Prince Ryker

Chapter 11

The cup warmed my chilled hands as the icy morning air ran over my skin. Sitting on the balcony outside my room, I watched as the sun peaked over the mountains, turning the sky orange. The tea in my hands had been close to boiling when the servant had first brought it to me.  After Ryker and I had returned last night he quickly left me to go down to his offices. 

I had spent the rest of my day alone in my rooms. Worry still ran through me about for Ryker, unsure of how to help him I had left him alone for the night. Behind me, I heard a door click open.  Turning to glance over my shoulder I watched as Ryker stepped from his room to the balcony. His chest was bare, the only thing that covered him was a pair of low-slung grey sweatpants. Looking him over I blushed, turning my attention quickly back to my tea. 

"Goodmorning," I said in a way of greeting him. I felt his side brush against mine as he moved to my side, sitting beside me his bare shoulder resting against my own. I was more than aware of what I wore. A thin silk nightgown that clung to my chest and hips. Pressing my knees up to my chest to hide a bit I set the still steaming cup on my knees. 

Keeping my eyes on the rising sun I slowly relaxed into the quiet. Neither of us saying anything as the sun moved ever higher into the sky. Clouds changed from pink to yellow as it rose. After what felt like hours I finally glanced over to Ryker. He sat as I did his knees pulled close, his chin resting atop them. 

The golden light ran across his face, eyes closed. Ryker looked so tired, dealing with all the preparations last night took a lot out of him. Dark circles deepened under his eyes. 

"The alphas are going to begin arriving today I will be in my offices nearly all-day meeting with them. You're welcome to join me if you would like, or you can stay in your rooms, explore the castle you're free to do as you wish. " Ryker said his eyes still closed against the light. 

"Thank you, I think I will join you for a little while and see how the day goes from there. How many alphas are coming?" 

"All forty of them will be in attendance." Crinkling my nose at the thought of that many alpha holes in one building I let my grimace show on my face. 

Ryker let loose a soft chuckle at my face. "It won't be that bad I promise." As he bumped his shoulder into mine with a grin. Smiling our gaze held as we looked each other over bathing in the light of a new day. Breaking away from him I stood slowly, turning back to my side of the balcony I walked back to the door. "I'm going to go get ready, I'll meet you in a half-hour," I said glancing back. Ryker just stared at me his eyes shinning, there was something in them so soft, so tender it made my heartache for a moment. Clearing his throat I watched as Ryker stood as well, nodding to me he walked back into his rooms as well. 

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A half-hour later I exited my rooms to find Ryker leaning on the far wall across from my door.  His lean frame looked stunning in a pair of black slacks, a white button-up hugged his rippling chest.  My blood felt as if it was on fire as I looked him over. Cheeks reddening I turned to close my door. Smoothing out my floor-length pale pink dress I slowly looked back to him. His gaze apprized me as well looking over the entirety of my form, making me blush even harder as Ryker stepped up to me his arm extended. 

Without a word I slipped my arm through his relishing in the calming warmth he exuded. Together we made our way down to the offices. I couldn't help but worry my lip as I thought about meeting the other alphas. Maybe I should just go spend some time in the gardens. Ryker said I could do as I wished. At the same time, something in me told me I shouldn't leave him right now, there was a strong pull inside that was calling me to stay by his side. Trusting my gut I pushed away from the troubling thoughts, deciding to stay with him for a little while at least. 

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Thank you guys so much for reading! I hope you enjoyed this chapter, more will be coming very soon! Make sure to comment and vote if you are enjoying the story so far. 

XOXO,

S.L Holland