Chapter 204 TEIGEN XXVIII
ELARA
"I feel like you almost drowning was my fault, I was the one responsible. It was my party after all"
In truth it was my fault, she needed to face humiliation for ignoring me throughout the boat ride. She could not be bothered by me, the only one she cared about was her lowly body guard. Only the thought of her betrayal angered him the more, but like every other emotion that was not beneficial at the moment he masked it.
"Oh, it is alright. It was not your fault, I stepped on my gown and lost my footing" I tried to explain, hoping he would let go of my hand.
"I still feel guilty. Are you sure you are alright?"
Was that genuine concern? "Yes I am"
He smiles, "I want to make it up to you. I know you really like dancing, so I am organising a ball and I hope you can attend"
I didn't speak. I loved dancing, but I wasn't sure I wanted to go with him after everything. "I-um"
"Yes, of course she will!" Augustine answered hastily, warning a glare from me.
She cleared her throat, "Sorry. We'll be on our way then"
She pushes Philippa away with her.
"I-i do not know"
"Well, if you do agree please come. I would love to see you there, here" he passes on my card invitation.
Hesitantly I accept it.
"Thank you. Please give me the chance to make it up to you, I will see you tomorrow" he takes hold of my hand, bringing it up to his lips he places a kiss against my knuckles. His eyes linger on mine for some time before he pulls back and walks away.
I let out a breath, exchanging glances from the decorated card in my hand to his retreating figure. I couldn't afford to play close to him, as Elara and as the veiled dancer. But it seemed like father is getting alot more obvious with his desires for us to be wed. He isn't bothering to hide it anymore.
I let out a sigh, the sound of footsteps startling me out of my mind. I turn around to see Ryker walking out from behind the tree, his gaze fixated on me. My heart races as he stands so close to me, "Are you actually considering that?" He asks, catching me off guard.
I frown, not even understanding what it is he was talking about. "What do you mean?"
"Going to that ball with Sir Blackwood"
Oh, that's what he meant. "I don't know-"
I feel his grip on my arms as he turns me towards him, pulling me so close.
"You have to stay away from him Elara, he might look decent but from what you have seen he is quite far from it. You must avoid him"
What? Did he sound concerned for me?! No, he couldn't. If he cared he would not have rejected me so brutally. "Let go-"
"You must reject his invitation"
I pull myself away, enraged. "Why, Why do you care all of a sudden!?"
All my sadness and self pity had morphed into anger. Ryker looked down at me, confused and stunned.
"Elara-"
"You do not care for me, so do not pretend like you do. I can care for myself, by myself and I do not need you to watch out for my personal life" the words cut right through Ryker, making him stumble back.
"You have made your feelings for me or lack of abundantly clear, so stop interfering with my life and just do your duty!"
I might have been blurting out hurtful things because I was angry, but I did not care. I turned around and walked off, gripping onto the invitation in my hand tightly.
Who did he think he was to command what I did and did not do? He rejected me, told me it was a mistake. My first kiss was a mistake. Hot angry tears poured down my cheeks as I ran the rest of the way to my quarters, ignoring the concerned look from Philippa as she saw me pass into my room and lock the door behind me.
I guess the Goddess was not listening when I made my wish.
~
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 reflection. Rethinking this whole thing, was it really wise of me to play so close to someone who could learn my secret identity? There was so much to uncover with Lord Sawyer. The safest option was to stay as far away as I could, this was the exact opposite. I guess every sense of reasoning had left me the day I decided it would be a good idea to kiss my bodyguard.
I groaned painfully, palming my face in frustration. All eyes point to me in confusion.
"You will ruine your make up" Philippa reprimanded, coming to my side to pull my hands away, inspecting the damage to my 'husband attracting face'
"The rest of you, go get changed. We will be leaving soon, and Phillipp go ensure that Sir Ryker is ready" her words made me frown, Ryker get dressed?