𝐋𝐎𝐍𝐆 𝐋𝐈𝐕𝐄 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆

{Plot 3}• CHÀPTÊR XXIV

When the new couple arrived, Anaise watched them retire to their chambers eagerly and she noticed the clearly unmissable new addition to Audrey's digits.

She felt conflicted, not knowing what to do about the knowledge she had just been so unfortunate to learn. Astrid was head strong against this union and the news about their engagement would definitely anger her to the point of impulsive action. But as she sat there, wondering what would happen if she told Audrey a sudden feeling of guilt over took her mind. Astrid was her twin, her sister, no matter what she did that would never change. So how was she to tell the queen that her twin was lusting over her mate and would or has probably done unspeakable things to ensure their separation. Certainly there had to be some other way to get Astrid to refrain without getting her exhiled or executed for treason and have her cast away from home a rogue.

At one end was her very good friend Audrey and at the other her twin who had chosen a path she wasn't meant to walk on. She decided to tread on uncharted territory and knowing her sister, Anaise was no stranger to her sister's relentlessness. Once Astrid set her sights on something she wanted she had to get it no matter what, but now it was different, now it would be the King, their king.

As Anaise walked the halls of the East Wing she picked at her nails, her brows set in a frown as she thought of a possible solution to her current dilemma. Before she could realise it her distracted self that had been speed pacing in circles crashes right into a firm body, almost falling over. Fortunately, a pair of strong arms had caught her, stopping her fall. Gazing up into a pair of violet eyes she couldn't help but get lost in their soft twinkle and be amazed by the little specks of blue they held within their depths. She could feel this pull, some invisible push that some how was leading her closer and closer to his lips.

They looked so soft and kissable, like they were calling to her. And maybe it wasn't her imagination but he was also coming closer till he snapped out of it, standing straight and pulling away once he was certain she had regained stability. Glancing away shyly Anaise splutters words of gratitude.

"Your welcome Lady Anaise. I couldn't help but notice you were pacing around earlier, is something the matter?" He asks, concern just beneath the surface of his cool expression.

She looked into his eyes, not resisting the urge to stare into them for a little longer before she gazed elsewhere. They were so enchanting.
"No, I was just thinking about something"

"Is it something I can help with?" He offered, silently wishing she would require his assistance.

"Well, yes" she began, contemplating if this would be a good idea. He was close friends with the king and his loyalty would demand he tell the king right away. She simply had to bend the truth, "Can we talk on the terrace?"

"Of course" he gestures for her to go first as they both walk in comfortable silence. Once they get there he shuts the door slightly behind them, remembering to keep it open in case anyone would be looking for him.

He walks up beside where she stood, looking into the night.

Anaise inhales a deep breath, just staring into space as the wind picks up, blowing her blonde curls into her face. She slowly tucks a few curls behind her ear, giving Ryker a perfect view of her face, the beautiful face he couldn't steal his eyes away from all evening or any day for that matter. His fingers itched with urge to touch her, to be the one to tuck her hair away from her face and stare into her eyes.

He gazed down at his hands covered with black leather gloves, wondering, wishing.

"Okay so I need your advice" her voice came, dragging him out of his thoughts as he snatches his gaze towards her. "You can't ask what it's about, you just have to give me your honest opinion"