Chapter 57 I lied
AUDREY
I just nodded in response as we made our way to the feasting table for the youngesters where Lady Freda's daughter Giana sat munching on a muffin and holding in her other hand a piece of cake. Her face was smeared with frosting and her gown stained with crumbs.
I giggled, watching as Lady Freda went to her side an angry expression taking over her face. "Giana see what you did to your new gown. You know how long it took us in the Modeste to find one you liked and now look how you ruined it. You're being a very bad girl Giana" Lady Freda scolded.
"I'm sorry m-mama. I the cakes were all so sweet, I didn't" she cut herself off, looking down at her stained pale pink dress like it was the first time she'd realises she had it on.
"Thank you for that Giana. By the way you look really beautiful today" I smiled, trying to lighten up her little pout. She smiled back at me, twirling even with her cake filled hands.
I giggled housing her hand up to help her, "Like a pretty little doll". Lady Freda joined in laughing.
For some reason she stopped, watching behind me with a smile as she took little Giana's hand, "I'll go get her cleaned up, I'll see you later your majesty" she walked off, a smile still wearing her lips.
I furrowed my brows, confused at her sudden dismissal. I soon found out the reason why when a pair of strong arms wrapped themselves around my waist, a firm body pressing into my behind. A sharp gasp left my lips and when I felt my skin ignite I knew it was Darius.
His head dipped to the crook of my neck, a hand parting my hair to the side to grant him enough access to inahle my scent before he slipped a flower into my hair. He planted a lingering kiss to my cheek making me giggle and effectively drowning out all my worries.
He turned me in his arms, making my gown flutter out. My wide eyes met his amused gaze that was filled with adoration. I let my arms settle on the wide expanse of his chest as I took in how alluring he looked.
He had on his black Kings attire, the material hugging his big build perfectly. His hair was pulled into a mans bun, leaving his broad jaw and defined facial features on full display. His face was fresh, the smell of shaving cream and his spicey scent making my insides melt.
His hands tightened around me, his head coming closer to mine. I turned my head away, my cheeks burning, "We're outside Darius. T-they're children everywhere. Everyone is looking" I whined
"Then let them see how I adore their beloved princess" he grined, lowering his head till our lips were just mere inches apart. His hot breath hitting my lips made my heart skip into a frenzy, my temperature rising and my insides heating up. My breathing became laboured and I could barely concentrate on anything else. It was like we were in our own world, the only thing that mattered was him and I at that moment.
Immediately the thoughts came flooding back and I snapped out of my haze. I learned forward, placing a quick peck on his cheek before pulling away awkwardly. He blinked down at me, looking stunned by my actions.
"Um, can we- I wanted to talk to you about something. Please it's urgent" I spoke shyly, my cheeks still burning and my insides still in knots from the conversation I know was about to come.
His face grew serious, his eyes scanning me for any possible injuries. "Is something wrong baby?"
"I need to tell you-"
"Oh your Highness, my apologies I came late for the meeting" Lord Kerby greeted, bowing to us both. "My princess".
I forced a smile, panic rising in me still.
"It's no problem, the other Lords can fill you in. Please go enjoy the festivities for now" Darius smiled, turning to me but his attention was pulled once again.
"We still haven't discussed the grain distribution to the Southern region, they need new stocks this season and their irrigation systems are faulty" he spoke on, making me nibble on my lips impatiently.
This was my only chance, if I didn't do this now I wouldn't have any other chance.
"Ryker has already put together a carriage that is transporting the grain, you and some guards will go personally to over see the irrigation system replacement and the train distribution"
"Darius" I called out, taking hold off his arms to call his attention. It seems to do the trick as he stopped talking and turned to me. I gave him a knowing look making him nod,
"I will get back to you later, my love needs me. Have a nice day"
Lord Kerby bowed and walked off. Darius turned back to me with worried eyes. "Are you sure you're okay baby? Your heart is racing and I can hear how uneasy you are" he cupped my cheek, looking into my eyes.
"Please come I really have to tell you something" I said urgently, taking ahold of his hand and leading him out of the public eyes to the meadow above the sea.
I stopped, walking over to stare into the distance. Inhaling deeply I shut my eyes tight, preparing myself for whatever was to come from this.
"Baby you're scaring me" Darius walked up to me, taking my hands in his he looked at me. "Talk to me" he pleaded.
"I lied to you" I blurted out.
"What?"
"I had a plan to leave the castle with Lord Odin. He convinced me he could help me leave for the Crescent Springs pack on the condition that he didn't harm you I agreed. I thought I would be happy if I was free, away from all this. He told me to try getting closer to you so I'd be above suspicion. We planned to escape during the Wolf moon but I couldn't do it. I realised that I belonged here, with you" I bit my lip, holding his hands.
"In your arms. I planned to tell you, it was never about acting, it was all real and when I realised it I knew I had to come clean but I was so scared of your reaction. Then I overheard Lord Odin planning to hurt you and I knew I couldn't delay it because of my fear of loosing you. I couldn't risk your life like that. I'm so sorry Darius about lying and keeping this from you, I understand if you don't want me anymore" I finished, inhaling deeply to catch my breath.
My chest was tight, my stomach in knots as I waited for his response. "Please say something" I pleaded, steeping closer I palmed his cheek and stared into his eyes trying to get a read on him but there was nothing.
Tears built up in the corners of my eyes. He wasn't saying anything, his face was blank and his gaze unwavering.