The full moon hung high in the night sky illuminating the path ahead of me. The cool night air seeped through the clothes I wore, but I didn't mind. Besides, being cold was the least of my worries right now. The night was far too quiet, an eerie sort that made even the window seem deafening. I slipped through the open frame, wincing a little bit when my feet landed on the wooden floor which made a creak. I stood there frozen, listening to the silence for any slight noise that may betray me. When I was satisfied, I immediately closed the windows, leaning against it for a minute to catch my breath.
Tonight was a really hectic one! I thought to myself as I made my way to the dresser. I reached up and tugged the veil away from my face, then reached up and unwound the scarf from my heads. Long dark hair tumbled down my head, the loose waves cascading down all the way to my waist. Raking a hand through the tangles, I raised my head up and stared at the mirror. Smudges of dark makeup clung to my face, a reminder of the warrior I had just been hours ago.
Smirking, I reached for the small piece of fabric and began wiping away the paint, revealing the softer side of me. I then began to get undressed, taking off the dark clothes and leather vest I was wearing as well as the weapons I had strapped on to my body.
I shoved the clothes in a small compartment hidden in my wardrobe before I pulled out a white silk nightgown and wore it. When I was done, I went back to the mirror, reaching into the drawer to pull out a brush for my hair. The minute I was done, I took a proper look at myself in the mirror. Dull green eyes stared back at me, void of the ferocity they had held earlier.
There I was!
Gone was the brave strong warrior, I was back to being just me now, Princess Dahlia Westward. The beautiful and beloved princess is also a dutiful and submissive wife.
What a joke! I thought to myself as I stood up and went to the bed to sleep like I was meant to be. I turned on my side, my gaze connecting with the sword I had hung on the wall. No one can ever know! I thought to myself. It was better this way, being seen as the beloved princess and dutiful wife is better than having my secret come out. No one can ever find out I am the black knight, the vigilante that roams the street at night protecting the weak. No one can ever find out, most especially him, my husband!
Though, it is going to be quite difficult to keep this secret from him since he is going to be returning home from the war tomorrow. I wonder what will happen if he finds out.
Was he going to be pleased or disappointed? Does he have the same mindset like the rest of the men who think women were not allowed to fight?
I hope that wasn't the case, I hope he was different from the others! I thought to myself as I closed my eyes, willing sleep to come since I had to wake up early and prepare for my husband's arrival, one I both looked forward to and dreaded at the same time.
***
I raced down the castle halls, almost tripping on the heavy gown I had to wear. Some of the servants whispered as I did so and I knew what they were thinking. It wasn't proper for royals to run, it was unbecoming. But at this moment, I couldn't care less because I was late and today of all days it wasn't something I could afford. So I ignored the pain in my legs which were caused by the heels I wore, I ran faster.
By the time I reached the grand entrance, I was breathless but fortunately I made it in time just to join the others. The crowd gathered around, their excitement unhidden as they stared at the gate with nothing but expectation on their faces.
I moved to the front, going to take my place beside Marina, my mother-in-law. Her gaze immediately narrowed when they landed on me.
"You are late!" Marina hissed at me, her voice dripping with disapproval which I was already used to by now.
Plastering a smile on my face, I turned to bow at her. "Good morning mi'lady and my apologies, I overslept."
"You are lucky I am in a good mood and couldn't care less about whatever it was you were doing." Marina responded in a bored tone before she turned to stare at the gate.
Yes, lucky indeed! I thought to myself but held my tongue, choosing to stare at the gates that now swung open.
My heart pounded in my chest along with the drums as the gates swung open. Straightening my posture, I clasped my hands in front of me with a smile on my face just as loud cheers erupted from the crowd as my husband Reagan Hawthorne, the bravest knight in the entire kingdom rode in with his army.
My gaze was locked on Reagan who rode in with his head of his army, commanding both attention and respect. He looked just exactly as I had remembered, ruggedly handsome with short dark hair that framed his face alongside a neatly kept beard, giving him an air of rough elegance. There was a tiny scar above his forehead that added an edge of danger which made him insanely attractive and popular amongst the ladies.
The cheers around us were deafening but I barely heard them, keeping my gaze on Reagan, who didn't pay no heed to the celebration around him. Instead he stared ahead, an air of arrogance about him and no one could fault him for it.
A small smile formed on my face when his gaze landed on me. Reagan stared up at me and I held his stare, ignoring the way my heart pounded from his attention. He then looked away from me and to his side where I noticed something I haven't before.
A figure was riding beside him, a woman who looked too beautiful, too regal to be a mere prisoner of war. Her blonde hair gleamed in the sunlight which made her beauty look ethereal. Her posture was straight and confident as she rode next to Reagan, seeming more like an equal and for the first time, my stomach churned with unease but I kept my face calm and my hands steady.
Reagan's gaze returned to mine and he kept his gaze on me the entire time, even as he dismounted and approached me. His huge body moved through the crowds who instinctively parted ways to let him through. Each step he took seemed to echo in my chest as he got closer towards us.
"My son," Marina said with a breathy sigh, her voice trembling with emotion, "Welcome home!"
Reagan took his eyes off me to look at his mother, his dark gaze softening as he pulled her in for a hug. A breath I didn't know I was holding escaped me, I was glad not to have the attention on me any longer until my attention caught on someone else. I regarded the woman standing a polite distance away with nothing but a smile on her face, her presence stirred a new unease in me that I couldn't quite place.
Reagan greeted his entire family, offering them brief hugs before his gaze landed on me again. I stepped forward, staring up at him before I raised myself on my tip toes and pressed a kiss to his cheek. "Welcome home dear husband." I said then stepped away from him, keeping my head down just like a submissive wife should.
I could even feel Reagan's gaze on me the entire time and I wondered if all he was going to do was just continue to stare at me or he was going to say something.
Thankfully, Marina decided to interrupt the awkward silence. "So, who is your companion?" She asked the question I've been thinking and I couldn't help but raise my head up to stare at him, waiting for his answer.
Reagan turned to look at the woman before he turned his gaze to look at me, "She is my concubine!" He said simply and I felt my heart slam in my chest.
The world around me suddenly tilted as I struggled to come in terms with the news. I didn't miss the way a ripple of murmurs swept through the crowd, no doubt surprised by the news but I managed to keep my composure, forcing a small and practiced smile.
"A fine choice my lord." I said coolly while he tilted his head slightly but I turned my head towards the concubine, "Welcome to Iravia, I hope you enjoy the rest of your day."
Reagan's gaze was on me, silently assessing me, probably looking for reaction but he wasn't going to get any.
"If you will excuse me," I said and with a slight nod towards Marina and Reagan, I turned and left for my chamber, not bothering to wait for their approval.