Nicolaus POV
I didn't feel right leaving her behind, but if I wanted to have a shot at my father even considering this request; I wanted it to come from me before it came from Nyx. It had been clear from the moment she stepped over her father's borders that she wanted to explore what Sobell offered. If anyone could or would approve this, it would be the king. I only hoped that he would be in an understanding and giving mood as I weaved through the crowd of people and on lookers. As I approached the dais, the courtiers and servants all bowed. Greeting me with warm smiles and comments. They handed me a large goblet filled nearly to the brim with dark liquid. Taking a whiff, the smell burned my nose. However, the flavor was sweet as I drank, feeling the liquid coat my throat.
"There's my son!" My father was already heavy in his drinking. The light blush across his nose and cheeks told everyone that he had been enjoying himself. It was a party and while the guest of honor didn't feel at home, the king and his loyal subjects paid no mind. Spreading his arm wide, he gestured for me to sit with him. His eyes darting around in search of something. Taking another easy drink from his goblet, the king dismissed his people before turning his attention back to me.
"Where is your little bird?"
A servant glanced at me, a smile dancing on her lips as she held a tray of food. It was the blonde servant girl from earlier. I could tell from the way she had touched me, how Nyx had become irritated when I met her. She no doubt thought I had some fun with this servant. While I was more than willing, and this whore stripped before the door was even fully closed, I had kept my promise. I didn't fuck her, but I shot a load down her throat. All of which she gladly swallowed up, then left without a word. No complications, no connections.
"She's around." I finally answered, bringing the goblet to my lips with a smirk. "You know her independent side. Nyx did, however, handle herself well. She got along decently with the other guests and nobles. She would thank you herself. However, I thought this would be a proper time for us to talk about something while she enjoys this party you put on for her."
"For you both, son, not just your future bride. Now come and sit next to me. Tell me how I can gain her trust. The poor girl has been pulled from her home and thrown into such an unfamiliar place."
From his tone, I couldn't tell if he was being sincere or if it was just a farce. While he wasn't a harsh king, my father also didn't like to feel as though he had been played. By myself, his privy council members. Anyone and for this, his subjects were loyal, trusting and would follow their king anywhere should we should ask them.
"There is one thing that you can help me with if you want to gain some ground with her." I spoke low, my eyes glancing behind the throne for my father's most trusted guard. The man that was at my father's disposal didn't seem to be there. Either off on another job for the king or they had granted him the night. Whatever it was, I was glad for Ayon's absence. "Allow her some time outside."
"I am not keeping her here. She is not a prisoner." He responded, offended. "If she wants to explore her new surroundings, then let her."
"I understand this, father, but she would like to hear it from you as well. We both would, so there are no misunderstandings. I also request that you allow a guard or two to accompany her on her adventures outside the castle until she gets the feel for it."
Creasing his brow and looking down at the content of his goblet in thought. "Are you planning ongoing with her?"
"If my duties allow it, yes." Sitting back, I let out a deep sigh as the image of Nyx going off into the forest crossed my mind. It would be dangerous however I had a feeling with her upbringing that this was nothing new to her. "They will be fine, I'm sure of it."
"They?"
"Yes, Nyx and her guard. He hardly seems to leave her side. I find it admirable."
Huffing a breath through his nose, my father shook his head. "Some could see it as much worse if you are not careful. You should keep her close, doing things with her that would pique her interest here. Not out there. He sat up, goblet tipping in his hand, causing a few drops of wine to fall to the stone underfoot. "While I know you were not always in agreement with this arrangement, you need to keep things close this early on. Care for the girl and keep others away until you are one. None would dare touch her after that. Bring her to me tomorrow and we will discuss her adventures outside."
With a decisive nod, he ended the conversation.
"Thank you, father. Tomorrow then. We will wait for your word."
Rising from the dais, I searched the crowd for Nyx. Trying to be polite in ignoring conversation while also looking for her was difficult. Some of the disgusted glares and comments directed toward me I dismissed. They were drunk; I was busy. The two would balance one another out.
