Intoxicating

Whoever is trying to bring you down,

Is already below you.

—Unknown

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"You're already acting like the Queen of this place," he commented, a small smile coming over his face as he took her hand tightly in his and opened the door to step out along with her.

Eva looked up sideways into his face and opened her mouth to say that wasn't what she meant to imply but she was silenced at the sight of his light chuckle that zipped her mouth shut in a second.

His laugh was intoxicating and Eva felt herself drowning again in those orbs, as the sides of his eyes crinkled when he stared at her, heading in the direction of the courtroom she recognized.

A wish arose in her heart, to keep him smiling like that for the rest of his life. Such a beautiful smile shouldn't be hidden but shown openly to the world. She was aware that if anybody saw the sight she was seeing, they would most likely fall head over heels in love with him at that very moment.

"You should smile more." the words escaped her lips faster than lightning, giving her no time to take them back. His eyes sparkled in response and his lips curved up on one side as he looked ahead, removing his gaze from her.

"You make me smile enough," he spoke and Eva couldn't help the grin that took place on her face at his words.

"Why was the knight polishing his dress before going for the Queen's dinner party?" she asked abruptly and stopped walking when his boots paused on their way.

Raising a brow, he spoke, "That is a weird question."

"Do you know the answer?"

Theo narrowed his brows, thinking hard. The question wasn't hard at all and in no time, he was replying, "To impress her."

Amusement crossed his face as he saw her giggle and shake her head indicating that he had answered incorrectly. Scoffing, he questioned, "Then what? Why else would he clean his dress? That is the only feasible answer that anybody could come up with." he spoke crossing his arms in a defensive posture.

A laugh escaped her lips as she decided how sensual he looked when he was trying to deny the fact that he was wrong. Eva settled in her mind that she would do this more often if she had to make him smile more.

Apparently making him smile was aa hard thing to accomplish, she thought to herself and opened her mouth to prove that he was wrong.

"Because he wanted to have a night in shining armor!" she exclaimed and blinked her eyes rapidly flashing her innocence as she gazed up at him waiting for the smile to break out on his face.

Theo stared at her for a second before a hearty chuckle escaped his lips and he ran a hand through his hair, making it fall messily on his forehead. This girl was unbelievable, he thought in his head and his heart warmed as he saw her looking up expectantly.

Eva felt a sense of triumph hit her like a wave and she smiled back with its force. "I guess you don't know everything, Your Majesty." she teased and Theo scowled for a moment before tugging her near and dropping his lips to her cheek, closer to her lips than the previous time.

"That." he moved his head back to stare into her eyes. "Was a trick question."

Eva rolled her eyes, her heart thudding in her chest but allowing her body the permission to feel his warmth that surrounded her along with his dark aura that hung around his body like a cloak of darkness. It didn't suffocate her which came off as a surprise when she later thought about it.

"I have to go handle something but I'll come back-"

"Take your time, I understand." Eva interrupted. "I'll make myself busy in doing, uh, something," she assured him and patted his hand comfortingly.

"Are you sure?" he asked, his eyes flickering in doubt as he pulled her closer so that their chests touched, only a thin layer of fabric in the way.

Eva nodded, unable to speak at their surprisingly close proximity which she still hadn't gotten used to. With a parting smile, he stepped away, his shoes clicking sharply against the floor as the guards opened the court's door for him and he disappeared from her sight.

Eva sighed, turning her back to the door and deciding that she wouldn't coop herself in the room. Instead, she planned to explore the gardens which she wanted to see more than ever. It would be relaxing to walk around and sit on the soft grass with nobody around to watch except for the maids whom she didn't mind.

She had memorized the directions of the places she had visited and it took only a few minutes for her to locate the castle gates which were open, leading to a path that opened to the vast gardens.

Eva breathed in the fresh air and walked towards one of the water fountains excitedly, wanting to feel the touch of cold water on her fingers. In her rush, she didn't notice the small bump on the ground and ended up stumbling on it, her face leaning downwards into the fountain and Eva closed her eyes to ease the impact. It would not hurt too much if she couldn't see it, right?

Her face hit the surface of the water and she spluttered as she inhaled a huge gulp of water through her nose and mouth. Thankfully, her body didn't join along with her face. A hand managed to grab her wrist in time as she was pulled back, her eyes losing focus, and suddenly she couldn't take in air.

She felt solid ground beneath her, and a musical voice commanded her to breathe.

She tried but couldn't—the amount of water she inhaled was restricting her from breathing. Then she felt the press of a mouth against hers as air was pushed into her lungs. She rolled over and heaved as water spilled onto the grass. When she was finished, she collapsed onto her back, exhausted.

A face loomed over hers. He was handsome and reminded her of sunshine instantly as she examined his face. He had dark curls and light skin.

But it was his eyes she liked the most. They were gleaming and curious and a marvelous shade of midnight blue.

"You're not a mortal," she said, surprised.

He smiled, showing a set of dimples on either side of his face. "I am not."

"You're not Theo," she said, confused. His name came out short naturally from her lips.

"No." He looked amused. "I am Lysander."

"Ah," she said, and laid her head back down.

"Ah?"