Sapphire's POV
Jauna had been staying at Dayesh's estate for over a week, yet the air between her and Dayesh remained thick with unspoken resentment. They hadn't shared a single meaningful conversation, existing like two ghosts haunting the same hallways. And now, just to add more chaos to the mix, another handsome stranger had appeared at the doorstep. I found myself wondering is there a factory nearby that just pumps out these gorgeous men?
"Is Jauna here?" the man asked. I happened to be the one to open the door, and for a second, I was actually blinded by his sheer handsomeness. He had that regal, polished look that made you want to check if you were squinting.
"And who might you be?" I asked, trying to keep my voice professional despite the visual distraction.
"I am Kriyo, and this is my sister, Orid," he replied, gesturing to the woman beside him. She was stunning, a mirror image of her brother's refined features.
"She's here," I said, leaning against the doorframe. "What's your business with her?"
"We wish to see her, if it is permitted."
"Come in first. Take a seat, and I'll go call her," I told them, ushering them into the foyer. They sat on the sofa with a practiced grace while I headed upstairs.
I knocked on Jauna's door. "Someone's looking for you. A man named Kriyo."
"One moment. I'll be down shortly," she replied, her voice soft but strained.
As I started my descent back to the living room, I realized Dayesh was already there, seated on the sofa. The man was like a shadow, I hadn't even heard him move, yet there he was, radiating that heavy, oppressive authority. I felt Jauna behind me, but as soon as she saw Dayesh, she froze. She took a step back, her eyes filled with a mixture of fear and unresolved pain. I didn't blame her for retreating. I wouldn't want to face that icy atmosphere either. I watched her slip back into her room, and I didn't bother following. Some wounds are too deep for a spectator to mend.
I walked down to the lounge to address the guests, but Dayesh's voice cut through the air before I could speak.
"Wait. We need to talk," Dayesh said, his tone hard and uncompromising. He didn't even look at me. "Leave us."
"Oh... okay then," I muttered, raising my hands in a mock gesture of surrender.
But of course, curiosity is my middle name. I didn't actually leave. I moved to a nearby corner, pretending to organize some trinkets while keeping my ears sharply tuned to the conversation.
"You've come," Dayesh said to the man, his voice devoid of warmth.
"I heard Jauna was here," Kriyo replied, his voice steady but respectful.
"I'll be blunt with you. Listen well," Dayesh stated. I noticed Kriyo's posture stiffen. He looked genuinely nervous, like a man standing before a judge.
"Do you like Jauna?" Dayesh asked suddenly.
The question caught Kriyo completely off guard. His expression shifted from anxiety to utter bewilderment. He stammered, unable to find the words.
"We are over," Dayesh continued, his voice cold and transactional. "If you want her, take her. She's yours."
I nearly dropped the vase I was holding. Unbelievable. He was literally giving her away like a piece of unwanted furniture. I thought to myself, Maybe I should use Ghoth to get Dayesh off my back too. Instead of fixing his family, Dayesh's pride was reaching for the heavens. I couldn't entirely blame him, though. When you encounter betrayal, the kind that cuts to the bone, forgiveness isn't a bridge you can build overnight.
"W-Why did you separate?" Kriyo managed to ask.
"It is a long story. All you need to know is that we are no longer together. She is only here for the sake of our daughter," Dayesh replied.
Kriyo looked like he didn't know whether to feel relieved or even more terrified. The tension in the room was palpable.
"That is all I have to say regarding her," Dayesh added, his tone shifting slightly. "How are things with you? I haven't visited since you reclaimed your throne."
"Everything is well, My Lord! My gratitude to you is lifelong. I hope you find the time to visit our village soon," Kriyo said, bowing his head.
"I will, when the opportunity arises. For now, I shall head to my chambers. Go on, speak with Jauna."
"Thank you again, Lord Dayesh."
"Think nothing of it."
Once Dayesh moved toward the stairs, I went to Jauna to tell her that only Kriyo remained in the parlor. But before I went back to my duties, I felt the urge to confront the "Great Leader" himself. I knocked on Dayesh's door. He opened it, looking weary.
"Why are you like that to Jauna?" I demanded, crossing my arms.
He didn't answer immediately. He just stared at me with those dark, piercing eyes.
"I've already told you why I treat her this way, haven't I? Do you want me to repeat it?" he asked, his voice low.
I decided to play a dangerous card. "If I told you that something was going on between me and Ghoth, would you react the same way? Would you just give me away?"
The air in the room suddenly turned freezing. The atmosphere, his "aura" darkened instantly. He didn't answer at first, but then he asked, his voice dangerously quiet, "Is there?"
"There is," I lied. Well, half-lied. "That's why I'm telling you to fix your family. You have the chance. Do it."
"Leave me. Get out," he snapped, turning his back on me.
"Fine," I whispered, scurrying away before his temper actually exploded.
Later that day...
Jauna stood by the entrance, her bags packed. "I am returning to my home in the mountains," she told me. "Thank you for allowing me to stay here these past few days. I will just visit from time to time for Lzith's sake."
"It was no trouble," I replied. "I'm sorry you and Dayesh didn't get to talk properly."
She offered a sad, resigned smile. "Don't worry about it. That's just how he is. It was my fault too... I didn't cherish him enough. I was selfish."