When I couldn't find her in the crowd or on the dance floor, I searched the edges of the room. I especially looked in the place I know I had left her. She was nowhere to be found. Even her shadow seemed to have vanished. Getting fed up and frustrated with the situation, nearing the urge to stop the party, I was saved from this. From the corner of my eye, a clash of black in the sea of colors. He walked proudly and with confidence. The surrounding air, however, caused many to fall out of his way.
"Marcus, what brings you here?"
Giving be a brief bow, he grabbed my arm and pulled me to the side. "Let's have a chat."
It only took one look, and he knew I needed his help. He was the best tracker I knew and would be happily forgotten the moment he left the room. With a nod, I led him to where I had left Nyx, looking again for any sign of her along my way. "She was right here. I left, maybe fifteen minutes, and now she is gone. How does she get herself lost in that short amount of time?"
"Are you sure she didn't just run away, old friend?" Smirking to himself, Marcus rubbed his hands together and shrugged. "I can help you, but she may not like it."
"So be it. Nyx is in danger here, so use whatever means to find her."
My comment took aback Marcus a moment to register, looking me up and down for a moment before ultimately agreeing.
"You truly care for her, don't you? I will find her for you, Nicolaus. If we discover anything, you will be the first to know. For now, it is best that you stay here. If you both disappear, it might draw in some unwanted attention."
I watched as he left before allowing me to breathe. As I made my way around the room again, I allowed it to stay in his hands for now. I might have a stroke of luck and I just missed her on my first two passes. There were still plenty of men and women who were trying to get my attention, even more after the realization of Nyx not being by my side. Keeping a light tone as I spoke, I never let on that I was, in fact, worried about her safety. Her not being here both angered and worried me. I couldn't help but wonder what she would find. If she would return in one piece or not, only time could tell as I felt the night drag on.
After some time had passed, and the night grew late, I went looking for her myself. Marcus still hadn't returned with anything and the longer Ayon was missing, the more anxious I was growing. Excusing myself this late in the evening was nearly pointless. Still, I gave my farewells before turning to the throne. My father sat there, half awake from the looks of it. His goblet was loose in one hand while the other bobbed loosely with his conversation.
When I caught his eye, I nodded my departure. The conversation we had tonight gave me hope, even though it was brief. I knew he wanted to make her life here a comfortable one. Exiting the ballroom, there were people passed out on the small tables set up in the gallery. Women chatted among themselves, fingers gliding over exposed breasts, eyeing me in a drunkenly seductive way. One tried to stop me but knocked the goblet from her table, causing it to spill all over her friend and ground.
Giving a tight smile, I easily skirted around the mess. Rounding a corner, I saw Marcus speaking to a darkly dressed figure, much like what Marcus wore. When they noticed my being there, the figure bowed his head before they quickly departed.
After waiting all night for an answer and not getting anything, my irritation reached my voice. "What was that about?"
"We found her. She is back in her chambers. She is safe. Her guard is standing outside the door."
Breathing a sigh of relief, I felt a weight being lifted from my shoulders. Nyx was safe. She had just gone back to her room. Tension yet again filled my shoulders as I thought about this.
"Why did she leave the party?"
At this, Marcus rubbed the back of his neck. His expression was unconcerned despite the weight of his words. "There was one thing of interest; I saw Ayon leaving her chambers after giving her man orders to stand outside the door." Marcus paused for a moment, waiting for this to process before continuing. "If I could speak freely? This union could destroy the peace we have. We teeter every day on the rebels launching an attack."
"I believe just the opposite. I believe it will strengthen our foothold. That we will gain the support of the rest of Procyon and finally put all of this behind us. Thank you Marcus, you can go about your own business."
Nyx was safe. That is all that I cared for as I climbed the stone stairs two at a time.
Nearing her room, I barely noticed the movement just around the corner. Her guard stood on the opposite wall facing her door, just out of sight. The urge to reprimand him was overwhelming. How dare he not say anything about her departure and make me worry?
"I dismiss you for the evening." I ordered him easily, though he didn't seem to hear me. "Get yourself something to eat before you turn in for the evening. You can even enjoy one of the servant girls."
