+Chapter 35+
Mari kicked off her heels and sat on the lounge chair arranged in front of the fireplace, she didn’t need to cover up because her room was warm and toasty, the fireplace casting a warm light on her long slender legs.
When the maid returned, she planned to ask for a book and then she would curl up under a blanket by fireplace while reading her book. While a thunderstorm raged outside, nothing would be demanded of her so she would enjoy this little time to herself.
She let out a sigh so heavy it made her go lax and sink into the soft padded seat. It was so comfortable in her room that she could even forget that a violent raging storm was happening outside.
She expected the maid to return soon so when the door opened without a knock she paid no mind to it, expecting the maid to walk over and place her drink on the side table. So when a heavy hand was placed on her shoulder, it made her flinch violently and whip around.
Mari’s eyes went wide at the sight of King Lucien, her pulse speeding up. His long fingers on her bare skin felt ice cold and searing at the same time, and his handsome face was way too close to her, inhibiting her ability to form words.
The door opened a second time, the maid jumping in fright, causing the teacup and the saucer to clink loudly, earning her a dangerous stare from Lucien.
The maid’s fright immediately turned into dismay, she watched the South King put some distance between himself and her King’s miss with narrowed eyes. Everyone in the West Continent knew about King Lucien’s prowess with women - *was he trying to make a move on Miss Mari?*
Mari could have given the maid a hug if she could, she had no idea what had been about to happen but she didn’t want to be alone with King Lucien. She forced her tense muscles to relax, her shoulder still throbbing where King Lucien had touched her.
Although it was noisy outside, a tense silence filled the room as the maid bowed stiffly to King Lucien and then proceeded to place the tray on the side table, taking her time. She poured out the hot chocolate into the dainty teacup from a pretty teapot, the sweet scent filling the room.
“Would you like dessert to go with your hot chocolate, Miss Mari?” The maid whispered softly to her like they were sharing a secret.
Mari glanced discreetly at King Lucien noting the way he was glaring at the maid. As much as she wanted the friendly maid to stay, she didn’t want to risk anything happening to the poor girl for her sake so she planned to turn her away.
King Lucien beat her to it. “I would like dessert,” He said lightly, “And I’ll be joining Miss Mari.” He added, the steel in his voice more evident.
The maid’s shock was expressive at his request, she didn’t dare to think that he would so openly say that right in front of her. “Cer-Certainly, your Highness.” She stumbled over her words, walking off with one last look at Miss Mari who seemed to be pleading with her eyes.
That was it! She had to do something! Although she had no idea what she could possibly do, it wasn’t like she could walk up to her King and inform him.
Inside Mari’s room, King Lucien sat down on the chair opposite her. His very presence made her nervous, and things were made worse by the fact that she had no idea what he wanted from her. Was he here to make her train regardless even though there was a thunderstorm out?
King Lucien studying her intently without saying a word didn’t help her situation at all. She occasionally peeked in his direction hoping to find that he had looked away but he didn’t even seem to blink, the fireplace bathing him in golden light.
While these thoughts plagued her, Lucien looked to be very relaxed, enjoying himself even. He could see the witch increasingly become fidgety under his stare and it made him want to pull her on his legs and wreck her but he staved off that urge for some reason unknown to him.
Lucien had always gotten every woman he wanted so it was only a matter of time but he wondered why he was willing to be patient with the witch when the burning craving under his skin was the first of its kind.
The maid returned with a tray in her hand to find the very person that had been on her mind outside the door, “Your Highness!” She said with excitement and relief, bowing deeply even with the tray held in her hands.
Kade took a step back, he had been planning on checking up on the witch but he didn’t expect to run into a maid right in front of her door. He nodded and planned to keep walking past when the maid’s expression fell.
“Are you here to see Miss Mari?” The maid cut him off, talking a little too loudly for his liking.
Kade cocked a brow, intrigued by this odd behavior from his worker when she threw open the door and he locked gazes with Lucien. He could instantly tell the moment that the bastard’s eyes darkened and became guarded.