By the time the server had returned with the food, Tavia asked for another drink.
If he could spend an eternity watching Tavia enjoying one delight after another, it would be apleasant existence. For too long, he had only enjoyed the company of the rich, who wanted for nothing. Watching someone enjoy the simpler pleasures was an unexpected treat.
Tavia took the white napkin on the table, wiped her mouth, and tugged at the string in the front of her dress.
“It’s much easier to eat in my leathers,” she grumbled.
“If it pleases you, when we are alone, feel free to eat in the nude.”
Surprisingly, Tavia laughed, another unexpected delight. “I’m not that uncomfortable.”
Before Lucius could tease her more, the waitress returned, and this time, Lucius needed information.
“Excuse me,” he said, flashing a bright smile. “My wife and I are on our honeymoon and we're looking for the grandest celebration to attend. Any ideas?”
He reached over to take Tavia’s hands, and even though hers were slightly sticky from eating, she gave him one, playing the part of a happy newlywed.
“Oh, that would be the big masquerade in the Golden City next week. Word is it’s the grandest ball of all.”
“And how does one get invited?”
“You need a lot of coin, more than I could ever earn.”
“Thank you. You’ve been most helpful.” Lucius released Tavia’s hand and dug into his pocket for his coin purse. He placed a few golden coins on the table. “Enjoy the rest of your afternoon.”
He stood, reaching out a hand to Tavia. ”How was your meal, darling? Everything you hoped for?”
“It was very delicious,” she replied with a smile—and it truly was. She couldn’t ever remember eating something so grand.
The waitress stared at the golden coins, her eyes misty. She nodded and gathered the coins in her hand.
Lucius led Tavia out of the café, slipping his arm around hers when they reached the cobblestone street.
“What now?” she asked.
“If we’re going to a ball, I need to ensure you can dance.”
Tavia stopped walking, a new fear in her teal gaze. “I don’t know how to dance.”
Lucius patted her arm. “No worries, my dear. We have one week to turn you into an aristocratic bride.”
“That’s impossible.”
He leaned over by her ear. “No, my darling, you releasing me from that coffin was impossible.”
Tavia’s expression softened. “It was luck.”
“What you believe to be luck, I believe is destiny. No, don’t fret, my darling wife. When I'm done with you, no one would ever believe that you lived in the shadows stealing for scraps.”
Tavia turned, separating from Lucius. “This is strictly a platonic partnership.”
“Is it?”
When she didn’t respond right away, Lucius stepped into the space she was trying to create between them.
“Who are you trying to convince, my pretty dove, yourself or me?”
With a huff, Tavia turned, hiding her expression.
