I stepped into the vast chamber, illuminated by a solitary candle, yet darkness cloaked its corners, eluding my gaze. The scent of myrrh mingled with the faint wisps of incense, weaving through the air as I ventured further, seeking him.
My heart pounded in uncertainty, I wasn't sure what I was thinking or why I came all the way to his room but I knew I had to come, there was something pulling me, something magnetic, i didn't want to accept it but it was the desire for power that tugged at my being, compelling me onward, regardless of the consequences.
A warmth enveloped me from behind, gentle hands encircling my form, as the entity responsible made breathing noises. Lance's presence brought solace, his familiar scent of perfume soothing my senses as he whispered my name, his breath against my ear.
" you came " his voice echoed, a mixture of relief and desire palpable in his tone. His warmth causing me to relax, dispelling the tension that gripped me. Now that my resolve was strong, my fear was lost, replaced by a steely determination.
" your hair smells like cinnamon" he chuckled.
He turned me around to face him, his gaze, filled with longing, met mine as he caressed my lips, drawing me into an embrace, he took my lips in his, I could feel the intensity of his passion as he held me tighter, shivering like he was unable to control himself. Yet, within me lay only emptiness, a void where emotions once thrived. I yielded to his advances, a puppet in his grasp, devoid of sentiment.
"I love you," his words echoed, igniting memories of loss and betrayal, extinguishing any remnants of belief in love. The last time I heard that, I lost everything, I could never love again. Love, it was a concept I deemed nonexistent, Now I was only going to take what I want, take the hands of the powerful, rise above anyone else and seize what was rightfully mine.
He looked at my eyes like he was searching for hope, perhaps the same desire he harbored in his heart, perhaps I can also fake it, a fake replica of the same kind of emotions he was expressing. His vulnerability, a weakness I exploited, a stepping stone in my quest for power, I was going to get what everyone took from me
I knew I had him in the palms of my hands, playing hard to get wouldn't hurt, right?
"My king, I cannot," I protested, a façade of humility veiling my ambition. "What of Princess Theda? your betrothed, she'll get heart broken, I am but a washed-up princess, a mere pawn in your game." I bowed my head in shame, he raised my chin to face him.
"Your not a nobody to me, I love you and that's all that matters" his declaration of love unwavering, I watched as a tear traced his cheek, a testament to his intensity, a trait that defined him in all endeavors. he was such an emotional and intense person, nothing he did was in moderation, he hated in excess, loved in excess, obsessed in excess, cried in excess and even at war he fought with excess aggression to crush to dust at least I was a witness to that. it was a wonder how he was such a strong and stable king. If I hadn't known better I would probably find myself moved by him.
But I no longer had a heart, it was shriveled and unexpectant, it was dead.
"Do you love me that much?" I queried, wiping away his tears, he nodded in affirmation.
" then I promise you this, I'll stand beside you till the day one of us breathes our last, I swear it" I Continued, he grinned as he pulled me into a tight hug. In his embrace, I feigned reciprocation, masking my true intentions behind a façade of affection.
" I'll love you even in the afterlife" he said into my ears. As he professed love even in the afterlife, I nodded in acquiescence, concealing my true nature beneath a guise of loyalty. With each embrace, each whispered vow, I advanced my agenda, a silent predator in the guise of a loyal consort.
His love, a futile gesture akin to offering affection to a cat, destined never to be returned.