pale blue, the colour of the summer sky. The fabric flowed over her curves, accentuating her figure without being overly revealing. Her afro was styled into a loose chignon at the nape of her neck, allowing her delicate features to be framed by soft curls. A simple yet stunning strand of pearls adorned her neck, completing her look.
Kiyoshi sat on the bed admiring Nia as she was being dressed, his eyes tracing the curves of her body, lingering on the soft skin that was just beginning to show through the fabric of her gown. She was breathtakingly beautiful, and he could not help but feel a surge of protectiveness towards her. He knew that their relationship would not be an easy one, but he was determined to make it work.
He walked towards a large wooden armoire, its intricately carved doors adorned with symbols of power and prosperity. With a gentle push, he swung one of the doors open, revealing an array of garments that would have made any tailor envious. His eyes scanned the collection of suits, shirts, and ties, each piece exquisitely crafted from the finest materials. Finally, he reached for a small black velvet box that sat atop the armoire. The box was covered with a simple silver band, its intricate design hinting at the precious contents within.
He saw Nia looking at him with a questioning smile. He walked towards her; a small velvet box hidden in his hand. "What is that?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
"It is just something I thought you might like to wear," he replied, his voice low and gentle. He held out the box, revealing a simple but elegant necklace inside. The pendant was a single, sparkling ruby, set in gold filigree. The ruby glistened in the light, seeming to catch fire with every movement.
Nia gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. "It is beautiful," she breathed, her eyes wide with admiration. The ruby pendant glimmered in the light, reflecting her own joy and excitement. "Thank you, Kiyoshi. I'll treasure it always." She leaned forward and kissed him softly on the lips, her gratitude evident... The maids exchanged shy smiles, witnessing a side of their king and queen they had never seen before.
The whispers started almost immediately. As the king and queen made their way down the grand staircase, their hands entwined, the servants and courtiers could not help but exchange hushed comments and glances. The normally stoic King Kiyoshi was smiling, his eyes twinkling with amusement, while Queen Nia seemed to glow with happiness. It was a sight unlike anything they had ever seen before.
Laughter, unheard for months, now echoed from their chambers. Kiyoshi, while still cold and stoic towards others, treated Nia with a newfound gentleness, almost like they were equals. Their connection was palpable, and it seemed as though everyone in the palace could feel it. Even the most hardened of guards could not help but smile when they saw them together.
The councilmen, during their meeting with Kiyoshi, felt a shift in the air. The king's pronouncements, though still firm, lacked the usual bite. His gaze, occasionally, would drift to the window, where he could see Nia in the gardens, laughing and talking with the servants. The councilmen exchanged glances, unsure of how to interpret this newfound warmth in their king.
The news, however, did not reach Elspeth through the usual channels. She overheard it, in the form of a servant's whispered conversation. The girl had been chattering about the palace gardens, where Queen Nia was said to have been seen laughing with the king. If Nia was gaining the King's favor, it meant trouble for her husband, Prince Daemon. The throne might slip away from him like sand through fingers.
Her hand tightened around a delicate teacup, cracks beginning to form along the porcelain. Her grey-blue eyes flickered crimson as her fangs lengthened, the tip of one pressing against her lower lip. Magic swirled around her fingers; tendrils of power ready to strike out at anyone who dared her. A cold smile played on her lips. "So, the lovebirds are finally showing some affection, are they?" she drawled, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Well, let's see how long this little song lasts."
Moonlight danced across the garden, as Nia waited for Serena in the garden. Nia turned around to see a running Serena, breathless and flustered. "Nia, thank you!" Serena exclaimed, as she hugged her sister-in-law. "Kiyoshi has never been...happy. He has always been so cold and distant. But, since you have come along, he is...he is different. Like, he actually laughs!"
"For years, I have dreamt of seeing him truly happy. Now, with you..." She trailed off, a mischievous glint entering her eyes. "Are we to expect little princes and princesses soon?"
Nia's smile faltered. "Little...princes?" Confusion clouded her expression. "How does a woman...come with a child?"
