4. Narcissus
Chapter four
Narcissus
W e reappear outside a museum and follow the steps to a side entrance. There are security guards at the door who stop us to ask for a reservation.
“Go straight that way, the restaurant is through those doors.” Eliam takes my hand in his, and I ignore the fluttery feeling in my chest as we follow their directions.
The frosted doors to the restaurant have the name “Avec Toi” displayed in cursive on the left side. Eliam opens the door and ushers me through, his hand lightly resting on the small of my back.
“After you.” He continues holding the door open for two women on their way out after I walk in. They brazenly giggle at him as they pass .
I’m standing in front of an empty hostess station, wondering what to do next when Eliam joins me. He flashes a smile, bright enough to blind me, before tilting his head towards a woman in all black, slowly jogging our way.
“Ah Eliam! The regular spot?”
“Oui, bien s?r, mon ami!”
I look at Eliam. I know both of them are speaking French but I hear their speech translated to the language of the cosmos.
Eliam embraces the woman as he suppresses a laugh at the confusion I can feel contorting my face.
When they release each other, she immediately swings around and motions for us to follow her.
The cool wind hits me as we walk outdoors into an area illuminated by candles.
We are promptly seated next to a giant, golden statue which is located behind a hedge of white roses.
Eliam pulls my chair out then takes the other seat.
Before she walks away, the hostess introduces us to a waiter who is in the process of sliding us each a menu.
“I’ll give you a minute.” He dips his head towards us before he excuses himself.
I run my fingers down the embossed title before opening the book.
“Take your time, Princess.” Eliam waves over the waiter. “Two glasses of the Blanc de Blancs, please. Keep them coming.” The waiter nods in response before sauntering off.
“Blanc de Blancs? ”
“It’s champagne, Princess. You’ll love it.” He takes a sip of the water that was filled for us when we sat down.
“Can you stop that?”
“Stop what?” A smile tugs at his lips. His incessant smirking is too charming to be annoying.
“Calling me princess.” I sip the water and run my finger down the condensation of the glass once I return it to the table.
“But isn’t that what you are?”
“I mean, technically—”
He interjects, “No, quite actually. I read your file during the royal briefing before I came down here.” He is looking at the large tower in the distance.
“It’s about to light up.” The beauty of it makes me forget my objection.
But while I sit mesmerized by the twinkling white lights, I can feel Eliam looking at me.
I meet his gaze briefly and he winks. His smile makes my cheeks heat up, so I hastily return my attention to the tower, causing Eliam to chuckle.