Uncharted - A My Sweet Prince Novel (2)

Late Night Visits

I blush and look away. "I don't know what you mean," I say awkwardly, taking half a step back.

Mel smiles knowingly. "Ah," he says, turning away from me. "Then I suppose you just kiss all of your new friends? Lina, I am hurt!"

I know he is teasing, but it still makes me feel bad, anyway. I hurry to catch up, twisting my still damp hair into a bun at the top of my head. "Well, no, not exactly," I mutter. How could I explain the situation without giving him exactly what he is after? Tell him that I have a crush on Chezem? No way.

"Hey, Miss Lina!" Alvah is walking past in the opposite direction, but pauses to look at me. "How are you feeling?" he asks. "You know, after the rain."

I smile thinly. "Alright," I say. "I will not catch a cold," I say, folding my arms across my chest. "Do you all show as much concern for your brother as you do me?" I question.

Alvah snickers. "No," he admits. "You're much more fun and pretty," he teases.

I roll my eye. "The lot of you are simply ridiculous. Perhaps I should go find myself some more level-headed company."

"Oh, Ivan is around," Mel snickers. He clicks his tongue and I glance in his direction, seeing his hand partially extended toward me. He clears his throat and drops it. "I'm sure you can find him somewhere."

I turn away from the two and take a step away, but Alvah speaks. "Wait," he says. "I actually wanted to invite you out with us tomorrow."

I glance back at him. "Out where? And who is 'us' exactly?"

"All of us, I think," Alvah says, rubbing his jaw. "Even Jun and Asaka - they never have time for us anymore with the wedding planning. Nagit and I planned a day at the beach and I'm inviting all my brothers. And you, of course."

I find myself smiling. I've always loved the beach and spending the day out of the palace and relaxing sounds wonderful. I nod my head once. "Okay," I say. "If Asaka will come, I will too."

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I don't see much of Chezem or Asaka for the rest of the day. I wonder if Chezem is avoiding me after my slick comment and think I might need to go looking for him, though it is getting late. I bite my lip, thinking. I do not want him upset with me, I decide. I climb from bed and throw a silk robe over my tank top and shorts and slip, barefoot, out into the hall.

I try to remember my way around and count the doors as I walk. If I remember correctly, Lambert's room is the closest, followed by Nagit, then Alvah, Melchiorre, and then Chezem. I think. I stop in front of what I hope is his bedroom door and lift my hand to knock, but I hesitate. I suppose, if I'm wrong, I can just explain my flub and get directions. I knock lightly and wait, listening for several seconds. I hear someone shifting inside and then the door swings open and Chezem looks out at me, glasses perched on his nose, a book dangling from his fingers. His golden eyes widen in surprise.

"Lina?" he asks, glancing down the hall in both directions. "What can I do for you? What brings you...here?"

"I wanted to apologize," I say sheepishly, my hands clutching my robe. "I hope I didn't offend you, with my stupid joke."

He looks confused for several moments, but I know he understands as soon as his cheeks turn pink. "Ah," he says, turning. "Well, there is no point having this discussion in the hallway. Please, come in."

I hesitate, but he says no more and I step into the room, pulling the door closed behind me. I take in his room and almost laugh. I don't know why he spends so much time in the library, when it seems he has his own personal library here. Several bookshelves line the walls and are packed full. I walk over, not looking at Chezem, and trace my fingers along the spines wistfully. When I turn, I see Chezem sitting in an armchair and he motions to the one across from him, a small smile playing at his lips.

I turn and obediently sit, tucking my legs beneath me. "So," I say quietly. It did not escape my notice that we were alone in his bedroom and my eyes refused to move to the bed just to my left. I was all talk and bluster, but now, being here, I am nervous. I don't think for one second that Chezem was going to act on any impulse, if he even had one, and that thought eases my rigid spine.

"You do not owe me an apology," Chezem says, his hands folded in his lap. "I was not offended, merely...surprised."

I chuckle. "Truthfully, I was a little surprised myself. I seem to keep putting you in compromising situations with my words, and I am sorry. I shouldn't insinuate a relationship between us, especially not one of a sexual nature. It's...uh...improper."

Chezem looks thoughtful for a moment, rising from his chair. He comes to kneel in front of me, but does not touch me. "Lina," he says, eyebrows creasing in concentration. "I would like the opportunity to get to know you better." His eyes dart around the room, as if he can't look at me when he speaks. "I know Asaka has extended the invitation for you to stay here, but I do not want to impede you. If you wish to stay and you do not wish a relationship of any kind with me, I will leave you alone." His eyes finally settle on me, and I almost can't speak. He is so beautiful.

"We barely know each other," I say quietly. "But," I add quickly, when I see the hurt in his eyes. "I would like to get to know you better, too. I just..."

Chezem reached out slowly and takes my hands in his. "Then let us get to know each other as simply Chezem and Lina." He smiles and tilts his head to the side. "If that is agreeable?"

"Are you going to the beach with Alvah and Nagit tomorrow?" I ask suddenly.

He lifts an eyebrow at the change in topic, but nods. "Yes," he says. "I declined when Alvah asked me, but Nagit asked as well and...I have a hard time telling my little brother no," he admits with a sheepish smile.

"Good," I say. "I'll be there." I smile and disentangle my hands from his, rising to my feet. Chezem follows suit, and we find ourselves standing dangerously close together. My breath hitches in my throat, and I can only hope he doesn't hear it. "It's late," I say softly.

"Yes," Chezem answers, matching my tone. "So it is."

"I should get to bed," I say. "In my own room." I wince at the unintentional implication. But Chezem acts like he doesn't notice.

"Do you need me to walk you back?" he asks, his eyes moving over my face slowly, as if he is drinking in the image.

Yes, I think waywardly. I would love it if he walked me back to my room because it would give me more time with him. It was crazy how much he has made me feel in such a short amount of time. Calm, safe, and heard. Chezem listens to me and understands. I know I am playing a dangerous game at the risk of my heart, but maybe I can allow him in. Maybe I can see where this leads, because he obviously wants something more.

"No," I say softly. "I can manage. You go ahead and get some rest, okay? I'll see you at breakfast?"

Chezem steps back, allowing me to move toward the door. "Of course," he says gently. "Goodnight, Lina. I hope you have...nicer dreams tonight."