Chapter 90 Breakfast (2)
Alessia’s POV
By the door I turn to Alex briefly as he raises my hand to his lips giving me a brief kiss. Instant warmth spreads through my arm as I stare at him doe eyed and lost for words until Mara coughs delicately.
“Can we go in Princess?” She asks gently
I feel my cheeks warming as I turn to her “Lead the way please.” I briefly glance at Luca and Angelica they are both wearing similar smug expressions and I roll my eyes at them turning back to the front as Alex let's out a small chuckle.
Mara grasps the door and pulls it open, the room is so large and overwhelming. Filled with long wooden tables and benches. The Rows are filled with people talking quietly as they ate their breakfast. Their low murmur seized for a moment as we step in fully, Every head turns to us ,I feel every single gaze, they look at us curiously for a few terse moment and I keep my chin up not wanting to look how I feel - Scared and Overwhelmed. Slowly the hum of conversation picks up again as they resume eating. Alex's hand tightens around me as he leans towards my ears “ Thats it,chin up always” I tilt my head to the side in response.
Mara continues walking leading us down the isle until we reach the first table where Enya stands waiting.
Once we reach the table I turn to Mara giving her a tight smile “ Thank you Mara” She bows and turns around.
Enya faces us a smile on her lips gesturing towards the empty spaces at their table “Glad you could join us, please sit down and eat”
I sit gratefully giving her a smile ,Alex settles beside me while Luca and Angelica sit opposite us . “Thank you Enya” looking round the table I notice all the Council Members from dinner including Frederic I give them all a courteous smile.
Alex turns to Enya “Thank you for your warm welcome”
Luca joins him “ I just to say thank you for your hospitality”
Angelica bows slightly “Thank you High Priestess it's an honor”. Enya turns to Angelica giving her a soft smile “ Welcome home Angelica,You still have family here too.Speak to Mara after breakfast “
Oh wow
I turn to Angelica in surprise as she holds her mouth in shock I can see a gleam of tears in her eyes “thank you, I will be honoured to High Priestess “
Enya sits down beside Orzo ( her Husband ) and gives her a brief nod as food materialized on our table mats. I lift my gaze and my eyes meet Frederic's green ones. He stares at me openly as Alex mutters “Stupido” under his breath. I look away quickly, focusing on my meal .
I stare at the food on my plate for a moment but my appetite seems to have disappeared. I can't wait to begin my lessons and for Angelica to find her family. I am certain she didn't know she had any kindred left. Looking towards her I notice Luca is whispering something in her ears as she eats some of her eggs and she lets out a soft giggle.
Alex noticing my distraction squeezes my knee under the table “Alessia you need to eat”
he whispers “Remember you are having lessons later you will need your strength”
He is right, I nod and start to eat taking small bites of the food even though my mouth tastes like chalk.
Across the table I can feel Frederics eyes on me but I ignore him. Finally Enya stands up dabbing her lips with her napkin she sets it aside
“Alessia, are you done?”She asks
I turn to her,
Am I done yes?
Am I ready hell no
I give her a terse nod instead “Yes Enya”
She walks towards me and places a gentle hand on my shoulder. Again the contact sends a strangle warm electrical buzz though me but this time there is no accompanying vision.
“Alessia follow me” she says “Its time for your first lesson”
My heart races I turn to Alex, his jaw is clenched tight and his hands are wrapped tightly around the table knife. I stare at him I hope he isn't planning anything because we will lose. I reach for his hand removing the cutlery
He turns to Enya “ I am going with her”
Enya faces him as her eyes turn cool and unyielding
“You cannot join her Alex”she replies calmly “This is for her not you”
Alexs eyes darken as annoyance and something more deadly flash in their depths.
Will he allow me to go with her? I hold my breath as I wait for his response. He reaches for me holding my hands tight. “Alessia does not leave my side”
She meets his dangerous glare without unflinching.
I am impressed, I have seen Men crumble only after receiving those glares yet she is still holding her own.
“You do not have a choice Alex”
Then she faces Luca “ You and Alex should find the guard let him take you on a tour of la Casa
Angelica faces Enya “What about me high preiestess?”
“You can go with them” Enya says “You should also learn more about this place.”
My heart is roaring loudly in my ears as Enga gently but firmly pulls me away from Alex. “Alex you need not worry” she says softly “She is in safe hands.”
Alex let's out a deep breath his eyes meeting mine, His expression full of doubt he squeezes my hand once before reluctantly letting go.
“ Be safe ,we will be here waiting for you.”
Turning to Luca I give him a wink “Keep him out of trouble will you?” Luca laughs “You have my word Alessia, see you later”
I nod, straightening my shoulders and turning to Enya as starts to lead me away. I look back over my shoulder one more time and both Frederic and Alex are still seated watching me walk away.
I just hope they don't kill themselves before the day is over.