Breakfast With The Monarch

"There, I've covered as much as I can; the bags under your eyes cannot be seen any longer."

I didn't bother to look; I was more concerned with my gown. The sleeves were short, and having my arms exposed made me shiver. I tugged on my gloves, squeezing my fist when I saw the rip.

These were the only good gloves I had, the rest were ruined beyond recognition.

I glanced back in the mirror and found Talia watching me, but she didn't say anything.

"A cloak will do too."

I rose to my feet, releasing a sharp exhale as I turned and took the cloak, draping it over my frame.

It wasn't enough to drive the chill away, but with this, I might be able to handle it.

"How do I look? Be honest."

Talia took a moment, eyes skimming me from head to toe. "Manageable."

"Are you toning it down so that you wouldn't offend me?"

"I've no intention of that, as you know, I wouldn't mind offending you."

I rolled my eyes, walking to the entrance. Thanks to her brew, I didn't feel the migraine anymore, but my body dragged me down, and it took forever to pull the fabric up.

The sun got in my face and I narrowed my eyes to slits, but a shadow stepped in my line of vision.

I didn't expect to see Drevon so soon, but here he was, and it made me wonder how long he had been out here. I let my eyes take in his impressive appearance, not shrouded by the usual cloak.

He wore a black uniform, and the jacket clung to his massive frame, one shoulder padded like armor. A high collar rimmed his neck, and golden buttons ran down the front. Thick straps crossed his chest too, fastened with gold metal buckles. His pants matched his jacket and were tucked into tall, fine leather boots.

Everything about him screamed elegance and a silent authority that was unpaired, almost akin to that night I first met him. Then he seemed like a predator born of hell, he was far more charming to look at right now, irresistible too.

I leveled my gaze, my fingers tangled together, resting just above my abdomen. "Good morning, my liege."

"Good morning, little wife." His hand touched under my chin and lifted it so that my eyes were on him.

"I think you're forgetting something else."

I chewed the inside of my mouth. "Husband."

Drevon grinned widely, but the next thing he did caught me by surprise. He leaned down to me and placed his forehead on mine to check my temperature. "Your body is too cold."

"It was the bath," I murmured, trying to ignore the butterflies dancing in my stomach. "I stayed in it far too long."

"Are you unwell, then?"

"N-No, I'm fine." I pulled away, but I misstepped and landed in his arms.

"A distressed lady you are," he remarked cockily.

"This lady is not in distress, she's just..." I clutched his biceps tightly. "Tired."

"An odd thing to be this morning."

"I'm human, and we get tired sometimes. Completely natural, nothing out of the ordinary."

"Mm, natural," he purred. "There's plenty of those going around."

The memories of last night flashed through, and I found myself going through an overload. The previous two nights with this gentleman have been nothing but distress.

He released me. "I came to ask that you join me for breakfast."

I scowled. "I thought we were leaving at first light?" I took a brief look around the area.

The tents were packed. Shouldn't that mean we should be on our way?

"After today, we will not be able to make camp easily. I want you to have a fulfilling meal before that."

That's sweet.

I paused at my thoughts and quickly shoved it back from wherever it came from. Really, Eloise?

"I-I've already eaten," I replied politely.

"Then permit me to spoil you more with food."

"I've no appetite," I said through clenched teeth.

That was a lie. I haven't had anything because of my tantrums this morning; there was no time to set up breakfast.

"Then sit at the table with me, I insist."

"Apologies, my liege, I—"

His eyes softened. "I took a long time to prepare this."

My lips hung apart, but I shut them, swallowing back whatever I was about to say, and gave a nod.

A bright smile curled on Drevon's lips, annoyingly adorable as if I had just made his day.

He extended his black-gloved hand for me to take. I wavered but ultimately placed my hand on his, and he grabbed tenderly yet firmly.

He dawdled, and I did as well, allowing myself this one moment. A stupid thing to do, but I couldn't help myself.

Drevon led me to an open tent, a long table with several meals I couldn't count, from light to heavy.

"How did you acquire all this?" I asked, glancing at everything, and most of it didn't look like it had been hunted for.

"I had my men ride back to the population. I didn't know which you liked most, so I asked them to bring anything they could get their hands on."

I faced him with questions swirling. He did all that for breakfast?

"I still did not like what happened yesterday morning. Although I've dealt with that problem, I still wanted to make it up to you somehow. Surely breakfast wouldn't do that, but I wanted to show my intentions."

He's talking about Rose.

"I-I..." I stuttered, overwhelmed. "I understand if my husband has whores to keep his bed warm."

A dim light suddenly seized his eyes. "I have no whore, not anymore. Not since the Bride presentation."

I didn't say anything. I pulled my hand away from his and ambled to the chair to sit.

I debated about dragging it to the other end of the table for space but my plan was ruined when Drevon grabbed the chair in my stead and pulled it out for me to sit.