Patience is a virtue. But who has time for that?
Date
I stirred my cocoa thoughtfully, my eyes flicking over to my phone every few seconds. The aroma of freshly baked bread and sizzling bacon filled the air, creating a cozy atmosphere in the kitchen. Across the table, Alex was methodically buttering a slice of toast, his face a mask of concentration.
"Did you hear about Mose?" I asked, taking a sip of my cocoa. "Did Rolo mention?"
Alex looked up, a frown creasing his forehead. "Yeah, I did. I can't believe Mose is a Mystbane. That's... rare."
I nodded, my fingers already tapping out a message to Lil on my phone.
[Morning, Lil. What's up?😀]
"I know," I said to Alex. "It's going to change a lot of things. Rolo's been really tense about it."
Alex sighed, taking a bite of his toast. "Can you blame him? Mystbanes are unpredictable. And dangerous."
The answer came shortly.
Trouble's Chauffer: [Morning. 🙂I'm alright. Still processing some potions from yesterday.]
I couldn't help but smile at that. I glanced at the reply from Lil and quickly typed back.
[That sounds witchy as hell. 😆]
Alex raised an eyebrow at my grin.
Trouble's Chauffer: [I still can't believe you did that for him. Are you sure you're okay?]
[Wanna check? If you're concerned, we could always meet up.]
I sent the message, feeling a spark of anticipation. Alex noticed the change in my expression and chuckled.
"I know this smile," Alex said grinning. "Who are you talking to?"
I leaned back in my chair, "Lil. We've been texting."
Alex's smile faded slightly. "Lil? You know how I feel about dark mages."
I sighed. "I know, Alex, but she's different."
Alex took another bite of his toast, chewing thoughtfully. "I did notice you two seemed... to chat merely at the ball. Just be careful. Dark mages come with their own set of complications."
My phone buzzed again.
Trouble's Chauffeur: [Tempting. But I'm not sure if we are in that kind of relationship.]
I smirked, enjoying the playful banter. [Who said anything about a relationship?😀Just two people having a good time.]
Alex watched me with a cautious eye. "Lil doesn't strike me as the casual type. You sure you know what you're doing?"
I shrugged, my fingers flying over the keyboard. [I am also in need of a ride so maybe we could combine the useful with the pleasant?🤔]
Alex sighed, taking another bite of his toast. "You're really set on this, huh?"
He then moved to look at my phone. Alex arched an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "So, you're mixing business with pleasure now?"
I gave him a playful grin. "Just practical. If I'm going out to have some fun, I might as well have a ride."
My phone buzzed again.
Trouble's Chauffeur: [I suppose I can help with that. But don't expect me to chauffeur you around all the time.]
I chuckled and glanced at Alex. "Looks like she's game."
Alex snorted, clearly amused but still cautious.
[See you at 12.]
I set my phone down, feeling a flutter of excitement.
Alex sighed and leaned back, looking troubled. "Alright, but let's finish talking about something else first. How's Mose holding up?"
I took a sip of my cocoa, not missing a beat. "He's doing alright. He's adjusting to the whole Mystbane thing. It's a lot to process, but he's a tough kid."
Alex's concern deepened. "I know you've been there for him, but this is serious. Mystbanes don't have easy recoveries, right? Are you sure he's getting the care he needs? Shall I help too?"
I waved a hand dismissively. "He's getting the best care possible. I've made sure of it. Rolo's been on top of things, and I'm keeping an eye on him too."
Alex frowned, clearly not convinced. "You say that, but it's a big deal. And don't forget, you've been through a lot yourself."
I gave him a reassuring smile. "I'm fine, Alex. I've been through worse. And Mose... well, he's tougher than he looks. He'll pull through."
Alex didn't look entirely reassured. "I just don't want to see him get hurt. And you... I worry about you too. You're taking a lot on yourself."
I shrugged, trying to lighten the mood. "Worrying about me won't make things better. Besides, I've got it under control. Trust me."
