Cursed To Conquer

The soft hum of the evening breeze filtered through the grand halls of the Eryndor household. Basil sat in his study, his sharp mind poring over the mountain of letters and invitations that had flooded in since his marriage to Celeste. Yet, his thoughts were elsewhere. Something had been bothering him for days—a subtle change in Lira's demeanor.

Lira had always been a constant presence by his side, her once bright eyes now clouded with something he couldn't quite place. She performed her duties as flawlessly as ever, yet there was a distance in her gaze, a silence that spoke louder than words.

That evening, as Basil strode through the corridors, he caught sight of Lira arranging a vase of flowers in the dining hall. Her movements were methodical but lacked their usual grace.

"Lira," he called softly.

She stiffened for a moment before turning to face him. "Yes, Young Master?"

The formal tone in her voice stung him. It was as if the walls he had painstakingly torn down between them had been rebuilt overnight.

"You've been... different lately," Basil said, his eyes narrowing. "Is something bothering you?"

"No, Young Master," she replied quickly, her eyes fixed on the flowers in her hands. "Everything is fine."

"Don't lie to me," Basil said firmly, stepping closer. "I know you better than that, Lira. Something's wrong. Tell me."

Lira hesitated, her fingers tightening around the vase. "It's nothing important, really. You don't need to concern yourself with my trivial feelings."

Basil's jaw clenched. The memories of their shared past flashed through his mind—her unwavering loyalty, her sacrifices, the times she had endured his cruelty without breaking. And now, here she was, hiding something from him.

"You've always been there for me, Lira," he said quietly, his voice softening. "Even when I didn't deserve it. You've done more for me than anyone else. So don't tell me your feelings are trivial."

Her eyes flickered with emotion for a brief moment before she turned away. "I... I just need some time, Young Master."

Basil studied her carefully, his mind racing. He thought back to their earlier days—the way she had silently carried the weight of his mistakes, the way she had looked at him after his marriage announcement. A realization struck him like a bolt of lightning.

"Is this... about my marriage?" he asked, his tone hesitant.

Lira flinched but said nothing.

The silence stretched between them, heavy and suffocating. Basil took a deep breath, piecing together her unspoken words. His chest tightened as he remembered the girl who had risked everything for him, the one who had remained by his side through all his flaws.

"Lira," he said softly, stepping closer. "You're the one who's always done everything for me. I don't want to lose the bond we share. If something's hurting you, tell me. Please."

Her shoulders trembled, but she remained silent, her head bowed. Basil clenched his fists, his frustration mounting.

"I'll give you time," he finally said, his voice laced with determination. "But I won't let you push me away. You've been my anchor, Lira. And now it's my turn to be yours."

With that, he turned and walked away, leaving Lira alone in the dimly lit hall. As the door closed behind him, a single tear slipped down her cheek.