"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
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
~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
~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
~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
~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
~ 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
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
Lord Sawyer is here. This was bound to happen, I was not surprised, simply dreading the forced conversation he would force out of me. 'Be nice' Augustine warned me, nice, I could pretend to be nice. I could pretend like the idea of having to recuperate in his estate did not annoy me. I guess I am the one to blame for that, if my powers had not gotten out of control. I hadn't danced in a long time so I was prepared to be weighed down by my powers but not like this. Augustine tells me I was pit for three days. How mortifying, and father had still not come to see me. One week had passed and not even a letter from him. Maybe it was for the best, Augustine must have lessened the effects of my accident. Anyone who heard what happened would be suspicious, especially him. But I had at least looked forward to a letter. Hm, just whistful thinking but it still hurts. Winnie opens the door to the drawing room for me to walk in. Stepping in, one foot after the other I tried to craft my sweet
ELARAHis midnight dark mane, soft, ethereal, beautiful and full against my fingers. Brushing through, she smiles, rubbing affectionately against his coat. "Such a beautiful boy, that's you, yes you are" she gushes, admiring the elegant steed she had found in the stables. Reluctantly the stable boy had allowed her comb through his coat, no doubt worried I would cause him a scolding. He looked utterly terrified by the idea, taking a handful of time to stare at me like he was not seeing correctly. Another reason for me to ponder how such a magnificent estate had come from the hands of such a man as Lord Sawyer, not a wonder how everyone in the duchy believed him to be a decent man, not knowing what he is capable of. Did anyone truly know him? Or were they just charmed and transfixed by his deceptive appearance and riches. No doubt everything about him screamed eligible bachelor to all; his success in the March, his properties, his name and handsome mask as he paraded himself around.
Now I was beginning to regret not having a plan. Leading by impulse? Horrible decision. And as my feet took me from the beginning of the hall to the end, my fingers tugging and twisting at a lock of my hair I wondered what room was Ryker's. There were six doors, all identical with no distinction of which belonged to who. If I opened the wrong door I could come face to face with one of the male servant. At least I was in the male servants quarters so one of these doors had to be Ryker's Right about now I wished objects could speak. Maybe whisper to me who their owners were. Just wistful thinking. Taking a stand in the middle of the doors, I glanced between them. Maybe the door on the last row? I could just walk up to the door and knock, what is the worst that could happen? "My lady?" The assistant chef eyed me curiously. I gulped. He cocked his head to the side, "What brings you here... " he peaks into the hallways, no doubt wondering why I was here alone. "Alone" "
ELARA Stepping out under the warm sun, the sound of birds singing in the distance brought peace to my soul and I instantly felt better. I had finally managed to convince Winnie to take me outside to the back garden, it was not as extensive as the one back home. This one was more controlled, restricted. Pavements limited the growing trees, the shrubs well cut and trimmed, the flower's beautiful hues were dull. Pathways parted the shrubs, creating a tidy, orderly harmony between civilisation and greenery. Something I appreciated not having at home. Nature was supposed to be allowed to run wild, trees should be permitted to grow as tall and as far as they wished. We dared not restrict those that came before us. They allowed us live and walk on their roots, breathe in the oxygen they gift us, use them for medicine and herbs. I was thankful nonetheless, I would be able to feel some grass and have the golden rays of the sun tou
ELARA As I slowly emerge from the tangled web of my dreams, I feel the weight of my own exhaustion. My eyelids, heavy as stone, struggle to lift, like the gates of a besieged castle. The air is thick and cold, clinging to my skin like a damp shroud. I shiver, despite the warmth of my velvet bed. Sweat coated my forehead, my cheeks hot. I slowly look around, trying to take in my environment. Yes I sat in bed, but I was not in my bed, not my room. This room was nothing like mine. Where was I? And what happened? My head throbbed, making me hiss in pain. My thoughts are foggy, as if shrouded in a mist that refuses to lift. I try to recall the details of my dream, but they slip through my fingers like sand. Fragments remain: the sound of hooves on the ground, the feel of rough hands around me, safety,comfort surrounding me. The whispered words of a stranger. But the meaning, the thread that weaves it all together, remains elusive. I sit up, my head spins, and I must grasp th
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) ♡She 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