The way he watched her, well, for a moment, she felt very much like she was a mouse and he was a cat, but that wouldn’t do it all. Lucinda Blackthorn was many things, but prey was not one of them.
“I forgot,” she said.
Sure enough, her stomach growled in answer. Living at Blythe, she was used to three meals a day, but mostly she was spoiled. She often snuck snacks throughout the day and, of course, her midnight trysts.
Prince Ira stood, and though her heart was no longer in danger of ending up on the floor, it still leapt a little, which was inconvenient at best.
Removing a small red towel from the table, he revealed a plate full of roasted chicken, potatoes, and vegetables with what appeared to be a rich sauce overlaying it all. Immediately, Luci’s mouth watered and went dry all at once. How she hadn’t smelled it the moment she entered was a mystery because all she could think about was the scent of garlic and salt.
“I worried that might be true, so I had a plate prepared in case,” he said, “Please sit.”
That was alarmingly thoughtful. Both Noah and Luci were far too focused on their craft to remember to take a break. In fact, Luci was fairly confident she would have gone to bed starving. Yet the crown prince was here, waiting for her, with a meal.
Not the crown prince—Brielle’s fiancé.
“Thank you,” Luci said, dipping her head.
It would have been rude to refuse, but more than that, she was hungry. It was a rumble deep in her stomach that refused to be ignored. Taking the seat Ira occupied previously, Luci lifted the fork provided and delicately stabbed at a carrot. Prince Ira watched her as she ran away, so in answer, she narrowed her eyes and shoved the vegetable into her mouth. Her defiancemelted like the butter-based sauce on her tongue as she let out an inappropriate sound and leaned back in her chair.
It was butter, garlic, salt, and goodness, was the gruyère cheese as well? It was rich, decadent, and it exploded in her mouth like a symphony of taste.
Squeezing her eyes closed, she savored every note of it. When she was through, she found Prince Ira staring at her with a book open in his hands. His mouth was slightly agape, and a flush to his cheeks. The bliss of the carrot was quickly replaced with mortification that flooded her.
“Sorry,” she whispered and cleared her throat, trying for her most abject approval, “It’s— it’s very good.”
For a moment, she thought he wouldn’t stop staring at her, and she would have to crawl under the desk and hide— preferably taking the plate of food with her. Luckily, he closed his mouth, swallowing hard before clearing his throat. His eyes were darting to the book before him like he couldn’t stand to look at her any longer.
“Good, I’m glad you like it,” he said, “Calcifer tried to swipe the chicken earlier, even after I fed him his dinner, so watch out for him.”
Luci busied herself with stuffing a few bites in her mouth while his attention was diverted. A part of her screamed not to eat in front of him, but mostly her stomach was far louder.
“You fed the cat?” she asked as his words caught up to her.
He nodded, turning the page. “He was hungry.”
What a strange sort of prince. To be fair, Luci only ever met Prince Lucien, who was a terrible human, so her experience with princes was limited. Yet, Prince Ira was entirely unexpected. Considerate of both servants and cats alike.
Her heart beat a little faster, and she was a firm no.
“How was Brielle tonight?” Luci asked.
That was safe. Brielle was home. Brielle was everything.
He took a long breath and turned the page once more. How anyone could read so fast was a feat worthy of accolades.
“She was perfection.” He smiled. “Her ability to disarm and charm everyone around her is remarkable. Even my father, who has been a beast lately, laughed and smiled tonight. It’s been months since that happened.”
Pride burned throughout Luci. That was quintessentially Brielle. Her kindness and gentle spirit could undo even the foulest of moods. She would make an incredible queen, and Meridea would be better for it.
“You could not have picked a better bride, but don’t ask too much of her. She will give until she has nothing left. It’s not in her nature to say no.” Luci said, and it was almost a plea.
Closing the book, Prince Ira met her gaze, and she knew he understood. It was in the solemn tightness in his jaw and the set of his chin.
“I know,” he said.
There was a heaviness to the words, as if they were a burden.
Setting down her fork, Luci steeled herself.