What was that? Did I imagine all of it? "Please come my lady. It will displease the Grand Duke if you go home so early, it is only my duty to be a good host"Elara eyed Sawyer's outstretched hand, an internal battle ravaging her mind. She looks up at me, seeing my confused and disturbed expression she could read the questions all over my face. After weighing her options she decides leaving with Sawyer was better than staying to speak to me about what just happened. So Elara places her hand in Sawyer's and he leads her away to the boats. I let my eyes linger, knowing very well how stiff and uncomfortable Elara was. She did not wish to go but she still followed the Marquese. I followed behind, settling near the shores of the pond. The Marquese aids Elara in getting into the barge with him, they sit face to face, their close distance unsettling me. The boat begins to row away from the shore giving the two some good distance away from Ryker. Sawyer watched Ryker's eyes trail on
AUDREY"Move over broom" I hissed, pushing the long equipment over to the other side of the supply closet. Pulling my legs closer I grumbled when my page flipped close. Fiddlesticks! Nibbling on my lips I hastily flipped through the excess pages, looking for my book mark. "Audrey! Audrey!" Luna's high pitched voice echoed through the hallway bringing me to a halt. I stopped breathing, afraid she'd hear me and find my hiding spot. Sugars"Where is this girl?" Her footsteps neared the closet doors, my breath getting caught in my throat at her close proximity to catching me. I let out a shaky breath when her footsteps fade away, giving me enough time to get out and run to her. Pushing the creaking doors open I stuck my head through, letting my eyes wander all over the hallway. The ghost is clear. Sighing in content I slipped out, closing my book and hiding it under the many napkins that resided in the closet. Promising to come back and find my bookmark I whispered a quiet 'goodbye' an
❋𝐀𝐔𝐃𝐑𝐄𝐘❋Gripping onto the counter I shut my eyes tight, trying my best to blink away my haziness. My stomach and head ached badly. I was being starved as my punishment, but this time it was the longest I had ever gone without food. 6 days ago I was seated in the cellar, tied down and bound by ropes and chains. I awaited the grim reaper to dish out my punishment. He was exactly like his name, he was huge, always wore a dark veil and had this leather whip in his hand. He was very muscular and in my eleven years of being here I had never seen his face, honestly I consider myself lucky. He came in and removed my chains. "You have been pardoned from the physical torture" his gruff voice informed me as he pulled off the heavy metals. I hissed when I saw the burn marks on my ankles. Wolfsbane. I would be weak for the next 2 weeks because of them. SugarsWolfsbane like any other poison was illegal and banned from the reach of all packs. I was shocked when I found this pack had an end
❅𝐀𝐔𝐃𝐑𝐄𝐘❅I was always used to waking up very early to start my chores but this, this was way too early. I didn't get much sleep after Hunter's visit to my room. I woke to the screams of Luna demanding me to be downstairs in my uniform in the next 5 minutes. I didn't have enough time to bathe so I pulled my stringy curls into a quick bun to prevent it getting in the way but it came loose, falling at the nape of my neck. I didn't have much time to focus on it so I hastily changed into my uniformI uncomfortably pulled down at the hems, hating the way it rose and exposed my legs. The first time I got it was 5 years ago and now it was way too short for my liking. I grimaced when I looked at my reflection in the window once again. I didn't need unnecessary attention on me, especially not the one I knew I would get from Hunter. Deciding to just suck it up I wrapped my white hand knitted sweater around my waist, hoping it would do its job and cover the back of my exposed thighs. I pa
𝐀𝐔𝐃𝐑𝐄𝐘✽My eyes fluttered open, darkness was all I saw. I blinked a few times trying to adjust my vision to my surroundings. Flashbacks of those mesmerizing pairs of onyx eyes filled my mind, the scene of so much blood pooling onto the floors from Alpha Nicholas's neck. The king, everyone bowing. Was it all a dream? Was I back in my room? I didn't feel tired after working at the ball for so long, I felt well rested and... comfortable? I ran my hands along where I lay and no doubt it was a bed. I lay under smooth velvet soft covers, the material felt devilishly good against my skin. The softness of the bed was luring me back to my slumber but I knew better. Looking around once again the room was still pitch black. My heart started racing as fear creeped into my spine. What if it was some sick joke? What if I was back in the cellar? All of a sudden everywhere became bright, light from all areas slipped through the room. Burning from the beaming lights I blinked repeatedly befor
𝐀𝐔𝐃𝐑𝐄𝐘❁I stared into a pair of dark eyes, pink plum heart shaped lips stewed in an amazed smile. Dark tendrils of hair pulled in an updo bun, two strands curved at the sides of her face. Her skin glowed like never before. "You're so beautiful my lady" Faye gushed, staring at me adoringly through my reflection. For once I stared at myself with a smile on my face. I actually looked like a person, for the first time in years. My big doe eyes were glowing, my pale colour skin gleaming with health and beauty. My once pale lips looked plum and luscious after Ruby had applied some oil on, promise it would make them glow. Sugars I looked pretty, like a princess. The beautiful red floral gown I wore only added to the look. It was like a crossett from the chest down, breast pads elevated my twins making them look round and perky, flairs poored out from the end of it and it looked amazing. Everything was complete, yet something felt amiss. I couldn't help but feel out of place. I wasn'
