When Shadows Seek Light

Chapter 12

The lucius kingdom

Holding his breath, Matthias stepped through the Gates at the Lucius Veil—and waited. But nothing happened. No Lightners came to drag him off to the king. No rough hands or angry faces appeared. Instead, all was peaceful.

The light that shone through the kingdom stretched as far and wide as the eye could see. Matthias was so taken aback at the sight that lay before him, he lost all means of communication. No words could explain the beauty of the Kingdom of Lucius. His father’s kingdom had its charms, and certainly wasn’t ugly, but here it was different. The light was different, brighter somehow, but not in a way that made you squint. It was as if it leaked into every crack and crevice of the kingdom, illuminating every dark space and erasing it.

As if there were no shadows.

Children’s laughter echoed through the streets, their joyful chase of birds and butterflies weaving an innocent dance through the air

Among them, Lightners tended to their gardens with gentle care, while farmers whistled melodies of contentment as they toiled in their fields. Matthias found himself immersed in a scene that defied his previous thoughts of what lay behind the Lucius Veil, a story of a life that unfolded with a unique harmony he had yet to witness.

They’d just left the horses at the Gate. The stable boy, Blue, had stared as Adalia introduced them. It felt odd, being looked at with a sense of awe and wonder—people from his world only cared about themselves. Always looking, but never truly seeing.

Something behind his right ear began to sting, and he reached up to touch it. Was it his birthmark? Matthias rubbed it gently—it had never burned before. Perhaps he’d scratched it and not noticed.

“Are you okay?” Adalia asked quietly beside him.

Matthias cleared his throat and stood straighter. “Yes, I’m fine. Where is this king of yours?”

“He will be at the palace. We’ll have to walk there because we have Bones with us. Some Lightners may not appreciate a rogue wolf running through the streets.” Adalia offered him a grin.

Nodding in agreement, Matthias called Bones to his side, and the group set off on foot.

Nikolas glanced at him now and then, suspicious, and Matthias knew the Lightner male had something to say.

Probably ‘get out.’ Perhaps something less eloquent.

Even if came down to a fight, Matthias had endured worse, and refused to be cowed.

As they walked through a street that wove its way towards the palace, Matthias found himself speechless once again. Coloured umbrellas were strung together to form a covering above them. Starting with yellow ones at one end of the street and ending in burnt orange ones. A sea of sunset.

“This area of Lucius is called Sunset Plaza. It’s known for this street and its array of colour,” Adalia said quietly.

The prince smiled in response. He could see that she was trying to make him feel as comfortable as possible, and he wasn’t sure if he should feel pleased or not. Surely, if they were going to haul him off to prison, he would know by now.

It was midday and many of the Lightners were outside watering potted plants or eating lunch at little tables scattered everywhere. Many greetings were exchanged, and Matthias struggled to keep up with all of them. Every Lightner he saw smiled or waved at him.

He’d seen nothing like it before. He thought The Grey was beautiful, but this place was a whole different story. The colour was almost more than he could bear. He was so used to the duller tones of Oscuro, but here, there were colours he didn’t even know existed.

The stories his father had spun ever since he was a small boy—about how awful Lucius was and that Oscuro was a vision compared to the Light Kingdom—came to mind, and he realised his father was even worse than he’d already thought.

Was anything that came out of his mouth true?

Leaving Sunset Plaza behind, the group entered beautiful parklands full of trees and structured garden beds filled with perfumed flowers. The grounds seemed to stretch for miles with the palace in the near distance. Matthias struggled to consume all that lay before him. Across the landscape were small to large groups of Lightners picnicking by small ponds or playing games on the grass.

The group turned a corner on the gravel path that led them through the dreamy landscape and there, before them, stood the palace. It was enormous compared to his father’s castle. Its white, gleaming walls stood tall against the crystal-blue sky.

“Beautiful, isn’t it?” Adalia whispered beside him.

Matthias glanced down at her. Ever so faint freckles dusted the bridge of her nose—her lips slightly parted in a smile. He fought the urge to pull her close and kiss her like he had back in Oscuro—her presence always seemed to have that effect on him.

His thoughts skipped to the encounter outside his cabin, and how her feisty questions had riled him.

