DARIUSđ˛{!!This chapter will include violence}! I watched her chest rise and fall, small snores erupting from her throat. She had finally fallen asleep in my arms. She was so distorted and all she did was cry, it made my heart clench to see his hand prints on her skin. Even worse to see what that bastard had caused the love of my life. I was so stupid. I should have known it was a trap to lure me out of the castle. I should have been smarter, Vandal had always been vengeful but this- this was too far. He had hurt the one I loved, the only one who was not meant to get caught up in all this vengeance and power struggle. His fight was with me but now he had declared his graveyard by coming for her and I will make sure he got what he deserved. Pushing myself to my feet I learned down and placed a lingering kiss to her forehead before turning away and strolling out of the room. Quietly I shut the door behind me careful not to wake her. "Tell me" I spoke immediately I spotted Ryker. We
AUDREYQuietly I approached the piece of fabric that lay discarded on the ground. The sight of a red liquid tainting the material made my eyes widen. The closer I got the more I realised it was Darius's shirt and it was stained with.. blood!? I padded faster, pulling the fabric off the ground and into my arms. Looking it over and sure enough, it was blood. Panick pinched at my chest, sinking into my lungs and holding them captive. I turned around slowly. Carefully my gaze flickered between Darius and the shirt I held tightly fisted in my arms as fear clutched at my nerves. Taking slow steps towards him by eyes immediately began darting all over him for any sings of injuries, maybe something he wasn't telling me. "This is-" I cut myself up, bringing the cloth to his line of sight. I watched his eyes burn as he gazed away quickly, refusing to meet my eye. "A-are you hurt? Where? " I stepped forward, discarding the shirt to the side and slipping my hands into his. His fingers immedia
Writer's POVDarius marched down the hallway, his arms folded behind his back. His annoyance radiated off him, letting every guard in the hallway know to stand straight and give a curt bow as he passed for they knew how angry Darius could get and it would be especially worse as Audrey was nowhere beside him. It would be a catastrophe. Darius's thick brows were pulled down and an angry frown marred his features adding to his deadly glare that seemed to be directed towards one direction, the meeting hall. He didn't need to reach the double doors before the guards that were stationed at the aforementioned pulled them open with haste. They could already tell from his countenance that he was not to be pissed off anymore than he already was. Darius was pissed off with the council of elders, he had a feeling they were going to do what they always did- tell him how to run his kingdom. Irrespective of the fact that he had been ruling for centuries and he didn't need them. He hated being pull
AUDREYđBirds sang in the distance, their audible chirps subtle but present. Cool sweep of the wind gliding gently across my cheeks and pushing against my hair. The leaves of the trees rattled in the wind, the air whistling through the skies and marking the atmosphere as a pleasant one. I inhaled deeply, shutting my eyes as I let the calmness envelope all my senses. I deflated into my seat, letting a small smile creep onto my lips. My fingers traced the thick pages of the book I held in hand, summarizing every bend and curve of my current favourite that sat in my hands. I made a mental note to revisit the page where I had last left my bookmarks. Spending some time alone in Darius and my private garden had become a constant therapeutic experience for me. It was like taking a break from the hectic nature that I had gotten so used to- spending hours in the village, donating to the public and making an appearance in all the villages, the many the better, according to Elder Irene. I had
âĄâ§âĄArrows flew through the air, cutting and in one swift motion hitting the bullseye. The sound could be heard from a few feet away, the echo that sliced through the wind itself before hitting the target. Three arrows were pulled back, fingers placed strategically as Darius withheld the bows, his reserved dark onyx eyes assessing his aim with careful precision. When satisfied with his range he let go, sending the arrows flying through the air, the three heads hitting right at their intended mark. Turning around Darius reached for another set of three bows, his servant placing them gently into his outstretched hand. Before turning back to his target he didn't fail to notice from the corner of his eyes the little feminine figure that approached, soft, hypnotic steps she took towards where he stood lost in her grace. Her hair had been braided and tied up into a ponytail, perfectly displaying the evidence of their activities earlier on in the day. A smirk made it's way onto Darius's l
