“Would you mind zipping up the back of my dress? I couldn’t reach it,” she asked as she turned her back.
Her breathing became laboured as she heard him rise from his seated position and slowly walk towards her. Then she stopped breathing all together as his fingers brushed the bare skin of her back. He was careful not to touch her wings, knowing full well how sensitive they could be. If he had, there was no way she would have been able to keep herself from grabbing the front of his shirt and pushing him back down on the lounge so she could explore his face and lips with her own.
Instant bumps covered her body.
Adalia felt an absence when he moved away. “Thank you.”
The prince cleared his throat and nodded, stepping away from her. Needing space herself, Adalia made sure the house was securely locked before they left.
The outdoor dining area in the palace gardens was a sight to see. A dome of glass covered the area and inside was filled with lush flowers and plants. A long table big enough to fit hundreds ran through the centre, covered in a white cloth. White tapered candles nestled in gold candelabras graced the tabletop that stretched from one end to the other.
Three table settings had been placed at one end of the table, with a delightful selection of food within reach. Stacks of cheese with honey dripping off the sides sat beside bunches of green and red grapes. Roasted meats and charred vegetables flowed abundantly, and fresh greens picked straight from the palace gardens filled glass bowls that were the colour of sunshine.
When they had arrived, the attendants ushered them into the grand dining area where the king awaited their presence. Adalia eyed the prince as the king greeted him, feeling nervous at how Matthias might react, but he remained calm and polite. After they had taken their seats, Lightners who worked at the palace began bringing out plates laden with even more food.
She watched his eyes widen as the food was placed before them. He’d slicked his hair back with a touch of beeswax he must have found in her bathroom. His ivory skin made his grey-blue eyes pop beneath the darkened lashes. He always wore the same golden ring in his straight nose and though he hadn’t packed expecting to attend fancy lunches, he didn’t need to overdress to give off a regal air.
Her eyes travelled to his lips next, and Adalia shifted in her chair, her wings brushing against it. They were full and a lovelynude pink. She’d touched those lips with her own and her insides had melted just as much as they were right now.
Matthias must have felt her steady gaze, because he looked at her and pinched his brow. Adalia quickly looked down at her plate and made a show of eating.
The king grinned. “So Matthias, how are you enjoying your stay in Lucius? I do hope Adalia is treating you well.”
“Very well, your majesty. She has been more than accommodating. As for Lucius, it’s definitely not what I imagined it would be,” the prince replied.
Chucking, the king raised his cup to his lips. “It never is.”
Two hours passed by, and they both thanked the king for his generosity before leaving the palace. The flight home was quiet as they both pondered the afternoon.
Adalia was overwhelmed by the kindness the king had shown Matthias, asking about his life and his interests. She could tell that the prince that entered the castle with her was different from the one that emerged.
They arrived home shortly to find Nikolas lounging in the living room. He’d made a fire, and the house felt all warm and cosy.
“Where have you two been?” he asked casually.
“The king invited us for lunch,” Adalia answered as she walked to her room to change. “Matthias, make yourself at home and don’t mind my brother.”
Nikolas snorted with laughter and rose from the lounge. “What’s for dinner tonight?” he called to Adalia.
“I was just going to make a stir-fry,” came her muffled reply.
Adalia walked back into the room, shoe less and hair down, but still in her gown. “Nik, can you undo my zip, please?”
Nikolas walked behind her and Adalia watched Matthias from across the room, an amused look on his face like he knew who should be unzipping her gown and it certainly wasn’t her brother.
“There,” Nikolas said when he’d finished.
Matthias sauntered outside and Adalia headed back to her room to change.
An hour later, the three sat around the kitchen table eating the stir-fry Adalia had made. Wine was served and music wafted through the air from the record player.
“Good food, sis,” Nikolas spoke as he scoffed into his meal.
“Yes, it’s great. Thank you,” Matthias chimed in.
Adalia looked at them both before rising from the table, wine in hand. “I cooked, so now you have to do the dishes. Rules are rules.” She grinned and walked to the single seater armchair.
Nikolas rolled his eyes, but didn’t comment. He simply stood and started doing dishes. Matthias followed.
