Chapter 35 - The Dream

*I walked through the corridors without worrying anymore about what could happen. I knew how difficult that decision was for Eldric, but he couldn't expect me to be swayed by his charms once again and not expect anything in return.

*The last time, I was naive and didn't know what it would cost me to be with him. Now, I fought for the throne of our children and wouldn't give up. If in the end, he didn't choose me, he would have to accept Oryon and Syrius just the same. I would make sure of it.*

*The sun was not yet high, and the palace remained silent. Few servants were moving around. Since we came to the castle, many things had changed, including the organization.*

*I turned down the corridor leading to the rooms of the suitors and heard a noise that caught my attention. Slowly, I approached, being careful not to be heard. I needed to find out what it was.*

*The door of one of the rooms was slightly ajar, and I looked through it to discover the source of the noise. The scene that followed made me want to run, but my legs didn't obey.*

*Eldric was sitting in a chair while Freya and Ember danced sensually for each other, slowly removing their clothes. The king watched with admiration as the two women touched and kissed each other, teasing and provoking one another.*

*Then, the two women approached the king, caressing his body and kissing him passionately. Eldric stood up, laid Freya down on a red silk bed, while Ember started caressing his back and kissing his neck.*

*Freya moaned with pleasure as the king began kissing her breasts and slowly moved down to her groin, where he began to stimulate her with his tongue. Meanwhile, Ember finished undressing and joined them on the bed, kissing the king and caressing his erect member.*

*Eldric started pleasuring both women, alternating between kissing and caressing their bodies. He went down on Freya while Ember did the same to him, then switched to Ember while caressing Freya.

*

*Freya pulled Eldric by the hand and left him sitting on the bed, approaching him, and sitting on his lap, fitting herself gently. I could see the look of pleasure on his face. She began to move up and down while Ember stood behind his, licking and nibbling on his neck.*

*I don't know what gave me away, but Eldric's eyes focused on mine through the small gap. His seductive smile grew even wider, and his hands went straight to Freya's waist, increasing the pace and making the redhead scream with pleasure.*

*

*I don't know how long I stayed in that trance, but I started running desperately when I realized what I was witnessing.*

*

*A scream got stuck in my throat as I entered the room. I took a few steps inside and heard my door being pounded, and my name being called over and over, until...*

"Miss Bass, are you okay? You were screaming; did you have a nightmare?" I woke up startled, sweating heavily, and looked at Chant. She looked terrified.

"Well... I guess we can call it a nightmare," I said, still having trouble breathing.

"Do you want me to bring something for you? Just tell me, miss, anything you need." She seemed as desperate as I felt.

"I need the bathtub; I want to take a bath and be alone." I said, and she confirmed.

Chant rushed out of my room, and I began to think about the dream I had. It was so real, I was sure they were together, and Eldric could see me watching.

A shiver ran through my body; the way he looked at me, desired me, was the same as the first time we met. And I wanted that look to be only for me.

Chant returned with the attendants and the copper bathtub, placing it in the middle of the room. Buckets of hot water were poured into it, and I watched the bubbles rise as Chant added something to the water.

"It's for you to relax, miss." I thanked her.

"Chant, I want to be alone in the morning. I won't go to breakfast, and I don't want to be disturbed. Only come to call me for lunch."

"And what should I tell the king if he asks?" Anger rose in my chest.

"Tell him I woke up feeling unwell, but I will attend lunch." I was as firm as a rock.

"Alright, miss." She left, and I rushed to lock the door. I took off my clothes and got into the bathtub, submerging myself and letting the water cleanse me from head to toe, hoping it would wash away that horrible dream from my mind.

I scrubbed my hair forcefully to remove the black powder from it. The water turned dark immediately, and I realized how much it was dragging me down a path of no return.

I got out of the bathtub and opened the hidden drain in the floor below it. I released the plug and let the black water drain away before Chant returned. I dried myself off and cleaned everything to leave no trace.

I put on the simplest dress I had in my chest. I was too irritated to want to look beautiful for him. The night before, he didn't want to commit to anything with me, and now this dream came to reinforce something that maybe I knew but didn't want to admit. The others are playing with the weapons they have, and I... I'm here, waiting for Eldric to choose me as his queen.

I sat at the vanity and looked at my hair in its original color. The light brown, almost like straw, framed my face and brought me back to my true self. I combed it many times over and left it loose to dry naturally.

I could leave right now, or I could simply ask him what he does with the other suitors. I don't know; all I know is that I wouldn't stoop so low. I desired him more than anything. I missed his affection when he offered it, but I couldn't risk the lives of my children. I couldn't risk their throne. My love for Eldric would be extinguished, just like the first time, if he decided he didn't want me.