Connected to the King

Nerve Wrecking Dinner

Mariam and I shuffled hand in hand when we left my chamber. My mind swirled around the thought about what Marcus had voiced before as we made our way to the dining hall through the candlelit corridors.

“Mariam? Is it always this… tense here? I just feel so out of place.”

“It’s been like this for as long as I can remember.” She replied. “But not to worry, things will be changing rapidly here. For you at least.”

I stopped for a moment and turned to her, “What do you mean?”

Mariam continued walking ahead of me, “Someone close to you will be coming here to see you. It shouldn’t be too long before they reach out to you.”

Grabbing the sides of my gown I rushed to catch up with her, “Will you be able to tell me in the future about this person?” I whispered to her, my heart thumping in my chest with uncertainty.

Mariam stopped walking and pulled me closer to her, “When the time is right. I will tell you everything, sweetheart.” She smiled at me, turned away, and continued to pull me towards the dining hall.

As we approached the dining hall, my head began to spin. My vision blurred, eventually going black as a premonition played through my head.

Men were charging from both sides as I stood on a bloodied battlefield. I panicked. My heart pounded as beads of sweat formed on my face and hands with the heightened fear flowing through my veins. I scanned the battlefield until my eyes landed on their target. Marcus rode into battle on a black stallion, his bruised and bloodied men followed suit.

Another man whom I did not recognize charged in from the opposite direction. His eyes were as blue as the ocean, his hair bloodstained with his armored men right behind him. The soldiers clashed with one another; their weapons clanged against one another as they came into contact.

Screams from the dying rang in my ears. Tears spilled from my eyes as my hands gripped the sides of my head. I knelt on the ground keeping my eyes on Marcus and the unknown man.

Marcus and the unknown man jumped off of their horses with their weapons drawn. From where I stood both radiated power and pain. They stared at one another down before charging.

I tried to scream but could not form a sound with my hand outstretched. When I noticed no one could hear nor see me I pulled my hair in frustration with a fit of fierce anger flowing through my veins.

A sharp pain shot across my chest causing me to keel over as I prayed to return to the dining hall. Marcus's voice pulled me from my mind, his gentle hands on my shoulders as the smell of salt, stained my cheek. My lip quivered in fear while I thought back to what I had seen.

I listed off the details of the c*****e I witnessed to Marcus. My body trembled. "Long beard, blue eyes…same height. Blood everywhere. I can still hear their screams. Marcus, he's going to wage a war. I don't know who that man was. But he's going to wage war." I continued, sobbing as Marcus pulled me into his warm embrace. Safety and warmth enveloped me.

Marcus let out a heavy uneasy sigh as he held me. "Aurora, you need to eat. We will talk more about this later." He stated, pulling away from me.

My gaze shifted to his. I immediately panicked, my heartbeat quickened as I stared, “What happened to that man from before?” My worried tone caused him to stiffen.

"This is none of your concern. You, on the other hand, need food." He ordered.

I sniffled, wiping my tears from my soaked cheeks. I could only nod in response as Marcus led me to the table. Mariam pulled out one of the plush chairs beside Marcus and left us to ourselves. I sat down with my hands in my lap as I scanned the room.

The flickering of the candle lights in the large dining hall shed little light on the intricate designs etched into the walls and tabletop. The shutters on the large windows rattled with every gust of wind. Behind Marcus’ head hung his castle insignia. Red and gold tassels surrounded a black howling wolf in its center.

"Aurora, are you're feeling well? My cooks made heaps of food, eat up." He chuckled.

I smiled sadly, my gaze trailing from the table to Marcus. "I just feel so out of place, I’m seeing glimpses of a war, my head in spinning. Everything is just… off.”

Moments later, the clicking of heels against concrete hit my ears from the hallway as a slew of servants flew into the dining chamber. The clanking of plates against the wooden table triggered an overactive salivary response as my eyes fell to the multiple dishes.

My eyes volleyed between Marcus and the dishes. I hesitantly grabbed at the selection of richly seasoned meats and lush vegetables.

"Just eat, woman.” He slammed his fist on the table with a playful grin.

My muscles tensed as I jumped, a yelp escaped my lips.

“I don't want my woman to starve," He stated as he piled food onto my plate before doing the same to his own. "It's not going to kill you, I promise. See?" He grabbed his fork, shoveling food into his mouth.

