Chapter 7 Housewarming

Zalindra found herself standing before an architectural masterpiece, well at least according to her. Most times when she looked at houses like this, she thought they were gaudy and too much. Not in a jealous kind of way either. In a way that she could not imagine paying people to clean her house and it was too much house to clean by herself. The house was not quite secluded but there was enough distance from the neighbors that you could throw a loud party without anyone being disturbed. The lawn was meticulous and inviting. She knew it was that kind of grass that begged to be walked on with bare feet. The Twins both had their hands at her lowerback. Not pushing but guiding her to the entrance of the home. To her surprise, there was no butler to open the door for them. They had a keyless entry that made it look like the door was simply left unlocked. When she stepped into the home, she was breathless. Vaulted ceilings gave it a spacious look, while the open floor plan gave it a vibe of cozy sophistication. The living room lead to the most amazing kitchen that would make any chef happy. There were staircases at either side of the entrance that made Zalindra giggle at her inner thoughts.

Lucian asked, “What’s so funny?” Zalindra turns and looks back and forth at each of them, “PLEASE tell me you don’t make some grand entrance where each of you come down the stairs like some old school mafia movie…NO WAIT…please tell me you DO!”

She couldn’t wait for an answer and just burst out laughing at the mere thought. “Or do you both stand at the top peering down upon your subjects?” Another fit of laughter almost did her in. She was doubled over laughing that real hard laugh where you stop breathing for a moment. Tears were running down her cheeks as she looked up at them. For a moment, she thought she just may have ruined everything when Lorian joins her in laughter pointing at Lucian “He totally does!” In a really bad accent that was probably supposed to be British, “Look at me I’m the Lord of the Manor” Lucian had a stern look on his face and pierced our laughter with his gaze. As soon as we quieted down a bit, he ran up the stairs. Standing at the top railing he looked down at Zalindra and Lorian and with a booming voice “Am I not the Lord of the Manor?” His accent was probably worse than Lorian’s was but we got the picture. Lorian and I looked at each other then back up at Lucian and as if we had planned it, began to curtsey and bow all while shouting various terms of servitude

“Yes m’lord” Zalindra said

Lorian shouted “I am but a humble servant”

“I wash me face and hands before I come here I did” Zalindra gave in the best Audrey Hepburn accent she could muster.

At that, everyone laughed even harder.

This was crazy, this felt really …easy and familiar. This is what I want from a lifelong partner. Not some arranged, loveless marriage that was my duty. Zalindra’s face fell as she became lost in her thoughts. Lorian left her side and ran up the stairs to meet his brother. They exchanged a look, and each took to a side and began descending the stairs in unison and in grand fashion. Lorian shouted to Lucian “Brother, shall we feed our guest?” Lucian responded loudly “But of course dear brother, LET’S!” Beholding the sight before her, Zalindra had no choice but to be in this moment with these men. She would be a fool otherwise.

They made their way to the kitchen and Zalindra looked around, expecting them to call on a chef but that did not happen. They men gathered their supplies and even donned matching aprons. Neither of them spoke as they went about chopping and sautéing and before she knew it, the kitchen was filled with the most delicious aroma, Zalindra’s stomach growled…loudly. Lucian handed her a small platter of cheese and grapes “Eat” was all he said before he went back to work.

Not one to waste food, Zalindra did as she was told. As she watched them cook for her, it occurred to her that she had never had this treatment before. Don’t get it wrong, she was the soon-to-be Queen of the Coven, she has had people serve her before, but this was different. This was care. Would she ever have this, for real? Sheesh! Zalindra gave herself a mental slap. Can’t dwell on what can’t be changed. Plus, there were two very handsome, very sexy, and very capable men here to enjoy right now.

The meal was done; it was simple and mouthwateringly fragrant. Grilled chicken with lemon butter noodles and roasted broccoli florets.

Lucian spoke “We wanted something quick and filling, I hope it is to your liking”. Zalindra looked at all the food they made in a short time “Are you kidding? This is amazing, I can’t wait. Where shall we sit?” I looked around and didn’t see a table anywhere. Lorian began walking away “Follow me”.

Lorian led us to the living room that had a huge couch that you looked more like a bed. It was a least 15ft wide and equally as long. It made sense because The Twins were tall and wide men. But not in a professional body builder kind of way more like gladiators.

They easily got comfortable on the bed couch while I tried to navigate how I was going to settle in and not look ridiculous. I am not a small woman by any stretch of the imagination. I am 5’7” and thick in all the right places. But in this contraption, I felt small. Lucian pulled out some trays and arranged our plates and glasses of wine. Lorian was kind enough to assist me to the middle of the couch. Lucian grabbed a remote and a large painting turned into a television.

“Oh that is fancy!” Zalindra said.

He pushed a few more buttons and a movie began to play. “My Fair Lady for the fair lady” Zalindra immediately burst into laughter. “I’ll have you know it is one of my favorites” They didn’t really watch the movie, it played low in the background while they ate and conversed. Zalindra was torn because she wanted to know everything about these men but also felt it would be worse to let them go if she did.

Ultimately, she decided to throw caution to the wind and ask her questions. You know because of all the things she said she would not dwell on anymore.