That night, King Torin commanded that Aiden be brought to him. Minutes later, two guards dragged Aiden into the king's chamber, his hands shackled together, pushing him to the ground before the ruler. With an authoritative wave, Torin instructed the guards to leave the premises, ensuring no one would disturb their meeting. "Leave us," he ordered, his voice resonating with authority. The guards bowed, murmuring, "Yes, Your Majesty," before retreating and shutting the door behind them.
Aiden's face was a mask of cold fury, standing inches from King Torin, who loomed over him like a tempest ready to unleash its wrath.
"Traitor!" Torin's voice was a low rumble, laced with barely contained anger.
raised his head, meeting the king's gaze with fiery defiance.
"Arise," Torin commanded.
Aiden stood, straightening to face the king, the tension in the room palpable.
"You came into my kingdom for reasons best known to you," Torin paused, grunting in contemplation as he stepped closer to Aiden. "I know who you are," he said, locking eyes with him.
In an impulsive act of defiance, Aiden spat into King Torin's face.
Torin's expression hardened as he raised his hand and struck Aiden, sending him sprawling to the ground.
Aiden struggled to rise, breathing heavily, fury mingled with disbelief. "The Queen sent you, Lyra," Torin laughed, a sound devoid of humor.
"She will take you down at all costs, Torin," Aiden sneered, his eyes glittering with uncertainty beneath his bravado.
"Then you want me, have me," King Torin replied, his tone deep and unwavering.
Aiden glanced at the chains that bound his hands. "Oh, chained," he murmured, incredulity washing over him.
Torin, with a flick of his wrist, tossed the key to Aiden, who caught it deftly and unleashed himself from his bonds with practiced ease.
"Impressive, Aiden," Torin scoffed, watching with a mix of admiration and disdain.
Auden's eyes widened in shock at the use of his true name. "How do you know my name?" he demanded, his voice low and fierce.
Torin laughed, a sound that echoed through the chamber.
In a swift motion, Aiden somersaulted, drawing two short blades from his hair, attacking the king with a lithe grace. King Torin, agile despite his years, evaded the first strike, kicking one blade from Aiden's grasp.
Aiden pressed the attack, but King Torin parried each of his strikes with practiced ease until, in a sudden twist, he seized Aiden's left hand, disarming him and maneuvering behind him, pressing a blade against Aiden's neck.
"You're a fool, Aiden," Torin growled, his voice a guttural rasp. "You think you can kill Torin with a cheap dagger?"
"Perhaps not," Aiden laughed, a chilling sound that sent shivers down Torin's spine. "But I can certainly weaken him."
With renewed vigor, he lunged again, aiming for Torin's leg. The king sidestepped, his blade a blur of steel as he countered Aiden's next strike.
Torin stood before Aiden, pressing his blade into Lucian's chest just enough to draw blood. A crimson stain blossomed across Lucian's grey robe as he staggered back, shock and disbelief written across his face.
"Twice you spared me," Aiden said, his voice a mixture of pain and admiration.
Torin turned, striding toward his inner chamber. "The way you looked at me in court…" Aiden continued, his voice trailing off.
"Never changed the fact that you came here for me and my family," Torin interrupted.
"How did you know my name?" Aiden demanded, forcing himself to meet the king's gaze.
Torin halted, turning to face Aiden fully. "Your queen was my wife, but knowing a side of me she left, and married the late king of Eldrado."
"And what was that side of you?" Aiden pressed, curiosity piqued.
"That side you saw when you looked into my eyes. This is not you in a fight. So I ask you, why did you fight at your least?" Torin continued, his gaze unwavering.
"I fought…" Aiden began but was interrupted.
"Lyra's best assassin," Torin interjected.
"I shall leave, never to return again," Aiden declared, turning to exit.
But Torin called after him, "You fought with your least, why?"
Aiden turned back, his voice earnest. "When I saw you seated…" he inhaled sharply.
Slowly, King Torin and Aiden advanced toward each other, the tension thickening with each step.
"You spared me twice, even in the gravity of my offense," Aiden stuttered.
"I am King Torin, second to none," the king stated, his voice resolute.
As they stood inches apart, Torin's expression softened. "You caused quite a stir in my court. Your fate hangs by a thread, yet here you stand, unbroken. I admire such heart," he remarked, his hand brushing against the blood on Aiden's chest, a gesture that conveyed both authority and an unexpected tenderness.
