A wall? There's no—.
"Are you scared?"
I felt a hand grasp my waist, and I went impossibly still.
Drevon!
"No," I replied, trying to keep my voice as stiff as possible.
I quickly pushed off him, keeping my attention on the horse, determined not to look at him. In return, I felt his piercing gaze on my back.
"My liege, we should be leaving now."
"Tell them to wait."
I was forced to take a peek; the person Drevon spoke to was not dressed in armor but in clothing almost similar to Drevon's. He had dark brown, curly hair framing his forehead and hazel eyes.
"Eloise, this is Garrick Black, my Beta."
Crap, I shouldn't have paid attention, now I had to handle introductions.
I forced a smile on my lips. "Nice to meet you, Sir Garrick." I curtsied.
I remember reading about the Lycan's hierarchy, a close aide to the Monarch was his Beta and Gamma. I've heard stories about Garrick Black; he had the same reputation for having a menacing personality.
So far, nothing has been confirmed to be true regarding the so-called rumors, so I don't know what to expect. He could be a gentleman like Drevon or worse.
But I always prepare for the worst.
I felt Drevon's hand beneath my jaw, stopping my greeting.
Didn't I bow right? Should I go lower?
"You shouldn't curtsy to him."
I paused, as then, like a wave, the realization hit me.
I forgot about my status! Wait status? I thought I didn't have the right to one.
Drevon did not look pleased, and having that different emotion on his face spiked my nerves to no end.
"I um..." I stuttered.
"Your grace," Garrick greeted with a slight bow. There was an edge to his tone, but I couldn't pay attention because of Drevon.
Thankfully, Garrick left us, more like leaving me with the one person I wish to avoid.
"Why did you leave the tent?" he asked out of the blue.
I took a step back to release my chin. "I didn't realize I needed permission to leave."
There was a pause, and then an amused exhale fled from him. "Perhaps I should've exhausted you more to keep you from leaving."
Was he being serious right now?
I looked to the side, hoping no one was listening. The others had mounted their horses on the ready.
"We should be going, my liege, we don't want to delay."
"We're still talking."
"But the—"
"Can wait. Tell me, why are you upset?"
Why did I get the feeling he wouldn't continue our journey unless I told him?
I didn't want to be a nuisance, so I said. "You were gone."
"Garrick thought it was wise to bring important matters to me," he said as a flash of annoyance followed.
"I'm sure those matters were very important, to call your urgent attention."
"Eloise," he said softly, catching me off guard. "That is not the reason you're upset, is it?"
I never knew how fast my mask could crack until now. "Your friend, Rose, was lovely." I turned before I could discern his expression. It didn't matter what he had to say.
"Rose?"
"Yes."
"Did she disrespect you in any way?" he asked in a cold tone, which was a deep distinction to how softly he spoke a second ago.
"Only told the truth."
"I did not summon her to my tent."
"If you did, I wouldn't complain, our wedding night is over. She can warm your bed as much as you want until the end of time."
It felt like chewing on sand as I said those words, but it was nothing but the truth. Saying that out loud just reminded me of what I was stupid enough to forget.
Now, back to facing my obstacle. How am I supposed to mount this horse? As if paying attention to my thoughts, the horse turned its head to me, and I quickly moved away as far as possible, but my legs suddenly lost gravity.
Drevon had picked me up like I weighed nothing less than a feather. He straddled me on the horse, and he followed right away and grabbed the reins.
What is he doing?
I turned to him, hoping to voice my question, but he leaned down until our faces were inches apart.
"It's been ages since I summoned her, and I've no intention of ever doing so."
"There's no need to—"
"You're my wife, Eloise. Any disrespect she has shown toward you will be dealt with. She'll never see or hear from her again."
~•~
My brain seemed to be having a fault. Drevon's words replayed over and over in my head until I persuaded myself he was telling the truth.
He could be lying.
An inner voice told me, probably my brain finally working, and I chose to listen to it. I shan't be swayed by his deep voice filtered with warmth and words like honey.
Then why was my heart beating so fast?
Right, Drevon and I were riding on a horse together. I think I much prefer the carriage over this, but those made me sick to the stomach, and horse riding? It was more refreshing than I thought.
The smell of fresh air was calming to me, and the feeling of faintness was temporarily gone. But I couldn't enjoy this moment with Drevon behind me, his body rubbing against mine with every ride was not helpful either. I've never been more thankful for the layers of clothing.
Just breathe, Eloise, and pretend you're not here.
I closed my eyes, eager to cease to exist and forget my distress. I took deep breaths, allowing everything else to fade away with just the galloping noise echoing in my ears, until that too was gone. Much better.
"Eloise."
I've always loved doing this, a trick I learned whenever I strode the compound of the estate, it keeps the gossip out.
"Eloise?"
"Hmm?" I replied, turning my head as the rest of the world became present once again.
Drevon had a confused look plastered across his face as he watched me intensely.
I noticed something else too...the horse had stopped moving as well as the others. Those piercing hundreds of eyes on me...please don't tell me I was the center of attention!
"I-Is everything alright?" I asked.
"My liege." It was Garrick, and I looked over at him; he had an unreadable expression as he watched me, too, but suspiciously.
I felt like I'd done something wrong.