In the kingdom of Aeziris, a rebellion is rising, but its reins are not in the hands of its citizens. With a fine string entwining her heart with that of its chieftain, Esméralda must walk a knife-edge while navigating her way through a palace of ma...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
✿
E s m é r a l d a A l b y
It happened too fast for me to comprehend. Aedric grabbed my wrist, darting towards the work rooms when Mr. Clark said something, and now we were squeezed under the counter, with me halfway in Aedric's lap, somehow taming our erratic hearts, when the Duchess walked in. Mr. Clark stood from his seat for a respectful bow. Good he was standing; he couldn't see the awkward position we were in.
"How may I help you, Lady?"
I was panting, audibly so. Aedric demonstrated slower breaths, conveying me that I needed to quieten. How was he so gathered? I needed to exercise more; I couldn't handle a little run. I nodded, covering my mouth. He removed my hand, shaking his head, and guided me to more organized breathing instead. I nodded again, following.
"She's Lady Celeste, Sir, Duchess of Ursuley." Charlotte. Shit.
Mr. Clark gave a nod of acknowledgement.
"I am Harry Clark, owner of this botique. How can I be of assistance, Duchess Celeste?"
"Finally someone who knows how to treat a Duchess. That useless friend of yours, Charcoal, could learn a lesson or two." Lady Celeste said. "Don't mind me, Mr. Harry. The palace sure has some infuriating people."
"I understand."
'I hate her,' I mouthed to Aedric, my breath stopping for a moment. He was so close, looking the same as he did in candlelight day-before-yesterday. His touch was ethereal beauty then; so loving, my heart still sped at the thought.
"I want a gown tailored before the day of announcement. Show me your best designs."
The amber in his eyes was lit with passion. Did he see the same in my dull eyes?
"I don't believe I'll be able to deliver by the day you say. My staff is continually preoccupied until then."
I melted into him. Just kiss me.
"Don't you understand it, Mr. Harry? I want to wear purple, complimenting my Prince Aedric for the dance after he announces me as his bride, and you're the only one in the kingdom who has purple fabric, and know what his coat looks like to sew me a gown the same."
Our lips touched, hands going places for a better hold.
"Bride, you say," then Aedric bounced back, the top of the counter hitting his head with an involuntary murmur of ow. I concealed my laughter as Mr. Clark kicked him again, soft enough to be playfully harmless.
"No funny business in my shop."
'Old man,' Aedric mouthed irritatingly, rubbing the side of his thigh. I kissed his cheek. It took away his irritation, and I settled, almost comfortably now, in his arms after sharing a peck on lips.
