Asher's journey through the corridor felt like a descent into a different world, and as he pushed open the ornate, heavy door to Kira's chamber, he was greeted by a sight as intoxicating as it was alluring.
The chamber was bathed in a soft, amber light that bounced off the gold and ruby-hued fabrics adorning the room.
Scents of exotic flowers and spicy incense hung heavy in the air, creating an intoxicating atmosphere that was both inviting and ominous as always.
At the heart of the room, upon a plush chaise draped with silken fabrics, reclined the mistress of this seductive realm.
Kira's form was a vision to behold. Her golden hair spilled over her shoulders like a waterfall of sun-warmed silk.
The soft glow of the room caught the edges of her emerald eyes, setting them ablaze with a spark of intrigue and mystery. Her almond-shaped eyes were fixed on him, her gaze captivating and unreadable.
Her silk gown, the color of the deepest night sky, hugged her curves perfectly, accentuating the sensuous arc of her waist, the fullness of her hips, and the tantalizing dip of her bosom.
A deep neckline allowed a teasing view of her cleavage and hinted at the promise of more hidden beneath the fabric. The gown was offset by her fox-like features - her pointy ears and bushy, golden tails flicking casually in the dim light.
Asher stepped into the chamber with a steady gaze though inwardly, he had to admit seeing this woman was enough to make one forget about everything else in the world except her, especially with this ambience.
Fortunately, someone with honed willpower didn't have to worry about it.
Kira gracefully rose from her repose, her lithe form unfolding like a blossoming flower. She approached him, her movements fluid and enchanting, every step sending ripples through the room's heavy, perfume-laden air.
"Ora, Ora, if it isn't the Kraken Conqueror himself. I feel so honored that you graced me with your presence at such a late hour. Why don't you make yourself comfortable," she cooed, her voice like honey, dripping with flattery and thinly veiled taunt while sitting down on a chair.
Asher was now quite used to her way with words that could make anyone feel flattered but at the same time scratched at their pride. However, he wasn't bothered at all since she had been quite helpful to him for the past year and sat down on a chair as well.
Her almond-shaped eyes sparkled with amusement, a teasing smile playing on her lips, "Things certainly seem to be going well for you, Your Highness. I wonder why," she continued, her tone holding a tinge of admiration mixed with curiosity.
The smirk that played on Asher's lips deepened as he regarded Kira. His cool gaze swept over her, as he replied, "Obviously. Your 'special' information network has indeed been a great help in quickly rooting out the traitors," His words were wrapped in an undertone of casual taunt, yet laced with a sense of appreciation.
Kira let out a sigh, feigning hurt as she pressed a hand dramatically against her chest, "Oh, darling, it wounds me that you look down on me. Just because I run a brothel, it doesn't mean I'm not a woman of substance," Her head tilted to the side, her eyebrows arching up in curiosity as she added, "I can understand if you don't want to reveal your mysterious abilities that helped you survive in the belly of the Kraken. But one thing kept me up yesterday night though...," she began, her voice a whisper, "How did you discover its weakness or even know it had a fatal one?"
Inwardly, Kira was still grappling with the astonishing notion that someone as weak as Asher had not only managed to infiltrate the Kraken but also had found a way to weaken it.
He even fell sick from fighting it and was already back on his feet.
However, she was convinced there was a secret weakness he had exploited. Otherwise, someone one like him wouldn't have taken the risk of entering unless he was as strong as Rowena which he obviously wasn't.
But she was even more curious about who gave him such information.
A bemused smirk tugged at the corners of Asher's mouth, "A little birdie told me," he stated, his tone light, yet enigmatic. His smirk widened as he added, "And that little birdie... well, wouldn't want this secret to not be one anymore."
Kira's brows lifted higher, an exaggerated look of surprise crossing her face, "Don't tell me it's a woman?," she said, pressing a hand against her chest, the corners of her mouth tugged into a faux shocked expression, "I already feel jealous that some woman is trying to win over my dearest patron."
Asher blinked his eyes, wondering if this woman ever gets tired of pretending to be a loving damsel. Or was it that she spent too much time in this business, and it sort of got ingrained into her?
Nevertheless, he could see why men loved to hear such words coming from a woman. It makes them feel special and wanted.
