As we reached the dining room, the vastness of the room was overwhelming. One could let out a loud yell and hear it repeated over and over. The table was long and made of marble. There was no way they could move this giant table around the room. It was long, and only an eighth of the table was set.
Alaneo and the red-headed guards sat waiting for us patiently. “’Bout time ya showed up. We were goin’ to send a search party for ya!” Everett shouted.
Osirus chuckled, and everyone stilled.
Tilting my head to the side, I asked, “What’s wrong?”
“The man never smiles, looks like his Queen is already doing wonders,” Alaneo said hopefully.
We all sat down and were immediately served the finest of foods. I did not know what many were. The first course was a salad, and there weren’t as many greens as you would think. Small flowers covered the entire plate, and nectar was the dressing that tied it all together. The entire plate was sweet, almost like a dessert.
The main course was a type of meat that tasted like chicken but had the texture of tofu. Osirus was talking to Alaneo about some political policies that I wasn’t aware of, so I continued to stare at it until Braxton spoke up. “It’s a peryton.” I looked at him in confusion. “It is a cross between a stag and a bird. That is why its meat is light, so it can fly.”
“It reminds me of tofu,” I continued to poke the meat.
“Toe foot?” Braxton asked while I laughed at the failed attempt.
“No,tofu! It is made of plants, a substitution for meat.”
Braxton shook his head while I continued to feast on the desserts that were then set on the table.
“Darling?” Osirus grabbed my hand as I looked at him at the head of the table. “Tomorrow, I have several meetings, and I don’t want to burden you with them as of right now. You are welcome to explore the areas I showed you or even have the guards take you into the marketplace and see the city.”
My eyes lit up. “I’d love that!” I clapped my hands excitedly.
He would not leave me in his room all day. I can finally see what the Fae Kingdom was all about. Osirus was trying. I could almost feel the reluctance in his voice. He mentioned several times I could be in danger if people found out I was his mate, and he was going to great lengths for people not to find out just yet. The Cerulean Moon Kingdom nobles were becoming aware because they were preparing for the uprising he had mentioned.
It was just sad that his kingdom must be the last to know until I knew that I loved him and was willing to be a queen. The pain of guilt settled at the bottom of my heart.
“None of that,” Osirus whispered and kissed my knuckles. “I’m glad you are taking this seriously. I’m looking forward to more of a chase.” He winked.
I blushed as he squeezed my hand again.
“And tomorrow night, I’m taking you out on a date.” He smiled brightly.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Melina
Osirushadalreadyshoweredand had his crisp royal garb on. It was olive green with hints of white and beige with gold threading. He was wearing a gold crown that looked like an intricate weave of vines, branches, and thorns. In the center, near his forehead, held a single yellow diamond that sparkled when the light hit it just right.
“Are you sure you will be all right?” He fixed his collar and tugged on his sleeves. The cape or cloak, I’m not sure what to call it, made him look more dashing. Osirus looked like one of those regal kings or princes, ready to go off into battle and claim what he wanted. My poor body was shuddering at the thought of him claiming me.
“Yes, I’m sure!” I chirped as I stood up from the sitting area.
He picked out my dress again today, something he liked to do, and I enjoyed it. It showed me he cared what he put me in and dressed me. My parents never once thought to look at the clothes I wore at school to make me look good. Several years of yearbook pictures at school proved that time and time again. I really looked like a two-year-old dressed me for years.
“And I’ll listen to all the rules you gave me.” I rolled my eyes.
“Good girl,” he purred as he walked closer. “You know the punishment if you don’t.”
Giving him a small smile, I chided him, “But is it really a punishment?”
“It definitely can be if you don’t behave,” Osirus growled in warning.
“I will be good, I promise. Don’t leave the guards, stay quiet, don’t draw attention, wear the cloak, hide my face,” I started spouting off all his rules until he silenced me with a finger.
“That’s all I ask until you have fully decided.” Osirus pecked my lips and walked to the door, his white cape trailing behind him. One last look at me, and he was gone.