The change in the top topic piqued his interest. "Last night? I should be the one apologizing. I left you all alone in bed. I can assure you that won't happen again."
His words sounded like velvet. He gaze fell to his lips. Sylvie's mind wandered.
"I look forward to another night with you uninterrupted." Randolf confessed.
He sounded forward. "Well, you are in luck, my little rabbit. I will be staying here for a few more days. Then back to the island to finish this once and for all." He pushed his plate forward signifying he was done eating.
Sylvie noticed his hand still rested atop hers. He hadn't let her go this entire time. "Sylvie, you are my wife. Now, you can tell me anything you wish, and you can ask me anything.
This is your home now. I cannot promise this will not be a hard adjustment for you, but I can promise I will allow no harm to ever befall you."
She looked into his eyes and searched his handsome, chiseled features. He was sincere.
"I would like a tour of my new home and more freedom to move about the castle. While you were away, Whitley informed me that I was only relegated to our chambers and meals with your father."
Randolf chuckled at that. "That must have been tough on a free spirit such as yourself." He quipped.
Sylvie was confused by his words. They had never met. How did he know she was a free spirit? She decided to ask him.
"How did you know that?" Randolf had misspoke and almost gave the game away. He quickly came up with a lie. "I had my men do a bit of research on you before bringing you here." He explained.
His explanation put her at ease. "As I previously stated, I'll be here for a few days- A week at most. While I'm here, I'd be more than happy to give you a tour of your new home."
Sylvie smiled at his offer. Randolf's heart felt as if it was melting. He would do anything to make her happy.
"Thank you." She said.
"I think I deserve a kiss for my consideration. What say you?" He smiled and winked at her playfully.
She gently pushed her chair back from the table. In a flash, Randolf grabbed her and placed her on his lap. She looked down into his beautiful eyes. She wished she knew why he felt so familiar to her. Even though they had just met recently.
He gently took her head in his hands and kissed her lips. It started as a sweet, innocent kiss, but Randolf couldn't get enough of her sweet taste. He found himself coaxing her with his skilled tongue and delving deeper into her sweet mouth until she was clinging to his broad shoulders and moaning into his mouth. Sylvie had almost lost her willpower. Somehow, she had the willpower, and she broke the kiss. They were both surprised and out of breath.
"I'm glad one of us had the good sense to stop because I would have kept going until we were on top of this table," Randolf admitted.
His very primal admission made Sylvie blush. Randolf was gently stroking Sylvia's back when the double doors opened. It was Whitley once more. Sylvie wasn't from this world, but
she still somehow knew it was improper to sit on a man's lap in front of others. She tried to get up, but Randolf's arm was wrapped around her small waist like an anchor. She was held in position there.
Randolf spoke. "Yes, Whitley?"
Whitley bowed then spoke. "Pardon my intrusion, Your Majesty, but it is time for Lady Canis' studies to begin."
"Can't they wait?" Barked Randolf
"Unfortunately, no, sir. They cannot. With the games being so close, your father would like Lady Canis fully prepared." Whitley explained.
It did sound like his father as well. After a long pause, Randolf let out a growl in frustration. "Fine!" His grim expression was saved for Whitley only. When he looked back at Sylvie he was cool, and calm. He spoke to her them. "Sylvie, I have faith you will catch on quickly, and I look forward to seeing you tonight at dinner."
He loosened his grip on her waist and allowed her to get up, walk over to Whitley, and follow him out of the sunroom...
"Did you and His Majesty have a good breakfast?" Whitley asked as he walked a few feet ahead of Sylvie.
Sylvie would say it was more than good. Every time she and her new husband got together he was full of wonderful surprises. He was nothing like the rich nobles she had heard the islanders speak of, for one thing. He was very charming. She recalled Bouvier telling her if she didn't marry him he would kill everyone on the island.
Looking into his kind eyes and his smile, within the last 12 hours, she wondered if he had really said those things. "Yes, Whitley." She answered him.
"Well, in the future, I would strongly advise you never to forget your manners. His Majesty obviously adores you, but failure to follow simple dining etiquette can lead to gossip."
Sylvie didn't understand how Whitley had known about her not using her manners during breakfast. She had heard Randolf dismiss him. No one had been around them. Was he spying on them?
"We wouldn't want anyone to think Master Randolpf is weak. Now would we?"
Sylvie felt a chill run down her spine. Whitley was threatening her.
"No. We wouldn't want that. My apologies." Sylvie said.
Whitley being satisfied with their conversation, said nothing else. Moments later, they were back at her training room where Louve as well as Bouvier were waiting for her.
"Have a good session, Madame," Whitley said before bowing and shutting the doors behind her.
Sylvie walked further inside the room. Compared to the Sunroom, this room with its living forest inside was still her favorite.
"I see someone had a great morning," Bouvier said with a mischievous smile.
Sylvie couldn't help but smile back. Louve found no humor in the situation. "Good morning, ladies." Sylvie greeted them both once she was only a few yards away.
Louve was breathtakingly beautiful, as usual. Today, she wore an ash-gray floor-length gown. A white hare shawl was draped over her thin shoulders. Her lips were red from the rouge she wore. Her fingers and neck were adorned with gold jewelry and baubles.
The only jewelry Sylvie wore was her gold wedding band.
"Did you now? Did you have breakfast with him? Is he here?"
Louve got straight to the point as she bombarded Sylvie with her very intrusive questions.
Sylvie did feel badly for taking what would have been hers. She could understand why Louve was always hot and cold with her. She realized that it wasn't her Sylvie she was upset with, just how her opportunity had slipped away. Sylvie avoided her pointed questions.
"Let us begin today's lesson. I do not want to let my husband down in any way." She admitted.
"Well, that will take a miracle and lots of prayers, but since we are out of those, let's stick to what we both have to do which is study." Louve picked up a thick, red leather, bound book that sat on the edge of the table and handed it to Sylvie.
"What books is this?" She asked her innocently. She looked at the cover. It read 'Unnatural Couplings.' Sylvie was confused. This wasn't a part of the lesson. Was it?
"This is history?" Sylvie asked.
Louve's smile turned into a sneer as she spoke, "And will most likely be a part of yours. The prince alpha's affection for you is rather disgusting." She laughed haughtily at her own insult.
"Louve! How dare you speak to Lady Canis that way! " Madame Bouvier exclaimed.
Louve shot daggers at Bouvier and spoke, "Keep your mouth shut and keep out of this, whore!"
Sylvie was hurt by Louve's pure hatred towards her. She tried her best to behave properly and show nothing but kindness to her, which only made her even more upset with her. The situation was escalating quickly. Sylvie felt helpless.
"I will do no such thing! I am Lady Canis' chaperone and companion. I may not be welcomed here, but she married the future king and you will show her respect." Bouvier was now standing between the two women.
She had her old fire back. This was a Bouvier Sylvie was familiar with. The friendly, meek Bouvier was a nice change, but Sylvie had no idea who that was. The Madame Bouvier she knew was strong, outspoken, and didn't take any shit from anyone, no matter what their station in life was.