Zayn’s POV
A smile crept across my lips as I stared at the food on the table. It was my first time making this dish; I hoped I’d done a good job. I leaned in — the steam curled up, carrying a warm, spicy scent that made my stomach clench. I should taste it, I thought, but if I ate now I’d have eaten before my Princess arrived. Better to wait.
I sat, checked the time. She should be back any minute. The doorbell rang and my chest lightened; excitement tightened my throat. I jumped up and ran to the door. When I opened it and saw Alina, my smile widened without me thinking. She started to speak but I grabbed her wrist and hugged her like I might let go of her for good. My grin stretched so wide my cheeks hurt.
“Zayn, come on — you don’t have to act like this every time I come home,” she sa
