He clears his throat. “I'm telling you so you know why I don't act like the typical groom.”
I nod, though I really don't know why it matters. At least to me. It's easy to see why he cares how others may view it, but why does it matter if I know?
“May I kiss you now?”
No. Kisses leave me feeling sick. “I suppose it would be for the best.”
He leans closer. I want to pull away. Thomas's kisses were callous. Painful even. The thought of more of that makes me feel queasy. But giving my permission somehow makes it harder to pull away.
His hand reaches up and brushes my face. Flecks of gold are mixed with the green of his eyes. Suddenly, he scoops me into his arms and plops me on his lap. I yelp.
“Sorry, I guess I should have warned you first.”
After straightening my skirt with quivering fingers, I hold myself stiff. His nose nuzzles against the side of my neck. Warm lips brush my jaw and sweep along my cheek until they reach the corner of my mouth. My breath comes in shallow gasps. He smells lightly of citrus.
I don't move. His fingers tangle in my hair. His lips hover over mine. A nervous flutter grows in my chest. The creak of the door opening spurs him into action.
His lips touch mine. Flowing and sunny. They grow firmer. It feels so much better than I thought it could. His fingers run through my hair, the tendrils falling out of their confinement. Heat grows between us. He pulls me closer to him. Not only do I manage to refrain from fighting him, but I want to draw even closer.
“Ahem.” Phyllis.
He leans away, though still only inches from me. “Why are you interrupting?”
My face feels flushed. I try to slow my breathing.
“Sorry, Chancellor. I was told I was needed in here.”
He turns on her, face tight. “You are, but not now. Didn't you get my message?”
“What message?”
“My family also gifted Serena a servant. She'll need to be shown your duties when she gets here.”
“My duties, Master? Not hers?”
A grumble sounds from him, vibrating his chest. “No. You'll be working in the kitchen. We're grateful for you services so far, but with this new servant, you're needed elsewhere.”
“I see.”
“Then leave. I'm busy right now.”
My face grows hotter. He presses his lips back on mine. It's much different than when Thomas kissed me. Softer. Slower. Comfortable. Nicer than I thought kissing could be. I don't even mind it. In fact, I think I like it.
Suddenly, he pulls away and sets me back on the couch. Why did he stop? I realize Phyllis is no longer in the room. When did she leave? My face heats. I put a hand to my tingling lips. The fabric of my glove may be soft against them, but feels coarse after his touch.
He clears his throat. “Thank you for your help with that.”
“Certainly.” Just doing my duty as your possession. Though it felt like more. More what, I can't be sure of.
His lips press together. It's silent a moment before he shakes his head and says, “There's one other thing I wanted to discuss. It's customary for council members to hold a ball the day before they get married.”
The council? Why do they even care? “It is?”
“Looks like it. Council members are usually married before they're on the council, so it's not done often, but I've been told we'll need to hold one. Would you be willing to arrange this? I can give input where needed and Waverly's good at that sort of thing. You could ask for help from anyone else you want.”
Exactly the sort of thing I hoped never happened. Not like I can refuse. Or maybe I can, he is asking, and he let me pick my dress and go shopping on my own. It could be possible to say no.
I smooth the gown of my charcoal skirt. Perhaps Katherine could make a ball gown for me. I could wear it and tell those who are interested in it who made it. It could aid her, if they like it. But in doing so, I'd create another dress she wouldn't get paid for.
“Will you plan it?” His voice pulls me from my musing.
“Yes, Chancellor Zade.”
He brushes the seat of the sofa. “One thing. As part of this type of ball, there's a sacrifice. That will be mine to take care of. If anyone wants to know about it, send them to me. Okay?”
A chill runs through me. I nod.
“Good. Everyone on the council should be invited and those of rank. You probably know better than me.” He waves his hand. I duck, but no spell comes. “Maybe not. I'll get you a list.”
It sounds daunting. “I'm not very well versed in things like that. Cynthia's good at it. Bethany's better.”
“The third oldest?”
“Yes. She loves things like that. She wanted to go to the tournament, but wasn't allowed.” I didn't need to say quite so much, but he doesn't look upset.
“I'll ask your Father if she can help.”
My load feels lighter already. “That would be fantastic. I'd love it if she could stay with us.” Avoid whatever punishments she's been taking in my absence. Hopefully very little.
“I can't guarantee anything, but I'll try.”