•ANAISE•My heart thrashed around in my chest, my lungs rasping and my eyes swollen and red from all the tears spilled. I watched as the knights carried Ryker from the horse into the castle and a maid was sent to call the Physician. I felt my heart being ripped out of my chest as my gaze was fixed on Ryker's pained features, his eyelids screwed shut. I let out another sob, Astrid holding onto me as I cried into her chest. She soothed my hair, whispering sweet word into my ear as I clung to her. I pulled back, sniffling and swiping at my wet cheeks. "Come with me" Astrid led me to the lady's quarters in front of our rooms. She held onto me, checking my hands, face, neck, her eyes roaming my form "Are you hurt anywhere?" I shake my head as she notices the dried blood from when I was pushed down by one of the masked men. "Dried blood?" She asked, her brows squeezed in confusion. "One of the masked men pushed me and I got a few scratches" I pursed my lips, remembering how much p
•BRAILER•AUDREY♡"I advice you let me accompany you My Lady" Elijah rushes after me as I made my way outside to the coach who was readying the carriage. "There is no need Elijah. I will be going with Maximus and Marchioness Cordelia, I will be very safe and there will be nothing to worry about" I tried to reassure Elijah as I made my way outside where Maximus stood beside the carriage. Cordelia was yet to arrive but I was certain she would, I just needed to stall Elijah long enough. If he insisted to come along then he would follow to where I was meeting Nostradamus and report everything back to Darius. I just needed to meet with him and get all my thoughts straight before I went to Darius with any of this. Marchioness Cordelia had no idea I would be meeting with Nostradamus, she assumed we would be going shopping in town and she was very excited when I invited her. She was my cover, in case anything went wrong or Darius was to enquire on my whereabouts I could simply tell him I wa
The day had faded into night, the skies dark, the lit candles wearing thin and along with it Audrey's patience. I pushed myself off the bed, pacing up and down the chamber floors as I fiddled with my fingers, my gaze drifting to the door every now and then as I awaited the king. I had practically run into the castle looking for Darius so I could relay Nostradamus' message but disappointment soaked into my skin when I found he had not returned, even now he was yet to come back from wherever he had gone. I had asked around when the hour turned late but no one would answer, they just shook their head and walked off. I did not bother asking Elder Azalia, she would be of no help anyway. I wrapped my hands around myself, feeling anxiety seep into my skin and my heart weigh with worry. I felt like something was really wrong, my heart began to race with fear and my feet took me in circles. Suddenly the door was pushed open and one of my personal maids walk in, her head bowed "
My chest rose and fell as I tried to catch my breath, "That was not fair" I was spent, my face flushed, my lips parted and swollen. Darius' greedy hands roamed my body, his fingers tracing my naked spine. I shuffled closer, pressing my naked breast to his. His eyes flickered open and he gazed down at me with a wolfish grin, one I knew meant 'I won'.How I wish I could have wiped the grin of his face but I knew I stood no chance the moment his hands touched me, no chance at all. What was I thinking wearing such a tempting night dress, maybe part of me wanted the night to go exactly as it did. Honestly I did not regret a thing. He traced my face with his fingers, light touches caressing my cheeks "I guess now we both need a bath" he chuckles, the rich sound feeling the room and ricocheting off the walls. "You won this time" I admit, narrowing my gaze at his cute, sexy face. "But next time I won't make it so easy, you were lucky I missed you so much"He leans down and nip
ANAISEI made my way onto the open field, my gaze registering the arrows and the bullseye. True to his words Ryker was going to teach me how to use a bow and an arrow. He was doing a lot better thankfully. I was a bit skeptical at first but the elixir Astrid gave me proved to be really effective. After a few days his wound and system had been drained of all the poison, he had gotten stitches to cover up his cuts. I was concerned if he flexed too hard his stitches would break but he insisted he would be careful. The past few days had been absolute bliss. I spend majority of my day with Ryker, be it accompanying him on his walks or chatting while he ate or reading to him before he slept. It all felt so surreal and sweet. I loved our time together and it only strengthened our bond, or at least the bond I presumed we had. We had become inseparable and it was as if the tension had only gotten worse between us. Most times I found myself at the verge of kissing him and I had to pull
♡AUDREY♡ I adjusted my dress, brushing it out as I uncomfortably looked around the lavishly decorated drawing room. Everything was either gold, white or a mix of gold and white, and by everything I mean everything. The table covers and seats were also white and gold. I never knew it was possible to get sick of seeing colors. I let out a quiet sigh and fixed up a smile as the Lady's maid walks in with a whole tray of tea, scones, biscuits, pies and little cupcakes. She carefully places them on the table before me and I found myself feeling even more uneasy as she kept stealing glances my way. Some were more subtle than others. She handed me my cup with a little salsa propped under it, and to my dismay the color of the tea set was white with gold rim outlines. I swallowed down my distaste and held onto the cup as she poured in a light brown steaming liquid. She walked off soon after assuring me her Lady was on her way. As I stared at the hot liquid I wondered why I had accepted
♡AUDREY♡ "Darius!" I fell into the room unceremoniously, my feet almost tripping over each other and by the atmosphere that surrounded the room I knew it was a mistake to march here without prior information as to what exactly Darius was doing in his office. His powerful form sat at the head of the table, his eyes hard and glinting like blazing steel, but the moment he heard my voice his eyes find my form and they immediately soften into the familiar dark pools I had gotten so addicted to. His stubble had been trimmed and styled to fit his chiseled, ruggedly gorgeous features perfectly. As I saw him now I couldn't help but imagine him in the arms of another and the thought alone brought another wave of sadness and pain through me. I swallowed thickly once I started feeling the numerous stares directed my way. I failed to acknowledge before now but Darius had his allies circled around the large table and from the looks in their eyes they did not want me here. I started re
Her little naked form tangled in the black sheets, her messy curls spread over his bare chest. Her lips were slightly parted as she snored quietly, her red cheeks and matching color hickeys proof of previous events. Her lashes fanned softly against her cheeks, her chest rising and falling with the steady beating of her heart. Dark onyx eyes with traces of gold rims watched her, marking every curve, mole, dimple of her body. Little arms wrapped around his large form, her head against his chest, her lips grazing his skin. His greedy hands traced the curves of her waist and spine, loving how his fingertips buzzed and tickled with warmth and feeling. Momentarily his hands would weave through her curls, twisting and combing through them. This was bliss, right here, in his arms. His sleeping bride was all he wanted, needed, craved and finally got. On the floor beside the bed sat three empty plates of strawberry pie. Yes, his little kitten had won, like she always did. Heck he didn'
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
"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