Thread: Spoils of War (DareToDream and Nightingale)

When Marcus spoke, his words drew her in, and she listened intently. He was brave, and though he was a man of honor.. bound to his king by his word, he had a greater honor she knew. However, as his hand reaached for the pendant at her breasts she felt her heart sink. Reminded once more that she could never truly have what it was she desperately longed for. She knew without a doubt in her soul, that everything she'd dreamt of.. everything she longed for, and the peace she so desperately wanted for her kingdom was standing right in front of her. So close, that when she reached her hand out, it gently grasped his own. Caressing the palm with a light touch she released a heavy sigh. Illayna was burdened by her own promise. I will not lie to you Marcus.. and even as the mark of the Goddess lie close to my heart, I can not help but be drawn to you. So much so.. I risk my life, my loyalty to my kingdom by being here with you.. as I am certain you risk the same. I am drawn to you.. for matters of war.. and matters of the heart. She would not hide it from him.. she was allowed to love, even if it could be justified as a crush.. an infatuation. The Goddess could not deny Illayna her feelings, but Illayna could deny herself the wants. I will meet you in the Garden. She whispered softly, her voice sweet, and soft as it always had been. Releasing his hand gently, she gave him a confident smile and made her way from the shadows of the Balcony. Slipping back into the ballroom in time with the steps of the music playing and boldly making her way back through the crowd towards the main entrance in hopes to make an unnoticed exit. She did not pause in her way as she looked over her shoulder to ensure her father was still completely occupied. The man was red in the face, and full of heartfelt laughter as he drank with a group of men and conversed on matters she knew she would best not know. Confident he would not come looking for her, she slipped past the guards at the door and made her way down the long corridor, making way to the south hall which would take her to the castle gardens. She'd known this path a few times, when they'd come on business and she'd been dismissed to find her way about until it was time to leave. As she passed by the large arch windows she glanced out into the night. The silence welcoming, but frightening. Her nerves fluttering like butterflies in her stomach. Her parting words with Marcus had been a bit too much perhaps.. to just practically throw herself at his feet with emotions and claims every other woman had attempted to proclaim this night. As well as she could assume this was a trap.. to steer her away from the crowd, and kidnap her.. Illayna thought better of Marcus, she trusted him. Unknowing as to why she trusted him so deeply, she could not dare to think of him as she would his comrads. Marcus was, boldly different. Where Illayna was pure, and innocent.. in ways, unknowing of battle and bloodshed, Marcus was wise, practiced and strong. He was a knight the God and Goddess would surely smile upon. As the end of the hall came near she slipped out the small opening and into the cool night air. The gentle breeze welcoming her as she disappeared from the natural line of sight, and entered into the depths of the beautifully crafted garden. With it's maze of holly, lilacs and azaelas. It's bushes and brambles, cloves of blooming iris, and vines of wild roses. It was truly a sight to behold, and being here set her nerves at ease. Shoulders rose with the inhale of a deep breath, lashes kissed her cheeks and she basked in the glorious night. Exhaling and relaxing. Waiting patiently for the arrival of the one whom had asked her here. She had given him no chance to stop her, to speak a word. They could speak more freely here, in only the presence of themselves and not hiding in the shadows. Here was where she wished to chance a better future.. to openly speak with the man of a forbidden name.. the man of forbidden blood. The man.. she was certain her heart wanted to love.