"Its a beautiful day today" Ryker smiled, looking around as the birds chirped their songs of promise of the days prowess. "Certainly" Audrey responded, taking in the scene as well. The beautiful trees scattered thick in the distance, the beautiful evergreen lawn cut low and precise and the flower bushes that buzzed with life. "I didn't know you took an interest in archery" Audrey mentioned, her eyes landing on his bow that was carefully tucked around his shoulders and his arrows hoisted at his back."Of course princess. As the king's deputy and chief of security it is my duty to be well equipped and versatile with various forms of weaponry. His highness has a lot of enemies and you never know when any of them will strike and at when so it is convenient to have knowledge on every and any weapon. You never know where you find yourself" Ryker finished."That's a huge burden to carry. Knowing you have so many threats lurking in the shadows" "The king has many enemies. He has and he alwa
🦋𝐀𝐔𝐃𝐑𝐄𝐘🦋Unlike before, this time our skin contact as if sending waves silenced my restless mind, left me feeling calm and stable. His voice was like a sweet lullaby to my ears- soothing, deep velvety tone. I found my eyes closing shut as I fully melted into his embrace, wrapping my arms around his torso. I felt him still for a moment, his breath had hitched and he wasn't moving. The hand he had soothing my hair had stopped and the one around my waist had tightened significantly. It was like my one action had turned him from protective to possessive. "I will need you to play close to his highness"."The mate bond will make it a lot easier so you don't have to worry, unless you're scared this will also affect you in some way?" the words echoed in my ears, making my eyes snap open. I pulled away, guilt pinching at my skin. Just in time a man walked up to us.Darius furrowed his brows at me, he looked like he had something to say. His eyes held this glea of contentment, excit
𝐀𝐔𝐃𝐑𝐄𝐘Everything that has been happening was so unexpected it was giving me a headache. I didn't expect to kiss Darius and I definitely didn't expect to enjoy it to the point I could still feel how addictive and intoxicating his lips were. I didn't expect to be interrupted by Ryker all because I stupidly left the door open. But if Ryker didn't come when he did would we have gone further? Sugars. For one I also didn't expect to feel angry for the interruption above my embarrassment. I would surely never be able to face Ryker nor Darius. And truthfully I did not regret the kiss, not in one moment do I believe I would have done anything differently but I wasn't quite ready to admit that.Oh my stars I was going crazy. High tailing my behind to my chamber I banged the door shut behind me, my heart racing and my cheeks flushed. My back against the door I slid down slowly, a hand on my rapid dancing heart as I tried taking calming breaths. I could feel beads of sweat along my brow
"Do you need anything my lady?" Raya- Audrey's favorite maid asked. She was the lady to leave Audrey's chambers every night and the first to come in the morning, even before her ladies. She had grown quite fond of the young lass and likewise the young maiden adored Audrey. "No, thank you Raya" Audrey smiled sweetly towards the young girl. "How are the preparations going in the kitchen, are we still short on maids?" "Oh no your majesty. Faye made sure more maids and servant boys were sent from the stables. She also says you shouldn't worry about anything, she's been trying her best to make your first first light celebration with us a huge success. I've never seen her so stressed before. Trust me you will love the celebrations"Raya's smile never faltered as she continued folding down Audrey's blankets while the queen in mention knitted on her favorite windown seat. "Would you need me to come back later to help you get ready for the party? You need to lol your very best, it's going t
"I won't have you feeling embarrassed love. It was our first intimate moment, I don't want you getting anxious or avoiding me like you did after we kissed. I should have come to talk to you but I wanted to give you time and space" he spoke, tracing the curves of Audrey's face, his eyes never releasing hers. So he had noticed. She let out a shaky breath, "i-I'm sorry" she quietly apologized, her face falling to his buttons where her fingers currently fiddled at in a failed attempt to hide the indifference in her eyes and the anxiousness in her tone. "You don't have to be sorry amica mae. I understand and I won't pressure you to do anything you don't want to but please you have no reason to feel embarrassed around me. I'm your mate. You also don't need to avoid me, if you need space you can just ask. And don't let anyone force you to do anything, if you ever feel like anyone here is belittling you or making you do anything against your will you tell me first, yes?" It wasn't a questio
