Athanasios Vasileios — pronounced as Atanaxious Vasilu —was a wonderful host, and might I add, a good cook. I never thought a man could cook until he took me to the kitchen and made lunch while whistling. He looked at peace in the kitchen, like it was his domain, a place he'd spent enough time in.
"Why are there no maids around?" I asked, peering at the empty kitchen. It was odd for a king to be cooking when these should have been the maid's job.
Not only that, but it felt strange to walk from the throne room to the kitchen without meeting anyone. It was almost as if we were the only ones in the Palace, and I didn't doubt that.
Placing a steaming bowl of a strange-looking soup on the table, he took a seat opposite me, smiling. "The maids?" He cocked his head to the side as if thinking about it. Mulling over my words, he lifted his shoulders in a shrug as he answered, "I sent them home. Is there anything wrong?"
"Home? Why did you send the home?"
"Eat up. Soup is best eaten when it's hot." Winking, he got up from the chair and stretched. "I still have an hour to spend with you before the sunset."
"Why? Are you going anywhere?" I lifted my brows at him.
"Didn't you say you want to see the other king? I rule the day while he rules the night. Now eat up, I have somewhere to show you."
I wanted to ask more, to know why the kings each ruled separately, but I didn't, knowing he wouldn't answer. He had this tendency to switch the topic each time I asked about the other king.
I lifted the spoon to my lips, inhaling the aromatic steam wafting from the bowl, and savoured the scent of herbs and spices dancing in my nostrils, teasing my taste buds. The flavours burst on my lips, rich and savoury, with hints of exotic spices that left me breathless. The soup was unlike anything I had ever tasted.
"Wow," I breathed.
Athanasios Vasileios's eyes sparkled with delight, his warm gaze encouraging me to take another sip. "Told you it's good," he chuckled, his deep voice resonating through the empty kitchen.
As I devoured the soup, each spoonful a delight, Athanasios watched me with an appreciative smile, his eyes crinkling at the corners. The soft light from the kitchen window highlighted his strong features, accentuating the sharp planes of his face.
Finishing the soup, I pushed the bowl away, feeling satisfied and content. Athanasios smiled, his eyes gleaming with pleasure.
"Ready to see what I have to show you?" he asked, offering his arm with a gallant gesture.
"It's not like I have anywhere else to go." Sighing. I got up from the chair and took his offered arm, smiling at him.
This was the first time I'd gotten close to someone since my family died, without being spat on. The warmth coming from his body enveloped me, making me want to lean more into his embrace, to latch onto the warmth and never let go.
Together, we strolled through the empty palace, our footsteps echoed off the marble floors as we walked.
The sun's rays filtered through the windows, casting a warm glow on Athanasios's face and highlighting his strong features.
His eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled, looking down at me. I had to avert my gaze, blushing.
"What's wrong? Why were you staring at me?" He teased, obviously aware of how uncomfortable I was feeling.
"Nothing, I was just wondering if I can call you Athan?"
"Why?" His frown was as pronounced as it was when I called his name wrongly.
"Don't get me wrong. I don't think your name is a mouthful or anything. I just don't think it's necessary to call you by your full name. Athan sounds good. What do you think?" I tried to solve the situation before it got out of hand.
"Athan?" He tasted the name in his mouth, frowning as if it gave him a bitter aftertaste. "I don't understand humans, though. Is there anything wrong with names being long? That's how it is in our kingdom."
"It's not bad. I just need to call you by the name…you can shorten mine if you like," I offered."
"It's already short," he grumbled under his breath, sounding like a kid.
"So you don't want me to call you by that name?"
"You can." Sighing, he pinched the bridge of his nose.
"Well, thank you." I smiled, feeling like I had achieved something by getting him to let me call him by the short name I came up with.
As we strolled through the empty palace, Athan led me to a hidden door, expertly concealed behind a tapestry. He pushed it open, revealing a breathtaking garden bathed in the warm light of the setting sun.
The garden was a haven of tranquillity, filled with vibrant flowers and lush greenery. A winding path made of polished stone led us through the garden, past a sparkling fountain and under a canopy of ancient trees. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming roses and the soft chirping of birds.
Athan smiled, watching my awestruck expression. "Beautiful, isn't it?" he asked.
I nodded, my eyes wide with wonder. "This is stunning," I breathed.
"This is like a hidden world, save from the curse that's on the village because of the spell on the door. It's the only place that's not affected."
I didn't ask any further because I knew he wouldn't respond. Instead, I nodded, like I understood what he was talking about, about curses and whatnot.
The garden seemed to stretch on forever, with hidden nooks and secret pathways waiting to be discovered. As we walked, the soft grass muffled the sound of our footsteps.
Athan pointed out various flowers and trees. "This is the rare Starlight Bloom," he said. "And that's the ancient Oak of Wisdom."
His knowledge of the garden was impressive. He showed me around until we reached a tranquil pond, reflecting the vibrant colours of the sky. A family of swans glided effortlessly across the water, their soft honking filling the air.
They looked so at peace, unaware of the world outside.
Tired, we sat on a bench overlooking the pond and our shoulders incidentally touched. A spark of electricity ran through me, one I couldn't explain. It wasn't familiar since I'd never felt this way before.
As we sat together, watching the swans glide across the pond, I felt a deep sense of connection to him. His warmth and kindness enveloped me, making me feel safe and cherished. As if he felt my gaze, he turned to me, his eyes sparkling with affection.
"I'm glad you like the garden," he said. His voice was low and soothing as he held my hand.
"I don't like it, I love it," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper.
"I'm glad I can share it with you," he said with a smile, like a child who was sharing his toys with a trusted friend.
As we sat in comfortable silence, watching the swans glide effortlessly across the pond, I felt my cheeks flush at the warmth of his hand enveloping mine, his touch sending shivers down my spine like a calm summer breeze rustling through leaves.
The sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky with hues of pink and orange, a breathtaking canvas of colour that seemed to dance across the heavens.
"If fated, we can spend our days out here," he muttered as his gaze held mine. A slight breeze rustled the leaves, the sound almost like a whisper. His eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled and I felt my heart flutter.
My pulse quickened as his face drew closer, His breath mingled with mine. I closed my eyes, anticipating his lips but instead, I heard him cuss under his breath. I snapped my eyes open to see a worried man.
"It's time." That was all he said before he took my hand and led me out of the garden before I could ask what he was talking about.
"What's going on? Where are you —"
He slammed the door shut, and turned, looking at me with a scared expression as he said, "He's about to wake from slumber."