TYPHONE

  It was after dinner and Avery made me drop by her room to gather the things she brought for me. Leonis groaned as he carried an arm full of things that Avery gave me. I looked behind me and smirked.

  "Keep up, Leonis. You're not that old to fall behind, right?" I taunted. Leonis glared at me.

  "I was hoping all of those things she brought was for Her Majesty, herself. I did not realize that she brought you some stuff as well." He complained.

  I smirked, proud, "What can I say? My wife thinks about me, too."

  Leonis rolled his eyes at me and we continued to head towards my room. We walked the dark halls in silence, save for Leonis often groaning.

  That's what you get for not informing me of my wife's whereabouts.

  When we reached my room, he dropped the stuff on the couch purposely. I glared at him and huffed.

  "You could have put them on the table." I snarled. This did not scare Leonis and instead, he just sighed.

  "You have a bed for a reason, Your Majesty. The couch is not fit for you to sleep on." He reasoned and bowed, turning on his heel to leave, "Goodnight, Your Majesty."

  Once Leonis closed the door, I sighed, rubbing my temple. I walked over to the couch and eyed the small and big bags filled with unknown things.

  What in the world could she have gotten me?

  I picked up a small bag and opened it. It was a white handkerchief with red and gold embroidery on it. I grinned as I saw the initial 'T' in the corner.

  "I don't even use a handkerchief." I chuckled to myself and grabbed a bigger bag.

  I untied the ribbon and grabbed the contents. It was a little heavy. I felt cold metal and I immediately pulled it out. It was a container, tin can. I looked at the elegant and delicate design of the container, taking off the lid.

  It's chocolate.

  I took a piece and popped one in my mouth. I groaned at the sweetness. I noticed a note on the floor that must have fell from the container. I picked it up, reading the note that said:

  Dear Typhone,

  I was told these chocolates are special and delicious. Senha recommended them. Don't worry. I did not put anything in it. I tasted one and it was so delicious. Enjoy!

  Sincerely,

  Avery

  I smirked at the note, placing it on my bedside table. I wanted to open the rest of the gifts Avery gave me, but I wanted to postpone it for the mean time. Just to make it feel special.

  Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.

  I walked to the bathroom and took off my shirt. I glanced at the huge scar on my arm. It was a recent one when I went to battle before my wedding. It was huge and was so unsightly.

  I scowled and threw my shirt on the mirror, disgusted by how my body looked. I walked to my bedroom and laid on my bed. I sighed, draping an arm over my eyes.

  I have to settle that illegal trade tomorrow. I didn't get to see Avery the whole day today and I'm fucking pissed.

  Thinking deeply, I jumped out of bed, grabbed my robe and wore it. I walked out of my room and bumped onto someone just as I opened the door.

  "I'm sorry. I didn't know you're coming out." It was Avery. I looked down and saw her wearing a silky white nightgown under her baby pink robe. It was designed with lace on the chest area.

  I swallowed thickly, "What are you doing here this late at night?"

  She looked up at me with those innocent lavender eyes and pink cheeks. She looked down when our eyes met for a moment.

  "I was just checking if... you're asleep. If you weren't, I was... well... I was going to invite you for some tea or wine or something." She muttered, fiddling with the ties of her robe.

  "Well, I'm not asleep and I can't sleep so why not? I'll take you up on that offer, princess." I said, smirking.

  Everyone in the castle were already asleep and we couldn't ask Grimore to serve us. Avery suggested to use the kitchen on our own. I agreed.

  **********

  "Tell me, princess. What are you looking for?" I asked as I watched her hips sway from side to side, tempting me to grab them.

  She was bent over the kitchen counter and was looking for something. She groaned and hummed.

  "I could have sworn Jareth placed them here... Ah! I got it!" She exclaimed, standing straight. I looked away for a moment when she walked towards me.

  "Hold this for me." She said, handing me two glasses.

  Ah. So she was looking for these.

  I walked towards a huge cabinet and opened it. I scanned the variety of wine bottles inside. My eyes narrowed when not one of them piqued my interest. I clicked my tongue and was about to open another cabinet when Avery gasped.

  "That's a lot of wine. Don't you have a wine cellar?" She asked.

  "It's cold in here, princess. We only put the wines in the cellar during the warmer season." I said. She reached out, grabbing a bottle.

  She picked one that I hated. One that the bastard King of Hollingrew gave me on my birthday.

  "Is this any good?" She looked up at me, holding up the bottle of wine.

  I contemplated with telling the truth or lying but after a few moments of thinking, I spoke.

  "No. I have a better option." I stated and took the bottle from her hand, placing it back to where it was. I closed the cabinet and walked over to another huge cabinet.

  Avery gasped when she saw another cabinet filled with bottles of wine. I scanned the various bottles until I found the one I want. I grabbed the bottle from the top part of the cabinet and handed it to her.

  "Isn't this..." She trailed off, "This is a rare brand of wine, isn't it?"

  "Yes. A certain king gave it to me as compensation." I looked away, trying to avoid to subject. However, this didn't escape Avery's sharp intuition.

  "Oh. Did the King of Traciana give it to you as an apology gift for Lady Emillya's troubles here?" She was teasing me, giggling. I looked down at her, leaned in close enough that our noses touched.

  "You're smart, princess." I whispered, watching her eyes slowly widen and cheeks turning redder by the second.

  I smirked, "Yes. It's true, though. He gave it to me and in exchange, I brought him a pet."

  Avery blinked once, twice. I moved away from her.

  "What kind of pet?"

  "A wolf." I casually said.

  Her eyes widened and her mouth slowly hung open. She covered her mouth then uncovered it again.

  "What do you mean by that?" She whispered.

  "I'll tell you later." I chuckled. I turned to the counter, grabbed the bowl of fruits and handed it to Avery which she gladly took. Then, I grabbed the bowl of cookies and ushered for her to head out the kitchen.

  We walked in comfortable silence towards the former Queen's tea room. Avery unlocked the door with her spare key and walked inside.

  I followed behind her, shutting the door with my foot. Settling the glasses and bowl of fruits on the table, I noticed Avery doing the same. The only problem was that her cleavage was peeking through. Her creamy white skin tempted me to grab her waist, kiss her, and fuck her right there on the couch.

  I shook my head and sat on the couch opposite hers. She sat down, crossing her legs and smiling innocently.

  "So... about the wolf." She began.

  I feel like I'm going to regret agreeing to drink with her tonight.