“We were?” Aurum blurted.
“Man, but I’m hungry after doing all that hard work,” Saffron complained.
Since the twins made no effort to have their conversation quietly, Alaric overheard everything. He waved a delicate hand. “There’s no need to leave. Stay and eat with us,” he insisted.
“Are you sure?” I asked. I’d assumed he’d prefer a private fancy dinner alone. I didn’t mind either way—I only wanted him to be happy.
“Why not?” Alaric shrugged. “It’s not like we’re strangers.”
I was a tad nervous, considering my brothers’ earlier doubt over Alaric’s motives, but they’d since put in all this effort for our sake. Besides, this was a good opportunity for them to see a different side of Alaric.
I smiled hopefully. “All right. Why not? Gaius, push some tables together for us, won’t you?”
He threw in a dutiful bow. “Right away, m’lord.”
As Gaius performed his task, I noticed Thystle and Saffron were visibly surprised by Alaric’s offer. Did they still suspect him of foul play?
The seating configuration was disrupted by the addition of new tables, so I asked Alaric, “Should I sit across from you, or beside you?”
“Beside me,” he replied without hesitation.
My heart skipped again. Did he want to be close to me?
“Certainly,” I said, taking the seat next to him.
As we assumed our seats, I finally got a good look at the refreshed space. What was previously an unused guest room had been transformed into a spectacular banquet hall. Fresh flowers scented the air, and candles gave the room a warm glow. The angled skylight displayed the stars and moonlight, and the furthest wall was composed of glass doors, adding to the airy atmosphere. It also allowed the camera crew to remain—technically—outside the castle, as they filmed us from a distance with their high-tech gear.
I had to commend my brothers for stepping up to the plate. They’d clearly taken my comments to heart. I just hoped this evening was to Alaric’s taste.
Once everyone took their seats around the table, Gaius handed us each a menu. My overthinking brain instantly brainstormed ways to improve it. I should’ve asked Alaric his favorite meals beforehand, then relayed that information to my brothers. What if there was nothing on the menu he liked? I couldn’t have him go hungry.
I leaned over while Alaric perused his options and murmured, “If you’d prefer something else, tell me. I’ll have the chef prepare something just for you.”
He raised a brow. “I appreciate that, but have youseenthe menu? It’s so incredible that I’m having trouble choosing just one item.”
Relief washed over me. “In that case, don’t choose. Order everything you want.”
He smirked. “If I do that, I’ll lose my figure.”
“Lose it. You’d look gorgeous with a bit of a belly.”
Alaric’s eyes widened and his cheeks turned a deep shade of pink. I realized after the words left my mouth that I might’ve overstepped, especially in front of other people. But it was too late to take it back, and in any case, I meant it.
Alaric stared at me, unblinking. “You mean... pregnant?”
That knocked the wind out of my lungs. I stared right back at him, unable to speak. I’d wanted him to know he was beautiful no matter what he looked like, but I’d stumbled into unprecedented territory by accident—the topic of mating and pregnancy.
I swallowed the formidable lump in my throat. Was that subconsciously what I’d meant to say? Is that what Alaricwantedme to say?
My mouth was dry. “I—”
“Wow, this sure is a great menu!” Aurum said loudly. “Gee, I don’t even know what I wanna pick. Jade, how about you?”
I wasn’t sure if I was grateful for my brother’s interruption or annoyed by it, but judging by the concerned furrow in his brow, it seemed like an attempt to help me out of a sticky situation.
I cleared my throat. “Yes, I should choose as well. I’ll go with the filet mignon.” Trying to repair that awkward moment, I turned to Alaric. “And yourself?”
Alaric’s cheeks were still dusted pink as he scanned the menu restlessly. “I’ll have the same.” He paused. “And a side of sweet potato soup.” He paused again, longer than before. “Is there a separate dessert menu?”
