“Blackberry cheesecake tarts with a white chocolate mirror glaze,” she answered as she placed a single fresh black berry on top of each tart.
“Are you trying to kill me?” Matthias taunted.
Adalia spun around. “No? Why would I do that?”
Matthias chuckled, a deep rumble coming from his chest. “These look so good that if I eat all of them, I might die.”
Adalia grinned as she popped a fresh blackberry into her mouth. “Maybe that’s a good thing.”
The prince pushed off the counter and strolled towards her. “Would you like that? Would you like for me to die, never to return, little dove?” He paused in front of her, towering over her petite frame, blue eyes locked on hers.
“I want you to do whatever you want to do,” Adalia answered him with shaky breath.
Matthias bit his bottom lip as he ran his gaze over her mouth. “You don’t want to know what I want to do.”
“Why don’t I want to know?” Adalia’s voice was a whisper now.
“Because it might frighten you.” He grinned at her wickedly, and Adalia swallowed down the mixture of fear and excitement that his words brought.
“I don’t scare easily…”
Matthias chuckled softly. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
Clearing her throat, Adalia finished plating up the tarts. “Are you holding up okay? You seemed quiet outside.”
“I’m fine, just taking it all in. In all my years, I’ve never experienced friendships like this, so this is all very new to me.”
“I presumed as someone of your stature you would have many acquaintances in your world. How old are you, anyway?”
“What, you want to know all my secrets right now? . . . what would we have to talk about if I told you them all at once?” Matthias teased.
“Fine, don’t tell me your age, old man, but if you’ve had enough or need to get away, maybe we could have a secret word.” Adalia suggested humorously.
The prince chuckled again. “I’m fine, but thanks for offering.”
“Are we going to play this game or not?” Nikolas called from the courtyard.
“Coming!” Adalia replied.
“I’ll get another blade for you,” she said as she moved out of the kitchen and headed to her room. She needed to distance herself for a moment. His scent and presence mixed together was creating an aura that pulled her in and the thought of him possibly leaving soon was a depressing reminder that all of this teasing and hungry eyes between them wasn’t a good idea. It would only end in heartbreak.
She returned shortly, with a dagger in hand. “This one tracks true.”
Matthias studied it for a moment. “This is a beautiful blade, Adalia. You made this?”
Adalia blushed at the mention of her name. “Well, James at the smelters helps me if I need it, but yes.”
“I’m impressed. Let’s hope it gives me the winning score.” Matthias winked at her and left the room.
“Beast!” she threw after him.
A deep chuckle was his only response.
Needing a few seconds to herself to regain her composure, Adalia gathered four small porcelain plates and some freshly whipped cream in a bowl and placed them on a tray alongside the tarts.
Outside, she found Nikolas and Matthias battling it out with a round of Dartborne. Matthias was winning and Nikolas wasn’t pleased. She grinned; it was about time Nikolas met his match. This interaction between her brother and the prince was friendly, and it gave Adalia hope that, just maybe, if he found friendships and love here in Lucius, the prince would stay. Matthias seemed moreand more relaxed as the night went on and the four spent the rest of the evening eating tarts and throwing daggers under the stars.
And Adalia smiled the entire time.
