A Thief's Kiss

39| Regrets

Chapter 39: Regrets (Aria's POV)

We all sat in the living area. It was definitely awkward, to say the least. Especially now that my in-laws and their parents both went to take a stroll in the backyard, leaving the four of us together. Alex and I sat on the couch on one side of the table and Adrian and Eleanor sat on a two-seater opposite us. 

"Any more coffee, anyone?" I asked. Alex and I didn't even have coffee. We had tea. Oh my god, we're like an old married couple. 

"Yeah, I'll take some," Adrian agreed. 

I held it out, thinking I could pour it for him since I was already holding it. But he took it out of my hand, his fingers very intentionally brushing against mine, lingering there a little longer than necessary. I pulled my hand back, which I couldn't do until his grip on the coffee jug was firm. I pulled my hand back after that, clearing my throat. I glanced at Alexander who was already shooting daggers at Adrian. 

"So, Alexander," Eleanor cleared her throat. "How have you been?" 

He leaned back, crossing one leg over the other. "I've been great. You?" 

"Good," she nodded. "I missed Azura though." 

"Really?" I blurted out. 

She's from Nethilore. But she missed Azura? 

"How come you missed Azura more than your own kingdom, Nethilore?" Alexander asked, a smirk twitching to make its way onto his lips. 

"I think I was a lot closer to some people here in Azura," she shrugged, putting her cup down. 

"I think you used a lot of people here in Azura," Alex shrugged. 

"How so?" She lifted a brow at him. 

"You tell me," Alex nodded. 

I looked between them in confusion before looking at Adrian. He didn't even appear to be listening, he was looking at me. "So Aria, are you interested in music at all?" he asked. 

"Of course, why do you ask?" I forced a smile. It's what I hate most about royalty. Forcing smiles, being nice to people you hate, and acting sweet when you really just want to kick them in the ass. Not that I want to kick Adrian's ass. Yet. 

"Well actually, I play the piano." 

Alexander scoffed beside me. 

"Oh, you do?" 

"He's very good at it, actually," Eleanor said. 

I frowned, "I thought you wouldn't be here to see him play? You stay in France and say you've barely visited since you got married, is that right?" I asked. 

Something clicked in her eyes. Realization? Embarrassment? "I just know from what our family tells me," she shrugged. 

"Maybe you shouldn't believe things you can't confirm on your own," Alex smirked. Then he turned to Adrian. "Isn't that right, Adrian?" 

"Perhaps it is. But if you trust someone, what does it matter what other people say, right Alexander?" Alex rolled his eyes. 

"Even if other people are right? And who you trust isn't?" 

I blinked in utter confusion, glancing at Eleanor who was staring only at Alexander. Like she has been throughout this afternoon. 

"Blood is thicker than water, isn't that what they say?" Adrian asked. 

Blood is thicker than water? 

This just feeds my suspicion that something happened between Eleanor and Alexander and because of her, Alex was blamed and she got out of it. Maybe Adrian got involved and believed his sister over Alex. Is that what he meant when he used that phrase?