Limerence

Chapter II- The Gift From the King

Notes: coronation ceremony, small instilled chaos (reader receiving), attempted comfort (reader receiving), hateful words (reader giving)

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In light of his explanations, you were dragged along only a couple steps before forcefully tugging your hand away. Yet, you felt inclined to follow him, just, not while holding his hand. You might have been childish with your actions but you were not to be treated like one. He turned around sharply and you were momentarily surprised at the slight anger flaring in his eyes. But when he saw you trailing along did any animosity dissolve. He only sighed deeply and continued.

"This is our last big event, okay? Then you can rest before the reception tonight." He slowed to walk beside you even if you still followed behind. But you weren't focused on his walking speed; no, you were wondering what he was talking about.

"Reception?" You voiced your thoughts in a tiny sound full of surprise. More people? You didn't want to talk to anyone for the rest of the day- the rest of your life even. Noticing the worry in your words, Arthur brushed his knuckles against yours.

"Don't worry, it's really just a ball for my- our- citizens." It came so naturally for him to correct himself. But then again, he probably had had these conversations with countless before you. Avoiding his gaze, you instead widened the distance between you and him.

"So do I have to go?" You immediately inquired. You two turned another corridor. But this time it felt like a darker force weighed you down. A long flight of stairs awaited you two. You stalled at the first steps. Suddenly, an immense cloud of fear shrouded you. Every part of your body was telling you to run. But instead of the previous anxious notions, fear only coursed through your whole being. You were truly so frightened it made you forget about your previous question.

"A-Arthur..." You pronounced his name in a way that was a question but also a confirmation that he was still there since you couldn't feel the warmth of his body. But he took your hand and this time, you let him keep it.

"It's okay, I'm here love," He squeezed your hand only to be reflected by you squeezing him harder.

"I'm not your love..." But you weren't really paying attention to him; rather, you were lost in a trance from the looming staircase. Something seemed to be urging you forward; and unconsciously, you began up the steps. But he caught your hand. Yet, you didn't face him, instead looking off into the darkness. He tugged you close.

"Hey, look at me,"

There was something off about his words, like a certain edge forced you to snap back to reality and look him in the eyes. In the dim light, his violet hues seemed to glow. And maybe it was the flickering candlelight on the walls but you thought the outer perimeter of his sclera was tinted with an inky black. But when you blinked, it was gone. You wearily tucked your chin and defeatedly sat on the steps. He only followed you down, hand never leaving yours. He kneeled in front of you so that he was eye to eye with you. You glanced down at your dress now shrouded in shadows as it fanned out around and crinkled against the stone steps getting caught in the lace. But in the moment you didn't care- you truly couldn't fancy such a heavy over-adorned piece of clothing you'd only wear once. And it was the last thing on your mind.

So, for moments, you simply looked at him, feeling sort of drowsy and frightened- like something was going to come up behind you from the depths of the shadows. But his hand still clasping yours offered a sense of security. Your breathing slowed into soft inhales and exhales. You concentrated on how his auburn hair seemed to dance from the shadows of the torch flames. When he felt he finally had your attention did he move closer and continue.