A Queen Among Tides

Chapter 6: Unfamiliar Territory - Lemuel

After spending a little bit of time reflecting on my current predicament, I get up and walk across the room to the aforementioned closet and as I open the door I become still as a statue. When he said he had the closet fully stocked I thought he meant a hotel-sized closet with a few essentials, I didn’t think he bought an entire mall.

I cautiously step in, afraid somehow the gargantuan closet will swallow me whole, and slowly wander around the room. I’ve lived in apartments smaller than this. The room is all white on white with bright white lights, a large counter with draws in the centre of the room flanked by ottomans. An incredibly exquisite pearl chandelier hanging from the ceiling with hangers and draws and racks around the room filled with clothes, they even still have the tags on them. One side of the room is just a giant mirror that reflects the entire closet making it look twice as big. I can see the clothes I was wearing earlier hanging in another section of the closet appearing freshly cleaned and pressed. I guess these are the perks of being fated to a Prince.

No, no, no. I can’t think of it like that. I am not fated to a Prince; this is just a temporary arrangement until I can convince him to make a wish. He can act stubbornly all he wants, but no one can resist someone granting them their deepest desires. He’ll cave eventually and as soon as he does, I am out of here.

I select a white long-sleeved button-down, khaki trousers and some black loafers and slip them on. I look myself over in the mirror as I do up the buttons on the cuffs of my shirt and nod with approval. I’ll give this to Sebastian, he not only has fantastic taste, but he seemed to nail my style and size perfectly. Which is quite impressive considering he knows nothing about me.

I make my way out of the closet, step out of the bedroom, and now allow myself to take in the enormous luxurious two-story suite I had sprinted through earlier. I don’t think there’s any room for argument on whether or not I am currently inside a palace. One look at this room would clear that up.

I step out to the second-floor landing to be met with the sight of an enormous pearl and crystal chandelier hanging from a beautiful aqua-blue dome glass ceiling surrounded by a ring of gold and aqua ornamental plastering. Square columns bordered with gold cornices and made of blue marble – looking like the ocean waves – are spaced out around the room. The banister wraps around the room leading to mirrored staircases of white stone and gold decorative railings.

As I step towards the banister I look down to see a large room squared off by luxurious white, gold, and aqua sofas that are all facing a rather elaborate white marble fountain. A little unusual for a living room. I’d have expected a TV or something, but I guess these royals do things a little differently. The walls all around the room are intricately decorated with gold ornamental plastering and warm brown double doors are spaced out around the room, I’m going to guess they lead to more bedrooms.

I make my way down the stairs and see stunning glass doorways at three points in the room and a couple brown double doors. I can see a dining room through one set of glass doors, an entertainment room of sorts through another and the other appears to lead to some kind of hallway. I see the double doors by the staircase that lead out to a long corridor that I ran out earlier, so at least now I have a better idea of how to get out of here.

As I say that, my stomach starts to snarl painfully, and it’s only now I realise how long it’s been since I ate. I don’t want to call servants to my room, so I decide to hunt for the kitchen. I make my way through the suite, around the fountain and take an educated guess by stepping through the wooden doors closest to the dining room. I guess I was right because as I walk in I see a grand kitchen swarming with staff.

The moment I step into the room they all stop what they’re doing and bow and curtsy to me. TO ME. What in the hell?

“Your Highness, we didn’t realise you were up and about. It’s good to see you looking well,” a man in a very expensive butler’s uniform warmly greets me.

“I’m sorry, but I think you have me mistaken for someone else,” I say in confusion.

“No mistake, Your Highness, Prince Sebastian already informed us that you were here with explicit instructions to give you nothing but the best treatment,” he says confidently, “And if it is not too out of line, but it is wonderful to see the Prince finally find his animai,” he says joyfully, and to my surprise, the staff around the room smile and nod in agreement to his statement.

I have no idea what to say or even think. Before I blacked out I was being thrown to my death by some sick asshole who is going to give his poor wife a nightmare of a divorce, only to wake up in a palace being tended to by a Prince who claims me as his soulmate, has stocked a closet for me, and has told his staff to treat me like royalty. I’m starting to think I really did die.

“I appreciate the kindness and warm welcome, but regardless of what your overzealous Prince may have said, please don’t address me as Your Highness, please just call me Lemuel,” I encourage.

