“Go ahead, try her,” the assistant prompted.
Matthias turned to face Adalia, who was grinning.
Carefully, Matthias reached for the veslo, strumming his fingers across the strings, fine tuning it as he did. Once he was happy with the sound, he picked at the strings and played an assortment of chords. The prince closed his eyes and let the melody of the music overtake him. When it ended, he opened his eyes. Adalia stood before him with awe written across her face. A single tear dripped from her eye and she quickly wiped it away.
The shop assistant applauded from his place at the counter, alongside two other Lightners who’d come into the store mid-song.
Having an audience while playing was not something Matthias ever dealt with, so he carefully placed the veslo back on the wall and smiled, not wanting to bring any other attention to himself.
“You have a gift, you know?” Adalia softly spoke.
Placing his hands in his pockets, Matthias rocked on his heels. “Thanks.”
“Do you want to get the veslo? It seems as if it was made for you?”
“Oh, no. Some other time maybe.”
“Are you sure?”
Matthias nodded. “As you are fully aware, I’m a bit of a drifter right now. It might not be the wisest idea to add to my belongings.”
Sleeping on the lounge in the house of a Lightner still hadn’t really sunk in, but the way Adalia acted as if it was totally normal and no big deal, brought him some comfort.
“Well, if you decide you want to come back here, just let me know, okay?” Adalia smiled before turning to the assistant. “Light guide you.”
“And keep you!” the assistant replied as the pair left the store.
“Is there anything else you would like to do before we head home?” Adalia asked as they entered the bustling streets again.
Shaking his head, Matthias smiled.
Turning from his gaze, Adalia shot into the sky. This time Matthias didn’t wait until she’d reached the skies before taking off after her.
They both landed back in the courtyard of her home to find Bones fast asleep on the daybed. Adalia went inside, and Matthias didn’t really know what to do with himself. Should he follow? Should he stay out of the way?
“I’m going to prepare dinner. Would you like some wine?” Adalia’s voice drifted through the kitchen door.
Matthias walked to the doorway and caught her tying a lilac-coloured apron around her small waist. He knew he should look away, but he couldn’t.
Adalia cleared her throat and Matthias came back to reality.
“Wine would be great. Thanks,” he replied.
Adalia poured him a glass and handed it to him, his fingertips brushing hers as he grasped it. Her gaze shot to his, and Matthias caught his breath. Thanking her, he stepped back into the courtyard.
“Sit down. I’ll let you know when the meal is ready,” she called from the kitchen.
“Would you like some help?” Matthias offered.
All was quiet for a moment.
“The beast, offering to help me cook a meal? Thanks, but I’ll pass,” came her playful reply.
A grin tugged at Matthias’ lips. There she was. The feisty chestnut-haired enchantress who had dared to match his wit amid the depths of the woods. When she was around her brother or with other Lightners, there was a seriousness about her—like she had an image to uphold. It was his first time witnessing relationships that held respect for each individual involved. Back home was nothing like this.
The prince wandered back to the courtyard, wine in hand, and positioned himself against the fence so he could watch Adalia through the kitchen window.
There was music floating through the doorway, and he felt his wings twitch as she swayed her hips to the beat, lifting a spoon to taste a brown sauce over the stovetop. It took all of his willpower not to drop to his knees and beg her to let him have her all to himself, but that wasn’t on the cards for him.
