Color of Roses

Flirtatious Tutor

Chapter 6

I gaze at Leo as he closes the gap between us. His eyes look studious and yearning of something and I feel I'm his subject. He leans his face close and I try to swallow but my mouth is dry from riding. "Why do you look so nervous?"

I don't reply. "Don't tell me-" He grabs my chin with his fingers. "Do I make you flustered, princess?"

"Ah!" I quickly move away from Leo and stand behind the desk. I shake my head hastily.

"You're so easy to read, Aria." He chuckles before reaching into his pocket and pulls out a rectangular case covered in gold etchings. He removes something from the case and I notice a pair of glasses. "I might as well look the part of a tutor," he winks before sliding the glasses onto his nose.

He grabs a small book from the desk and pulls out a chair, taking a seat. "Let's get started."

***

I cover my mouth as I yawn. Leo had me practicing proper ways of greeting people in the ways of royalty. I felt exhausted from my earlier lessons with Alyn that I had a hard time paying attention. Leo would press a hand to my shoulder occasionally to wake me up. He knew he had some effect on me and I hated it.

"I'm going to quiz you," He says with a sadistic grin. "Let's see how well you listened."

"What?" I ask in surprise. He continues to smile at me, his eyes burning.

Leo removes his glasses and leans towards me. "Let's make this interesting. If you get the answer wrong-" his lips are inches from my ear and I find myself frozen in place. "You'll owe me a kiss."

Shivers run down my spine as his lips pronounce 'kiss'. I immediately rise from my seat. "Leo! You're supposed to be my teacher!"

He grins wider. "Here comes the question. Are you ready?" His eyes narrow and I feel my heart racing.

"How does a princess wave?"

This was an easy question. I raise my hand and wave as I normally would. "Pft," Leo holds in a laugh. Did I answer wrong? "You're too casual. You need to be gentler when waving." He demonstrates for me and I try it myself.

"Perfect," he says but that doesn't stop him from stepping closer. I back away but find myself pressed against the wall. Leo is inches away from me, his eyes looking hungry and his lips in a tight line. "That's enough for today," he breathes into my ear.

I look up at him with wide eyes. "You answered correctly," he says. "Although you were a bit aggressive, you still waved."

I sigh in relief. "Don't be so dramatic," Leo teases in response. "I was serious about kissing you if you got it wrong."

"Then why ask such an easy question?" I blurt out, immediately regretting it. Leo leans in and I cover my lips instinctively. "I'd have to deal with you fainting if I asked a harder question," he winks at me and I feel my face burning. Unable to retort, I storm out of the room and slam the door behind me.

I enter my room angrily only to find that I'm not alone. Nico, along with a few other maids, gather in my room. "Ah, princess Aria, welcome back." Nico bows as well do the maids.

"What's going on?" I ask curiously. Dresses are displayed all over the room. "Are these mine?" I run my fingers over some silky fabric.

"Giles has asked I present you with some dresses for your coronation coming up. Preparations will begin once you return from your visit in the town."

I glance over each dress and examine every detail. Nico insists I try each one on to find one to my liking. I try on each dress but none are to my taste. Nico ushers the maids out along with the failed dresses. Before I apologize for wasting his time, Giles steps into the room holding a bundle of pink. "I thought you'd reject those." He steps into the room and holds out a long red dress covered in fabric roses. One sleeve would cover my right shoulder while the other was bare. My eyes sparkle at the sight and I quickly try it on. Sure enough, the dress is perfect. I twirl around as I glance at my reflection. "It's beautiful!" I sing as the diamonds sewn around the breast sparkle.

Giles whispers to Nico who leaves the room only to return with a black box. When the box is opened I see a diamond necklace with matching earrings resting in some smooth fabric. Giles reaches for the necklace and fastens it around my neck. I smile at myself and my fingers trace the smooth gem.

A light tap at the door causes everyone's head to turn. Alyn stands in the doorway and his face turning a dark shade of red. "Giles, the king has asked for you." He refuses to look at me.

"Be sure to tuck the dress away once you're finished, Nico," Giles says before leaving the room. Alyn lingers at the doorway a few moments before following behind Giles. If I wasn't mistaken, he was admiring my dress. I feel a bit giddy at how beautiful I must appeal to everyone and twirl around once more before removing the dress and preparing for bed.