Chapter 210 TEIGEN XXIV
I beckon my ladies forward with me as I took a step into the tent but the guards stopped us.
"Apologies my lady, but the Lord does not wish for any visitors. He is still with the physician so he wishes to not be disturbed"
One of the guard's informed.
Guess this was my sign.
"Okay, no worries. We will leave then"
"My lady, forgive us. We were not clear, he only wishes for you to enter"
I glanced towards my ladies. Camilla shook her head, telling me not to go in, Winnie shrugged and Philippa nodded at me with encouragement.
"Please, wait out here for me. I will not be long" I bid them farewell as I stepped inside and the curtains closed behind me.
Just a short, courteous visit. But the moment my eyes fell on Lord Sawyer, sprawled over his fur bed, half naked my throat went dry. The physician stood close to him, leaning over to inspect the bruise that had formed where he was hit. Probably from his armor grazing his skin.
But the orator announced he was not injured. It was all a lie. Probably to save face, no wonder he refuses visitors. A young lad stood to the far end of the tent space, observing with full eyes. Maybe his domestic help? He looked younger, maybe a few years less than me.
"Elara dear" Lord Sawyer called to me, dragging away my attention.
I turned to him as he urged my closer. Placing one foot after the other, I take little steps his way, keeping a good distance I settle close to the physician. Lord Sawyer sits up, his chest area red and blotchy. I wince from the sight.
The physician pulls out a few bottles from his medicine satchel. One of the bottles Lord Sawyer drinks in a go, the other applied gently to his bruises spot. When he was finished he bandaged him up and leaves quietly, the young lady following behind him. Suddenly I become uncomfortably aware that we have been left alone.
Awkwardly I glance away from Lord Sawyer, "My apologies, my lady. I wish I was properly dressed to entertain this pleasant visit, but as you can see I am unable"
"It is okay. I-i do not intend to take up a lot of your time. Anyhow, I came to check on your state, as a courtesy from my father" I bit out, still avoiding his pointed gaze.
He smiles, "The Grand Duke's kindness knows no bounds. Please tell your father that I am grateful for his care, and for sending his lovely daughter"
"I will let him know. I do hope you recover, I hear you enjoy horse riding. It must disappoint you that you will be unable to participate now"
Lord Sawyer smiled shyly, "Unfortunately, but I will still enjoy the show by your side"
I gazed at him, noticing the spark alit in his green eyes, "If it is not a bother my lady, could you assist me with a cup of water?"
Putting on my fake smile I walk over to the side table beside him where the water jug and mug sat. Taking slow motions I pour some into the cup, tension rolling off my back from his invasive eyes.
I turn to him, walking close so I could place the cup in his outstretched hand. On my way I kicked something, not sure what it was but it came out of nowhere so unexpected it sent me falling into Lord Sawyer. From where he sat on the fur bed he caught me, his hands wrapped so tightly around my waist, my full weight on him.
The water from the cup had spilt a little onto the bed but that was the least of my concerns. The way his hands held onto me so intimately twisted at my insides. My hands found their way around his shoulders in a failed attempt to catch myself, but only doing a good job at landing me in such an awful position. My chest heaved, my eyes glued to his.
His green orbs darkened with lust and mischief.
My chest tightened as he refused to release me, "i-i am sorry. I do not know what tripped me"
Was it my shoe?
His eyes dropped down to my lips as he slowly replied, "It is alright" in a low sensual tone, coupled with his heated gaze sent shivers trailing down my form.
His lips were so close to mine, his breath on my face. I tried to pull away, steady myself but my feet were not firmly planted on the ground, making it not only difficult to regain my footing but uncomfortable as every attempt ended in my falling back into Lord Sawyer.
"Why do you struggle against me?" He asks into my ear, his lips so close.
My heart beat races an uneven pace, "I, you are wounded. I must be hurting you"
"Nonsense, your withdrawal would hurt more" with that he inched closer, closing the space between our lips. His mouth, without warning skimmed mine. On impulse I pushed against him, making him fall flat onto his back and the cup in my hand fall to the ground and shatter.
I landed atop him, not grateful for this position either. My head landed on his bruise, warning a painful hiss from him. Just then I heard the steps enter the tent and I froze, knowing how this whole thing must look from their perspective.
I pushed myself away, rolling onto my back and standing immediately. I came face to face with Lord Sawyer's domestic help, Philippa and his two guards.
I flushed in embarrassment and anger. He just tried to kiss me without warning, out of nowhere. I was not dumb, I knew he was not very subtle about his interest in me but I never thought he would do that. If not for me tripping none of this would-wait, did I actually trip?
Or did he?
Philippa walked up to me, a weird look on her face "My lady, um" she clears her throat, glancing to Lord Sawyer as he sits up.
"Let us leave" was all she said before she pulls me out of the tent.