Chapter 79
Anya's POV
I was surprised to see this wolf again so soon as it was quite an embarrassing moment when we met. I was running a bit late to her majesty's office for a meeting when I rounded a corner running into him, literally. He caught me steadying me asking if I was alright and apologizing for his carelessness. I responded that it was my fault and should have been paying better attention to my surroundings and went on my way to her office.
After waiting 10 or so minutes I see Phillipe walk through the doors my heart fluttering a bit as he enters the room. He explains that her majesty is indisposed and won't be available for our meeting today. I was disappointed, but I nodded heading back to the village. Before leaving he asks if he can take me out for a meal to which I was confused at first asking him again for confirmation. He did in fact ask me and I thought about it for a moment as my time was to be spent with the queen was now free I thought why not.
He offered me his arm as we exit the room walking to the main entrance of the mansion. Reaching the door the wrap I had used was given back to me as Phillipe put on a nice jacket. Wrapping my shawl around myself taking his arm again we walk to end of the stair where a two wheeled machine sat with two lumps on top. I looked at it strangely as I had only seen these in movies or on occasion in town, but never thought to ride one. He hands me a helmet and puts his on then looks at me as I hold mine in my hands.
He flipped a piece of glass saying sort of muffledly, “This goes on your head for protection. Tuck the ends of your shawl into your pants so the wind doesn't blow it way,” he said taking the helmet and slipping it on over my head. As he secured the strap under my chin I grab the ends of my shawl tucking them into my pants. Watching him, he swings his leg over sitting down on the seat then reaches back pulling out pegs on either side saying, “You can step on these to seat yourself.” “I've never been on one of these before so lets hope I don't fall off,” I said stepping on the peg swing myself up on to the seat. I found myself snug against his back my legs closely hugging his hips causing my cheeks to heat up. Thank the gods for this helmet covering my face, I thought as he starts the machine. “Hold on to me tight,” he said as we began moving down the driveway onto the streets.
He moved with ease on the road not taking the corners to fast or not stopping abruptly. He pulled up to a small place closer to my village, but still in the royal city. It was small but I had wanted to stop here for some time I just didn't know what currency they wanted for service. Phillipe indicated for me to step off then he followed suit taking his helmet off. He moves closer to me untying the strap at my chin one of his fingers slowly stroking my pulse a moment before stepping back. Pulling the helmet off I set it on the bike like he did then taking the arm he's offered then walking into the establishment.
Someone was standing behind a counter with stools along it and other tables were spread through out the place. Phillipe walks us up to the person who says, “Phil good to see you again. Oh and you've brought a friend, booth or table for you?” Phillipe replied, “Table in the back if possible. I'd like us not to be bothered to much.” The man nodded grabbing some folded paper then leading us to a seat in the back away from the front area. Moving behind the bead curtain the lights were dimmer and the tables more private so no one was bothered. He let go of me pulling out my chair for me then sits in his seat across from me. The man set down the papers on our table and says, “Your waiter will be with you in a moment.” He then walks away leaving us to ourselves. Looking around it was a nice establishment and the smells weren't over powering thankfully.
Phillipe sipped his water the said, “How long have you been working with the queen?” “Not to long. I was the main elf she spoke with when it comes to our Clan. We get along well and I hope to help her understand the Elf Clan a bit better. Cyprus was a poor example of our people, but he was the strongest so we had very little choice,” I said a little crestfallen. “Sometimes things are not with in our control and all we can do is make sure no one gets hurt. I imagine thats what you did and your people are still alive. It's not your fault he couldn't control himself,” Phillipe said sincerely.
“Thank you for that. I haven't been able to talk with anyone about the incident with him and had hoped the view on Elfs wasn't poor,” I said a smile on my lips. He lightened up to me just as the waiter showed up asking, “Have you had a chance to look over the menu? Is there anything you'd like to drink?” Phillipe asks me, “Do you like wine?” “I do, but I don't drink it very often and the reds are a bit harsh to me,” I said telling him my preferences. Looking over the menu again as he ordered a bottle I was unfamiliar with I see a seafood dish list and order the salmon with herb pasta and salad. Phillipe ordered a filet mignon with steamed vegetables and a bake potato. The waiter jots that down walking away from our table.