Sins Among Royals
Chapter 36

Indie and Amber quickly found Noah at a small pub. He’d taken up a seat in the outside area and had a pint of beer sitting in his hands. He wore his dark sunglasses and looked as if he had no worries in the world.

With a smile Indie joined him quickly.

“I apologise for the interruption Master Noah but if we are to make it to Alpha Christiansen’s with time to spare so that miss Indie can get ready we can’t spend too much time idling about.” Though Amber was starving and in need of a decent meal she was more than a little excited to get Indie ready for the evening. Though she knew it was Willow’s birthday she wanted to make sure Master Noah remembered it for all the right reasons.

“We will make it Amber. Take a seat, we’ll all have lunch together.” Noah motioned for her to sit as he took another sip from his beer. “Fletcher has gone to order lunch for the four of us. He’ll be back in a short while.”

Amber couldn’t help but look at Noah sideways, she was confused. He had never treated any of his security with such kindness and she didn’t even know that he knew her name. Indie too was surprised but she sat alongside Noah and smiled. Was it possible that he was learning how to be human?

After a quick heavy lunch the group made their way back to the vehicle and continued on their way towards Alpha Christiansen’s home and their final destination for the day.

Winding their way through thick forests and narrows mountain roads the sun began setting over the top of the mountain range in front of them and by the time they reached the sprawling mansion the first twinkling stars had began appearing against the dark night sky.

The home itself sat in a large open field bordered on all sides by pine forests and was similar in appearance to Ebony and Raif’s home but much larger. “What is he besides powerful?” Indie questioned as they turned off of the main road and headed down a paved brick road. “Is he royal too?” She couldn’t help but ask as a row of perfectly manicured trees lined the sides of the road.

“He is second in command,” Noah replied quickly. “So he is afforded all the luxuries my sister and aunt are.”

Indie thought she heard a tone of reluctance in Noah’s voice and it made her pay full attention to him. He didn’t seem tensed but his jaw was strained and she heard the slight sound of his teeth grinding. The displeasure in his posture and body language quickly disappeared however.

“Well I guess it’s a great thing that he’s powerful,” Indie muttered trying to make light of the situation. To her surprise Noah turned to her and smiled. He reached out and took her hand in his gently.

“I like that you see the brighter side of things.” He muttered in response as the vehicle pulled into the large, perfectly paved circular driveway. In the center sat a large, ornately carved water fountain surrounded by a French style garden with lavender and shaped shrubs. It was all very fancy.

When they came to a stop Indies door was opened for her by what looked like a butler. It was the same for Noah as well.

“Good evening madam and welcome to Galvin’s Manor,” the man smiled and held his hand out for Indie to take.

Sliding off of her seat and out of the vehicle she smiled in return, “Thank you.”

“Indie! Noah!” A voice called excitedly as Noah took his mate by the hand and lead her up the grand entrance.

Willow stood in the doorway happily waving them towards her. She was dressed for her party in a beautiful gold and white gown. Her hair was parted down the side and pulled back tightly. Her makeup was simple and natural but she wore a dark red color on her lips. The overall effect was stunning.

“I would come down the stairs and meet you but the shoes I have on will probably try to kill me,” she chuckled to herself as she waited with open arms.

Noah gave Willow a slight hug but it seemed she had saved it all for Indie. Giving her new friend a tight squeeze Indie couldn’t help but smile. “You look beautiful Willow!” Indie particularly envied the dress she wore.

“You two better have something to dress in besides what you’re wearing!” Willow warned quickly as she frowned at their appearances.

“Don’t worry we stopped to get a few things,” Noah urged in response. “But you’d better show us to our room if we are to be ready in time.”

Willow jumped at theme ton, “oh right! Marlene!” She called loudly and waited. Turning her attention to the open doors behind her Willow stepped through and looked around. She was about to call again when a plump woman appeared. She looked hot and flustered and short of breath. “Please show Master Noah and miss Indie to their room.”

The woman curtsied and motioned for them to follow her. Indie turned to look for Amber and noticed that they were standing a short distance behind them. Amber and Fletcher were both laden with bags.

Walking through the grand entrance they turned left and were taken down a long. Wide and brightly lit corridor. Large vases of fresh flowers sat on pedestals along the way. Heavy ornately decorated curtains lined the floor to ceiling windows. The parquetry flooring looked very old and Indie found herself wondering just how anyone could afford a home so large.

Before long they came to a camouflaged looking staircase that looked like it was part of the wall. Walking up towards the small landing the woman pushed open the doors to reveal an extremely large room. At the end nearest the door sat a large fireplace surrounded by marble facade. A plush looking seating area surrounded the hearth as a raging fire warmed the room. At the very far end sat one very large bed, the biggest Indie had ever seen in her life.

“Where’s the bathroom?” Indie questioned quickly.

“The doors either side of the hearth miss Indie,” the housekeeper pointed towards the doors quickly. “One is the men’s bathroom and the other is yours. The doors either side of the bed are separate closets should you need to hang your clothing.”