In that moment, he wanted her mouth on his so he could taste her. To feel her soft looking lips beneath his own. Her scent and mossy-brown eyes had captured his soul, toying with it like a cat does with a mouse–right before it eats it, and he would be damned if he didn’t take something in return.

So he took a chance when he stepped towards her. He’d expected her to pull back, to prove the disgust she claimed, but the look in her eyes belied the words. And she’d remained planted on the spot. It was all the permission he needed to reach for that delicate throat and clasp it in his hand. The feeling of her rose coloured lips on his was electric, so palatable he could almost taste it. His mind had fractured into a tiny million pieces when a moan escaped her and the sound of it nearly had him on the ground.

If they were alone right now, and she was looking at him the way she was, he would find it very . . . very difficult to keep his hands to himself.

“Well, it’s definitely nothing like the stories I’ve heard,” Matthias replied quietly.

Adalia glanced at her brother and Shiloh, who were exchanging glances between themselves.

“What were you told?” she asked.

“Not this. I was told that only death and destruction resided in Lucius,” he replied, shoving his hands in his pockets.

Adalia’s brow rose, and she scrunched her nose in disbelief. “I think you have it the other way around. I think that’s your kingdom.”

Matthias allowed a small smile to travel across his mouth. “Well, I can see that now, little dove.”

Nikolas cleared his throat. Adalia had gone slightly pink in the cheeks because of the pet name. “Sorry, bad habit.” Matthias shrugged.

Adalia glared at her brother and moved to walk beside Shiloh.

After a few minutes, they arrived at the palace gates, wide open to welcome all. The lawns spread before them, hosting an assortment of creatures, from grand to delicate. Trees, splashed with colour, grew in random patterns across the garden beds. Birds filled the sky, a breathtaking display of flight and freedom, unlike anything Matthias had witnessed before.

They made their way to the front doors. Matthias didn’t know how he didn’t see it before, but the path they’d been walking on was made from glass overtop flowing, crystal-blue water that wound its way through the city and straight into the heart of the palace.

Matthias believed himself to be a man who could handle most situations, but this was quickly becoming one that might overwhelm him.

The group walked the halls, smiling and greeting courtiers and noble folk as they passed by. Unlike the palace he lived in, where courtiers and noble folk completely ignored him or giggled at him behind their hands.

He glanced down at Bones, who was happily trotting along as if he’d been here before. Adalia turned to glance behind her, obviously checking to see that he was still following. Their eyes locked and something inside of his chest moved. It was almost painful, and yet he wanted it to happen again. A tug on something that lay dormant inside his soul.

The prince pulled his thoughts back together as Nikolas pushed the large white and gold doors open and they all stepped into what Matthias presumed was the throne room.

There, in the centre of the grand area, was a large, ornate, golden throne, sitting upon a dais made of sapphire that bled out to from the floor. Looking around cautiously, Matthias spied enormous windows, arched in shape, with a view from each one. Small and large groups of Lightners scattered about, talking and laughing with one another.

“My king.” Nikolas spoke and knelt to the floor on one knee.

Adalia and Shiloh followed suit.

Matthias wanted to resist. This was enemy territory. If he bowed to this king, he would be betraying everything he ever knew.

But one glance at the face of the king seated before him stirred something inside his body and whether it was purely out of fear or if it was a natural thing to do, before he could stop, Matthias knelt before the king of Lucius.

“Rise my wonderful subjects and newly arrived guest.” The king grinned at Matthias.

The four companions rose, and the king stood from his throne to walk down the dais to reach them.

“My king, we have brought you Matth—”

Nikolas didn’t get to finish his sentence before the king spoke gently over him. “Matthias, son of King Sinfonia.”

Matthias sucked in his breath, surprised by the king’s recognition.

“Welcome to Lucius, Matthias,” the king continued.

“I know these are odd circumstances,” Matthias said, “but should you not be demanding to know why I’m here? Or hauling me off to some dungeon to torture me for answers?” Matthias inquired, his gaze shifting between the four individuals before him. It bewildered him how this king, a sworn adversary of his father, could wear such a friendly smile and welcome him in this manner. And how did the king know his name?

