Queen Shala rode through the grand gates of the Hira palace just as the sun dipped low painting the fertile green valleys in golden light. The palace itself was a wonder—towering walls of polished white stone etched with ancient runes that glowed faintly in the evening, wide courtyards filled with blooming cherry trees and flowing fountains, halls lined with silk banners in crimson and gold. Guards stood at every corner, more in number than any other nation could boast, their armor gleaming with superior craftsmanship—swords and bows forged using those old science techniques that made Hira unstoppable in war. They snapped to attention as she passed, eyes sharp and ready for anything, because peace or no peace you never let your guard down.
Inside the main dining hall it was warm and lavish. Long tables carved from rare woods, lanterns hanging from the ceiling casting soft light on murals of past victories. The air smelled of spiced meats roasted vegetables and sweet fruits from the fertile lands. King Harlan sat at the head his frail body wrapped in heavy robes despite the warmth. He was pale skin clammy from the illness that had kept him bedridden for weeks. Around him sat his seven concubines beautiful women in flowing silks chosen for their grace and loyalty. Some fanned him gently others waited with bowls of medicine or soft cloths.
Shala entered removing her traveling cloak her stunning royal dress still a bit dusty from the mountain ride. She looked tired but there was something else—a distant glow in her eyes like her mind was miles away on snowy peaks. She took her seat beside the king forcing a small smile.
"My dear," King Harlan said his voice weak but warm. He reached for her hand. "You're back. How did the treaty go?"
One of the concubines quickly dabbed his mouth as he started a small cough. Another massaged his neck gently easing the tension.
Shala nodded picking at her food. "It was good. Everything went well. There was little debate but we solved it quick. The general from Magda… he was reasonable. Peace is signed."
Harlan smiled though it turned into another cough. A concubine held a cup to his lips letting him sip herbal tea. "That's wonderful news Shala. After a century of fighting… finally." He paused breathing heavy. "But peace needs more than paper right? Over the next month while I heal you'll be busy. You'll have to travel to Magda a lot meet with that general often. Build a good bond between our nations. Real harmony."
Shala looked up her fork pausing. "Travel there? So soon?"
"Yes love," he continued coughing again into a silk cloth. One concubine fed him a small bite of soft bread while another rubbed his shoulders. "We need strong trade—Magda's mountains have minerals and furs we could use. Their warriors are huge strong from all that training. Together we could stand against bigger threats. Like the Jingis nation they're the most powerful on earth right now building armies that scare everyone. Or the Macedonians—always on conquest trying to rule every place. Those two are scary enough for small nations like ours. We need as much help as possible allies who watch our backs."
Shala listened quietly her mind drifting. She nodded here and there but her thoughts kept pulling back to the general's strong arms catching her those dark eyes locking with hers. Her heart beat a little faster just remembering. "You're right Harlan. Harmony is important. I'll make the trips."
The king squeezed her hand grateful. "Good. The doctor said earlier this illness isn't contagious so no worry for you or the court. Just need rest." He coughed more leaning back as the concubines tended to him one wiping his brow another adjusting his pillows.
Shala barely noticed the intimacy around her—the way the women touched him cared for him. It was normal in the palace, part of their life. Her mind was elsewhere hot with thoughts she couldn't shake.
After dinner the king retired early helped to his chambers by two concubines. Shala stayed behind giving orders to the guards lined up in the hall. "Keep watch tight tonight. Have the doctor close by in case the king feels very unwell. And prepare my horse by morning—I'll be heading out early to meet the generals and plan for multiple trips to Magda. We need to strengthen our relationship with that nation."
The guards bowed sharp and obedient. Then she turned to the seven concubines waiting nearby. "Prepare a warm shower for the king something soothing with herbs. Tonight two of you will share the bed with us—massage him gently ensure he's alright tend to him if he wakes."
She said it all calmly like routine. But inside she was fighting. Keep your mind on your husband she told herself. On duty on peace. Anything to push away the image of that tall general in his white leather armor.
That night in the royal bedchamber—vast room with heavy curtains silk sheets and a fire crackling in the hearth—they all settled in. The king in the center Shala on one side two concubines on the other. The rest had gone to their quarters after the shower.
Shala felt restless heat building under her skin from thoughts she shouldn't have. She turned to Harlan kissing him softly trying to start something intimate. Maybe if she was with her husband it would chase the general away make her feel normal again.
The king responded at first weak but willing. The concubines joined like it was natural in this harem-like setup—soft hands caressing massaging building sensation. Fingers tracing skin lips brushing shoulders everyone moving together to please and comfort.
It started well warm and close. Shala's breath quickened hoping this would ground her pull her mind back.
But then the king started coughing hard chest heaving. He pulled away lying back pale and exhausted. "I'm sorry my love," he whispered voice raspy. "This illness… it takes everything."
The moment crashed. They all stopped dressing quickly in light robes. No one said much—just gentle touches as they lay back down embracing him in a warm pile of bodies. The two concubines held him close one stroking his hair the other his arm. Shala curled against his side disappointed deep down. She had wanted it so bad hoping intimacy with her husband would take her mind off the general wipe away that strange attraction she didn't understand.
But it didn't work. The king fell asleep quick along with the concubines their breathing steady and soft. The room grew quieter the fire dying down.
For Shala though the night grew colder. She stayed up all through eyes open staring at the ceiling. Thoughts of snowy mountains and strong arms wouldn't leave her alone no matter how hard she tried. Dawn felt forever away.