"This place is called The Copse," said Darla. "Do you know it is Draven who owns it?" She opened the door of the restaurant. "It is very popular amongst witches and wizards. Since its on Level two, they have an exquisite clientele. Only the ministers and undersecretaries and their spouses, sons and daughters are allowed. The membership is whopping."
"It is lovely," said Anastasia, noticing its unique décor. It was a pretty cozy place with a garden-inspiring theme. Darla led them to an elevator that led to a level above. It was a circular balcony with segregated spaces designed like a forest. A gravel path wound through beds of flowers amidst which there were small trees strung with tiny lights that looked like fireflies. Wisteria vines in full bloom grew over some of the trees, lending their sweet fragrance to the air.
Darla led the two down the path into a small yet comfortable space, which had a semicircular cushioned sofa and a table in the center. A selection of sliced fruits, wine, breads and freshly baked biscuits awaited them. The space was such that it directly looked at the dance stage.
"I will be right back," said Darla and quickly left.
Anastasia saw her going down to the ground floor where in the dim light she could make out Aidan's silhouette. She chuckled. "It seems that the two are going strong." Darla held Aidan's hands and the two disappeared in one of the private spaces.
"They are," replied Ileus as he poured the wine for each of them and toasted their evening.
After she took a sip, she asked, "How did you know that Darla screams when she is having sex?" She remembered what he told her the previous night about them.
Ileus relaxed back and crossed his leg. "Guarhal and Tadgh are the cheeky ones who informed me. They happened to mock the two after they heard them in Aidan's room. In fact, the entire Mozia now know about Aidan and Darla."
"Oh my!" Anastasia said amusedly. "They have become popular," she laughed softly.
Ileus tilted his head. "You know I would love to become popular with you."
Anastasia blushed to her ears. "Are you mad?"
He laughed, the sound decadent. "If they don't hear it all the way down the east wing of the palace, then it means I am not satisfying you enough. We would have to do it again."
"You are so brazen!" She sipped more of her wine as she clenched her thighs, hoping her juices didn't overflow.
"And you are the sin I want to commit again and again," he replied, dragging her closer to him. With one hand on her thighs and the other holding his glass, he stared at her with his amber eyes. "You know I can smell your arousal. There's no need to hide it."
They were interrupted by the keeper of the place, a young witch. Wearing a red mini skirt, paired with a black shirt, she looked cute. At first, she gave a withering look to Anastasia and then bowed to the prince. In a melodious voice she said, "It is a pleasure to have the crown prince with us today." She almost sounded nervous. "We have already increased the security outside our restaurant, but we know that your royal guards are there as well." Her tone became flirty and flattery when she said, "I will soon send you a great selection of food and we have invited the best dancer. Please enjoy your afternoon with us."
She bowed and once again gave Anastasia a degrading look. She was shocked as to who this ordinary looking, regular girl was accompanying the handsome prince. It was as if she was trying to say how dare she even think of coming with him. "The wisteria vines are blooming these days," she commented. "Do enjoy the fragrance!" What she meant was that like the wisteria vine that entwined itself tightly around a tree to take support and bloom, the girl with the prince was being just as toxic even though she was lending her fragrance.
Ileus narrowed his eyes at her as his expressions became dark. The manager shriveled under his gaze and quickly left.
"What did she mean by saying that?" asked Anastasia while sipping more wine.
"Nothing, love. Let me refill your glass," he said.
"Are you trying to get me drunk?" she asked.
"If that is going to make you lusty, then yes."
All at once the chatter around them died and a drum beat sounded. The lights on the stage became brighter whereas the lights everywhere else faded. Anastasia squeezed Ileus' hand as she watched the dancer with wide eyes.
The dancer, a girl, was wearing a shimmery silver bustier with a silver skirt that was like silver chains gathered and tied on her waist and fell straight to her ankles. Atop her black hair, she wore a headdress that had thin silver chains that acted like a veil on her face. The image of her veil during the ball flashed across her mind and in order to push those images, she downed her glass of wine. It was immediately filled by her husband.
"Is that a witch who is dancing?" she asked.
"Yes, of course," he replied, looking at her and brushing the insides of her thighs over her leggings.
The drum beats increased and the dancer moved her waist and hips rhythmically. Her movements were like water transformed by the music of the drum beats. She flowed in graceful arcs, her limbs moved constantly, her body tuned with every note of the music. Her feet left the ground and now she was floating in the air, twirling without effort as the audience looked at her with bated breaths. A fog started developing on the floor, the wisps and tendrils of which started rising up and twined around her. The beats of the music increased, creating tension in the audience as the dancer came in and out of the fog with faster movements.
Anastasia was staring at the dancer and admiring her moves when the manager appeared again with the waiters. Three waiters stood behind her who had an assortment of food.
"We will be serving you choicest of sea-food today, Your Highness," said the manager. Then she turned to the waiters and personally started serving the dishes to the crown prince while ignoring Anastasia completely.
"Serve food to my companion too," he growled.
The manager was intimidated and even though she hesitated, she couldn't refuse. She served food to Anastasia. As soon as she pierced her fork in a boneless braised fish and put it in her mouth, the manager stared at her. Her heartbeat increased and she felt strangely compelled to protect the little, ordinary girl in front of her. She appeared like a deity to her. Every thought that had earlier come to her mind about her, vanished. She tried to reason with herself but couldn't. It was as if she wanted to appease the deity more. The girl swallowed her saliva down the throat and served Anastasia more breads, meat pie and ice cream. With a lot of difficulty, she left.
Ileus gave her more fish to eat as Anastasia continued watching the dancer. She looked… familiar. Dread coated her insides. Who was she?