The king laughed, his glorious voice ringing through the room like pure sunshine. “There will be no dragging off to prisons and definitely no torture happening . . . ever.”

Matthias remained cautious. It seemed too easy. There was no tension, no animosity. Just smiles and delightful conversation. Was this place even real? Or a figment of his imagination? Not that he could ever have imagined something as grand as this.

“I will ask what you are doing here, though? Has your father finally come to his senses and wants to return home?” the king asked, amused.

Adalia answered before Matthias registered what the king said. “His father is the reason we are here, yes, but I doubt that horrid man has come to his senses. My king, I ask if Matthias might be allowed to stay here in Lucius for a little while? His father is in a rampant rage, and I feared for the life of Matthias. I offered him sanctuary.”

The prince inwardly winced. Adalia’s observation was painfully accurate—his fathers was indeed abhorrent, and he didn’t mind that she’d voiced it. But embarrassment washed over him, and an uncomfortable sensation crept in at the idea that they might think he was a coward for running away. To add to it, Adalia gave him no warning about staying in Lucius for the unforeseeable future.

Nikolas glared at his sister and Matthias felt guilty, knowing that he was the reason for their differences. He shouldn’t have come, but the thought of his father tearing into him again, taking joy in forcing Matthias to watch while his cabin was destroyed, kept him grounded on the spot.

“Of course. Matthias is welcome here as long as he needs. Do you have somewhere in mind that he can stay?” the king asked Adalia.

She turned to her brother and answered. “Yes, he will stay with us.”

Nikolas’s eyes grew large, and Matthias waited, but the objection never came. He swallowed down the disbelief that rose. Did she really just say that out loud? Surely she didn’t want rumours to spread? Ruin her reputation by harbouring the Prince of Darkness? Why wasn’t Nikolas arguing?

“I will be responsible for him until he leaves,” she finished.

The king’s smile grew, and he opened his arms. “Well then, it’s settled. Welcome Matthias, and I hope you enjoy your stay here. Adalia, don’t forget to show him around the Kingdom when you get a chance. I’m sure there are many things he’d like to see and people to meet. May the light guide you and keep you.”

Adalia nodded, returning his smile.

Matthias was speechless, overwhelmed by how the situation unfolded. He’d presumed a king full of wrath and judgement would rain down upon him, but was met with kindness and acceptance from not only the king himself, but Adalia, too. Uncertainty still gripped his heart, but as he caught Adalia’s eye, a crack split open and a seed of hope planted itself between the folds of the ruby organ nestled in the warmth of his chest.

Was he allowed to feel this way?

The group all bid the king goodbye and left the throne room.

Matthias’s thoughts were stuck in the dark abyss of his mind, somewhere between guilt and shame.

Adalia’s house was larger than his cabin in the woods, but still had the same cosy feeling.

The yellow door caught his attention as soon as they neared the home, and he smiled. Of course, there would be colour on their homes and the floors, ceilings, and pathways, and everywhere else one looked. It wasn’t an overuse of colour, as everything was as it should be. Maybe it was the fact that he was so used to his father’s drab castle that made this place seem dazzling in comparison.

Shiloh had left them mere moments before, so it was just Nikolas, Adalia and himself as they stepped into the house. It smelt of fresh flowers and some sort of fruits . . . peaches. Matthias couldn’t remember the last time he ate a decent peach.

“You can put your bag down over there.” Adalia motioned towards the large, pale-blue lounge chair over by the bay window.

Matthias moved towards it and placed his bag down on the floor. Bones sat beside it and watched his master with an unwavering gaze.

“Adalia, can I speak with you for a moment? . . . outside.” Nikolas glanced at Matthias before he walked out the back door of the kitchen.

“Excuse me,” Adalia sighed, but followed.

Matthias silently nodded and gave them their privacy as he wandered through the living room, admiring the décor. A gentle peace filled her home. Matthias closed his eyes and inhaled quietly. His mind skittered over the recent and sudden events, the scenario with Snake at the forefront. He was struggling to grasp why the advisor didn’t mention the bounty on her head.

It was the perfect opportunity to take her for himself and hand her over to the king, collecting the victor’s crown and a large sum at the same time. Maybe Snake felt it was too risky. Two against one. Maybe the scheme he was devising in his devious mind was bigger than a simple snatch and grab in the woods.

