Alessandria rubbed his hands briefly.
He seemed to smile at her touch.
“Give him time,”
CHAPTER 8
As the cold coffee touched my lips, an explosion of chocolatey notes filled my taste buds with the bitter taste of the coffee.
Lowering the mug, I carefully placed it back on the small circular table in front of me and did one of my favourite activities- people watching. Whilst I played with my dulled blade in my hand.
Looking to my left I peaked down at the crowds of people in the dirt filled street as they hurried about their afternoon business. Some in their brown work clothes rushed to deliver goods and complete their Master's jobs. Others in their assortment of colours leisurely and rather pointlessly strolled about visiting the various shops on either side of the street.
Now, I might hate people and especially pointless people but I do appreciate people are fascinating.
Rising my head to look at this rooftop garden of the coffee shop, it was thankfully empty with a few rows of small tables with parchment menus on them. A waitress walked past and winked at me. I rolled my eyes.
The distinctive smell of bitter coffee and sweet cakes filled my nose as steam jetted out of a nearby vent. Normally, I would hate the feeling of the warm steam but the smell of coffee made it tolerable.
Finishing off my coffee, I looked down at the street again to see if Albania was coming. Sure, the messenger confirmed she was attending this urgent meeting but the Greenscales weren't exactly the most punctual of families. Which did have its comedy value. Especially, when the Greenscales were meant to come out with us one day and they were three hours late.
Although, I have to confess I hate late people. Hate it with a passion. How hard is it to arrive on time? It isn't.
Hearing more footsteps coming towards me, I looked over and smiled as Albania came towards me. In all fairness, she was on time. I was just extremely early.
As Albania came towards me, I appreciated her good dress sense with her light bluish-green dress that flowed in the light breeze and her strong long blond hair blow gently in the wind.
She gracefully sat down and a waitress came over with two cups of black coffee and a slice of a sickly chocolate cake for Albania. She nodded her thanks.
After Albania cleared her throat, she elegantly said “We were certainly surprised to receive your letter, Daniel Fireheart. We believed your House was destroyed and the Queen only acted out of pity,”
My eyes narrowed.
“Now, now dearest Albania. How long did your father make you practice that paragraph?”
She nodded and cocked her head.
“It is good to see you once more, Daniel. How are things at the castle?”
Now, Daniel cocked his head. Why was his old friend being so formal and distant?
“Albania, you know I don’t do chit chat. So I ask you why are you being so... different and quite frankly annoying?”
The Daughter of the Greenscales raised her hands and rested her face in them.
“I’m sorry, Daniel. It’s work and everything. I’ve not had a normal person to talk to for ages,”
“I do not class myself as normal, but I’ll forgive you for that oversight,”
I continued to play with my dulled bladed as Albania slipped her coffee.
“Has the military come to you recently?” I asked.
Albania coughed and choked on her coffee.
“Um, no,”
“Do not lie to me my friend. The military wants rations. Your family controls the entire food supply in Ordericous. They came to you,”