Marcus’ actions caused me to giggle as I grabbed a utensil and dug into my plate feverishly. The metal fork scraped against the ceramic dish as the pile that once sat on my plate was down to mere morsels. Scarfing down every bit, and pieces of chewed food slid down into my ever-filling belly. My eyes scanned the table for a cup of some sort to help wash it all down.

I spotted one beside my plate already filled with water and I grabbed it quickly, bringing the brass to my mouth. I gulped the plain taste of water and placed it back down onto the table with a simple clink. I looked at my empty plate and let out a long-satisfied breath. "That was delicious, thank you, my lord."

"I'm glad you have had your fill. Now tell me, what were you doing in the forest? You know the dangers that lie in there." Marcus placed his elbows on the edge of the table.

I swallowed hard; we were back on this subject yet again. I wasn't expecting Marcus to question my reasoning after we had spoken in the carriage. But I needed somewhere safe to stay, and I didn't have many options. I let out a long nervous breath and turned my gaze to him.

I shook hard as I spoke, "I… Needed to get away from the coven. My family...they had me set up within an arranged marriage and… my sister when she went off to her husband, her body was returned in a box. That's why I left," leaving out a crucial detail as to whom I was given to. I played with the hem of my robe to calm my eccentric nerves that triggered my flight response. I wanted to run away.

Marcus gave me a look as if he wanted me to elaborate. I shook my head as my heart sank into my chest. Fearing him was a much better option than fearing the coven or so I had hoped.

“This coven—” He started.

Undenounced I let out a yawn, stretching my arms to the sky. My eyelids drooped as the exhaustion had finally caught up with me, the short nap I had taken earlier did not help as much as I thought it had. Oh dear, I interrupted him. I thought to myself and brought my hand to my face.

A snapping of fingers caused me to jump with a squeak.

Marcus chuckled, "Mariam." His voice was soft enough to put me back at ease.

"Your majesty." Mariam's voice sounded from my side.

"Prepare a bath for Aurora and make sure her chamber is warm enough for her tonight. I don't want her catching a cold. She's also going to need a winter wardrobe since we are approaching the snowy months." Marcus instructed.

I kept my eyes on Mariam. How the hell did she arrive so quickly? I thought.

With a simple bow of her head, Mariam disappeared around a corner as she exited the dining hall.

The warmth of a cloak hugged my shoulders. I turned my attention back to Marcus, whose eyes filled with worry.

"Is there something wrong?” I asked in a hushed tone. I looked down at my shaking hands. Now that I thought about it, my teeth chattered slightly, and the tips of my fingers had turned pale. Wrapping the cloak around myself, I rose from my seat and pivoted on my heel but was stopped short.

Marcus had gently lifted me in a bridal style once more. My small frame tucked into his arms perfectly as I snuggled closer to him for warmth. A veil of safety draped over me as my heartbeat slowed and released a calming aura caused by Marcus’ attentiveness.

"You must like picking me up, huh?" I teased.

Marcus let out a playful huff and shifted his gaze down, "You took a rough tumble and I’m sure it’s difficult to stand or walk."

"What's that supposed to mean? Did you forget who you were? Anyone who hears your name is reminded of the bloodshed, death, raging destruction and chaos--" I stopped short as his muscles tensed.

I watched Marcus' jaw clench as he inhaled a deep breath before continuing. The first few hallways we traveled were uncomfortably quiet, only the clicking of his heels on the floor echoed. The candles flickered with the small gusts of wind that swept through the shutterless windows.

"I know this may be a strange situation here for you," his voice broke the silence. "But I want you to know. I'll do everything I can to make your stay comfortable. If you want to leave--" he paused, releasing a long breath. "I won't stop you. Just let me know when and where you want to go."

I looked up at him. His expression was stoic. "I-I don't want to leave, not yet anyway." I whispered.

He gave me a small smile, "Good. Also, we still need to discuss that vision you had once you’ve had a chance to rest." He asked, rounding the corner to the hallway leading to my chamber.

I nodded, as another yawn worked its way through my tired body.

"If it's easier, I can show you." I insisted as I pulled my hand free from the cloak. I brought my hand to his cheek and hesitated for a moment. I did not give him a chance to answer as I placed my palm on his skin and closed my eyes.

Marcus' body trembled against mine. His breath turned ragged as he shouted commands to his men. I pulled my hand from his cheek and watched him snap back to reality. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead and neck.