A niggling pulled at Matthias’s chest—should he tell her about it? What if she sent him straight back to Oscuro for not being honest with her?

Voices drifted through the doorway and pulled Matthias from the chaos in his mind.

“What’s got into you? Why were you in Oscuro to begin with? I was out of my mind with worry when I saw Shiloh alone in The Grey. You could have been killed! And then you bring him into Lucius? The enemy . . . in our home? I’m seriously speechless, Adalia!” Nikolas exclaimed.

“It certainly doesn’t sound like you’re speechless.” Adalia threw back.

Matthias grinned.

“Yes, he is the enemy, but he needed my help. Who am I to deny someone help when they need it? Besides, he’s saved me more than once. I owed it to him.”

“More than once . . .you’ve seen him more than once?” Nikolas raged.

“See, this is why I don’t tell you things. I’m not a child Nik, I can handle myself. You don’t control my life, so stop acting like an overbearing ass,” Adalia hissed.

“Stop putting yourself in harm’s way and I won’t have to,” he countered.

Feet shuffled and Matthias moved silently across the other side of the room, not wanting to be caught eavesdropping.

“Sorry about that,” Adalia said as she entered the living room.

“No need to apologise. I know I am not welcome here,” Matthias said calmly.

Adalia looked up at him, her mossy, brown eyes framed by dark lashes, and he felt that movement in his chest again. “It’s not that. Nik just needs a moment to adjust to all . . . this.” She motioned between himself and Bones. “Anyway, I need to go to the store to gather some things for dinner. Would you like to come with me or stay here?”

Matthias glanced towards the back door. “What will your brother say?”

“He’s gone and won’t be back until later.” Adalia shrugged. “Have a think while I change.”

She disappeared into a room Matthias presumed was hers and returned a few moments later.

She’d changed into fitted light-blue denim trousers with a white strappy silk blouse tucked in at the waist. Tan leather boots adorned her feet. Her chestnut brown hair fell loosely about her shoulders and she carried a light pink bag over one shoulder. The outfit had taken her from a fierce warrior to a feminine goddess in seconds, and Matthias needed to take a moment to compose himself.

“Can Bones stay here?” Matthias asked, trying to keep his eyes on her face and not the rest of her body.

“Of course, he can stay outside in the courtyard if you like? There’s a daybed out there he can doze on and I’ll get a bowl of water for him,” Adalia said as she moved into the kitchen. She filled a bowl with some fresh water and stepped outside.

Matthias called Bones to follow, and they entered the courtyard.

The scent of geraniums hit him hard. It explained the scent he’d smelled when they’d arrived.

Bones headed straight for the water, lapping the cool liquid up for a good few minutes.

“Looks like he was thirsty,” Adalia said as the wolf drank.

The prince watched on, intrigued, as Bones finished drinking and lazily walked towards Adalia. It was the first time they had interacted since the brief meeting in the woods. Adalia remained still as Bones sniffed her hands before sitting at her feet, looking up at her as he slowly blinked. A sign of trust.

Matthias grinned. If Bones trusted her, then there was no hope for him.

Adalia ruffled his white fur. “Come on, we won’t be long.”

Adalia shot into the air, the gust of wind ruffling the feathers of Matthias’s wings. He watched until she was high above him. “I’ll be back soon. Stay here.” Matthias commanded. Bones panted in return before jumping on the daybed.

Matthias glanced at the sky again and pushed off into the atmosphere where Adalia was waiting.

The view was unlike anything Matthias had seen before.

The palace was in the centre of thousands upon thousands of houses scattered across the land. He spied the glass river that ran from the castle through the streets as it glinted in the sun. This Kingdom was so large that he couldn’t see the other side. Far to the north lay a large mountain range that grew up from the ground itself. Matthias couldn’t fathom the amount of people who must have lived in Lucius.

A few Lightners also soared through the skies, and Matthias realised just how colourful everyone’s wings were—unlike his black ones. No wonder people were always looking a little longer.

Adalia dropped in altitude as she neared a small cluster of buildings, and Matthias followed. They landed and tucked their wings in as they headed for the store, Salt of the Land, which seemed to sell every ingredient imaginable.

