She glanced at him and shook her head. “I was being humorous … Don’t worry about it.”
Matthias, feeling somewhat guilty, placed his hands in his pockets. The things she endured inside his father’s castle needed rectifying, but how?
Could he be the one to do it?
As the guilt washed over him, Matthias tried to get out of the consuming thoughts in his head.
The store was playing a song on a music player that he found quite enjoyable and he wondered what kind of music stores would be here in Lucius. Maybe he could ask if there was one? The veslo he played was a part of him. There was no way he would ever let it go, but the thought of seeing other ones in different shapes and sizes excited him.
Once they were outside, she placed the bottles into the bag already filled with items and placed it over her shoulder. “This is all I needed.” She offered him a small smile. “We can head back now.”
“Sure thing, little dove,” Matthias replied.
“Unless there is something you need? I’m sorry I haven’t even asked you that yet. My mind has been elsewhere.”
Matthias placed his hands in his pockets and lightly shrugged. “You’ve been more than accommodating. I need nothing.”
“But . . .?”
“But what?”
“You might need nothing, but is there something you would like to do?” Adalia asked.
“I had one thought . . .”
“Only one?” she teased.
The prince smiled. “Yes, just the one. If it’s not too much trouble, I would love to know if there were any stores around here that sold musical instruments.”
Adalia shifted the weight of her bag to her other shoulder. “Oh yes, we have many! There is one just around the corner. Would you like me to take you?”
Matthias reached out a hand, a gesture to take her bag for her. “Do we have time?”
“Of course, and thank you,” Adalia said, smiling as she allowed him to take the bag.
Feelings consumed him. How was he doing such a mundane task with the most beautiful woman he’d ever laid eyes on, feeling a peace he couldn’t explain, when only hours ago he was holed up in a cabin fearful of his father’s fury?
Adalia led them down the street, turning left into a little alleyway. The two came face to face with a smallstore made of white concrete. It had a bright-blue door, above which hung a sign—‘The Soulful Song’. The lone window displayed a small assortment of musical instruments. They’d come to the right place. Feeling somewhat nervous, he followed Adalia inside.
A bell rang as they entered and they were greeted by a friendly-looking male. His green wings reminded Matthias of the lush gardens that grew all around Lucius.
Looking a little out of her element, Adalia smiled at Matthias as he slowly wandered through the rows of records and sheet music.
“Did you want to look at something in particular?” she asked.
The prince shook his head. “Just wanted to see what instruments they sold. Wouldn’t mind another veslo one day.”
“I’ve noticed you’re never without yours.” Adalia smiled.
“Yeah, it’s the only gift my father has ever given to me.” Matthias’s voice trailed off. He didn’t want to talk about his father right now–or ever.
Adalia spied the shiny new veslos’ along the back wall of the shop and pointed. “Oh look, there they are.”
They both walked to the back of the store and Matthias smiled at the row of wooden stringed instruments strung up. Some instruments had a glossy, wood grain finish, while others were painted in different colours. The prince spied one to his right. It was glossy white on the front face with black wood grain sides, covered in a gold foiled foliage design. Running his fingers over its surface, he sighed in contentment.
“Take it down and play a tune, friend,” the shop assistant called.
Turning, Matthias eyed him hesitantly, unsure if the male was being serious.