He shot his gaze to mine, brow furrowed. "What the hell was that, Aurora?" He huffed between breaths.

"I—it was the premonition I had. I don't usually have many of those. I-I'm sorry I didn't wait for your answer before showing you." My lip quivered in fear as I slid out of his arms. His hands rested on my small waist. Fear overcame me as I pulled away, leaving the warmth and security of his embrace.

We stood just outside of my bedchamber door and stared at one another for a moment before I pulled the door open and ran inside.

He's mad...He's mad. Oh no, what did I do! I stopped short of the bed and turned to face him. Bringing my hands to my chest, I anxiously awaited his thoughts on the matter.

Marcus’ fist clenched and his muscles around his jaw tensed, "I will have to have a sit down with my men soon to discuss this threat, Aurora." He spat. His gaze traveled from the floor to my face. Instantly, his troubled expression softened. "I didn't mean to scare you." He sighed, "I'll be back after you bathe and change." He grabbed the door handle and swung the creaky door shut.

My heart sank to the bottom of my chest when the door shut. "What did I do?" I whispered to myself.

Low shuffling feet sounded from beside me as Mariam appeared by my side, her hand on my shoulder, "Oh, you're fine, milady. Don't fret, he’s not upset with you but whatever it was you showed him caused him to worry about what is to come. You'll be fine. Now come get in this bath while it's hot." She pulled my arm gently, leading me towards a separate chamber that held a big wooden tub, some bathing tools, and a nightgown that hung over the partition in the corner.

Mariam pointed over to the dark-colored partition. "You can undress over there. I'll turn around until you get into the tub." She smiled warmly at me as she lowered her head and turned around to face away from me.

I felt my cheeks heat up as I tiptoed behind it and began undressing. I shook with nervousness and anxiety looking down at myself, the bruises and small scratches and cuts were scabbing over. I closed my eyes and willed myself to heal my skin. Taking in a deep breath I opened my eyes and glanced around.

I wanted to break the awkward barrier between Mariam and me. But there was something awfully familiar about her. It's like I've known her my entire life, yet I know nothing of her.

"Mariam, how long have you been with King Marcus? Is he always like this with the women here? I've heard so much about him, but something is… off." I attempted to strike up a conversation, but I was greeted with silence.

Peering around the partition, I used my hands to shield my body as I quickly tiptoed across the chamber, keeping my eyes to the floor. I dipped a hand into the herbal scented water to test the temperature before climbing in. A long sigh of relief escaped my lips as the tension from my body melted away.

I closed my eyes and submerged myself under the water, my hair fanned around me when I pushed myself back to the surface I took a deep breath, the scent of herbs and roses invaded my senses as I leaned against the siding of the wooden tub, keeping my eyes shut with my hands still wrapped around my body.

Someone cleared their throat, pulling me out of my lulled state of mind causing me to quickly wipe the water from my face.

"Enjoying yourself, I see?" Marcus' voice came from behind me.

My eyes shot open, I turned around and saw Marcus sitting in the chair next to the doorway.

Marcus' royal armor and cloak were no longer present, giving me a better view of his toned body. The tunic he wore clung to his muscles like a second skin, the outline of something I’d rather not think about bundled between his equally muscular thighs. I caught myself gawking and shook my head quickly. I quickly changed the subject, "When did you—" I hesitated to finish my question as he rose from the chair.

His heavy footsteps approached me, stopped in front of the tub, and I gazed up to see Marcus kneel, placing his hand on the side. I sunk into the opaque water to better hide my nakedness, and to be honest, I was a bit scared that he was angry with all my incessant rambling. I heard a small scream and hoped that had only been in my head and not for him to hear.

Marcus huffed, reaching up he rubbed the back of his neck and rolled his shoulders before bringing his eyes down, staring into mine, a seductive smirk played on his lips, "I figured I could talk to my men tomorrow about this threat."

His nose was mere inches from my own as I swallowed hard and nodded. I couldn't help but stare into his eyes. Now that he was closer, I was able to see in finer detail, his crows' feet peeking from the corners of his tired eyes. A small freckle was slightly hidden by the scars on his face caused me to pull my hand from the water. I reached out and touched the raised skin that ran down the side of his cheek, partially hidden by his beard. My heart broke, not knowing what this man had lived through, the things he had to do to become the known tyrant that he was.

