"And then there's the Soldati Summer Solstice Festival held every year on the castle grounds." Flora finished placing dinner on the table and Riley's mouth watered. It all looked so good.
"What's the Soldati Summer Solstice Festival?" That was a mouthful, much like he was about to have with all this tasty-looking food.
"For an entire week, the castle grounds are open to the kingdom and filled with festivities and food, all provided by the king and his court. Everyone looks forward to it every year. Oh, it's glorious! The music, the dancing, and games. The king is in attendance with his council and court, dressed in their finery." Lasa's eyes lit up as she talked about it. "It's like a fairy tale."
The festival was obviously a hit. Riley felt guilty for judging Khalon so harshly. He was clearly revered by his people. From what he'd seen of Khalon's interaction with Tinia, he also seemed to possess a gentle side.
"Thank you so much for everything. I really appreciate it. This looks delicious." He helped himself to some fresh bread, salad, chicken, potatoes, and vegetables.
"It's an honor, Riley Murrough," Flora replied sweetly. She took a seat at the table across from him beside Lasa. The two exchanged glances, their cheeks somewhat flushed. Riley smiled at them.
"What?"
Lasa leaned in, her voice quiet. "Forgive our impertinence, but... are you and His Majesty, um...."
Riley's eyes widened and he swallowed hard. "No, um, we're not, uh.... I'm just passing through."
"Oh," Lasa sighed, she and Flora looking disappointed.
"Why did you think we were?" Did he sound nervous? He hoped he didn't. He shouldn't. It was an innocent question. No big deal.
"Well." Flora busied herself serving Lasa dinner. "His concern, for one. He barely left the cottage while you slept. He seemed very worried."
Flora nodded. "Mostly it was the way he looked at you."
Riley paused, his fork halfway to his mouth. "What do you mean?"
"While you slept he checked on you often. In the evenings he stayed by your bedside. I don't think he slept very much." Flora gave her mate a kiss on the cheek in thanks.
Khalon had stayed by his side watching over him? The thought made Riley want to smile, but he did his best not to give away how stupidly happy that made him. It shouldn't, but it did. Maybe there was a reason for Khalon's initial animosity toward Riley. Whatever that reason, things seemed to be changing, and Riley found himself feeling hopeful. For what he wasn't entirely sure, but he couldn't ignore the fact he felt drawn to Khalon.
Flora turned her attention back to him. "Do you already have a mate?"
Riley wondered how much Khalon had told them. From the sounds of it, not much. It was probably safer that way. Though he must have said something, considering the whole village sat under a magical ward to keep demons away.
"No, I don't." Riley took a sip of the drink in front of him. It was a sweet fruity wine that tasted amazing. Lasa looked confused.
"Does he not appeal to you?"
Riley almost choked on his wine. "Excuse me. Um, that's not, I mean, of course he's appealing. And not because he's a king. He's obviously a great guy too, and yeah, he's gorgeous, like, wow. Those eyes? I mean, who wouldn't find him appealing? He's just a bit, a lot, out of my league." Then there was the whole human in another realm thing, and--
"You shouldn't sell yourself so short, Riley."
Flora's and Lasa's eyes were wide as saucers, and Riley found he was frozen to the spot. Oh my God, he heard me!
Khalon took a seat beside him and chuckled. "Your face seems to be attempting to out-red the tomatoes in your salad."
With a groan Riley dropped his head into his hands. "I don't suppose you know any magic that could make the earth swallow me up?"
"I'm afraid not," Khalon replied, sounding amused.
Riley sat up and glared at him. "You know, you could have been a gentleman and pretended you hadn't heard any of that."
"I could have," Khalon agreed before leaning close to grin wickedly at him. "But what would be the fun in that?"
Flora and Lasa broke off into giggles, and Riley stabbed his salad before waving a tomato at them. "You two are not helping."
There was more giggling and chuckling before Khalon put him out of his misery and changed the subject, thanking Flora and Lasa for the meal as well as their hospitality. He told Riley he'd show him around the village after they ate, and as promised, after Riley's belly was full, Riley followed Khalon outside. He wasn't sure what he'd been expecting, but it wasn't this.