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She looked breath-taking, the colours she wore suited her, the way her hair was pinned back, her make-up only enhancing her beauty rather than consuming it. The bold red on her lips only making them look even more tempting. Her dress was not the most extravagant in attendance, but it stood out from all the others, hugging the goddess-like body she possessed, complimenting her creamy smooth skin. Nor was she wearing the most jewels, yet princess Layana made a statement above every other woman in the room. Declan's eyes did not leave her, something about her drew him in... She looked up suddenly as if sensing his gaze upon her, their eyes met, and Layana felt an odd sensation in the pit of her stomach at the intense burning gaze with which he was looking at her. Her heart hammered, her chest rising and falling noticeably. His face changed into a frown as he now glared at her, hating the way his heart raced, hating the way he appreciated the way she filled out that dress, hating the way
The evening passed by in a pleasant blur of music, chatter, and laughter. Layana returned to the gathering where Declan receded to standing in the corner with a glass of wine, and Layana joined Aurelia at the buffet chatting to a few women from high-rank noble houses.“Layana you really do set the trend for every season,” Angela of House Freymin said, a smile on her lips, she was a pretty woman with soft blue eyes and strawberry blond hair.“I don’t intend to, I guess it just happens,” Layana said smiling at the young woman who she did not mind, knowing she was rather genuine.“Come let us sit, my feet are hurting in these heels,” Aurelia said, the women laughed and headed to a nearby table, the four women taking their seats gracefully.“There are so many handsome faces around, has anyone caught your eyes Princess Layana? Father was saying his majesty wishes to see you and princess Cordelia betrothed,” Jameela of House Gardain said, she was another genuine woman who had a thirst for g
Layana did not sleep well, she was not able to rest knowing her sister was angry at her and she had no idea why. It upset her that she had hurt her and was ignorant of the cause, and when sleep did come, her dreams were consumed with shadows lurking in the darkness, whispering voices, and horrors of what may come. She had awoken early after informing Rina to wake her before dawn. Once she had washed her face and brushed her hair into a high ponytail, donning a pair of cuffed loose black pants, and a high neck sleeveless top, she headed towards the west side courtyard. Two of her guards escorting her through the luxurious palace halls. “The princess is up bright and early today,” Halian the eldest of her personal guards spoke, he was a handsome man in his late thirties, married and had two adorable children. He was also the most vocal of Layana’s guards “Yes, I am starting my training today,” she replied smirking slightly as the elder man almost stumbled staring at her in shock, both
Four days had passed since Layana had begun her training, and her father had been more than angry, but to her surprise, it did not bother Declan. When the king had threatened him for defying him, Declan had suggested he would stop training the army too. Something that had not sat well with the monarch. One thing that was becoming ever clearer was there was some reason the king was not outright punishing Declan for his disobedience. The latter knowing it was because of the hidden truth, the king was most likely feeling some guilt because of it and Declan was determined to push the man till his resolve snapped. As for Layana, Declan was more than impressed with her determination and progress. Everything he said she took it in, coming back the next day to show him that she had remembered it all. Every morning she was making three rounds around the palace whereas he had told her two. She never mentioned it but he had seen it, accompanied by a mix of guards who took turns to complete the
The morning had gone by like most, with Layana bathing and getting ready for the day, she had breakfast in the princesses drawing-room, Cordelia once again not present. Terania had left to attend to matters with Zephyr, it was clear she was becoming accustomed to the man, much to Layana’s relief. She and Aurelia had lunch with Queen Azalea in her quarters, discussing and studying for the upcoming engagement. With many nobles and even royals from neighbouring kingdoms arriving, the princesses needed to be sure to greet each one according to their status. The queen gave the girls several large handbooks to study the guest list from. Currently her and Aurelia were sitting on the balcony outside the drawing-room, the sun shining down on them. the hustle and bustle of palace life filled the air, and it felt pleasant. The table between them held the large handbooks containing all the guests who would be attending, many with a small but detailed portrait added to their information. These
“She’s lost consciousness…” Declan said approaching the king, he knew she had the moment the energy pulsating in the room vanished. The king did not seem to hear until Declan placed a hand on his shoulder jerking him back to reality. He stiffened looking at the guards and princesses. He had to hide the truth, no one must know it was Layana’s doing. “It is clear this was an attempt to harm the princess, speak of this to none or I will have your heads, now leave us,” he barked, the men bowed and stepped away, knowing an un-refusable order with no space for arguing. They left the room leaving Declan, the king and the princesses in the room, Declan scanned the surrounding, his gaze lingering on the shattered diamonds as if they had been made of glass…. Crouching down he picked up a piece, diamonds were one of the strongest materials on the planet… and she had shattered them with ease. Could he even crack a diamond with his lightning? He doubted it… Aurelia and Cordelia looked around wit
“I have my ways, and besides, you should be grateful I'm here, I came to get the book you wanted me to return,” he said smoothly satisfied with his excuse. “Oh… thank you,” she said “But if my father finds out you’re in my room…” “I already carried you into this room princess right in front of your father,” he said as he walked into the bedroom making her eyes widen before she looked away “So you were there earlier…” she said quietly “Hmm yeah,” he said as he dropped onto the bed making Layana blush again, rushing over she stopped by the bed “Get off the bed!” she hissed as he leaned back against the headboard crossing his ankles. “What if I don’t want to?” he said raising an eyebrow, “It’s not proper,” Layana said pouting, Declan smirked “Well since nothing about me being here is proper who cares,” he said looking at her. Becoming serious he frowned as he looked into her eyes, sitting up letting one of his legs slide to the floor “What happened earlier?” She looked down the
Layana had awoken bright and early ready for training even before the sun was rising, dressed in blue fitted pants, and a white tunic that stopped above her knees, she was wrapping her hair up into a bun when there was a knock on her door, she paused was that her father? Standing up from her vanity table she entered the bedroom and opened the door to her bedroom feeling rather nervous, sure enough, her father stood there, his face serious and emotionless, “Father,” Layana said curtsying to her father, the king entered closing the door behind him, walking towards the open balcony window he looked out at the dark skies. It was clear to Layana her father knew what time she was waking every day for training. “How do you feel,” the king said now turning away from the dark skies, that even now did not dull the beauty of the city of Odairo. “Perfectly well,” Layana said standing a few metres away from her father. The king looked at her, he had tried all night to think of what to tell her