Chapter 4 #2
“As you can see, that wasn’t necessary,” she replied coolly.
He too was dressed formally in black and her heart took a sharp, unwelcome leap. His dark hair was neatly combed, accenting the brushes of silver at his temples. His smile was brilliantly white, if a little guarded, and it did not quite reach his blue eyes.
Taking her arm he led her toward the dining room.
“Normally, we will enjoy a drink before dinner while we discuss the events of our day, but you said you were starving and I assume you would not enjoy rehashing this afternoon,” he offered as one arm swept around her waist and softly patted her bottom.
It was a clear reminder of her earlier humiliation over his knees and she fumed while forcing herself to maintain a calm expression.
“In that you are correct. I would not like to revisit any part of my day,” she acknowledged stiffly, “particularly the part where I was foolish enough to climb into your sleigh.”
Jackson laughed.
“Now that was, of course a very treasured moment for me, an expression of your trust and faith in me, if you will.”
“My misplaced trust,” she hissed as he gently seated her at the massive dining room table.
“Oh, my Chrissy, you wound me,” he drawled dramatically, placing a hand over his heart before he too sat down.
“Not as much as I’d like to,” she sweetly replied.
“Your Majesty, may we begin serving?”
“Yes, of course, and serve my lady first,” he instructed. “I do believe her hunger has soured her disposition.”
Crystalia glared at him, and this time his smile was real. Then he had the audacity to wink at her. It was all she could do not to throw her soup at him, but her bottom was still tender and the soup’s aroma too tantalizing.
Dinner was a feast of rich flavors and delicate spices each dish a masterpiece of culinary art.
The warmth of the candlelight, the clinking of crystal glasses, would have been perfectly complimented by the hum of lively conversation adding to the enchanting atmosphere, but that did not happen.
While every bite was a symphony of tastes and textures, making for a truly unforgettable dining experience, every attempt by Jackson to draw her into intimate conversation went awry.
Crystalia consumed her supper like a reindeer wrangler, ignoring all normal social skills by stuffing herself, replying to his polite, probing questions with her mouth full, reaching for whatever she wanted instead of asking for dishes to be passed, and burping loudly after the meal while rubbing her tummy.
Rising she wiped her mouth and dropped her napkin into her dessert.
“That was good, Jackson,” she stated, giving another burp. “I’m going to bed now, and I hope you plan on feeding me like this while I’m here. I don’t cook much for myself, so this was a treat. Give my regards to your chef.”
“I thought perhaps you’d like to have an after dinner drink,” he nearly growled, reaching out to stop her. “Maybe you’d like to continue your remarkable performance in a more private setting. I’m sure my staff can come up with a trough.”
Crystalia laughed.
“No, I’m pretty full. Possibly another time, Your Highness. After all, it’s been a trying day,” she replied with a sigh.
“Not nearly as trying as it’s about to get,” he responded through clenched teeth as he tightened his grip on her wrist and towed her from the dining room.
Racing down the hallway, her skirts flying, she struggled to keep up with his long strides.
Finally, he stopped and flung open a heavy door, tugging her into what appeared to be his study.
Giving her a twirl, she lost her balance and landed on a soft sofa, as he stood tall and furious before her.
His hands were on his hips until he removed one and pointed his finger at her stiffly.
“Not one word!” he all but roared, his eyes a steely blue. “Not one sound!”
Demurely she folded her hands in her lap and nodded, watching as he marched to a side bar and poured himself a stiff drink, tossing it back before refilling his glass.
“I suppose you think your little performance back there was amusing?” he barked out.
Crystalia smiled and nodded.
“You enjoyed humiliating me in front of my servants, elves who have worked tirelessly to prepare this castle for your arrival!”
She shrugged, still smiling as she smoothed her long hair over her shoulder.
“Well, I’m here to tell you that your behavior tonight was abominable and it won’t be tolerated,” he yelled. “You are to go out there and apologize to each and every one of them personally!”
Crystalia drew a line across her mouth, like closing a zipper, flipped her fingers to lock it and tossed away the key. Then she smiled and turned her hands up as though she couldn’t possibly obey him since she currently wasn’t allowed to speak.
Frustrated, Jackson shot back the rest of his drink and glared at her.
“Speak!”
“Where did they come from?” were the first words out of her mouth.
“Who?” he asked, dumbfounded.
“Those two white wolves lounging before the fire?” she asked pointing at the beautiful creatures that would normally spark fear equal to being scratched from Santa’s list into her.
Casually he waved away her question, as though it was quite normal to have such massive animals sprawled on the carpet.
“That’s Samson and Siberia. I’ve had them for decades,” he replied absently.
“Should I be afraid?” she whispered.
“Of them? No,” he replied with a sharp laugh. “They’ve known your scent since they were born.”
“How?”
“Oh, an item here, a scarf there. It wasn’t much of a challenge to remove some of your possessions when you typically toss them around and often can’t find what you’re searching for.
It seems you have a habit of misplacing important things, valuable things, overlooking what’s right in front of your nose. ”
“Are you talking about physical things? Or are you including yourself as an item I overlooked and perhaps underappreciated, Jackson?” she asked, her face thoughtful.
“Take it any way you’d like,” he replied without bothering to hide his bitterness.
Suddenly, filled with remorse and stunningly aware of the truth of his words, Crystalia rose and approached him. Standing before him she reached up to cup his cheek with one soft hand.
“I’m sorry I hurt you, Jackson,” she whispered. “It was never my intention. I actually believed I was doing you a favor.”
Jackson took her hand and kissed her palm.
“Then do me a true favor,” he replied softly.
“What?”
“Don’t do me anymore favors,” he breathed against her cheek before he claimed her lips.