Writer's POVTurning around Audrey looked herself over in the mirror as she stood on the stool. She looked.. Different to say the least. When Penelope and Ruby had told her she would be getting dressed in their traditional attire she definitely didn't expect it to be so.. Exuberant. It was gorgeous yes but it looked like something a queen would wear but that was exactly what they wanted her to look like , enough to convince the elders she was fit for the role. But everything felt a bit overwhelming she couldn't deny. It was all happening so fast, she still hasn't gotten over her dream from earlier and now she would be placed on a pedestal and scrutinized by people she had never met and by eyes she could only assume would be pointing out every flaw and dimple on her. As she looked over the designs on the back of the dress she couldn't help but notice that her crescent moon shaped birthmark that was once faint looked more prominent and visible. Now it was more evident, every stroke an
ππππππ"I'm really glad you're doing okay Orchid" I smiled, holding her hands in mine I squeezed them gently, expressing my gratitude. "You're going to be at the feast right"She grinned nodding excitedly, "Of course I am. I won't miss it for anything. I have been in bed for far to long now, I'm sure the high spirits will loft my mood" she winked at me and I raised a brow at her to which she just turned to take a seat at the foot of my bed. "You ladies are going to be accompanying her grace to the feast tonight, everyone should be on their best behavior, I mean it" Faye's strict glare was sent to us all but mostly at Greer although I couldn't blame her. Greer had this mischievous snug look on her face like she was planning something. "Greer pay attention" Ruby pulled Greer's ear and she whined, massaging her probably already throbbing ear. "I am, I am" she repeated nodding her head in false understanding. "It'll be a full palace tonight, all the kitchen maids have been runni
AUDREY"Where is Astrid?" I asked once I met the rest of my ladies. "Right here" I heard her voice from beside me, turning I met a smile on her lips. She had two cups of wine in her hands as she came in for a group hug. "Hey, how was your trip?" I inquired with a smile on my face as well. I wasn't really interested to be honest, anything to take my mind of the fact that I almost wet myself just from Darius touching me. "It was good, good. I'm back now and I wanna know everything that happened when I was away" she grinned excitedly, passing me a glass of wine. I took the cup and smiled at her in appreciation. "Well Audrey's life is officially over the elders are here today and I over heard what they said to her" Greer started. My eyes widened and almost immediately my cheeks bleached a deep red tinge, "So basically the maids have been um.. Hearing their activities and spilled everything to the elders and now they are expecting a little heir very soon" she squealed and everyone join
AUDREYI sat here, nervously fiddling with my fingers as I stared at the door waiting for Darius to just walk in. I couldn't help but feel restless now, all these preparations had left me feeling angst. None of them were aware of what happened at the dining hall, Darius could still be angry and everyone knew what happens when Darius was angry. It was like a hurricane let loose. Maybe he was just held back talking with the people of the table that supported Sir Williams and all of them were being banished from court. You're over thinking Audrey! But what if what they said was true? I hadn't thought about it, as hurtful as their words were they did hold some truth in it. I wasn't a werewolf, I was human and Darius was a werewolf. It made sense they would oppose, it was out of the ordinary but didn't that make it wrong? Was it wrong? It definitely didn't feel that way but I could see how it looked that way to others especially when said human was going to be their queen and they were ex
AUDREY{MATURE THEME}I called out to the little child as he seemed to disappear the further into the shadows he went. He had lead me to this seemingly dark cave, the sounds of his sobs echoed, bouncing off the walls and making my heart squeeze. I wanted to hold him and ask what the matter was but I couldn't seem to find him now. Taking careful steps I heard a soft feminine voice whisper, "Over there" It was vague but I got the directions and turned a corner to see the little boy's battered and bruised form cuddled in on himself in a corner. His shoulders wracked with sobs and his body shook violently. He didn't look to be wearing any clothes but something about his presence felt familiar. I could feel this deep ache in my heart as he continued to cry bitterly. I stepped fowsed, careful not to startle him but a snap came from below my shoe and he stilled. Glancing down there was a broken branch under my foot that had caused the noise upon breaking. I looked back up to see the boy t
DARIUSI watched with glee as my little one searched through my many compartment of clothing, trying to find the right attire for my meeting with the Jigalians. Honestly I couldn't careless about my appearance, I intended to keep the encounter short and quick so I could get back to her as soon as possible before I would loose my mind. She had no idea how in love I was with her. How every little thing she did made my heart beat faster, when her cheeks would bleach a pink tinge because she was embarrassed, or how she would frown when she didn't like something, how she always managed to be the light everywhere she went. It was no surprise to me how fund of her majority of the castle was. I loved seeing her make new friends and meet new people, the glow on her face when she would interact with them always made my day. I wanted her to always keep smiling and never have any reason to shead a single tear. But I wasn't ignorant, I knew not everyone approved of her presence in my life and she
Astrid paced back and forth in her room restlessly as she watched the door, expecting the maid to come in at any time. She bit her nails nervously as she shifted her weight from foot to foot in anticipation. Immediately the door was pushed open she was quick to lunge towards the poor maid snatching the sheets from her hands. She wasted no time in spreading it open across the floor, her eyes searching for something but when she didn't find it she let out a breath of relief. "Pick it up" she instructed the maid who had been watching the scene confused and a little disturbed but she did as told. "Are you sure you didn't see any blood stains anywhere else in the room" Astrid asked eagerly but the maid shook her head in the negative. Satisfied with her answer Astrid pulled out fuce gold coins from her purse and pressed it into the maids hands, sending her off with one command "Don't tell anyone about this" with that she shut the door, not giving room for enquiry. A triumphant smile stret
AUDREYββ‘I walked around hastily, watching with distaste as Vandal's men were littered around the halls, drinking and cackling to themselves. They celebrated over their victory now but I was certain that they would soon meet their demise. Vandal had taken control of the castle a few hours ago, he was still negotiating in the throne room with the elders. I checked for my ladies everywhere but I couldn't find any of them. The servants and maids had been forced to serve Vandal and his men or loose their lives. I approached the steps to the West Wing when I heard Anaise's voice from somewhere close by. I followed her hissing and protests to the space behind one of the hallway pillars where the scene was unfolding. Vandal's second in command stood towering over her, trapping her between himself and the pillar not giving her a way out. He had a glass of wine in one of his hand, his other resting above Anaise's head as he looked over her form with lustful eyes. "Why don't you come keep me
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'sRight 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""I was looki
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. β‘ Song: Ma Meilleure Ennemie (from the series Arcane League of Legends) β‘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