Alex's gaze softened, but he still looked concerned. "It's just hard not to worry when you're dealing with so much. If I can help, just let me know."
I nodded, appreciating his concern. "I'll keep that in mind."
My phone buzzed.
Trouble's Chauffeur: [I'll be ready to pick you up at 10. I have stuff to do after.]
[Okay, then 10 it is.] I wrote.
I showed Alex the message. "Looks like everything's falling into place."
Alex gave a small smile. "Good. Just... take care of yourself."
I winked. "Always."
I leaned back, thinking. "By the way, once Mose is in better shape, we're heading to Livius' court. We're all going—Mose, Rolo, and me."
Alex's eyes widened slightly. "You're planning to take him to Livius' court? That's quite a leap. Are you sure he's ready for that?"
I shrugged casually. "It's part of the plan. Livius's court will provide the resources and support he needs. Plus, it'll be a fresh start and his debut as a mage."
Alex's expression grew more serious. "I get that, but it's a big move. Livius' court must be... intense. Especially for someone recovering from something like this."
I nodded. "I know. But it's also the best place for Mose to fully recover and regain his strength. And we'll be there to support him every step of the way."
Alex leaned back, still looking thoughtful. "Alright. Just... make sure you all stay safe. And keep me updated, okay?"
I smiled. "I will. Now, let's enjoy the rest of this breakfast before it gets cold."
With that, we continued our conversation, discussing Mose's recovery and our plans for the future.
(...)
I heard a knock at the door and glanced up from my spot in the living room. Alex, already dressed in his usual casual attire, answered it with a polite but slightly reserved demeanor.
"Hi," Alex greeted Lilinette as he opened the door. "Please, come in."
Lilinette smiled, though her eyes were sharp. "Thank you, Alex."
As Alex stepped aside, I emerged from the hallway, catching the tail end of their exchange. My eyes met Lilinette's with a welcoming grin.
"Hey, Lil," I said, stepping closer to greet her.
Lilinette's gaze flicked briefly over Alex, who gave her a polite nod before stepping back into the house. I noticed the slight hesitation in her eyes as she looked at him.
"Shall we?" I asked.
She nodded and we made our way out of the garden. The evening was warm and inviting, the setting sun casting a golden hue over the path as we strolled away from the house.
As we walked, Lilinette glanced at me, a playful smirk tugging at her lips. "So, I couldn't help but notice. Alex didn't seem very fond of me."
I chuckled, shaking my head. "Alex has his own... reservations about dark mages. It's nothing personal. He's just cautious."
Lilinette's eyes twinkled with amusement. "Ah, so it's not me he dislikes, just my kind."
I nodded. "Exactly. He's protective of the people he cares about, and dark mages have a certain reputation. It's something he's still learning to navigate."
She raised an eyebrow, a smirk still lingering. "And what about you? Do you have any reservations about me?"
I paused for a moment, considering my words. "Actually, no. I'm quite pleased that you're a strong and capable mage."
Her eyebrows arched in surprise. "Oh? Why's that?"
I glanced at her with a hint of a smile. "Because it means I don't have to worry that the monster inside me might devour you if I ever let my guard down."
Lilinette's eyes widened. Well, yeah maybe I was using too strong words.
Her gaze studied me for a silent moment before she spoke. "The monster inside you?"
I nodded, my tone serious. "Yes. There's a part of me that's not exactly... human. It's why I'm careful about who I let in. If I know someone can handle themselves, I don't have to worry about accidentally causing them harm."
Lilinette's eyes remained fixed on me, her expression thoughtful. "So you trust me because you know I'm strong enough to handle whatever you are?"
"Exactly," I said. "And that's something I value. It means I can be more honest with you about who I am.
She smiled softly, a genuine warmth in her eyes. "That's a... relief."
I slipped a small piece of paper into Lilinette's hand. "This is the address."
I took her hand, and she looked at me with a mix of curiosity and anticipation. With a nod, she squeezed my hand reassuringly and closed her eyes, focusing her energy.
