Fantasy Dungeon V

As the veil of silence settled around them, muffling the world beyond the balcony, Asher turned, letting Valeris's arms remain wrapped around him. The enchantment he'd activated was subtle—woven from shadow and intent rather than light. No scrying spell, no enchanted mirror, and no well-placed servant with keen ears would hear what passed between them now.

For once, they were alone. Truly alone.

Asher rested his forehead gently against hers. "You're right," he murmured. "The damsel's gone. Whatever part of you still played the court's game died in that forest."

Valeris closed her eyes, leaning into the warmth of him. "She was never real to begin with," she said. "They wanted a puppet with royal blood. Maybe she existed, for a time... but I am not her anymore."

"And now you're going to burn it all down," Asher said, his voice low and certain.