The chamber Ruby chose, was a narrow room tucked behind the western hearths, where heat lingered in the stone long after the fires dimmed. No sigils marked the floor. No banners softened the walls. A single oil lamp burned low on a table, its flame steady—sensual in its solitude.

Upon its calm surface floated a grand ceremonial barge: a wide, flower-strewn platform of polished ebony and gold, draped in crimson roses from Rubia and golden flame-emblems from the Triad Realms. Silken cushions in deep scarlet and bright gold were piled high at the center.

Twenty-five years ago, beneath a midsummer moon so bright it turned the sacred lake into a mirror of silver fire, the kingdoms of Rubia and the Triad Realms attempted a rite that was meant to end centuries of rivalry forever.

#amwriting
#darkfantasy
#eroticfiction
#indieauthor
#writingcommunity