The Conquerors Path

Chapter 879: Chapter 877-So Much Thoughts.

A momentary silence fell within the room from Valdris, her actions making me ʼconfusedʼ as I, shaking her up a bit, asked:

”Hey, whatʼs wrong? You just went silent completely?”

My words finally shake Valdris out of her deep thoughts. I know that she wants to be with me, but she knows deeply that for that to happen, several things have to be done, and several secrets have to be rewritten. Valdris, seemingly gaining some clarity for a moment, looked into my eyes, they softening considerably as she replied:

”Itʼs nothing. I was thinking about what to do in the future, and yes, it seems there is one more that seems to be attached to you.”

Her words made my expression surprised as I asked.

”Who?”

Valdris shook her head at my words, looking a bit conflicted as she replied.

”Thatʼs not for me to say. You will find out about it soon enough, but whatʼs the main priority for us should be to think about how we will move in the future...”

I nodded my head at Valdrisʼs words, my gaze peering into her eyes, after which I took a sip of her lips, Valdris melting at that gentle kiss as I spoke.

”I know that everything wonʼt be easy for us, but I am willing to fight for this. Whatever it takes, I will make us happy, and I will survive whatever it is that the war council or others will be throwing my way.”

Valdris flinched a bit at my words, her expression turning to one of resignation for a moment as she replied.

”Looks like you are already prepared and knowledgeable about whatʼs coming.”

I smiled at her words as I replied.

”Of course, I will not be their puppet. They will be my stepping stone. I will use them to achieve all my goals!”

As I said this, my presence once again filled the whole room, and I could see it affected Valdris even more powerfully than before. She is a woman who had lived for power and prestige, and seeing my will, my plans, and the cunning way I lead everything, it seems to rile up all the sweet spots for Valdris, making her twitch at my embrace.

”You really...”

That is all Valdris spoke as she shook her head in disbelief, but I could detect the guilt she was hiding. She knew she had a hand in the plans for the demise of my family, and I knew damn well that she would hide it from me and even go forth to delete or remove any proof that would connect her to the situation at all.

”I know you canʼt say everything to me due to the contract kept in place, but knowing and having you is more than enough for me. Someone to love like this is the best. The rest of the world I will face with my own plans.”

I spoke with a gentle smile as I ruffled Valdrisʼs soft hair, she leaned into my touch, closing her eyes for a moment, taking in the feel and warmth, her mind playing through several scenarios, and she resting on the final verdict that she needs me in her life, that she wonʼt be able to survive more without having me with her.

ʼAnd that will be my control.ʼ

If I want, I can easily remove away the problem that is being caused to Valdris, taking away that pain, then I will lose a very big leverage that I will have over her. I would need her near me to control her, to enjoy her embrace, and to make sure she will be thoroughly changed into what I want her to be.

Just as the two of us were getting heated up again, a knock sounded out at the door, the voice being the very familiar maid of Silva, her voice sounding out.

”May I enter?”

As her voice called out, I saw the expression of Valdris flick with panic, but I held her in, nodding my head to her. We soon changed positions in an instant, and within that time after Valdris called out.

”You may.”

With that, Silva entered the place, following behind her being a worried Zora. Though the moment she saw I was okay, her face relaxed, a small smile coming to her face as she walked towards me, worry still in her expression as Zora asked.

”Are you okay?”

”I am fine, just having some talk here,”

I replied, pointing towards Valdris, who sat opposite me, her expression calm and arrogant. The two of us seated on a sofa facing against each other, with which Zora nodded her head to Valdris, who, seemingly standing up, spoke.

”I will take my leave then. Letʼs discuss matters some other time.”

As she said so, her eyes met mine, the love in her eyes deep and dark as she, with a final nod, started to walk away, her head held high, while the maid Silva, giving one last bow, started to walk behind Valdris, who seemingly took the lead, the door closing behind leaving just me and Zora to which Zora quickly plopped down on the sofa as she asked me with narrowed eyes.