I felt a tingling sensation as her magic wrapped around us. The air thickened with an otherworldly hum, and I sensed the reality around us beginning to shift.
Lilinette's grip tightened slightly as the world around us started to bend and distort. The familiar surroundings of the street faded into a swirling vortex of colors and lights. It was as if we were being gently pulled through a tunnel, with streaks of stardust and glimpses of distant, mystical landscapes flashing by.
Time itself seemed to stretch and fold, the very fabric of space bending around us. We traveled through a shimmering veil, where colors and shapes swirled in a dance of ethereal light. The sensation was both exhilarating and calming, a fluid motion that felt like slipping through a dreamscape.
I could feel Lilinette's steady presence through her hand, her magical energy guiding us through the spatial currents. The magical essence she wielded was both powerful and precise, ensuring a smooth journey through the shifting dimensions.
The world around us solidified once more. The vibrant colors and glow faded, and we found ourselves standing in the warm, inviting interior of a quaint bakery. The scent of freshly baked pastries and the cozy ambiance greeted us, a stark but delightful contrast to the magical journey we had just experienced.
Lilinette released my hand, her expression a mix of surprise and amusement as she looked around. Her eyes settled on the small slip of paper I had given her, which now lay in her hand. She blinked and read the address, clearly taken aback.
"A bakery?" she said, her tone a blend of disbelief and amusement.
I grinned, enjoying her reaction. "Surprise."
Her initial surprise gave way to a smile as she took in the bakery's charming interior. "Well, this is definitely not what I expected. But it's a pleasant twist."
I shrugged. "I wanted to thank you for chauffeuring me all the time."
I led her to the counter, where an array of delectable pastries awaited us. "Trust me, you'll love this place. They make the best éclairs and macarons in the city."
We selected our treats and as we settled into our seats at the bakery, Lilinette's curiosity seemed piqued by our earlier conversation. She tilted her head slightly, studying me with a mixture of interest and caution.
"So, this monster inside you," she began thoughtfully, "how does it react to people? You mentioned it can be quite... unpredictable."
I took a sip of my drink before responding, considering how much to reveal. "The monster reacts differently depending on who I meet. If I encounter someone weak, it's almost like it senses an opportunity to destroy and devour. It craves that destruction. On the other hand, if I meet someone strong, it's more about the thrill of the fight. It wants to challenge and test them."
Lilinette's eyes narrowed slightly as she processed this. "And what about me? When we first met, what did it feel?"
I paused for a moment, looking into her eyes. "It was purring."
She raised an eyebrow, clearly taken aback. "Purring?"
I nodded with a faint smile. "Yes. It was as if the monster sensed something in you that made it feel... content. It wasn't aggression or destruction—it was more of a deep, resonant satisfaction. Like it was finally meeting someone it could respect and, perhaps, even enjoy being around."
Lilinette seemed both intrigued and a bit unsettled by the idea. "So, it wasn't threatened or eager to fight?"
"No," I said, shaking my head. "It felt at ease. It's unusual for the monster to react that way."
A thoughtful expression crossed her face, and she seemed to absorb the weight of my words. "That's... unexpected. I didn't think I'd make such an impression."
I leaned in slightly, catching her gaze. "Well, you did."
I took another sip of my drink, savoring the warmth before continuing. "Initially, the monster reacted with aggression towards anyone I was close to, including my friends. It saw them as challenges or threats, something to be fought. But over time, as I began to accept this part of myself, the monster started to change its behavior too."
Lilinette tilted her head slightly, intrigued. "How so?"
I smiled faintly. "As I embraced and accepted the monster within me, it began to reflect that acceptance. When it comes to those I care about, it stopped seeing them as enemies or obstacles. Instead, it started to recognize them as part of my... 'home,' for lack of a better word. It purrs when they're around because their presence and their scent bring a sense of belonging and peace. It's almost like it's saying, 'These are my people. They're safe.'"
Lilinette's eyes narrowed, absorbing the depth of what I was saying. "So, if the monster reacts differently based on who you meet, how does it decide who to trust and who to fight? Is there a specific trait or action that triggers its aggression or approval?"
