❀𝐀𝐔𝐃𝐑𝐄𝐘✿
Everything that has been happening was so unexpected it was giving me a headache. I didn't expect to kiss Darius and I definitely didn't expect to enjoy it to the point I could still feel how addictive and intoxicating his lips were. I didn't expect to be interrupted by Ryker all because I stupidly left the door open.
But if Ryker didn't come when he did would we have gone further?
Sugars.
For one I also didn't expect to feel angry for the interruption above my embarrassment. I would surely never be able to face Ryker nor Darius. And truthfully I did not regret the kiss, not in one moment do I believe I would have done anything differently but I wasn't quite ready to admit that.
Oh my stars I was going crazy.
High tailing my behind to my chamber I banged the door shut behind me, my heart racing and my cheeks flushed. My back against the door I slid down slowly, a hand on my rapid dancing heart as I tried taking calming breaths. I could feel beads of sweat along my brows.
Since when were the halls so long!?
Or was it my dress?
"Audrey are you okay?" A familiar voice asked, startling me so badly my back hit the door with a loud thud. With wide eyes I stared at Greer and Orchid seated in my chambers.
"You look flushed and red. Are you okay?" Orchid asked, worry etched on her face.
After collecting myself I stood up, walking over to Greer's side where I dropped down unceremoniously. I laid my head against her shoulder, covering my face with my palms I groaned out loud.
"If you don't want us here we can go. We should have informed you first but we wanted to wait for you so Faye told us we could wait here" Orchid informed me.
"No no. You two are welcome here anytime"
I push myself onto the bed, my palms still over my face. "I think I'm going to die. In fact I'm already dead!" I exclaimed hysterically.
"Oh my goddess I'll call the pack doctor" Orchid announced, shooting up to her feet.
Before Orchid could run out the door Greer shot her a glare, "Sit down Orchid. Obviously Audrey isn't dying so sit down"
Orchid looked back at me with wide frantic blue eyes "Are you really not dying?" Orchid asked and in a different situation I would have found her oblivion funny but this was serious.
"No but I might as well be" I groaned again.
"Okay Orchid please sit down and let's find out why Audrey is dying" Orchid nodded and laid beside me, lacing her hands around my waist she set her head on my shoulder. Greer shook her head and smiled softly, directing her gaze to me, "What happened Audrey? And I don't think it's as bad as you are making it out to be"
I inhaled a sharp breath, squeezing my eyes shot, "Darius and I kissed" I blurted out, waiting for the climax- whatever it was.
When I heard squealing and coos I snapped my eyes open to see the two girls in the room jumping over me. They squeezed the life out of me as their giggles swallowed the whole room.
"Oh my goddess! That's great Audrey! I'm so happy for you!" Orchid smiled with all whites.
"It's a good thing Audrey" Greer smiled too but her happiness was short lived when she registered my solemn expression. "But you don't seem all too happy about it. Why, what happened?"
"I came to his quarters like Agnes told me and when I came in I... "I cut myself off, diverting my gaze as my cheeks tinted a deep red.
"Okayyyy" Orchid smiled nudging me playfully.
"Ryker caught us. I left the door open by accident and now he's seen us and I can't face either of them again!" I burst, slumping down and covering my face with a pillow.
"That's good, at least I could ask him for the juicy details" Anaise chimed in, a smirk on her face as she strolled into the room from the closet.
"Anaise!" I threw her a pillow which she easily caught, a giggle bursting out of her lips.
"He was my first kiss, what if I didn't do it well?" I asked shyly, not knowing how to put my insecurities into words.
"Of course you did it well. He's your mate, as long as you two have that connection let it drive you. You can't go wrong with anything that has to do with your mate. Follow your instinct Audrey" Anaise took a seat at the foot of the bed.
"It's not that easy. I think I'm going crazy. It was like I wanted nothing more than for him to kiss me and I still want more. I was so angry when Ryker interrupted but I was the one who left the door open" I wailed out.
"Is that seriously what you're turning red over?" Greet asked in a suprised tone. "You kissed your mate and you want more and what's the problem there?"
How could I explain to them that I was supposed to be acting, but now everything was so real. How would I explain I could no longer bury all the prodding feelings I had managed to suppress for so long. I was actually stupid to think I wouldn't fall for the king. But could I really do it? Could I stay? Would everything really be that simple to do?
