"Shall we?". The King asked, his voice a pleasant rumble as he executed a gentlemanly bow, sweeping a hand towards the interior of the dining hall.
Princess Eleanor nodded, her throat tight with nervousness as she followed him inside, the heavy oak doors closing softly behind them, leaving Matilda, Liora and the rest of the attendants in the corridor.
The hall was a vast expanse with a vaulted ceiling. A single, long table of polished ebony dominated the space, set with gleaming silver and crystal that reflected the light from a grand fireplace.
The King led her to the head of the table, pulling out a high-backed chair upholstered in crimson velvet beside his own.
As she sat, a silent procession of maids entered and she immediately noticed they were a mix of human and vampires leaving her stunned.
They layed out platters of food , roasted fowl, vegetables stew, fresh bread and a platter of steamed crustaceans before retreating as soundlessly as they came.
The King took his seat beside her , the silence stretching for a moment before he spoke, his tone conversational as he served himself a portion of the fowl.
"So, how was the remainder of your journey?. I hope you do not mind that I had to depart the inn so abruptly and that I was unable to personally welcome you to the castle yesterday. Pressing matters demanded my attention."
Princess Eleanor carefully selected a piece of bread, her movements delicate as she chewed politely .
"I understand completely, Your Majesty. A king must attend to his kingdom. The journey was not strenuous, thanks to Orion, he took excellent care of us."
A genuine smile touched her lips as she remembered the market souvenirs he'd bought them . "He was even kind enough to purchase some small mementos for us at the border."
The King noticed the easy happiness in her expression and gave a slow nod. "Orion has a good heart, I am glad I appointed him as your escort. I shall remember to thank him for this."
Princess Eleanor nodded and looked up , meeting his gaze.
His smile was disarming, softening the severe handsomeness of his features and it inexplicably made her smile in return.
As she watched him silently, a bold question danced on the top of her tongue, she wanted to ask.
That night, did you come yo my room?.
Did you apologize?.
But she knew better so she just bit back the thoughts and words, even if he didn't, he wouldn't admit to such a thing he had his pride after all.
"Is anything the matter?". The king suddenly asked, his perceptive eyes noting her distant look.
"No, no. Nothing at all". She said quickly, dropping her gaze back to her plate.
"Good. Then, after breakfast, I will have Orion arrange a tour of the castle for you. It is easy to become lost around here, only when you know your way around can i be at ease". The king said ,taking a sip of wine.
She nodded and hesitated for a while , not knowing if to say what she wanted to say.
And as if on cue, he began. "I have heard that you're quite accustomed to your maid. That you prefer her attendance above all others ". He concluded, settling his goblet down.
His words sent a jolt of alarm through her and she shifted nervously in her seat, finding the right words. "Liora has been with me since we were children, Your Majesty. I… I am simply used to her ways."
"I understand. Familiarity is a comfort especially when you're alone here but she is new here and unfamiliar with our castle's protocols. For her safety and yours, it is best she learns them."
He paused for a while, his blue eyes meeting hers. "I will have someone instruct her in the servants' rules. Once she is proficient, she may resume her full duties with you."
Princess Eleanor nervous demeanor broke into a bright smile and she released the sigh she didn't even know she was holding. "Thank you, Your Majesty! Thank you so much."
A faint, almost imperceptible smile touched his lips. "You can ask me for anything you need, Eleanor. I will do my best to fulfill it."
He concluded and returned to his meal and she found herself once again captivated by the elegant lines of his profile and his bewitching blue orbs and she almost forgot to be afraid of him.
"Do you prefer staring at me to eating?". He suddenly asked without looking up, the corners of his lips curling up slightly.
Princess Eleanor flinched at his words as a hot blush exploded across her cheeks.
"No! No, of course not!". She hurriedly waved her hands in denial, the sudden movement causing her to choke slightly on her own saliva.
The king immediately rushed beside her, pouring her a cup of tea from the porcelain pot before handing it to her, his other hand gently patting her back.
"I was only kidding. Don't mind my words ". He said as he patted her back and she could only nod, gently sipping the tea until her coughing subsided.
The king returned to his seat once she had calmed and they ate in a more comfortable silence, yet she could feel his gaze burning into her and she forced herself to keep her own fixed on the dish before her.
She didn't even notice as he cracked open a crab claw, extracting the tender meat and placing it on her plate, it was only when his spoon landed on her plate did she realize.
Stunned by his action, she instinctively stood up in a rush."Your Majesty!. You do not have to do that yourself! Please, let me—"
The king sighed and stood as well, coming to her side and guiding her back into her chair with a gentle pressure on her shoulders.
"This particular species of crab is a rarity, especially at this time of year. You should have a taste and see how it tastes". He said calmly but as he returned to his seat, she saw a faint crease of a frown on his brow, as if her reaction had troubled him and this only made her more anxious.
"How's it?". He asked as she took a bite and she nodded in delight as the tender meat melted in her mouth.
"It's great. You should have some too, Your Majesty". She said , using her own fork to place half the crab onto his own plate
The moment her hand neared his plate, his own shot out, his fingers wrapping firmly around her wrist.
She flinched at the suddenness of it, her eyes flying wide but he didn't release her instead, his grip tightened , his thumb resting against the frantic pulse in her wrist.
Unable to meet his gaze, Princess Eleanor stared fixedly at the tablecloth, her heart hammering anxiously.
He was silent for a long moment, studying her averted face until he asked.
"Is there something on my face that you are so determined to avoid looking at it?".