It was posh and entirely too much as she stood there taking it all in. “Shouldn’t there be separate beds then?” She joked as she looked around the room, “if everything else is separate,” she cast a glance towards the housekeeper who looked utterly terrified.

“Is it not to your liking?” She fiddled with her fingers and began sweating. “We can have it changed if you like? Please forgive our assumptions!” The woman pleaded quickly.

Indie was dumbstruck as she saw the woman working herself into a frenzy. “Relax Marlene. It was a joke. I’m joking.” Indie watched as the woman put her hand to her heart and tried to recapture a steady breathing pattern.

“That wasn’t a very funny joke miss!” Marlene growled slightly. “I think I need to go and rest. If you need anything please use the phone on the table there. Dial two for my direct line.” Marlene took one last look at Indie before shaking her head and walking out and closing the door behind her.

“Don’t people joke here?” Indie queried as Amber and Fletcher placed the couple’s bags down by the sofas. Noah quickly busied himself by grabbing what he needed to get himself dressed.

“Albert runs a tight household,” Noah responded off handedly. “Our comfort is his top priority so if something is amiss then he doesn’t take too kindly to it.”

Just like everything else in Noah’s world Indie found it extreme.

“Speaking of Albert I need to get ready quickly and replace him. I need to discuss Raif with him and see what he knows. Will you be alright on your own for a bit?” He asked as Amber began spelling makeup items from the bags she’d brought from the car.

“I will make sure she makes it down Master Noah.” She offered quickly as Noah smiled and disappeared off to his bathroom.

Fletcher excused himself and waited outside at the top of the landing leaving just Indie and Amber alone in the room. “You need to shower. When you get out I’ll do your makeup and hair.” Amber had a very clear idea of what she wanted Indie to look like.

If they thought Willow looked stunning then she would out do them in every way possible. While Indie was in the shower Noah emerged from the bathroom dressed and ready to go. He gave Amber strict instructions to be done and down stairs in no longer than an hour. It was a challenge for Amber but it was one she would enjoy. It had been so long since she was able to do anything girly that she was giddy with excitement by the time Indie re-emerged from the shower in a white bath robe.

The girls laughed their way through Indies makeover and when all was said and done Amber stood Indie in front of a full length mirror to look at herself.

What Indie saw looked nothing like her. The burgundy coloured dress was tied tightly around her neck, the backless dress left half of her back bare but covered all the bits it needed to. Her hair was pinned back in loose waves and she wore simple makeup with a dark lip similar to Willow.

A tear formed in her eye as she looked back at Amber, “I don’t know how to thank you!” She smiled warmly as she turned and took Amber in her arms gently. “I never thought I could feel this beautiful.”

Amber rubbed Indies back before pulling away, “oh no don’t cry or you’ll set me off.” Amber was really proud of what she had done. She’d managed to bring Indies inner beauty to the surface. “You can thank me by going out there and making sure Master Noah can’t take his eyes or his hands off of you.”

With a laugh the two girls set off for the party. Exiting the room they found Fletcher standing on the landing, “Miss Indie,” he smiled appreciatively as he helped Indie down the stairs and into the corridor.

Walking out to the main entrance Indie spied Verena and Adam entering the premises. Verena paid no attention to Indie and did not recognise her at all.

Indie and the two guards fell into step behind Verena and Adam and when they emerged into the grand ballroom everyone grew quiet.

Verena stood there basking in the silent glory for she thought all the appreciative smiles and stares were pointed at her.

When Noah noticed the room grew deathly quiet he too looked off towards the door. The men he had been speaking to began making remarks. “Who is that.” One of them questioned.

“A goddess personified,” exclaimed another.

“If she is unclaimed she won’t be by the end of this evening.” Another sighed almost breathlessly.

Noah turned towards the men as a dark storm brewed in his eyes, “do not speak of my mate in such a way,” he warned as the men quickly realised who they were talking about.

They all muttered apologies as Noah turned his attention back to Indie who scanned the room looking for him. Unfortunately Verena had spotted him and tried summoning h towards her with her eyes.

Noah decided to play along as he walked slowly towards her. Adam seemed completely oblivious to what she was doing and as Noah drew closer he soon came to a stop before Verena. “Noah my lord. To what do I owe the pleasure?” The tone of her voice was heavy with want and desire as Noah looked passed Verena and locked eyes with Indie.

“I am actually here for the heavenly creature standing behind you Verena,” he grinned triumphantly as he saw the smile from her lips disappear. “Now if you don’t mind I’d like to spend a moment with my mate.”

Noah held his hand out to Indie and smiled as she took hold of it. He pulled her close and looked down into her eyes, “would you like to dance?”

All Indie could do was smile. She had meant to be annoyed at Noah but what he’d said to Verena made her want to giggle loudly.

Very quickly everyone around them became invisible as they moved to the dancefloor and became lost in each others eyes, in each others arms. It was how it should have been right from the start.