Uncharted - A My Sweet Prince Novel (2)

Evening Questions

Dinner is always an affair when everyone is present, and that is the case tonight. I am seated between Chezem and Melchiorre, and the night is filled with subtle touches from Chezem and clicks from Melchiorre as he pats my shoulder, ruffles my hair. And anything else he wants to warn me about. I am laughing most of the time, trying to remember to take bites of food in between breaths.

After dinner, everyone parts ways and I sigh contentedly. "What is it?" Chezem asks me, leaning back in his chair. We are the only two to remain seated at the table.

I shake my head. "Nothing," I say. "I'm just happy."

He sends me a lopsided smile and stands, holding his hand out to me. "Good," he says. "That makes me happy to hear." I take his hand and allow him to pull me to my feet. "Come on," he urges, pulling me from the room. "I have something I want to show you."

We pass Lambert on the way to the front doors and he lifts his hand in a wave. I barely have time to return the gesture before Chezem is pulling me out the door. Whatever it is he wants to show me, he must be excited. We walk down a familiar path and I feel my breath catch in my throat as the little white pavilion comes into view. It seems Chezem has been busy. There have been soft golden lights hung around the whole interior, casting it in a warm glow. And a young woman sits on a simple white chair, a violin in her hands. At our approach, she begins to play.

tempo,Chezem pulls me up into the pavilion and swings me into his arms. Without a word, we dance. The moves feel effortless and I wonder if he has been practicing for my benefit. My heart is racing and I don't think I can wipe the smile off my face if I tried. The music continues to play softly, though we both stop moving, standing in each other's arms. I rest my head against his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart. Mine matches its tempo and I squeeze him a little tighter.

"This is perfect," I say softly, looking up at him.

Chezem smiles down at me, lifting his hand to cup my cheek in his hand. He holds me tenderly for a moment before lowering his head, always slow enough that I can't mistake his intentions and can turn away or tell him no. I don't. His lips cover mine in a kiss so sweet I feel like he's trying to tell me something without words. I am grateful that my mouth is occupied, because I almost tell him the truth. I love you.

Thunder cracks overhead, and the moment slips away. Chezem pulls back and sighs. "I suppose we should be getting back," he murmurs, brushing my hair back. He makes a motion to the violinist, and she bows, gathering her things and hurries away. Chezem takes my hands in his and pulls me from the pavilion. And, hand in hand, we run back to the palace, making it inside the doors just as the lightning slices through the sky and the heaven's above open up to water the earth with its tears.

Ivan raises an eyebrow as we run past him, and I can't help but laugh. I feel like a kid. We stop in front of my bedroom door, and Chezem kisses me quickly. "I've got something to do," he murmurs against my lips. "Get changed and meet me in my room?" he whispers.

I nod and watch him walk away, unable to hide the sigh that escapes my lips.

"Girl, you've got it bad." I jump and turn to scowl at Melchiorre. He grins in return.

"What are you talking about?" I demand, folding my arms across my chest.

He shrugs and hooks his thumbs in his belt loops, leaning forward. "Are you going to tell him?" he asks in a loud whisper.

I shake my head. "Tell who what?" I ask, knowing it is likely futile. Melchiorre is not stupid. I remember Asaka telling me about how he called her out, and it seems he's doing the same to me.

Mel laughs. "I wonder?" he asks. "May I ask for a kiss?" he asks.

I wave my hand dismissively. "No," I answer, my lips twitching. "I'm not in the kissing mood."

"No? Guess you really do give preferential treatment to my dear brother." Mel laughs and shakes his head. "How about a friendly hug, then?" He opens his arms, and with a resigned sigh, I step into his embrace. He hugs me tightly, his lips close to my ear. "Don't wait too long," he says softly. "He won't say it first."

As quick as he arrived, Mel releases me and turns on his heel walking away. I frown and rub the back of my neck. Sometimes I just couldn't understand that man. I let myself into my bedroom and pace, chewing on my lower lip. What to wear? I lift several choices out of my luggage and grimace. I didn't want to wear anything with a hole or stain, that was for sure. I glance at the wardrobe and peek inside. I find a pair of pale pink pajamas—a matching tank and shorts set that feel like silk. I pull those on and grab my black robe, sliding it around my figure.

No more time to waste. Tonight could very well change our whole relationship, for better or worse. I'm not sure which, and my stomach turns. Unable to put it off any longer, I leave my room and carefully walk through the halls, trying not to look suspicious. Just a friendly, late-night visit, I tell myself. No one will suspect a thing. I make it to Chezem's room unscathed and rap my knuckles lightly on the door. It swings open Chezem's face lights up. He steps aside quickly, and I slip into his room. He is wearing a plain shirt and a pair of shorts which look completely out of place on him. He's always so well dressed, but I suppose he doesn't need to sleep in gold-lined pajamas too.

"Lina," Chezem says softly. I turn to regard him fully, and he smiles sweetly at me. He takes my hand and leads me to the bed and my heart picks up in tempo. I know he said nothing had to happen tonight, but I can't help but worry. What if we start fooling around and I freak out? I shake my head to rid myself of the thoughts and sit on the edge of the bed. Chezem is careful as he crawls into bed beside me to not touch me, and it eases my mind some. I slip out of the robe and set it aside, lying back on the bed.

Chezem is propped up on one elbow when I roll over to look at him. "You're beautiful," he tells me, causing me to blush.

I stare at him, my heart hammering in my chest and my mind running a million miles an hour. "What are we?" I whisper.