Everyone in the room chuckles, “You’re much like the Prince I see, he too doesn’t like us to use his title, always encourages us to call him by his name, but if you insist. Lemuel, I am Theodosios, but you are free to call me Theo if that is easier. I am the head of the palace staff and at your disposal should you have need of my services,” he says with a polite bow.

“It is very nice to meet you, Theodosios,” I greet, extending my hand. Only upside to being tied to Sebastian is I don’t have to shy away from touching other people. As long as I’m bound to him, I can’t be bound to another. These moments don’t usually last very long, so I should do my best to enjoy them while I can.

“You as well, Lemuel,” he says graciously, shaking my hand, “Is there anything I can do for you?”

“I was actually just looking for something to eat.”

“Of course, the cooks here will begin preparing something for you, is there anything you would like in particular?”

“I’m not a fussy eater, so I’ll take whatever is easiest,” I shrug, not wanting to be a bother. I’m not very comfortable with the idea of being waited on.

“If I may,” he says in a whisper, “Our chefs have been highly trained in some of the best restaurants around the world. Asking for them to make ‘whatever’ is a waste of their culinary skills,” he informs me.

I internally sigh. I suppose when he puts it like that, asking someone with expert training to make eggs and toast would be rather insulting.

I nod, “Very well, in that case, how about you each make me your favourite breakfast dish to prepare, and I will happily eat it and what I don’t eat can be saved for later. Does this sound reasonable?” I ask considerately.

The faces of the chefs light up like Christmas, and they nod with enthusiasm and immediately get to work. Huh. They genuinely seem to love their jobs. Even Theodosios looks happy and proud to be here. I suppose that says a lot for their employers. Happy staff means a happy work environment, which means the royal family must treat them very well, which is comforting to know.

“Excellent choice,” Theodosios praises.

“If it’s alright, I might go for a walk and stretch my legs while they prepare the food, but they can just serve it in here,” I say.

“Of course,” Theodosios nods politely.

I exit the kitchen and make my way back through the living room. Just as I open the doors to the corridor, my body collides with a head of sandy-blonde hair. I look down at the 5’6 woman who glares up at me as though I’ve personally offended her ancestors.

“My apologies miss, are you alright?” I politely ask.

“I would be if you were better at watching where you were going,” she snaps. Well, isn’t she a delight?

“I’ll be sure to develop psychic abilities so I can see who is on the other side of a door before I open it,” I say mockingly.

“I haven’t seen you before, who are you exactly?” she asks suspiciously through narrowed eyes.

“Funny, I was just about to ask you the same thing,” I say sarcastically.

“You’re him, aren’t you?” she hisses.

“Well, I am a him, but as for whether or not I am the him you are referring to, I cannot be sure,” I shrug, sliding my hands into my trousers.

She opens her mouth to say something unpleasant I’m sure, but she’s interrupted by the booming voice of Sebastian as he storms up behind her, his eyes looking surprisingly deadly.

“CIRCE! Get the f**k away from him,” he says menacingly, moving between her and me. I’m not sure what’s going on, but the sound of his voice is sending delightful chills down my spine, and I’d rather it didn’t.

“So he’s the one you’re claiming is your animai,” she says, glancing at me with disgust.

“You have no business in the Royal Suite, and I don’t ever want to see you up here again, now get the f**k out,” he spits harshly. I see he hates this woman’s guts, which I won’t ever admit out loud is actually very comforting to know.

“It’ll break your parent’s hearts when they learn of how you’re treating me,” she says sadly.

“Cry me a f*****g river, now get out,” he says through clenched teeth, “Cole!” he shouts.

In an instant, a figure covered head to toe in exquisite armour enters the room, “You called for me, Your Highness,” he greets.

“See to it that Circe is escorted away from the suite, and I don’t want to see her back here, near me or my animai, is that clear?” he orders.

“Of course, Your Highness,” the guard nods, taking the angry little blonde by the arm and dragging her out, ignoring her protests.

Sebastian takes a breath and rubs his face in exhaustion, and I can’t help feeling a little bad for him.

“Well, that was certainly interesting,” I chime.

He turns to face me, his face suddenly looking aged since I saw him a short while ago, “I’m sorry that happened. She didn’t hurt you, did she?” he asks with visible concern. I feel a lump in my throat as he looks me over for possible injuries. His care for me is unsettling and I’m not sure how to handle it. I can’t remember the last time anyone showed an ounce of care or concern for me, and here this man is, just throwing it at me. It’s too much for me to handle.

