Chapter 25

On getting to his quarters Nuriel found Xavier about to knock. He was the head of staff and Nuriel knew him to be a very dedicated individual. 

" Oh, my king. I thought you were in your chambers, " Xavier said as he bowed. 

" I was in the council room. We had a meeting, " 

Nuriel then noticed the tray of food in Xavier's arms. It was a kind gesture and Nuriel knew that he was just making sure Flames needs were all satisfied. But he did not want anyone else to see her before he did. Just in case she was still not feeling well. 

" I brought you breakfast, "Xavier said. His tone a formal one and his posture completely upright. 

" Thank you Xavier. I'll take it from here, " 

Nuriel took the tray and after dismissing him, he walked into his quarters. It was quiet inside and he assumed that she still must have been asleep. But then he saw her sitting up on the bed. A pillow on her laps and her thoughts somewhere else. 

She did not even seem to hear him as he walked in. 

" Flame? "

She sucked in a breath as she instantly turned to him. A hand on her chest to slow her beating heart. 

" Oh hey, you startled me. "

" My apologies, I did not mean to scare you, "

Nuriel then approached the bed and settled down on the edge. He hated seeing her like that. Looking so tired and depressed .

How he wished to hold her again. To whisper in her ear that everything was going to be okay. 

" Here, have something to eat, " 

He handed her the tray and he could see her intentions. 

She wanted to push it away and say that she was not hungry. Too bad he was not going to let her do that. 

" No. You will eat and I'm going to stay here until everything on that tray is gone. " he firmly informed her as he placed it on her laps once more. 

Flame sighed. Breakfast in bed was not something she was used to. That was actually a first. She stared at the contents on the tray. There was a bowl of fruit. Some she was aware of like the mangoes and watermelon and others which she had never seen before in her life. Then there was some scones and eggs and the grain things from the other day. 

And there was also a glass of red juice. At least she hoped it was juice. 

" All of it? " she asked. Looking up at the angel who was studying her with keen eyes. 

"All of it. " he repeated and she forced a smile. 

Then she began eating. It was strange having him look at her throughout the entire time. She could feel his eyes burning into her. And the heat consumed her wholy inside. 

" About last night... " she began. They had to discuss it at some point. She felt awful about how she had shouted at him. Especially when all he had been to her was kind since the moment she got there. 

" Forget about it - "

" Thank you, " she cut him off. Looking at him so that he would see the sincerity in her eyes. She would never forget what he had done. She would never forget how he had stayed with her even when she had basically thrown him out of his own room.

 His touch had been the most gentle and calming one she had ever received. And even now all she wanted to do was crawl onto his laps and snuggle against him. 

But that was something she was going to keep to herself. 

Nuriel lifted the glass to her lips and she took a sip. It was sweet, like sugared plums. 

" Can I ask something of you? " he then said as he placed the glass back down.

" What is it? "

" Never thank me for doing my duty. It is my wish to always be there whenever you need me and even when you don't. Although I wish you always do... "

She lowered her gaze. Evading him. 

She was aware that he was not lying about what he had told her the previous day. But she still needed time. She hardly even knew him. And she was still going through a lot at the moment. 

" Angel.. "

" It's okay m'eudail, I understand that you need time. I am willing to wait for as long as it takes, "

Nuriel tucked a lock of her hair behind her ear, " I have waited three centuries for you. I'm sure I can wait a little longer, "

Flame smiled as she played with her fork. Choosing not to let her sadness overcome her. True, it was always going to be with her. And she would never forgive or stop blaming herself. But she would try to go on with her life .

" Want some? " she lifted the bowl of fruit to the angel and he chuckled. His face seemed to soften when he smiled. The little cloud of darkness that seemed to hover above him at all times just naturally disappeared. 

" No. Thank you but you should eat. "

" You sure? how about the grain thingys? "

Nuriel furrowed his brows and his lips parted slightly in astonishment. 

" The what? " he asked.

Unsure of what she was referring to. Then she picked the plate with the things that looked like grains and showed them to him and he burst out laughing. 

A heavenly sound that send waves down her spine. His laughter was a melody. A concert from the heart. Like a creative living art performed from his soul. 

She was hypnotized by the sound. 

" It's called Corfniel, not whatever it is you just called it, " Nuriel said once his laughter died down and she rolled her eyes. 

" Well how was I supposed to know that? I've never seen it before. " she defended herself. 

Overall he was great to be around. And she was certain that with time she would start liking him more. 

Nuriel stood and went to his walk in closet. Then he returned after a while with another black shirt and cloak. She hated his cloaks and she hoped he was not planning on making her wear it. 

" I'll run you a bath. And once you're done wear these, " he placed the clothes on the bed and took a step back. 

He had taken another blanket and covered her with it before he left that morning but at the moment she was sitting on top of it. Which left her almost bare apart and from the shirt she was wearing. 

And now that they had gotten the tension out of the way. The 'other' tension was starting to overcome in. She smelt great. 

Irresistible .

And if he stayed with her a few moments longer he worried that he would not be able to control himself. He willed those thoughts away and tried to concentrate on the present. 

He had promised her that he would be patient and that was what he was going to do. Even if his heart craved her touch. 

" I can run my own bath. "

" I'm sure you can. But I want to do it for you, "

He wanted to do everything for her. He was actually considering moving some things around so that he would have time to spend with her. It would be very difficult to leave her in the hands of another, even if the other was someone he trusted with his immortal life. 

Nuriel went into the washroom and straight to the bath. He felt her follow him and lean by the wide doorway. 

" Hey, I was wondering whether Kael can show me around today. He promised me that he would but.... "

But with what had gone on last night she assumed it would be wise to ask. 

" No. I'll show you around myself, but maybe tomorrow. I have a lot to do today, " 

He did not even turn to look at her as he casually said that. 

" But why not? I know you're mad at him for what he did but -"

" Flame. "

Nuriel stood and faced her. That stern look back on his angelic features. His wings folded behind him and his voice low and husky. 

" My decision is final. I will be the one to show you around, no one else. "

He dipped his hand in the water to confirm that the temperature was okay. 

" Besides, you also have things to do today. " 

She walked into the room with her arms crossed. 

" What things? "

" Angel Drexel will be accompanying you to the dressmaker. "

Flame thought she was hearing things. Was that some kind of joke? 

" I'm sorry, dressmaker? " 

She looked at him like he was crazy and Nuriel wondered why. 

"That is precisely what I said. "

It's not that she had no idea what a dressmaker was. She was sure it was a fancy name for a tailor. But she still didn't feel like leaving the house yet. It's why she wanted Kael to keep her company. She desperately needed to laugh and forget everything for a little while.  

But now the angel wanted her to go to a dressmaker? To make things worse she had never really liked shopping. It was nothing but a tedious affair that only served to waste money. 

" Take your bath before the water gets cold. I'll wait for you in the nourishment chamber and take you to Drexel afterwards, "

Nuriel then walked past her with the intention of leaving. 

" What if I don't want to go? "

" That's too bad. You don't have much of a choice. "

And just like that he was gone.