"I am indebted to you. For sparing me, I'll do whatever you ask of me this moment," Aiden offered, the weight of his words heavy in the air.
Torin leaned closer, his breath warm against Lucian's ear. "Show me," he said, his voice a low growl. "Show me how loyal you are." He stepped closer, his intentions becoming all too clear. "You possess a certain… allure that I find irresistible."
"This is inappropriate..." Aiden began, but King Torin cut him off with a commanding tone. "Not another word."
"Is it?" Torin replied, his voice a sultry whisper, admiration glimmering in his eyes as he surveyed Aiden's form. "Undress for me."
The command hung in the air, heavy and charged. For a moment, Aiden hesitated, the weight of the king's expectation pressing down on him. Yet, the undeniable attraction he felt for Torin, compounded by the fact that his life had been spared, rendered him powerless to resist.
With a slow, deliberate motion, Aiden loosened his robe, letting it fall away until he stood unclad, bare and vulnerable before the king.
Torin stepped closer, his gaze roaming over Aiden's form, a mix of desire and dominance swirling in his expression. The atmosphere crackled with anticipation as Aiden stood confidently, each layer of fabric that fell away revealing the handsome, charming features that had captivated so many. His tousled locks framed a face that radiated mischief and allure, a spark in his eyes that dared anyone to look away.
As the last piece of clothing slipped to the floor, Aiden's body was unveiled in all its glory. His chest was sculpted, muscles honed from countless hours of training. The flatness of his belly showcased strength, while his tapered waist drew attention to his well-defined physique.
A slight turn revealed his rounded, firm backside, the silhouette enhanced by the warm glow of candlelight. The chemistry between them crackled like a live wire, and Aiden, emboldened by the moment, leaned in, capturing Torin's lips in a kiss that conveyed volumes of unspoken longing.
Torin's hands found their way to Aiden's waist, pulling him closer, deepening the kiss. It ignited a fire that coursed through their veins, a passionate dance of dominance and submission. Aiden responded eagerly, fingers threading through the king's hair, drawing him in as their bodies pressed together, heat radiating from their entwined forms.
With a gentle tug, Torin guided Aiden toward the bed, their lips never parting. They collapsed onto the soft sheets, laughter mingling with soft sighs as they settled into each other's embrace. Torin cradled Aiden in his arms, their bodies fitting together perfectly as they reveled in the warmth of their closeness. The world outside faded away, leaving only the soft whispers of affection that punctuated their shared kisses.
As they cuddled, Torin's gaze grew serious. "Aiden," he said, his voice firm, "I must show you a way out. You leave before sunrise."
Aiden arched an eyebrow, amusement dancing in his eyes. "You think your men can hold me?"
Torin smiled, a wild glint in his gaze. "You have your secrets, I have mine."
"How?" Torin pressed, desperation lacing his tone.
"The hidden door behind the tapestry depicting a mythical hunt. It's concealed by a clever mechanism, accessible only with a specific sequence of touches," Aiden explained.
Torin chuckled lightly. "Lyra."
"This passage leads to the stables," Torin continued, his expression serious. "From there, you can escape the city walls and find your own path."
"I know," Aiden interjected.
"Just making sure you don't lose your way when you come back to me," Torin teased lightly, but his eyes were earnest.
"You're not afraid of giving me a loophole into your palace?" Aiden asked, curiosity piqued.
"I spared yours, so you can spare mine," Torin replied, rising from the bed and moving toward the bathroom with an effortless grace that left Aiden momentarily entranced.
As dawn crept closer, the heavy oak doors of King Torin's chamber creaked open. Aiden stepped out, his silhouette stark against the soft glow of candlelight. Two gleaming blades were strapped to his back, their weight a familiar comfort. The air felt charged, heavy with the tension of what had transpired.
He moved towards the exit, steps deliberate, gaze fixed ahead as he navigated the opulent chamber—a testament to the king's power—but his focus was solely on the escape route.
Suddenly, a voice pierced the quiet. "You?!"
Malen stood frozen at the entrance, disbelief etched across his features. Aiden knew he couldn't hesitate. He spun, his movements a blur, launching one of his blades with a swift flick of his wrist. It found its mark, burying itself in Malen's neck, a crimson stain blooming against his white shirt.
Malen gasped, reaching for the wound as his body crumpled to the ground. Aiden didn't linger; he had to escape, to outrun the guards who would soon be alerted to the chaos.
He sprinted toward the secret route, the shouts of startled soldiers echoing behind him.