Chapter 32 Choose Now
He walked with her out of the castle through the back, the hallways leading to the garden. Their paths were brightly illuminated by the moons soft glow as they walked further out stopping at the fountain.
Staring down into the water Audrey looked in arw at how beautiful it looked; the reflection of the moon bouncing on the surface.
"When I heard the king had found his mate I couldn't believe it and now here she is. You have no idea what you are" he spoke in riddles, staring at me like i was some pieve of meat he was about to devour.
Adjusting my position i looked at him, my brows knotted in confusion, "Why would you say that?"
"I know you don't want to be here" he said, catching Audrey off guard. Her wide eyes met his calm calculative hazel ones. "Although i have to comend your acting. Im sure the bond did most of the work"
Was that what it was? Acting? Somehow the thought left almost a bitter teste in her mouth and maybe it was acting but she would never be able to admit it was more than that.
"Why are you telling me this? How would it benefit you?" Audrey asked, puzzled.
"Because i want to help you sweetheart" he smiled.
"Help me?"
"Yes. Help you" he replied. "You may not know this but i knew your mother personally. I owed her a favor and as you know she isnt here for me to repay it so i would like to help you my queen. If you'd let me"
"How would you help me. I dont trust you" Audrey stated honestly. Putting so much trust in someone who was known for his rotten personality wasn't something she would ever see herself doing. "You aren't really the most liked noble man in the kingdom"
"So you've heard the rumours. I cant stop them but i can tell you i am the only one with the connections and the wealth to get you out of the castle unscathed. Ask yourself this question sweetheart; Would you rather stay here and wait till Darius makes you his queen or will you take this chance sent by the goddess? "
He seemed to notice her uncertainty, "If you try to leave on your own you will be caught and-"
"Darius won't hurt me" she defends, her tone sharp
Odin was surprised by this, it was a shock to see how strong their bond was and if he hadnt known better it seemed Audrey had started falling for him. "He wont but what do you think will happen when the council find out about your betrayal against the crown. The king won't be able to silence the council and you will be beheaded" he knew that was enough to scare Audrey.
He planned on messing with her mind. It wont be as hard as he thought because her face told him everything; she was uncertain and scared. "If you accept my help I will make sure you are out of the castle before the second celestial event. I will ensure no one finds out about it, your safety will be my top priority. I promise you, you have my word Audrey"
She was at a cross road. This was her chance to finally be free but something about it felt wrong, she couldn't trust him. What would a man with his reputation gain from helping her? Maybe there was something he was getting from this, she had no idea.
She had wanted to be free so bad and now it was here, staring at her in the face and she didn't know if she should take it. Not only was her mind telling her no her heart was on the same page as well, maybe she could do it some other way, but what other way is there? Audrey couldn't let the mate bond blind her from what she wanted.
"What is your decision Audrey? This offer wont be open for long, choose now"
~
"Audrey" she turned around sharply, hearing her name from the distant. Greer rushed over to Audrey, Ryker and two armed guards falling few steps back. "Are you okay?" Greer asked, holding Audrey's arms and looking her over for any injuries.
"Im fine. Why, what's wrong? " she asked, looking over to Ryker who had caught up tp them. Her eyes landed on his sword in hand and the gaurds who stood stoicly at the entrance.
"There was a rogue attack near the castle. The guards spotted them and have been dispersed to their locations but its too risky to go on with the party. We have been ordered to make sure you reach your chambers safely. When we are certain there has been no briefing of the castle walls then everyone can be allowed to walk around but for now everyone is under lockdown. Please princess follow me" he gave way, waiting for Audrey to walk foward but she hadnt moved yet.
She seemed to be thinking. After properly registering the situation in her mind and realising how dangerous it was one thought came to her mind; Was Darius safe? Rogues werent like normal wolves, Rogues didnt have a himan form, from being outcast pr banned from their packs they would be punished for their misdeeds by having their human form taken from them and along with it every rational thought and emotion.
She had to admit it was a stupid thought to worry, she knew but why she was concerned she couldn't understand, probably it was because he had been so kind to her so far and as much as she wanted to be free she didnt want any harm to befall him. He was a very powerful king and warrior, she was well aware he could take care of himself and he was more capable than his armies put together bit she couldn't help but still be considered so she asked
"Darius? W-where is he, is he fine?"
"His highness went to check out the threat along with a few giards but dont worry i will join him as soon as i ensure you and your ladies areback at your chambers" Ryker informed, his demeanor one she had never seen before.
It seemed he wore this side of him more often than she thought. He could see she wasnt convinced, he found her concern cute, almost adorable that she cared for him this much but he wouldn't point it out now. He knew first hand she preferred these things dont be mentioned. "I promise I'll keep hin safe Audrey" je smiled comfortingly, his hand coming to soothe over her shoulder.
She smiled weakly, looking up at him to express her gratitude through her big sark eyes. Her mask fell as realisation crossed her features, "What happens to the nobles, the guests?" She asks, looking over to Lord Odin to see his attention rather transfixed on the exchange.