Chapter 28 Audrey's ladies
"That was five years ago" Greer smiled, her eyes staring into the distance as if recalling a joyful memory.
It didn't take a genius to realise Greer was the talkative type, always having something to say and always the first to erupt into laughter never minding if she was too loud with her expressions. She was as kind and generous as she was witty and blunt.
"How old is Nuelle now?" Orchid asked, her figure seated a few spaces beside Audrey on the mountains of soft plush blankets. She noticed the way Orchid's light blue eyes shimmered with curiosity and interest at her question. She was the type to never be able to hide her feelings, her eyes were as easily readable as an open book.
Her baby blue orbs were so enchanting as they glistened even with the littlest of feeling. It intriuged and confused Audrey how someone so little yet so clumsy and forgetful still found something so vulnerable about herself which she knew nothing about.
"He's 17" she smiled fondly, staring down at the dresses she kept folding. She seemed to stare longingly into space and I could see the sad smile that was plastered on her face. "Last I saw him he still had his rough dirty brown hair untamed atop his head. I'm sure he now cuts it like father always told him to" her smile faltered a bit before she snapped out of whatever trance she seemed engulfed in. Greer's little display went unnoticed by everyone except Audrey.
She could see right through her strong wall but she wasn't going to say anything. She thought it too early to try get too deep into the girl's lives.
All of a sudden she had the urge to ask what had been bothering her, "How old are you?" She asked softly, her eyes shifting to land on all the girl's faces as she noticed the secret glances they gave each other.
"All of you" she emphasized better.
"Anaise and I are 18" Astrid spoke after a long time of silence. It seemed she wasn't the talkative type much like her twin. Instead she was more calculative, her demeanor calm and mysterious.
Audrey directed her gaze to the other two girls who were yet to answer. "I'm 17 your Highness" Orchid answered, a shy smile on her face which Audrey returned.
"Likewise" Greer responded.
"What about you your highness?" Orchid asked out of nowhere. The other girls shot her a look, their eyes wide at how easily she asked something they saw as non of their business and irrelevant. Orchid lowered her gaze to her fingers as she played them nervously while Audrey tried to read the looks the girls were given Orchid and why they seemed to have just shut her down with their glares.
"I-i'm s-sorry my lady. You don't have to answer" she apologized quite timidly, her head lowering a bit.
Something in Audrey steared at the submission which Orchid had just showed after a while of her free speaking and unfiltered laughter which she much preferred compared to this side of her.
"What do you apologize for Orchid? It's, fine I don't mind" she assured, looking around to make her point known to the girls. She didn't really like how they treated her like she was some pretty princess they had to pamper and lie to all the time just to please her. For some reason Audrey hoped they'd be friends, real friends who wouldn't mock or ridicule her but this, this constant fear and forced glorification they gave her felt even worse.
"I'm 19" she answered with a sweet smile, hoping to ease the tension that seemed so thick in the air. "And please don't call me your highness or by any title when we are alone like this. During our intimate times you could call me by my name, Audrey"
They all looked a bit shocked at each other. They didn't hate the idea though, it was just the fact that Audrey was much different from what their families had told them.
There was no specific distinction just a general view that all royals or people of titles preferred the respect, especially would-be queens. Astrid however didn't seem fazed nor did she mind calling Audrey by her name. She didn't feel like anyone deserved that much respect, not even her queen.
"How old is the king, Audrey?" Astrid boldly asked, making everyone stare at her dumbfounded.
That was a bit too bold, they all thought to themselves. All eyes rested on Audrey for a reaction but the only one that was as clear as day on her face was confusion as her raised brows betrayed her troubled thoughts. She wondered why such a question shocked her and what was even more shocking was that she had no idea what the answer to it was.
"I have no idea" she shrugged, answering honestly. Her answer seemed to make Astrid scrutinize her with her half lided gaze.
Seeming to note the change in mood Anaise decided to lighten it a bit, "So have you decided on what you want to wear?" She stopped, thinking it over for a moment before continuing. "Audrey?"
Audrey smiled and shook her head no as she stared at the dressed that were laid on different manikins that were littered all over her room.
"I'll help" she opted making Audrey smile and nod yes to her. Orchid and Greer joined in as they walked over to the different dresses while Astrid silently walked to the dressing table letting everyone know she was responsible for the jewelry and make up.
Audrey couldn't help but stare at the girls as they each busied themselves with their assignments. She could imagine herself enjoying their company, although she didn't know for how long, seeing as if her plan worked she'd be leaving as soon as tonight.
~
He watched the clock restlessly, his eyes darting from it to the maid that scrambled around, helping him wear his attire and the essential emblems that dangled at the collar. He had patiently waited for this night for such a long time where he would get to publicly announce his mate to the council.
Not many knew but once it was done then their bond would be known all around, not officially though but it still meant alot to Darius and he could feel his heart swelling with pride at the thought of holding Audrey's hand in his and placing three soft kisses onto her knuckles as the crowd below erupted into cheers.