The rest of the day had gone by in a blur, with the preparations, last-minute dress fittings and going over the main rules and expectations by Lady Miranda who had been the one assisting the younger three princesses. It seemed even Cordelia came out of the confinement of her room. Layana was not sure if this was her fathers’ doing or not. But she was grateful to see her sister again although the latter did not even look her way. It was after dinner and Layana had gone to the library, it was pleasantly empty, seeming everyone was busier with the approaching wedding, her guard kept a distance, knowing she did not like to be followed closely and they respected that but made sure she was in their line of sight. Especially with the increase in guests residing in the palace. Layana now skimmed the shelves, she had come for some answers. There were a few things that had been on her mind, and although she was not sure she would find the answers here, it was worth a try if not then she would
Layana stood the moment the door opened, and Declan slid inside shutting it swiftly, locking it before he turned and looked at her. She ran over to him, for a moment it was as if a woman was running to meet her secret lover, but the look in her eyes was not of love or desire, her eyes were full of worry and fear. Her hands gripped his muscular arms tightly, instinctively he gripped her hips, his thumbs massaging her through her deep purple gown. “Zephyr, there’s something wrong with him,” she whispered urgently and went on to explain everything that had occurred in the library. Declan listened quietly a frown on his face. “Then there’s a chance he has seen your ability too…” Declan said quietly both stood rather close, Layana too worried to notice, and although Declan was very aware of her breasts brushing his chest now and then he did not move back. Aren had left for the night, heading into the capital for some fun and had invited Declan who refused, something about bedding a rand
It was the following evening, and the princesses were all getting ready for the engagement party. They had gathered in the princesses drawing-room, as their personal maids attended to them. Cordelia remained polite albeit quieter than normal, remembering her father’s warning. Terania was feeling rather nervous, as she kept on smoothening out non-existent creases in her three-layer gown. Layana had not been able to stop herself from keeping a smile off her lips, wanting to tell her sisters about finding someone she loved, and after all her father approved of him too. Although she was yet to tell him of course. She had chosen one of her new gowns that were in the colours of House Storm, black, silver and red. She hoped Declan noticed the subtle gesture, even if House Storm was a forgotten house, she would not... she smiled sadly hoping she could ease the pain in his heart and help him find the closure he needed, be it in the form of the truth. The strapless gown was a shimmering black
“What was that?” Declan asked bringing Layana from her dark thoughts, she looked around to realise he had led her out of the ballroom and out to the side courtyard, she looked at him, unable to tell him the truth. Would he look at her the same way? or would he be disgusted with her? “N-nothing,” she whispered her voice sounding weak even to her. The night was hot and humid, and it only made Layana feel more suffocated. “Layana,” Declan said warningly, now taking hold of her shoulders, feeling her flinch again, his frown only deepened as a sinking feeling began to grow inside him. “What did he do to you?” His tone was dangerous and dark, an underlying urgency laced into it. “N-nothing, we should return inside, they will exchange rings… we need to be there,” she said not able to look up at the man she loved so deeply, but right now her heart was thudding and she felt terrified. “No. You’re fucking hiding something from me, tell me or I shall ask him, I have my ways to get answers
The Courtroom was filled with tension, hostility, and unrest. The white marble walls felt cold and empty, this was one of the rare rooms that held no adornments on the walls. The King's Council consisted of twelve men from the Major houses of the kingdom and the five High Mages of the king also sat around the oval table, Aren and Zephyr were also present. The king at its head sitting in his silver throne-like chair. All eyes were trained on the dark-haired man who stood at the end of the table, not at all intimidated by the court nor the king. It had been two hours since he had killed Carter, since the engagement party had been cut short, followed by hushed whispers, rumours, and fear. Despite having ended the man’s life, he still felt rage and anger consuming him, his one regret, that he did not torture the man before ending his life. It was still thundering and lightning outside, which he made sure was kept going not wanting it too to look more suspicious than it already did. He ha
The words rang in Layana’s head, her heart thumped as so many questions swirled in her mind, was Cordelia ok? what happened? What pushed her to take such a step? Her father had left swiftly but it took Layana a little longer to comprehend what was happening. She looked up at Declan worry clear in her eyes “Relax she’ll be fine,” he said not bothered at all, although he didn’t like to see his angel look worried, cupping her face he kissed her forehead aware of the guards standing by the open door. “I hope so, I need to go,” she said tugging away. He gave a curt nod watching her leave the room quickly yet gracefully, holding the skirt of her shimmering black dress. She had looked breath-taking tonight, and he wished he had got to spend a little more time with her and simply have been able to enjoy the time... ----- Layana reached Cordelia’s quarters to see queen Azalea step out of Cordelia’s room coughing lightly into a napkin, she smiled warily at the Layana, as Aurelia and Terania
The City of Odairo was bustling with life, glowing brightly, the sound of music, laughter and chatter filled the air, the delicious smells of freshly cooked food wafted by one’s nose. Lanterns hung from the carts of the vendors. Strings of fairy lights and lanterns crossed between the buildings, illuminating the night sky. The Ehlesaar flag in its colours of white, silver, and charcoal grey hung proudly, streamers in the same colours mixed among the lanterns in celebration of the royal wedding decorated the city square . The storm from earlier had cooled the humid weather down considerably and the moon shone brightly in the now clear skies. Vendors selling all kinds of food and drink were scattered around, tables spread outside with men and women of all ages sitting around. The Inns were alive, the doors wide open, the sound of roaring laughter and drunk men filled the air. Other vendors sold clothes, jewellery, or souvenirs with the Ehlesaar crests or small figurines of the newly
They strolled along passing by more stalls and even a puppet show before the sound of a rather rhythmic song getting louder caught Layana’s attention along with another food stall. “I want to try those fritters,” she said pointing to another stall, after all, she did not have dinner and with all the commotion she had forgotten to eat. “I really don’t think you should eat anymore,” Declan said, earning a frown as she stood there, hands on hips “My reason is because your stomach is not used to such heavy or spicy food princess nothing more, no matter what size you are or become I would still love you,” “Oh…” she said blushing that she had misunderstood him, then waved him off “Doesn't matter I have a very strong stomach, do you not know, I rarely get ill, and I can eat like a pig and a horse put together,” He chuckled lightly, placing a hand on her stomach, “Ok Angel, as long as you don’t get ill,” he said not able to say no, he hadn't seen this side to her before and he enjoyed it.