Chapter Seventy: Kiss-less

After another round of combing, Clair prepared herself to exit the room.

She whisked the hairpin, and she shrugged. It was beautiful, and so she took the liberty to put her hair in a bun and add the hairpin, holding it up perfectly.

With a strand of her loose hair on the side, she smiled in satisfaction. She might be against the early in the morning dress-up thing, but dressing up was always fun.

Or maybe she was just trying to look at this place in a good way, because right all she could think about is her company and how she should wear a blazer and having a cup of coffee in her hands.

After a few minutes into an inner battle with herself, Clair decided to not keep Lady Weld waiting.

"Wonderful! You look lovely, Lady Yves." She complimented.

Clair smiled politely, "Thank you, you can just call me Clair."

"Alright, let's not dilly dally anymore and get you to the breakfast table." She grinned and guided her down the hall which was now brighter compared to last night.

They traveled to the left, but Clair couldn't help but look to the right in the direction they had entered last night.

This time Clair also had a better look at Lady Weld, She had chocolate brown hair, with a few white hairs here and there. Despite her wrinkles, she had a warm look that made everyone feel cozy and welcomed.

Finally, reaching the end of the hallway, Lady Weld opened a wooden door and led her to the bright outside.

Whoa….

Clair's breath hitched, the beautiful garden full of different beautiful flowers and a handmade pond.

There was also a roof that led to the right and the left, Beside each pole sustaining it, there were guards with their uniforms and straight faces.

"This way.." Lady Weld led her to the right but her warm smile faded when she saw who the hurried steps belonged to.

James paused as soon as his eyes landed on the woman next to his cunning Nanny.

Only one-word lingered in his mind….

Breathtaking.

Composing himself, he shook his head. "I knew you were up to something the minute you showed up."

Lady Weld frowned at the accusation. "It is my job to greet and attend our guests properly. Pardon me for not following your careless ways." Lady Weld turned to Clair with a sweet smile.

"You seem to like the garden, does breakfast there sound good to you."

"Actually-" Clair turned to James and smiled 'sweetly.'

"No! How can we let you leave on an empty stomach?" Lady Weld shook her head furiously.

Seeing the woman's saddened expression, Clair bit her lip.

It was an act. As an actress herself, she could tell what was real or not. Still, she felt bad and sighed.

"Then I must stay for breakfast."

James rolled his eyes inwardly.

"Great! I'll go have someone arrange things, please wait for me here." She smiled brightly and walked away.

With his arms behind his back, James walked towards her and smiled. "I'm sorry, I did not know she would do this. We can still go back home."

"I already accepted her offer for breakfast, so we might as well stay. By the way, what time is it?" She asked.

"Oh, it's 9 am." He responded.

"..." 'I should be home by now.' She thought to herself and pursed her lips.

"If you had woken me up earlier, I would be home by now." She sighed.

"I apologize. I will get you home after breakfast."

Clair nodded, and they were left in silence after that.

"I have a question." She mentioned, not turning to him.

"Yes?" He turned his head towards her.

"Am I your favorite?" She asked, her lips curling into a smirk.

"Huh?"

Looking at his adorable confused expression, she continued. "I heard I'm the third 'lover' you have brought here this month...so I was wondering if I'm your favorite."

"The maids mentioned I'm the first who had been dressed up so beautifully after spending the night. So you know...just curious."

"..." James was utterly stunned.

Lovers?

Third this month?

When did that happen? Was he unconscious or something?

"Complete and utter nonsense." He breathed out.

"Still, am I your favorite?"

"There are none, you're the first I've brought here." He instead, hoping she wouldn't misunderstand.

"Haven't answered my question yet…" She reminded him.

"There are none others, so I can't really say that."

Humming, she turned to him and raised her hand, slowly tracing her fingers on his cheekbones.

"Gosh, I'm honored." She whispered.

Swallowing, he pulled out his hand and grabbed it, kissing it.

"You look beautiful in that dress. It suits you."

"Thank you." She smiled, staring straight into his eyes.

"And... I'm the one who's honored." He told her, closing the distance between her lips.

The sound of footsteps approaching snapped them out of their daze.

Noticing how the 'moment' was interrupted Clair glanced behind him were some maids and guards were coming towards them.

When James turned around, they halted and bowed.

"Your highness."

"Lady Yves."

'Word travels fast.' James complained inwardly.

This is not what he had planned at all.

"Is everything ready?" He asked.

"Yes, Lady Weld had something urgent to attend and asked us to serve you breakfast in the garden."

"I see, is the food served?"

"Yes, except to drink your highness."

"Would you like coffee or anything else?" James turned to Clair.

"Tea is fine." She answered.

Nodding, James turned to them and said, "Leave us and send only one person to serve tea." He then grabbed her hand and walked her right past them.

"Come on."

"Why the hurry?" She asked, walking behind him in rushed steps.

"I haven't gotten my kiss yet." He replied.

Clair's mouth shut completely, and she had a mini denial session with herself.

What the….

He's actually looking forward to a kiss?

That was a bit surprising, noting how weird their relationship is. She had kissed him before because of attraction and because of their act.

That was completely different. After all, they might not know each other well, but it's true their bodies do.

They walked towards the right side and exited the hall covered by the roof, their feet above the grass.

He led her right inside a path of bushes and flowers until they reached an outdoor dining area.

Huge, thick curtains surrounded it.

He opened a small part up, enough for the two of them, and led her inside.

She saw the two-person table with food served on it and smiled.

That smile stiffened when his face was suddenly right in front of hers.

"My kiss?" He demanded.

"Pfft-" She shook her head and bit her lip. She lifted her head and a quick kiss landed on his cheek.

"There, now let's eat." Laughing, she walked towards one end of the table.

"That will be added onto the list of kisses you owe me." He countered, clearly protesting against her actions.

He pulled the chair at the other end of the table and placed it next to her so that they could be closer and then he pulled her chair out.

Dragging her gaze off the food and into his eyes, she raised a brow at him. "There's a list?"

"Yes, it was created around 3 seconds ago." He responded.

"Huh...."

"If the debt is not paid, I will collect what you owe me in other ways." Picking up a piece of bread from the basket, he chuckled.

He knew what was going on around her head and how she planned to owe him kisses without a care in the world.

Obviously, that would not occur—not on his watch.

His kisses were very important!

Extremely important.

He was addicted to her soft lips on his, and when she would initiate like that, all he wanted was to kiss her more. How could he just leave him kiss-less?

"That- what do you mean in other ways??" Clair questioned, picking up her utensils and letting the delicious smell of the food enter her nostrils.

"It means exactly what it means." He responded, placing a piece of bread in his mouth.

They are interrupted by someone's voice, "Your highness."

"Come in." He said and Clair watched a guard open the curtain and help the maid in with the tea.

Despite being covered by curtains, for their privacy, Clair could detract from the presence of guards in each corner of the area. And it was not dark at all since they made the roof of glass, letting the sunlight in.

It was such a beautiful way to eat breakfast.