꙳𝐇𝐔𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐑꙳"Have a sector of the army dispersed to scan the area and report back any activity" I barked out, my eagerness and anger bleeding out of my façade. "Hunter, this is madness!" Vivian exclaimed, throwing her hands in the air in exasperation. I ignored her ranting, continuing my walk to my office. Pushing the door open I walked up to the leather chair, my heart thumping slowly as time seemed to still around me. Running my hand along the leather I pushed it back, dropping down ceremoniously on the chair I had despised all my life. Swaying around I smiled wickedly, pride washing over me. If only he could see me now. "Hunter!" Vivian's nasal voice broke through my trance. I was forcefully pulled back, coming face to face with her aggravated features. "Don't fucking ignore me!"I smiled, cocking my head to the side, "I'm not. I'm choosing to not listen to you" "You are not thinking straight Hunter!" She screamed agitated. "It will be very unwise to send all our warriors o
♡𝐀𝐔𝐃𝐑𝐄𝐘♡I fisted the sheets, my knuckles turning white. Frustration gnawed at my skin, making my head hurt and my brows furrow. I had become restless, after the tragedy that was our second encounter I had not seen his highness in a space of three weeks. I was beginning to think he wasn't going to come back but earlier today while I flipped through the pages of the book Faye had lent me she informed me his majesty would be coming to my chambers tonight. For some reason I was quite anxious. Had I angered him with my confession? I wondered. I was no longer as terrified as I used to be, It was clear he wasn't going to punish me, he had made it pretty obvious. For some reason I believed him, was it stupid of me? He was the King after all, if he actually wanted to hurt or get me killed he would have done so by now but the fact remained he hadn't. He had tried his best to assure me that I was safe here with him, the most powerful man that existed. I awaited his arrival, perched at t
What was that? Did I imagine all of it? "Please come my lady. It will displease the Grand Duke if you go home so early, it is only my duty to be a good host"Elara eyed Sawyer's outstretched hand, an internal battle ravaging her mind. She looks up at me, seeing my confused and disturbed expression she could read the questions all over my face. After weighing her options she decides leaving with Sawyer was better than staying to speak to me about what just happened. So Elara places her hand in Sawyer's and he leads her away to the boats. I let my eyes linger, knowing very well how stiff and uncomfortable Elara was. She did not wish to go but she still followed the Marquese. I followed behind, settling near the shores of the pond. The Marquese aids Elara in getting into the barge with him, they sit face to face, their close distance unsettling me. The boat begins to row away from the shore giving the two some good distance away from Ryker. Sawyer watched Ryker's eyes trail on
Tents littered the grounds, nobles of different calibers crowded together, talking, socialising with drinks in hand and lips full with chatter. The gossip mongers and mamas had their own designated spot watching the young courting couples walk about, some boarding barges on the pond. Meanwhile the daughter of the Grand Duke stood far from the crowd, conversing with her cousin while Ryker was on his way with their glasses of sherbet. As he approached the two finely dresses ladies he could not help but watch in admiration as Elara laughed, her smile blocked by her fan in hand. Bad etiquette it was, to laugh so loudly with open teeth but laugh she did and the worry free, joyful chime of her laughter brought warmth to Ryker's heart. He hands the two ladies their cups, standing beside them while they gossip he took in the view. All these high class, wealthy people attending these parties under the pretense of socialising instead they only attend these to discuss each other's
As I watch him wield his sword, his muscles ripple beneath his skin like waves on a turbulent sea. Every swing, every parry, every thrust reveals a symphony of strength and agility. His torso twists, his arms flex, and his legs coil with power. His chest heaves with each labored breath, drawing my gaze to the sculpted contours of his torso, his body, accentuating the broad shoulders, the chiseled abs, and the sharp lines of his adonis belt. Sweat glistens on his skin, like dew on a summer morning, inviting me to trace the paths it takes as it trickles down his face, neck, and chest. His eyes burn with focus, his jaw clenched in determination. Each movement unleashes a fresh wave of desire within me. I crave to feel his warmth, to taste the sweat on his skin, to be enveloped by his strength.His sword slices through the air, a blur of steel and deadly precision. Yet, all I see is him – the warrior, the protector, the beautiful, battling form that stirs my soul.My heart pounds in
