Gemini’s POV
“Your majesty?” I called, my voice barely masking the shock that coursed through me. I blinked, trying to wrap my head around the sight before me. Why the heck was he in the kitchen?
“Gemini!” Mrs Blackwood chimed in, her voice bright and cheerful. “Would you like to have some orange juice?”
I furrowed my brow, confusion washing over me. What in the world is going on here? First, King Asher was in the kitchen, and now Mrs Blackwood was smiling at me like we were old friends. This was definitely not the usual vibe.
I accepted the drink from Mrs Blackwood, still taken aback by her sudden sweetness. It felt almost like a trap. I certainly didn’t want to be the bad in–law and reject the first thing she ever offered me. But that didn’t mean we were on friendly terms now.
As I sipped the juice, but my thoughts were still racing. They must have been discussing something they don’t want me to hear. My mind raced through possibilities. What could it be?
“Lunch will be served soon,” Mrs. Blackwood announced, her smile unwavering. “You two wait at the table…”
I nearly dropped my glass.
King Ashe
is joining us for lunch today. That was strange!
After what felt like an eternity, lunch finally came to an end. I dabbed my mouth with a napkin, ready to escape back to my room.
“Gemini!” King Asher called, halting me in
my tracks.
“Uh, yes?” I turned back, trying to keep my expression neutral.
“Have a drink with me tonight.” He said it like it was an invitation, but every word from King Asher’s mouth always felt like an order.
I hesitated, weighing my options. “Is this… an invite or you’re just ordering me as usual.”
He raised an eyebrow, “It’s an invite you can’t disregard.”
I rolled my eyes, unable to suppress a smile. “Fine, I guess. I’ll see you tonight, your majesty.”
I’d never gone on a date before, and honestly, the whole idea felt really awkward. It wasn’t like he outright said it was a date, but the moment he asked me to grab a drink, I could feel the butterflies swirling in my stomach. I mean, after everything we’d been through, it was unexpected.
I slipped into a simple red strapless gown that hugged my curves just right. It felt a bit fancy for my usual style, but I wanted to make an effort. I glanced in the mirror, adjusting my hair nervously. “What am I doing?” I muttered to myself, wishing I could just throw on my comfy hoodie and jeans instead. But tonight was different, and maybe, just maybe, I could see a different side of him. After all, he preferred me in dress, so I granted him a free show tonight.
As I arrived at the cozy little bar, the dim lights cast a warm glow, and the chatter of people filled the air. I spotted him and Alan at a VIP section of the bar.
Is this supposed to be a threesome or something?
I settled my thoughts and continued towards them. “Good evening your majesty!” I greeted with a two second smile. “Alan…” I called with the intention to acknowledge his presence.
King Asher’s gaze lingered on me, his eyes scanning me like I was a piece of art in a gallery. I couldn’t quite read his expression–was he impressed, bemused, or just lost in thought?
“Is there a problem, your majesty?” I asked, tilting my head slightly, trying to break the tension.
He shook his head, a slight smirk forming on his lips. “Nothing, I’m just-”
“Shit!” I interrupted, feeling a jolt as someone bumped into me. A cold sensation rushed from my chest downwards, and I stumbled slightly, trying to regain my balance
“Oh my goodness! I’m so sorry!” A woman exclaimed, her voice a mix of panic and concern.
I looked up, and our eyes met. Recognition hit me like a wave. “Oh my, Gemini! It’s you. I almost didn’t recognize you!” Becca said, her eyes wide with surprise. “I’m so sorry for ruining your dress! I honestly didn’t mean to.”
I glanced down at my outfit–a sleek, deep blue dress that now bore a smudge of something sticky. “It’s okay, Becca! It’s just a dress,” I said, trying to brush it off. “But maybe next time, watch where you’re going?”
1/3
10:21 AM
Chapter 27
She laughed nervously, running a hand through her hair. “I was hurrying to meet a friend, I’m really… really sorry.”
“It’s fine…” I said dismissively before turning my attention back to King Asher.
Before I could say another word, Becca chimed in, “Oh my! Asher, you’re here too.”
“Oh my! Please get the fuck out of here,” Elsie imitated, almost making me laugh.
“I’m so glad you’re trying to have a life outside the office and those cumbersome responsibilities.” She said, settling by King Asher.
“Didn’t you say you were about to meet a friend?” King Asher said dismissively. “Alan, you should escort her to see her friend.”
Becca rolled her eyes in disbelief, “It’s fine, she’s just over there.” Becca said stumping her foot as she walked away.
Impressive!
But that wasn’t enough to erase what I saw at the hospital.
“What drink would you prefer?” He asked.
“Anything you are having is fine.”
Alan stood to his feet, “Your majesty, I would be around if you need me.”
He ordered three bottles of whiskey like he had a plan to get me drunk on our first date.
King Asher’s gaze was like a laser, burning into me with an intensity that made me squirm in my seat. He didn’t even bother hiding dropped to the slightly exposed curve of my cleavage, lingering there far too long.
- it. His eyes
I flushed, my cheeks heating up as I fidgeted with my dress, tugging it up in a futile attempt to cover myself. Why did I wear this stupid gown? My nerves were already on edge, and his piercing gaze wasn’t helping.
“You’re quiet,” he finally said, his voice calm.
*I… uh, I’m just not sure what to say,” I stammered, keeping my eyes fixed on the table. I couldn’t meet his gaze, not when it felt like he could see right through me.
“Relax,” he said, leaning back in his seat, his tone softer than usual. “It’s just a drink.”
Easy for him to say–he wasn’t the one under scrutiny. I reached for my glass, eager to do something, anything, to distract myself.
“Slow down,” Asher warned, his voice carrying a hint of amusement. “That’s strong stuff.”
The silence between us felt heavy, and I didn’t trust myself to say anything without making a fool of myself.
“Maybe this was a wrong idea,” He muttered.
“No… It’s fine, I’m actually enjoying myself.” I said, trying to sound not nervous.
There was another moment of silence before I asked, “So I was wondering, why did you decide to bring me here?”
His brows furrowed, “To the bar?”
“To the bar, to your Kingdom, into your life.”
“It would be best if you remained in the dark,” he said plainly, but his words stirred up a sort of confusion within me.
“Okay. How about you tell me something about yourself that you never told anyone,
“I’d rather not bore you with my story.” He said.
This conversation was certainly going nowhere, he wasn’t ready to open up. So why then did he ask me out? To see me get drunk?
I drank as much as I could have, eager to put an end to this torture. He did have a few drinks too, but I had more. I soon began to spout trash and he knew it was time to go.
“That’s enough for tonight,” he said firmly, his fingers brushing against mine.
I chuckled darkly. “Oh really. Are you scared that I might get out of control?” I said, placing any heels in between his legs.
20
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10.21 AM
