Seventy
*Freya*
Heat crept into my cheeks, scorching the coolness of my pride as I watched Rafe’s retreating back. The echo of his footsteps mocked me, a steady rhythm that reminded me of my humiliation. I was acutely aware of every pair of eyes boring into me, piercing through the flimsy armor of my composure. My heart throbbed with indignation, yet beneath that fiery cloak of shame, something else flickered-a dangerous spark. I clenched my fists, nails digging into my palms, and silently swore retribution. Rafe had overstepped a boundary, turning our personal conflict into public spectacle, and for the way had just kissed me in front everyone especially when i challenged him, he would pay dearly.
“I need a moment,” I murmured to Connor, my voice barely above a whisper. He nodded with a concerned furrow knitting his brow, but I couldn’t afford to be swayed by his worry. Not now. I needed solitude; I needed to steel myself against the anger brewing within me.
My chambers awaited as I ran towards it desperately. As I closed the door behind me, the outside world and its prying eyes faded. The mirror in front of me held no such discretion. It reflected a woman caught in turmoil, her lips still flushed from Rafe’s audacity. His kiss-it wasn’t just an assertion of dominance, it was a declaration, fierce and bold that left a smoldering trail even as I tried to douse it with contempt. But who was I trying to fool? When his lips met mine, the world had tilted, and for a fleeting, treacherous moment, I’d reveled in the sensation, in the raw power that pulsed through him. Why couldn’t I control my body when it came to him? What was it about him that made me a totally different girl from the one I was supposed to be?
I touched my lips, the nerve endings singing with the memory of his touch. A shiver went down my spine, the feeling of attraction stubbornly glowing despite my resolve. Yes, Rafe was infuriating, insufferable even… yet undeniably magnetic. With every clash of wills, he drew me in, a moth dangerously involved with the blaze. And though I wished it was otherwise, I could not deny it any longer-I was drawn to him, irrevocably.
Grace’s gentle knock at the door rippled through the stillness of my chamber, followed by Clara’s more assertive tone and Flo’s hesitant whisper. “Lady Freya?” they chimed in chorus, concern lacing their voices like fine embroidery.
“Come in,” I managed, barely above a murmur. They entered, a trio of worry etched on their faces, their hands wringing together as if to squeeze out the tension that filled the room. My turmoil must’ve been as clear as the crystal vase on my dresser, yet when they asked how I was feeling, words failed me. What could I say? That I was shamed? Enraged? Or worse-secretly thrilled by Rafe’s kiss even though I shouldn’t?
“Don’t stress yourself miss. You don’t have to say anything.” Grace murmured kindly. “Now come, let’s dress you up.”
With practiced ease, Grace began unpinning my hair, letting the chestnut waves fall over my shoulders. Clara approached with a gown befitting the event-a creation of midnight blue that promised to make people envious. And Flo, sweet Flo, she laid out the jewelry, each piece glinting with the promise of distraction.
“Freya, you’ll be the prettiest as always, adorned in its finest,” Grace assured me with a soft smile, mistaking my silence for unease over the occasion rather than the storm of emotions within.
“Thank you,” I whispered, allowing them to change me into the outfit they preferred, I looked like a happy princess, not the angry helpless soul I felt myself to be. As they went over every detail, my mind settled on one thing: I would face this night alone. I couldn’t risk Connor, caught between loyalty and friendship, suffering Rafe’s wrath on my behalf.
When the maids had finished, I stood before the mirror once again, the woman staring back at me was cloaked in elegance and resilience. I nodded to my reflection, an unspoken promise that I would navigate the evening without fear.
As I descended the grand staircase, I found the foyer alive with people ready and waiting in anticipation. The guests moved about, including my fellow candidates from the looks of it, conversations filled the gardens like a swarm of bees, all of us awaiting our departure. Among them stood Connor, his figure cutting a noble silhouette against the hustle of preparations. His eyes found mine across the room, bright with an offer of friendship and also with something else, something unspoken but felt. He began to walk towards me.
“Freya, are you ready? I was sort of hoping to see you.” he asked when he reached my side, his voice tinged with hope as he navigated the crowd to reach me.
I met his gaze, steadying myself against the undercurrent of regret that threatened to pull me under. “I think it’s best I go alone,” I said, the words were like ice. His expression shifted, a cloud passing over his face, disappointment etched into the shape of his mouth and the dying light in his eyes. It pained me to add to it, to deny him and myself the comfort of his presence.
“Is this because of Rafe?” Connor’s voice was low but it cut through the hum of activity like a knife. “Did he warn you not to go with anyone?”
I could only nod, my throat tight with the weight of his question. I didn’t trust myself to speak, to give voice to the turmoil Rafe had stirred within me. “I don’t want any problems,” I managed to say, finally. “It’s better this way.”
Connor exhaled, a long sigh that seemed to carry the burden of unspoken words. His understanding gaze held mine for a moment more before he nodded, accepting the distance I had placed between us.
“Remember, Freya,” he said with a gentle tone that warmed me despite the chill of the evening, “if you need anything, just call. I’ll be there.”
“I’ll find you,” I interjected softly, grateful for his understanding even as I hated the necessity of it. “Thank you, My dear friend,” I whispered, watching him retreat into the shadows of the castle, feeling an unexpected twinge of loneliness at his departure.
Stepping out of the castle walls, the sight before me chased all lingering thoughts of sadness. A humongous vehicle loomed in the courtyard, glowing with the reflections of a thousand golden lights. Its vastness was stunning, shimmering under the sunlight like a treasure from some grand legend. It dulled everything around it, everyone stared and gasped in wonder as they stared at it.
My heart thrummed in my chest as I approached, each step filled with awe at the sheer scale of the conveyance. It was designed to hold hundreds of people, the sides was designed with intricate patterns that spoke of power and prestige. The magnitude of the trip we were to going to in the splendor of this vehicle made me find myself momentarily breathless.
I couldn’t wait to see what today held. I decided it would be best if I found a comfortable seat inside as people were already rushing in. I didn’t see the other ladies so I assumed they had already found themselves their seats.
I proceeded to the huge vehicle hoping I’ll get to sit beside Abby.