Chapter 41 : Keep him away from me.

Nectar was already dozing off and the pace at which she made oak leaves was reducing. The kids and the sisters had already come to greet her a while ago.

So they had breakfast in the swing, making it longer so Fauna and Tera could join them for breakfast. Liam had even become worried seeing she wasn't eating as much as she normally would but all she needed was sleep [ The less energy, the better ]

But the kids were quite energetic and played the hide and seek game Nectar taught them earlier with Fauna and Tera. Nectar watched them for a while, trying not to give the two signals.

But Liam had sent them back upstairs so they wouldn't bother Nectar and also to spend more time with Fauna and Tera.

Liam who was quietly sitting beside he was examining the poppies she'd made " Quite impressive. I never thought you'd use your water element for something that requires such detail and patience ".

Nectar laughed, resting her tired head on his shoulder " You sound so surprised. Doesn't even feel like a complement either ". Liam chuckled, he sat next to the edge, with one leg in the swing and the other outside, gently rocking it " I really mean it. It's nice to see you acting like a lady sometimes ".

Nectar felt her eyelids getting heavier as the swaying calmed her and smiled " Nonsense, I have enough proof that I'm a lady...I mean look at me ". Liam chuckled again " I remember when you were so tiny, always playing in the mud ".

Nectar frowned playfully " I never did that and what do you mean tiny "? They're light conversation flowed naturally till her words started to slur. She'd finally fallen asleep but it didn't last long.

She suddenly opened her eyes and nearly rolled unto the floor but Liam held her shoulder back. This part of her courtyard was somewhat secluded so it couldn't be seen immediately if you just walked into her palace.

At first, she wanted to ignore the voice but it wouldn't go away and it sounded so familiar in an annoying way. Grumbling to herself, she leaped out of the swing barefoot and went towards the sound of the voice.

Though she had a grumpy frown on her angry wrinkled face, her expression suddenly calmed down and had a fake smile on her flawless face. She bowed low as Eros suddenly looked at her [ Why do the gods do this to me? And after I saved those kids, isn't that enough good karma to keep him away from me? ]

" Greetings to the emperor, the first star in the dragon's domain ". Eros signalled for her to rise and she did. " Is there something you need your highness, we can sit and talk about it "?

Nectar's mouth twitched slightly but Eros looked so disgusted at her suggestion before going back to his usual stone like expression " That won't be necessary ".

Nectar tried to appear disappointed as she did a mental victory dance " Alright, if my emperor could tell me what has brought him here ". Eros suddenly looked her up and down [ Very odd woman she is ]

Though she was barefooted, he didn't hate it. Her legs were long and a milky white that seemed so well taking care of and sighed [ Such a shame, it would have to come to that later ]

" I'd like to remind you that the ball is a very important tradition and to be taken seriously so I'd prefer if you let Athena help. And the ministers and I have being talking, we've decided your ball will be part of the alliance celebrations we will be hosting this year. I hope you understand "?

Nectar nodded calmly trying not to roll her eyes [ Yen Yen Yen...all bullshit ] " Of course your majesty but may I ask a question "? Eros nodded and she went on " I've already asked for First Lady Athena's help so I'm not sure what to say on this matter your highness ".

Eros seemed surprised and kept blinking. Nectar had to pinch herself a few times so she didn't laugh as she looked blankly at him. Then he cleared his throat " Well then, thank you for considering Athena and I'm really looking forward to whatever you come up with ".

Nectar nodded and pretended to be excited [ Can you just get out of my courtyard already? ] " Of course your majesty, I won't let you down ". Eros gave her a slight smile and nodded before turning around and leaving.

[ Did he just smile at me? Is that a threat? Did he find me out or is he suspicious? ] Nectar groaned in frustration and pulled at her hair slightly, breathing in and out [ I'm just over thinking this, I should get some sleep ]

But then she felt something hard on the top of her head, it was Liam's chin " Look at you, already falling in love with your emperor ". Nectar furrowed her brows and elbowed him in the gut " You're spouting nonsense again, you need a thorough bashing ".