Chapter 113 Absence
Alessia’s POV
After we are done eating the chocolates we sit back to watch a bit of television when there is a gentle knock on the door. I turn to Angelica it must be Mara this time. I am sure it's time for dinner.
She stands up reluctantly “Yeah I bet you are right”
Angelica opens the door and sure enough it's Mara she remains in the doorway her eyes flicker to the gifts on the center table briefly before meeting my gaze
“It's time for Dinner Princess,The high Priestess said I should fetch you.” She whispers softly
Inwardly I groan of course she did
They just love using me for entertainment her and her so-called high council members
But we will see who laughs last
Nodding I get up and straighten my T-shirt. “We are ready Mara” turning to Angelica I give her a quick smile and she returns it. Without much a do we follow her quietly shutting the door behind us.
As soon as I step into the dining hall something feels off, I look around curiously the tables are set as usual and the coven member s are filling it up slowly. Laughter echoing all around us as they catch up on the days activities. Looking up Enya and Orzo are both seated at the high table with other members of the high council.
Silly people my mind flashes back to Orzo’s attack earlier, and I shiver in distaste.Immediately I get to my seat I notice Alexs own is empty
I laus for a moment
That was what I sensed when I walked in to the hall
His absense..
Why isn't he here yet?
Are they running late?
Angelica notices and reaches for me squeezing my hand as she leans into me “I think he choose to eat in their room” she murmurs “Luca is with him.”
I feel a twinge of disappointment.
I was actually looking forward to eating beside him.
I nod, my chests tightening painfully. But I force myself to settle in my seat and not allow them to see how his absence affects me. Lifting my head gently my eyes meet Frederic’s and a low sigh escapes me.
He gives me a small smile, almost kind smile.
“Princess” he says gently raising a glass to me I ignore the toast “How was your day? I trust you are feeling better?”
“My day went well even though I encountered a small hiccup” I look at Enya, then Ora meaningfully as her their eyes widen with surprise. “It's nice of you to ask” I add
Angelica is seated opposite me and Lucys seat is also empty ,She is probably busy with her investigations.
Dinner starts soon enough and plates of food appears in front of me.I concentrate on my food not paying attention to the conversation being carried out around me. Sometimes Frederic chips in here and there but I say nothing.
“I think it is quite unfortunate he adds loudly at one point shaking his head “It was not suppose to happen that way. Sometimes misunderstanding flare into something worse if not handled correctly”
I freeze my fork mid air, Confusion filling my eyes. I did not catch the beginning of their conversation but they better not be talking about what orzo did during practice and calling it a mere misunderstanding.
“What kind of misunderstanding?”I ask softly
“Just between outsiders or visitors to the coven” he says smoothly
Angelica let's out a breath opposite me
I turn to him then “what exactly are you eluding to Frederic?”
He gives me an indulgent smile “Nothing major Princess, guests should always understand our hospitality is a gift and it should not be taken for granted.”
Great, just great. Is it because Alex choose to eat in his room they are having this discussion or what ?
Enya watches us adding nothing as she graciously reaches for her wine glass and takes a sip.I shake my head not wanting to start a word battle with him
Pushing my food around, feeling angry and my appetite already gone but I continue to eat anyway. Suddenly someone clears their voice and asks “Where is Signore Ferrini? Why didn't he join us for dinner?”
I suck in a deep breath wondering how to answer as Enya answers “He is eating in his quarters today.”
Her words land squarely in my chest, and it feels like I have been stabbed. Frederic unable to resist says “Good for him, some heart breaks are better treated in private.”
Pompous ass
They really think they can keep us apart
I set my fork down suddenly feeling very thirsty reaching for my glass, I down the water in one gulp.
Soon enough dinner ends and everyone starts leaving quietly Angelica gets up and settles in Alex's chair.
“Lucy said she will meet us here after dinner so let's wait for her”
I nod at her feeling a better now that dinner is over and I don't have to look at Frederic's smug face or listen to his snide comments anymore.
Suddenly I hear steady footstep approaching us turning around
Alex stands a few meters away, sucking in a deep breath.
For a moment everything dissapears and it's just me and him in the room.
I stare at his crisp blue shirt and the two unbuttoned buttons showing off a small dusting of hair on his chest and I gulp suddenly feeling very very warm.
His eyes settle on mine with an intensity that makes my heart melt to pulp. He takes a few more steps towards us. “Alessia may I have a moment please?”
I pause as every instinct in my body screams for me to jump into his arms.
I turn to Angelica and she pats my arm gently
“You go I will wait for you here.”
I nod standing up and turning to him my throat to clogged off with emotion to speak. He gestures towards the walkways on the side “I found a quiet alcove nearby I will show you.”
I follow him quietly.
I don't know where he is leading me to.
Neither do I know what he wants to talk about but I know a I owe him a listening ear if not because of anything but because of the effort he made to give me my space.