DARIUSRunning my two hands through my hair I sighed deeply, letting my eyes skim down my face through the mirror that stood graciously in front of me, reflecting my full frame. I looked like any king would, poise and elegant but the dark circles under my eyes and the rough disheveled texture of my hair told another tale. I had gotten little to no sleep the past few days. I never wanted to let Audrey out of my sight, I would not let it happen again. After the doctor had brought her back I was a mess, emotional and my rage rampage was every thing but civilized and nurturing which was what my love needed at the moment. I had refused to leave her side even during her slumber I just sat by her and watched her sleep. Her lightly closed eye lose, her long lashes that fluttered against her freckled cheeks, her plum pink lips that were presses together. Her chest rose and fell quietly as she slept as beautifully as an angel. Her dark curls spread across her pillow, covering her shoulders and
AUDREY"Is there anything else you need princess?" My new personal maid Helena asked for the umpteenth time today. Honestly I couldn't count how many times she'd asked that one question. She was one of the three maids Darius assigned to wait on me hands and foot. "No thank-" I cut myself off with a sneeze, the nasal liquids landing in my napkin that I had fisted in my hands at all times. "More napkins, got it" she nodded, talking to herself as she walked into the closet. I groaned, throwing my head back into the piles of pillow that were stacked behind me. Don't get me wrong I loved them, they had so much stuffing and they were so soft. It helped with the head aches I had been getting as a result of my continuous sneezing. Candles were lit everywhere to keep the temperature as low as possible and all the windows were shut, restricting my beautiful view. It wasn't like I could even get to my window seat, before I'd make it two steps a maid would come running in looking like she had
AUDREY"Princess, everything is so beautifully done" Lady Freda beamed and I for the first time took a minute to look around the gorgeously decorated lawn and couldn't help but smile myself. The fountain water glistened under the warm summer sun, creating the perfect ambience. I let my eyes gaze around, enjoying the view. Fairy lights hung from the trees, ribbons dancing around every tree stump. Shops and kiosks stationed at each corner, little children running about with masks and kites flying in the wind. A wide smile broke out on my lips when I spotted Ryker and Lord Anthony in the distance, little noble girls dancing around them and singing, Ryker looked so uncomfortable it made me giggle. But Anthony played with one of them, twirling her around so her ball gown spun around her. "Indeed it is" I finally replied, turning back to face her. "I never knew the wolf moon festival was celebrated so grandly, it's all.. ""Amazing, yes it is" she finished for me, mirroring the smile on
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
~COMMANDER TANNER "So, what will it be lad?"I close my open mouth, only now realising I had been gaping. I nod excitedly, "Yes sir. I will learn" I speak with determination, joy radiating off meThe knight nods, "Very well. As my armies commander, I will indeed take him under my wing and teach him the art. I will return in three work days so het your affairs in order and bid your master goodbye"He bows before turning and striding out of the tavern in long powerful steps. I release the breath I was holding, unsure if this was really happening. I turn to see Mr. Rae smiling down at me. The sight was uncanny, he never smiled, only when he roared in mocked laughter, but this was different. This was a genuine, affectionate smile. "Sir""Foolish boy, did you think I did not know you trained with that tool every night? I might be olding but my ears do still work as well as they did in my prime" he walks out to the shack and I follow behind. "But sir" he takes a seat on his work bench