I took another sip of my drink, considering her question. "It's not as straightforward as a single trait. The monster senses intent, strength, and sometimes even the emotional state of those around me. If someone appears weak or threatening, it reacts with aggression because it perceives them as a potential danger or prey."
Lilinette's eyes flickered with curiosity as she absorbed what I'd said. She tilted her head slightly, a thoughtful expression crossing her face. "So, if the monster purring is a sign of approval, does that mean you're more inclined to be interested in someone who gets that reaction?"
I met her gaze, my eyebrows rising slightly in surprise. "Are you asking if the monster's reaction influences my feelings toward someone?"
Lilinette nodded, her gaze steady. "Exactly. Does the fact that the monster purrs around me mean you're more interested in me than you might be otherwise?"
I considered her question, taking a moment to weigh my response. "At the end of the day, this monster is still me. Its behavior does reflect my own feelings and acceptance. So if anything, it's the other way around."
Lilinette's gaze lingered on me, "So you're saying that the monster's reaction to me is more about your own feelings than about me as a person?"
I nodded slowly, choosing my words carefully. "Exactly. The monster's purring is a reflection of how I've come to view and accept you. It's not just about you; it's about how I feel about you."
Lilinette seemed thoughtful for a moment. "That's an interesting way to look at it."
I leaned forward slightly, a teasing glint in my eyes.
"You know, Lil," I began, "if you're curious about the monster inside me, I could show you more of it."
Her brows lifted in interest. "Oh? And how would you do that?"
"Well," I said with a smirk, "I could give you a demonstration if you'd like. But it's not just about showing you the monster—it's about understanding it. If you're willing to let me come over to your place, I could give you a glimpse of how it interacts with the people I care about."
Lilinette's expression was a mixture of intrigue and reluctance. "And why should I let you come over to my place?"
I shrugged, a playful smile on my lips. "Why not? It's all part of understanding each other better. Besides, it's not like this is our first date."
Her eyes went wide. "Wait, date? You consider this a date?"
I chuckled, enjoying her reaction. "Well, I thought we were making it one. Or at least, I hoped we were."
She hesitated, looking down at her cup. "I didn't realize... I thought we were just getting to know each other better."
"Exactly," I said, leaning in slightly. "And that's part of what makes it a date. But it's clear you're a bit unsure about it."
Lilinette sighed and took a sip of her coffee.
She glanced at me, her eyes filled with a mixture of vulnerability and concern. "It's just... I'm not exactly the kind of person you should be seen with."
I tilted my head, puzzled. "What do you mean?"
Her gaze dropped to the ground as she spoke. "I mean, I have my scars, my age, and—let's be honest—my past isn't exactly spotless. I don't think I'd look right next to someone like you. You're a king. You should choose wisely, and I don't exactly fit that image."
"Lil."
She hesitated but finally met my gaze.
"I don't give a damn about being a king when it comes to personal relationships," I said firmly. "Being a king doesn't mean I have to live by some rigid set of expectations. I'm more interested in who you are as a person than any superficial concerns."
Her eyes widened slightly, and I could see the conflict in her expression. "But my age..."
"Age is just a number," I said fighting the urge to roll my eyes like a teenager. "What matters is who you are and how we connect. And as for your scars, they're part of your story, part of what makes you... you. They don't make you any less worthy of my attention."
She looked away, her expression troubled.
I took her hand gently, my touch reassuring. "I'm choosing to get to know you. I am choosing to spend my time with you. That's it. I won't pressure you into something that is too much for you."
"Shay," she said quietly, "I appreciate everything you've said. It means a lot. But..."
I looked at her, sensing the hesitation in her voice. "But what?"
She took a deep breath, her gaze steady yet thoughtful. "I'd like to give you an answer... But not right now. I need some time to sort through everything you've said, and to think about where we both stand."
I nodded, understanding the need for space and reflection. "Of course. Take all the time you need."
So yeah. That was how our date went.