âĄAUDREYâĄI watched him stroll in, his form completely swallowing the whole room and making it feel smaller with his large presence. I followed my ladies to genuflect, my eyes remained locked with his dark onyx ones. I watched as his eyes wandered over my frame as I rose slowly. Then they stopped to drink in my face, registering the two strands left to frame the curve of my face while the rest of my hair had been braided up and pinned to the rest of my curls. Dark tendrils of hair was pulled into a low bun, leaving some to fall into his face perfectly, leaving just enough of his perfectly angled features out to the eye to admire. His stubble had grown out, making him look older and even more physically attractive with it. I wanted to run my nails over it and smooth it over with my fingertips, feeling the sharp, rough texture against my soft pads. Snatching my eyes away I felt the blood rush to my cheeks at the thoughts that had begun to swarm my mind. He slowly stalked towards me, his
âĄâĄâĄWhen the new couple arrived, Anaise watched them retire to their chambers eagerly and she noticed the clearly unmissable new addition to Audrey's digits. She felt conflicted, not knowing what to do about the knowledge she had just been so unfortunate to learn. Astrid was head strong against this union and the news about their engagement would definitely anger her to the point of impulsive action. But as she sat there, wondering what would happen if she told Audrey a sudden feeling of guilt over took her mind. Astrid was her twin, her sister, no matter what she did that would never change. So how was she to tell the queen that her twin was lusting over her mate and would or has probably done unspeakable things to ensure their separation. Certainly there had to be some other way to get Astrid to refrain without getting her exhiled or executed for treason and have be her cast away from home a rogue. At one end was her very good friend Audrey and at the other her twin who had chosen
{Mature Theme!}â ď¸Audreyđ𧸠Serving out the last bit into the plate I rubbed my hands together, smiling to myself proudly. I reached over to the faucet, turning it on I placed my hand under, letting the cold water rush down and rinse off the dirt from my handsDrying them off on the rag I felt strong pair of hands curve round my waist, startling me. I jerked a bit, gasping as his head went to my neck, unbothered while he inhaled my scent. I sighed, a smile accompanying my lips as I finished what I was doing.âGood morningâ I chirped, letting my hands rest on his that weâre circled around my waist He only grumbled in return, further burying his head into my tussled curls. I moved around but he didnât let go. Carrying our plates to the island table, I felt his nose moving around in my hair, his hands getting greedy and cupping my left boob through my night dress.My breathing picked up and before I could blink his hands had latched onto my hips, hoisti
I beckon my ladies forward with me as I took a step into the tent but the guards stopped us. "Apologies my lady, but the Lord does not wish for any visitors. He is still with the physician so he wishes to not be disturbed"One of the guard's informed. Guess this was my sign. "Okay, no worries. We will leave then""My lady, forgive us. We were not clear, he only wishes for you to enter" I glanced towards my ladies. Camilla shook her head, telling me not to go in, Winnie shrugged and Philippa nodded at me with encouragement. "Please, wait out here for me. I will not be long" I bid them farewell as I stepped inside and the curtains closed behind me. Just a short, courteous visit. But the moment my eyes fell on Lord Sawyer, sprawled over his fur bed, half naked my throat went dry. The physician stood close to him, leaning over to inspect the bruise that had formed
Amidst the verdant lists, where valorous knights didst gather, a grand tournament unfolded, like a tapestry to ponder. The sun cast its golden rays upon the scene, as nobles, knights, and commoners congregated, their spirits serene. The air was alive with anticipation, a symphony of delight, as heralds trumpeted the arrival of the competitors, a majestic sight.The crowd's murmurs swelled to cheers, a deafening crescendo. The knights, resplendent in armor, rode forth, their banners to show.I as the lady of the tournament, stood poised, a gentle smile to bless the knights, and grant them fortune, in this test of skill and guile. With a delicate touch, I bestowed a favor, a token of esteem, a scarf, a flower, or a ribbon, to bind their hearts, and seal their dream. When I had heard I was to be the lady of the tournament I had to express my distaste for the sport to Augustine, but never to father. I could never oppose father, I could only grumble
