Lust & Loyalty

Chapter 17

Daedalus arrived to find Primus and Isabella in the hallway, flanked by Lionel, who was bowing respectfully. Primus’s face was set in a deep frown, and his eyes narrowed as he turned to Daedalus. “There you are, brother. What mess have you started now?”

Isabella’s expression was a mix of incredulity and disdain. She looked Daedalus up and down, her eyes narrowing as if she had seen something repulsive. Daedalus bowed slightly in apology.

“I’m sorry for the—” Daedalus began, but Primus cut him off. “Shut up. We need to fix this now. We need to find Rosa and get you two married before this situation escalates further.”

Primus turned to Lionel. “Regardless of what anyone thinks, this marriage is still on, correct?”

Lionel nodded firmly. “Yes, that is still the plan.”

Primus, satisfied, continued, “Good. We’ll need to discuss the details of the search for Rosa and the wedding preparations.” He gestured to a table covered with scrolls and maps. He and Lionel began to sift through the documents, their conversation focused on logistical details.

This left Daedalus and Isabella alone in the hallway. Isabella sauntered over to Daedalus with an unsettling blend of seduction and entitlement. Her hips swayed provocatively as she approached, and she placed her hands on his shoulders, leaning in close. “Oh, Daedalus, did you really think I was your mate?”

Daedalus’s face twisted in confusion and repulsion. “Isabella, did you really think of yourself as my mate?”

Isabella chuckled, her laughter laced with a seductive edge. “I’ve always known how captivated you were by me. But tell me, is she truly more beautiful than I am? More alluring?” She pressed her body closer, her hips brushing against his.

Daedalus felt a surge of disgust. He placed his hands firmly on her shoulders and pushed her away gently but resolutely. “Isabella, you’re marrying my brother. What are you doing?”

Isabella’s surprise quickly turned to anger, her face flushing as she stepped back, her eyes narrowing. “I can’t believe this. And that’s your mate? That’s who you choose over me?”

Before Daedalus could respond, Shayera entered the hallway. Her presence immediately soothed him. She approached with a calm dignity, her eyes reflecting both pain and resolve.

Shayera addressed Isabella with quiet grace. “Lady-in-waiting, it’s a pleasure to meet you. However, we need to speak with Maximus. If you’ll excuse us.”

Isabella’s expression hardened. “There’s no way you two are allowed to be together alone.”

Shayera’s voice remained steady. “We won’t be alone. Maximus, Lord Lionel’s son and heir, will be with us. He will serve as our chaperone and guide.”

Isabella looked away, clearly irked but unwilling to continue the conversation. She turned back to Primus and Lionel, who were engrossed in their discussions, leaving Daedalus and Shayera alone.

Daedalus was overwhelmed by the encounter. He realized how misguided his feelings for Isabella had been. He turned to Shayera, his heart aching with a mix of regret and longing. “I’m sorry for everything you’ve had to endure,” he said softly, his voice trembling slightly.

Shayera’s eyes shimmered with unshed tears. “We have to focus on Rosa. We can’t let our feelings get in the way.”

Daedalus stepped closer, his gaze tender and filled with emotion. He cupped her face gently in his hands, his thumbs brushing away her tears with a delicate touch. “Shayera,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper, “I know it’s not the time for this, but I need you to understand something.” His touch was warm and reassuring, and he felt her respond to his proximity.

Shayera’s resistance softened as she looked up at him. “What is it?”

Daedalus took a deep breath, his eyes locked onto hers. “Even in this chaotic moment, I want you to know that my heart belongs to you. It beats only for you. I’m deeply sorry for everything we’re facing, but even if our night together is the only time we get, it’s enough for me. You’ve made me happier than I ever thought possible. I wish I could spend a lifetime showing you just how much you mean to me.”

Shayera’s resolve melted as she leaned into his embrace, her breath catching in her throat. She wrapped her arms around him, pulling him closer. Their bodies pressed together, the warmth of their connection providing a momentary escape from the chaos around them.

Daedalus held her tightly, feeling her heartbeat against his chest. “Can you hear it?” he asked softly, his voice filled with emotion.

Shayera nodded, her voice muffled against his chest. “Yes, I can.”

“This heart,” Daedalus continued, his voice steady and heartfelt, “beats only for you. It’s yours, no matter what happens. I’m grateful for every moment we share, and I want to face whatever comes next with you by my side.”

Shayera looked up at him, her eyes filled with love and determination. “We have to find Rosa and make sure she’s safe. That’s what matters now.”

Daedalus kissed her gently on the forehead, his heart swelling with affection. “You’re right. Let’s find our friend and make sure everything turns out okay.”

Hand in hand, they walked toward their car, their fingers intertwined. Daedalus’s gaze lingered on Shayera, his eyes full of love and resolve. As they entered the vehicle, he pulled her close for one last, lingering kiss before they set off, united in their purpose and their hearts.