Enchantments

Chapter Six

She leaned out, still on her knees and looked up.

She had to bite her tongue to not let out the sigh of annoyance.

The king stood, starring down at her, wearing a loose white shirt and low hanging leather pants. His dark skin was lit against the candle light, and his pale-gold eyes seemed just as annoyed to see her as she was to see him.

"If it isn't the sleepy Ambassadors." The king said as he tilted his head at her.

Zarina stood up slowly and bowed her head. "Apologies your majesty." She gave a polite smile as she continued to bow her head. "I was looking for a snack in your beautiful kitchen."

Smile and compliment.

"Was the food provided not filling enough?" His voice was harsh and she would have loved to snap back at him with a cheeky remark, but she promised Thaddeus she would behave.

She swallowed back the line of words that wanted to escape.

She looked up at him, not meeting his eyes in a form of respect but kept her smile, "The food was amazing my King."

"Please stop." He said in an annoyed tone as he walked past her and opened up a cold cupboard.

She stood with her back to him, wondering what she was supposed to do, he'd told her to stop, and she wasn't sure what she should stop? Should she stop Breathing?

"You can look at me." He growled out in a frustrated tone.

She slowly turned around and met his eyes briefly before turning to his plate. He was eating some of the remaining beans and carrots.

He must have noticed her gaze as he said "Grab a fork." pointing at the drawer.

She arched her eyebrow at him, she was sure eating with the King was not something her brother would like her doing.

"I won't tell, if you don't." He said with a cheeky smile.

She wanted to say no, she did, make her brother proud, but she was very hungry. A shrug released her shoulders.

She walked over and grabbed a fork before she took a seat opposite the king and she began helping herself to some of the left overs.

Staring across from him she noticed the golden line that circled his pale-yellow eyes. He was probably the most attractive King she had ever met.

"Who showed you down here?" The king asked between bites.

"I've been here before your majesty." She answered as politely as she could while filling her mouth.

He looked slightly disgusted by her, but oh well, she needed to soothe these symptoms if she hoped to get through the rest of the festivities.

"I don't recall seeing you." He said sitting back in his seat and tilting his head at her. He looked slightly curious.

"Centuries ago, your majesty, your father's Royal Bonding Ceremony." She took another bite of carrots finally feeling like her hunger was calming down.

"You've been to a few of these before then?" He asked with curiosity. He did not seem distressed that she may be centuries older than him.

She looked up at him and admired his eyes again. Elf eyes really were beautiful.

"I have your majesty, but yours is far more superior." She said with a forced smile. It was a blunt lie, they were all the same. Same decorations and same turn out.

He furrowed his brows at her, seeming to notice the dishonesty in her voice.

"Was that why you were yawning? The Greetings too boring for you?"

Oh dear, he had noticed her yawning, that was not a good start.

"The Greetings was magnificent your Majesty." She maintained the smile, trying to seem as genuine as possible.

He narrowed his eyes at her and shook his head, clearly not enjoying her fake compliments. She should probably leave.

"Thank you for sharing your food, your Majesty." She bowed her head slowly and began getting up from her chair.

"I'm not done talking to you." He said the word like a command which annoyed Zarina, royals all felt they could order people around.

If only he knew.

She sat back down and smiled up at him, this time fully aware of how fake it looked. She even ensured her teeth shone through.

"Do you not enjoy my company, Ambassador?" He asked with an astonished voice.

Wow did this King really have that much of an ego?

"You company is like no other your majesty." She said with her faux smile. Her head cocked slightly to the side as she stared over at him.

He examined at her and smirked, "Is everything you say sarcastic."

She genuinely grinned. "I don't know what you are talking about your Majesty."

His lips parted as he started to smile, seeming to enjoy her snarky comments.

"Tell me Ambassador from the Underground." He said getting up and picking up the dirty bowl. He took it to the sink, probably proud of himself for doing a simple chore. "Who do you think was the best mating option?"

Unlike the other Ambassadors she had no hat in this ring, so her opinion would be completely unbiast.

Her fingers tapped against the counter as she went through the maidens that had entered the court room. So many beautiful girls, but only one clear choice.

"The obvious choice is Nessa." She said sternly. "Your Majesty." She quickly added with the respectful tone again.

He looked over his shoulder at her and began cleaning the dish. "I agree." He said nodding slowly. His pale eyes turned to the arched window that brought in the night sky.

"Tell me." He said with a sterner tone. "Why did the Emperor send his Half-breed?"

The words hit Zarina like a pile of rocks. Her blood boiled and she had to take in a breath to cool herself down. She wanted to use her powers on him, entice him in, then choke him to death. But this was the king.

She looked down trying to get control and noticed the faint glow appear over her skin.

"Excuse me Your Majesty." She turned on her heels and left the kitchen. She did not stop when she heard him call out for her, she would no doubt regret disobeying his direct order.

But she was furious. How dare the King call her Half-Breed?

She stormed the halls and returned to her room.