Everyone else around us had recovered quickly, ready to change their steps while we stood there, staring at each other. I inhaled a deep breath and closed the space between us. Ryker understood and placed his hands on my waist, mine winding up his shoulder, our forms pressed. I gulped, my eyes meeting his. The last time we were this close, it did not end innocently. The way I so boldly kissed him, and for a second he kissed me back. His lips melted against mine, claimed my first kiss, his hands tainted my skin, branding me. As I stared into his eyes, the flash backs came flooding my mind. Briefly his eyes dropped down to my lips bit he quickly looked away, not quick enough for me not to notice. ⥠Song: Ma Meilleure Ennemie (from the series Arcane League of Legends) âĄShe stood close to him, her body almost touching his. The music was slow and sensual, with a strong beat that seemed to pulse through thei
Azure blue eyes stared back at me, their depths unreadable, black and full of mist, but it was a pair of amethyst violet orbs that flashed behind my eyes. Plum lips painted in red tint tingles in remembrance. Warm lips pressed against mine in fevor, thirst, desire, at least that's how it felt. His hands all over me, holding me tight, claiming me, sending pleasures shivers down my whole form. And then just like that my fantasy is ruined, reality shattering all my hopes. "You look so beautiful my lady!" Philippa exclaims, watching my reflection in adoration. I smiled halfheartedly, "Thank you, Philippa" She winks at me, "I'm certain the Lord will not be able to take his eyes off you"Seriously? Was I call dolled up for someone I did not even desire, meanwhile the one I truly wished to be with could not be any further away from me, despite being within my reach. The forbidden fruit is always the sweetest they say. What was my life? I deflate into my seat, glaring at my ref
"If it was a piece of paper, I would tear it. If it was a bottle, I would break it, if it was a wall, I would tear it down - But it's my heart" ~Mahmoud DarwishThe words sunk so deeply, creating a large gap in my soul. There was just something so devastatingly beautiful about romantic poetry, I loved it to no end. The idea of loving someone to the point that you yearn for them, their very person, every inch of their skin, every habit of theirs, every peculiar trait is picked, loved and immortalized. I wished someone could love me like these poets loved their muse. I wish I could be someone's muse, but between Ryker rejecting me and father so adamant about me forming a relationship with Sir Blackwood I was very much far from that dream. Reading about such soul crushing love made me want to experience it even more, to love someone with every bone in your body. To learn a person so deeply they echoed in your subconscious, what sweet torture. Was this what the love of a mate wa
"Staying trapped in my room all day will not make me recover faster, Augustine" "But my lady, the doctor said you should rest your body. You exerted yourself too much, you even passed out" Augustine reminded me as if I wasn't there myself. I giggled, "yes, I know. I don't know if I remember correctly but I was there"Augustine scowled, "This is not the time to jest my lady. Please I would suggest-""Augustine! It has been four days already" I wave her off, turning towards the opposite direction and laying back on the dress. I watch the clouds shift, floating lazily amongst the blue firmaments. The birds sing above head, the leaves rustle with the wind, the buzz of the bees as they dance from flower to flower, the feeling of the cool midday breeze against my cheek, pollen particles drifting into my nostrils as I inhale a deep breath. "You should have at least waited a week before you were out and about again my lady. This is simply not right, why insist on laying on the dirt this w
"The lady Elara!"Panick surged through Ryker the moment Elara's form fell through the surface of the water. Fear, desperation and instinct kicked in all at once and immediately he sprung into action, tugging away his blazer and dropping it to the grass, his shoes coming off just as fast. His bewildered gaze flickered to Sir Sawyer who stared at the water, his expression unreadable. "Elara! Somebody help her, she is sinking!" Sir Sawyer stumbled back, still unmoving. Ryker ran passed him and jumped into the water, the cold water completely swallowing him whole. The initial shock from how cold the water was faded quickly as Ryker began searching for Elara. He spotted her in the depths, struggling to pull down her dress. He swam over to her just in time for her body to go limp, the strength in her muscles slacking as he fought against the flow while helping Elara pull down her farthingale. Once it was off Ryker wrapped his arms around Elara's form, pulling her to his side. At that
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