Her guard looked at me with mistrust, but after a while, he turned and dismiss himself. He didn't bow, speak or even move his chin. He just left. I would let the offence slide for now. All I cared about at the moment was seeing Nyx.
Turning the handle and trying to push on the door. It was locked. A surge ran through my hand. Pressing my ear to the door, the room was quiet. I didn't hear any voices coming from the room of any kind. I didn't even hear the light sound of snoring. Chills ran over my spine as I reached my pinky finger into the lock and pressed the release just inside of the ancient key hole. A light click showed the door was unlocked. Nearly shoving it open, I entered the room and closed it firmly behind me before locking it back up. The roaring fire cast the room in a soft glow from the hearth. I searched the small couch that sat in front of it. She wasn't there. Then I checked the bed for her sleeping form but found nothing. My jaw tensed as I swung around to the balcony. The curtains were drawn closed; the fabric billowing along the bottom as the small midnight breeze moved them.
Making my way toward these, I swallowed hard, my mind racing to the inconceivable. Making sure to not make a sound, I moved as quickly as I dared. Pulling the curtains back, I couldn't help the sigh of relief when I saw her sitting there. Her choice of seating was heart dropping, her bare feet dangling over the edge of the rail. Sitting there, Nyx focused on the dark sky above as she hummed to herself.
Sighing in relief, I exited onto the balcony. Nyx glanced back at me, her lips playing with a nervous smile. Ducking her head as though to hide her embarrassment. She looked as though a long night had been laid out for her after we parted ways. Her hair was pulled up high on her head, she now adorned a nightgown and bare feet. Nyx looked exhausted as she sat there and waited for me to join her.
"Hey."
This was all she managed when I made it to her. My hand instantly going around her waist to hold her in place. The gesture made her straighten in surprise before settling back against my touch. As the wind grazed her skin, I could smell lilacs and jasmine. Resting against her neck, I watched as the goosebumps formed on her skin. Her plump breasts even tightened up, nipples hard as diamonds through the fabric of her nightgown as she pressed back against me.
Pushing a finger under her chin, I kissed her easily. "Are you feeling unwell?"
Nyx shook her head. "Just tired still. I thought that nap earlier would have helped, but it didn't. I am sorry if I worried you or upset the king."
Kissing her once again, I let out a breathy laugh and shook my head.
"He isn't angry and neither am I. Please just promise me next time you decide to leave, you relay a message or come to me personally." Making her look at me now, I didn't let her chin go until I had an answer.
Sleepily, Nyx nodded and yawned. Moving to get off of the ledge, I instead scooped her up. My left arm wrapped around her shoulders while my right supported her knees. She clung to my neck as though her life depended on it.
Lowering her on to the bed, Nyx let her hair down to fall over her shoulders. It cascaded over her back, obscured her face, and smelled amazing. Tucking a piece of hair behind her ear, I leaned in and took another kiss. She was very responsive when she was sleepy, not like earlier. Once I was in bed with her, Nyx rested her head on my chest and within minutes was fast asleep. Threading my fingers through her hair, I wasn't far behind. It had been a while sense I slept this close to someone I didn't coax into my bed or that expected something from me. Kissing the crown of her head, I allowed my eyes to slide shut and gave myself over to sleep.
Sometime later, I was roused awake by a light scratching at my door. Nyx was tucked under my arm, fast asleep. Trying to get up slowly as to not disturb her, the bed dipped slightly. Nyx groaned lightly and turned over so her back was to me now. The scratching continued as I quietly made my way across the stone floor, my feet landing silently on the fur rugs that covered the floor next to her bed.
Carefully, I turned the lock. The hollow click seemed louder than usual as I looked over my shoulder. Nyx didn't stir, and the scratching had stopped.
Pulling the door open, a slender figure stood there waiting. "There you are, lover. It isn't nice the joke you are still playing."
