Chapter 76 - The council

Rahua's POV

I'm left standing in a room filled with unanswered questions, holding a mysterious stone that symbolizes a choice - a choice that could shape the course of my future and maybe of this kingdom. Part of me is drawn to the curiosity and excitement this man's offer brings, but another part of me hesitates, unwilling to trust a stranger who appeared uninvited in my room, filling me with ideas that seem too good to be true.

I know I need more information before making any decisions or summoning this man back into my life. I need to understand the risks, the consequences, and his true intentions. However, deep down, I can't deny the yearning to discover the truth, to explore the depths of my abilities, and to uncover the hidden secrets of this kingdom.

I sit down on the edge of my bed and turn the dark stone over in my hands, feeling its smoothness against my fingertips. My mind races with a million thoughts and possibilities. Is this my chance to make a difference, to rewrite history and challenge the status quo? I think I kinda did that unintentionally. But I could be also being lured into a trap, a ploy to manipulate me into something I can't even comprehend?

With a deep sigh, I place the stone on my bedside table and make a decision.

As I was about to lay back, a sudden knock on the door made me jump from the bed.

What hell is up today? I look around just in case, all the windows are closed. I search for something to arm myself for protection.

I don't have anything, no dagger, no knife. This is definitely the worse. The knock intensifies once again. I don't say anything this time, I slowly walk to the door, trying to not make any noise. I grab the closest thing to me, the water decanter, I slowly turn the knob and let the door open as I jump with the decanter in my hand.

"Rahua?" Damion looks confused at me as he caught me in the air with the decanter in my hand.

"Damion... I thought you were... I thought.." what did I thought? I mean thinking rationally, what was I trying to do?

"You look frightened, are you okay?" Damion embraces me. I could feel his arms surrounding me as if in a protective stance.

I push him away. "No everything is fine." I say but my eyes were looking everywhere.

"What is there to be so cautious, you are in the Palace nothing will happen to you, you are safe." I look at him, I know he is trying to comfort me, but I don't feel safe at all, much less here in the Palace.

I want to tell him about everything that just happened and that has been happening, but we haven't seen eachother for such long time. I notice how tired he looks, my hand automatically goes to is face caressing him.

"You look tired." I say in a low voice.

"I am, but I needed to see you. I haven't been able to."

"You 've been so busy, you should rest, I know you have been working hard for everyone."

Damion caresses my face, I could see in eyes a longing desire, that made my heart beat fast. Taking me by surprise he presses his lips against mine, is tongue forcing is way inside parting my lips with so much desire.

I felt like a delicious dessert about to be devoured.

My mind keeps fading, with desire and the passion of his kisses, his hands roam down my body, my doubts and fears fade into the background. This is what I've longed for, what I've yearned for during all these days he was away. The weight of responsibility and the burden of all I have experienced momentarily vanish, replaced by a desperate need for connection and release.

"Yo-your Hi-Higness!" A voice reluctantly spoke as we forgot that we were not in a not so private setting.

We broke our embrace, embarrassed to be caught in such moment.

I could see Damion's annoyance face, I almost chuckled.

"I am extremely sorry to .... interrupt" a maid says blushing at our promiscuity. "

"We quickly straighten ourselves, our faces flushed with embarrassment. "Yes, what is it?" Damion asked, while I was trying to regain my composure.

The maid clears her throat and avoids eye contact. "Your presence is urgently requested in the council chamber, Your Highness. The council members are waiting for you." I could the annnyonce in Damion's face morph into irritation.

The council is not very happy with the Farming project so I know they are being extra petty with everything, and that's also one the reasons that Damion is working extra hard.

I feel a pang of frustration, because I am sure they are opposing just to be spiteful. I glance at Damion, silently conveying my support.

"Duty calls, you must attend to the council summoning." I say.

"Yes." The ligh in his eyes were almost as if erased.

" I wish I could join you to support and cheer for you. " I say in a comforting way.

For a moment he looks at me with a soft smile, suddenly he extends his hand, as if he just had an epiphany. " Who says you can't join us. Your support would mean a great deal to me. "

With his hand extended to me, not giving me any chance to back away.

Without another word, I take his hand and follow Damion.

As we make our way to the council chamber, my mind is filled with a jumble of thoughts and emotions. Last time that I was in the presence of something "official" as the council I was being judged.

Entering the council chamber, I am met with the expectant faces of the council members, some with surprise expression as to my unexpected presence, others with very subtle displeasure. They all turn to look at me, their expressions in a mix of emotions.

I take a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. It's time to put on a brave face, to slay as their future Queen.

I stand tall, my back straight, and I walk towards the empty seat next to Damion. I can feel the weight of their expectations, but I refuse to let it intimidate me.

The council begins their discussion, debating the merits of the farming project and questioning Damion's decisions. I listen intently, absorbing every word being said. My mind works quickly, analyzing the arguments and formulating counterpoints. I don't like that they dismiss Damion's efforts and hard work, as if it is some extrencity.

They seem to look down on Damion, although they don't express openly with words but their tone and objections seem to say so.

Gathered in this council there are respected novel houses.

Ceaser was involved with the farming projects and since other noble houses had joined the project, Ceaser was their representative.

The King was involved with the project as well, but he had to remain as neutral as possible, it was one of the reason the council seem to thread carefully, on their objections.

They kept saying things that only benefited them, not the people of the kingdom.

Damion seemed so calm, and answered calmly making interesting arguments. As if he had everything under control. He is really amazing.

However the council kept throwing their rocks as if to blame Damion for trying to do better, than they ever even though of doing.

Finally, unable to hold back any longer, I raise my hand to speak.

They keep talking without acknowledging me.

I could see they were side eyeing me but no one dared to look directly at me.

Suddenly there was a bang on the table.

The room falls silent, all eyes turning to me.