The Tyrant King And I

28. Uninvited Guests and Unspoken Things

The weekend had rolled around again before she could realize it. A sharp knock sounded at the door that Natalie froze.

"Oh no," she muttered.

Adriel glanced up from where he sat on the couch, tying the laces of the trainers she'd bought him last week. He tilted his head. "Who is it?"

"My parents," Natalie hissed. "I completely forgot they were coming over today!"

Adriel relaxed and stood, smoothing down the plain black sweatshirt he now favored when they went out. His face, gave no hint of concern.

"Maybe you should hide," she said quickly. "Go to the balcony or—"

He was already walking toward the door.

"Adriel!" She snapped, half whispering.

"There is nothing to fear," he said with that aggravating, infuriating confidence of his. "They are only your parents."

And then he opened the door.

Her mum and dad stood on the other side, beaming with the kind of excitement only parents can muster on a visit.

Their smiles froze almost instantly when they saw him, towering before them.

Natalie emerged from behind Adriel, plastering on a tight, awkward smile.

"Hi," she said. "Mum, Dad... this is... Adriel."

Her mother blinked twice, recovering first. "Oh," she said brightly. "Your boyfriend?"

Adriel's head tilted just enough for Natalie to catch the grin tugging at his mouth before he turned back to her parents. He definitely knew what was up now. It had happened too many times.

Her father cleared his throat as he looked Adriel up and down. "I hope you're more respectable than the last one. What do you do, son?"

Adriel corrected, "I am a fighter."

Natalie elbowed him lightly. "He's hoping to become a boxer," she clarified.

Her dad's eyes lit up. "Ohhh are you now? I used to do martial arts," he said. "Back in the day. Maybe we could spar sometime."

Natalie's mom rolled her eyes and patted her husband on the back.

"I would be honored. Though I fear you would defeat me easily, with your decades of experience," smiled Adriel.

Her father chuckled.

"I look old to you, huh," He snapped back.

"With age comes wisdom," Adriel replied. Her father looked clearly impressed.

Her mother smiled, giving Natalie a subtle wink as she handed her a neatly wrapped gift.

"You've done well," she said softly, almost conspiratorially. "He's very handsome. And respectful."

Natalie managed a strangled, "Thanks."

They stayed for only a few minutes longer, asking about Nina, about how her studies were going.
Natalie kept her answers brief, assuring them she was fine, just stressed with work. 

When they finally left, her dad clapping Adriel on the shoulder with approval, Natalie shut the door and leaned her forehead against it with a groan.

"Well, that was horrifying."

Adriel's voice was calm behind her. "Why? They are kind."

Natalie turned. He stood there watching her, his dark eyes steady but softer than usual. 

It hit her, then, what he'd said.

"I guess they are," she agreed quietly.

She realized suddenly how lucky she was.

Both her parents alive. Still part of her life. Still able to drive her crazy but also show up with gifts at Christmas.

Adriel's parents had been long gone by the time he was her age.

She swallowed the lump in her throat and glanced at the box in her hands.

"What did they give you?" he asked.

"It's a Christmas present," she explained. "People give each other gifts around this time of year. It can be a religious ceremonial thing, but mostly just to appreciate others."

She sat the box down beneath the little fake Christmas tree she and Nina had set up on a whim the week before.

"It's the first one under the tree," she added with a faint smile. "I got them a card which should arrive in time, but I haven't gotten around to buying theirs yet."

Adriel stared at the tree, contemplating. 

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Later, they went out to find something to eat. The cold nipped at Natalie's cheeks as they walked, clouds of breath puffing in the winter air.

"I've been emailing around," she told him as they turned onto a quieter street. "Trying to get hold of Sahal. But he's... a busy man. Kagan said he might be able to help. We'll see."

Adriel nodded.

"It seems Sahal made a name for himself," he said. "And became powerful in many ways."

Natalie glanced at him.

"You regret letting him live?" she asked.

Adriel shook his head.

"I am glad," he said. "He was clever, even then. I was right to spare him. Hope now he can help."

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They turned a corner, and Natalie nearly walked straight into two people.

"Sam?"

Samantha turned, eyes widening.

"Nat!" she said, practically glowing. "Nice, you brought your boyfriend!"

Adriel gave a lazy smile but said nothing. Samantha looked delighted. She nudged her friend beside her, who giggled.

"You two are adorable. I knew it," Samantha said. 

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As they parted ways, Natalie groaned.

"She's been teasing me non-stop since she saw us together at the cafe," she muttered.

Adriel glanced at her out of the corner of his eye. "Why?"

Natalie sighed. "Because we look like a couple."

He gave a smirk.

"People can think what they want."

His tone was light, casual. But it stung more than it should have. She swallowed it down.

"You're impossible," she muttered, as they turned the next corner. "Can I... hold your arm? It's slippery from the ice."

He stopped walking and looked at her, a mixture of pity and amusement, like she was a baby animal trying to find its footing. 

He held out his hand.

"If you want to hold it," he said smoothly, "you should just say so."

Her heart flipped. She told herself it was because of the cold. She took his hand.

They walked in silence after that, her fingers snug against his. Part of her was content. The other part... confused. 

She wasn't sure where they stood anymore.

And judging by his unreadable smile, neither was he.