Chapter 49: Morning Compromise for my King

The first light of morning filled the grand royal chambers and gave a golden glow on the intricately designed furnishings. Alpha Lleus stirred and stretched his arms before he finally rose from the large bed. The crisp chill of the morning air hit his skin, and that alone forced him to wake. He went into the bathroom: cool marble tiles chilled his bare feet as he readied for the day. Greeting him out of the bathroom was the clinking of dishes. He stopped at the door, his brow furrowing. The dining table beside the window was set: crispy roasted meat, fresh bread with butter, and golden pastries sprinkled with honey. His favorite spiced coffee filled the air. Seated at the table, a picture of elegance in a flowing silk robe, her hair loosely tied back. She delicately chewed a piece of fruit, flicking her eyes to him-a simple smile curling her lips. "Good morning, husband," she greeted, the tone warm but laced with subtle mischief, her eyes to say a few. Lleus folded his arms across his chest as coldness set on his face. "What is this?" "Breakfast," Reika replied, her voice and expression innocently bright. "You mentioned you like roasted venison in the morning, so I had the cooks prepare your favorite dishes. Come, sit." Lleus stiffened at the reminder of their last argument. He had made it plain he would not accept her request to share meals. "I told you, I have no interest in having breakfast with you." Reika shrugged and reached for a honey-drenched pastry, taking a slow, deliberate bite. In itself, the gesture was tasteful, but there could be little doubt it was provocative. Savoring the taste, her honey-glistened lips, the whole movement of her body was devised to keep him drawn to her. "You're free to refuse," she said handing off, "but I would hate to see all this effort go to waste." Lleus's face began to consider, but his expression did not soften. "I don't have time for games, Reika. My day is already full." Just as he turned toward the door, a knock sounded. One of the palace servants entered, bowing deeply. "Your Majesty, the kitchens inform me that your breakfast will not be ready for another hour. You may risk running late for your council meeting if you wait." Lleus stiffened, his jaw clenched. "What?" "Sorry, my lord," the servant said with a quivering voice. "The kitchen is working on a feast for the guests; your breakfast was pushed behind." Reika took another bite of her pastry, playing at surprise. "Oh dear. How annoying that must be for him." The servant paused then said, "If I may say so, Your Majesty-perhaps you could join the queen's breakfast. It would appear she accounted for your tastes." Lleus glared at the servant, who bowed quickly and made a hasty retreat. Turning back to Reika, he found her regarding him with an amused smile, her fingers tracing delicately around the rim of her coffee cup. "I suppose I should thank the kitchen staff for their incompetence," she said lightly. Lleus pinched the bridge of his nose, frustration rising. "You orchestrated this, didn't you?" Reika tilted her head, her eyes sparkling with feigned innocence. "Me? Whatever do you mean?" "You know exactly what I mean," he growled. She simply smiled and gestured to the chair opposite hers. "Sit, Lleus. Let's not play games of wills over less than nothing. Besides, you will need your energy for today." For a moment, he thought to turn his back and leave but relented at the dictate of common sense. Sighing resignedly, he went to the table and sat. "There. Was that so hard?" Reika taunted, pouring him a steaming cup of spiced coffee. He ignored her, focusing on the plate she set before him. The smell was intoxicating, and despite himself, his stomach growled. Reika sipped her coffee, not breaking his gaze. "You know, Lleus, shared mealtimes are less about sustenance than connection." He snorted. "Save it. I'm just doing this because I don't have a choice." "Oh, of course," she returned dryly. "Yet, maybe you can begin to think this is not the terrible idea that it presently does to you." >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> The meal passed in silence for the most part, except for the clinking of utensils and the occasional rustling of fabric. Lleus was eating quickly, his actions sharp and economical, but Reika ate slowly, her pace languid. As she reached for another piece of fruit, the silence was broken. "You're obstinate, Lleus. That much is clear. But even you must see value in compromise." He laid his fork down, eyes glinting. "You think this is a victory for you, don't you?" "Not a victory," she said with a small smile. "A step forward." He leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. "You're playing a dangerous game, Reika." "I'm not playing at all," she returned. "I'm trying to build something. You may not see it yet, but this-us-is stronger when we work together." For a moment, Lleus said nothing, his piercing gaze searching hers. He hated to admit it, but there was a sincerity in her words that unsettled him. "You're persistent," he muttered. "And you're predictable," she shot back, smirking. --- As they finished their meal, Lleus rose from his seat, adjusting his tunic. He looked at Reika, still seated, her face calm and satisfied. "Don't think this means I've given in," he growled. "Of course not," she said smoothly. "But you did enjoy the meal, didn't you?" He didn't reply, instead turning toward the door. Reaching it, he halted. "I'll see you at dinner," he growled. Reika's smile expanded. "I look forward to it." Leaning back in her chair, she sipped the final bit of her coffee, her eyes not moving from him as he left the room. Victory, she mused, came many sizes. This one was small, yet somehow immeasurably larger. She knew Lleus wouldn't change overnight; neither did she need him to. Patience, after all, was one of her most substantial weapons. And with every small step, she pulled him closer to seeing things her way.