Chapter 27 My ladies
She stepped back to stand beside her sister, her eyes never leaving the ground. Faye introduced another maiden- Greer as the neice to one of Darius's courtiers. She seemed to have this edgy look, her dirty blonde hair was thrown in a ruffled braid that wasn't quite done right. Her quirky features were sharp and stunning. She sent a pleased smile my way and I returned the gesture. The last girl- Orchid was nothing special according to Faye.
She was the grand daughter of the kin-Darius's favourite cook and on his special request she was sent here from their village in the far East. She seemed to stare at me for a while before Grea nudged her forward and she bowed as well. I couldn't help but smile at the pink tinge that coated her dark cheeks as she awkwardly gazed away from me.
Something inside me blossomed hearing that Darius gave equal opportunity to his favourite maids grand daughter as these other wealthy noble ladies. I couldn't help the proud smile that washed over me.
"I will leave you all to get acquainted with your queen. They already know what they have to do around the castle, when and how to do it so don't worry my lady. I will be back much later to supervise their choice of outfit for tonight's event-" just as Faye finishes her sentence the large wood door was pushes open and Darius walked in casually, like it was something he was so used to doing every single day. He made being around me seen so normal.
The way his presence made all the four maidens turn to stare seemed to make my insides swell for some reason. His large frame was fitted in a simple dark green dress shirt and even darker pants that looked everything but simple complimented by his gold locks that was pulled into a sophisticated bun and his ivory skin that seemed to glisten under the brightly lit chandelier.
"Your majesty" I acknowledged, almost getting to my feet to show my respects but his outstretched hand stopped me and I stayed put.
A charming smile played on his lips as he walked closer to where I was posted at the edge of the room on the window seat. He took my hand in his and leaning down- his eyes staring into mine he placed three soft kisses on the tip of my knuckles. The action made my cheeks tinge a little at his display of affection in front of so many watching eyes.
He stood straight once again and I was unable to look away, no I didn't want to look away as he turned to the other women and gave a small acknowledging nod to them.
"Your Highness" the four girls greeted, bowing in unison.
"Orchid, Greer, Astrid, Anaise" he called out their names as if taking note of them as he stared at their faces with a neutral expression before turning to Faye.
"Your Highness" she bowed and he smiled lightly at her. "Is there something I can do for you?" She asked, kindly. He shook his head no and turned back to me. His watchful eyes bore holes into the side of my face as I kept my gaze on his dress shoes that were polished to the tee.
"I just came to see my queen before the ball" he announced, putting everyone's curiosity to rest. I looked up into his eyes to see this twinkling look they held. Something about him seemed different, more vibrant and at peace. "I will come by after your ready and walk you to the ball myself, okay?"
As if under a spell of some sort I just stared into his eyes, transfixed at how much lighter his onyx eyes seemed to me, but they still had that dark catastrophic look in them only it seemed to be pulling me in rather than scaring me like it used to.
I nodded mechanically, my eyes never leaving his. He smiled and brought a hand to caressy cheek making my skin tingle under his light strokes. It seemed I was getting used to the electric shoes I got from coming in contact with him but it didn't stop my heart from going into a frenzy
Stupid bond, keep it together! My subconscious screamed haven been tied down by the hypnotic stare of his gaze.
He turned back, his hands folding back behind him as he sauntered out of the room, not sparing anyone a second glance. I let out a soft breath, feeling like I could finally breathe without his smell of lemon suckle, rainy forest wood and masculine cologne invading my nostrils, turning my insides into jelly.
I couldn't help but notice Astrid still had her hard gaze transfixed on the door as if if she looked harder he would appear in the room once more. My gaze turned into a glare directed at her direction as the young maiden, unaware of my stare turned her gaze back to me only for her greenish blue orbs to widen at the intense glare sent her way.
I was first to look away, confused at why I myself was getting so worked up over what I couldn't even explain. Sugars, I looked down at my hands to see my small fists balled around my needle.
~
She felt her eyes water, tears prickling her vision as she clutched her stomach tight, laughter falling from her lips at Greer's hilarious childhood memory.
"So he ran in before me, his hands behind his back as he looked with the most innocent eyes directed at my mother. He knew very well how to get to her. By the time I'd run in I was too late, her was already telling on me and I just stood there frozen. He pointed his little flour coated finger at me, his accusing gaze directed at my direction. I gave him the worst scowl and looked back at my mom to see she was glaring at me. I tried to deny everything but she already punished me to make our meals for the next two weeks. After her verdict was delivered Nuelle stuck out his tongue at me and showed all the sugar that coated it, leaving my mom to gape wide eyed at him. Realising he had given himself up he shut his mouth close, his hands coming to rest on his sealed lips. Ha! Served him right. Talk about karma"
They all giggled humorously, Greer joining in as she folded yet another gown up into the chest. They had spent the rest of the afternoon spending time together and just getting to know one another. Audrey appreciated their presence, she felt happy having people her age around her after so long. She appreciated them. She never realised how refreshing it was to relate with people her age again, people would she could laugh with. They seemed free around her, unlike Faye and the other maids who were watchful not to speak out of term.