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"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 always will." Ryker stated nonchalantly like it was no big deal while Audrey couldn't help but feel sad for the king and very much concerned. She couldn't begin to imagine what it felt like to go to sleep with one eye open and have three sets of trained tasters tasting your food for poison everytime you decide to put something in your mouth.
"Why does he have so many enemies?" She couldn't help but ask, now very engrossed in the conversation. She wanted to believe she was really interested and not just following out Lord Odin's letter from earlier this morning. He had told her to mingle and show she was really interested in court affairs and court life. Court life was never something on Audrey's mind and now she would have to play the part. She knew what he was doing, he was using her as his eyes and ears of the court while he played other roles. He wanted her to report if she heard anything, he was using her position to get information about his highness.
"Because he just assumed his position as king. Before he wasn't an active king, he never interfered with any matters he should have as a king. He has always been a king and now he is the Alpha king after so many centuries so ofcourse there will be people who do not approve of his iron fist after so long. But they have no choice, his reign is undeniable and his rights can never be snatched from him. He only needed the right push" Ryker smiled into the distance.
"What was the right push?"
Ryker froze, his steps stopped and he swallowed his words. He had gotten so carried away with talking he forgot there were things Audrey still didn't know about Darius, things that were better left unknown. Concerning his reasons for assuming his position as king, his rights and his rule, Audrey's part to play in his sudden surge to take power. All of it was a big question mark for Audrey and Ryker knew it would be better kept that way.
"I-I mean every monarch has enemies and Darius finally realised they were taking advantage of his silence so he decided to show them he alone could rule" Ryker wasn't really lying but he would never do what Darius was meant to do- tell Audrey everything.
He noticed how concentrated she was on whatever she was thinking. She stared into the distance with furrowed brows as she contemplated everything she had heard.
"But dont worry about it princess. Darius was made for the position, he can handle it" he consoled, encouraging her to keep walking foward.
They both walked a few more steps, passing the archers and the noble ladies in the fields. They walked across the bridge to a more secluded area near a water fall. Audrey stopped in her steps when her eyes landed on the beautiful scenery. She felt all the air in her lungs get stuck and her wide eyes settled on the gorgeous atmosphere. The sight of the king, dressed immaculately in his signature color- black. He looked so good in black, Audrey thought to herself as she stared transfixed at how glorious he looked with the suns delicate rays brushing softly against his brightly lit face. The sound of the cool rushing water coupled with the subtle whistle of the wind made the atmosphere all the more blissful. The small shrubs that were littered at corners possessed little blooms of flowers in their wake and the flowers that beautifully adorned the gazebo, making the place all the more romantic. There he stood, huge and in all his glory. His large frame mounted proudly beside the display, his chin raised.
He could tell from Audrey's wide eyes, her beautiful slightly parted pink lips and her cute rosy cheeks that his plan to surprise her had worked perfectly. He had imagined this look on her face all night as he thought about the next morning (now), he was too excited to sleep. He went as far as to carefully make sure everything was ready for their date. He wanted it to be perfect. He had followed the maid- Genevieve to the kitchen to personally oversee the arrangements much to all the servants bewilderment hence the fast spreading rumours. Darius had carefully selected the finest silk table cloth and the best fruits he made sure were baked into the pie and the other pastries he had arranged for them to enjoy. He wasn't aware of Audrey's favorite foods so he was left to rely on a very trustworthy source- Greer and Orchid.
Darius had met up with them to plan it all up and he was more than delighted to stay up late ensuring it was all without mistake. All for his mate, all for his Audrey. He also made sure to only bring the best wines in the kingdom for her to taste, if she didn't like the taste of a particular one he would ensure it wouldn't be served ever again and if she liked which ever one he would ensure it was now the castles best.