“I’m perfectly fine, but thank you,” I say politely.

“You clean up nicely,” he smiles, “I’m glad everything fits, though I knew it would.”

“I appreciate the fresh clothes, though I think you went overboard,” I say in disapproval.

He waves a dismissive hand, “Hardly. Come with me,” he instructs, and since I have nothing better to do, I follow him back into the suite, up the stairs and through one of the double doors and once again become a statue in the doorway.

Sebastian casually strolls into a luxurious bedroom, double the size of mine. Its bright cream with gold cornices and gold ornamental plastering cover almost every square inch of the room. A large crystal chandelier dominates the centre of the ceiling, while mini chandeliers surround every light fixture in the ceiling. Two steps lead to a platform covered in royal blue carpeting that houses a king-size bed, framed by two columns. The bed of creams and royal blues and a royal blue ottoman are against a royal blue feature wall with what appears to be his family crest printed in gold on the back. Royal blue velvet curtains with gold tassels hang around the ceiling of his bed, indicating that they can be dropped to provide privacy.

I slowly step into the room and take in the expensive seating area, the floor-to-ceiling windows along the back wall, the ornate gold mirrors evenly spaced around the room and the enormous size television that resides on the wall all the way across from the bed. This room is so large you could assemble an entire military in here. I shouldn’t be surprised. Would one expect anything less than luxury from royalty?

I look over as Sebastian removes his muscle shirt exposing his tanned muscular back to my eyes. My eyes linger on the defined muscles of his back much longer than I’d like them to and admire the sexy dimples at the base of his back. Against my better judgement, my eyes dip further down to take in the incredible view of his ass. His ass is surprisingly feminine in its thickness, but that somehow adds to its appeal. Scratch that, I do not find it appealing, not in the slightest.

“You can look, I don’t mind,” I hear Sebastian say as I pull my eyes away from his ass only to look up and find him smirking at me. Smug bastard.

“And why would I want to look?” I say apathetically, as if I didn’t just get caught staring at his ass.

“Have you seen me?” he exclaims as he looks himself over, “Why would you not want to look?”

“I have a question for you.”

“And what’s that?” he asks jovially.

“Does it hurt your back to kiss your own ass like that?” I deadpan.

He smiles in amusement, “Well, thank the Gods you’re here so you can now kiss it for me.”

This man is insufferable. He might be the only person I’ve ever met who is immune to insults, which I suppose is a good quality to have, I just hate that it feels like he’s the one holding all the cards and I’m just stuck waiting to see what I’m dealt.

“Look, I want to apologise for earlier. I can only imagine how disorienting it must have been waking up in a strange place, in a bed with a stranger hovering over you telling you they’re your animai. I probably wouldn’t have reacted well either, so I apologise for that. And I’m sorry if you feel I’m trying to keep you prisoner here, I’m really not. I just want a chance to get to know you and you to get to know me,” he says softly.

“Does this mean you’ll allow me to grant you your wish?” I ask hopefully.

“I never said that.”

“So you’re apologising for making me feel like a prisoner, but you won’t do anything to change that fact,” I point out.

“I’m trying to be nice and you’ve kind of been a d**k since you woke up. You didn’t thank me for saving your life or having your clothes taken care of or giving you somewhere to sleep, instead, you wake up and start casually dropping a rejection on me for no apparent reason. I mean, you really just went for it, not giving a single f**k how it would make me feel,” he says bitterly.

“Why not wish for me to f**k off then? Problem solved,” I shrug.

“I don’t want you to f**k off, I want to get to know you! f*****g hell, I have a crazy woman who is obsessed me with that I can’t f*****g get rid of, but my own soulmate doesn’t want a f*****g bar of me,” he says, throwing his arms up in frustration.

What crazy woman is obsessed with him? Never mind, none of my business.

“I haven’t asked you for anything. I didn’t ask you to save me or bring me here or tell your staff I’m your animai. I simply asked for you to make a f*****g wish, and I have to tell you, in all the centuries I’ve been at this, I’ve never come across someone so determined not to make a wish,” I say in aggravation.

“Yeah? Well, get used to it. I was considering maybe making a wish as a peace offering, but you can forget it now,” he snorts.

“You know what? Screw this,” I say, getting fed up with his stubbornness and storming out of his room and back into mine, slamming the door. I bet the Gods are having a good laugh at my expense right about now, and all I can say to them, is f**k you.