Trull gave her a set of instructions involving hallways, landings, and stairs. Lexi found the castle easy enough to navigate. Even though it was huge, the layout was simple.
The banquet hall had two massive double doors at its entrance. They were open a tiny crack, which was a good thing because they looked too heavy for Lexi to move on her own. She took a deep breath, ready to face a room full of servants, a table laden with food, and an overbearing and peacocking Rao.
To her surprise, a quick peek revealed an empty room. As she slipped hesitantly through the narrow opening in the double doors, she looked around as if expecting crowds of guests to burst through the walls.
Rao was standing by the table, wearing black fitted pants and a jacket. Slight hints of red accentuated the fine, flattering lines of the suit. It wasn’t quite an Earth-style, but certainly Earth-inspired.
He tilted his head toward her and gave a half bow. “My lady,” he said.
Get up, for fuck’s sake. I don’t know what I’m supposed to do when you bow to me.“Good evening,” Lexi said, trying to sound courteous and not hostile. Rao smiled, obviously pleased. Lexi’s eyes were fixed on his face, and she couldn’t look away for a few seconds.
The smile was completely genuine, and it changed the look of his entire body. His shoulders loosened, his stance became more welcoming, and the big, deep green eyes gleamed with appreciation. She found herself smiling back, a true smile that made her chest glow with inner warmth.
“Shall we?” he asked, offering her his arm. She took it and swept along beside him, gliding in the comfortable heels. The bottom edge of the long lace wrap gracefully flowed along the floor behind her, making her feel like a true princess.
When Lexi looked up to see if Rao was still smiling, her eyes met his with such intensity they both faltered a little. It was obvious that he’d been checking her out. She saw his gaze slip down her body once more, and he licked his lips very slowly.
Lexi felt a surge of confidence. That wasn’t quite the same as his tongue rolling out, but it was the civilized equivalent.He really does like the outfit.
Rao escorted her up to the roof, and Lexi felt her excitement growing. When they stepped up to the final landing, the doors were opened by two servants, and the majestic sky was revealed.
Lexi gasped aloud at the beauty of the glittering stars scattered across the darkest blue. She hurried to the stone wall that ran around the edge of the roof and rested her hands on it. A great, silvery moon was just beginning to rise from the horizon, much bigger and brighter than the one Lexi was used to.
A faint swell of music startled her. Lexi’s eyes were drawn toward the sound, and she saw four musicians beginning to play. It looked like a flute, a violin, a harp, and a keyboard, but all the instruments looked slightly different from Earth ones. The music was sweet and so melodic that it felt like it stroked her soul.
“This is really lovely,” Lexi said, turning to face Rao.
He beamed at her, giving her a short bow. “Thank you. If there is anything else you’d like, please let me know. You look absolutely breathtaking, by the way.”
Lexi felt a flutter in her chest. She couldn’t help it. He was looking at her as if he’d never desired anything so much in his whole entire life. Even though she’d decided the relationship would never work, Lexi couldn’t help feeling excited that he was so interested in her.
Rao gestured to the table, and they sat. Immediately, servants poured wine and set plates in front of them. Lexi stared at the plate in complete surprise.I think it’s a salad. Pretty sure it’s a salad.
All the food had been arranged to look like a miniature garden. The greens resembled thick scrub, and all the colorful vegetables were carved with exquisite care into delicate petals and curved stems.
“Wow, this looks almost too pretty to eat,” she said, laughing.
Rao smiled. “Our chef goes to extreme efforts … without much prompting too. I’m glad you like it.”
Lexi took a bite, amazed at the flavors. Some of it was very like Earth food, and some of it was completely new.
“What do you do, back on your planet?” Rao asked. Lexi looked up and saw him with a look of genuine interest on his face.
“Oh, I like to write about fashion,” she said. “I have difficulty getting things published, though.”
“I’m sure you are very talented with words. Are there no publishers that will take you on?”
“Oh, it isn’t that,” Lexi said with a short laugh. “I like to write about real clothes, real women. The majority of fashion articles only focus on rail-thin models that strut on the catwalk. Not everyone can pull off that look.”
Rao frowned. “I’m not sure I understand.”
Lexi shrugged. “It’s just how it is.”
There was a pause as they enjoyed their food. When Lexi heard Rao take a deep breath, she knew his next question would be an important one.
“Lexi, I am very curious as to what you are looking for in a man.”
“Oh, you know. Cute butt, hot tongue. All of that.”