Chapter 196 TEIGEN XX
ELARA
"I hear there is a pond too, he will most likely want to take you on the pond so I will dress you accordingly"I frowned, gazing away. I hadn't seen Marquese Sawyer in years and now?
Father was definitely trying to encourage our alliance, this is his way of trying to get us together without making it obvious so I do not protest but I know better. I do not want to marry Marquess Sawyer, I know his only desire is to hope to unite our provinces once we are married, nothing more. I do not wish to marry someone I do not love.
"With the Marquess?"
"Yes milady, I know you are apprehensive about him but think of it as your presence there will show your support on behalf of The Grand Duke" she tries to reason, gently running a hand up my forearm in an attempt to comfort me.
I let out a frustrated sigh, "Father has no problem going far to be with his associates, and now?"
"It is okay my lady. Come, go get ready and I will inform Ryker that you are to leave soon"I turn to give Ryker a once over, my gaze lingering on his form before I walk away with a sullen expression.
✻
"This dress really suits you my lady" one of my ladies compliment me as I look myself over, minutes before it was time to go. I was not looking forward to spending the afternoon with Marquess Sawyer but I had no choice.
She brings my calotte, my fan and gloves. I glare at the accessories, squeezing my eyes in dread as I was adorned with them. I looked like a married lady going for tea at the palace.
Snarling my way to the carriage I ignored Augustine's request to put on a sweet, shy smile for the Marquess and be on my best behavior. Ryker joined us before the carriage took off, his uniform looking a lot more decent. As we sat together in such close proximity I couldn't help but watch him, ever since that kiss no matter how small it was lingered in my mind.
It had awakened something deeper, the thirst for more, more of him. He had not pushed me away or stepped back, maybe that was a good sign? Or maybe he was just too stunned to react in the moment and even if he did not like it, I doubt he would openly express his displeasure with me at the risk of making things inappropriate. In truth there was nothing appropriate about ogling up your body guard. It was completely shameless of me, even now as I studied his stunning features not an atom of shame could be found. From the light stubble that begun to dust over his jaw, to the curve of his nose, his pink luscious lips I yearned to taste.
How would they feel on mine? Warm? Oh how grateful that nobody could hear by thoughts, otherwise father would certainly disown me. His violet orbs that burned like amethysts, radiant, electric, pulling me ever so closely, entrapping me in all that he was.
Mysterious, sometimes distant even withdrawn showed a lot of pain, a painful past no less. One I often wondered was responsible for the leather gloves he always wore, always except when he sparred. Indeed I had not a speck of shame left in me as I gawked without regard, often wondering what would have happened had I missed his cheek and went leftwards. Violet eyes focus on me, curiosity lightening his orbs.
His lips move, words coming but not a sound registers. "Who is the Marquess Sawyer?"
I blink out of my trance, only now realising he was speaking "Pardon?"
"The Marquess The Grand Duke arranged you to meet. Who is he?" He questions me
"Oh. He is an associate of my father's, he doesn't know I am aware that he is trying to arrange our alliance" I let out a sigh, dropping my gaze to my palms in my lap.
"I know father wants the best for me, and he believes he is doing that by marrying me to the Marquess and strengthening our standing by uniting provinces. Father is very paranoid, he does not trust those close to him so he believes they will try to attack me"
"You see he just really wants to protect me. But I just wish he would talk to me, share his grief with me. I understand he lost mother, but I lost her too and he has never been the same" I feel tears begin to cloud my vision, drops that were not permitted to began to slowly trickle down my cheeks.
I lowered my head, "I do not wish to marry someone I do not love and I do not want to leave my father all alone, he has only me. But he is being s-so stubborn"
My chest tightens with so many emotions, anger, resentment, longing, sadness, loneliness and most of all helplessness. They suffocated me, trapping me with no way of escape, making me slave to them. Masters not of my own creation. I fist my necklace, holding it close to my chest for it was the only thing I had of my mother that always remained so close sincey birth. I cherished it. I felt his gloved hand hold mine, squeezing tightly.
I peered at him, noticing his eyes soften with compassion and sympathy for me. He gives me a comforting smile and the sight brought me such relief. He held my hand firmly, running his thumb over my silk gloves. The action spoke volumes, bringing warmth to my cheeks and seizing my tears.
~
Tents littered the grounds, nobles of different calibers crowded together, talking, socialising with drinks in hand and lips full with chatter.
The gossip mongers and mamas had their own designated spot watching the young courting couples walk about, some boarding barges on the pond. Meanwhile the daughter of the Grand Duke stood far from the crowd, conversing with her cousin while Ryker was on his way with their glasses of sherbet.
As he approached the two finely dresses ladies he could not help but watch in admiration as Elara laughed, her smile blocked by her fan in hand. Bad etiquette it was, to laugh so loudly with open teeth but laugh she did and the worry free, joyful chime of her laughter brought warmth to Ryker's heart. He hands the two ladies their cups, standing beside them while they gossip he took in the view.
All these high class, wealthy people attending these parties under the pretense of socialising instead they only attend these to discuss each other's downfalls.
"It is the talk amongst the people that you and the Marquess are secretly courting couples" I rolled my eyes, gossip these days flies fast. Everyone was always looking forward to the next gossip they would pick up