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Chapter 69

Author: Mary Anthony
last update Last Updated: 2025-04-25 16:22:28

Ava's POV

The wind shifted through the trees, stirring the leaves above us, carrying away the pieces of our conversation that we dared not say aloud. But the silence that followed wasn’t empty—it was full of everything we both felt but couldn’t afford to show.

And yet, a part of me wished he would reach out. Say something reckless. Choose me over everything else, just once.

But he didn’t.

I hesitated, unsure of how to respond. The truth was, I didn't know what to think. I was still trying to process the events of the previous day, still trying to wrap my head around the fact that General Kaelen had shown up at my tent and…

---

And what? And shown interest in me?

The thought sent a shiver down my spine. I didn't know what to make of it, didn't know how to feel. All I knew was that I was drawn to him, despite the danger that seemed to lurk beneath his surface.

"I don't know what to think," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper.

General Kaelen's expression softened slightly, and h
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    Rylan's eyes gleamed with malice as he began to spread the rumors amongst the warriors. He whispered in hushed tones, his words dripping with venom, as he insinuated that General Kaelen was no longer fit to lead."Have you noticed how distant the General has been lately?" he would say, leaning in close, his voice low and conspiratorial. "It's as if his physical strength has failed him, and he's become weak."The warriors would nod, their faces grave with concern, as Rylan continued to fuel the fire."I've seen it myself," another murmured. "He doesn't patrol the borders as often. He keeps to himself. It's... unsettling."Rylan smirked, seizing the moment. "It's all because of Ava, the servant. It's almost as if he's under some sort of spell," he whispered, shaking his head in mock sorrow. "The General's abstinence from the pleasures of the flesh in a bid to please Ava is a sign of his weakness, and it's compromising his ability to lead us.""You think he's lost his edge?" a younger wa

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    The firelight flickered against his face, casting long shadows that made him look even more formidable."Then why not put the rumors to rest?" someone challenged. "One clear denial, and this ends here."The General stared him down, his silence speaking volumes."I see," Rylan murmured from the side, loud enough for all to hear. "You would rather let your silence confirm our fears."A few men nodded, their expressions grim."If you can't be honest with your own warriors," another added, "how can we trust your leadership?""I have led you through countless battles," Kaelen said, his voice hard. "I have bled for you. Bled with you. If that is not enough to earn your trust, then perhaps you are not the men I thought you were."For a moment, there was silence. Heavy, suffocating silence."But you’re changing," someone muttered from the back. "You were never... distracted before. You were always about duty first. Now it feels like... you’re torn."Kaelen’s lips pressed into a tight line."I

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  • The Forbidden Gaze   Chapter 72

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  • The Forbidden Gaze   PROLOGUE

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Latest chapter

  • The Forbidden Gaze   Chapter 72

    "You should," Kaelen said without hesitation. "Hold me accountable. Hold every man and woman accountable, as I have always done."Rylan smirked again but said nothing more, sensing that he had pushed enough for tonight.Still, Kaelen could see it in his eyes—the battle was far from over. Rylan would not let this matter die so easily.As the murmurs settled and the men began shifting uneasily, preparing to leave, Kaelen stayed rooted in place, watching, calculating.He knew this was only the beginning.The warriors gave him stiff nods of respect before dispersing, but there was a distance now, a fracture he could feel.As the meeting adjourned, the General knew that he had a long road ahead of him. He had to navigate the treacherous waters of the warriors' suspicions, to find a way to restore their faith in him. And he knew that he couldn't do it alone. He needed Ava's help, and he needed to find a way to protect her from the rumors that threatened to destroy them both.The General's e

  • The Forbidden Gaze   Chapter 71

    The firelight flickered against his face, casting long shadows that made him look even more formidable."Then why not put the rumors to rest?" someone challenged. "One clear denial, and this ends here."The General stared him down, his silence speaking volumes."I see," Rylan murmured from the side, loud enough for all to hear. "You would rather let your silence confirm our fears."A few men nodded, their expressions grim."If you can't be honest with your own warriors," another added, "how can we trust your leadership?""I have led you through countless battles," Kaelen said, his voice hard. "I have bled for you. Bled with you. If that is not enough to earn your trust, then perhaps you are not the men I thought you were."For a moment, there was silence. Heavy, suffocating silence."But you’re changing," someone muttered from the back. "You were never... distracted before. You were always about duty first. Now it feels like... you’re torn."Kaelen’s lips pressed into a tight line."I

  • The Forbidden Gaze   Chapter 70

    Rylan's eyes gleamed with malice as he began to spread the rumors amongst the warriors. He whispered in hushed tones, his words dripping with venom, as he insinuated that General Kaelen was no longer fit to lead."Have you noticed how distant the General has been lately?" he would say, leaning in close, his voice low and conspiratorial. "It's as if his physical strength has failed him, and he's become weak."The warriors would nod, their faces grave with concern, as Rylan continued to fuel the fire."I've seen it myself," another murmured. "He doesn't patrol the borders as often. He keeps to himself. It's... unsettling."Rylan smirked, seizing the moment. "It's all because of Ava, the servant. It's almost as if he's under some sort of spell," he whispered, shaking his head in mock sorrow. "The General's abstinence from the pleasures of the flesh in a bid to please Ava is a sign of his weakness, and it's compromising his ability to lead us.""You think he's lost his edge?" a younger wa

