Breakfast for two
1272 Words
I slept deeply, encased in a cocoon of blissful unconsciousness, until the knock at my door shattered the tranquility. The sound of the maids bustled in followed by their soft chatter stirred me from my slumber.
Gratefully, Drissel was absent from their ranks that morning. My first encounter with her had left me rattled, and I felt a sense of relief wash over me at her absence. The maids flitted around me, carrying towels and hot water, just as they had the morning before. Today, they washed my hair while I scrubbed my body, pampering me with care before adorning me in a pale blue gown. When they departed, I was left alone in my room, and silence enveloped me once more.
“Breakfast, miss?” Lacy, the timid maid, lingered behind the others, her eyes bright with anticipation.
“Yes, please,” I replied, just as another knock sounded at the door.
Lacy raised a brow, her uncertainty evident as she glanced between me and the door.
“Could you answer it?” My request emerged as more of an uncertain suggestion, but Lacy nodded deftly and opened the door.
“Is the princess awake?” came the deep, rich voice of King Ryker, reverberating through the air like a melody.
“She nearly is, King Ryker, a moment, please,” Lacy curtsied and gently closed the door.
“Veil,” she murmured, hurriedly pinning the chosen longer veil into my hair with practiced efficiency.
Once satisfied with her work, I nodded and walked to my door, opening it to find Ryker leaning casually against the frame. A force to be reckoned with, he exuded confidence: tall, broad-shouldered, with golden skin and hair that fell gracefully around his face. The stubble lining his jaw seemed to enhance his intensity, and I found myself momentarily entranced.
His eyes sparkled as they swept over me. “Would you care to join me for breakfast?” he asked, but my stomach gurgled in agreement before I could find my voice.
“Breakfast would be lovely,” I managed to reply, feeling a flutter of anticipation.
“Good. Girl, please join us. I don’t see a guard handy for an escort.” Ryker tucked my hand into the crook of his elbow, guiding me out into the hall.
Lacy, diligent as ever, followed closely, closing the door behind us. As we walked, I noticed a trio of guards stationed nearby. Apparently, Ryker preferred my timid maid as much as I did.
Our journey toward the dining hall was marked by comfortable quiet. I noticed as we wandered the halls to our destination many of thise who passed eyed Ryker with fear and uncertainty on their face. As we reached our destination, Ryker veered us toward a small veranda adorned with a charming table and chairs.
With a flourish, he pulled out a chair for me before seating himself across the table. He nodded to a few kitchen girls standing nearby, and they quickly approached, bearing a feast of scrambled eggs, fresh bread, fruits, sausage, and sliced vegetables. The moment the meal was placed, they scurried off like rabbit running from a Lion. Ryker dug in unabashedly, leaving me to follow suit.
The food was delightful, but my mind wandered back to the man across from me. His face was a striking blend of strength and resolve, high cheekbones framing dark, penetrating eyes with secrets brimming beneath. The stubbled jawline hinted at ruggedness softened by warmth; it was a captivating juxtaposition.
“Yesterday, I spoke with your father,” Ryker said suddenly, snapping me from my reverie.
“You did?” My curiosity piqued, and I leaned in, hoping for more without needing to prompt him further.
“Yes, we finalized the agreement just an hour ago. We will be wed before dinner.” He smiled, and my heart raced. There was something breathtakingly handsome about him when he grinned.
“Married by dinner? I honestly didn’t think it would happen so quickly.” The words tumbled from my lips.
“Do you not wish to?” His smile faltered, and I caught the shift in his tone. “When we spoke last night…”
I hesitated, unsure of my feelings. Did I want to? Deep down, an instinct urged me forward, beckoning me toward him as moths are drawn to light. But I also needed to uncover the truth behind Andromeda's revelation.I needed time to learn who I was and what magic I may possess.
“I want to,” I confessed, the admission weighing heavier than I anticipated. “But I am afraid to leave here.” I set down my fork, feeling the gravity of my declaration.
“Know this,” Ryker said, running a hand through his hair, his expression firm. “I don’t want you out of my sight. You are mine to protect, and being my wife and queen comes with dangers. Fortunately, I have a few matters to attend to in Ashdown, so you will not be whisked away immediately.”
His tone, once warm, had returned to its guarded state. I popped a piece of melon into my mouth, using the moment to collect my thoughts.
“I despise this veil,” Ryker remarked, irritation threading through his voice.
“Believe me, you’re not the only one.” I puffed a sigh, causing the veil to flutter slightly, sharing a brief laugh that illuminated his features again.
The thought of leaving with him was exhilarating. I knew little about him, yet my instincts insisted he was where I belonged.
“Could we travel around my lands for a while. I would like to see Ashdown once more before we leave,” I replied, hoping my sincerity would resonate.
“So all it would take to settle you is a honeymoon surrounded by my men while we set up training grounds?” He raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. “Had I known, I would have mentioned it sooner.”
“I—well…” I stumbled over my words. “I didn’t realize what I wanted, but it would allow us to get to know each other.”
He shook his head, still grinning, the atmosphere lightening.
“You don’t align with your reputation,” Ryker remarked, studying me.
"What do you mean?" My confusion deepened.
“Little princess, the stories depict you as standoffish and demanding, a woman who prefers pampering.” His honesty left little room for misunderstanding.
That revelation was yet another puzzle piece regarding Aloura, the girl I had replaced.
“Not everyone embodies what others claim,” I countered, striving to shift his perspective. “Why not cast aside the rumors and truly learn who I am? I might surprise you.”
Taking on the mantle of a woman who was no longer present didn’t dictate that I had to be her, not when it had been her masquerading as me all along, according to Andromeda.
Ryker assessed me with a keen eye, tilting his head.As he watched me I could see why he intimidated so many. Something about this look gave the impression that he was more then capable of being a man who could end you if he chose.
“Alright,” he conceded. “But you must do the same for me. I know the rumors about myself, and while some may be true, let us set them aside and unveil what lies between us.”
His words lingered in the air, and I felt a budding optimism blossom—perhaps this chapter would unfold far differently than I had anticipated.
- Writer
