And weren’t we trying to impress our newest host? I had a feeling Jessiah and Xavier weren’t going to get the job done.
Not on their own, anyway.
A knock on the door pulled me from my musings.
I spun around and made my way to the door, stepping over half a dozen dresses in my strappy heeled shoes along the way.
On the other side, Jessiah stood, waiting.
An angel, indeed.
He wore an all-white suit, one that matched those enormous wings with ease. He’d gotten plenty of sun during the journey here, and the white fabric made his tan skin practically glow. And the golden eyes? They were almost too much.
He took me in from head to toe.
One singular muscle in his jaw twitched.
“Ready?” he asked, his voice hoarse.
Stupidly, disappointment washed over me.
I supposed that was the biggest reaction I’d ever get from him.
It didn’t matter. I had to remember that. He wasn’t our target.
I nodded. “Ready.”
He held his arm out to me, and I looped mine through it without question. He was so damn tall, I had to hold his arm near his elbow rather than his bicep.
As we headed down the hall, his white wings covered the back of my dress, making all the effort I put into my choice pointless.
Xavier walked in front of us, following Nance down the massive staircase and through the back of the castle.
We passed guards and what looked to be staff on our way, but for the most part, the castle was empty. Quiet.
Still.
In complete juxtaposition to what we’d witnessed on the way into this kingdom.
Past a large set of doors, we found an intimate dining room. Dim candlelight flickered off the walls, reflecting off the silver plates and utensils.
Not a single object was out of place. Not a single detail forgotten.
“Ah, welcome, welcome!”
Cornelius stood from his spot at the head of the long table.
The few guards standing around the perimeter didn’t move. They were as still as the statues, waiting for their orders.
Quite a fucking life.
I tore my attention away from the guards, releasing Jessiah, and greeted Cornelius.
He took both of my hands in his and pressed his lips to my knuckles.
I smiled and fluttered my lashes.
“It is a pleasure to see you again, Rummy, and goddess above…” He straightened, taking me in fully.
