Lady In Red

11

I waited for Lydia as she brought me a small bag of necessary items I might need for the travel for she cannot get off the carriage and help me on the narrow roads.

"Napkins, medicine, water, bread and some scent for if you may get sick due to the travel. And your mother told me you maybe be expecting your bleeding so I am carrying another dress with me. Let me know when we halt."

I smiled nodding as she gave the coat and bag to the footman who kept it under the seat.

King Xerxes was waiting for me by the door. I bite my lip as I took his hand and got in while he followed me, I just didn't expect him to sit beside me again. I take the shawl keeping it on my lap feeling nervous around him.

The mountains were a sight to be seen. It was so beautiful covered in snow I wondered how the soldiers managed to ride their horses in such chilly weather. I was worried one would catch a cold. As we ascended the mountain the carriage got colder and I saw the soldiers put on heavy coats.

"Ruby" I look back to King Xerxes from the view who had opened his long dark fur coat and gestured me to get close. I blushed feeling butterflies in my stomach and scared to do so but gave in, scooting closer than I already was so he could drape his coat over my shoulder and pull me into his warm body. He was really warm. How could their body be so hot?

I lay my head on his shoulder and fussed about their body heat while the carriage made its way toward the top of the mountains. Before long we stopped for a bathroom break at one of the last lodges on the mountains.

As I take the King's hand my eyes fell on the breathtaking view. The valley under and the trees covered with snow but a bright clear sky with the warm sun made me sit here forever and eat all I want and sleep in the snow itself.

As I stepped out, King Xerxes wrapped his hand around my waist and walked me towards the lodge.

"Don't take long." He whispered in my ear sending goosebumps down my body. I bite my lips and nodded before walking with Lydia and one of the guards.

She helped me freshen up and fix my dress before I walk out.

"Sir Russel will guide you back to His Majesty for tea, I'll be back "

I frown giving and sigh, "Lydia! we have been sisters before friends since my childhood, of course, I will wait for you while you do your business."

Lydia pouts smiling softly before going into the powder room.

"I hope you find the country to your liking Madam." I turn to the young soldier and smile.

"Yes, it is beautiful," I answered. My eyes followed King Xerxes and Sir Andrew as they discussed a matter few feet away while I had tea.

"You will love our kingdom as well, the forests are especially breathtaking."

I smile listing to him talk as one other soldier walked towards us and talk about their villages. I laugh at their light-hearted jokes.

"Well, yes our village has had one of the strongest warriors so far. They were all born under the Beta's family tree."

I look at the young man whose name was Mark as he introduced it.

"What is Beta?"

They stopped their chatters and looked at me.

"You do not know what a Beta is? well, it is the Second and only command under the Alpha."

I frown.

"Alpha-"

"Madam have you never read books in your life-" They laughed softly as I smile in confusion.

Before we knew it their laughter was cut off as the tip of a sword stopped inches away from his mouth. His eyes trembled right before the sword and he fell to his knees with his head bowed.

"I have spoken out of line My king, Please show me mercy"

I stare at the man unable to understand why his life was suddenly hanging on his plea for mercy. I shift my eyes slowly, up to the owner of the sword, King Xerxes. Who stood with his eyes in a menacing gaze looking down at the two soldiers.

"You dare question your queen's literacy?" Sir Andrew asked.

I gasp slightly as King Xerxes pressed the tip of the sword into Mark's chest drawing blood. I stood up in worry but couldn't move. I couldn't say anything.

My literacy? It was just a light-hearted question for amusement. How was that offending?

I look back at the soldiers and then at King Xerxes.

"Back to your posts," King commands them and they scrambled to stand up and leave.

I watch as King Xerxes retracts his sword back into his scabbard and looked at me. I look down having no courage to question his actions. But my fear raises as I see everyone leaving us be. I whimper as his fingers curl below my chin and raised my head to meet his gaze.

I stared into his deep void-like eyes as he observed something about me.

"You are frightened." He stated.

Well yes of course I would be, after such an act.

"I-I-" I stumble upon my words but unfortunately his eyes were just too intimidating for me to speak or comprehend my own words.

"I spare his life for your eyes. He would be long dead now Ruby. Be acclimated to such situations now for I suspect it might happen often."

I stare out the window as the view passed by, my mind jumping back and forth at the King's mood. One moment he is peaceful and the other filled with anger. I fear I might have annoyed him in some way or another.

I felt my heart stop as he played with my hair, his fingers kept curling my hair around and I was getting hot second by second.

I wanted him to stop but I just never felt this way before. I wasn't pleased my curly hair was played with, however, he... I liked it somehow. It was a subtle way of showing me attention and I found it most alluring.

It didn't take long till I was suddenly scooped up in his arms and placed between his legs with my head over his chest as he leaned back. I could hear his heart, with all the light armor The king wore, I could still stay warm and hear his heart like he was wearing nothing.

Being this close to him made me feel as if I was on the edge of a cliff. In fear of falling but curious if I did fall, what would happen to me?

"If you need to halt, let me know."

I was in shock at his tone. It changed with every man he talked with. With Sir Andrew, it was stern but patient. With soldiers it sounded scary, and with me...I found it calm but with his causal stern statements. I found myself nodding and obeying without any second thoughts.

We halted for a few minutes to have tea. I didn't wish to leave the carriage so I shook my head at Lydia who asked me if I needed her.

I move to let The King go but he held me back. My face flushed hard as He held me close while Sir Andrew walked towards the window and talked. I was so embarrassed I hid my face in his chest.

"Any casualties ?"

The king asked as he slowly took my palm in his hand and rubbed his thumb over the back of my hand. I stare at his rough hand over mine and blocked everything around us.

An overwhelming urge to look at him, his eyes, and feel his lips under my fingertips passed over me. I see the King dropping the curtains over the windows as Sir Andrew walked away. My head suddenly started spinning as I thought of his lips. My neck felt hotter suddenly as I breathed in slowly. my chest raises and falls slowly as I feel the pressure of his eyes on me.

It felt like I was pressed between two walls, I couldn't move. I let my curious mind get the better of me and look up at him. Into the Lycan King's eyes. Something no one dares to do. Something people were killed for as it showed challenging the king's power.

Black. Pure black with a grey ring along his iris. His eyes were like a sudden hit. It was his nature, not as a human but something beyond it that made his normal pretty eyes absolutely terrifying, I held my breath as he looked at me. His hand had grabbed mine in a tight hold now.

I ignored my fear because my other hand moved on its own and placed my index finger over his light pink lips. They were so soft.

I felt everything turn quiet and dark as all I could see were his eyes and feel his lower lip under my finger. My body was pressed against his, I heard him breathing softly, his eyebrows were sharp so was his jaw.

The silence between us was like the gently calm sea with darkness surrounding it.

My finger slipped across his lip and before I could understand his hand curled around my neck from behind and pulled me in. My mouth left a half gasp as his lips crashed on mine.

I felt like fireworks burst inside my heart.