  • The Forbidden Gaze   Chapter 69

    Ava's POV The wind shifted through the trees, stirring the leaves above us, carrying away the pieces of our conversation that we dared not say aloud. But the silence that followed wasn’t empty—it was full of everything we both felt but couldn’t afford to show.And yet, a part of me wished he would reach out. Say something reckless. Choose me over everything else, just once.But he didn’t.I hesitated, unsure of how to respond. The truth was, I didn't know what to think. I was still trying to process the events of the previous day, still trying to wrap my head around the fact that General Kaelen had shown up at my tent and…---And what? And shown interest in me?The thought sent a shiver down my spine. I didn't know what to make of it, didn't know how to feel. All I knew was that I was drawn to him, despite the danger that seemed to lurk beneath his surface."I don't know what to think," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper.General Kaelen's expression softened slightly, and h

  • The Forbidden Gaze   Chapter 68

    Ava's POVThe next morning, I woke up feeling restless and unsure. I knew that I needed to talk to General Kaelen again, to understand what was happening between us and where it might lead. But as I emerged from my tent, I was greeted by the chaos of the camp, with warriors rushing to and fro and the sound of horses neighing in the distance.I stood there for a moment, feeling lost and uncertain. And then, I saw General Kaelen, standing on the outskirts of the camp, his eyes scanning the horizon. I felt a jolt of excitement, a sense of purpose that I couldn't ignore. I knew that I needed to talk to him, to understand what was happening between us and where it might lead.As I walked towards him, my heart pounding in my chest, I realized that I was stepping into unknown territory. But I was ready to take that step, to see where this journey might lead."General Kaelen," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.He turned to me, his eyes narrowing slightly as he took in my expression. "Y

  • The Forbidden Gaze   Chapter 67

    "Zylan, I appreciate your concern, but I think you're overreacting," I said, trying to maintain a calm tone.But Zylan's expression didn't change. His lips were pressed into a tight line, eyes steady on mine. "General, I've seen the way you and Ava interact. The way you look at each other, the awkward silences... it's all starting to add up. You need to address this before it's too late."I rubbed the back of my neck, feeling the weight of his words sink in deeper than I cared to admit. "Zylan, you're acting like we're already caught in the act. It's not like that.""Then what is it, sir?" he asked, lowering his voice. "Because from where I'm standing, it looks like you're falling for her. And everyone’s beginning to see it."I hesitated, then exhaled sharply. "It’s complicated."Zylan didn’t move, didn’t blink. "Complicated doesn't mean invisible, General. Secrets never stay buried around here."I felt a surge of frustration, knowing that Zylan was right. I was trying to ignore the p

  • The Forbidden Gaze   Chapter 66

    I ran a hand through my hair, frustrated at how easily she had gotten under my skin. How did she manage to unravel parts of me I had locked away for years? How did a servant girl become the one thing I couldn’t ignore?But for now, I pushed those thoughts aside, and focused on the present moment. I was drawn to Ava, and I couldn't deny it.I knew that I had to be careful, that I had to keep my feelings hidden. But as I looked at Ava, I couldn't help but feel like I was taking a chance on something more. Something that could change everything.Only time would tell, but one thing was for sure: I was in uncharted territory, and I was excited to see where this journey would take me. I feel like I am taking a chance on something more. Something that could change everything._______________I stood at the edge of the training grounds, observing the warriors as they honed their skills. The sun beat down on us, casting a warm glow over the scene. But despite the pleasant weather, I couldn't s

  • The Forbidden Gaze   Chapter 65

    I gave a faint, rueful smile. “Because they let me feel without breaking.”She shifted slightly on the wooden chair, her fingers smoothing the fabric of her skirt. “Esther waited through the first banquet. Held her breath through the second. All the while, knowing the fate of her people hung in the air.”“Still, she chose patience,” I murmured. “That’s a kind of strength I don’t have.”“Maybe you do,” Ava said gently. “You just haven’t needed to use it that way.”I tilted my head. “Is that what you think? That I’m stronger than I look?”“No,” she said with a slight smile. “I think you’re stronger than you believe.”I felt something shift inside me again—slow, careful, like the click of a hidden lock.“And what about you?” I asked. “Where does your strength come from?”She shrugged, almost shy. “From silence, I think. From watching when no one notices. From listening, even when my heart’s racing.”“That’s not weakness,” I said. “That’s fire hidden in still water.”Her laugh was quiet,

  • The Forbidden Gaze   Chapter 64

    As Ava continued to speak, I found myself getting lost in her words. I was transported to a different time and place, a place where I could be myself, without the weight of my duties as a Panja warrior.But as the moments passed, I knew that I had to snap back to reality. I couldn't let my feelings get the better of me, not yet. I had to keep my cool, and pretend like everything was normal.But as I looked at Ava, I knew that it was going to be hard. She had awakened something inside me, something that I couldn't ignore. And I knew that I would have to confront it, sooner or later.“So… what happened next?” I asked, clearing my throat, trying to sound composed.Ava smiled gently, her hands folded neatly in her lap. “The king extended his scepter to Esther, sparing her life. She invited him and Haman to a banquet… not once, but twice.”“Twice?” I leaned forward slightly. “Why delay the request?”She tilted her head thoughtfully. “Perhaps she wanted to create suspense. Or maybe she need

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