Matthias silently followed Adalia around the store as she took various items and placed them in her basket. A handful of Lightners looked him up and down, no doubt noting all the tattoos on his skin. None of them looked with disgust. He’d seen a few people with tattoos displayed upon their body, but none to the extent that he carried.

Adalia purchased everything she needed and left the store, with Matthias following closely behind.

They walked in silence as they reached another shop which contained many coloured glass bottles in the window. A liquor store, Matthias presumed.

He was right.

Adalia perused the wine section and Matthias trailed her steps, noting his surroundings as she gathered two bottles of a light pink liquid. “Is there something here that you’d like to drink?” she asked.

Matthias shook his head. “I’ll have whatever you serve me.”

“As long as I’m wearing barely anything, right?” Adalia said as she lifted her brow before taking the bottles to the counter to pay.

“Adalia…”

She glanced at him and shook her head. “I was being humorous … Don’t worry about it.”

Matthias, feeling somewhat guilty, placed his hands in his pockets. The things she endured inside his father’s castle needed rectifying, but how?

Could he be the one to do it?

As the guilt washed over him, Matthias tried to get out of the consuming thoughts in his head.

The store was playing a song on a music player that he found quite enjoyable and he wondered what kind of music stores would be here in Lucius. Maybe he could ask if there was one? The veslo he played was a part of him. There was no way he would ever let it go, but the thought of seeing other ones in different shapes and sizes excited him.

Once they were outside, she placed the bottles into the bag already filled with items and placed it over her shoulder. “This is all I needed.” She offered him a small smile. “We can head back now.”

“Sure thing, little dove,” Matthias replied.

“Unless there is something you need? I’m sorry I haven’t even asked you that yet. My mind has been elsewhere.”

Matthias placed his hands in his pockets and lightly shrugged. “You’ve been more than accommodating. I need nothing.”

“But . . .?”

“But what?”

“You might need nothing, but is there something you would like to do?” Adalia asked.

“I had one thought . . .”

“Only one?” she teased.

The prince smiled. “Yes, just the one. If it’s not too much trouble, I would love to know if there were any stores around here that sold musical instruments.”

Adalia shifted the weight of her bag to her other shoulder. “Oh yes, we have many! There is one just around the corner. Would you like me to take you?”

Matthias reached out a hand, a gesture to take her bag for her. “Do we have time?”

“Of course, and thank you,” Adalia said, smiling as she allowed him to take the bag.

Feelings consumed him. How was he doing such a mundane task with the most beautiful woman he’d ever laid eyes on, feeling a peace he couldn’t explain, when only hours ago he was holed up in a cabin fearful of his father’s fury?

Adalia led them down the street, turning left into a little alleyway. The two came face to face with a small store made of white concrete. It had a bright-blue door, above which hung a sign—‘The Soulful Song’. The lone window displayed a small assortment of musical instruments. They’d come to the right place. Feeling somewhat nervous, he followed Adalia inside.

A bell rang as they entered and they were greeted by a friendly-looking male. His green wings reminded Matthias of the lush gardens that grew all around Lucius.

Looking a little out of her element, Adalia smiled at Matthias as he slowly wandered through the rows of records and sheet music.

“Did you want to look at something in particular?” she asked.

The prince shook his head. “Just wanted to see what instruments they sold. Wouldn’t mind another veslo one day.”

“I’ve noticed you’re never without yours.” Adalia smiled.

“Yeah, it’s the only gift my father has ever given to me.” Matthias’s voice trailed off. He didn’t want to talk about his father right now–or ever.

Adalia spied the shiny new veslos’ along the back wall of the shop and pointed. “Oh look, there they are.”

They both walked to the back of the store and Matthias smiled at the row of wooden stringed instruments strung up. Some instruments had a glossy, wood grain finish, while others were painted in different colours. The prince spied one to his right. It was glossy white on the front face with black wood grain sides, covered in a gold foiled foliage design. Running his fingers over its surface, he sighed in contentment.

“Take it down and play a tune, friend,” the shop assistant called.

Turning, Matthias eyed him hesitantly, unsure if the male was being serious.

“Go ahead, try her,” the assistant prompted.

