Chapter 426 Near

Chapter 426 Near
Audrey sat in her study with Marchioness Cordelia, going over plans for the palace defenses. A footman entered and bowed low. “Lord Ryker requests an audience with Her Majesty.”

“Let him in,” Audrey replied.

The footman left and returned moments later with Ryker. He bowed to both women.
“My Queen.”

“Is there a problem, Ryker?” Audrey asked, leaning forward with concern.

Ryker nodded, his shoulders tight. “With the Blood Moon approaching, I came to ask if I can bring my mate, Elara, to the palace along with her mother and sister. It would ease my mind during the battle, knowing they’re safe.”

Audrey smiled warmly. “Of course. But you must leave at once and move quickly, before the Oracle hears of your departure at such a critical time. Bring your mate to safety.”

Ryker’s face brightened. He bowed again, relief clear in his posture. “Of course. Thank you, my queen.” He turned and hurried out.

Cordelia turned to Audrey, her hands folded tightly in her lap. “It is really happening.”

Audrey nodded, her expression serious. It had been three days since Darius left, and she missed him terribly. The weight of it sat heavy on her chest. “It is.”

Ryker rushed into the courtyard, his boots striking the stone hard. “Let us ride out!” he ordered the coachmen. He climbed into the lead carriage. The driver snapped the reins, and the carriage rolled forward, followed by another carriage and a caravan for luggage. Ryker sat inside, tapping his gloved fingers on his knee, impatient to see Elara.

The journey took several hours over rough roads. When the carriages finally stopped outside the modest cottage, Ryker stepped out quickly. He walked to the door and knocked three times, his heart beating faster.

Augustine opened the door. Her face lit up when she saw him. She pulled him down into a warm hug. “Welcome, son.”

Ryker relaxed into her arms for a moment. “How are you, Augustine?”

She pulled back and cupped his cheek gently. “I am alright. I need to speak with you, Elara, and Camilla. May I come inside?”

“Of course, son.” Augustine stepped aside.

Ryker entered the small cottage. Camilla and Elara were sitting near the hearth. The moment Elara saw him, she stood and rushed into his arms, wrapping hers around his neck and pulling him down. Ryker chuckled softly and wrapped his arms around her waist, holding her close.

“Hi, Ryker,” Camilla greeted with a smile, setting down her sewing needle.

“Nice to see you again, Camilla,” Ryker replied.
He breathed in Elara’s scent, brushing his lips along her neck. Elara giggled and pulled back slightly.

“I missed you,” she murmured.

“I missed you too, rosebud.” Ryker smiled and tucked a stray lock of her red hair behind her ear. He looked at her like it had been years, her freckled cheeks, bright blue eyes, and soft lips.
“I have some news.”

Elara’s smile faded a little. “What news?”

“The Blood Moon is near. We have made arrangements at the palace with protection spells to keep the prince and princess safe. I want to bring all of you there too, so I can protect you.”

“Wow. I did not think it would be so close,” Elara responded. “Do we pack now?”

Ryker nodded. “I have a caravan waiting outside to carry your belongings. But we must hurry before the Oracle realizes I am gone.”

Augustine stood. “Come, Camilla. Let us pack our things.”

Augustine and Camilla left the room, leaving Ryker and Elara alone. Elara looked up at him.
“How is Her Majesty holding up?”

“She is trying her best to stay strong for the children,” Ryker explained, his voice low. “But the king’s absence is weighing on her, along with the pressure to be the one who stops the darkness.”

“I can only imagine what she is going through,” Elara admitted softly. “Is there any way to ease her worries?”

Ryker shook his head slightly and caressed her cheek with his thumb. “We just need to pray everything goes as planned. That we can subdue the wolf long enough for the queen to banish the darkness and bring the king back.”

Elara leaned into his touch. “Come, let me pack as well.”

She took his hand and led him to her small room. Ryker helped her fold dresses and cloaks into wooden chests. He carefully placed her jewelry boxes inside too.

When they finished the main packing, Ryker took both of Elara’s hands in his. He pressed a kiss to her knuckles, looking up at her.
“Would you mind staying in my chambers with me, rosebud?”

Elara blinked, surprised. She stayed quiet for a few moments, thinking. Then she nodded, a shy smile spreading across her face. “Okay.”

Ryker leaned down and captured her lips in a deep kiss. His hands slipped around her waist, pulling her tightly against him. Elara melted into the kiss, her arms wrapping around his neck. For a moment, the packing was completely forgotten.

A knock sounded on the door.
Elara pulled back, but Ryker refused to let go, his arms still firm around her. “Ryker, we are finished packing,” Camilla called from the other side.

“Ryker, we are going to be late, remember,” Elara reminded him, pressing her hand gently against his chest.

Ryker groaned, resting his forehead against hers. “The Oracle won’t mind if we are a few minutes late.”

“We are coming out!” Elara shouted to Camilla.
She turned back to Ryker with a playful look. “The sooner we leave, the sooner I can get settled into your room.”

Ryker thought about it, then reluctantly let her go. He couldn’t resist pinching her sides first. Elara giggled and smacked his chest lightly.
They joined the others in the main room. The chests were already being carried out to the caravan by the coachmen. Augustine looked around the cottage one last time, a mix of nerves and excitement on her face.

“Are we really going to live in the palace?” Camilla asked as they stepped outside.