The king felt a strange sense of comfort as Aurora’s hand rested on his back. He turned to face her, noticing the concern etched on her face. Her eyes held a warmth that he couldn’t help but appreciate.
They continued walking around the garden, the king felt a sense of ease and comfort in Aurora’s presence. The moon was full, casting a soft glow over the flowers and trees, and the air was cool and refreshing.
“Tonight is so beautiful,” Aurora said softly. “It’s a shame that moments like this are so rare.”
The king nodded in agreement. “I know. That’s why I came out tonight’s”
Aurora smiled, her eyes sparkling in the moonlight, she was happy that the king decided to spend it with her.
“Thank you, your Majesty” Aurora uttered silently, making the king p his feet and look at her.
“What for? He asked.
“For spending it with me,” Aurora said, and the king didn’t say anything, he didn’t get angry for calling him Your Majesty instead of my lord, this all made Aurora’s cheeks redden and she couldn’t hide it.
They continued to stroll through the garden, talking about the stars, the weather, and the beauty of nature. As they came to a small gazebo, the king turned to Aurora with a glint in his eye.
“Aurora, I have a request for you,” he said, taking her hand in his. “I would like you to sing a song for me.”
Aurora’s heart fluttered at the king’s words. She had always loved to sing, but she had never sung for the king before. She wondered if this was a sign that he was finally starting to warm up to her, “Of course, Your Majesty. What would you like me to sing?”
“Anything you like,” he replied, releasing her hand. “I just want to hear your voice.”
Aurora’s face lit up, and she nodded eagerly. “Of course, Your Highness,” she replied, a hint of excitement in her voice.
As she began to sing, the king couldn’t take his eyes off her. Her voice was like a lullaby, soothing and comforting, and he found himself lost at the moment. When she finished, he leaned in for a kiss, and Aurora responded eagerly, her arms wrapped around his neck.
For a few moments, nothing else existed, but the two of them lost their passion. But then, as quickly as it started, the king pulled away. He stepped back, his eyes filled regretfully.
The king stood up straight and composed himself. He took a deep breath and looked at Aurora with a mix of regret and desire in his eyes. “I’m sorry,” he said, “I should not have done that. You’re right, I cannot forget what you have done, no matter how much I want to.”
Aurora lowered her gaze and nodded. She knew that what they had just shared was a fleeting moment of passion that could not erase the reality of their situation. She was a slave and a murderer, and he was the king who could never love her openly.
She felt a pang of sadness in her chest but forced a smile on her lips. “It’s okay, Your Majesty,” she said, “I understand.
But her face fell, and she stepped back, hurt by his words. She knew he was right, but it still stung to hear it.
The king looked away, his heart heavy regretfully. He knew he had to keep his distance from Aurora, no matter how much he wanted to be with her. He turned and walked away, leaving Aurora standing in the garden, her heart aching.
With a heavy heart, she watched as the King turned and walked away, leaving her alone in the garden. She knew that she would never forget the warmth of his lips or the feel of his hands on her body, but she also knew that she would never be able to have him as her own.
As she stood there in the garden, a single tear trickled down her cheek, and she realized that some things were just not meant to be.
Finally, Aurora wiped away her tears as she made her way back to the palace, Daphne hurriedly approached her, “Aurora, the Queen is calling for you,” She said in a hushed tone.
Aurora furrowed her brows confused, wondering why the Queen would summon her so late at night. Nevertheless, she followed Daphne to the Queen’s chambers.
When she arrived, Queen Nneka greeted her with a warm smile, but Aurora could sense an undercurrent of tension in the air, wondering what her sister was up to.
Nneka invited her to sit down and offered her some refreshments.
“Thank you, Your Majesty,” Aurora said, feeling nervous.
Nneka sat down across from her and took a sip of her tea, and asked Daphne to leave them alone, Daphne bowed and exited the room
“Aurora, I wanted to ask you something,” she said, her tone friendly but with a hint of suspicion.
Aurora’s heart skipped a beat. She wondered what Nneka could want from her this late at night, she hopes she hadn’t found out that she loved the king.
“Of course, Nneka, What is it you wish to ask me?”
Nneka leaned forward, her eyes narrowing slightly. “Have you seen the masked girl we are searching for?”
Aurora’s mind raced. She knew that the masked girl was none other than herself, but she couldn’t let the Queen know that. “No, I haven’t found her” she replied, trying to sound as sincere as possible.
The Queen scrutinized her for a moment before leaning back in her chair. “I see,” she said, her voice laced with suspicion. “Well, if you do happen to see her, be sure to let me know.”
Aurora nodded, her heart pounding in her chest. She could tell that the Nneka knew more than she was letting on, but she couldn’t figure out what game she was playing. She finished her tea and bid her go goodnight.
As she wanted to exit the door, Nneka’s voice halted her.
“But I heard Xena has found the masked girl”.
Aurora’s eyes widened at the mention of Xena. She knew that if anyone could have discovered her identity, it would be her.
“Are you certain?” she asked, trying to keep her voice steady.
Nneka’s eyes gleamed with amusement as she replied, “Yes, but I want you to find out.”
Aurora felt her pulse quicken. She knew that if Nneka had truly found out her secret, it could spell disaster for her.
“Of course, Your Majesty,” she said, trying to sound as composed as possible.
She left the Queen’s chambers feeling more confused than ever. Had Xena discovered her secret? Or is Nneka playing a dangerous game with her? Aurora couldn’t be certain, but she knew that she had to be careful from that moment on, and she needs to find out the truth.