Chapter 2
"I'll think about it. And Rae?" She reached for my face, her fingers slipped under my chin to tilt my head up. "Don't think you're not invited."
I shot out of my bed. It's been a week and still Maja's words echo in my head. She couldn't possibly mean what she was implying.
I sighed and rubbed my face. It was still dark, the sun not yet risen. I stepped out of bed, threw my robe on and exited my room.
I had no idea where I was going and it wasn't until Lucien's smooth voice sounded behind me that I took in my surroundings. The Garden.
"Fancy seeing you here. Couldn't sleep dear Ambassador?"
I offered Lucien a small smile. "Unfortunately." I take a seat at the fountain and stare down at my hand.
"Something seems to occupy your mind." Lucien strutted their way over to me, their feet barely grazing the ground.
I offered a hum but no other words. Do they really need to hear about my conflicting feelings for Maja? Shit, how do I feel about Maja?
They quirked one eyebrow but allowed me to stay in my head. Instead, they sat down, leaving some space in between us.
"What got you up?" I asked after a while.
They offered me a toothy smile. "I actually haven't been to sleep yet. Too busy running off a little snake."
Raiden. I shook my head. He'll surely be the death of us all. "How is our little visitor?"
They shrugged their shoulders. "Raiden is Raiden." They tilted their head back as the sun started to peak over the horizon. "I'm sorry I could not be of much help to you. May whatever is disturbing your sleep leave you."
I smiled at them and nodded. As they stood and brushed off their robe, a question hit me. "Lucien, you and Maja seem close…" I trailed off as they turned to me with a knowing smirk. Damn demon.
"We are."
I took a deep breath, deciding if I wanted to continue with my question. "Do you .. Maja said something to me a while ago and I don't know if she truly meant it or.."
Lucien held up a hand. "Ah, Maja is very good with her words. She only says what she means. Our dear Court Mage is honest and true when she offers something."
My eyebrows raised to my forehead. "I didn't say she offered anything."
They smirked and winked at me. "You didn't and still. I'd take her offer. Goodnight dear Ambassador." With that, they glided away.
I sighed before I pushed myself off the fountain. I smiled at the sun still speaking over the horizon as I found a spot on the grass and laid down.
I do not know how long I was there, but when I open my eyes, I'm staring at the most beautiful shade of blue eyes. "Gorgeous," I mumbled.
The eyes widened before they crinkled in laughter. "Thank you. Forgive me if I woke you up. I was coming for breakfast when I saw you lying on the lawn. I was worried."
I sat up with a blush. "Forgive me Lady Maja, I did not mean to worry you."
She smiled brightly at me. "No need." She stretched to her full height and offered me a hand. "Care to join me for breakfast?"
Before I could answer, my stomach growled. We both laughed as I took her hand and allowed her to pull me to my feet then lead me to the table.
"Thank you, my lady." I offered her a simple bow before I took a seat.
"Please friend." She waved off my compliment but a blush was still evident on her face. "May I inquire why you were sleeping on the garden lawn?"
"Ah," I scratched the back of my head. "I couldn't sleep. I went for a walk and ended up in the garden. I spoke a little while with Ambassador Lucien before they returned to the room. I intended to watch the sun rise, but I guess I fell asleep instead."
She nodded her head. "I hope it's nothing serious keeping you awake."
"Oh no, Lady Maja, it isn't." I looked away from her blue eyes.
"Good. I would hate for anything besides me to keep you awake."
At her words, I snapped my eyes back to her just in time to catch the wink she sent me. Maja covered her mouth with her hand as she laughed at my blush.
"Truly, you play, Lady Maja. Though having your company at night would not be the worst thing." I offered her a coy smile with a wink.
She arched an eyebrow and leaned forward. "Is that so Rae?"
My smile widened as I leaned forward. "Indeed Maja, it's so."
Her blue eyes raked over my face before she reached out a hand to gently cup it. I licked my lips and her eyes shot down to them before they landed back on my eyes.
Suddenly, her lips are on mine.