Chapter 142 Elijah
AUDREY
"Before you say anything Elijah, this was all really the dusty old shelf's fault and not mine" I lied, carefully placing one foot after the other as I began my decent down the ladder.
I cautiously walk around the fallen books and place the book I has found with the rest of the ones I had gotten.
Without waiting for his words I squatted down and began packing them up, sneezing profusely when the dust clouded my nostrils.
"Leave that my queen, the chamber maid will attend to that" Elijah's voice came, heavy with what sounded like exhaustion.
Poor Elijah must have searched everywhere.
I pushed myself to my feet, smiling awkwardly.
"I would love to know if you found my necklace but unfortunately I have to run- go" I corrected, remembering the dissaproving snarl Elijah gave me when last I had used to word run in my sentence. I would not actually run, just slowly run.
"To my next lesson. I will see you after" I continue, smiling cheekily as I crept up to the door, snatching the books from my desk.
Pushing down the handle I hurried out, slowing my steps once I had gotten far enough from the study. I let out a breath, giggling quietly as I recalled my antics. Maybe torturing Elijah like that was not the best response to my current situation but unfortunately for him I found it amusing and for a moment it made me forget about the anxious bees buzzing in my stomach everytime I thought about the huge responsibility I was to shoulder.
Deep breaths Audrey, deeper breaths.
I was too busy in my head to see the person that approached and before I realised I was walking head first and slamming my face square into a strong surface. I stumbled back a bit at the shock, my books falling to the ground and me almost following if I hadn't steadied myself. I hissed, a splutter of apologies and curses leaving my lips.
I sullenly massaged my forehead, hoping it doesn't turn red later on. Lifting my gaze I watched the gentleman squat down and gather my books and I immediately regretted walking down this hallway the moment my eyes landed on Lord Anthony.
'Great' I mutter underneath my breath as I watch him with suspicion.
I knew he would be staying at the castle because of the ongoing meetings but I had hoped I wouldn't bump into him as long as I was careful and remained in my study most of the time. I inhale a deep breath, keeping in mind all the classes on etiquette and manners Elijah insisted I take. As empress in waiting and future wife to the king I had to be as polite as possible to him associates even though the opposite was much preferred.
I wear a tight lipped smile, my hands folding together as I regard him "Lord Anthony"
He watches me, his eyes roaming my form and making my skin tingle with discomfort
"My princess" he bows, his eyes never leaving mine. "I do not mind you bumping into me but I would prefer it without the books hitting my feet" he smiles wolfishly, his eyes glazing over in amusement
"I apologize, that was not my intent" I pause, making sure he got what I was trying to say.
"Neither were" I make sure my smiles is extra sweet. "My books please. I must be going now"
That sickening smiles remains on his lips as he places the books in my waiting hand but doesn't let go "I must insist you join my for tea my princess". He leans in, his lips going to meet my ear where his breath tickles the skin "We have much to discuss" the words pepper my nerves as he pulls away
"I will come to you when the hour arrives. My princess" he bows once again before walking off with an extra swing in his stride.
I watch his form retreat and wonder if meeting with him would be a good idea. I did not need a repeat of last time and Darius would not want a petty squabble. I sucked in a deep breath, burying whatever remained in my mind from that encounter deep down as I made my way to one of my lecture rooms. I acknowledged the two guards that stood beside the large white doors and they bowed, one of them holding onto the handle and pulling it open. My eye caught sight of his gloved hands and only then did I relaiset hey both had gloves around their hands. Deciding to think nothing much of it I walked in, taking in the empty room
The professor must be late, I thought to myself as I took a seat, placing the books on my lap. Lightly I began trailing my fingers across the writing engraved on the book cover, "Historical account of Bludhäven" it read. The book talked about how Darius single handedly built up the city from the ashes, it was burnt down to the ground by the golden eyed beast. The pages told tales of the beasts dark cloak, it's sharp canines that tore through every villager at the time, it's deadly claw ripped the realm pieces but it only come once every century, no one knew the exact date, no one could. It came during every blood moon, a lot were lucky enough not to live long enough to witness it and those who did live long enough never survived to describe the celestial event.
Suddenly a thought crossed my mind, what if Darius had witnessed it? He could have seeing as he had lived for so long and he was there during the first creation of the realm. If anyone could teach me it would be Darius but unfortunately he has been really busy, more occupied than usual. I tried not to dwell on it too much, after all he was doing this to improve our realm, to better the lives of my people. Not having him close to me was killing me slowly but I had to keep my mind off it and busy myself with preparing to rule the empire alongside Darius. Even if it meant not being able to see him when I pleased.
The door was pushed open, the sound of footsteps agaisnt the wood floors made me snap out of my head as I glanced towards the entrance, watching as The professor walks in elegantly. He takes him time to stroll up to me and I just gape at him in shock. For some reason I expected the professors to be old. His long frosty hair was braided into a low ponytail, his spectacles propped gently on the tip of his nose. His strong features were tight and stoic like that of a soldier's. I got up, feeling uneasy under his gaze.
Bringing forth my hand I smiled cautiously, watching his eyes fall to my outstretched hand,
"I am Audrey, and you?"