Chapter 22 - Small Talk

"So, did you find a suitable husband?"

Laina almost choked on her mouthful of cracker, cheese, and ham. She quickly chewed and swallowed it before replying.

"Not yet. I don't think it's possible to find a prospect in just one night. After all, you have to get to know a person before making such an important life decision with them," she looked up at him and asked, "Don't you agree?"

Dante smiled, agreeing with Laina's words.

They began to chatter about various topics. Laina talked a little about what Kinshearth was like, while Dante talked about how Dracona. Laina was fascinated by the differences each Kingdom was. Kinshearth's main source of revenue came from its mining. There were lots of rare resources hidden underground.

Dracona was famed for its production of metal works, weaponry, and mercenaries. With each passing course, the King and the Princess got to know one another better than before. King Dante was in a cheery mood. He did not take note of the amount of ruby hibiscus wine he was drinking.

Marius was keeping tabs and he could see that it was about time for him to cut Dante off. The King's cheeks were red. He gazed into Laina's eyes more often than he did before. But as it seems, Laina had not seemed to notice.

When Dante had had his fifth glass of wine, Marius walked over to him. As much as he did not want to break their conversation, he knew he had to. These were one of the few liquors that could get Dante drunk.

"My King, I think that's enough hibiscus wine," Marius gently reminded.

Laina, who was on her sixth glass, was still wide awake. The wine had almost no effect on her. But she was having a good time and it put her in a good mood.

She poked fun of Dante, "Only five glasses and you're already tipsy? I expected more from you, your majesty."

"Nonsense," Dante declared, "Marius is merely joking. I can hold my liquor. Pour us more wine."

Though Marius was unwilling, he did not disobey his King's wishes. He poured him another glass of wine and retreated to his spot. Looking at how happy the two of them were, he couldn't help but smile.

It had been quite some time since he had seen Dante so happy.

As they finally came to their final course, dessert, they were each presented with a different dish. Dante got a dark chocolate cake, while Laina got a fresh cream strawberry cake. The combination of a vanilla sponge and sweet strawberries was a great pairing.

Not to mention, the airy sponge made it a light dessert. A great way to end off their nine-course meal. But as Laina looked at Dante eating his slice of cake, she could not help but lick her lips. She wanted a bite of it too.

Dante looked over the Laina and saw her look of longing. To be honest, he too wanted to try a bite of strawberry cake. As they both looked into each other's eyes, there was a short second of hesitation.

"Can I try some of your cake?" they both asked in unison at the same time.

Upon realizing what had happened, both of them chuckled.

"I don't mind, as long as you're alright with it," Dante commented.

"Sure, why not," Laina replied with a smile.

Dante dug his fork into the cake. He held out the fork with the bite-sized piece of dark chocolate cake and fed it to Laina. A regular chocolate cake might have been too sweet and creamy but the bitterness of the dark chocolate helped to balance out the flavors.

"That's really good," Laina praised as she covered her mouth while she chewed.

"Now it's your turn to try mine," she declared with a smile.

Laina dug her fork into her cake, she fed Dante the same way he fed her. He was surprised that she did that, but he was not about to reject it. Dante ate it all with one bite. The light flavored cream paired well with the sweet strawberry.

"Yours taste really good too," he commented.

Dante could not stop looking at Laina's face. Maybe it was the alcohol dulling his senses, but everything seemed to move slowly around him. To him, Laina looked absolutely stunning tonight. Maybe even more beautiful than when she was at the Ball.

He wanted to lean in close and kiss her.

"Your highness, you've got a bit of cream on the side of your cheek," he said.

"Oh. Do I?" Laina asked in shock.

She picked up a napkin about to wipe her mouth when Dante leaned over the table. Their faces were barely inches apart. Laina froze, uncertain of what to do.

"Let me," he whispered to her.

They were so close, Laina could smell the sweet scent of wine from his breath. He reached his hand over and cupped her chin. Dante's thumb brushed past her lip and gently caressed her cheek.

"There, I got it."

Dante's eyes never left Laina's.

They were both gazing deeply into one another's eyes. Laina could feel the heat rising in her cheeks. Her heart was palpitating. She did not know what Dante intended to do, but a part for her yearn for it.

How could she yearn for something she did not know?

Dante, on the other hand, could already picture himself leaning in and kissing her on the lips. But something was stopping him.

He could not do it.

Marius was watching from the sidelines along with some of the servants. All of them held their breath, waiting for something to happen.

-Come on, Dante. I'm rooting for you.- Marius said to himself.

But when they all saw Dante retreat back into his seat, they could not help but let out a sigh. Marius smacked his palm on his forehead. His King was a tactical genius on the battlefield and a decisive leader.

But when it came to the matters of the heart, he was slower than a snail.