Chapter 37:
Lucina
I watch Nikolai flee from the room.
His haste is almost comical. Despite being the flirtiest of the three, he's now reduced to a blushing, scrambling mess.
The sight is too much to handle. I burst into laughter, my amusement filling the room.
The laughter dies down, but I still find myself giggling at the memory. I shake my head, get up from the floor, and make my way to the bed.
I sink into the cozy blankets, feeling the softness envelop me. The room bathes in the warm, golden light of the setting sun, casting a serene glow over everything.
*
An hour later, I hear faint squeaking.
Wheels.
I open my eyes. A trolley pushes into the room, laden with dishes.
I smile to myself, feeling spoiled by this luxurious treatment.
"I swear, Valendor, you wish to fatten me up."
I say it to the beautiful blonde elf as he carefully arranges the dishes on a nearby table.
Valendor flashes a blinding smile and winks at me.
Stacy always describes him as cold and detached. But I find it hard to believe when he's right here, behaving like a sweet, overgrown puppy. I can practically see his figurative tail wagging.
"It would be an honor."
He walks over and offers me his hand. His long blonde hair is styled in a traditional elven braid. His green eyes—always a showstopper—shine with warmth.
Just as I'm about to place my hand in his, another hand swoops in.
Steals Valendor away from me.
"That's enough, elf. You're coming with me."
Nikolai steps in and pulls my beautiful elf aside. I watch in amusement as Nikolai drags the pouting Valendor to sit next to him.
Before I can react, I'm lifted into the air.
I glance down at the arms that have effortlessly scooped me up. Despite my weight, Haroun carries me as if I weigh a feather.
"Hello, Haroun."
I snuggle into his chest, savoring the comforting feel of his strong arms. I glance at the buttons straining to keep his shirt closed and feel a pang of jealousy for those little things.
"Your Highness."
His voice is deep and soothing. He gently places me on a chair and takes the seat next to me.
Across the table, Nikolai sits opposite me. Valendor sits opposite Haroun.
I hide a smile behind my hand at the sight.
"Vale, this looks amazing."
I gesture to the marvelous array of dishes he has prepared.
Valendor preens at my words. His cheeks tinge with a faint blush. It's adorable how he reacts to praise.
The table is laden with an assortment of delicacies. Each dish more tempting than the last. I take a moment to appreciate the effort Valendor has put into preparing this feast. His culinary skills are nothing short of magical.
I take my first bite.
The flavors explode in my mouth. A small moan of pleasure escapes me.
"Valendor, you've outdone yourself."
I savor the sweetness of the fruit.
"Anything for you, Your Highness."
His smile is radiant.
Nikolai and Haroun exchange amused glances. But I can see the pride in their eyes.
We continue our meal. The room fills with light-hearted banter and laughter.
Haroun regales us with tales from his academy. Nikolai shares snippets of his magical research. Valendor chimes in with humorous anecdotes from the kitchen.
The camaraderie is palpable. For a while, the world outside these walls fades away.
We dig into dinner, engaging in a flurry of normal conversation. The meal is lively, filled with laughter and stories.
After we finish, I find my favorite seat.
Haroun.
Not that he'll complain. He seems more than pleased.
I settle on his lap. He traces little circles on my waist, lost in thought about something. I let him be, focusing my attention on the two fools on the floor playing rock-paper-scissors.
Nikolai has won two rounds. Valendor is fuming.
Watching them, I realize that my favorite thing since coming back from pilgrimage—aside from Haroun's comforting presence—is the interesting friendship between Vale and Niko.
It's a source of endless amusement and fascination.
As a twenty-first-century girlie with access to the internet and certain... spaces, the relationship between the two is something I greedily drink in.
The competition shifts to thumb wrestling. Both of them intensely focused. Their beautiful faces, locked in concentration, are a sight to behold.
Can I watch?
Obviously I don't say that out loud,I laugh a little.
But I must admit, having two such attractive men look at each other like that...
Begone, evil thoughts!
Haroun chuckles softly behind me. His chest vibrates against my back.
"You find this amusing, don't you?"
His voice is a low rumble.
"Absolutely." I can't tear my eyes away from the spectacle. "They're like children."
"Children who happen to be exceptionally powerful and skilled."
His tone suggests he just rolled his eyes behind my back.
"True." I agree. "But it's still endearing to see them like this."
Nikolai finally pins Valendor's thumb.
A triumphant grin spreads across his face.
Valendor scowls, but a playful glint lights his eyes.
"Best two out of three?"
Valendor challenges.
Nikolai laughs. "You're on."
As they continue their playful rivalry, I lean back against Haroun.
Deep contentment settles in my chest.
These moments of peace and camaraderie are precious. Despite the chaos of our lives, these simple pleasures keep me grounded.
Eventually, Valendor concedes defeat.
He flops onto the floor dramatically.
"You win this time, Nikolai."
Feigned exhaustion colors his voice.
Nikolai smirks, clearly enjoying his victory.
"Better luck next time, Vale."