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"I don't have time for this, General," I said with the polite tone, I could. He was still on his knee before me however now he had one glove-clad hand wrapped around mine. I glanced at it momentarily before I spoke once more.
" The parade that will happen is the only time I'm able to leave the palace." Now my voice was reduced to a plea, it wasn't on purpose but force of habit, I guess.
His thumb softly caressed my fingers, his eyes cast down to meet our interlocked hands and he nodded his head.
" We should get going now, I hardly doubt the people know about the little incident that just happen." He spoke, his voice quiet as he got to his feet pulling me up along with him.
"We?" I asked as began to walk towards the door. "Yes, It will be completely irresponsible on my behalf to let my betrothed walk around in the city alone, in the darkness." He replied as if it was obvious that we haven't just met this evening and never utter a word before until this entire betroth thing happen, as if I need him to protect me. I don't even know his name.
Despite this, something fluttered in my stomach at the thought of someone protecting me. Just because.
Am I stupid for thinking that?...
"Esmeray? Are you alright?" His voice was sweet like honey as his hand tugged at mine. I snap out of my thoughts abruptly and stared at him. He sat on his beautiful dark stallion on the saddle, his coat thrown behind his knee as an invitation for me to sit before him.
"I doubt this is appropriate, General." I pointed at his lap. "I could take my horse." I gestured towards the direction of the stable.
"I'm afraid, I must insist, Princess. This is a matter of your safety and, I shall not take it lightly." He responded formally and I laughed for the first time in a while. "Are going to protect me by making me sit on your lap?" I manage to push past my laugh.
He looked flabbergasted by my laugh( Which wasn't pretty, to be completely honest) or my question. "Well... Not my lap per se, in front of me." He answered, a chuckle escaping his lips at the end of the sentence, the sound made my insides tingle.
"Well... I guess I can't argue with a general when it's a matter of my safety." I retorted as he helped me up the magnificent horse onto his lap, Nay, in front of him and we were off towards the village.
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The General is a liar. I was indeed seated on his lapand, I know that he is aware of this because I didn't imagine the little smirk plastered on his lips every time his horse walked on the rocky paths and I would be thrown into him.
"Aren't you cold?" He asked, nudging my head with his chin gently. I stared ahead, the snow had begun to trickle down from the dark sky to settle down on the rocky path we were on. "No, I'm alright. Thank you." I refused politely, it was cold, yes, but nothing I cannot handle.
I hear a rich and dark chuckle from the man behind me. I felt him move and place a heavy coat on my shoulder. "I said, I'm fine General. Aren't you cold now?" I question even when my hands grabbed the coat and pulled it tighter to my body. The fur at the collar warmed my neck and the padded lining on the inside rested in my arms was comfortable. The coat smelled like him, Sandalwood, a hint of leather and a whiff of smoke. He smelled delicious.
"No, My dear. My kefta is quite thick." He responded, fixing the coat on my shoulder to cover my ears.
"My dear"...
I like that name. "I guess we are announcing our betrothal." I joked. Despite my light tone, I couldn't help but wonder what my father would do to me when he finds out I left the palace alone with the Darkling and shared the same horse. I would bleed. I bled for less.
"We have arrived." The Darkling mumbles under his breath as he summoned two thick waves of shadows to flake us on the horse.
"When you will be able to control your powers. You will never need the protection of anyone." He whispered to me in my ear. I laughed again, turning around and looking up at him. "I didn't do that, It was probably one of your grishas having a little slip-up or hopefully not a failed assassination attempt."
He opened his mouth to retort but the music and chanting caught my attention. Some of their faces changed at the sight of the General behind me and fled further into the crowd when they noticed the shadows surrounding the horse.
"Long life to Princess Zoyma Blu!"
"Saints protect the future Koroleva."
Children had bouquets of wildflowers clutched in their little hands. While the others waved and jumped up and down to get my attention. I waved and them and greeted them while I reached down from the horse to retrieve the bouquets. It wasn't a parade per se more of a walk-in where the villagers wishes me a happy birthday and offer their blessing as well as gift presents while I gladly accept.
"They love you." He noted, his gaze conflicted. "You sound shocked, Do you find me that unlikeable?" I teased him. His lips curled slightly in the corners in a smile and cocked his head in a boyish manner which was incredibly charming.
"Yes, I find you despicable." His tone was mischievous and spoke. " Careful General, I can have your head for this." I mimicked his tone and tilt my head to the side as well.
"Well then, forgive me, My Princess."
***
From Author
To reader. 16.04.23
Hello, My Darlings. The General is a liar and so am I. I am deeply sorry to have waited so long before the update it's just that I didn't feel like it. However, I will try to upload more often (sincerely this time).
I love soft darkles here btw. Who doesn't? Not going to lie, I feel this is some kind of filter chapter, isn't it?
But I promise the next chapter will be saucy, not in a good way, however.
Thank you for sticking to my shit and for the 4k view. Don't be a ghost reader and I appreciate all of you.
