Bride To His Darkness-Chapter 305: Mate?

Back in the camp, Duncan sat before a table in his tent. The air carried the scent of ancient leather and candle wax, a salient testament to the weapon forgery he practically indulged in. Clad in his intricate black robe that seemed to absorb even the tiniest bit of light, he gripped the spike-filled chain from the table, whilst his eyes measured it with a calculated intensity, his mind pondering on how to enhance the already lethal capabilities of Ivan’s chains.

Lucy was seated at the far end of his tent. Since she had been assigned to look out for Duncan in case he needed anything, that gave her the privilege to step into his tent. She was busy packing up the necessities that would be needed for tonight’s journey, but her eyes could not leave the beautiful man who was concentrated on nothing but the chain in his grip.

His chiseled jawline, defined by the soft glow of the candle on his table, accentuated the regal air that surrounded him. His long dark hair was tied in an elegant ponytail, whilst they cascaded down his broad shoulders. Duncan’s intense concentration only added to his allure, and Lucy found herself mesmerized by the subtle play of emotions on his handsome face. Her eyes followed his defined finger as he picked up a vial and coated the spikes with its essence, causing shadows to dance and writhe around it.

The very air seemed to recoil from the weapon’s dark influence, whilst he seemed satisfied but never complacent.

A soft sigh escaped Lucy’s lips, betraying the unspoken admiration that had taken root, and she instinctively covered her mouth with her palm. Lucy wasn’t sure if her sigh had been too audible, but her worries were immediately confirmed when Duncan turned his head to look at her, catching her dreamy stare. Like a startled doe caught in the moonlit gaze of a powerful, alluring predator, Lucy pretended to hum and lowered her gaze to the clothes she was folding.

She looked like a book with its pages suddenly closed, concealing the unspoken stories and emotions within.

Was he angry? She asked herself while humming continuously, unable to lift her gaze and confirm if he was still staring in her direction. That sigh had slipped without restraint, she hardly even detected it and now she suddenly felt like a fool that had been caught doing something inappropriate. Inappropriate was her style, but it hits differently when a man she likes sees her gazing at him in that kind of manner... or maybe she should stop for now and leave?

That seemed like the only good option her brain could come up with.

"Where are you going?" Duncan’s deep, velvety voice made her halt in her steps, and she was only a few inches away from leaving the tent. Just three more steps and she’ll be out of here... free from what that man was doing to her. At least, she could daydream to no ends without having to enter the spotlight in the tent she shared with Madeline.

"His Majesty is busy and I fear my presence will cause a hindrance, I shall come back later to finish my duty." She politely said without lifting her head to look at him. She was about to leave when she felt his presence behind her, and a gasp escaped her lips upon realizing she almost collided with a wooden box in front of her.

But then, she was saved by a hand that shielded her forehead, whilst she was carefully drawn back so she could make way for the soldiers carrying heavy boxes to enter the tent, preventing a collision. Lucy’s heart was at her throat for some seconds, and her tensed shoulders only eased when she felt Duncan’s hand resting on them.

"Perhaps you should keep those watchful eyes on the path ahead." Duncan quietly reproached, his tone carrying a hint of subtle concern. "Keeping your eyes on other matters might be more challenging than expected."

Lucy, momentarily flustered by their proximity, stammered a quick apology as she pulled away, her cheeks tinted with a soft blush, "I-I apologize, I got distracted and the boxes... I swear I didn’t see it." She couldn’t help but defend, hating how she appeared like some clumsy twine when she wasn’t one. Seems like she did acquire some traits from spending too much time with her dear friend.

"Ah... a distraction," Duncan gripped her arm gently and pulled her closer to him, but Lucy was quick to realize that she had been standing at the entrance again, and another group of soldiers had walked into his tent with more boxes. Lucy would have spiked a few cusses on these soldiers for trying to knock her over with these giant boxes, can’t they see that she was standing there??? But right now, because of her good heart, she was willing to let them off the hook, and definitely not because it gave her advantage to get closer to His Majesty.

Although the soldiers had dropped the boxes and left, Duncan’s grip on her arm didn’t not loosen– it was a gentle, firm grip, and Lucy’s heart palpitated when his captivating gaze dropped to meet her own.

"Getting distracted is a dangerous indulgence, especially when navigating a territory that isn’t ours. You wouldn’t want to find yourself in the clutches of an unknown, would you?" His crimson eyes delved into her own, and Lucy opened her mouth to oppose, but there were no words that came out of it. She was momentarily tranced by his looks, and he smelled of cedar– her new favorite fragrance.

"Your Majesty," the tent opened once more, and the sunlight that seeped in nearly came in contact with Duncan’s features. The vampire let out a soft wince as the light touched his skin, vulnerable to its effect, but before he could react, Lucy swiftly positioned herself in front of him, her lithe figure casting a protective shadow over him.

His eyes widened in slight surprise, and he watched as Lucy shot a glare at the soldier who immediately realized his mistake.

"What insolence is this?" She questioned the soldier, her voice like silk with a hidden edge, "do you wish to incur the wrath of His Majesty?"

"Apologies," the soldier lowered his head, "I didn’t mean to–"

"Do you understand the consequences of such carelessness? The tent is the Master’s Haven and you will respect it as such. Intrude again, and you may find yourself facing consequences beyond your imagination." She reminded the soldier, knowing fully well how Ivan had stated the importance of Duncan’s presence to all of them.

The soldier, feeling chastised by a woman, could do nothing but nod his head, but it was obvious to Lucy that she had broken his pride. He quietly retreated, closing the tent flap behind him.

"Jobless swine, he just left without saying his purpose for even coming." She murmured. Turning around to face Duncan, her demeanor shifted back to the gentle maid he was more familiar with.

"Is his Majesty... hurt?" She asked, snapping him out of his daze. Duncan was still recovering from the brief exposure, but he stepped closer, his crimson eyes piercing into her brown ones, as if searching for something.

"Mate?" He tilted his head in questioning. frёewebnoѵel.ƈo๓

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