Witnessing Adonis's turmoil, Astrid felt a wave of sympathy. As a show of support, she gently patted his arm, counselling, "Patience, dear Adonis, is indeed a virtue."

Offering a resigned smile, Adonis nodded, "Let's re-join the others, lest they suspect we're plotting a grand scheme."

Astrid chortled in response, offering a sarcastic quip, "As if we're not."

The group spent the following hours engaged in carefree relaxation and invigorating swims. A sunbathing congregation had formed on the grass, Phoenix, Reign, Kenji, Atlas, Keanu, and Adonis sprawled languidly, their towels serving as makeshift blankets. Meanwhile, Storm, Adara, Kenna, and Astrid continued their aquatic exploits, filling the air with echoes of their laughter.

Astrid raised a questioning glance as she saw Adara swimming towards the pond's edge, "Where are you heading?"  

Adara, turning around, stated her intent, "I require a visit to the lavatory."

With Astrid's understanding nod, the remaining trio took up a challenge to determine the superior swimmer. Adara, upon reaching the edge, carefully approached the sunbathing ensemble, who appeared to have drifted off into light slumbers.

Her eyes landing on Adonis, Adara lightly prodded his thigh with her foot. Roused from his doze, Adonis squinted up, his sleepy gaze meeting the image of a scantily clad, dripping Adara.

Whispering so as not to disrupt the others, Adara voiced her request, "I need to use the lavatory."

Adonis, regaining his composure, nodded and softly told her, "Follow me."

They ambled past the columns, reaching the seating area where Adara retrieved her towel. Swiftly, she dried her wet skin to avoid bringing moisture into the palace's interior. Throughout, Adonis stood by, making a concerted effort to regulate his heart's tempo.

Once Adara was decently wrapped in her towel, they ventured into the palace. The edifice boasted an elegant interior with marble floors and walls adorned with portraits of the royal lineage, including the current Emperor, his late wife, and a baby Adonis.

Adara's gaze lingered on the family portrait, prompting Adonis to share, "That was my mother. She is no longer with us."

"My condolences," Adara offered, her eyes meeting the poignant portrait, taking in Adonis’ mother.  

Acknowledging her sentiment with a nod, Adonis informed her, "The nearest lavatory is within my chambers. If you're comfortable, I can lead you there."

After receiving Adara's consent, they proceeded in silence, arriving before a massive oak door in a grand hallway. As the door swung open, Adara closely trailed Adonis into a spacious chamber featuring a luxurious four-poster bed at its heart. An inviting seating area and a large glass door leading to a balcony overlooking the capital added to the room's grandeur.

Guiding her to one of two doors within his quarters, Adonis said, "The lavatory is here."

While Adara attended to her needs, Adonis slumped onto his bed, only to straighten hastily upon hearing the door reopening. Adonis found his gaze inadvertently drifting down to her long, exposed legs as she strode towards him, her towel casually draped around her neck.

Adonis's gaze darted away as Adara, breaking the silence, voiced her observation, "So this is your private haven."

From his peripheral vision, Adonis noted her gaze sweeping the room before she moved towards him again, commenting, "Quite impressive."

His shoulders moved in a dismissive shrug as he replied in a monotonous tone, "Thank you."

His response, contrasting his usual vibrant demeanour, prompted Adara to scrutinise him more closely, a frown marring her face. "Something appears amiss with you. Anything you'd like to share?"

An inexpressive "nothing" fell from Adonis's lips as he moved towards the room door. Adara followed in his wake, her curiosity piqued, "Why are you deliberately avoiding my gaze?"

Adonis released a breathy laugh, the irony not lost on him. "Is this a request for my undivided attention?"

Adara shrugged at his response, making an observation, "It's out of character, hence the question."

Summoning his nerve, Adonis elaborated, "You're in a state of partial undress, Adara, and we're alone in my room."

A single arched brow was his only response, followed by her disinterested comment, "And? It's not as if you haven't encountered half-dressed individuals before."

His patience tested, Adonis gritted his teeth, "Indeed, but this...this is different."

Intrigued, Adara closed the distance between them, her eyes narrowing in suspicion, "Different, how?"

The proximity of the woman who set his heart aflame was wreaking havoc on Adonis's self-control. Succumbing to his frustration, he let the truth spill, "Because every fibre of my being is compelling me to back you against this door and kiss you!"  

Adara remained silent, locked in a moment of shock, while Adonis mentally berated himself for his outburst. His gaze skittered away in regret, a muttered apology falling from his lips, "I... I apologise. Forget I said anything. I wouldn't want to make you uncomfortable..."

With an unexpected monotony, Adara replied, "Just this once."

Confused and more than a little anxious, Adonis sought clarification, his voice husky, "Excuse me?"

Adara, nonchalant as ever, elaborated, "You can kiss me, only this once. Might help you get over... whatever this is."

Blinking at her as if she'd sprouted a second head, Adonis managed to reply, "I doubt it's as simple as that."

Unmoved, Adara reiterated, "The choice is yours. But remember, once we step out of this room, that's it."

Rooted in place, Adonis watched closely as Adara, seemingly out of patience, closed the distance between them. Her hand cradling his cheek, she stared into his eyes before leaning in, delivering a quick peck to his lips.

Holding his shocked gaze, she declared, "There, wasn't so hard, was it?"

No sooner had she finished her sentence than she found herself pressed against the door. Adonis, his eyes locking onto hers, clarified, "That wasn't quite the kiss I had in mind. And remember, you mentioned that I can kiss you. Thus, your peck doesn't qualify."

© Crimson B