She stuffs her duffle bag, making sure not to forget any of her anklets or jewelry. The veiled dancer always came prepared for days like these, to sneak out of the manor under one excuse or the other but this time would be different. Ryker would be part of her and Augustine's plans to get her to the party undetected and slip her out the same way. It was risky, very risky but the veiled dancer had personally been invited to this party. Ryker stood there, watching her pack her costume while Augustine made sure she did not forget anything behind, "Your back up dancers will be waiting for you at the party, they are dressed the same way as usual. The moment you get there do not forget to stay out of sight till it's time for your performance, immediately after you need to leave""Yes Augustine, I know all this" Elara reassures her, making sure she was ready to leave as soon as possible. Fowler was occupied, out of the manor thankfully so she was free to leave without much suspicion. The Gr
𝐑𝐘𝐊𝐄𝐑 I make my way through the residential quarters of the manor, feeling the curious, scrutinizing gazes pricking at my skin from every corner. The guards spared me more than second looks as I came up to the door one of the giggling maids was kind enough to point me to as Elara's door. Immediately I took notice of the scarce amount of guards in this area, normally along the stretch of the quarters more than 10 guards graced the halls, but here there were about 3 guards that switched posts, neither of them nearing the princess's chambers. Probably something they were forbidden from doing, that may have been what warranted the judgemental glares I got on my way here. I cleared out the lump in my throat, inhaling a deep breath as I brought my knuckles to the door, ready to do the gentleman thing and knock at the lady's door. 3 times would be fine right? Not to eager, not to rude. Just knock, do it! I mentally scolded myself but for some reason my body wasn't aligning wit
I could feel there was something wrong going on here. Did the Duke know that his daughter was the infamous veiled dancer? The way her metallic blue eyes dimmed, her gaze casted low with timidity while she seemed to shrink beside her father. She looked like such a different person than she was when she was so elegantly dancing, she was beautiful, breathtaking, fiery, her passion for the art seeping through every pore and enchanting every person. Her presence cast a spell, leaving everybody gaping. But just now she was quiet, smaller, the burning inferno that seemed to be part of her eyes had vanished. I kept my lips closed, watching as an older noble man walks in, his attire strikingly similar to the Duke's but significantly less adorned to show his lower rank. His eyes met mine, his cold stare laced with malice. I was taken aback, wondering what it was about me he already didn't like. He walks to the Duke's side, "My Lord Duke" he greets, standing right next to him. Then
The five market days moved passed in a flash. I kept to my word and made father a new set of kitchen knives, risking a few of my fingers in the process. Before I could register what was happening, father had begun packing my things in the cloth bag I had come with. He looked worried and concerned but he would never tell me that he did not want me to leave, he believed he would be holding me back. Gently he places my bags in my hand and I could hear the hooves of the horses arriving at the door, Commander Tanner was here. Before father could speak I interrupted, "Wait" I rushed to the work shop and brought out the clothes I had bought from the market place. I had to sneak out at night so he wouldn't see them. I presented them to him. He stood there, silently taking them in "Why did you?"I smile wolfishly, "So you can hold onto them till I get back. I will take the bee gloves you got me and my sandals, they will be better than any I could buy""How did you hide them?""I kept th
This veiled dancer, no one where she comes from?" I question, slipping on my sandals: yet another gift father had kept for my return. He had handed it to me like it was no big deal and he probably wanted me to treat it that way but of course I did not. I would get him a new set of clothes before I left for my new duties. I hurry after father as he walks ahead, insisting if we didn't hurry all the good stools would be taken. For an old man he was moving fast, "Nope, not a single person has seen her face so they can't trace her identity or lineage to any of the states"How conspicuous"Hurry up lad. The townspeople have prepared a feast after in your honor so it'll be quite a shame if we arrive late" We get to the small sitting arrangement made in the middle of the town. Little stools sat in a circular manner so no one would obstruct the people behind them. There was a space in front which I could tellw as reserved for the dancers. The scene reminded me of my old life, when we would ha
~ Ryker"Er, what is all the noise about? One cannot get a peaceful day in this town anymore" Mr. Rae grumbles, approaching the loud crowd that had gathered in front of the market place. Maybe they had caught a thief? I haven't witnessed any action around here, the quiet was becoming deafening but why this now when I wish to retire? Maybe I should move to a more desolate place. Hm, the young lad would probably refuse, if I move where would he come to when he returns? A sad smile wore his lips at the thought of Ryker. He must be getting such good training and living his life, why tie him down to an old fool like me? Mr. Rae got to the growing crowd and stood, trying to peel at what the fuss was about. Suddenly he heard a voice, one he could identify anywhere, despite his failing ears"Thank you for the very warm welcome townspeople. I missed you all dearly as well but I must be going to see my fa-" just then his voice stopped. Ryker looked into the crowd, the unmistakable smell of