(RAYA'S POV)
My heart is beating fast even after he left. His presence never fails to startle me. I wonder what brought him here today. Did he notice something? Did I get caught?
My chain of thoughts break as I hear Eryx's cries. I pick him up and cradle him back to sleep. My gaze flickers to the moon.
I sense something ominous approaching soon…May God protect us…
I twisted and turned on my bed for the rest of the night, the heaviness in my heart feels more imposing. As I entered the Royal Palace the next day, my eyes darted towards the Crown Prince's wing. But I know I need to report to her Majesty first and it'll raise suspicion if I go to the Prince's wing without having any proper reasons.
He has told me to meet in the imperial library because it's a more inconspicuous place. The guards lead me inside her Majesty's wing and I walk up to her chamber, knocking gently. Her maid lets me in and I bow, greeting her with utmost respect.
She smiles at me, “I hope you're having a lovely morning. You don't need to bow every time, Dear. You're like a daughter to me. Leave the formal things for when we're in public.”
“Your Majesty, I'm thankful for your generosity,” I smile back at her. She is always so kind and sweet to everyone.
“Dear, can you bring me that hairpin from the vanity?” She says while fixing her hair.
“Sure, your Majesty,” I brought her the ruby hairpin. “Help me put it on please,” I get behind her and carefully place the hairpin in her bun. She gets up and heads for the balcony.
“Come, have a cup of tea with me,” she invites me as she sits down on the sofa. I obey her and sit down. The maid pours us tea and I wait for her Majesty to pick up her tea.
She seems to be worried about something. Out of curiosity, I end up asking her, “Is something bothering you, your Majesty?”
She snaps out of her thoughts, “Oh it's nothing, I was thinking about Icarus's ascension. I wonder when he'll choose a wife and ascend to the throne with her. The more time goes by, the more worried I grow for his safety,” she shakes her head and takes Eryx from Dana. He's lost in his own world, babbling away. “I hope he gets married soon. I want to play like this with an adorable grandson.”
She pokes his little nose and he giggles. “Your Majesty, do you have anyone in mind for his Highness?” I ask, wanting to learn about her preference.
“Well, of course someone who'd be strong-willed and can handle the pressure of the Crown. And someone sweet and caring like you. You're so beautiful and graceful,” she pats my shoulder with motherly affection.
“You praise me too much,” I mumble shyly, “but I'm grateful to have your good graces upon me.”
“Always the polite one. I like your childlike innocence. The ladies of the court often try to win my favour by pretending to like me. Your reaction seems genuine. I can tell from your knowledge that you’re not clueless. I appreciate a lady with manners and a good head on her shoulders. You're a breath of fresh air in this polluted game of nobility,” she finishes her tea and puts down the cup.
We go through some internal affairs of the Palace together, fixing some mishaps and organising the workforce. We finished work by lunch time and proceeded to have lunch together.
“I shall excuse myself to a short nap now. It is hard to maintain good health at my age without proper sleep,” she heads to her bedchambers. I make my way to the library, wondering if his Highness will be there.
Surprisingly, he was. I approach and greet him, “Good afternoon, your Highness.”
His face breaks into a smile as his eyes land on me, “I missed you so much,” he pulls me close, my head resting against his chest, “don't be so formal here. I want to hear you saying my name,” he tucks a stray piece of hair behind my ear.
“I…Icarus,” I whisper out faintly, he gently touches my chin and tilts my head up, intently looking into my eyes. He slightly bends forward, his lips find mine in a heated kiss, our tongues dancing together in a sensual ballet. The taste of him is intoxicating, the flavour of mint and man mingling on my taste buds. His arms pull me closer to him, his hands roaming over my body caressingly.
I can feel his heart pounding against my chest, its rhythm mirroring the beat of my own heart. His kisses trail down my neck, leaving a trail of fire in their wake. My breath hitch in my throat as I feel his teeth nipping gently at my earlobe.
Their bodies pressed flush against each other, the heat between them nearly unbearable. Suddenly the realisation hits me. We cannot get lost in passion at this stage.
“Icarus…” I whisper softly, he slowly retreats, his gaze is clouded. I can sense his desire for me, but we need to be careful.
“We can't, not now,” I whisper, panting from our earlier venture. “I understand, I apologise for crossing a line without your permission,” he presses a kiss to my forehead, “I'll be more careful till I can officially make you mine.”
His touch lingers on my skin as he pulls away, his gaze is still full of passion and need. I bite my lip and say, “I should head back now, it's almost time for her Majesty to wake up.”
“Have a great day and never forget…,” he pauses and holds my hand,
"Your presence lights up the room with an effortless grace; every feature of yours tells a story of beauty and strength.”
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Oops, I'm not dead yet. How are you guys doing?
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Flower
Fantasía"Your Father has chosen your husband. He'll now lift your veil. So behave yourself," she squeezes my shoulder reassuringly. I keep my gaze down as I wait in anticipation, clutching my hands tightly to stop my body from trembling. Mother has always t...