”So, what really happened?”

Her voice had a certain tinge to it as she asked of this, to which I, with a smile, replied, shrugging my shoulders.

”Letʼs say the meeting didnʼt go very well. We didnʼt seem to see eye to eye on some stuff.”

My words made Zora frown harder as she asked.

”Whatʼs it all about anyway?”

To her question, I just smiled at her, knowing that I wouldnʼt answer. Zora pouted, she laying herself comfortably on the sofa as she asked.

”So what now?”

To her words, I smiled as I replied.

”Now, we wait.”

....

Third Person POV:

Valdris walked through the corridors, her eyes scanning every detail of the place she had once called home. She had grown up here, explored every corner, and admired every creation, yet it felt like she was seeing it for the first time. The world seemed brighter, more vivid as if a heavy fog had lifted. For once, the crippling headaches that had long been her constant companions were gone.

For the first time, Valdris felt truly alive. Every step she took felt lighter, her heart unburdened, and her mind brimming with an unfamiliar sense of joy. Still, her expression betrayed none of it. Her calm exterior remained intact as she moved through the halls, yet there was an undeniable radiance in her.

The only thing missing, she realized, was Austin. The young man who had somehow slipped past her defences and claimed a place in her heart. Without his warmth, even this newfound clarity felt incomplete. To Valdris, uncovering the worldʼs secrets and marvelling at its beauty had always been the pinnacle of her existence. But now, all she craved was the quiet comfort of sitting in Austinʼs lap.

ʼWhy does everything feel so good now?ʼ she wondered, her gaze soft and reflective.

Valdris had never thought sheʼd feel this way. She prided herself on being the older, more mature one, yet Austin had an uncanny ability to reduce her to a giddy girl, brimming with love and life. When she was with him, her mind emptied of all worries. All she wanted was to savour each moment, letting him take the lead and provide her with experiences beyond her

imagination.

Her cheeks flushed as memories of his touch flitted through her mind. Her legs trembled for a brief moment, a phantom echo of the pleasure he had given her. Never had Valdris experienced anything like it. It was as though he had uncovered every secret of her body, igniting sensations she didnʼt know she was capable of feeling. He had taken her to a place beyond reason, where only bliss existed.

ʼWhy did I say those things?ʼ she thought, a deep blush colouring her cheeks. She recalled her uninhibited words, the things she had confessed, and the way Austin had taken her in response. The memories filled her with both embarrassment and longing. She had always believed herself to be in control, a force to be reckoned with, yet with Austin, she found immense freedom in surrender.

And as much as she cherished those moments, insecurities crept in. Doubt gnawed at her heart. ʼWhat if Austin sees me differently now? What if he thinks less of me?ʼ She shivered at the thought, but then she remembered his gentle reassurances, the way his touch spoke of love and reverence. It quieted her fears, if only for a moment.

But the worries persisted, manifesting in the pit of her stomach. Valdris straightened her posture, trying to compose herself, though her mind was a whirlpool of thoughts. She loved how Austin could be both rough and tender, treating her like a queen and a woman all at once. Yet, the weight of her past bore down on her, tarnishing the glow of her happiness. ʼWhy didnʼt I wait?ʼ A pang of regret struck her. She lamented not saving her first time for her true love, for Austin. She couldnʼt shake the feeling of inadequacy. Though she was admired by many, she feared it wouldnʼt be enough for someone like him.

ʼHe could have anyone he wanted.ʼ The thought spiralled into a torrent of self-doubt. Valdris was painfully aware of how the world revered Austin, how perfect he seemed to everyone else. Could she, a widow with a daughter close to his age, really be enough for him?

ʼIʼm not unique.ʼ

For the first time in her life, Valdris felt small and insignificant. Unbeknownst to her, a faint

red glow flickered in her heart, a seed of corruption feeding on her insecurities, amplifying

her fears.