Chapter 66: Chapter 66

The Accidental Date

ACELIN

My mother always told me I was never meant for politics. I was too much my father’s son; an artist, a dreamer and a creator. But not an adroit politician.

Queen Valleria Eustein had tried her best to groom me in her ways, so I could be ready to take the throne in case my younger half-brother, Lancelin Eustein, turned out to be too much like his father. But it was soon realized that it wasn’t necessary. Even though both of Queen Valleria’s sons looked just like our fathers, everything else came from our mother, and that was true especially in Lancelin’s case. And we wouldn’t have it any other way.

But now, looking at the man sitting opposite to me, I was feeling at a loss for not having my mother’s keen outlook, her sly way of reading people just by looking into their eyes.

“So?” He raised a perfectly groomed eyebrow at me, his dark, dark lips tilting up in the slightest of smirks. “Are we going to watch each other sip Champagne all night or are you going to talk?”

I cursed Amber Rose, my dear little cousin for the thousandth time. How could she just set me up on a bloody date and not even tell me about it?

“Please attend the charity dinner in my stead?” She had begged me earlier this morning and even though it had been a voice call, I could imagine those big emerald eyes of her, shining innocently at the screen, hoping it could convince me easily. It had worked. Our dear cousin had always had the sly talent of making us do whatever she wanted. And I had thought it was only fair that I visited this charity event in her stead since she had sent me one of her costliest perfumes from a collection that was yet to be launched. Only, she had forgotten to mention that I was to accompany a ‘date’ to the event and she had already picked up said date for me.

Gustav Paltro.

Of course, all of New York and the whole of America knew who Gustav was. America’s Next Top Model Season 13 winner and a hot topic of the fashion industry at the moment. He was also an Incubus of lower status, so I had never had much of an interaction with him…until now.

“For us to talk, we need to have some common ground.” I raised an eyebrow at him. “A Restaurateur and a model? What common ground could we have?”

Perhaps I was being too arrogant or too snarky? I was sure that my current Secretary, Sanaya Johnson, would definitely be giving me disapproving looks for trying to act the high and mighty at this day and age. But the truth was, we were ancient beings that had lived longer than most humans can fathom and status quo was not a thing of the past for us.

If this was the older times, Gustav would be serving me food and massaging my feet; not sitting opposite from me in the same table and sharing a meal. Unfortunately, like the rest of the world, we too had to adapt to the New World and its rules and politics. If our rule is to survive, change is inevitable. And if I’m being honest, I’m quiet thankful for technological developments and all its new inventions.

“Maybe we would have better things to say if you had any fashion sense.” Gustav rolled his eyes. “White and blue? Seriously? What are you going for, the virginal demon?”

I felt a vein flutter on my eyelid, probably a representation of exactly how annoyed I felt. “I’m sorry to disappoint you, but I don’t enjoy sprouting peacock tails or farting rainbows.”

Instead of laughing or lightening the situation, Gustav seemed to take offence. “Peacocks are a thing of beauty. They are mighty creatures that are sometimes considered the companions of Gods, not an object of your insult.”

I narrowed my eyes at him. “Do you, by any chance, have a pet peacock?”

“Why, yes, I do.” Gustav grinned wide and I noticed, perhaps for the first time, how the smiled lit up his eyes, highlighted his facial features. “His name is Alexander.”

That did catch my interest, because Gustav had been right. Peacocks were majestic birds and in older times, only members of the royal family were allowed to keep them as pets. Ancient kings of our kind used to have their crows decorated with a single peacock feather to brandish their status.

“Interesting,” I smirked. “Maybe, someday, you’ll show me your peacock.”

Gustav’s mouth fell open in shock. “Did you just…make a pass at me?”

“Why not?” I shrugged. “I find your pretty face quiet interesting.”

“Everyone finds my pretty face interesting.” Gustav huffed, folding his arms across his chest. “That’s why I’m a show-stopper.”

The waiter arrived then, asking us if we would like anything to go with our drinks.

“Beef Wellington.”

Both Gustav and I spoke at the same time before glaring at each other.

“Right away, Sir.” The waiter excused himself politely, but even he couldn’t hide his smile.

“Hum…” I murmured, maybe this accidental date wasn’t so bad after all.

The End