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'
Upon their arrival to the media hall nerves had begun to beat against Audrey's insides. The hall was large and looked like it could contain half of Blüdhaven which was the idea after all, the journalists would swarm the building once the news of Darius's public statement would reach far and near. Taking firm hold of his little bride they saunter into the hall, Royal guards scattered around, securing them. Audrey took a seat, her hands trembling slightly as she watched from a far distance as the journalists started trooping in, the guards standing by at the entrance and around the corners. Darius watched her closely, trying to get a read on her feelings. It was obvious she was nervous, that was all he could tell at first glance. A smile curved at his lips, she had never been good at hiding her anxiety, his sweet little bride, "Hey baby, you okay?" He kneels before her, palming her cheeks and raising her face to his view. Her bottom lip was pulled between her teeth
AUDREY𖤐 I bit down viciously on my lower lip, trying my hardest to not let my tears fall endlessly. With my blurry gaze I rushed out of the room, meeting Monroe at the door of our chambers. Monroe placed the tray of medicinal herbs and balms in my hands, his shaking nervously. A frown pulled at my lips and I directed my questionable gaze his way, "Are you not going to come in to treat the King?"Monroe shook his head in the negative, taking a little step back "T-the king is not in a good frame of mind, he is angry so I fear he will not let me close to him to treat his wounds""He will allow only you""But I do not know how to apply these" I frown, worry pinching at my skin with every passing second. "It is simple. I have mixed the right ingredients to form this balm here that will be applied to the wound, the bandage will be plastered on the wound to seal the open gash. The king will heal in a matter of one day do not worry" I settled on the space beside him, inching
AUDREY ♡"Who would he possibly be working for?" I asked, making my way to the table where I dropped the tray so I could dress the wound later on before we got to bed. "There are a lot of powerful people who are capable of hiring him to do the job. Narrowing it down to just one person would be difficult but not impossible" Darius pushed himself up from the bed and strolled over to where either stood, my back against the table. He placed his calloused hands on my hips, inching his face closer to mine. He let out a sigh, "I really do not mean to scare you love"I smiled comfortingly up at him, palming his cheek "I know, you would prefer to keep me out of this but I want to know. Knowing is scary I must admit but not knowing is even worse" he smudges my palm with kisses, catching my finger between his teeth but not pressing down. "Would it be too soon to suspect the Chandlers? I doubt Madame Chandler and Eloise just accepted this that easily, especially Eloise" I remembered how she l
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