Greer and Orchid couldn't help snickering as they looked back at how eager his highness was for he and Audrey's little date. They had decided from the moment Darius sought their help they would play match maker for Audrey and Darius. The moon goddess had already joined them, interwoven their fates and knotted their souls for life but they saw this as a chance to help their relationship bloom. It didn't take a genius to know the king absolutely adored his mate but Audrey was still skeptical and although they didn't quite know anything about her background before the castle they did know one thing; the two needed a gentle push in the right direction and the first light festival would be a great start.
It was a celebration for new alliances and engagements. In the celebrations noble men will be given one candle each with their names on it and they were meant to give the candle to which ever lady they were interested in. It was kind of like a leap of fate for the men. If the ladies accepted their courtship or to show they reciprocated their feelings the ladies would light said candle and place it on her window at night to call to the men.
Orchid and Greer had already organised and went over their plan carefully. Come hell or high water they would bring the two together before the end of the festivities.
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Walking up to Audrey Darius kept his eyes on hers, his dark onyx orbs staring deeply into hers. She couldn't look away, no matter how much of a fool she knew she was making of herself right at that moment.
Stopping only a few inches away he took her hand in his, his gaze never releasing hers nor allowing her to look away. "Morning love, you look breathtaking as usual" he smiles, placing a kiss o top of her knuckles.
He stared amused at the bright tinge that didn't fail to coat her cheeks and the bridge of her nose. He easily towered over her, another thing that left her easily flustered by him. She felt so little whenever he'd stand so close, she'd have to stress her neck to look all the way and if she looked head on then she came face to face with the large expanse on his chests.
Why was she here again? Audrey asked herself, forgetting what exactly she was doing here in front of this big gorgeous man. His eyes had that effect on her, she was confused and flustered. "M-morning" she replied, her trembling voice giving everything away.
Darius smiles sweetly, finding Audrey so cute. "Thank you Ryker. I'll take it from here" he said, dismissing Ryker with a curt nod.
Along with Ryker, long gone was Audrey's sense of defense and any shred of confidence she normally tried to carry around that for some reason Darius was able to dismantle with just one look. She found herself staring at his retreating form till he disappeared. She turned her head back to meet Darius's handsome smile directed at her.
𝐀𝐔𝐃𝐑𝐄𝐘
"Please come love" he encouraged, gently taking my hand in his he led me to the gazebo, pulling out a seat for me behind the table. I whispered a word of appreciation and he smiles, walking over to his seat and propping down.
"What do you think?" He asked innocently, his eyes glazing with hope and expectations.
I was too taken aback by everything to understand immediately. "What?" What was he talking about?
"The arrangements?" He reminded, gesturing around us.
Was I really this out of it? Sugars, relax Audrey. "Oh, it's really beautiful Darius" I smiled, coming back to my senses. I genuinely looked around, a warm feeling settling in my chest. He did all this for me?
"Although it pales in comparison to your beauty I tried my best". I actually felt my heart skip a beat. Heat crept from the back of my neck to my cheeks, taking over the tip of my nose. For a moment I found it hard to inhale.
Did he just say that? And so casually too??
Maids walked up to us, saving me from whatever embarrassing reply I would have come up with. One of them held in her hands a basket and the other three had their hands filled with covered plates. The plates were placed tentatively around the table, the biggest of the dishes sat between Darius and my plates. Utensils were nearly kept beside us, a few goblets accompanying them. I noticed the maid with the basket had dropped it and retrieved a bottle of wine from it. She came up to my goblet, pouring some of the sweet foreign smelling wine into my cup.
"Please taste it and tell me if you like it your majesty. If you don't I'll bring another" she quietly spoke.
I turned to Darius with furrowed brows. He seemed to catch onto my question because he gave me a nod to go ahead. I slowly wrapped my fingers around the cup, taking my time to bring it to my lips. The warm liquid hit my mouth, sliding down my throat effortlessly. The sweet taste lingered on my tongue longer later getting an almost honey-like taste to it. I couldn't help but hum in approval, it tasted nice. I expected wine to be bitter and sour for some reason but for my first taste of it I loved it.
