12: Darken: Resurrection

Chapter eleven: Daria

I was shaken lightly awake, Thespian looking at me, "Time to get up, dear. We have to meet my father for tea." I sat up, feeling a bit stronger. 

My stomach still hurt, but I was no longer shaking. I smiled at him, "I think I am healing."

"I can see that," he said, smiling and kissing my forehead. "Can you walk on your own?"

"I can try," I told him, then tried to stand on my feet. I could, but I was unsteady. He grabbed my elbow, holding me firmly but gently.

"Why do I feel like you are always taking care of me?" I asked, my voice soft, almost vulnerable.

"That's because I am," he smiled. "And I wouldn't have it any other way."

His words warmed me, giving me the strength to take another step. We walked together, his hand steadying me as we made our way through the dimly lit hallways.

"Thank you, Thespian," I whispered, feeling a wave of gratitude wash over me. "For everything."

He squeezed my elbow gently. "It's my honor," he replied, leading me towards the sunlight streaming through the grand doors ahead. "Now, let's get you some tea and some sunshine."

We stepped out into the garden, Draus sitting at a round table just big enough for three, sipping on tea. It was a strange sight. We bowed to him. "You're late," he growled.

"That was my fault," I spoke softly. "I ended up falling asleep, my body needed some time to heal."

"Sit," he ordered. We did as we were told. There was no way for Thespian to sit between us anymore; we were all next to each other. "Help yourselves to tea and treats."

I quickly poured myself a cup of tea, adding nothing to it, and took a sip. The warmth of the tea spread through me, offering a brief comfort amidst the tension.

"So, for your wedding, you are to constamate the marriage in the throne room, in front of everyone," he started, "i will also be taking Astraea at this time, in front of all to see how i conqured the leader of their nations. then the fairy and the succubus will be put to death. after all of that i will name you my heir and announce that Althaeon is no son of mine and all Darkens are to be labled traitors and killed on sight."

i could feel my face going pale, i looked to Thespian, he had his jaw locked. 

"inless you would rather i take her here and now," Draus smiled to his son, "any issues with this?"

Thespian clenced his fists, body starting to shake. i place my hand on his, he looked to me. 

"it sounds perfect," i told Draus, smile on my face, "sounds like a grand affair with a wonderful show."

"thats what i thought," he smiled, "i knew you would be fine after that poision, you have great potential by our side, are you sure you wont be my partner instead."

"i would never dream of it," i said piolitly, "i am madly in love with your son here, but i do appricate the offer your majesty."

"well said," he raised his cup and took a sip, "either way, you will be a member of the family after today, i hope to see great things from you, unlike my useless son here."

i squeezed Thespians hand, trying to assure him that everything was okay. 

"drink, enjoy some treats," he motioned to the table. 

i poured Thespian a cup of tea, he drank it in one go.

"oh, did i forget to mention," Draus smiled, "the tea is laced with a paticular aphrodisac that works best on dragons." he stood to his feet, "ill leave you two love birds to it." he then left us is the garden alone. 

i looked to Thespian, his face was red, he started to breath heavilly, it was working already.

"Thespian?" i asked, standing to my feet.

i could see through his breaches that he was hard. "Thespian, please."

he walked towards me, grabbing my by the throat and pulling me in for a kiss, pulling my hair. he let go of my hair, then pulled my dress down, thankfully not ripping it. he then fiddled with his belt pulling his breaches down. 

i tired to pull away, but as always, he was too strong. he lifted me onto the table, pushing everything off of it as he kissed my neck, going down it to my breasts. he pushed me back onto the table, his penis ready to enter.

i could feel tears falling from my face, he paused, looking into my eyes, "Daria?" he muttered, stepping back. "what? what did i do?" he fell to his knees.

i rushed to him, wrapping my arms around him, hugging him from behind, "its okay, your okay."

he turned his head to look at me, "your more worried about me then yourself?"

"of course i am," i told him between sobs, "i will always put you first."

he looked around the garden, spotting my dress, he stood to his feet and grabbed it, bringing it back to me, i took it and slipped back into it. "thank you."

"this royal life is not you." he told me, looking at the back of the garden, "the exit is back there, go, if he comes i will hold him back."

"im not leaving without you." i said, grabbing his hand, "i cannot leave."

"if you dont..." his eyes looked sad, "what he plans to do tonight...to have us do, in front of thousands of people...."

"i dont care." i told him, "he can do what he wants to me, as long as i can stay by your side."

"Daria..." he muttered, "i plan to kill myself at the wedding, killing him in the process. nothing you say or do will change that, i dont want you to see it."

I gaze up at the palace, noticing Draus peering out the window with a look of dissatisfaction on his face.