Chapter 35

"I, I-is it that obvious?" Ana Sofia replied, her voice wavering slightly. "Yes, it is. You have a tendency to look deep into your thoughts when you're alone. It's quite captivating, actually." Ralthone chuckled softly, his gaze never leaving her face.

Ana Sofia couldn't help but feel a bit self-conscious under his scrutiny but also slightly intrigued that he noticed individual quirks and traits about her, more than she realized. She laughed a little from embarrassment and surprise,

"That's great to note, something I shall work on improving." He didn't respond instead he gazed out the window the sun was increasing its setting and Ana Sofia worked up the courage to question him, "Ralthone...that day at the chapel, if you weren't there I...."

"I understand, my queen. I just happened to be in the right place at the right time. It's a good thing I did, or things could have turned out differently." Ralthone replied, his voice gentle. "But you see, that's the thing about fate."

"Fate?" Ana Sofia questioned, cocking her eyebrow in curiosity. "What do you mean by that?" She asked, leaning against the windowsill, her gaze never leaving his. Ralthone chuckled softly, shaking his head slightly, "Nothing much, just an old saying."

"Do you often visit the chapel? I didn't take you for a man of faith?" She questioned feeling more confident in herself she wasn't used to his inviting energy, so she decided to partake a little longer.

Ralthone turned to face her, his eyes meeting hers. "I don't visit the chapel often, no. But when I do, it's usually for contemplation or meditation. As for my faith, I believe in something greater than myself. It doesn't necessarily have to do with the gods or religion."

"Oh, yes that makes sense, well I should be off Wesleynard will be wondering where I am." Ralthone smiled, "How goes the wedding planning?" Ana Sofia smiled politely in response, "It's going well, thank you for asking. Wesleynard and I are excited to finally tie the knot before winter sets in."

She glanced at the window, her mind drifting back to their conversation about fate. "Speaking of fate, I guess you could say our meeting was meant to be."

 Ralthone raised an eyebrow at her comment, "I see you're still thinking about our conversation earlier. Yes, perhaps it was fate that brought us together." He paused for a moment before continuing, "But don't forget, sometimes fate can be cruel too. We never know what lies ahead."

Ana paused she debated on asking him about Forsythia perhaps he could shed some light on the situation, "Ralthone when were attacked...." He seemed to stiffen at her question, "I'm afraid I don't know what you're referring to, my queen. Could you please clarify?" Ralthone asked, his voice cool.

Ana frowned, "You don't remember? The uprising in Forsythia? The attack on our caravan?" He nodded, as she continued, "I remember finding a record, of the town's dealings."

"I see," Ralthone replied, his expression unreadable. "Perhaps it's best if you bring those records to my attention, then I can investigate further." He paused for a moment, his gaze fixed on something outside the window. "As for the attack in Forsythia, I was away on business when it happened."

"I was not aware of that," Ana Sofia replied, her brow furrowed in thought. "Well, I'll be sure to do that. Thank you for your time, Ralthone."

She turned to leave, but before she could take more than a few steps, he grabbed her wrist, spinning her around to face him. His grip was firm but not painful, and for a moment, she was taken aback by the intensity of his gaze.

"Wait," he said, his voice quiet and urgent. "There's something else you should know about Forsythia." Ana Sofia tensed, feeling a wave of unease wash over her. "What do you mean?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "You only know the truth of what occurred that day. Make haste in finding out," Ralthone replied, his eyes boring into hers.

Ana Sofia's eyes widened Ralthone knew something, "What-" he dropped her wrist and walked away his heavy footsteps receded into the quiet and she was left with her thoughts spinning. Could she trust Ralthone? No, she couldn't. Not entirely.

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After her day in the library, she headed down to the dining hall to have supper with her friends, she spotted the trio and sat next to Wesleynard his eyes lit up as he saw her, he gave her a quick peck and ordered servants to bring her a plate of food, "How was your afternoon in the library?"

"It was quite eventful," Ana Sofia replied, taking a sip of her wine she didn't want to reveal too much "I found some interesting books that detailed our kingdom's history, the first conqueror it was quite the thrilling read." She hoped that would be enough to satsify his question. 

"That sounds fascinating," Wesleynard replied, his eyes gleaming with curiosity. "Perhaps we could read them together sometime." He reached over to take her hand in his, giving it a squeeze. "You know, for research purposes," he added with a wink. Ana Sofia dramatically rolled her eyes as Ethan and Natalia gathered in to the conversation. They spent the evening sharing stories of their separate lives and adventures Ana laughed until her belly was sore. Wesleynard peppered her with kisses and displays of affection all evening she felt the warmth of his love and she felt a bit guilty for not telling him about Ralthone but she convinced herself it was for his safety she would reveal more when she had concrete evidence. After a quiet evening Ana and Wesleynard departed the dining hall hand in hand they climbed the grand stairs, the plush carpet soothing their tired feet. They didn't always share a bed but, tonight they craved the feeling of soft skin and intoxicating pleasure. As Ana and Wesleynard reach the top of the stairs, a cool breeze wafts through the corridor, making Ana shiver. Wesleynard notices and wraps his arm around her, leading her to their chambers. The room is dimly lit, with a fire crackling in the hearth, casting a warm glow over the luxurious furnishings.

"My neck aches" Ana complained as she plopped into her bed, her gown pooling around her but it was true spending the entire afternoon reading books had stiffened her spine.

"Shall I ask for a bath to brought up?" Wesleynard asked as he prodded the small flame in the fireplace. "That would be lovely, thank you," Ana replies, already feeling the tension in her muscles start to ease at the thought of a warm bath. As Wesleynard summons a servant to prepare the bath, Ana takes a moment to appreciate the cozy surroundings of their chambers. The firelight dances across the ornate tapestries adorning the walls, creating a welcoming and intimate atmosphere. The servant arrives with steaming water and fragrant bath salts, pouring them into the large tub in the corner of the room. Ana slips out of her gown, letting it pool on the floor as she steps into the welcoming warmth of the bath. She sinks into the water, letting out a contented sigh as the tension melts away from her body.

"How does it feel?" Wesleynard purred as he kneeled by her tub, he grabbed the soap and began lathering it generously in between his hands. The scent wafted in the air; Ana Sofia cocked an eyebrow, "Are you using this as an excuse to touch me?" Ana Sofia replies, closing her eyes as she leans back against the tub, enjoying the warmth and the gentle massage of the water against her skin.

Wesleynard begins to wash her hair, his fingers working the soap through the strands, and she can't help but let out a soft moan of pleasure. "You always know how to make me feel good." Wesleynard's lips curl into a smirk as he continues to wash Ana's hair, his touch gentle and soothing. "Only the best for my queen," he says, his voice low and husky.

The fire crackles and sparks, casting a warm glow over her body, He began to move his massage down to the base of her nape to work on releasing the tension in her shoulders her head slipped back simultaneously as she allowed the feeling of pain and pleasure coil in her stomach, he gently kissed her exposed neck, and she whimpered, "Wes... this is becoming dangerous" she whispered.

He hummed in response as his fingers lightly trailed down her spine, she arched her back, "I like a little danger." he replied through his kisses. The fireplace continues to cast long, shifting shadows across the room as Wesleynard's fingers continue to explore Ana's body. The water in the tub sloshes gently as she shifts, her breath hitching as his touch ignites a fire within her. The scent of the bath salts mingles with the aroma of the fire, creating an intoxicating atmosphere that seems to envelop them.