AVERY

  After the incident with Lady Emillya, Grimore helped me understand Lazarith more. He taught me the history of the kingdom, its political views, and current status. We were so busy learning that we didn't notice Senha entering.

  "Grimore! What are you doing?! Didn't you hear the gates opening? His Majesty has arrived!" Senha scolded, hands on her hips.

  Grimore gasped and checked his pocket watch, "It's already this late?! Oh no! His Majesty is going to kill me! Your Majesty, we shall continue our lessons tomorrow, is that alright?"

  "I don't mind at all. You may leave now, Grimore." I giggled and watched a panicked Grimore gather his things. He bowed to me, handed something to Senha and rushed out of the tea room.

  Senha sighed, "That man. Really. When he gets so immersed with something, he loses track of his time."

  "Is that so?" I giggled and stood up, stretching my legs, "I should greet His Majesty, too. Let's go, Senha."

  "Oh! Yes, of course, Your Majesty." Senha cheerfully said and once we were out of the tea room, she locked the door.

  I wonder why the former Queen's tea room is so important, though.

  We walked to the entrance hall and there, I saw my husband all disheveled and dirty. He had scratches on his face and so did his men. When our eyes met, I smiled at him.

  "Welcome back, Your Majesty. I'm glad you're safe." I said softly. I could have sworn that I saw a slight tinge of pink appear on his cheeks just as he approached me.

  "I'm back, my wife." His voice was raspy. He was about to hold my hand and kiss my knuckles when Senha slapped his hand away.

  Typhone and I looked at her, shocked at her sudden actions. My eyes widened and was about to ask her what was that for when she huffed.

  "Your Majesty! You're not allowed to hold Her Majesty's hand with your dirty ones! Can't you see she's wearing white gloves?" Senha reprimanded.

  It was silent for a moment before Typhone and I burst into laughter. I covered my mouth and cleared my throat.

  "Oh dear. Looks like you have to take a bath first, Your Majesty." I teased and Typhone sighed softly.

  "Alright, Lady Senha. I will get cleaned first before touching my wife." Typhone bowed to me with a smile before walking up to his room followed by Grimore.

  I looked at Senha, teasing, "Did you really have to slap his hand?"

  "Yes. I did. His Majesty was being rude." She huffed and I giggled at her cuteness.

  She's too adorable yet very strict.

  **********

  While waiting for dinner and for Typhone to finish his bath, I stayed in my room and continued reading. Meylin brought me some tea while Senha was outside preparing for dinner.

  "The flowers are blooming beautifully." Meylin commented.

  Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

  I looked up from my book to see the flowers shining. I smiled.

  "Yes. They are." I said softly.

  Just then, Senha entered my room and bowed, "Dinner is ready, Your Majesty."

  I smiled at her, "Thank you, Senha. I'll be right there."

  I stood up from my seat, took a sniff of the flowers before heading out to the dining hall.

  When I entered, I heard Typhone's loud voice. The guard opened the door and there I saw him standing, hands on his hips as he talked to Grimore.

  He looked at my direction for a brief moment before turning to Grimore again, whispering something to him before turning to meet me. I looked at Grimore and he bowed to us before walking out of the room.

  "Is everything alright?" I asked when he got closer to me.

  "Yes. Everything is fine. Shall we enjoy our dinner now, princess?" He offered his hand and I gladly accepted it.

  He pulled out my seat for me and I sat down, looking at the variety of dishes laid before me.

  "Why is there so much food?" I took a bite of a scallop, moaning in delight when the food touched my tongue.

  Jareth outdid himself again. These are so good!

  "Jareth made them as celebration on our successful hunt. I better make sure he gets a vacation one of these days." Typhone said, taking a bite of his food.

  ""So... how was your day?" He asked, looking at me.

  I bit my fork and hesitated for a moment. I looked up at him and smiled a little.

  "It was good. Grimore taught me about the history of Lazarith and uhm... I may or may not bumped into Lady Emillya." I said the last part sheepishly and I noticed his eyes narrowing.

  "Did she say anything to you? Harmed you?" He asked, voice firm and menacing.

  "No. Not at all. She just... greeted me is all." I lied and took another bite of my food.

  "Are you sure? You know, you can tell me anything, princess. I promised your parents that I'll keep you safe." He reassured me and I almost wanted him to know what Lady Emillya said, but I did not tell him and stayed quiet.

  I smiled at him, "Yes. I'm sure."

  I better ask him about the tea room.

  "By the way, Your Majesty. Why did you allow me to use the former Queen's tea room?" I looked at him and he stopped eating, looking at me in the eyes.

  "I realized that you love having a safe space where you could read and have tea. I thought of my mother's tea room and told Grimore to let you use it." He said softly.

  "But... it's the former Queen's safe space and I... feel like I have no right to use it." I admitted, looking down on my food.

  Typhone placed a hand on top of mine and I stared at it.

  "I'm sure my mother would let you use it if she were here. It's for you, princess. Use it however you see fit. It's yours now." He said, eyes shining and I was lost in them for a moment.

  My cheeks heated up, making them red. I smiled, a little embarrassed, and looked my food.

  "I shall make good use of it, then. For the former Queen's sake."

  "Good. That's good, princess. Now... let's enjoy our food." He said and I nodded.

  We ate our dinner in comfortable silence and small talk every now and then. My heart thumped unusually loud when Typhone looked at me.

  What is this feeling? It's so unusual.

  **********

  After dinner, Typhone and I strolled around the castle grounds as per his request. It was a chilly night and as a girl who has not experienced this kind of environment, I shivered visibly. Typhone noticed this and took off his huge coat, wrapping it around me just like the first day we got here.

  I love how big he is. Wait. No! That sounded so wrong!

  "It is kind of cold tonight, huh? Winter season is almost over so the weather is changing now." He said and I nodded, snuggling against his coat.

  It smells like roses and him.

  "Oh. Is that so? I didn't know that." I said softly.

  "You'll finally get to see the flowers bloom in Lazarith, princess." He chuckled and I smiled.

  "I want to see the town, if that's alright?" I glanced up at him.

  He hummed in thought, "Sure. But you'll have to bring Grimore with you or Leonis. I might not be around by that time. There are... foreign issues I have to settle."

  "Oh. I see. That's alright. I'll bring Grimore with me when the time comes." I said, sounding a little disappointed.

  A few moments later, we arrived in front of my room. I took off the coat and handed it back to him. I smiled and bowed my head.

  "Thank you for walking me to my room, Your Majesty. Goodnight." I said and turned to head inside my room.

  "Avery." He called before I could open the door.

  I turned to him, "Yes?"

  He opened his mouth to say something then closed it again. His fists clench on his side and I tilted my head slightly. He shook his head.

  "It's nothing. Goodnight, princess." Was all he said.

  I nodded and entered my room, closing the door behind me. I leaned against my door and sighed softly.

  Why was I expecting him to kiss me?