Chapter 29 Like his dream
Darius wasn't dumb, neither was he blinded by the love he knew so well he had for Audrey. He could tell she hadnt accepted him yet but it only fueled his passion and drive to show her how much he could love her and prove to her she deserved this life and all the good things he could give her.
He knew he wasnt much and Audrey wasnt the kind of girl who was interested in fame or title, she was simple. Images of Audrey- seated on the garden's wood swing singing along to the chirps of the morning bird's song flashed in his memory causing a faint smile to take over his lips. He was awestruck and he couldn't help it.
He was in love, oh how sweet it was to say it and confess it to as many people who would love to listen. If only she was as open to their bond as he and every other person in the royal court was. But that would all change tonight, he planned to make the night a special one for the both of them. Audrey especially.
He promised to be on his best behavior and try as best he could to please his mate. Whatever it took, he chanted over and over again, his intention to get the message over to Phoenix. He could feel the happiness radiating off Phoenix at the thought of being near his mate the whole night. It appeared that even mere thoughts of Audrey seemed to tame Phoenix. He wasnt dark neither was he restless or hungry, he was happy and so was Darius. It would be a big step in their relationship. A big step in the right direction he hoped.
Wondering through the halls he could hear very distant giggles coming from the direction he was headed to. A small amile curved at his lips as he neared her door. The guard gave him a knowing nod before excusing himself.
"Its gorgeous Audrey!" Orchid gushed, her hands over her mouth.
"Black is most definitely your color" Greer chimed in, a wide grin on jer face as she looked her queen over.
"I picked it after all" Astrid added, giggling along with the other girls. "Wait!" She called out all of a sudden as everyoje cake to a halt. She rushed over to the little chest that sat on top of Audrey's dress table, retreaving it quickly she rushed back to where Audrey was.
"Cant forget this" Astrid smiled as she gently gluided her finger across Audrey's lips, covering it with a layer of dark red coloring. She proceeded to add a little powdered coal to her lashes to make them more evident. Standibg to her full length she looked over her work with a proud smile. "Now its perfect. We all look off age now" she grinned making the grils stare in awe at Audrey's new look.
"Thank you Astrid, girls" she nodded st their directions with a small smile. "But isnt it a bit much? I'm just meeting the council members after all" she reasoned, her fingers dancing in her lap.
"Nonsense" Greer cut off, walking over to where she sat and plopping down beside her despite her heavy dress. It was a gorgeous pink that went great with her flawless caramel skin. "Many noble men from all over the 12 states will be arriving just to see you and witness the arrival of the council after such a long time" she informed, all playfulness haven escaped her voice
"Oh" Audrey let out, suddenly feeling a bit nervous at what she had planned to do. What if the plan didn't work and she got caught? What would everyone think of her?
No, she just couldn't afford to miss this opportunity.
"As tradition you will dance with one of the guests to show: the royals are just like any other person in the kingdom, to show equality even though it isnt quite true" Astrid said, rather meanly.
"Dont be worried Audrey" Anaise taking hold of Audrey's hand looked into her eyes. As Audrey stared back she could see this warmth in her bluish green depths that left her feeling at peace... and safe.
"Thanks girls" she smiled at all of them, looking at how gorgeous they all looked in their dresses. Orchid had on a lemon green dress that complimented her eyes and left no room for imperfections. Astrid had on an orange flower printed dress while Anaise settled for a beige dress that only seemed to compliment her sister's.
The door was pushed open, a gush of warm wind pouring into the room. The scent off honeysuckle and spices invaded her nostrils and Audrey knew exactly who it was. Darius walked elegantly into the room, leaving everyone's eyes to stare at the masterpiece thay just graced their presence.
He looked absolutely breathtaking in his white mantle with gold emblems accompanying his collar and sleeves. The white looked so hopd against his strong build and ivory coloured skin. The way his gold locks sat in a secured ponytail atop his head made him look almost mystical, coupled with his stubble and the markings that peeped through the collar.
The girls didnt seen to notice or maybe they did and were already aware of them. It took them a while to come out of their trance as they dipped, fisting the material of their gowns to allow them genuflect properly.
"Your majesty" they said in unison.
The way Astrid's eyes seemed to stay on him as the other girls had averted their gaze let her get a proper look at the god like creature that stood before them completely unaware he was being watched. She wasnt shy to admire her king, not even in front of his mate. She felt no shame and no harm in it. Audrey had risen to her feet, her dress falling to the ground, covering her shoe clad feet from the King's admiring gaze. He let his eyes rest on her, his orbs drinking her in, memorising every curve and every inch on her skin.
She looked absolutely gorgeous, like a dream, like his dream. He felt Phoenix stear slightly, his skin itching to touch Audrey. Even Phoenix's fur crawled to touch her, to feel her soft skin against his. Without warning Darius laced an around her waist, pulling her body to his, her hand went around his neck almost instinctively.All the girls couldn't help but watch in awe and utter admiration, all but one.
Audrey couldn't react immediately, somethuhg about his eyes had put her in a haze once again and all she could do was stare into them, they seemed different to her. Whatever the difference was she had no idea but she seemed to want nothing more than to just stare into them. They brought her a strange feeling of comfort, safety, oneness.
Rippling sensations glided across her skin as his hand found hers and he brought them up to his lips. Never breaking eye contact he placed kisses to each of her knuckles, sending delightful shivers throughout her body.