Matthias turned to face Adalia, who was grinning.

Carefully, Matthias reached for the veslo, strumming his fingers across the strings, fine tuning it as he did. Once he was happy with the sound, he picked at the strings and played an assortment of chords. The prince closed his eyes and let the melody of the music overtake him. When it ended, he opened his eyes. Adalia stood before him with awe written across her face. A single tear dripped from her eye and she quickly wiped it away.

The shop assistant applauded from his place at the counter, alongside two other Lightners who’d come into the store mid-song.

Having an audience while playing was not something Matthias ever dealt with, so he carefully placed the veslo back on the wall and smiled, not wanting to bring any other attention to himself.

“You have a gift, you know?” Adalia softly spoke.

Placing his hands in his pockets, Matthias rocked on his heels. “Thanks.”

“Do you want to get the veslo? It seems as if it was made for you?”

“Oh, no. Some other time maybe.”

“Are you sure?”

Matthias nodded. “As you are fully aware, I’m a bit of a drifter right now. It might not be the wisest idea to add to my belongings.”

Sleeping on the lounge in the house of a Lightner still hadn’t really sunk in, but the way Adalia acted as if it was totally normal and no big deal, brought him some comfort.

“Well, if you decide you want to come back here, just let me know, okay?” Adalia smiled before turning to the assistant. “Light guide you.”

“And keep you!” the assistant replied as the pair left the store.

“Is there anything else you would like to do before we head home?” Adalia asked as they entered the bustling streets again.

Shaking his head, Matthias smiled.

Turning from his gaze, Adalia shot into the sky. This time Matthias didn’t wait until she’d reached the skies before taking off after her.

They both landed back in the courtyard of her home to find Bones fast asleep on the daybed. Adalia went inside, and Matthias didn’t really know what to do with himself. Should he follow? Should he stay out of the way?

“I’m going to prepare dinner. Would you like some wine?” Adalia’s voice drifted through the kitchen door.

Matthias walked to the doorway and caught her tying a lilac-coloured apron around her small waist. He knew he should look away, but he couldn’t.

Adalia cleared her throat and Matthias came back to reality.

“Wine would be great. Thanks,” he replied.

Adalia poured him a glass and handed it to him, his fingertips brushing hers as he grasped it. Her gaze shot to his, and Matthias caught his breath. Thanking her, he stepped back into the courtyard.

“Sit down. I’ll let you know when the meal is ready,” she called from the kitchen.

“Would you like some help?” Matthias offered.

All was quiet for a moment.

“The beast, offering to help me cook a meal? Thanks, but I’ll pass,” came her playful reply.

A grin tugged at Matthias’ lips. There she was. The feisty chestnut-haired enchantress who had dared to match his wit amid the depths of the woods. When she was around her brother or with other Lightners, there was a seriousness about her—like she had an image to uphold. It was his first time witnessing relationships that held respect for each individual involved. Back home was nothing like this.

The prince wandered back to the courtyard, wine in hand, and positioned himself against the fence so he could watch Adalia through the kitchen window.

There was music floating through the doorway, and he felt his wings twitch as she swayed her hips to the beat, lifting a spoon to taste a brown sauce over the stovetop. It took all of his willpower not to drop to his knees and beg her to let him have her all to himself, but that wasn’t on the cards for him.

Soon, he would leave. He’d probably never see her again. Besides, who was he to think he was deserving of love, and all that came with it?

Dinner was wonderful.. Adalia placed roasted meats and vegetables on the table before him and the aromas caused Matthias’s mouth to water instantly. Butter melted on top of a pile of steaming peas and carrots, and a small white dish that contained mint sauce sat beside them, ready to drizzle over the meat.

He filled his plate to the brim and savoured every single bit like it was his last. He’d never tasted such flavours before. “This is incredible,” he said.

Adalia laughed. “It’s just meat and vegetables.”

He smiled, shaking his head. “And the wine is excellent too,” he pressed.

“Oh, did you need more?” Adalia rose from the table and reached for the wine bottle sitting on the bench, and moved to fill his cup.

Matthias stopped her, and she looked at him with confusion.

“My turn,” was all he said.

