"What are you waiting for?" Roman asked as I stared down at my plate.
"I've never eaten this before." I stated. "Never in my life." Roman sat across from me with the same filled plate. I watched as he furrowed his brows.
"Never?"
"Never." I stated once more. Roman hummed and picked up a piece of the grilled chicken breast with his fork.
"Are you going to try it?" He asked, taking a glorious bite. "I promise it won't scream."
I let out a quiet snicker and picked it up with my fork, examining it carefully. "Chickens don't scream."
"Eat it." Roman said, sitting back in his chair. I eyed at the piece of food. "Eat. The . Chicken."
I popped the chicken in my mouth without another thought. He watched me with his eyes wide open as we waited for my reaction. The savory flavor of the chicken and lemon sauce tingled in my mouth, both surprising and satisfying me. I raised my brows, causing him to pump his fist in victory. "Not bad, not bad." I said, my mouth still full.
"How could you possibly choose to be a vegetarian? You're missing out on so much." Roman said.
"Maroon was behind that decision. Apparently meat would make me gain weight and would be too unhealthy for me." He rolled his eyes.
"That man." He groaned. "Well, you are more than welcome to have any food you like during your stay. No diets necessary." I showed a small smile at him and took another bite of my food. I watched him as he took a sip of his wine, and I narrowed my eyes at him.
"Are you old enough to drink that?" I questioned.
"No, but I don't see anyone around here to tell me not to drink it." I pushed my finished plate forward and sat back in my chair.
"You're looking at someone who could tell you to do anything they wished." I challenged, but he relaxed by sitting back and pacing his hands behind his head.
"Ah, yes, you're right." He said smoothly. "Are you going to tell me to put my drink away?"
"Just to make my life easier, I'll let it slide." I smirked jokingly. We sat alone in the dining area, enjoying each other's company. I haven't been here for more than a few hours and Roman and I were already getting along well. He reminded me of Serene in a way, which brought me great comfort.
"Would you like a sip?" He offered, but I shook my hand to decline.
"No, I'm alright." I said. "I don't think I should be drinking with who knows what still in my system from the IV." Roman just nodded his head and brought his arms back onto the table.
"How are you feeling by the way?" He asked. I bit the corner of my lip and sighed.
"As anyone would expect." I said. "I feel a bit queasy and tired, but my eyes are bugging me the most." I referred to my bloodshot, watery eyes. Roman sent a sad grin my way and stood from his seat. He walked over to me and held out his hand.
"I can take you to a room we have set up for you." He said as he helped me stand to my feet.
"I can wait a while longer to sleep. I will be up all night if I were to fall asleep now." I replied sheepishly. Roman guided me out of the dining room area as I held his arm.
"Lets go somewhere to talk then. I'm sure you need it." Roman suggested. "I might need it too." I silently agreed and allowed him to walk me to the location he had in mind. We showed up at some doors after a few minutes of walking and short conversation. He kindly opened the doors for me to reveal a beautiful balcony that looked down upon the kingdom. I gasped in amazement and placed my hand over my chest.
"Roman...this is beautiful." I said as I walked over to the ledge.
"Welcome to Allora, what used to be called Europe. If you couldn't tell by the way I talk, this castle is where Italy used to be." I puckered out my lip as I was impressed and sat down in a chair that was on the balcony. Roman sat in the chair across from me and let out a heavy breath as he relaxed. I continued to look down upon the city that lit up wonderfully at night. "It's still a view I'm not used to yet. It never gets old." He spoke as he peered down at the lights along with me.
"I can only imagine what it looks like during the day. I'm sure it's amazing." I said.
"I would love to take you down to the city, but I can't let anyone know that you're here unfortunately." He said as he sunk further into his seat. I pressed my lips together and swung my legs over the arm of the chair to get more comfortable.
"It's alright. I completely understand. Citizens, no matter how kind they are, spread information like wildfire." Roman let out a scoff, agreeing with my statement.
"Absolutely. I had one lady friend visit the castle a while back, and she is now apparently my 'girlfriend'." He said, rolling his eyes.
"Well, they are expecting you to find a wife soon. You're becoming king in the near future, and that is a very difficult job to tackle if you are alone and don't have someone to go to." I said.
"My father is encouraging me to start looking for a wife for the same reasons you mentioned, but I just haven't found anyone perfect for me quite yet." I smirked at his words and rested my head back.
"Your lady friend?"
"No."
"Why? What's wrong with her?"
"There is nothing wrong with her, I just- I don't have feelings like that for her." I suddenly felt a ping of jealousy from the realization that he, along with everyone else, is allowed to pick who they want to be partnered with. "I need to keep looking. I'm picky."
"Picky? What the hell are you looking for?" I laughed.
"Someone like you." I caught his fabulous wink that he tossed at me jokingly. I slapped my forehead at his cheesy line and shook my head.
"I have an idea." I proposed. "Let's change our identities, get married and run away from this shit." I giggled.
"Not a bad idea actually." He replied. "I'm afraid you'd be way too recognizable, however." I silently nodded while keeping a smile on my face. "We wouldn't even get past the gates." He concluded with a sigh. "What a shame." We both shared a laugh and continued to admire the lights down below.
"So tell me, what did you need this conversation for?" I asked. It was silent for a few moments before he answered.
"I'll be honest, I'm scared shitless." He admitted.
"Why?"
"I just saved you from a burning castle as King Heart hunted you down, the Emperor and King Heart are going to continue looking for you until they are successful, and I'm the one hiding you." He explained. "I will most likely be killed for capturing you and keeping you here. Hell, even if either of them found out that I was in the same vicinity as you ..." he grumbled. I bit the inside of my cheek, searching for a way to ease his anxieties.
"Roman, please, don't stress about it- at least for now. We have plenty of time to sort things out and figure out what to do about our situation." I said calmly. "You did the right thing. I appreciate you taking me here." Roman rested his chin on his hand in deep thought as he took in what I was saying.
"I know I did the right thing, but it doesn't matter if you do the right thing or not. If the emperor doesn't approve, it's not acceptable."
"That's how government works. It has always been how government works."