Chapter 54 Lord Mark Anthony
Gathering the little strength I had I pushed myself to the side of the bed, throwing my legs over to the edge. Planting my feet on the carpet clad floor I pushed myself up, staggering a bit. My legs were definitely asleep, great.
I grumbled, shaking off my legs to wake them up. When I was certain I could make it I began walking to the door slowly, taking little steps forward. The door was within sight, my eyes catching a glimpse of the hallway ground and a triumphant smile played on my face.
Almost there!
I stopped at the door, looking from left to right to see if there were any guards but non were stationed at the moment. Maybe it was their break, they always took 5 mins break and within that time it took another set of guards 2 mins to get to their posts. So I had exactly 120 seconds to get my slow behind down through the back.
I took a deep breath and began my slow journey out into the hallway. I used the wall to steady myself, making sure my feet didn't kick each other and bring me flying to the ground.
I made my way to the back exit, making sure to hold steady to the railings as I descended. Coming to the East Wing hallway I stumbled, bracing myself for the fall but it never came. I felt a strong grip on my arms holding me to a body. An unfamiliar scent filled my nostrils. Snapping my eyes open I came face to face with an amused looking Mark Anthony. I pulled away sharply.
"My apologies" I said awkwardly, feeling weird that his hands were still on me.
An amused smile took over his lips, "It's okay your majesty. You look like you've been caught stealing. From the looks of it you aren't supposed to be here, you're still sick" he pointed out, letting go.
"Um.. Yeah I am" I answered, awkwardly fiddling with a lock of my hair.
"I'm sorry about what happened, you almost died" he reminded, looking away into the distance.
"But Darius saved me. Don't worry I'm fine" I tried to smile. "I was going to the garden to get some air, I haven't seen the sun in a while. Please don't tell Darius, he'll get worried for no reason at all. You won't get in trouble either, I'll get back to my chambers before he realises I'm gone. Please" I pleaded.
"I won't snitch on you my princess, but you can't be on your own. I'll accompany you" he said, a friendly smile on his face
"No, you don't need to-"
"I insist, you need someone with you and if I'm not calling Darius then I might as well fill in" he reasons, stepping back and gesturing for me to take his hand. I bit my lower lip, thinking.
Sucking in a breath I slid my hand into his, letting him lead me out into the garden. Immediately the sun hit my skin I felt my pores opening and my natural glow coming back. I let my eyes flutter shut, the cool summer breeze gliding across my skin, cooling me. The songs of the birds rang in my ears, their tales of welsome making a bright smile over take my lips. The smell of trees, pollen and fragrant flowers invaded my nostrils.
I signed, slowly opening my eyes to meet Marks gaze. He smiled at me, looking on to the beautiful scene as well. "Let's take a walk shall we?"
We started off our walk in silence, me enjoying the view and Mark well.. Doing what ever it is he was doing. We made small talk here and there, most of them being one sided as I answered absentmindedly.
I stopped up at the flower beds so I could check on my favorite daisy blooms. Inhaling their scent I smiled, noticing they had been watered this morning.
"They are beautiful" Mark acknowledged from behind me.
I smiled, keeping my gaze fixed on them, "Yes, indeed they are. I actually love gardening them, they were my second favorite kind after roses. I thought since I had neglected them they'd die, but they look healthy" I thought aloud.
"That's because Darius saw to it that your flowers were taken care of while you were unable to cater for them" a familiar soft voice chimed in. I rose from my spot, turning to gaze at Greer as she made her way towards us.
"Greer!" I beamed, making my way towards her. She met me half way and pulled me in for a hug.
"It's been days, I heard you got sick. I'm sorry I didn't come to see you. Darius had been very strict that no one disturb your resting and recovery but I should have tried harder-"
"It's okay" I assured her, pulling back enough to look at her. "I missed you so much"
"And I you. Handling Orchid has been hell without you" she giggled.
"Hey! What is that supposed to mean?" Orchids whine reached our ears and we burst into laughter. She pulled us into a hug, "I missed you so much Audrey"
"And I you. Let us never be apart for so long again" I smiled, looking between the both of them once we pulled away.
A throat cleared brought our attention to the male standing behind us, looking out of place. "Ladies" he bowed, showing respect.
"Lord Anthony" they both chorused, dipping with their gowns bunched in their hands.
"I will leave the princess in your care. I trust you will get her back to her chambers be prepared the king realises she is gone" he bowed dismissively.
Walking up to me there was this glint in his eyes as he stopped right in front of me. He was too close. His eyes penetrated mine in a way that had me diverting my gaze. He inhaled deeply, a crease forming between my brows in discomfort, "It has been an honor my princess. Till we meet again, I hope soon will be the case" he smiled charmingly, taking my hand he placed a kiss on my knuckles. I pulled away sharply, an awkward smile playing on my lips.
He looked stunned for a moment before he regained his composure and sauntered off. I huffed out the air that had built in my cheeks as I turned to face my girls. I missed them so much. "Come on, we have to get Mrs Runaway princess back to her tower before the king finds out she escaped" Orchid winked, making Greer and I burst into hearty giggles, my discomfort far gone.