In Your Eyes

CHAPTER4 - Armard

The capital city was massive. Richly decorated estates stood side by side, blatantly showing the level of status the owners bore. Sera stared at the castle in front of her as they rode. It made their estate look like child’s play. No grand crowd came to welcome them as they advanced into the castle walls, not that she was expecting any.

“We will have to make an appearance to the King. I hope you are not to fatigued my lady.” Rismuck asked once the envoy began to depart. An elegant staircase stood before her, tall marble walls and beautifully crafted gargoyles and wolf sculptures manned the pillars.

Sera nodded, getting down from her horse. Rismuck held out his hand for her and she looked at it for a brief second before accepting it. Two ‘Wolves’ followed quietly behind them, while Rismuck led her to the king’s council room.

“Now my lady, we are still out of ear shot, but beyond these set of hallways is the council room. It is the same as any other council room, just more dramatic. Do not speak a word unless the king deems it fit.”

Sera nodded and didn’t reply. They navigated another set of hallways before arriving at a grand door. The guards standing at the door saluted Rismuck before opening the grand doors.

Sera didn’t think she’d be surprised by anything in the capital again. But the council room did surprise her. Unlike her father’s council room that gave a sort ‘Knights at the round table’ sort of feel, the King’s council room emanated luxury. It wasn’t hard to spot the king. He sat lazily on his throne. He had black robes sprawled all over his body. The throne was huge and richly decorated. She wolves lay beside him, giggling as he fondled their chests and whispered words every single wolf in the room was capable of hearing.

Several other richly decorated couches were placed across the council room. In each sat different ‘Weres’. No one needed to tell her they were other members of the council. Everyone turned to look at them immediately they entered the room. No doubt the smell of another wolf who didn’t belong must have alerted their attention.

“Your majesty, we have returned.” Rismuck said deeply before dropping to one knee. The men behind him followed as well. Sera simply curtsied low enough to not demand the king’s attention.

“I present, the lady Seraphina, daughter of Sir Florian of the branch family in the east.” Rismuck introduced. Sera simply curtsied again before resuming her previous posture, eyes away from their not so friendly gaze.

The king, Armard, was a handsome man with strong features and jet-black hair. His voice carried so much authority when he demanded. “At ease Rismuck.”

Rismuck walked away from her side and casually strolled to the couch farthest from the king. He was still a council member through and through. The king didn’t say anything for the longest time, and Sera felt her skin prick, as if thousands of needles were poking her at the same time.

“When I told your father I wanted one of his daughters to wed my nephew, I did not know he would bring you. Last I checked, you are his first borne are you not?” Armard asked.

Sera lifted her head to answer his question but then remembered Rismuck’s words. She bent her head again, waiting for permission to speak.

Armard chuckled from his seat; no doubt amused with the sight. “You may speak.”

“Your grace, it is as you said. I indeed am to be the next leader of the pack by birthright, but my youngest is too young to fulfill the role as princess consort. I have no doubt I will be able to fulfill your grace’s desires.”

One minute the king was sprawled lazily on his throne, and the next, he was standing directly in her front. If not for the fact that eyes were to the ground, she may have leaped back in surprise.

Armard stroked her face and harshly lifted her chin. Her eyes made contact with his icy blue ones. He stroked her neck, fingers tracing all the way down to her cleavage. Sera glued her teeth together to prevent herself from uttering profanities that could send her pack to ruins. Her fingernails dug into her skin almost painfully as he continued his ‘assault’. His eyes never left hers, almost daring her to utter a word.

Then when she thought she couldn’t bare his inappropriate skin ship, he let go of her face.

“The wedding will take place during the next full moon; you will make sure you get used to the workings of the capital. This is not your little village on the hill. Make one mistake and it will be your last. You can take your leave now.” Armard said before strolling back to this throne.

Sera did not know where she was supposed to go but she simply bowed her head and retreated from the council room. She glared viciously as the door when it closed shut before making eye contact with a girl standing by her side. Her posture was stiff and straight, and she bowed before addressing Sera.

“Pleased to make your acquaintance princess consort. My name is Tyla, I have been appointed to take care of your every need. If you’ll please follow me.” The girl, Tyla, said before walking out. Sera glared at the door again before following her.

Once they were out of hearing range, Tyla immediately pounced on Sera. “Kyaa! It’s really an honor to meet you. I’m Tyla as I said before. I was appointed by his highness the prince to take care of your every need. Wow. You are so beautiful. And your hair is beautiful too…”

Sera stared confused as the unknown girl, energetically grabbed her hand, and spoke as if they had been lifelong friends separated by distance. Sera went to significant efforts to get the girl to release her hands.

“Tyla stop.” Sera playfully popped the ‘p’ in her command so Tyla would know it wasn’t an order. Playful people should be handled playfully.

Like a moving train on emergency brakes, Tyla came to a halt. She immediately proceeded to apologize about her long rambling before Sera was able to calm her down.

“I’m so sorry. I’m just so excited that you’re finally here. The prince has asked me to be your lady in waiting.”

“The prince?” Sera asked genuinely surprised.

“Yes! Now come along, your luggage has been moved to his highness’ quarters, would you like to go for some sightseeing or…

“Tyla I really appreciate your enthusiasm, but right now, I just want a warm bed and some good sleep.” Sera said exasperated.

“I’m so sorry princess consort. Yes, you have been travelling. It makes sense you are still tired. That was insensitive of me. Now come with me as I show you to your new abode.”

Sera remembered Tyla say her things had been moved to the prince’s quarters. It stood to reason, after all, she and the prince would be married in less than a week. The ‘prince’s quarters’ was massive indeed. It was like her father’s entire castle. Tyla led her to a massive room with a gigantic bed in the middle. Giant floor length windows stood opposite her, with a perfect view of the castle gardens. She noticed all her luggage had been moved, neatly piled in a corner.

“You can rest now, princess consort. I will come again to help with your bath and serve your meal. I will take my leave if you allow it princess consort.”

“Thank you Tyla. You’ve been immensely helpful.”

Tyla’s face truthfully beamed.

“Another thing, my name is not ‘princess consort’, neither am I the princess consort yet. You can call me Sera.”

Tyla didn’t say anything for a few seconds. “Oh yes how clumsy of me. Then, with your permission, can I call you Lady Sera? “

“I see no reason why you cannot.”