Crown Of Chaos

Chapter 25

I sigh angrily and kick my legs into the sheets.
I was so excited to finally close my eyes and let sleep claim me, but as soon as I crawled into bed, sleep literally decided to say "bye hoe" and leave me sighing frustratedly in the dark, tossing and turning in my sheets, trying to find a comfortable position to sleep in.
That wasn't even the worst part. It was incredibly humid in this room, even after opening my window and changing into a short sleeveless nightgown, I was still annoyingly hot. I felt as if I was burning.
I huff before standing up and started making rounds around my room.
I needed a walk.
I hastily pulled a small blanket off my bed and wrapped it around my shoulders before quickly lighting a candlestick, which I was going to use to walk around the palace.
I guess if I was going to stay here for some time, I needed to re-explore my surroundings and know where each and every room is.
I walk quietly down the stairs. The small candle barely made a difference in the surrounding darkness.
The palace was dead and dull at this hour, and it made me feel uneasy as I walked around the floor, doing my best to view the paintings in the darkness.
My shadow loomed on the walls and floor, the flickering light of my candle casting dancing shapes on the marble walls, revealing more ancient paintings and artifacts. They seemed to whisper stories from the past as I walked by, my light flickering hard against the breeze, threatening to turn off on me.
The silence is profound; broken by my bare feet, that echoed softly on the cold marble floor.
Despite how uneasy it made me feel, it felt great being out here in the cold.
My body temperature immediately cooled down, and I no longer felt hot and uncomfortable.
I wrap the blanket more tightly around my shoulders, as I walk through open giant wooden doors.
My heart skips a beat at what I find before me.
The throne room.
It still looked the same.
The two marble pillars, on either side of the dark wooden door.
I didn't know how to explain it, but the throne room was like a room, in a room.
The actual palace walls stood about 65 feet away from the throne room wall, so there was enough space for other rooms on this floor.
I swallowed at the memory of watching my Pa being brutally murdred here.
There was nothing I could do in that moment but watch and cry as his life left his body before my eyes.
I shake my head.
Stop thinking about it.
I then walk up to one of the marble pillars before placing my hand on it.
The marble was cold beneath my fingers. It felt somewhat refreshing.
I let out a breath as I began walking around the outer side of the throne room.
Reliving my childhood again as I search for the door, which I remember was near the back.
They literally changed everything about this place. In the past, the walls used to be bricks, brittle and hard against my fingertips.
But now they had changed into marble; how on earth was I supposed to search for this door when both the wall and door are smooth?
As I neared towards the end of the wall, my fingers skimmed over a sharp, pointy particle, and I grabbed my hand back, wincing quielty in pain.
I pulled the candle closer to my finger so I could examine what had struck it.
I was surprised to find a small piece of wood digging itself into my finger.
A splinter.
I smile.
Found it.
After I quickly remove the splinter from my flesh, I place one hand on the door and quietly push it open.
The last time I had been here, there was no light, and I couldn't see a thing.
It was still dark, but my candle brightened most of the room. Revealing a small study.
It looked like someone had renovated it. There was a large desk at the front of the room. Behind it displayed a small collection of knives, which seemed to sparkly from my flickering candle.
I twitch my nose. Something smelled... sweet?
I turned around from the desk and nearly gasped at what I saw.
On a long red sofa, sprawled out and sleeping soundlessly, was King Declan.
I covered my mouth to prevent anything from coming out of it.
Why on earth was he sleeping here?
I swallow before slowly taking a step towards him.
My instincts were screaming at me to get the hell out of there, but my curiosity wanted to know what he looked like.
I neared closer to him and placed the candle on the small table, which was positioned in front of the sofa.
On top of the table were several empty bottles of wine, which explained the sweet smell. The candle landed on the table with a soft thud, and I grimaced.
I was playing a dangerous, risky game, but curiosity urged me on.
I held my breath as I looked over him.
He wore a pair of black pants and a white loose shirt, which looked hastily pulled on.
His rolled-up sleeves were stained with ink as they revealed strong veiny arms and hands that were resting carelessly above the sofa's armrest.
His black curly hair is a stunning cascade of loose curls that fall lazily onto the pillow placed behind his head.
His thick black lashes rest on his cheeks as he slept soundlessly, his lips full, tainted with a soft pink from the wine he had gulped down beforehand.
He was beautiful. Dangerously beautiful.
He was a thrilling combination of beauty and danger itself, a masterpiece of contradictions with a threatening charm that draws you in deeper with every glance.
Suddenly his eyes snapped open, and he gripped my wrist.
I gasp as he yanks me towards him. My blanket flying off my shoulder as he did so.
I drew in a quick breath as I found myself trapped underneath his body on the sofa. A small blade was quickly pressed to my throat, threatening to spill blood as Declan's face inched closer to mine.
His emerald eyes glowed in the darkness as they flickered between mine. His gaze hard and cold.
Suddenly, his glare softened, and his dark eyebrows raised in surprise.
"Rebel?"
