Chapter 197 TEIGEN XXI
ELARA
"All this gossip? I really do not give the point-"
"My lady" a servant boy bows, interrupting me mid sentence. "The Marquese requests your presence Lady Elara"
"My lady" a man who I now realize is Sawyer greets the moment I step into the tent. Eight tables and chairs are stationed around, a large corner table covered with pastries and sweets of different kinds. That is where I needed to be. He welcomed Ryker and I in but something made me focus on his voice. The sound was oddly familiar, like I had heard it before.
But how could that be possible? I hadn't seen him in years.
We take seat at a table, a servant placing two cups of sherbet before us,"The Grand Duke speaks very highly of you. The last time I saw you, we were both kids, but now? We are grown, look at you"His eyes licked over my form, taking in every inch of me.
I adjusted uncomfortably on my seat, feeling self conscious under his roaming gaze. "You have grown into such a beautiful lady. You are radiant Elara"
Colour coated her cheeks, embarrassment scorching her skin. His gaze was piercing, his green eyes seeming to bore into those he met. His brown hair was impeccably styled, framing a face that was chiseled yet expressionless. His features were refined, almost aristocratic, but his countenance was eerily calm, like a still pond concealing hidden depths.
His smile, when it appeared, was polished and practiced, revealing nothing of his true thoughts. His voice was low and measured, each word carefully chosen to convey a sense of courtesy without warmth.
Despite his handsome appearance, an aura of detachment surrounded him, making him seem distant and unapproachable. His movements were deliberate, calculated, and precise, like those of a chess player orchestrating his next move.
His eyes, though striking, held a glacial quality, as if frozen in place, allowing no glimpse into his inner world. It was as if he wore a mask of cordiality, expertly crafted to conceal his genuine emotions.
Out of the corner of his eyes, Sawyer caught sight of Ryker and became rigid. His stoic expression sagged and his eyes tightened. Elara noticed the change in his expression, frowning in confusion. A few feet behind her Ryker stood tall, his hands folded behind him, his hard glare directed down at Sawyer.
"Is something the matter?"
Elara exchanges curious glances between the two men. The atmosphere was charged with tension, Elara seated doe eyed in the middle of the two men squaring up to each other.
"Milady, come with me" Ryker stepped close to Elara, bringing forth his hand for bee to take hold of.
She turned back to Sawyer, observing his tight, stiff form. His eyes went from Ryker's outstretched hand to her, his gaze as if begging her not to go.
"Apologies, whoever you are. But as you can see I am speaking to my- the lady Elara. It will not be proper to take her away in my presence" Sawyer argued, his fists clenched in angst. He knew what Ryker could do if he let him leave with Elara.
Was it bad luck or mere coincidence this man happened to be attending the same party as he was? And now he was here too? Is he following me? Does he plan on ruining my reputation?
"Pardon me I did not introduce him. He is Ryker, my bodyguard" Elara gestures towards Ryker hoping to break the ice.
"Bodyguard?" Sawyer eyed up Ryker, his scrutiny picking him apart silently.
"Yes, father appointed him to keep me safe wherever I go. He will be with me everywhere"
Sawyer clearly did not like the words coming from Elara's lips but he had to mask his expression.
Just by simply looking at Ryker he could remember the horrible pain that surged through his whole head for days. Unfortunately he could not go after Ryker, for it would be a disgrace to explain the situation behind the cause of his broken nose, so he chocked it down.
"That seems highly unnecessary. You are here with me, there is no need for a body guard when you are in my presence you are safe"
"The Grand Duke saw it necessary to appoint me to stay beside the lady Elara. I am simply carrying out my duty, sir" Ryker stepped closer, his eyes never leaving Sawyer's cold ones.
"It is important, my lady"
"It is my father's wish that Ryker comes with me. Please excuse me a moment" I push myself up to leave with Ryker, placing my hand in his awaiting one. He leads me a few feet out of the tent, making sure we were out of earshot.
"Ryker, what happened? You were acting so hostile towards the Marquese"
"It was him" Ryker starts, staring into my eyes with concern clear in his.
"Him, him who?" My brows creased, impatience and angst eating away at me
"He is the man who misbehaved with you that night" immediately the words left Ryker's lips I paled, my blood running cold and my spine straightening.
"W-what?" I blinked, dazed. Sawyer? Would he really do something like that? Flashes from that night came back to me, the way the man grabbed so tightly onto my wrist. The sting that I felt around my wrist made me wince and hold my wrist to my chest, smoothing over the once red skin. As the memories came back to me, Sawyer's voice was familiar to me. Goddess forbid Ryker did not arrive when he did, the veiled dancer would have been unveiled.
The thought alone left me choking in fear. I let out a shaky breath, "what if he knows?" My eyes found Ryker.
His face softened once he noticed my wide, frantic glassy eyes. Ryker shook his head, "He couldn't. If he did he would have told the Grand Duke by now" he stepped closer, taking my hand in his he began to softly caress it in an attempt to calm me down.
"He could recognise my voice like I recognised his" panic ran through me, pinching at my heart and circling itself around my throat, squeezing tight.
Her eyes dart about in panic, her hand against her stomach as her breathes came out laboured. "Hey. Elara calm down and breathe" Ryker tries in vain to calm her down, taking her hands in his.
"He wouldn't recognize you, he was definitely too inebriated"
"No, he will tell father everything and-and it will be over" her body trembled and the sight of her distressed from made Ryker's heart ache.