"Shall we leave?" Dorian asked.
Grace dipped her chin in agreement without meeting his eyes. She was sure if she did, he would easily read those unexpected carnal thoughts.
Talking the candlestick with him, Dorian guided her upstairs. As they reached her room, he haulted. They faced each other, gazing deeply in each other's eyes.
Closeness was increasing between them day by day. They had eaten dessert late at night happily like a loving couple, like husband and wife. And both were aware of that fact. Grace had never thought her husband would be so easy to be with.
Bringing their joined hands to his mouth, Dorian kissed the back of her hand. The subtle touch of his soft lips created a rush of warmth throughout her body.
"Thank you for urging me to eat, Grace," he said softly. "I didn't know I was hungry."
A small smile curved over her mouth. "Good night, Dorian."
"Good night, Grace." He unfolded their hands slowly and Grace opened the door to step inside. Turning back, she saw Dorian looking at her.
A normal wife would have invited him in. A normal husband would have entered in. A normal couple would have slept together after making love for hours. But alas, they weren't a normal couple. Dorian walked to his room and Grace shut the door close.
The next morning was coldest Grace had experienced in Nectaris. Giving Melody a kiss, she walked to the window and opened it. Sweet, fragrant and cool air grazed her face and she smiled. How lovely the weather was, pink morning with little fog and lots and losts of blooms. The garden was filled with so many flowers and every tree was lushly spread.
Runecliff had the beauty of seas, green grounds and cliffs. But Nectaris was another heaven in itself. And she wanted to experience this beautiful heaven. Since outside the palace was dangerous for her, she could atleast enjoy inside it.
Smiling widely, Grace donned her silk robe over her nightgown. The morning was too pretty to stay inside. "Come on, Melody. We will go for a walk."
The dog hopped happily. Grace never had a chance to take Melody for a walk here. Every time it was Jenny, Nora or Mr. Wilson. Ecstatic that they got some time together, Grace didn't bother with a bath, a fresh dress or setting her hair. She just opened her door and strode outside with Melody. Only servants were working here and there, bowing and greeting her good morning when they saw her. Grace smiled at everyone of them. Servants in the palace were so kind to not give her any hostile stares for being from Runecluff. Or perhaps it was Dorian's order. Either way, she liked that the palace was comfortable for her.
As soon as they stepped outside, Melody began to run around with happy barks.
"This way, darling," Grace laughed and urged the dog towards the gardens.
A queen was never supposed to walk in her night clothes outside her room, neither must she enjoy im such a way with her pet. But it was very early in the morning. Dorian and Daxton were perhaps still sleeping and the garden was free of anyone. Grace ran behind Melody, swung the dog in her arms and laughed heartily. In between, she hid behind a tree like she used to do in Runecliff while Melody tried to find her.
She played heartily with her dog. Melody seemed to love this new land just as much as Grace. They ran and played for a long time. By laughing loudly, Grace's throat became dry. Her hair was perhaps a mess, some front tendrils hindering over her face. Her braid was so loose, that it only a matter of moment before it opened up. She hauched on her knees, letting her robe turn a bit wet and muddy by the damp grass and caressed Melody's ears. Flowers were everywhere around. Grace wondered which one she must pick today to decorate the vases.
An instinct made her look up and her heart skipped a beat seeing Dorian looking down at her from his balcony. He was again shirtless with his woken up face and messy hair, looking angelic. Any woman would have killed to get him as a husband. And Grace was bestowed by that fortune.
His golden eyes were looking at her intently. Grace became aware of her messy and graceless state. Though Dorian's eyes didn't hold any angry expression, his lips were bereft of any smile.
Grace stood up instantly. He must be angry seeing his wife running this way with a dog on open land, dressed in extremely private clothes. He had never given an appearance that he disliked her enjoyment but he must be expecting basic etiquettes from her. She was his queen afterall and that queen now had her hair messy and her nightgown wet and muddy.
Instantly, Grace dragged her eyes down and picked Melody up. Without taking another glance at her husband, she ran inside her palace.
The process of bathing and getting ready was filled with worry for Grace. Would Dorian scold her later? Was he angry that she was not presentable outdoors? Grace hoped not. They were getting closer, their relationship was improving. She didn't want to upset him in any way and risk their friendly approach towards each other.
She hadn't thought he would catch her looking that way in the garden. Had she known, she wouldn't have roamed around. He must be very upset to get such a mannerless wife who wouldn't even allow him in her bed. Perhaps he would take away all his rage about the marriage on this single instance.
Her mother had always advised Grace that queens and princesses were always presentable, with erect posture and impeccable dressing. It made other people admire and respect them. A person who dress and behave well gets extreme importance, she used to say.
As a king, Dorian must also be believing in the same thing. Grace had never seen him behaving carelessly or dressed improperly outside his room. Surely, he was without his coat yesterday when he had saved her. But other than that, he was always the most gracious king. Grace shouldn't have stayed outside for long. He must be disappointed in her. And Grace discovered that she never wanted to be the reason for Dorian's disappointment.
With nervousness, she walked to the dining room. Her hands chutched tightly to the blue skirts she was wearing. Dorian was sitting at the table, sipping tea with Daxton. Both of them were engaged in a deep conversation.
Grace breathed a sigh of relief. Dorian would probably not yell at her in Daxton's presence. Placing a smile on her face, she entered in.