~MR. RAE The distant singing of the birds above the thick trees, the rustling of the leaves from the afternoon wind. The sound of twigs breaking as the animal approached a strange lump of flesh cuddled up close to the stream. Cautiously the deer inches closer, leaning down to drink some water, keeping an eye on the creature. The deer stands there, tilting it's head to the side, trying to identify this creature that seemed so still. Inching forward the deer takes calculated, careful steps towards the boy, watching to see if he would react or move. Assuming it was safe, the deer walks forward, taking a sniff of Teigen's hair. It rubs its wet nose against his cheek, licking across the skin, following upwards to his eye. Teigen begins to twitch from the moist intrusion, swatting away at the deer but it continues to lick his cheek. Teigen tries to adjust, turning on his side only to grunt at the discomfort of the trees roots. His eyes lazily open before widening in shock and he je
~TEIGEN I could hear the voices of the men murmuring behind me, their harsh words causing my ears to hurt. I am not a demon, I am Teigen. I wanted to cry, my eyes hurt from how tight the blindfold was over my eyes, darkness was all I was left with. I had heard the town head telling the two men to lead me further into the forest and leave me here. I did not want to be left alone. It was scary here, wild animals were everywhere, looking for little preys like me to eat. I shivered, the cold night breeze whisking past me. I wanted mother, her sweet pies, muffins and all her baked goodies. I missed how she would kiss my cheeks before bed, how she would sneak me an extra cup of milk from the farmer's cow on her way back from the pub when I was extra good. My stomach growled, reminding me I had yet to eat anything. By now mother would be setting the table with bread made from whole grain flour and cheese and curd. Mother knew I disliked cheese, so when father wasn't looking she would sli
~TEIGEN"Come along Teigen" His mother motions him forward, smiling reassuringly to her shy little boy as he inches closer to the open door. Teigen was unlike other boys his age. At 11, his mates in the town had begun hunting bugs, critters like rats and squirrels. But Teigen was different. He was quiet, reserved and timid. He hated socialising with the other town kids, mostly because they looked at him with beady eyes of curiosity and intrigue. His peculiar violet orbs stared at his age mates, fear and anxiety tightening his irises. He was the only one in the whole town that had such color of eyes, none of his parents possessed such unique eyes. He inhaled a shaky breath, watching his mother drop him off at the children's playground while she went to work at the town pub. The pub was always very busy, patrons swarming in and out like bees. Everywhere was hot, noisy and crowded all the time. Teigen's mother: Geneva worked as the baker, she made all types of pasteries: from bre
AUDREY"I WILL HAVE NONE OF THIS. YOU ARE NEVER TO SEE NOSTRADAMUS AGAIN AND THAT IS THE END OF THIS DISCUSSION AUDREY, I FORBID YOU! " His harsh words resonate in the walls of my mind, like shoes stepping on broken shards, the fragments of hurt that had pierced my heart continued to mercilessly torment me. The words were constantly on repeat, the look of fury and anger in his dark eyes, an underlining fear tightened his irises. I couldn't understand anything, I couldn't see past the angry words he hauled at me. "My lady!" Marchioness Cordelia's voice reaches my ear before she does, her hand resting sympathetically on my shoulder, snapping me out of my reverie. I blink out of my mind, fresh drops of tears falling down my cheeks. I rush to wipe them away, not wanting her to know the reason behind my tears. I turn to face her, smiling wryly at her. Her beautiful features contorted into a worrisome look, her eyes searching my face before she pulled me into a hug. I wrapped my arms aro
"Audrey, dear?" Darius called out, walking into their chambers in search of Audrey. The talk with Ryker had gone on longer than expected and he began to feel bad and miss his little bride. As he walks in, the bed is messy, the black comforters wrinkled from their past activities. The pale skin that was meant to inhabit the sheets nowhere to be seen. Puzzled he walked back out, asking the guards where his bride had wandered off to. "The princess went to your study, my Lord. I believe she went there in search of you"One of the guards stationed at their quarters door informed Darius. Confused as to why Audrey would go to his study, knowing full well she heard the guard inform them that he and Ryker's meeting was happening in the garden. Wordlessly he walked over to his study, perplexed but majorly already missing his little mate. Who knew what his little kitten had gotten herself into? He walks in, immediately spotting her little form, cuddled up in a white loose dress that did absol