Court of Darkness

7. What a menace - Nicki

It was a few minutes past midnight when Nicki had heard a knock on the door. "Come in." She said, not in the mood to call for her maid, Reeva. She put her book on the table as the door opened. It was Alexander.

"Are you in the mood for a visitor or are you going to zone out like you did last time?" He asked with a chuckle. Asshole. Nicki picked up her book and chucked it at him. Alexander used his vampire speed to dodge the book. The book landed on the floor with a thud. Alexander then walked towards her with the elegance of a lazy cat.

"No is also an answer, you know?" He sounded amused. He pulled the nearest chair towards the couch that Nicki was laying on. Alexander was clad in his usual black. Thank god his chest was much more covered than last time she had seen him. He was wearing a black t-shirt that had an unnecessary deep v-cut and pants. His chest was still distracting and the asshole knew it.

"I know but it's more fun to throw a book at someone's head instead. You're a vampire. It wouldn't hurt your body. Your ego is a different story." She said and gave him an angelic smile. Alexander started to laugh. It was a deep laugh filled with warmth.

"I see that you're doing better than yesterday. Throwing with books and making fun of my ego. Looks like you're slowly becoming yourself again." He said with a smile.

"And you are still the unmannered king who doesn't bother to pick up a book for a pregnant lady. I may be a vampire but I'm pretty sure I shouldn't bend when I'm pregnant." She snapped with her fingers and pointed at the book that was still on the floor.

"Pick it up or you're no longer welcome. I'll call for your guards and complain to them for hours about you, if you don't do it."Alexander raised his hands as a sign that she had won their little argument and stood up to pick up her book.

"Alright, alright. I'll do it before you use the book to impale me. Pregnancy hasn't made you less feisty." He picked up the book looked at the cover before placing it on the table. He then sat down again.

"I didn't know that you love those sweet romances. I thought you preferred those action packed books." Nicki made a face. Judgmental asshole.

"Usually I do but I guess the pregnancy is doing a magic trick and makes me love things that I usually consider cringeworthy. If you're going to judge me for it then you're still welcome to use the door again." She pointed at the door. Alexander immediately changed his tone.

"No, no! I didn't t mean it like that. I was just teasing you." Nicki raised an eyebrow and crossed her arms.

"Really! I swear it on my undead heart."Nicki let out a soft sigh and decided to give him the benefit of the doubt.

"Alright then. I believe you. Was there something you wanted to talk about? Something that doesn't involve the books that I'm reading." She warned him when she saw that playful look in his eyes. Alexander could be such a child. Even after four centuries.

"Nothing in particular, no. Although teasing you is a fun activity." Nicki suddenly changed her posture. She put her feet on Alexander's lap.

"Well in that case you can massage my feet." This time it was Alexander that made a face. It appeared that her suggestion had disturbed him.

"Absolutely not. I'm a king. You can ask a servant to do it." Nicki raised an eyebrow.

"No." She said.

"No?" Alexander repeated.

"You can no longer understand English? Fine, I'll say it in French for you. Non." Nicki looked pleased with herself. Unfortunately Alexander wouldn't admit his defeat yet.

"I'm your king! Royalty! I have better things to do than giving free foot massages." She shook her head.

"I beg to differ. You're here in the middle of the night instead of working. You've made time to see me so you have time for free foot massages. You've impregnated me so the least you can do is to massage my feet. If you continue to say no then I won't talk to you anymore." Alexander turned paler than he already was. Gotcha!

"Fine, fine. No need to threaten me damn it." He started to massage her feet. It felt heavenly. Sweet victory.

"Have you already selected my replacement? I mean, I can't get intel for you in this state anymore. That would be way too risky." Alexander nodded as he continued to massage her.

"I have. Johnson will keep an eye on the rebels. They've been awfully quiet lately. I think your latest report is correct. They're planning something. Something big. I don't like this silence. I've sharpened security around the palace. Especially near your room, as you may have noticed."

"What about the traitor? Have you found them already?" Nicki asked. She may be off duty but she still wanted to stay updated. Alexander shook his head and sighed.

"Not yet sadly. We are keeping an eye on the carrier pigeons but no trace yet. That's why I prefer if you stay on this wing. If something happens..." Alexander looked really worried. He saw that she had noticed it and quickly put on a neutral expression.

"Anyway, I'll let you know if there's any progress." Nicki simply nodded and contemplated something. She decided to ask it anyways.

"Can I please have access to your office again? I know that you're busy but please! Let me do something." She stood up and held up the book she was reading.

"I'm reading stuff like this Alexander. I'm reading stupid romances that I should dislike. And I'm bored!" Alexander took the book from her and made her sit down.

"Nicki, take it easy. Stress isn't good for babies, remember?" She sighed and let her head hang for a moment.

"I know... but I promise that I will take it easy! Perhaps I can do some of your boring paperwork. I'll stay away from the strategic things. You're also able to keep an eye on me without having to shove your work aside."

"But I-" Alexander started but Nicki cut him off.

"Alex, I know you're keeping an eye on me. I bet that my maid gives you updates when I'm asleep." Alexander smirked at her. Why did he look at her like that? This was starting to become creepy.

"Alex, huh? It's been a long time since you've called me that."

"I- No I didn't! Absolutely not! Lies!" She said but a blush was making its way to her cheeks. Alexander started to laugh.

"Look at you! You're blushing! You know that you've said it, dear. You're just in denial." Nicki looked triumphantly at Alexander.

"Since when am I your dear, my dear?" It was Alexander's turn to blush.

"I did not use that word!" What a weak defense. Was this truly the best he could do?

"I've called you Alex and you've called me dear. Shall we call it even?" Alexander let his head hang in defeat and nodded.

"Alright, you win. I'll see you tomorrow in my office. You can come whenever you like. I won't give you a set time."  He got up and walked towards the door. He placed a hand on the doorknob and turned to look at her.

"Nicki, I've missed having you around." He then left. Nicki bit softly on her lower lip. That was sweet of him. He was still a pain in the ass though. Especially with that stupid v-cut shirt of his. She hadn't looked at Alex's face when he said that he had missed her. Her eyes had refused to stop looking at his muscular chest. This man... He was trying to seduce her, wasn't he? She grabbed a pillow from the couch and screamed in it. Working with him would mean that he had more opportunities to be a menace.