Marcus placed his hand over mine and another on the backside of my neck. “You’re staring at my scars, aren’t you?” he chuckled, “The things I had to do to become king, one wouldn't dare challenge a man who slew an entire kingdom in one night now would they?" His honey-colored eyes turned dark.

I pushed myself out of his grasp and brought my hands over my chest. Fear struck me and I began to panic. "I'm sorry." I whimpered.

"Aurora. If it weren't for you, I would have lost a battle I didn't see coming." Marcus scoffed. “You’re afraid now, aren’t you?”

I let out a shaky breath watching as he strode over to the side of the tub. Reaching down he grabbed a handful of my hair by the roots. A sharp pain shot across my cheek as my head forcefully turned at the impact of his palm.

Inhaling a sharp breath, I brought my hand up to my cheek and winced upon contacting my skin. “What was that for?” I sniffled, tears welling in my eyes.

My bottom lip throbbed, liquid streamed down my chin and into the bath water. I couldn’t believe a hit like that could split my skin so easily.

“Don’t you ever pull away from me. The more submissive you are, the less likely I’ll have to harm you.”

I quieted down and looked at him with saddened eyes. “I'm sure there are plenty of women you've fed that line to, Marcus." I muttered under my breath.

His eyes trailed to my lips. "Actually, there haven't been many in my life. They are too weak-minded and besides, I like the taste of blood more than I do women.” he scoffed, reaching out he wiped this thumb across my throbbing lip, effectively smearing my blood across my chin and ran it across his tongue.

I groaned internally. What the hell did I just get myself into.

“Look at me.” Marcus growled.

I turned around, placing my hands on the side of the wooden tub, and waited for him to speak.

Marcus grabbed my waist and pulled my fear struck body to him and tucked his head in the crook of my neck. "Mmhm, you’re mine. I will do what I please," he whispered into my ear.

"Please... d—" I was distracted when he his hand gripped my throat, my eyes widened. I realized the scene unraveling before me I did not want him to know I was still pure.

"We can always continue another day. Just know from here on out, you're mine." Marcus' voice became husky, laced with lust.

I winced at the thought, pulling away from his embrace. I climbed out the tub. I did not bother to shield myself from him as I stalked over to the nightgown that hung on the partition, I quickly pulled it over my head and grabbed a cloth to dry my hair.

"Where do you think you’re going?" Marcus raised his brow.

I lamely stomped my foot. “You hit me and expect me to bow down to you. We’ve only just met, and you’ve raised your hand to me." I growled at him and stomped out of the bathing chamber in a fit of anger and embarrassment.

Upon reaching the bed, I stood gawking at the gorgeous red comforter. "I’m going to die here as a slave of some sort. What did I get myself into?" I sighed and shook my head as I turned to the fireplace. The dancing flames calmed my nerves. Tears streamed down my face as I thought of my innocence. I can't tell him… I can't.

A loud banging on the door brought my tears to an abrupt halt as I turned to face the door. "Who is it?" I called out.

"Who do you think, witch." Dominic spoke.

My face scrunched into a scowl. "What do you want?"

"I found out something special about you, girl." Dominic sneered.

Marcus appeared from behind me, shirtless. His voice booming, "What the hell do you want, Dominic?"

"My King, I have interesting news to share with you about the witch." Dominic's snarky tone sounded from behind the door.

I facepalmed and groaned. "Why…"

Marcus pushed the door open and stepped out of my chamber. Slamming the door shut behind him as he and Dominic spoke in aggressive yet hushed tones. I couldn’t hear what was being said, but I do know that it angered Marcus.

Grunts could be heard on the other side as I sat in front of the fireplace, awaiting Marcus to return. The door swung open with such force the old, rusted hinges cracked, almost breaking. His head was facing the two guards to hauled Dominic’s body away from the door, one of whom I recognized from before as Maxwell.

I flinched when the door was slammed shut once more. Marcus turned to face me; my eyes instantly shot down to his bloodied knuckles.

“What happened to your hand!” I exclaimed, rising to my feet quickly, I grabbed his hand without thinking, to examine it. He pulled it from my grasp and placed both hands on my shoulders.

A sharp pain riddled my chest. “What’s wrong?” a look of worry crossed my face as I brought my hands to my chest, clutching and clawing at my skin. The chamber began to spin as I lowered my head and shut my eyes. “What’s happening?” I whispered to myself.

Marcus stepped closer to me, our bodies flushed against one another, “Aurora, are you okay?”

The last words I heard before I collapsed into his arms.