A Secret Affair

A Secret Affair
Lad—Ashlynn,” she said in a shaky voice, her words little more than a breath. She originally had meant to say her title, Lady Asher, but there was something about the warmth Ares was giving her that made her change her mind.
Ares' eyes were shown in delight. "A beautiful name for a beautiful young lady!" he exclaimed, awed by her queenly form. Her midnight locks flowed down her back like liquid ebony, highlights of chestnut shimmering in the light. Her emerald eyes were so deep, it felt as though they could look into his very spirit.
Their talk had flowed along easily, as water flows along a gently inclined plain. They had said nothing for hours.
Not only did Ashlynn possess ravishing beauty, but her intellect, her passion for art, and the gentle strength she exuded intrigued Ares. Her laughter was music to his ears.
Ashlynn was intrigued by the layers of Ares’ personality- his intelligence, his underlying kindness beneath his mantel of dominance, and the faint glimmer of vulnerability she swore she saw in him at times. His eyes were like amber pools that seemed to hold the world’s secrets.
Their meetings were a secret dance of longing and restraint. Ares would invent reasons to go over to the museum or wander the gardens where Ashlynn liked to paint, and it was always a moment of guilty happiness.
The sun-kissed gardens hummed with the mood of a hotbed but she could feel it, see it in the tense smiles and heated glances that promises were about to be made.
The king's wives and concubines grew jealous. They saw the way Ares looked at her, the light in his eyes when he spoke of her, how he seemed more distant but somehow more alive.

As their bond deepened, the king's wives and concubines grew jealous. They noticed the change in Ares, the light in his eyes whenever Ashlynn was mentioned, the way he seemed more distracted and yet more alive.

Rumors started spreading around the palace walls with a hint of will, in the air. But Ares and Ashlynn were cautious; their affection remained concealed behind a facade of respectability and confidentiality. 

Despite the increasing envy and close observation of others, around them, the love, between them blossomed They created a shared life in hidden places finding comfort in each other's company. 

Ashlynns art took on a boldness as she infused it with colors and emotions that mirrored her deep love, for Ares; her brush moved gracefully across the canvas, in rhythmic strokes. 

In her presence the king discovered a sense of calm amidst the ending demands of ruling his kingdom; his eyes creased at the edges whenever he grinned. 

Their bond was fragile and nuanced. A mix of fondness and wariness interwoven, with each passing moment that fueled their longing, for each other more. 

In the alcoves of the palace, they would rendezvous clandestinely exchanging hidden messages and savoring stolen moments of intimacy in the shadows away, from prying eyes; a sense of excitement and intrigue cloaked their every encounter. 

Ashlynn forgot her husband and she did not want to return to Ghysem. Her love with the southern king was forbidden but with him, she felt heard. He treated her very differently from her husband.

She had to stop visiting the palace after a while because of the hostility. Ares got her a cottage away from the palace but after a while, he stopped visiting.

One night following a sunset view, above the edge of the horizon Ares stumbled upon Ashlynn amidst his gardens where the fragrance of blossoming flowers lingered in the air. She had not told him that she would be coming that day.

"What a pleasant surprise," he said when he saw her. He has a shy and pleasant smile on his face. "I was not expecting you."

"I got bored at the cottage you got me. You hadn't come in a while, so I decided to come here."

"Where are you hoping I'd visit my garden?" He smiled.

She only shrugged.

"I'm sorry," King Ares sighed. "Things got unbelievably hectic."

"You don't have to apologize."

"Ashlynn " Ares murmured softly with a touch of emotion, in his voice " I can't go on concealing my affection for you " Each passing moment we spend together only intensifies my desire, for you." His heartfelt confession lingered in the atmosphere. 

Ashlynn lifted her gaze to meet his eyes; her emerald orbs glistened with tears as she whispered softly to Ares,"I share your feelings too. We have to tread because the world may never comprehend the depth of our love."

"I don't care about the world," he said, taking her hands in his. "All I care about is you." His fingers intertwined with hers.

Their lips met in a passionate kiss, a culmination of all the stolen moments and hidden desires. The world around them melted away.

They found themselves in a secluded part of the gardens, a place where the moonlight filtered through the trees, casting a soft glow on the grass.

Ares laid down his cloak, and they sank onto it, their hands exploring, their breaths mingling. The night air vibrated with tension.

Their love-making was a dance of tenderness and urgency, a release of all the pent-up emotions and desires. Each touch, each kiss, was filled with a promise of love and devotion.

As they lay together under the stars, their bodies entwined, they knew they had crossed a line, but it was a line neither of them regretted.

At that moment, they were free, their love shining brighter than any star in the night sky. But amidst the joy, a shadow lingered—guilt.

Ashlynn's thoughts drifted to her husband, the man she had vowed to love and honor. Her heart ached.

"Ares," she whispered, her voice barely audible, "I'm married."

Ares' gaze locked onto hers. "I know," he said, his voice low and husky.

"You knew?" She did not know what to feel at this point.

"And I know you are not a southern woman either. You are from Ghysem and have been all your life. But I couldn't help myself. I love you, Ashlynn."

Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes.