As soon as Eliora stepped into the dinning hall, a row of servants, who stood in a straight line, all bowed their heads together and said in unison, "Your Majesty."
Zarek was already sitting at the head of the table, watching a small blue fire dancing on his fingertips. She had long noticed that he liked to play with fire when he was deep in thought.
As she drew closer, the hard lines of his face softened and his golden eyes met hers.
A servant hurried to help pull out a chair for her beside Zarek. Then she sat down and smoothened her dress.
He dropped his hand, letting the flame vanish into thin air. "It took you a while," he said.
She offered him a small smile. "I'm sorry. The girls insisted on making sure my hair was styled perfectly."
He looked at her hair. "It is beautiful." Then he looked into her eyes as he whispered, "You... are very beautiful."
Eliora felt a rush of blood flood her cheeks. She lowered her gaze and muttered, "Thank you."