Kira leaned back in her chair, her expression softening into a sigh of regret, "What a pity," she murmured, her emerald eyes gleaming with a mix of curiosity and a teasing challenge.
She then leaned forward, her gaze hardening as she peered into Asher's eyes, "I've been wondering about something. My little 'birdies' tell me that the late Lord Nelan was quite comfortable here before the war broke out. He even brokered a deal with a certain individual from the massacred village to trigger the rebellion, as I told you before. So I can't help but think...," she trailed off, her voice lowering to a thoughtful hum, "Isn't it rather foolish, even counterintuitive, for Nelan to massacre the same village after going through all that trouble?"
Asher narrowed his eyes at Kira, his expression growing increasingly more guarded. He could see the direction of her probing, and it wasn't a place he was keen on venturing.
But Kira wasn't done. Rising from her chair, she walked behind Asher's seat with grace, her gown rustling softly against the carpeted floor, "Also, it was quite a shock to hear about poor Young Lord Edmund's injury in the war. Especially since, well...," she paused, turning to face him with an arch look, "Edmund has never been one to take part in wars, has he? The timing of his injury and the massacre seems... rather convenient, don't you think?"
Coming to a halt in front of Asher, Kira tilted her head to the side, her emerald eyes glinting with a sharp intelligence, "Why are you protecting Edmund, Your Highness?" She asked, her voice low and filled with curiosity, "To such a far extent of even pinning the massacre on Lord Nelan?"
Asher's expression transitioned into a chilling blend of coldness and tranquility. "If I were you," he began, his tone edging on dangerous, "I would tread very carefully. There are questions which, when asked, could put one in peril," He looked at Kira, his gaze freezing over, revealing nothing.
Inside, he realized that she was dangerously sharp and perceptive, but he had expected nothing less from a woman who ran a vast network of secrets.
Yet, Asher didn't feel like revealing his plans to her. He wasn't inclined to trust such information on someone who prided themselves in the manipulation of information.
Observing his guarded expression, Kira's features softened into a gentle smile, "Don't take it so seriously, love," she implored, a glint of mischief flaring in her eyes, "We may have met under less amiable circumstances, but I've come to know you better since then. The lengths you go to protect this kingdom even if that meant taking questionable paths..." She trailed off, her smile widening, "I'd like to think that we've become something akin to friends. Or am I being presumptuous?"
Asher's eyebrows furrowed slightly, he understood the implications of her words in between her flowery flattery. She knew enough to cause him trouble, particularly in regard to the dubious circumstances surrounding Lord Nelan's execution.
However, he had anticipated this. He needed Kira's help to gain the upper hand, and he knew she most probably wouldn't betray him. She had too much to lose.
The term "friends" was a veiled reference to their mutual benefit and the destruction they could cause to each other if one of them was stupid enough to do that.
However, he was at a loss about her intentions behind her spiel. She was merely stating the obvious, "But why?"
A gleeful smile spread across Kira's face, "I've never been this impressed with someone who takes risks and shows such potential," she admitted.
Annoyed by her roundabout talk, Asher cut her off, "Enough playing around, Kira. What do you really want?"
Kira's grin turned coy and alluring, "Straight to the point. You really know my preference. So… I've been helping you out of self-preservation. But, I presume you came here to sever our connection. To cut ties now that you think you don't need me that anymore," she continued, her eyes locked onto Asher. His reaction told her she had hit the nail on the head. He didn't expect her to catch on to that too.
He had decided to cut her off since he didn't want her to learn too much about his activities while interacting with her. Even if it would be a huge loss, he planned to build his own information network, though he knew it would take a lot of time and effort.
Kira wasn't finished as she parted her shiny, full lips, "I don't want that to happen," she confessed, her voice softer yet firm now, "I'm prepared to help you wholeheartedly."
The air in the room grew tenser as Asher contemplated Kira's sudden change of stance.
He had known her to be disgruntled about being pulled into this the first night they met, yet now she proposed whole-hearted support. His dark, deep yellow eyes flickered with a touch of doubt. She was a sly fox; Asher couldn't shake off the feeling that she was up to something.
Leaning back in his chair, he crossed his arms, his eyes narrowing skeptically at her, "You are not the kind of woman to be selfless or altruistic," he began, his tone cautious, "So, why the sudden change? What are you really after...darling?"
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