Chapter 138 Journey
AUDREY
I stared on as she continued to walk further until she wasn't within sight before I turned to Darius, a confused expression on my face.
"Do you know what that was about?" I ask, a frown etched on my brows.
"Not a clue" he shook his head in negation.
"The coach awaits my lady"
I grin like a stupid fan girl and loop my arm in his awaiting one. He walks us to the ready carriage, his hand reaching to open the door for me but then a loud feminine voice reaches my ears, making me stop and turn around.
Anaise, Astrid, Greer and Orchid came tumbling down the stairs. Orchid was the first to reach me, throwing her arms around my neck she pulls me into a huge bear hug and the rest of them followed after.
We pulled apart and I smiled at all of them, my heart fluttering in my chest.
"Ladies are not supposed to run" I chuckled
Astrid stepped into my line of sight, tears pricking her eyes. "Can we not come with you?" Her voice breaks, melting my heart and I found myself giving in.
"We can't Astrid" Greer steps toward as well, placing a comforting hand on Astrid's shoulder. "Her Majesty has to go alone, we cannot follow her" she smiled, nodding to me.
"I will see all of you again soon. We will reunite and when we do I would be fully qualified to be your Empress" I hugged them one last time before turning and taking a step on the platform. Darius held onto my hand, helping me enter the carriage with ease. Once I was in I took a seat, watching my ladies step back.
Darius closes the door and walks over to mount his horse to ride along with the entourage of guards that were stationed on the Royal horses right in front of the carriage. I wasn't aware he wasn't going to be riding in the carriage with me.
I poked my head out of the window and waved goodbye at my ladies as the carriage began moving away from them and they kept getting further and further away until they were nothing more than little forms in the distance. The cool wind picked up and I sat back, pulling the curtains closed. I was alone and left to wish Darius was here with me.
How could he dress so devastatingly and not seat with me on the ride. Maybe he wanted me to rest after this morning, but still I needed him to be by my side.
Was I being a dramatic baby? Yes, but it was a really long trip and I didn't want to be left by myself, I would be bored out of my mind and probably die of it before we arrived at our destination. I grumbled under my breath, sinking into my chair before pulling out the book I had specifically asked one of the coach men to place inside for me.
I flipped it open and prepared myself for the hours of silence ahead. Amidst my reading I kept getting tired of the way the carriage continually rattled and jumped. Sighing deeply I push myself foward, pulling open the curtains and peering inside.
Immediately I gazed out my eyes spotted Darius on his black stallion, sitted perfectly straight, his body barely jerking with the horse's movements. He looked like a sculpted Norse God, his perfect posture, his mouth watering attire, his immaculate angled features that seemed to glimmer under the bright rays of the sun. I narrowed my gaze on him, my blood boiling over. How dare he look so gorgeous and not even miss me.
The audacity!
I continued to glare at him till somehow he finally noticed. He turned his gaze to meet my hard ones and immediately a crease formed between his brows. He slows down his riding, his horse falling in stride with the carriage.
He peaks into the window, his gaze landing on me. With an amused look he watches me with my folded hands and hard glare directed his way.
"What did I do to upset you my lady?" He asked, a hint of humor in his tone.
"You didn't tell me you were going to ride outside with the guards. You left me alone here" I whine, sounding like a little child throwing a tantrum.
"I'm sorry my love" he apologised and instantly my anger dissipated into thin air but the lingering feeling of loneliness left in its wake. I was officially obsessed, to the point where I couldn't even last without him for a few minutes. "I'm on my way" he winked, pulling his horse to a halt and immediately the entire entourage stopped as well.
Blood rushed to my cheeks. Fiddlesticks! I wasn't expecting that whole entourage to stop as well! The captain dropped down from his horse and walked over to Darius. He stopped right in front of Darius, bowing in respect to which Darius responded with a nod.
"Your Highness is everything okay? Is there any problem?" He asked, ready to help if there was any issue. Before he could look in my direction I sat back into the carriage, pulling the curtains closed to avoid him seeing my red face.
"There is no problem captain. I am going in to sit with my mate" Darius answered so coolly with such a nonchalant expression. "As you were" he dismissed and the coach walks back to mount his horse.
Not long after I hear the door to the carriage rattle and shake, swinging open to reveal Darius's large form entering the suddenly small space. As soon as he was properly situated the carriage began moving again. I say there, my face buried in my hands as I died of embarrassment over and over again.
"My queen?" His amused tone reached my ears as he leaned down, trying to peak through my fingers.
"Why did you do that!?" I asked, a mortified look on my face. He looked confused and
a bit taken aback by my question.
"Do what love?" He asks, completely oblivious.