"I just hope you two find peace eventually," I said sincerely.
I looked down at Lzith, who was being carried by Jauna. "Will you miss your Mommy? She's going home for a while."
Lzith nodded, her small face solemn. "Yes... but Papa said I shouldn't leave. He said Mommy should just come here if she wants to see me."
"I have to go. My ride is here," Jauna said, gesturing to the carriage waiting outside.
"Take care. Visit often, okay?"
Lzith and I watched as the carriage pulled away. The little girl waved her hand until the vehicle disappeared into the distance. It was a heartbreaking sight, a child caught between the pride of two adults.
"Let's go inside," I said, patting Lzith's shoulder. "Are you hungry?"
"No, Auntie Mama. I'm going to play with Amon," she replied, her mood bouncing back with the resilience of a child.
"Alright. Just call me if you need anything, okay?"
Evening
"How are things, Ghoth? Did you get your door fixed?" I asked with a playful grin when I saw him again. He had gone back to Caelumn briefly to settle some errands.
"It's fixed," he laughed, handing me a small, wrapped container. "Here, this is for you. My mother cooked it."
"Oh! This looks delicious," I said, opening it to find a fragrant, home-cooked meal.
As I began to eat, Ghoth started showering my cheek with soft, lingering kisses. There was no one else around, so I let him indulge. The food was incredible, rich, savory, and filled with a warmth that only a mother's cooking could provide.
"Wow, this is amazing. Truly unique," I mumbled between bites.
"My mother is the best cook I know. If you want more, I can get some for you again," he promised, his eyes shining with affection.
"Maybe next time. I'd love to try something else she makes."
He hugged me gently, pulling me against his chest as if we hadn't seen each other in years. I felt a pang of guilt in my chest. To be honest, I knew I didn't deserve this kind of devotion from him. He knew I couldn't reciprocate this pure, noble love of his. The only way I could reciprocate was in the bedroom, through the physical intimacy he craved.
"It's like we didn't just see each other earlier. You're so clingy, my big boy," I teased.
"I just miss you immediately," he whispered into my ear.
"You're too cute. I know you want something... just say it."
"Come visit my home... even just for a little while," he requested.
"Hmm, okay. But not today. I heard you have a meeting with Dayesh and Khafa later."
"It's fine. I'll wait," he replied, his voice dropping to a husky murmur that sent shivers down my spine.
"Do you want me to give you a massage in your room first?" I asked, looking up at him.
"Let's go," he answered instantly.
It was late, and the rest of the household had fallen into a deep slumber. We were the only ones awake, moving through the shadows like thieves.
Once we were inside his room, I guided him to the bed. I helped him out of his lower garments, my hands steady despite the rising heat in the room.
"This is the kind of massage I'm going to give you," I said, my hand closing around his length.
He stared at me, his eyes dark with anticipation and a hunger that was almost primal. He pulled me close, our lips meeting in a feverish, desperate kiss. Our tongues tangled, a silent battle of heat and desire. I was careful to keep my breathing shallow, wary of making any noise that might alert the others.
I moved down between his thighs, tending to him with a focus that made him gasp. He gripped the headboard, his knuckles white as his breath hitched.
"Saph... aaaahh," he groaned softly, his eyes fluttering shut.
I could feel the dampness between my own thighs, my body reacting to his pleasure. I didn't want to wait any longer. I positioned myself over him, slowly lowering my body until he was buried deep within me. I began to move a rhythmic, steady grind that combined upward thrusts with a slow, circular motion of my hips. I bit my lip to stifle the moans, my breath coming in jagged bursts.
Ghoth gripped my hips, guiding my movements, meeting every one of my descents with a powerful upward surge that hit all the right spots.
"Ghoth... Aaaaahhhh, it feels so good. It's like I'm in heaven," I whimpered.
"Ahhhh, me too, Saph..."
"Aaahh, I'm close..." I felt the waves of release wash over me, my body trembling as the climax took hold.
Ghoth didn't stop. He accelerated his pace, his thrusts becoming deep and frantic until he finally found his own release, groaning my name into the pillow.
Afterward, he pulled me down beside him. He lifted my chemise, exposing my breasts, and began to trail his tongue over my nipples. He moved to my neck and shoulders, leaving dark, possessive marks, hickeys in places where they could be easily hidden.
"Don't leave too many," I whispered, though I didn't push him away.
He didn't answer, he just continued his silent worship of my skin. After a few minutes, he whispered against my ear, "I love you, Saph."
He knew I wouldn't say it back. I never did. But he seemed content with the silence, accepting whatever fragments of me I was willing to give.
I wrapped my arms around him, holding him tightly. Part of me hoped that, eventually, he would find someone who could love him back with the same intensity, someone who wasn't just using him as an anchor in a world she planned to abandon.
"I have to go. You should sleep," I said finally.
"One more minute..." he pleaded, tightening his grip on my waist as I tried to get up.
"There. That was a minute."
I stood up, gave him a soft kiss on the cheek, and pressed a finger to my lips. "Shhh."
I slipped out of his room and back to my own. The night air felt stifling, and my skin felt flushed from the exertion. I decided to take a quick bath, the cool water a welcome relief to my racing heart and the lingering scent of our encounter