After what felt like eternity, I broke away, gasping for air, "We should stop."
"For now," Kaid quickly responded, and suddenly chortled. I bursted out laughing. After about a minute of laughing out loud, Kaid finally said, "Okay, okay, let's freshen up and have dinner. I bet Rich and Ella were just as happy having dinner without us prying."
As we walked to the dining room, I nudged him, "What are you laughing about this time?"
He caught my hands and wrapped his other arm on my shoulder, "I don't know. I really think I'm having difficulties finishing what I started!" He smiled and kissed me on the cheek lightly.
———–—
By the time we entered the dining room, Rich and Ella were already halfway through their main course. Rich grinned so widely I sworn to myself to kick his ass later. Ella was cheeky — I liked that about her. She brought the best in Richard. These brooding people surely need a lighthearted partner.
The dinner went by quickly. We exchanged funny stories. Kaid and Rich refrained from talking about politics and duties for Ella's sake. It was a refreshing moment for all of us.
"I like her, she's a good fit for Richard," Kaid mindlinked me.
"I agree," I mindlinked him back.
The dessert was decadent. It was so good it etched on our mind for the rest of the night. We had a little bit of wine, until I saw Ella yawning.
"Sorry," Ella murmured shyly.
"Don't be," I said, "Let me take you to your room."
Kaid smiled at me, and went on talking with Rich — this time surely about work more than anything now that the women had retreated.
—————
I showed Ella her room, the shower, and the closet. I was about to leave her for the night when she called my name.
"Lady Trinity, thank you for your hospitality."
I chuckled, "Why the formality? You're welcome here any time."
"As....what?" she pried.
"As you are, Ella," I assured her, "not as someone's best friend, not as someone's mate, just as you are."
"I can see why Zara holds you in high regard. You are truly the embodiment of a queen — even though Richard told me I'm not supposed to talk about this in front of you. I think you should know."
"Richard was being protective as always,"
"He admires you, Trinity."
"Well, thank you for being upfront. It's refreshing," I smiled at her, "but, I'm not gonna keep you for much longer, you're exhausted. The trip here must've been the longest ever."
"Oh, believe me it was reeeaaalllyyy tiring," she yawned again.
I gave her a little laugh, and hugged her goodnight. "You deserve all the happiness in the world, my Lady," Ella whispered.
I closed the door behind me, and decided to rest in my room.