Kalythra’s nails dug into Marei’s hips as her lips moved with expert precision, pulling breathy moans of pleasure from her servant. Marei’s fingers tangled in Kalythra’s wet hair, her body trembling with each skillful movement from the princess. Her moans echoed softly in the chamber, mixing with the sound of rippling water. 

Rihira, not to be outdone, was at Kalythra’s side, her mouth teasing the princess’s core, moving with sensual grace, each kiss and flick of her tongue drawing soft, pleased gasps from Kalythra. She knew exactly how to please the princess, and the tension between the two servants only heightened the fervour with which they both worshipped Kalythra’s body.

The princess smirked in satisfaction, knowing she had complete control over them. Her power wasn’t just in her dark magic; it was in the way she made others bend to her will, made them desire her and compete for her favour. Kalythra leaned into Marei’s core once more, savouring the sounds she elicited from her, while Rihira’s mouth continued its sensual work below, feeding into the princess’s growing pleasure.

This was where Kalythra belonged. In the embrace of luxury, desire, and power. She had everything she could ever want—servants who adored her, power that could crush kingdoms, and a life lived on her terms. She allowed herself to get lost in the moment, in the blissful gratification of being revered by both Rihira and Marei.

*

Elsewhere, in a dimly lit inn, Valaia sat at a small wooden table, her eyes focused on the dancers on the stage before her. The music was lively, the air thick with the scent of incense and spiced wine. The dancers’ fluid movements distracted her momentarily from the weight of the day’s responsibilities. For a moment, Valaia let herself relax, leaning back against her chair, swirling a cup of strong ale in her hand as she watched the performance. The world outside could wait.

Suddenly, the seat next to her shifted as a figure dressed entirely in black slid into place beside her. Valaia barely turned her head, already sensing the presence. The man’s voice was low, barely more than a whisper, as he leaned in close enough for her to hear above the music.

“You’ve been summoned.”

Valaia sighed, setting her drink down on the table. She had expected this moment, but it didn’t make it any less irritating. She glanced at the man, who gave her no further explanation, then tossed a few gold coins onto the table for the entertainers. Rising gracefully from her seat, she draped her hood over her head, the black cloak she wore blending in with the dim shadows of the inn.

Without another word, she left the noisy, smoke-filled establishment and stepped into the cool night air. Her footsteps soundless against the sandy streets as she made her way toward the Dune of Razak, a grand hall where she had been summoned many times before. The journey was familiar, but tonight the air felt heavier, as though something significant loomed ahead.

Entering the hall, Valaia immediately noticed the presence of the three nobles of Zhalem standing beside the leaders of the order. The flickering torches cast long shadows across the room, highlighting the tension that hung thickly in the air. Stepping forward and bowing before the leaders, her cloak billowing slightly as she knelt before them.

“Valaia,” one of the leaders spoke, his voice steady and commanding. “We have need of your particular... skills once more.”

She lifted her head, her cold, calculating eyes scanning the group before her. “What would you have of me?” she asked, her voice betraying none of the annoyance she felt at being called away from her peace.

One of the nobles, a sharp-featured man with a cruel twist to his lips, stepped forward. “It concerns the princess, Kalythra,” he said, his tone laced with disdain.

Valaia raised an eyebrow, feigning interest. “The princess? What has she done to warrant my attention?”

The leader glanced at the nobles before continuing. “There have been persistent rumours about her... dabbling in dark magic. Curses, killings... none of which isn’t good for the royal name.”

Valaia’s expression didn’t change, but inwardly she was intrigued. Rumours of dark magic surrounded many in the elite, but it was rare for the royal family to be accused so boldly. Still, Valaia knew better than to simply accept the word of those who sought to maintain power.

“And you wish for me to eliminate her based on these rumours alone?” Her voice held a hint of challenge, as though testing the leaders’ resolve.

The sharp-featured noble scowled, but the leader raised a hand, silencing him before he could speak. “No, Valaia. You are to investigate. If you find proof that she is indeed practising forbidden magic, only then will you act. If there is no such evidence, you are to return and report to us. Her death must only be by necessity, not rumour.”

Valaia nodded, though her mind was already racing ahead. Assassinating a member of the royal family was dangerous, even for someone with her skills. And yet, the potential to uncover the truth behind Kalythra’s rumoured power intrigued her. Dark magic or not, the princess would not be an easy target.

“I will investigate,” she said, her voice calm but with an underlying edge of danger. “And if I find proof of her practising the dark arts, I will kill her.”

The nobles exchanged glances, satisfied with her response. Valaia stood, bowing once more before leaving the hall, her mind already creating a plan. The princess had just become her next target.