I feel my eyes widen.
I felt mortified.
How on earth did he recognize me?!
It's been 7 years since we last saw each other; I had even dyed my hair, and the bastard still remembers me.
We stare at each other speechlessly, his emerald, green eyes piercing my terrified blue ones.
I then clear my throat, and he looks away before calmly getting off me.
I stand to my feet as I look at him, and I try to think of a lie.
"I am not a rebel; I am Princess Eloise of Solvadon." I say as I slightly raise my chin, trying to look confident enough to fool him with my false title.
Declan's eyes trail over my body before quickly dropping to the floor.
I was then instantly reminded of what I was wearing.
My short satin nightgown barley reached the middle of my thighs, and my shoulders and chest were bare before him.
Flustered, I particularly dove for the blanket that was sprawled across the floor and wrapped it around myself, curing under my breath as I held it tight against my body.
I swallow.
Oh my gosh, Ruby, What the hell are you doing?!
I clear my throat again. "I am not a Rebel or whoever it is you are talking about."
Declan's gaze meets mine, and it's like staring into a lush, mysterious forest. His eyes were so captivating, almost memorizing, reeling you in with a sense of enigma and depth.
His eyes were so emerald-like, sparkling in the light while radiating a captivating allure.
I snap out of it when his eyebrows knit together with confusion.
"Your princess Eloise?" He says, his voice low and uncertain.
I nod slowly. "Yup."
Declan then smirks, his lips turning upward at the side as he tries his best not to laugh.
"I am not the kind to be fooled easily, Ruby." He says.
My name rolls effortlessly off his tongue; it was strange hearing it, especially from him.
I purse my lips.
The king was not buying it.
This was going to be a lot harder than I thought.
My mind scatters all over the place, searching for a way to explain myself.
"So-" Declan interrupts my thoughts as he lights up more candles around the room.
"Where have you been after all these years?" He questions as he leans against his desk.
"Where did those masked men take you?"
I stay quiet for a moment as I think of a response.
I needed to be smart about this. According to what he just said, Declan still didn't know who was behind the riot 7 years ago. And if I told him I was raised by the kidnappers themselves, my entire mission would go into ruin.
I sit down on the sofa behind me.
"After you ignored my call for help." I start.
I reach out to touch my necklace which was sitting loosely around my neck, the cold gem felt smooth between my fingers as I thought of a convincing lie.
Declan's gaze does not waver; he seemed unbothered and guiltless by the fact that he just stood by and watched as those men carried me away.
"Those masked men sold me into Solvadon as a slave; that's when I happened to run into the Queen, whose daughter had recently passed away. Because of my similar features to her daughter, she took me in and raised me as her child." I finish as I stare at him, waiting for his reaction.
Declan only nodded as he turned around to pour himself a drink of water from a small steel jug and cup.
He took a sip. "You got lucky."
I hide my smile.
Got him.
He then sets down his cup, his eyes meeting mine as he asks the next question.
"But what are you doing here?"
I chew my bottom lip. There was no other lie I could say, so I don't stop the words as they leave my mouth.
"I'm a bride candidate."
Declan stares at me dumbfounded.
"Is that a joke?"
Slowly, I shake my head.
"Nope."
Declan scoffs before running his fingers through his hair.
"You better leave now, Gray. There is no way I'll be picking you."
I stand to my feet. "Why not?"
Declan holds my gaze as he steps towards me.
"Do you know what you're competing for?" He asks.
"This is a bride selection, Ruby. Marriage." He confirms.
I nod my head in understanding. "I know what I'm running for, Declan. And I'll take my chances."
He then inched closer. His face dangerously close to mine.
"Do you remember who we are? What we are?"
I swallow as I keep my gaze on him.
He's referring to our past, our complicated hatred for each other, and his endless bullying and threats. We were enemies then, and still enemies now.
But I didn't need to confirm that for him.
"Yes, I know who and what we are. But I'm still going to compete."
Declan looks as if I had just slapped him across the face. "Why?"
I hold my breath as I look around, trying to think of an answer.
I can literally feel his gaze boring into my skin, leaving me with invisible marks.
I then say the first thing that comes to mind.
"Because I find you attractive." I blurted. "And my parents will be very pleased with me if I find a good husband."
Declan raised an eyebrow. "You. Find me attractive?"
I nod quickly.
Come on. Believe me.
My words obviously weren't that true, but I do admit that he was a heavily attractive guy. He was a couple of inches taller than me. His height definitely starting with 6.
He was well built and had a great physique.
If he was anything at all, he was definitely my type. Physically. Not internally.
He takes a step back, his breath blowing in my face as he sighs in frustration.
He ran another hand through his hair and over his face.
"Honestly, you amuse me, Gray." He groans as he picks up his cups and takes another sip of water.
I smile sweetly, "Glad to know I do."
I roll my shoulders before making my way towards the door.
"Well, I guess I'll see you tomorrow?" I say as I push the door open.
I don't wait for a response before hurrying out of there.