The rest of their dinner passed smoothly, and his Baby Girl excitedly dove into the exotic spread that was placed in front of them until the last dishes had been cleared, leaving them both full and a bit sleepy,
"Well?" He asked, breaking the short silence between them.
"Amazing!" She answered, sipping her wine, "I've never tasted anything like it. Especially that dessert, I can't even describe it, but it has to be the best thing my tastebuds have ever had the pleasure of trying."
"Good." He replied and sipped his drink as Thron approached to refill his glass yet again.
"Was there anything else, Young Prince, or do you wish me to head to the theatre and ensure everything is properly prepared?"
"Yes, you may go." He replied, "Oh, and I'm sure word has gotten out about our plans. Remind the reporters of their place. I will not have anyone harassing my Baby Girl."
"With pleasure, my Prince," Thron responded with a bow to Lucifer and then to his Baby Girl before returning to the cart and grabbing his coat. After slipping it on and buttoning it up, he left the room, leaving them alone.
Lucifer rose from his chair and walked to where Thron had left the bottle of wine. He picked it up and could tell there was a little less than a glass left. Walking back to the table, he poured the rest of the bottle into his Baby Girls glass.
"Trying to get me drunk, Luce?" She asked, raising an eyebrow.
"You're more fun that way." He smirked back as her brow furrowed, and she pouted out her lips, causing him to chuckle, but before she could form a retort, the door to the room opened, and Lilliana entered, with their server in her shadow.
"Milord, Milady," She greeted, bowing low while the young girl mimicked her actions, "I hope everything was to your liking."
"It was delicious, Lady Lilliana." His Baby Girl complimented, "You are very talented."
"Thank you, Princess." She beamed, looking over to Lucifer for his remarks.
"The food was fine. The service, however," He paused as shock and fear erupted from behind Lilliana, "Was exceptional."
"Thank you, my Prince." Replied the astounded and elated girl.
"My wife is not from this area and unfamiliar with the cuisine of other worlds. You were thorough in your descriptions but not insulting, and you politely answered her few questions. Also, you weren't overbearing, which is my hugest pet peeve from most people assigned to serve me." Lucifer pulled out a small stone from his pocket. The cut and polished Brimzonite was disk-shaped. It was an inch in diameter and about a quarter-inch thick, "For your service." He said, presenting her the precious stone held between his pointer and index finger as if it was any regular coin.
"I...I can't accept this, Young Lord...it's too much." She replied, shocked as she gaped at the stone.
"Take it." He ordered, and slowly the girl reached out and took it, "This is nothing to me. Use it however you please." He flicked his wrist as if to emphasize how little the stone meant, even though he knew exactly how much it was worth.
"Thank you, my Prince."
"Stop thanking me. You earned it. I promise I would not have given it to you if you hadn't. Now go. We no longer need your services."
Without another word, the girl left the room, "She will be our server from now on." He started to Lilliana, who had a soft smile on her lips.
"Of course, Young Lord." There was a pause, "That was a very kind thing you did, giving her that stone. Poor thing has had,"
"I am aware of the girl's struggles, but that is not why I gave it to her. As I said, she earned it. Thank you for the meal Lilliana, my Princess, and I will need nothing further from you this evening." Lucifer interrupted, and taking the hint, Lilliana bid them farewell and thanked them once more before leaving the room.
His Baby Girl stared up at him, curiosity oozing from her, and he knew she had many questions.
"Go on." He insisted, sipping his drink as he sat down and leaned back in his chair.
"How much is it worth?" Was the first question.
"Depends on how much the person she brings it to is willing to pay. If she's smart, she'll bring it to a jeweler in this area because they can offer more. But I can guarantee, where ever she brings it, they will pay more than she or her husband could possibly fathom. I told you earlier about its rarity. I should add that my father hasn't allowed its mining in three thousand years, and we hold most of the stone ourselves. That small chunk will be able to be cut and shaped into many pieces of jewelry that will cost a small fortune each." He replied.
"Why did you give it to her?" Came question two.
"She deserved it. I'm very particular about how I wish to be waited upon, and rarely am I satisfied." He answered, "As I'm sure you can imagine, usually the people who serve me are a bit over the top, too attentive and smiley. It's annoying."
"Who is she?" Was next.
There was a long pause as, "Hilda Poise. Or was Poise? Not sure what her married name is, though."
"Hilda?" She repeated, "Why does that sound familiar?"
"She's the daughter of a certain Duchess who strongly disagreed with her daughter's decision to marry a 'lowly bartender.'"
"Oh!" As recognition filled her face, his Baby Girl stated, "They did get married. Good for them." She smiled.
"They did, but I hear it hasn't been easy for them. Margery and her husband disapprove of their marriage and refuse to help out the couple in any way. Being a good friend of the family, Lilliana offered Hilda a job when she heard about her situation, which caused a rift between her and Margery. It's all a bit messy, from what I'm told." A smile had been creeping across her face during his explanation, and now she wore a huge grin, "What?"
"You're so generous!" She smirked, and he huffed.
"I told you she earned,"
"Umhum," She interrupted as she took another pull from her glass, "Oh, be realistic, my sweet Prince. Who else is walking around tipping with the most coveted stone in Hell."
"Yes, well, no one walks around as rich as me except my father." He returned, "Now, finish your wine. It's time to go."
She shrugged and downed the last bit in her glass, "Let's go, boss." She got up and brushed her dress to straighten it before standing to her full height. Her beautiful green eyes met his as she smiled sweetly and genuinely at him, causing him to feel something strange. It wasn't pain or anything physical, but it was solid and sudden like he was shocked.
"Right." He replied. Clearing his throat, he stood and pulled the jacket off the back of his chair. He swiftly slipped his arms through, adjusted the sleeves, and buttoned it up, "This way, Baby Girl." Lucifer looped his arms through hers and led her out of the room and down the stairs. Instead of walking out the front doors, he led her through the kitchen and out the back door,
"We're walking?" She asked.
"Yes. It's a lovely evening, and the stars reflect beautifully off the lake. Shall we, my queen?" He grinned.
"I'm not queen yet." She corrected.
"My Princess then." He huffed, leading her out into the clear night.