I directed my gaze to Darius to find him already staring at me, his eyes held a swirl of emotions so strong I could read them. They held a twinkle of adoration and utter bewilderment. "I-its sweet" I nervously said immediately regretting it. No one asked, why did I just say that!??
But before I could apologize or blush like a tomato Darius spoke up with a smile, "That's good". He turned to the maid who had the bottle in her hand, "Drop the bottle. You can take the rest away, thank you" he dismissed the rest of the maids and they walked off with amused expressions on their faces.
Darius got up and walked over to my side with a smile on his face. He lifted the cover from one of the bigger plates to reveal a beautiful strawberry pie with little berries scattered around it and a strange cream on it. He picked a knife and carefully sliced me a piece. Holding my plate in one hand he carefully placed the cake on it and that was when it all clicked. I shot up from my seat, my hand shooting out soon after to grab his. He turned to me, a crease between his brows as he stared confused at me. "What's wrong love?"
"You're serving me" I stated the obvious. He looked at me innocently, not understanding my statement.
"Yes?" He asked like it was a normal thing to have the king of our king of the empire serving you breakfast, doing the job of a maid or a lady in waiting. "What's wrong Audrey?" He asked sensing my troubled expression. He put down the plate, turning his full attention to me.
"You shouldn't be serving me. I can do it or I'll call someone. You're the king, you shouldn't be serving me" I argued
"Audrey-"
"Darius-"
He walked closer, cupping my cheeks. Immediately tingles ran across my face, making me blush a bright pink tinge. I got lost in his eyes, all the air in my throat getting caught. "Audrey, understand. You are my mate and I am yours before I am a king. I don't mind serving you my love, you are more important. You are my mate Audrey and nothing will ever come before you. Okay?"
It was like his eyes had put me into some hypnotic haze where I couldn't look away, no I didn't want to look away. I couldn't. I found myself wordlessly nodding, my cheeks tingling and my knees threatening to give out at how intensely he was staring into my eyes.
"Okay" he smiled letting go of my face. My cheeks didn't cool down as he finished placing the cake onto my plate and dropping it in front of me. He served himself as well and took a seat after making sure I had sat back down as well.
I couldn't keep my eyes off him, I kept staring at how determined he looked as he poured the wine into our cups. The crease between his brows and the tightness of his lips. He looked cute, his gold tendrils were pulled back into a slick ponytail, not even a strand escaped the band. His eyes finally met mine and I realised I had been staring too long. I shyly averted my gaze, feeling my cheeks getting warmer by the second.
Oh goddess, how was I going to get through this?
I decided to focus on my food, at least I couldn't make a fool of myself with that. Picking up the fork I cut into a piece, bringing it up to my lips I couldn't help but miss my mouth when I noticed Darius's smoldering gaze directed right at me. As a result some of the cake's cream smeared across my lip making me cringe. Sugars, I had messed this up too!
Before I could reach down to my lap to get my napkin Darius had gotten up from his seat. Reaching across the table he drew his thumb slowly across my bottom lip, wiping off the cream from it. I felt my eyes widen at his actions and my cheeks burned furiously. All the air had escaped my slightly parted lips.
He settled back down, bringing his thumb- that was now coated with the cream from my lip to his and licking it clean. "Delicious" he smirked, looking back at me.
If I thought I was red before I was certainly burning now. I stared at him shocked, the tip of my ears red as well "Uh t-thanks? I never knew? " I breathlessly replied, feeling stupid for it already.
A deep chuckle tore through the silence making me stare in amusement. Darius was chuckling, his lips stretched out widely, his white pearl teeth on full display. His cheeks sunk in, revealing very cute dimples. I stared at him, it was the first time seeing him laugh and it sounded so genuine and refreshing it brought a smile to my face.
