Chapter 35 Such beauty
Darius seemed deep in thought. He saw reason in what Ryker said and knew it was true, telling Audrey would make it a lot easier and it would lessen the threat if she knew. But he couldn't afford her being scared of him and running away. She hadn't seen the darkness within, she wouldn't be able to stand it. What if he showed her and she got so scared she ran away? He couldn't afford to loose her all because he wanted things to be easier between them both, he couldn't risk it.
"I don't want to loose her" he said in a low tone, the sadness under it getting to Ryker. His shoulders deflated and his gaze casted down with his change in mood.
"It'll be fine brother" Ryker sympathised, holding Darius's shoulder and squeezing slightly. "You two were fated to be for a reason, the goddess-"
"Don't" Darius stopped him, not wanting to hear about her- the sole reason all of this was happening. She was the reason for all the terror and pain in his life. "She never cared and she won't start now. I'll take matters into my own hands and make sure my mate doesn't leave me. She won't help me, I won't depend on anyone. I can't depend on anyone"
~
Audrey walked through the dark halls back to her chambers, her heart racing and her eyes darting around. Her pulse only calmed once she laid eyes on the guards.
She wrapped her hands around herself despite the sholl around her. The air was tranquil, the atmosphere blissful as she stopped at her private balcony, looking down at the front lawn of the palace and the fountain.
Her eyes flickered up to the moon's bright smile. She let her mind wander to the things running in her thoughts. She had just placed her head on a chopping block by agreeing to Lord Odin and taking up his offer.
If they got caught then she would be killed no matter what Darius tried to do. The nobles would want her head, she would be an enemy to the crown even though she was the King's mate. It would put him in a difficult position, one that he didn't deserve to be in.
She felt torn to say the least, there was still time to take back the deal and refuse now when no harm had been done yet. How did everything come to this? From being an omega in that hell to here, a supposed soon to be queen with friends.
She took in a deep breath as her mind ran haywire, her thoughts were running loose and she didn't stop them. The cool breeze whisked past her face, going to twirl in her hair. Pair of dark onyx eyes watched from the door, admiring how magnificent she looked in the moonlight, she looked like she was glowing. The pale skin of her neck was visible as the wind blew through her hair, pushing it to the side. He stood there for a while, watching her.
He had felt so uneasy after today's events and the only thing that could calm him down was her, just a glimpse of her had him sighing in satisfaction. He began strolling quietly towards her, his hands folded behind him. He stopped right behind her, her scent flooding his senses. He inhaled deeply, the sweetest and most intoxicating combination of vanilla and flowers invading all his senses and sending Phoenix into a frenzy.
A shiver flew up her spine, making her run a hand down her arm trying to create as much heat for herself as possible. She didn't want to go inside yet, she felt at peace here.
"It's beautiful" a deep velvety baritone boomed from her left ear making Audrey jump, startled by his close proximity. She let out a quick breath, her hand on her rising and falling chest.
She turned around and sure enough it was Darius, standing there-so close to her in his tunic and dark trousers. "Darius" she called breathlessly. "You scared me" she sighed, her eyes meeting his.
"My apologies love, it wasn't my intention" he had a small smile on his face which managed to calm Audrey's still erratic heart. "I was just appreciating such beauty" he spoke vaguely.
She looked back outside and smiled at the moon who seemed to be shining a lot brighter now, or maybe she just liked the complement Darius gave her. "Yes, she is beautiful"
"Very" he smiled, his eyes still on a very oblivious Audrey. She was unaware he was talking about her beauty, she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen and he had no problem confessing it. Even now as she stood before him staring outside she looked breathtaking and he wondered how he had ever gone about his day without laying eyes on her. "What are you doing here love?" He asked, bringing her attention back to him.
"I couldn't sleep" she answered, absentminded. Her attention focused on the beads of water coming from the fountain.
"Me neither" Darius smiled down at her, his smile making hers grow. "Mind if I join you?" He asked sweetly, the hope gleaming in his eyes making her nod.
"Sure" she smiled, stepping a little to the side to allow him some space beside her. Realisation crosses her features and she turned to him sharply, "Are you alright? Ryker said you had followed some of the guards to go control the rogues that had been spotted" she let out frantically. "I hope they weren't too out of control and you weren't injured"
He just smiled down at her, confusing her the more. He let his eyes wander around her face, drinking in every curve on her perfect skin. She was worried about him, he felt happy to know she cared about him that much, "I'm fine, don't worry love" he smiled, taking her hand in his he caressed the back of her hand with the pad of his thumb, causing heat to spread across her body.
"Are you okay? Did your ladies make it to your chambers?" He asked her, trying his best to make it as convincing as possible. He knew the threat she posed to the other Alphas as well as the nobles, he couldn't risk so many people coming to the ball. The alarm for the rogues stopped other Alphas and rulers from coming, thereby limiting the threat they posed on his sweet Audrey's life.