"Audrey is there something you're not telling us?" Orchid asked, her voice laced with worry as she studied my half pillow covered face.
"It shouldn't be that big of a deal unless there's something else" Greer added soon after.
I sighed, lifting my pillow away from my face I sat up straight, "Swear you girls won't tell anyone"
⚘✒
The preparations for the first light festival had begun, servants and maids spent their days busy hanging decorations around the halls, the ballrooms and the outside of the castle walls.
The chefs had began cooking according to Faye's instructions. Audrey's first first light festival with them had to be a memorable one. She had to admit she missed Audrey and her company, things had gone downhill but she silently prayed Audrey would forgive her for everything. She could have been more patient with Audrey, she could have been more of a friend than the King's close maid. She could understand why Audrey became distant she only hoped she could make Audrey's experience here at court easier and enjoyable.
While everyone was enjoying the preparations of the festivities Astrid decided to put her knowledge and time to better use. She hadn't forgotten the encounter between Lord Odin and Audrey she had been so fortunate to over hear. But now the question was how could she use it to her advantage?
Her original plan was to wait it out and see Audrey's plans unfold to her benefit but now things had been going South. The king and Audrey had started getting closer, for goodness sake they even kissed about a week ago. If Ryker hadn't stopped them on time Astrid would have had to watch them go on.
The images still plagued her mind and haunted her nightmares. Only now did it occur to Astrid that if the king and Audrey got closer and eventually fell in love then Audrey could change her mind on leaving court and then Astrid would have played sitting duck for nothing. She couldn't let that happen. She needed to get the information to the right person, if she failed to do so then it may end up in the wrong hands. Hands that could ruin all her efforts.
It would be a lot easier to go to Darius with what she knew but it would be as good as not mentioning it at all because it would be her word against Audrey's and Astrid knew all too well what would happen. Darius would even forfeit his kingdom for Audrey and that was the last thing Astrid wanted. So in a last minute decision she took a step she would later regret.
Walking into the dimly lit room she kept her gaze casted down. Courage filled her bones are she raised her head to look at the four men sitted at strategically positioned seats behind the long half curved mahogany table. She felt anxiety creep into her spine as the four old and very intimidating males assessed her.
This was her last chance. Labyrinth was the first to speak, "You said you had something important to speak to the council about. Concerning Audrey, the king's mate"
"Yes" she answers firmly but timidly. "Are you interested in the information I have? It could ruine their relationship and taint her name in the eyes of the kingdom"
"Of course we are interested my child, please go ahead" Hensel encouraged with a sly smile on his face.
"Before I do, I want to make sure you all want this as much as I do"
"And what is it you want?" Berthel asked, his tone apprehensive and his gaze scrutinizing.
"The demise of Audrey" Astrid stated confidently. She didn't need to think about it, she knew what she wanted from the day she laid eyes on Darius. "I want the king to myself and I want Audrey gone" she explained further.
"And we will support you" Constantine spoke for the first time
"Why, what has Audrey done to offend the wise and mighty council?" Astrid asked, adding a bit of praise to soothe the old men's egos. They easily saw through her sweet smile and respectful front. They had been looking for someone, an outlet to get rid of Audrey and now here she was presented on a silver platter willing to be used and dumped by them. This was definitely a gift from the goddess. They were well aware that attacking Audrey directly meant going against the king and after seeing his reaction when they me tioned her they couldn't risk loosing the king's favour. It would prove dire.
"We don't want a queen who was once an omega to rule us. She is unfit to rule" Labyrinth stated with disgust lacing his tone.
"She is not even of Royal blood" Berthel said, the same look of disdain on his face.
"She isn't a noble lady nor is she a high born. We cannot have her as our queen, we will not accept her. So go forth knowing you have the full support of the council and the board of rulers" Hensel wore a proud look his head raised.
"The king will have to mate another when his mate is dead" Constantine mentioned cockily.
"We will pressure him that the empire needs a queen. He would be busy grieving and that is where you come in my child. You will offer emotional support to the king and in no time he will take another. You" Labyrinth explained.
"I will be queen" Astrid stated with a wide grin on her lips. She couldn't believe her dream would finally come true. The reason she came here, the reason she tolerated Audrey and her foolishness will all pay off. The truth was Astrid believed Audrey didn't deserve Darius. Once a piece of dirt, always a piece of dirt.
"Long live the queen" the four men cheered, standing to their feet with fists in the air.
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