Gianna stiffened. What would he do once he was completely undressed?
Gianna dropped her gaze as he loosened his belt to take his trousers off.
"It's hot in here." Kyler said as he put on lighter clothes.
Was it hot? Gianna had thought it was her nervousness that made her feel a little hot. But she wasn't taking off her chemise!
Kyler's gaze lingered on her exposed thighs before he averted his gaze quickly. Gianna's cheeks were flushed as she tried to pull her chemise further down to cover her thighs.
Kyler couldn't control his body's reaction to her exposed thighs. He quickly covered himself with the blankets to hide it.
Gianna wasn't happy with how she had reacted to his gaze on her bare thighs. She was angry with herself. But she had never been that naked before in any man's presence. The reaction was only natural.
Gianna squinted her eyes open. She was alone in bed.Where was Kyler off to already?The bright sun rays made their way into the large bedroom through the open windows and drawn curtains.Gianna inspected herself and let out a huge exhalation of pent-up breath as she was untouched.She could see Yasmeen setting breakfast on the table. Yasmeen smiled when she saw her awake.
"Good morning My Lady."
"Good morning."
"Where's Kyler?"
"His Lordship will be out of town for travels My Lady as well as Lord Ferdinand. " And opening the drawers, she handed her a signed later with the Benz's noble seal.
To My Lovely Wife Gianna
I've received word from Agrabar calling for our urgent attention concerning our trades in that realm. Hopefully we will be back in a fortnight.
In my absence the weight of my duties as the monarch of Xentael falls on your shoulders. In spite of your inexperience, I've chosen to place my trust in you. Under NO CIRCUMSTANCE should you leave the manor for your own safety.
Don't make me regret it my decision!
Regards
Kyler Benz
Gianna was shocked, although she knew that Kyler's decision was a just one as it was in accordance with the laws. If a region's monarch was away, his/her duties fell on their spouse's shoulders.
But would she make a good countess?
Gianna couldn't help but feel relieved that her husband would be away from her. She couldn't imagine getting intimate with him. At least not yet.But deep within she knew it would happen some day, but for her, it would rather be some day if not never.
She didn't feel like having breakfast. Her thoughts drifted back home. She missed her cat and her horse .
But she knew her horse was well taken care of by the servants.All she worried about now was her cat, she just hoped Denzel fed her well.
****
"What do you mean we now submit to Gianna mother?" Delilah asked her mother apprehensively.
"Kyler left that little girl in charge of everything." Vana confirmed.
Delilah was silent for a moment.
"I think that works in our favor. Come to think of it, Gianna has no experience at all concerning governance. She will need our assistance and we can use that to our advantage as we get to know her better."
"What a clever girl you're Delilah."
Delilah smiled at her mother's compliment.
Delilah left her mother's room with a smile on her face,her brown eyes beaming with excitement. She headed for Gianna's room and knocked softly.
"Her Ladyship is not here Lady Delilah." Yasmeen informed.
Delilah asked her to inform Gianna to meet with her in the family's garden for lunch.
A knock on the door jolted Gianna's thoughts back to the present.
"Come in."
"My Lady, Delilah has requested your company during lunchtime in the garden."
Company? Gianna didn't feel like spending time with anyone. She missed working in the castle, treating the sick servants and injured guards.
But in this manor, Gianna didn't want to make any enemies;at least not yet.
"I'll be there." She replied.
Gianna washed her body clean and slid into a simple green dress that complimented the color of her eyes.She let her long silky dark hair in waves after which she headed for the garden.
The garden was located just outside the manor. Roses, sunflowers, lilies and daisies flourished the air with their beautiful smells. The garden was wide and open, sloping gently down to a small cosmic blue river. A grove of cypress pines flanked the garden on one side with a thicket of peaceful beeches standing guard on the other. Apple trees ran through the center of the garden, casting a lake of claw shadows on to the grass. Past the small river there was a plush-green meadow which stretched away into vastness and a dragon-bucked mountain;The Devil's Peak. Gianna was so lost in admiring the beauty of the luxurious garden barely taking notice of a servant holding out a chair for her.
"Please have a sit Gianna." Delilah smiled.
Gianna took her seat reluctantly. Why was Delilah suddenly so excited?
"First, I wish to apologize for..."
"It's quite alright. Let's not dwell on the past." Gianna cut her off.
"If you say so. Thank you for agreeing to keep me company. It's an honor."
Good Lord! Something was incredibly wrong with this woman today. She was being too kind and that alarmed Gianna.
But she didn't have much time to dwell on her thoughts before servants began coming in with loaded platters of food.
The foods were meticulously arranged in various trays;grilled chicken, baked potatoes,bread, creamy avocado, omelettes and the stark white rice creating a feast for the eyes. The grilled chicken beckoned enticingly from the center of the table promising a dance of flavors.
"And I believe you didn't solely call me here to keep you company?" Gianna joked eyeing the food. Her stomach growled.She hadn't had breakfast! She was too embarrassed to look up.
"Let's eat shall, we?" Delilah smiled pleasantly.
Gianna tore a piece of bread dipped it in soup before putting it in her mouth. The bread was a delight, it's crust crackling satisfyingly under the touch, revealing a soft airy interior.
"Am told you're the acting monarch in Kyler's absence. I am happy for you." Delilah said in a sardonic tone.
Oh, so it was about her being in charge. Gianna could tell the matter of her being in charge didn't sit well with Delilah.
"Thank you. If you'd excuse me, I would like to leave you now. Thank you for your time." Gianna said as she stood up, not wanting to pick up a fight with her by sitting with her before she was pushed back to her sit.
"Huh?"
It was Vana.
"Please have a sit Gianna. I've been longing to meet you. I won't take much of your time."