Chapter 211 TEIGEN XXXV
We stop close to the entrance of the arena but far enough from Lord Sawyer's tent.
I shift uncomfortably, avoiding her gaze.
"My lady, what was that inside?"
My cheeks, still red must have sent the wrong message. "It was nothing like it looked, I tripped and"
She steps closer, "Do not worry, I will not tell Winnie or Camilla"
I frowned, "He tried to kiss me without my consent Philippa. I feel so wronged and uncomfortable, I never liked being near him and now this!?"
"Calm yourself Elara. If word gets out about any of this, it will be your head on a pike" she watches around for anyone close that may have heard.
"What?"
"It will be your word against his, and the dukedom will never forgive you. It will be yours and the Grand Duke's reputation that will be sullied" she was right, no one would believe me. I walked into his private tent alone, I was not forced.
"But what he did was not right. We are nothing to each other, he cannot touch me in such a manner and get away with it" I felt tears of frustration sting my eyes. What a situation I had found myself in, I should have listened to Camilla and never gone to his tent.
I sighed, running a hand through my hair. I knew how disgusting he was, and yet I was stupid and reckless. I should not even be here. I should leave, the crowning of the victor has been done. Any other ceremony will have to be done by someone else, I will make up an excuse and leave. This will be the end of any event I will attend with Lord Sawyer, no matter what father says.
He will not approve if he heard what Lord Sawyer just did to me. He would surely believe his daughter.
Definitely.
"You can go, I will be just a minute. I need time to calm myself" I told Philippa.
She was reluctant to leave at first but after much persuasion she did.
Placing my hand on my stomach I tried to calm my erratic breaths, willing the tears in my eyes not to fall. I could still feel his lips against mine, even if it was just a fleeting touch it was enough to taint my lips. Anxiety squeezed at my heart, bringing more angry tears to my eyes. I could feel myself begin to heat up, my powers were acting up again.
I took in deep breaths, shutting my eyes in an attempt to think of something else. Something other than his intrusive hand all over me, his hot breath against my face, too close. The pain behind my eyes made me pry them open, their shade no doubt taking an electric blue hue.
My hand began to tremble.
"Elara, dear" I turned to see Lord Sawyer fast approaching.
I gasped, turning away from him. He cannot see me like this. Hurrying away I did not look back when he continued to shoot my name. I make my way to the arena, watching the guards pile out the animals for the fights. I maneuvered my way to the side of the arena, getting closer to my seat.
From the corner of my eyes I could see Ryker approaching me. I stopped, staring at him gratefully. Maybe I could leave with him, stay somewhere until I calmed down. Suddenly I heard a scream, chains falling to the ground and the sound of heavy hooves drumming against the ground.
I turned around, freezing in absolute terror on my spot, as I watched one of the sporting bulls charge at me in full speed. Its terrifying strong build shaking, it's horns targeted at me, rage filling it's eyes.
Fear clawed at my heart, taking my lungs captive. I couldn't breathe, couldn't move. My eyes stung a hot glow, my hands trembling all the more. The ground began to tremble beneath me, cracks forming on the sand.
"ELARA!"
In a flash I blinked and a force knocked into me, strong arms wrapping around my form. We went flying across the arena, my feet leaving the ground before the sand began to cave into the cracks on the ground.
I landed with a loud thud, dust clouding around us. Sand entered my nostrils, burning my chest. Choking I coughed out, feeling a strong body beneath mine. Blinking through the dust I see Ryker was the one who had saved me. His arms around me, keeping my close to his chest. It settled my heart somehow.
I could hear screams and loud commotion all around me but I could not concentrate properly. Ryker blinked slowly, his amethyst eyes finding mine, fear, concern and something else brewing in his gaze. His dirt stained hands palmed my cheeks, worry coating his voice.
"Are you alright, Elara!?" He panics, his eyes darting every which way.
I nod, wincing as pain kept underneath my skull.
"I am alright"
He breathed a sigh of relief, helping me up to my feet. His hands still stayed on me, steadying me.
"And you?" I ask, running my hand all over his now dirt covered form.
"I-" my eyes went wide when I noticed a trickle of blood going down his forehead to his brow.
"Blood!?" I gasp
"You are bleeding Ryker!"
He frowns, casually swiping at the trail of blood with his finger, "I must have injured my h-head"
He blinks slowly, his eyes straining.
He was not okay.
"We should get your a physician"
Lord Sawyer, Winnie, Philippa and Camilla rush towards us along with a handful of guards. The dust settles, and I could see the animal keepers and some armed guards trying to reign in the bull.
"My lady!" All my girls exclaim together.
"Are you okay!?"
"Did you get hurt!?"
"Did you wound yourself!?"
Their loud voices, frantic with concern made my head ache.
"I am unharmed, thanks to Ryker. But he needs a physician, he is bleeding"
Lord Sawyer steps in front of me, "Elara dear, are you certain you are fine? I am so sorry for my irresponsibility. You could have been gravely wounded because of me" he tried to take my hand but I pulled away, stepping back.
"Nothing of the sort happened. I just have a headache, but more importantly Ryker needs some medical attention"
Ryker's eyes fell, his knees buckling beside me.
"Ryker!" I try to hold onto him as he sways, resting against me.
I hold onto him, ignoring Lord Sawyer's heated gaze directed at me.
"Please, help him" I beg, tears brimming my eyes from my pain and seeing Ryker in this state.
Dirt coated his cheeks and his whole person and I was certain I looked the same. Lord Sawyer gave his guards a nod and they helped Ryker, carrying him to the tent to get treated.
I glance at the ground, the layer beneath the sand had caved badly. I swallowed, wondering if anyone would suspect me.