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With the arrival of his newborn son, Caesar, the focus of Euron's life inevitably shifted. The time he spent accompanying Ashara Dayne became visibly less than before.
A few hurried words during the day, a sudden reduction in evening strolls. The leisure and intimacy that once permeated the sunlight seemed to be shrouded in an invisible mist.
Whenever he faced Ashara's clear, slightly puzzled eyes, even Euron, who was accustomed to hiding his emotions, felt a rare, distinct pang of guilt welling up in his heart. This emotion was both strange and uncomfortable for him.
He realized that this sustained, almost deliberate deception felt far more unpleasant than the trouble brought by the accidental incident with Elia back then.
That time might have been a loss of control under the influence of alcohol, but this time, he was actively placing Ashara in an awkward and neglected position while fully sober. This sense of indebtedness, born of reason, was like a fine thorn stuck in a heart that usually only considered power and conquest, bringing an indescribable stagnation and irritability.
Late at night.
Euron's voice was low, carrying a rare self-analysis and remorse. He looked at his sleeping son Caesar, then at Elia, and confessed frankly, "I feel... very sorry for Ashara. The accident with you before was a mistake, but continuing to deceive her knowingly now is adding mistake upon mistake."
Elia listened quietly, no surprise in her eyes, only a trace of understanding and faint pity. She sighed softly, her voice gentle but cutting to the core. "Yes, treating her like this is indeed very unfair."
After a moment of silence, Euron seemed to make up his mind. He looked up, his gaze becoming firm. "I can't go on like this. I want to tell her everything about you and the child, from beginning to end."
Elia looked at him without dissuading him, simply nodding slowly, acknowledging his choice. She knew this was the only path to being open and aboveboard, even if the road ahead might be full of thorns.
"No matter how she blames me after hearing it, whether with anger or disdain," Euron continued, his tone resolute. "Even no matter what decision she ultimately makes... I accept it. But I can no longer deceive her."
Elia saw the unquestionable determination in his eyes and finally responded softly, her words carrying a hint of support and relief. "You are right."
Euron did not hide it; he also informed Prince Doran, Oberyn, and Arianne of his decision to confess everything to Ashara, as well as his subsequent conversation with Elia.
Oberyn nodded first after listening, crossing his arms, his tone carrying his usual directness. "You should have done this long ago. Concealment and deception only deepen cracks until they are beyond repair. This way, though painful, is at least honest."
Prince Doran sat in his wheelchair, fingers tapping lightly on the armrest. He pondered for a moment before speaking slowly, his words carrying the far-reaching considerations of the head of a house. "Confession is necessary; it avoids greater disasters in the future. However," his tone shifted, his gaze becoming sharp, "Lady Ashara's promise is crucial. She must keep this secret—not just the existence of the child, but more importantly, the sensitivity of his identity. This concerns Elia's reputation and the stability of Dorne."
Arianne's reaction was the most intense. The thought of their complex relationships and the potential storm it could cause filled her with anxiety. She couldn't help but step forward, emphasizing urgently, "Right! Some things absolutely cannot be said! Especially those... those specific details and past entanglements between you and me... not half a word can be leaked!"
---
The Next Day.
Euron found Ashara. His expression was more serious than usual as he led her in silence all the way to the Sun Tower. Ashara was filled with confusion, unsure why they had suddenly come here, until she stepped into the room and saw Elia Martell sitting on a couch, gently cradling a newborn infant.
Ashara froze instantly. Her beautiful eyes were filled with pure surprise and incomprehension, her gaze darting between Elia and the child, finally looking at Euron in confusion.
---
Euron took a deep breath, not avoiding her clear gaze. With heavy unease, he frankly and clearly recounted the secrets he had hidden deep inside—the accident with Elia, the origin of the child, and his own inner struggle and guilt—one by one to her.
As he spoke, the surprise on Ashara's face gradually faded, turning into incredible shock, and finally settling into deep pain. She remained frozen in place, as if pinned by an invisible force, unable to say a single word.
Only the uncontrollable tears at the corners of her eyes, like a broken string of pearls, slid continuously down her smooth cheeks, dropping silently onto the carpet, telling of her shattered mood at this moment.
The room fell into a suffocating silence, save for Ashara's silent, falling tears.
Finally, Elia looked up, her eyes filled with sincere apology. She said softly, "I'm sorry, Ashara. All this... should not have happened, and certainly shouldn't have involved you."
Euron took a step forward, his voice heavy and hoarse, taking all responsibility onto himself. "No, it is all my fault. But things have come to this. The only thing I can do is stop deceiving you. I don't ask for your forgiveness, only... this matter concerns not just me, but also the reputation and peace of Elia and the child."
Ashara seemed not to have fully processed these words. She lifted her teary eyes and asked a key question, her voice trembling slightly: "Arianne, Oberyn, Prince Doran... they all knew?"
Euron nodded heavily. "Yes."
Ashara fell into a long silence again. She seemed to be digesting this heartbreaking truth and considering her own position. After a long time, she finally raised her eyes to look directly at Euron and asked the question she feared most: "Do you... want to break off the engagement with me?"
"No!" Euron's answer was swift and firm. "I love you, Ashara. I will still honor our agreement and marry you in two years. I told you everything today only because I hope... hope you can know of this child's existence and try to accept him. I do not want our marriage to be built on another hidden life."
Ashara shook her head, her face written with confusion and pain. "I... I don't know what to do right now." Her mind was a mess.
"Ashara..." Euron's voice was full of pleading and helplessness.
Ashara raised her hand to wipe the tears from her face forcefully, trying to steady herself. She took a deep breath and made a clear but distant decision. "I will not tell anyone about this child, including my brother Arthur." Her tone became calm but carried a defensive edge born of injury. "But as for the rest... please, let me be alone for a while."
With that, she no longer looked at the two people in the room, turning and leaving this place that broke her heart.
Elia watched the direction Ashara left and sighed softly, a sigh filled with understanding and a trace of helplessness. "Let her be quiet for a while," she said gently, turning her gaze back to Euron. "At a time like this, she needs to digest everything alone. Anyone approaching might become a source of pressure."
Euron's brows were furrowed tight, his face filled with rare frustration and pity. He said in a low voice, "I know... I never wanted to hurt her like this. I even less wanted to see her so sad because of me." This sense of powerlessness made him feel defeated.
Elia looked at him, her gaze calm and transparent, as if she could see through all the fog of emotion.
She spoke slowly, with a certain tone: "She is sad precisely because she cares. Euron, she loves you." She paused, then continued, her voice soft but carrying a strange persuasiveness. "So, trust her, and trust yourself. She may need time, but she won't leave you because of this."