"Marie? What are you doing here?" I pushed the girl out into the hallway, annoyed that the guards had left the door vulnerable. "You can't be here. I told you we are done with, you can't just-"
"I'm pregnant." Marie looked up at me with large doe eyes and a bottom lip that stuck out far as she interrupted. "I am pregnant with your child."
Gripping her arm tightly, I pulled her into a small alcove just out of sight. My grip tightened as I spoke, a deep rumble behind my words. "I dismissed you months ago. If you are pregnant, it isn't mine. If I see you here again, I will throw you in the dungeon."
"I will go to the king, I'll tell-"
My hand was around her throat now, slamming her head against the stone wall so harshly her eyes could not focus as I growled at her. "You won't say anything. Ever. You were just a toy that I played with until my ultimate prize arrived. What I have wanted this entire time came along. You were a plaything, Marie, and nothing more." I squeezed under her jaw, pressing on her windpipe harder to get my point across. Now leave before I decide to put you and the unborn bastard child in the tower. Watch you suffer, then lock you away where no one will hear your cries ever again. As for the child, that would depend on the sex. Hope for a boy, Marie. Otherwise, it will go to the convent."
The whore's face was turning red due to lack of oxygen. A brilliant color against all of that platinum blonde. I could hear her windpipe creak as my grip tightened. Sneering down at her like a disgusting object, I shoved her back once more, making her head bounce off of the wall. Instinctively, she reached for me as a support base. Taking a step back, I watched as she fell to her knees. Wiping my hands, I stepped over her without another glance.
"Now leave and make sure no one sees you."
I waited a short time, just behind the corner to the hallway, listening for footfalls as I made sure that Marie was gone through the servant's tunnels. When I was sure she would try nothing, I easily made my way back to Nyx's chambers, coming face to face with a dark figure. Nearly jumping from my skin, I reached for my sword that wasn't there. It took this time to realize that it was Marcus.
"Your highness, is everything all right? The door was open." Studying my face, his eyes darted to the hall to his right. "Your future bride is in there alone. This time of night can be dangerous."
"I will keep that in mind." I sighed heavily, giving him a puzzling look. "If that is all, good evening."
"About that." His tone changed as he spoke, pushing us back into the hallway. "I had one of my men follow Ayon. It turns out that he happened upon lady Nyx after she went into the old portion of the castle. We are not sure how she got there without being stopped. There is no way that she would have been allowed that far. However, this is the case. Upon further inspection, there seemed to be a skirmish of some sort. We found blood, but no bodies. We then saw him leaving her chambers with her guard, the one she brought with her. This one stayed put until you dismissed him. Another followed Ayon down to the stables. There, he tossed a sack into the fire. No one asked him why. No one ever would. When questioned, it was given that it seemed to hold a fine dress of some sort. From the looks of it, he destroyed her clothing. Some time later, he was then seen paying a few men who disappeared into one of the steel doorways leading to the deeper parts of the castle."
When Marcus paused I shrugged, shaking my head as I fought the concern rising to my face. Had they had hurt Nyx? I hadn't seen blood, I also didn't look her over thoroughly. She had no bandages and didn't complain of any discomfort.
"What of the source of the blood? Have you found anything there?"
"I am waiting to hear, but if they turn anything up, you will be the first to know."
"Thank you for your concern, my friend. Get some rest. You are no use to me if you haven't slept or eaten."
I clapped him on the shoulder before going back inside and locking the door once again. Nyx was still sleeping soundly as sunlight peeked through the open curtains. It was earlier than I had thought.
'How long had Marie waited to see me alone?' I asked myself briefly. The thought of having a bastard child didn't sit well with me. I had dismissed her several months ago. The child couldn't be mine.
Sliding back into bed and pulling Nyx against me, my hand rested on her hip as I watched the sun come up. Watching as it slowly lit her face. Her cheeks were flushed from her, rubbing them as she slept. Her long, dark hair was tangled around her neck and on her forehead. I gently pulling the hair free. She barely moved. Smoothing it down, I caressed her cheek, taking in every inch of her. The freckles, all twenty-three of them, were faint across her cheeks and nose. The way she breathed in and out was rhythmic as I watched her chest rise and fall.
