Enchanted(Encante, #1)

  Chapter 9: Reacquainted

  Jayde

  A dozen or so men attended the meeting. They were much older than Kohl but seemed to be undoubtedly loyal to him. The meeting was beyond boring, but I did my best to pay attention. When it had started, Kohl couldn’t seem to get them to stop gawking at me. It was like they had never seen a girl before. To be honest it was creepy. Once he got everything in order they talked about soldier formations, covering the territory lines, and guarding Encante-North waters. That seemed to go on for hours.

  I stared around the ornate room taking everything in. The long mahogany table took up most of the room, providing a dark contrast to the white marble floors that seemed to stretch through the entire mansion. The crown moldings in this room added to the regal effect and the gold detailing in the moldings and ceiling just made it all too opulent for a meeting room.

  “Our final piece of business is: do you think it would be reasonable to organize a meeting for King Sy and Jayde, in accordance to the guidelines.”

  A tall man who was balding stood up. “I know that it is what the guidelines recommend but I think it is in our best interest if King Sy is not allowed contact with Lady Jayde, particularly alone. He would never allow for such a union if he were to have acquired Lady Jayde first.”

  “But I don’t know how effective sheltering Lady Jayde from King Sy is when she is supposed to be a ruler. She needs to know the evil we are up against.” Another man with greying hair said as he stood. He seemed to have a lot of conviction for what he was saying, a lot more than anyone had shown throughout the meeting. I sat up paying closer attention.

  “I think it would be best to hold a vote.” Kohl said settling the animosity that was brewing between the men. “Those in favor of Lady Jayde meeting King Sy raise your hand.” Kohl said glancing around the room he counted the hands and then took the count for the negatives. “Okay the affirmatives have it. I will have Philip make contact with King Sy and get back to you all. Meeting adjourned.” Kohl said and stood from the head of the table. Someone stopped him from coming over to me and he politely stayed and chatted. One of the younger men from the meeting came up to me.

  “Lady Jayde, it truly is an honor to finally meet you. You look just like your mother.” I nodded politely hoping he wouldn’t want to discuss my parents any further. After having an emotional dinner I wasn’t prepared to start the waterworks again. I couldn’t understand why I had so much emotion for people I didn’t even know. Sure, it was nice to know that I was actually wanted, but did I have to be this emotional? I haven’t seen them in sixteen years. “Has King Kohl shown you the premises yet?” I looked back over at the blonde man he was not much older than Kohl.

  “No, he hasn’t, but we’ve only been back for a few hours.” I responded politely.

  “I can escort you around for a tour if you’d like.” He replied too eagerly.

  “I’m sorry I don’t even know your name.” I said trying to deflect his question.

  “Burton.” He said a slight blush coming to his pale complexion.

  “Lady Jayde,” Kohl said from behind me, “I see you are getting acquainted with some of the advisors.” He said with a knowing smile.

  “Your majesty, I was just telling Lady Jayde about her surroundings and the lovely atmosphere that is Encante-North.” I nodded in agreement trying to suppress the laughter that was trying to bubble to the surface.

  “I’m sure, but now I must be taking Jayde for a tour.” Kohl said intertwining his arm with mine and guiding me away from Burton’s questioning gaze. We walked out of the room with little interruption.

  “Was that painful?” He asked dropping his arm and giving another one of those signature Kohl smiles. I liked these smiles. I knew I shouldn’t have looked at him like that anymore, but I couldn’t help myself. When he smiled his dark eyes seemed to take on this beautiful gleam that drew me in like a Capybara to water.

  “It got much more interesting at the end.” I said, “But don’t you think I should have final say? What if I don’t want to meet Sy?”

  His smile disappeared, “I’m sorry. I just thought that…”

  “I’m kidding. From everything I heard in there it sounds like it would be for the best. I’m not sure if I’ll like him as much as you though.” I said and instantly regretted it.

  He exhaled and gave me a shaky smile. “Where would you like to start the tour?” He said regaining some of his composure from my foolish words. I was making a complete idiot of myself, already.

  “I’ve heard the gardens are gorgeous.” I replied as enthusiastically as I could.