"Hey guys!" I smiled, entering the bustling kitchen. The warmth of the ovens and the comforting aroma of roasting vegetables filled the air.
Everyone greeted me, their faces lighting up with genuine affection. Nadia, ever the gossip, came over grinning. "Hey girl!" she smiled. "Where is that hot boyfriend of yours, eh?"
My face turned red again. "Oh, we're not dating…" I said, the words laced with a hint of disappointment.
Everyone looked at me, surprised. "Why?" Macy asked, her brow furrowed with concern.
"We never talked about it. We've been focused on Athenia and the kingdoms, too busy to deal with relationships," I explained, feeling defensive.
"You need to get away, at least for a weekend," Nadia said, her voice firm. "Just the two of you."
"Hm, maybe," I mused, the idea suddenly appealing.
With that decision made, I realized it was time to properly introduce my brothers to Torrance. As Athenia's father, of course, but considering we had nothing more than a silent understanding right now, that was the only title he held for the moment.
Torrance came downstairs and I took him into the living room with my brothers. "Guys this is Torrance" I started. Mason eyes trailed to Athenia direction and then back at Torrance with a stern look. I tense up. "Torrance is Athenia father" I said. my brothers all seemed to be surprised to hear that but were not shocked. "Oh I see" Ace responded. "So what are your intentions with our sister?" Jacob asked. Torrance looked at me and then back at them, his eyes hardening. "To protect her and Athenia" he responded. "But that wouldn't happen right? since Isabella is a queen" James spoke up. I glare at James. "That so rude james!" I scolded. "Well" Torrance started. "In my defense, I never had any intentions nor think about it right now with your sister. but maybe in the future I do." he shrugged. I was flustered! I was so red. my brothers were laughing.
Dinner was a raucous affair, filled with laughter, teasing, and sibling rivalry. Torrance, surprisingly, held his own, engaging in witty banter with my brothers, even earning a grudging respect from the notoriously stoic Mason. Athenia, of course, was the star of the show, regaling everyone with stories of her horseback adventures.
After dinner, as my brothers prepared for bed, I found myself alone with Torrance on the balcony, gazing out at the moonlit gardens. The air was cool and fragrant, carrying the scent of night-blooming jasmine.
"So," I began, my voice hesitant, "that was…interesting."
He chuckled, his arm sliding around my waist, drawing me closer. "They're protective. Can't say I blame them."
"And you?" I asked, tilting my head to look at him. "What are your intentions, Torrance?" I asked him.
He stared at me for a long moment, his blue eyes intense and unreadable. "To keep you safe, Isabella. Always." He responded.
"That's not enough" I whispered. He stared at me longer and his hand traveled to my cheek. "Then what do you want Isabella?" He asked softly.
"I.. I don't know yet" I say.
He leaned in, his lips brushing against mine. "Then let me show you" he whispered. At that moment, I wanted to forget all the kingdoms, all the responsibility, all the lurking shadows. I just wanted to lose myself in him.