CHAPTER 18

He smiled at her while taking the towel from the rail.
“I love it; you are still the Talia I married. You are still weak; you have been sleeping for so long. Let me help you, there is no need to be shy especially when I have seen and touched every single part of you.”
“I didn’t know you were this vulgar,” she retaliated.
Neal still helped her take a bath and he was very gentle. After her bath he put the towel on her and carried her out of the tub to the bedroom.
“You didn’t have to,” she said.
“I should. I missed you.’
“I missed you too. You look very clam though. Don’t you find me weird at all?”
“I did back then but now I’m used to it. You are still you despite the changes.”
“You know about it?”
“Yes, I do and it’s new but I like it.”
“You like it that I have silver hair and I can do weird things?”
“Because you are special and mine. So many guys will envy me; they will wish they came to you first.”
“I can’t believe you at all.”
“I know. Let me go and find you some clothes to wear. I will be back in a second.”
“Okay, thank you,” she said and slid back into the bed.
Neal left the room and she began to look around. This wasn’t her room and she wondered just where exactly she was at the moment. She knew that once she wakes up, she will have to abide by a certain dress code but did her husband know that too?
That question was answered when Neal brought in a couple of maids with trays that had clothes on them. Neal instructed them to leave and while they were alone, she came out of the blankets and began to inspect the clothes.
“The royal tailor department made some clothes for you. They are still not a lot but you can wear these for now,” he said pointing to the ones on the tray.
“Thank you. You are well prepared.”
“I have to.”
She applied body cream on her body first before putting on her lingerie. After that she put on the floral black gown and covered herself with a white robe finished with a golden chain on the front.
“It’s beautiful,” she said.
“I’m glad you like it.”
The other tray had her wedding jewelry. She put on her marital neck chain and her wedding band. The bracelet wasn’t really a must. According to the dress code her ancestor passed to her she had to put on four nail armors; two on each side of the hands and they were all there. Neal helped her to put them on and after she was done, he took a picture of her.
“Seriously, did you have to do that?”
“It’s my first time seeing anyone wearing that in real life,” he told her.
“Do I look okay?”
“You look perfect dear. Mother and father are waiting to see you, let’s go before they come here themselves.”
“Oh, I nearly forgot. Let’s go, its rude to keep the elders waiting,” she said and saw the look he gave her, “did I say anything wrong?”
“No, you didn’t. I just love the new you,” she smiled upon hearing that.
She followed Neal out of the room and went to the hall where the king and the queen were waiting. She paid her respects to the tow elders before taking a seat next to Neal.
“I’m glad you are finally awake,” the queen said.
“I’m sorry that I have made you worry, mother.”
“It’s understandable, don’t be harsh on yourself. So how are you feeling?”
“I feel great and much better.”
“That is great news. Since you are now awake, the two of you can finally move to your residence.”
“Already?” she asked.
The Queen laughed at her for a while and said, “don’t worry, it’s nearby the palace. Since you are both married, there is no need for you to stay in the palace but you can visit.”
“If you say it like that then I can understand, I thought you didn’t want to see me like this.”
“No, I would never think like that.”
“Thank you, Your Majesties,” she said.
For the first time she saw the King smiling.
“You are always welcome child.”
“Thank you.”
“Neal, I need to talk to you about something else. Let’s go to my room,” the Queen suddenly said.
Neal agreed and escorted his mother out leaving her and the King in the hall.
“What is troubling you, my King?” she asked.
“The affairs of the kingdom but I’m glad that during my reign I’m blessed to witness you. You are a blessing to Qarth,” he said.
“You humble me, my King.”
“Can you do me a favor and read my fortune.”
“Are you sure you want that?”
“I am.”
“Since you insist, I can only oblige,” she said and stood up.