When he calmed he looked back at me apologetically for his outburst, "Sorry love, t's just you're so cute when you're flustered. Your blush is so adorable"
And yet again his words made my cheeks flare even more. "T-thanks. You're laughter is beautiful, you should laugh more"
Now it was his turn to go speechless. He stared at me with a strange look in his eyes. I thought I had maybe said something wrong due to the prolonged silence. It gave me enough time to calm my cheeks down but they were still warm enough for me to look pink, I blame my pale skin for exposing me so much.
"I-i'm sorry if I off-"
"Thank you" he said, his voice a shell of a whisper. I gazed up at him, his eyes were swirling with a gold hue, their depths so hypnotic and intoxicating I had to snatch my gaze away before I got to engrossed.
I didn't reply, no I didn't know how to reply. Something about the way he looked at me caused my insides to steer weirdly. We continue eating in silence, not an uncomfortable silence but one that we both shared. I enjoyed the scenery as I munched on my new found favourite pastry- strawberry pie.
"You seem to really like strawberry pie" Darius points out making me stop in my chewing to stare at him .
"I love it. How did you find time to plan all this?" I asked, hoping I wasn't sounding rude.
Just then everything clicked, when Darius followed that maid, Genevieve out of the balcony after we almost...
"Was it when you left with Genevieve?" I asked, cutting my own thoughts short. I was trying trying to survive this not make it worse!
He smiled shyly, "I had planned it for the past two days now. She had called to tell me the wine samples had arrived from Terrous. I wanted everything to be perfect" he admitted, smiling sweetly.
Sugars, he looked so cute and shy. Fiddlesticks! What was going through my mind right now!!? Stay focused Audrey, focus! Oh goddess I think I'm overheating right now!
"Thank you. I never thought I'd love pie so much. I wasn't really allowed to eat pastries back at my old pack" I regretted the words as soon as they left my lips. Darius had a frown on his face, his lips were curved downward and his deep onyx eyes held resentment and rage. His fists had balled dangerously around his fork, his nails digging into the skin of his palm.
Had I struck a nerve? I shouldn't have brought up my old pack, even I wanted to forget it. I'm so dumb. "I'm sorry for bringing it up-"
"Come here" Darius cut me off as he reached for my hands from across the table. Leading me to stand he took my hands in his as he stared intensely into my eyes. He stepped forward, his chests immediately coming into my view. His intoxicating scent invaded my nostrils, a mix of lemon suckle, rain forest wood and masculine cologne. For some reason I had only now realized how nice he smelt, it was almost addictive. I couldn't look away from him, he brought my hands to his lips and placed kisses on each of my knuckles.
He looked back into my eyes, a mix of regret and sadness flashing in them, "I'm so sorry about what you went through" he started making me inhale sharply. "You had to suffer for so long and I couldn't do anything about it because I was a dysfunctional king. It's my fault your pack hadn't been checked on properly and it kills me every day to know I could have done something. If I had found you earlier.. " he stopped, directing his gaze downward to his feet.
I felt my chest tighten at the memories that flooded my mind. Hunter, the Luna, the cellars.I noticeable flinched away, not getting far due to the solid but tender grip Darius had on my hands. I squeezed my eyes shut, my chest rising and falling rapidly. I could feel my lungs closing in on each other and the air was tight, suffocating. I couldn't breathe, I needed air. Images of Hunter flashed through my shut lids, his menacing blue irises, filled with must and rage.
I needed to calm down quickly. I was hyperventilating, the memories and trauma all coming back in one big swing. I heard the distant call of my name but I couldn't reach for it. It was like I was in a dark room, I was running to the voice but the room kept spinning and I was falling.
Warmth enveloped me, pulling me into a hard surface. It was like all the air I had lost had entered my lungs once again. Comfort, security, admiration, fondness and familiarity. All these emotions hit me all at once in full force, effectively stopping my panicky attack. My rigid musclea relaxed, my tense shoulders fell and my shut eyes flew open. I felt...safe, like nothing in this world could hurt me. In this very moment nothing else mattered but how I felt in his arms.
"Shhh, it's okay love" I could finally hear his calming whispers.
Hope you Enjoy your day! ❤
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