The conversation around the table had been a roller coaster of emotions. One minute, they were all laughing together over mundane things. The next tears fell from Adalia as she relived the scene of Matthias on the battlefield. They each expressed amazement at his change in wing colour and, though they wondered, none had any answers about the phenomenon.
Adalia had cooked an absolute feast. The table overflowed with mouthwatering dishes, such as honey roasted carrots, bacon wrapped asparagus, red wine braised short ribs, mashed sweet pumpkin, butter fried beans, and creamy garlic chicken that Matthias was devouring hungrily.
The pair had spent the afternoon in Matthias’s new kitchen and Adalia noted how quickly the prince picked up some valuable cooking skills.
“In all seriousness, though, we are very glad that you are still here with us, Matthias.” Nikolas spoke warmly.
Shiloh nodded in agreement. “If you didn’t come back from the dead, I would have had to deal with this one moping about for years on end,” she teased.
Adalia felt the heat rise into her cheeks. Matthias looked at her through his dark lashes, and she felt butterflies erupt inside her stomach.
“Yes, I would have been moping about because Bones would have needed a home and then I would have had to clean up a lifetime of dog hair in my house,” Adalia smirked as she sipped her wine.
One corner of the prince’s mouth rose and, as he smiled, the tiny crescent moon at the top of his cheek just below his eye crinkled.
The friends laughed and talked late into the night, sipping on wine and eating pavlova covered in fresh whipped cream, passionfruit pulp, raspberries and sliced mango. For Adalia, it had been the most wonderful and healing time for all of them, getting to know one another and starting their new normal life together.
Nikolas stretched his arms and yawned. “I think it’s time I call it a night. Thank you for a wonderful evening, Matthias. Your home is amazing.”
“You’re most welcome. I hope we can do this often,” Matthias offered Nikolas a smile.
“I will head home too, but do you want help with cleaning up before we go?” Shiloh offered.
“No, it’s more than fine. I will help Matthias.” Adalia smiled.
They all rose from the table and headed towards the front door. Shiloh grabbed her coat from the back of the green lounge and turned to hug Adalia before she left with Nikolas.
The prince closed the door behind them and leant against it. Adalia swallowed the lump that found its way into her throat. His dark eyes roamed over her figure and she knew if she stayed there, staring back at him, she might come undone again. Turning, she headed towards the table and started clearing it.
The pair quietly cleaned up the dishes.
Adalia spoke first. “Why did you say sorry?”
Matthias stopped stacking the plates and looked up at her from across the table. “What do you mean?”
“That day on the field . . .” Adalia’s voice trailed off.
“Because I was,” Matthias answered, his voice low.
“But what were you sorry for?”
Matthias sighed and strolled around the table, stopping when he reached her. “I was sorry for everything. I’m sorry that you had to experience what you did at the hands of my father. I’m sorry I didn’t step in sooner. I’m sorry I didn’t get to you on time on the battlefield, but most of all . . . I’m sorry I didn’t get to tell you just how much I love you.”
The last sentence came out in a whisper, and Adalia saw the prince’s eyes fill with tears. She placed the wine glasses she held in each hand down on the table and moved to his side, wrapping her arms around his neck as she pulled him close.
Tears spilled from her eyes as she wept into his chest, the scent of him filling her senses. His muscular arms wrapped around her small frame. If an outsider saw them right now, they would see two bodies who fit together perfectly, a bond that was unbreakable, and a love that would live through the ages.
Matthias pulled back and cupped her face in his hands, wiping at her tears with his thumb. “How can I apologise for all of this and put those tears back in your eyes?”
“First, you could kiss me, you big, beautiful beast. Second, you can never leave me again because I can’t breathe without you,” Adalia whispered, the tears threatening to spill again. “I love you, Matthias.”
The prince grinned and pulled her close again, his lips grazing hers in a light kiss. “I love you, Adalia, and I will kiss you for as long as you will let me.”
“Kiss me for the rest of your life,” Adalia teased.
“Gladly.”
In the soft glow of the dim candlelight, their longing gazes locked, and an unspoken connection pulsed between them. Mattias stepped closer, the intensity of the moment enveloping them. With a tenderness that denied his strength, he lifted her effortlessly onto the table. Her heart raced as their nearness grew.
