Alpha Nocturne’s Contracted Mate by A E Randell
Chapter 160 Any Progress?
Coral guided them to the dining hall under the escort of the royal guard and as they entered the hall, everyone that had been seated stood instantly and bowed their heads in their direction.
“I’m not gonna lie, I kind of miss having a quiet breakfast without the audience already,” Ann murmured to Adam, who chuckled in response.
Ann motioned for them to sit as she took her seat and the breakfast dishes were brought out.
“Goddess, is it going to be like this everytime we eat?” Ann frowned as she watched plate after plate of dishes being unloaded onto the table in front of them.
“I mean, at least we know you’ll never be short of choice.” Adam chuckled.
The seating arrangements were the same at the Royal Table as they had been the night before and Ann found herself seated next to Bartholomew once more.
She had already spotted Greyson and a few other faces she didn’t recognize seated atone of the tables closest to theirs. Judging by their similarity in dress, she a*s*sumed they were part of the group that had accompanied him to bring the report.
She smiled to herself as she watched the men’s eyes widen at the amount of food in front of them and exchange disbelieving glances before they began piling their plates with food and digging in enthusiastically, much to the dismay of the nobles surrounding them.
“Causing quite the stir already, aren’t they?” Bartholomew chuckled good-naturedly from beside her.
“I think it’s a good thing.” Ann answered with a grin, “It never does anyone any harm to be kept on their toes a little. It allows me the opportunity to see the noble’s reactions to the men who safeguard us from the most violent threats.”
Bartholomew nodded sagely before casting her a nervous glance.
“Very true, my Queen. They deserve the utmost respect for their contribution to the Kingdom’s safety.” He said carefully, hesitating before continuing, “Ah, your Highness, about yesterday…”
“Bartholomew what’s passed has passed. I won’t hold it against you as long as it doesn’t happen again, or if there’s a whole catalog of incidents where I feel that you’re overstepping the mark. You can move forward with an easy conscience.” Ann interrupted him and spoke casually.
She didn’t want that brief moment to define their working relationship. The Elders had a lot of valuable insight and experience, not to mention their wisdom that would be invaluable during her time on the throne and the last thing she wanted to do was alienate them.
He nodded gratefully as his shoulders seemed to sag with relief.
“Thank you, my Queen.” He said, bowing his head towards her, and holding his hand across his heart.
“I should inform you that I’ve invited someone to the Enclave who may be able to support with… identification.” Ann continued in hushed tones. “Has there been any progress?”
Bartholomew blanched slightly before shaking his head slowly.
“Not yet. Everything is in place for the investigation to commence though. I too am waiting for an individual to arrive at the Enclave. I’ll brief you as soon as we move to somewhere a little more private.”
“Of course. Thank you, Bartholomew.” Ann answered with a smile before returning back to her food, although her appet*ite was significantly diminished.
“Looks like it’s going to be a busy day then,” Adam commented drily and Ann chuckled.
“I think that’s probably the understatement of the year.”
“I did manage to get hold of Allen last night though. Everything is in hand back at Dark Moon, and there are no major issues. Well, unless you count his paranoia that Lexi is going to materialize. I don’t understand it. She’s not even staying there…”
“Lexi seems to have that effect on men.” Ann chuckled. “They either obsess over her or do everything they can to stay away from her. There really is no middle ground.”
“Yeah, I’d noticed.” Adam laughed. “Anyway, he’ll be dropping by this morning with some things for us seeing as how we’re staying here longer than intended.”
“That really wasn’t necessary, we could have traveled back to get anything we needed, or even ordered it..” Ann protested indignantly.
Their status may have changed, but they didn’t need waiting on hand and foot.
“Nonsense. He doesn’t mind. He quite likes the Enclave. I suppose it’s the grandiose nature of everything here, besides, I need to go through some of the contracts for the company, and you’re going to be tied up here I expect. It’s far more efficient for him as he had nothing planned and this way you don’t lose a couple of hours in travel time and organization.” Adam explained as he poured himself the third coffee of the morning and sat back in satisfaction.
“Ok fine. I understand the reasoning behind that. Thank you. I’ll try and keep Lexi away from him though.” Ann chuckled, “The last thing we need is them butting heads here of all places. She’s already going to be uptight having to mingle with the Elders.”
“Look, they’re both going to have to get used to being civil to each other. Clearly both of them are permanent fixtures in our lives and the sooner they reach that realization with each other, the better.”
Ann sighed lightly as her phone buzzed in her pocket. She retrieved it and grimaced slightly as she read Lexi’s message and Adam’s phone buzzed simultaneously.
They exchanged a look and laughed.
“Well, they certainly have the most impeccable timing. Was that Lexi?” Adam smirked. “Yup. She just arrived. Was that Allen?” Ann laughed incredulously.
Adam nodded and stood, reaching for Ann’s hand.
“Come on. Let’s go and collect them before they murder each other in the entrance-way to the Enclave,”