Serena's eyes widened. "Have you..." she began, blushing slightly, "have you and Kiyoshi consummated your marriage?"
Nia shook her head, the confusion in her eyes deepening. "He has never…what does that mean?" she asked, her voice hushed.
Serena stifled a laugh. "Oh dear, has Kiyoshi not explained it to you?"
Nia frowned. "When he asked for my hand, he said it wouldn't…be necessary... When I…inquired further, he simply laughed."
"Laughed?" Serena's brows shot up. "Did he say why?"
Nia blushed. "He said, since I did not know what it meant; we needn't discuss it."
Serena sighed, amusement battling pity. "Nia, my dear, did your mother never…?"
Nia's smile turned wistful. "She passed when I was young. I have sisters, but I am the eldest. My father did not see fit to educate me on such matters." She shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant, but the truth was she was both anxious and curious. "I suppose I'll have to ask Kiyoshi again."
"I am sure he'll be happy to explain it to you," Serena said, grinning slyly. Serena chuckled, and as they walked deeper into the garden.
Kiyoshi was in his study, stacks of parchment and scrolls surrounding him. He paused, his quill hovering above a document. As the clock struck midnight, the king sighed. He rubbed his temples, wishing for a moment of peace amidst the escalating tensions simmering within Ivamis and Niameda's walls. A soft knock on the door startled him. "Who is it?" he called out; his voice edged with irritation.
"It is me, Kiyoshi," came Nia's gentle reply.
Relief washed over him. "Come in, Nia," he said, his tone softening. She stepped into the study; her movements graceful despite the darkness that seemed to follow her. "You shouldn't be up so late," Kiyoshi said, concern lacing his voice.
"Neither should you," she countered, her gaze softening as she saw the worry etched on his face. "Tell me, my king, what troubles you so?" she asked, sitting gracefully on his lap. The warmth of her body against his scent caused a shiver down his spine.
He hesitated, torn between the burden of his role and the longing to confide in her. But something in her clear eyes, filled with unwavering confidence and love, made him relent.
"It is the investigation, Nia," he confessed, pulling her close. "It feels like we're walking through a maze with no end in sight. Every time we think we've found a clue, it leads to another dead end. I fear for the safety of our kingdom, and worse, for yours." He sighed heavily, his chest heaving with exhaustion. "Whoever orchestrated this…they're cunning, leaving barely a trace."
Nia cupped his face, her thumb gently tracing the line of his jaw. "We've discovered children's footprints on the outskirts of Niameda. Tiny footprints, Nia. It pains me to think what darkness could bring them here."
Nia's eyes widened in horror. "Children? But why? Who would use…"
He silenced her with a gentle finger on her lips. "That is what we're trying to find out, my love. But the details…they're not for your kind heart." His eyes softened, and he took a deep breath. "Tonight, I want you to rest. You've been through so much these past few days. Let me handle this. I promise I will keep you safe, and we will find the answers we seek."
"Okay, but do not shut me out, Kiyoshi. We are partners in this life, remember? Tell me everything." Her expression turned solemn; determination etched on her delicate features. "We will find them, Kiyoshi," she declared, her voice ringing with conviction. "And we will stop them. Together."
Something in her words, some combination of trust and fierceness, seemed to reassure him. He looked into her eyes, seeing not just the woman he loved, but also the queen of his kingdom. He leaned forward, cupping her face gently before pressing his lips to hers in a tender, passionate kiss. Her lips were warm and soft against his, and he could feel the steady beat of her heart as it raced in tandem with his own.
𝕬𝖘 𝖙𝖍𝖊𝖎𝖗 𝖐𝖎𝖘𝖘 𝖉𝖊𝖊𝖕𝖊𝖓𝖊𝖉, 𝖍𝖊 𝖈𝖔𝖚𝖑𝖉 𝖋𝖊𝖊𝖑 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝖙𝖊𝖓𝖘𝖎𝖔𝖓 𝖎𝖓 𝖍𝖎𝖘 𝖇𝖔𝖉𝖞.