Jaguar and Evans walked in hushed tones towards Jericho’s chamber, their footsteps echoing through the dimly lit corridor. Doubt lingered in Jaguar’s mind, and he couldn’t help but question Evans once more.
“Evans, are you sure about what you told me?” Jaguar inquired, his voice filled with a mix of anxiety and urgency.
Evans met Jaguar’s gaze, his eyes resolute. “Yes, it’s true,” he affirmed, his voice steady.
“But you must understand, Evans, the risks involved. If Jericho discovers your intentions to expose them, he won’t rest until he makes you out to be a liar. And if the king learns of your deception, he won’t hesitate to sever your head from your body for tarnishing the reputation of a woman he loves.”
Evans’ heart sank as the weight of the consequences pressed upon him, knowing the king wouldn’t hesitate to slaughter his head if he learned it was not true.
The king might not hold deep affection for Xena, but he couldn’t forget how she had come to the aid of her mother, unjustly accused by his father’s second wife.
It was that act of loyalty that had propelled the king to protect her and eventually make her his woman. Though he desired to make her the mother of his children, he couldn’t bear the thought of fathering a child with a woman he didn’t truly love.
Xena, unbeknownst to her, remained unaware of the king’s infertility, a consequence of the infection he once carried. Though treated, he was cautioned against engaging in multiple sexual encounters to prevent a recurrence.
But Xena was aware of the infection– it gave her confidence that the king won’t look at any other women apart from her, seeing the king deriving pleasure from Aurora angered her to the core.
As their conversation came to a halt, Jaguar and Evans arrived at the entrance to Jericho’s chamber. Jaguar motioned for Evans to tread cautiously, and they leaned closer to the door, hoping to eavesdrop on any revealing information on them, expecting to hear their moaning. Yet, to their surprise, silence prevailed within.
Jericho’s voice, barely audible, broke the stillness. “Evans, what’s happening? I didn’t hear anything,” he whispered, perplexed.
Evans responded in a hushed tone, “She’s inside with him, I’m certain.”
Realizing they had not been detected, Jaguar made a quick decision. “There’s no other choice. I’ll have to make my presence known. But you must hide, Evans, in case Jericho senses something amiss,” he instructed.
With a nod, Evans silently moved away to find a hiding spot while Jaguar approached the door. He knocked lightly, the sound reverberating through the chamber. As the door swung open, revealing Jericho in his sleepwear, confusion clouded Jaguar’s features.
“What are you doing here at this late hour?” Jericho asked.
“The king sent me to you” Jaguar entered as Jericho made way for him, his eyes scanning around the room for any signs of Xena’s presence. Not finding her, a frown marred his face.
“What did the king ask you to tell me?” Jericho asked with a smirk on his face knowing beyond their scheme.
Instantly he bowed respectfully and stammered, yet his eyes were still darting around the room in search of the king’s cheating concubine.
“Your Highness, the king sent me to inform you about tomorrow’s hunting expedition,” he managed to say, his voice tinged with uncertainty.
Jericho’s smile stretched across his face as he looked beyond Jaguar. “But the king’s guards have already delivered the message,” he remarked casually.
Jaguar’s foolish grin faltered. “I… I wasn’t aware, Your Highness,” he stammered, bowing once more as unease washed over him.
As Jaguar prepared to exit the room, a surge of frustration and determination pulsed through his veins, evident in his tightly clenched fist. He longed to escape the awkwardness of the situation. But just as his hand reached for the door, Jericho’s voice cut through the air, freezing him in place.
Jericho stepped closer, his hand gripping Jaguar’s shoulder with an intimidating strength. His piercing gaze bore into Jaguar’s eyes, sending a shiver down his spine.
“I appreciate your loyalty to my brother, the king,” Jericho’s words sent a shiver down Jaguar’s spine. He sensed that there was something more to Jericho’s statement, a hidden intention lurking beneath the surface.
“Of course, Your Highness,” Jaguar replied, his voice tinged with caution. With a wary nod, he broke free from Jericho’s grip and made his way out of the room. Although he had left, a lingering unease gnawed at him, a gut feeling that Jericho was keeping secrets locked away.
Jericho watched him leave, a knowing smile playing upon his lips. “My dear king, you can expect my surprise for you during tomorrow’s hunting,” he whispered to himself, his eyes gleaming with mysterious intent.
@@@@@@@
Aurora awoke with a gentle smile gracing her face, the remnants of last night’s passion lingering in her thoughts. Her hand instinctively reached out towards the other side of the bed, hoping to touch the King’s warm presence. However, as her fingers grazed only empty sheets, her eyes fluttered open, a hint of disappointment flashing across her features.
The sound of running water from the bathroom interrupted her reverie, and a blush instantly painted her cheeks as the vivid memories of the King’s kisses and his intimate attentions flooded her mind.
Before she could delve deeper into those lustful thoughts, the bathroom door swung open, causing her to snap back to reality. With a beaming smile, she gracefully slipped down from the bed, preparing to greet the King.
“Your Highness, good morning,” she greeted him with a soft voice, her eyes sparkling with affection. However, instead of a warm response, the King’s gaze turned cold and his eyes lost their previous warmth
Aurora felt her heart sink, realizing that the moments of tenderness she had shared with the King might have been nothing more than a fleeting illusion. Moreover, the King had made it clear that it was only meant to last for last night.
The King moved away, just then his voice icy and devoid of the previous warmth. “What are you still doing here?” he demanded, catching Aurora off guard.
Startled, she stammered an apology, feeling a pang of hurt as she witnessed the King’s return to his usual distant self. With a heavy heart, she turned to leave, her composure gradually returning.
Just as she stepped out of the room, she collided with Evans, who wore a troubled expression on his face. Sensing his distress, Aurora’s concern grew.
“Evans, what’s wrong? You seem troubled,” she asked, her voice filled with genuine worry. Evans hesitated for a moment before finally speaking, his words laced with urgency. “I’m in trouble. Follow me,” he said, leaving