Nikolas glared at his sister and Matthias felt guilty, knowing that he was the reason for their differences. He shouldn’t have come, but the thought of his father tearing into him again, takingjoy in forcing Matthias to watch while his cabin was destroyed, kept him grounded on the spot.
“Of course. Matthias is welcome here as long as he needs. Do you have somewhere in mind that he can stay?” the king asked Adalia.
She turned to her brother and answered. “Yes, he will stay with us.”
Nikolas’s eyes grew large, and Matthias waited, but the objection never came. He swallowed down the disbelief that rose. Did she really just say that out loud? Surely she didn’t want rumours to spread? Ruin her reputation by harbouring the Prince of Darkness? Why wasn’t Nikolas arguing?
“I will be responsible for him until he leaves,” she finished.
The king’s smile grew, and he opened his arms. “Well then, it’s settled. Welcome Matthias, and I hope you enjoy your stay here. Adalia, don’t forget to show him around the Kingdom when you get a chance. I’m sure there are many things he’d like to see and people to meet. May the light guide you and keep you.”
Adalia nodded, returning his smile.
Matthias was speechless, overwhelmed by how the situation unfolded. He’d presumed a king full of wrath and judgement would rain down upon him, but was met with kindness and acceptance from not only the king himself, but Adalia, too. Uncertainty still gripped his heart, but as he caught Adalia’s eye, a crack split open and a seed of hope planted itself between the folds of the ruby organ nestled in the warmth of his chest.
Was he allowed to feel this way?
The group all bid the king goodbye and left the throne room.
Matthias’s thoughts were stuck in the dark abyss of his mind, somewhere between guilt and shame.
Adalia’s house was larger than his cabin in the woods, but still had the same cosy feeling.
The yellow door caught his attention as soon as they neared the home, and he smiled. Of course, there would be colour on their homes and the floors, ceilings, and pathways, and everywhere else one looked. It wasn’t an overuse of colour, as everything was as it should be. Maybe it was the fact that he was so used to his father’s drab castle that made this place seem dazzling in comparison.
Shiloh had left them mere moments before, so it was just Nikolas, Adalia and himself as they stepped into the house. It smelt of fresh flowers and some sort of fruits . . . peaches. Matthias couldn’t remember the last time he ate a decent peach.
“You can put your bag down over there.” Adalia motioned towards the large, pale-blue lounge chair over by the bay window.
Matthias moved towards it and placed his bag down on the floor. Bones sat beside it and watched his master with an unwavering gaze.
“Adalia, can I speak with you for a moment? . . . outside.” Nikolas glanced at Matthias before he walked out the back door of the kitchen.
“Excuse me,” Adalia sighed, but followed.
Matthias silently nodded and gave them their privacy as he wandered through the living room, admiring the décor. A gentle peace filled her home. Matthias closed his eyes and inhaled quietly. His mind skittered over the recent and sudden events, the scenario with Snake at the forefront. He was struggling to grasp why the advisor didn’t mention the bounty on her head.
It was the perfect opportunity to take her for himself and hand her over to the king, collecting the victor’s crown and a large sum at the same time. Maybe Snake felt it was too risky. Two against one. Maybe the scheme he was devising in his devious mind was bigger than a simple snatch and grab in the woods.
A niggling pulled at Matthias’s chest—should he tell her about it? What if she sent him straight back to Oscuro for not being honest with her?
Voices drifted through the doorway and pulled Matthias from the chaos in his mind.
“What’s got into you? Why were you in Oscuro to begin with? I was out of my mind with worry when I saw Shiloh alone in The Grey. You could have been killed! And then you bring him into Lucius? The enemy . . . in our home? I’m seriously speechless, Adalia!” Nikolas exclaimed.
“It certainly doesn’t sound like you’re speechless.” Adalia threw back.
Matthias grinned.
“Yes, he is the enemy, but he needed my help. Who am I to deny someone help when they need it? Besides, he’s saved me more than once. I owed it to him.”
“More than once . . .you’ve seen him more than once?” Nikolas raged.
“See, this is why I don’t tell you things. I’m not a child Nik, I can handle myself. You don’t control my life, so stop acting like an overbearing ass,” Adalia hissed.
“Stop putting yourself in harm’s way and I won’t have to,” he countered.
Feet shuffled and Matthias moved silently across the other side of the room, not wanting to be caught eavesdropping.