Adalia sat back down, and Matthias refilled her glass before filling to his own. Pouring wine for him may bring back unwanted memories and the last thing he needed . . . no wanted, was for her to look at him like he was his father.

They continued to eat until the prince couldn’t bear the silence any longer. “Any regret so far?” he mused quietly.

Sipping her wine, her gaze hovering just above the rim, Adalia smiled. Playfulness dancing in her eyes. “Not yet . . . but it’s only been a few hours.”

Chuckling softly, Matthias reached for his glass. “Give it time.”

“Do you plan on doing something that will make me regret asking you here?” Adalia asked as she placed her glass back down.

“If I’m honest, I would love to do many things, but all of them would require your approval.”

Gripping his wine, Matthias fought against the urge to reach across the table to softly kiss the sweet, innocent woman before him. His brazen words flushed her face, and it shook him to the core. If he didn’t take a cold bath, soon, it would be obvious to the entire world how this woman made his body react.

Adalia didn’t respond, but her gaze remained locked on his, as if she was quietly contemplating him.

Needing to break eye contact, Matthias glanced at the clock that sat on the fireplace mantle in the living room. Nikolas still hadn’t returned.

“Let me help you with the dishes,” he offered as Adalia stacked the plates.

She shook her head and smiled. “It’s fine, I can manage.”

Adalia placed some dishes in the sink and turned back to him. “Would you like to freshen up?” she asked.

A bath sounded wonderful. “Only if it’s not too much trouble?” he replied as he ran a hand along the back of his neck.

“It’s no trouble at all,” Adalia added softly as she moved off. She came back with a large green towel. “Washroom is just through there. If you need anything, don’t call out because I’m certainly not coming in. Oh, and there is some coconut soap in the cupboard’s drawer.”

Matthias took the towel and his fingers brushed hers, sending an electric shock up his arm, a powerful reminder of what it had been like kissing her. She must have felt it too, because she pulled back swiftly. Colour flooding her face once again.

“If you change your mind, you know where to find me,” he joked as he walked towards the bathroom, not waiting to hear her response.

When he emerged half an hour later drying his hair, dressed in fresh clothing, and feeling like a new person, Matthias found Adalia curled up on the single seater in the living room with a recipe book on her lap. The kitchen was spotless, and the fire crackled with fresh logs.

“Thank you for that, and for dinner.” He moved across the room to sit on the larger lounge chair when he noticed she’d placed blankets, sheets, and a pillow out for him. “And thank you for these. I can just as easily sleep on the lounge without all the blankets though. I don’t want to be a bother.”

How would this all work? How long would he be sleeping on her lounge? And what of her brother? Would he approve of a Thorn sleeping in his house? Surely it would only be for a day or two. Then Matthias would make other arrangements. Maybe he could make a deal with the king to reside in the Asher mountain range in The Grey in District Two. Was that even a possibility? If it was, Matthias doubted anyone would bother him there.

Adalia shook her head. “It’s more than fine. I’m going to bed now. I hope you’ll be okay here. If you hear noises later, it will just be Nikolas coming home. Pay him no mind. I promise he won’t kill you in your sleep.”

The look Adalia gave him pulled a grin from his lips and he raised his brow. “I’m not worried about him trying to kill me. I think it’s you I need to be frightened of.”

Adalia smirked at him. “Goodnight, beast. Keep one eye open.”

And with that, she disappeared into her room, closing the door quietly behind her.

Matthias sat down and sighed. This day had been huge. It hadn’t sunk in yet, the reality of where he was.

Adalia had looked so radiant in the kitchen, he could tell she was in her element with how she prepared food and shared it with him. It made him feel things he didn’t know he could. Something about her brought a peace to his soul. It was wrapping around him like silent hands, squeezing out every drop of darkness and replacing it with a sprinkling of sunshine.

After making the bed, Matthias laid down with Bones on the floor beside him. The lounge was a tad too short for his long frame, but as his eyes grew heavy, he sighed into the dark. As much as he felt he should be worried or confused, his body wouldn’t let him. He simply melted into the softness of the lounge, his wings tucked around him like a dark cocoon, and for the first time that day, he felt completely at ease.

It didn’t take long before he slipped into the world of slumber, dreaming of the girl in the room next door.