Kassandra's POV
After sending the village mayor and her family to their designated table, I excused myself. My husband declares that it's time for us to eat.
We might have served appetizers and wines, but socializing for three hours was tiring. I enjoyed it a lot, too.
My mother-in-law never fails to engage me in her conversations with the noble ladies she's talking with. I have felt the love of a mom for her kid.
"Excuse me, Lady Kassandra. Can I have a word with you for a moment?" a man says.
I turn around and notice Daniel. Everyone had settled at their table, and those who were still standing were mostly the servants who would serve the food.
I instructed the head maid and head butlers. An hour before midnight, most of them should eat.
Those who are still walking around serving until midnight will eat when we are eating, and the rest will start serving the meals. I smiled.
"No problem, Lord Daniel. Is there a problem? Did you have any requests or any mistakes with the assigned table for you and your family?" I ask.
He raises a glass. It was red wine. "Here, want to taste? I notice that you've been busy chatting with your female guest. The wine you chose and other beverages were great," he says.
I grabbed the glass. I move the wine and smell it. It's great! I smiled and looked at him. He's thoughtful.
"Thank you," I remarked.
I take a sip, and he's right! The wine tasted sweet and a bit bitter. There's something more about its taste. I just can't find the right word. "Daniel—"
I turn around when I notice a presence. I freeze and am surprised. Prince Kalix, my husband, suddenly licked my lips. From the left side to the upper lip down to my lower lip. Fuck!
He's also holding my chin. My husband was glaring at me deathly. I can sense how intense it is, and it brings chills to me.
"This is your fault," he whispers. He fully claimed my lips and kissed me in front of our guests!
His other hand wrapped around my waist and pulled me closer. Both hands were touching my chin and waist, yet it made me feel comfortable.
I close my eyes and kiss him back. I don't care if it will ruin the winter ball. All I cared about was his lips craving mine.
His tongue explores inside my mouth while his lips caress mine. His muscular body brushes against my softness as we feel each other's warmth.
I opened my eyes when we drifted apart. He smiled. "The wine tastes great when it is shared," he asserts firmly.
He turns around and faces Daniel. "Greetings to His Majesty," he greeted. My husband seriously nodded.
"I hope you're enjoying the night, Earl Daniel," he says.
"I am, actually. It's nice and perfect, I must say," Daniel replies.
I didn't say a word because I remembered that my husband's kiss brought me unnecessary bad luck. Is it an attack, or what form would it take?
'I have to be ready for whatever bad luck we might meet. But his kiss… damn! It's sweeter!'
I shake that thought, but it is really sweet. "Ahh! Oh my gosh! Your Majesty, Lady Kassandra, everyone! Move away!" a servant screams and looks terrified.
My husband and I heard that voice. We turn around our backs, and there's a maid who is carrying a tray with hot mushroom soup on it.
She has lost her balance, and—oh boy! My husband and I catch the edge of the tray. I heard his gasp. He burned himself because of the liquid that jumped on his palm.
The maid kneels in front of us, bowing her head to the ground. "Please spare me your majesties. I apologize for what I did. I feel like someone had—I mean, I lost my balance! I'm so sorry. Please, spare me!" she says.
I look around and notice Lady Lilia. She's the betrothed woman of the third prince. "Stood up," my husband says. I wonder what kind of judgment Prince Kalix would make.
She followed right away, even if she was trembling. I used my free hand and placed it on her shoulder.
"What is your word, my duchess? You're the head for the inner matters of our household," Prince Noah says. That made me smile. He indeed spoke with me before and told me my role here.
"Serve this properly, okay? I know you are all tired. Take it easy and rest a bit if needed, hmm?" I remarked.
She takes the tray and bows her head. Using my peripheral vision, I saw Daniel, who slowly left the scene. The servant was smiling when she left after bowing several times.
My husband hides his hand that got burnt. I stood in front of him. I held his hand and saw how red it was.
"I knew it. I saw it. Why are you hiding it from me?"
My husband looks at me in the eyes. I stood closer and leaned my body on his. I used my other hand to grab something inside my chest. He closed his eyes.
His cheeks and ears turn red. I opened the small vial of ointment that I always carry for mosquito or insect bites as well as burns like this.
"This will elevate the pain and the burn area as well," I utter.
I raise his hand higher and pinch the plastic vial. I spread the ointment on his burn while blowing it. I knew it hurt because I always burn myself when I'm sipping hot drinks or soups.
"That will do," I whispered.
I was surprised when I saw how flustered he was. I raise my hand and touch his face. "Does it still hurt?" I ask. He's so cute!
"No. It is fading. Thank you, Kassandra," he replied.
I held his other hand. I don't care if everyone's eyes are on us. I guide us back to where we should be sitting.
I stopped and saw that his family was standing, and their eyes were on us. I bow my head and smile.
"I'm sorry if we are late. Your majesty, take your seat. They've been waiting for us before everyone will start eating," I stated.
I was about to go around because my chair was on the other side, facing him. I was taking my second step when I was stopped.
"Thank you…" he whispers in my ears.
I think I'm the only one who heard him. He just gave me a back hug! I bite my lower lip. Damn! He's giving me too much emotion!
I tap his hands and turn around. I simply smiled at him. I went around and stood in front of him.
We already have this huge table between us, but when our eyes meet, I feel like everyone has disappeared. The only thing I saw was him.
'Am I falling for the seventh prince? Do I like him?! Oh my!'
His dad coughs. "Let's all eat, everyone!" the king says.