Twenty minutes later, Nyx finally woke as the sun penetrated her eyes, squeezed tight as she rolled over. Adjusting herself against my chest, she relaxed once again and seemed to drift off to sleep. Looking down at her, I could see the corner of her mouth pull slightly. Gliding my fingers over her arm, she shifted to get away, a tired giggle escaping her. This caused me to poke at her sides, tickling her more as she kicked the blanket off. Squealing and giggling until she was trashing to get away.
"Ah! Stop it Nicolaus! No fair."
Nyx screeched with laughter as I straddled her waist, tickling her sides and neck. Anywhere I touched got a different reaction. However, when I reached her neck, the noise she made caused me to stop. It was a giggle mixed with a snort that I had never heard from her. While she looked embarrassed, I tickled the same area, getting the same response. Unable to help myself, I bursted with laughter of my own.
Three sharp knocks at the door brought us back to reality. Nyx struggled to get out from under me, using a pillow as her defense. I fell to the side with a smile. Even if it was just for a short time in the morning, I was glad she was happy. Sitting back against the pillows, I raised my hand to block out the morning rays. I watched as she crossed the room to open the door. A small woman hurried in and placed a tray down on the table. As she removed the lid, Nyx's eyes went wide. Fruit, bread, cheese and sausage were spread out neatly. I could practically see her mouth water as she thanked and dismissed the girl.
"Please eat as much as you want. You ate nothing last night at the party, so I can only imagine how hungry you must be."
Nyx shrugged, grabbing a handful of berries before going to her wardrobe. She went down the line once, twice. On the third pass, she finally settled on a light blue floor length dress. As she held it out, I couldn't help but notice the small look of expectation she gave me. Nodding in agreement, I lounged back on the sofa and waited as she got herself dressed. When she came back out from behind the privacy screen, I felt my cock twitch. The dress she chose fit her perfectly, hugging her curves with just enough left to the imagination underneath. From the shoes, she hesitated over a pair of heels before choosing an elaborate pair of ivory colored slippers. Sitting at her vanity, she pulled them on, admiring how they fit on her feet. When she caught me looking at her in the mirror, Nyx smiled softly. There was something that danced behind her golden gaze that made me question what she was thinking. Something behind her eyes, however, made me wonder what she was thinking. Quietly she brushed her hair, humming a song from Alowez that I couldn't place.
After she was finished, I dressed myself and went back to her. Holding my hands out, I tried to smile at her with confidence. Her eyes were still distant, even as she looked at me.
"I have some good news. We have a meeting with my father today." At my words, her attention finally fell on me. Tucking hair behind her ear, I smiled gently as I continued. "It isn't anything to be worried about. He would just like to discuss your arrangement for outside of the castle."
At this, her eyes lit up, a smile parted her lips, revealing a large sign of gratitude and excitement. I couldn't help but smile myself as her attitude lifted, and she finished getting ready to leave, checking herself once more in the mirror before joining me at the door.
I watched as her back stiffened, her head sat level and her attitude changed; she held herself higher now. Allowing her to exit first, the one to catch my attention immediately, was Lynx. He looked to have the ghost of a smile on his face, which quickly changed when he noticed me staring at him.
A hollow pit of resentment formed in my stomach upon seeing him. "You are to accompany us with my guards along as well. If you have questions, we will direct them to this man here. Let's see how well the general trained you before sending you over."
"Of course, your highness." Lynx bowed his head slightly.
I took half a step forward before remembering Nyx's presence near to me. Clenching my jaw, I turned on my heel and straightened myself, finding her standing at the end of the hall speaking with Ayon. Anger welled up in my gut, making it difficult to keep myself calm as I approached them. The serene smile on her face looked natural, reaching her eyes. Clenching my hand behind my back, I nodded a greeting as I approached them. I couldn't bring up the events of last night in front of Nyx. If I did, it might cause trouble. No, I would have to wait until we were alone.
Sneering at him, I shifted to a forced smile as Nyx helped to lead the way as she followed Ayon. If he touched her, I would end his miserable life myself.