Chapter 193 TEIGEN XVII
"Fowler would catch us one of these days or even worse, father could find me coming back with sugar all over me"
That would never stop Elara from buying and eating as many sweets as possible and taking some back with her for her Bunny babies. Tonight Elara had been down because her father had failed to come to yet another ball. He missed a dance with her that she was looking forward to, he had promised to show up and like every other time he left her stranded. Just this once, just once she had kept a glimmer of hope alive that he would make it, show up for her, show her she was important to him but he didn't come.
She ranted about it in the carriage all the way back to the manor and declared she would be confronting him that night. Ryker finally understood the reason behind Elara's fondness for him, she had begun to find his company comforting, like a breathe of fresh air, an oasis in the desert that was her heart and he could not deny he felt the same, although being around her was always nerve wrecking. She somehow found a way to catch him off guard, either with her words or the meaningful glances she casts his way. He always caught them, quietly.
~
After the carriage had brought them back to the manor, Ryker left Elara to speak to her father.
I made my way to Elara's room, continuing my routine of giving her a curt nod to tell her I was done for the night. Three knocks echoed through the halls but there was no answer. I knocked once more, listening closely for any sound of shuffling but instead I heard quiet sobs. My heart squeezed in my chest, confusion and anxiety leading me to twist the door handle and walk in.
The sight in front of me causes my heart to shatter. Elara sat cuddled into herself, her body shaking violently as tears wracked her form. She fisted something tightly, clutching it to her chest, cradling it gently. Ryker stood there in the doorframe, frozen while her sobs continued. She definitely had no idea he was standing there.
Turn back, leave her be. This is not your place, I tried to stop myself, convince myself that this is not my job. But for some reason I found myself taking steps further into the room, my legs seemed to move on their own. I watched her weep bitterly, the urge to hold onto her and wipe away her tears made me remain standing there with her, not uttering a word.
She sniffles, her gaze locating me. Her once radiant blue orbs now stormy, brewing with sadness, brokenness. She cried out, running into me and rapping her arms desperately around me. I was taken aback for a second before I recovered and hugged her in return.
He comforted her, he was a pillar of support, he stayed with her while she cried into him. He smoothed down her hair, whispering quiet coos to her to soothe her as she tightened her grip on him. She held him so close, like if she let go he would disappear, leave her to be alone, to drown in her sorrows and darkness. He was the only person she could be vulnerable with, he was with her, he stayed there, holding her as she broke down that night.
All the grief of her mother's passing, her father's withdrawal from her, everything came crashing down. Her loneliness, how much her father isolated her because of his fear, because he tried to protect her. But who would protect her from her depression, from her broken heart?
Nobody could, but Ryker held her close as she cried, he did not ask her any questions he just held her for that night and that gesture was the last spark that ignited the flame, long dead, now burning bright.
~
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 Grand Duke was busy with state affairs as well so he would not be a problem, as long as she would be back before her father was. Ryker quietly followed Elara to the hired coach, he was paid for his silence as the regular rider for the veiled dancer, even he was unaware of her identity. The coach waited outside the manor at a far enough junction to prevent suspicion.
Elara slipped into the carriage, her veil atop her head, her dress switched with her costume and Ryker beside her. They were on their way to the party late into the evening, under the cover of shadows to increase her chances of remaining under disguise.
~
Many noble men, titled nobles and people of high society attended the party, so it was understandable why Augustine was so concerned. By the time they arrived it was time for the veiled dancer to take the stage.
The musicians were brought in at first, their melodies readying the floor for the veiled dancer to enter. Ryker stayed hidden, watching from afar as she once again rendered the whole crowd speechless, silence engulfing the whole hall once she began to move.
Her body, every step, every curve of her back, every spin weaved a spell of seduction and enchantment, leaving everybody completely spellbound.
Once again a pair of violet eyes followed every action, soaking up the sight of every crevice of skin, the slit in her skirt showing her pale beautiful legs, her exposed stomach, her hips that swayed to the drums, her twirling turns, every sensual gesture she made was engraved in his mind, adding to the sultry atmosphere that only worsened the more he let his eyes wander.