Chapter 17

Vince felt his own face flush as he had quickly grabbed his mate before he fell in the dark hallway.

He had moved quickly to save his mate and they were face to face now.

He knew Jade probably couldn't even see but the man was blushing.

Causing his own face to burn as well.

He carefully righted himself and Jade.

“You can hold onto my arm until we get there, I plan to have the servants light the hallways better while you stay here.” Vince said, hoping his voice did not sound off.

He brought Jade to the dining hall and led him to a seat next to him.

Vince waved a servant over.

“What is the cook making?” He asked as he crossed his legs under the table.

“I believe it is a chicken dish and some stirred rice.”

Vince blinked but nodded, looking over at his mate to see his reaction.

He wasn't sure but he thought his young mate had brightened a bit at the servants words.

Good, Vince thought as he turned back to the servant.

“Bring out some drinks, what do you like to drink Jade?”

The man blinked and looked at him for a second before looking back at the table.

“Whatever is fine.” He said hesitantly.

Vince frowned.

“But is there any type of drink you fancy at all? Alcoholic, juice, water, tea?” He said listing random choices off.

He thought he saw his young mate react when he said tea.

“...Do you have a preference for any type of tea?” Vince asked after a moment, taking a shot in the dark.

After several moments the man mumbled out a response.

“Anything sweet?”

Vince felt victorious as he turned to the servant with a raised eyebrow.

“Would chamomile tea do?”

Jade nodded and the servant scurried off.

Vince was intrigued by the man's nature already.

Quiet and seemed ready to not have things he wanted but obviously had things he wanted.

It was a little fun to try to guess what he did want and to see him react when he got what he wanted.

As the servant returned with their drinks Vince entirely ignored his.

He watched as the servant placed Jade’s cup beside him.

The man gave a quiet thanks and he watched his elegant fingers grab the cup, bringing it up to take a small drink.

He watched his eyes flare lightly, seeming to enjoy the taste.

A small smile bloomed on his face for a second before disappearing as he placed the cup back down.

Vince felt slightly stunned at the tiny reactions.

He kind of wanted to see more.

He suddenly wondered how he would react to the food.

“Is the tea to your liking?” Vince asked with a smile.

Jade looked back at him for a second and then back down at the table giving a small nod.

“It's very good, thank you.”

Vince was confused why he was thanking him.

Was he thanking him for guessing he wanted tea? Was it cause he asked if he liked it?

Ahhhh he was a tad bit overwhelmed and they hadn't even started eating yet.

The servants started bringing out their meals, even bringing out some food for the dragon to eat under the table.

Vince gave a small nod to them in approval as the servants gave the dragon a plate.

He was glad they thought ahead so his mate didn't try to give up his own food for his companion.

The servants bowed and left them.

Vince wanted his mate in fascination.

He was looking down at his plate as if he didnt even know how to start, or if he was even allowed.

“Is the food not to your liking?” He asked after a moment.

He was sure the Oracle had chosen wisely but he had to check just in case.

For all he knew he could be allergic to some herb they used in the chickens seasoning.

Jade looked back up and then shook his head.

“No, no it's…. Actually my favorite. I like chicken alot….Im just a bit confused over everything that's happening.”

Vince slowly nodded.

Of course he would be confused; he hadn't explained much of anything yet.

He had been more concerned with getting some food into his mate.

He seemed a bit too skinny for his liking and his desire to provide had taken over.