Read Online The Royal Elite: Mattias by Danielle Bourdon - Free Book Online

Mattias.”
    “What? I don't think he wants to--”
    “Of course I will, thank you for the offer,” Mattias said, speaking over Alannah's protest. He arched a brow at her when he realized what she'd been saying.
    Alannah arched a brow right back, then dropped her gaze to her plate. She pierced another piece of fruit and slipped it between her teeth. Mattias was not someone she wanted to be around right now. What an awkward position, with his blonde lover sitting a few seats away at the other table.
    Maybe, Alannah thought, she could finish her breakfast quickly and excuse herself before he arrived.
     
    Mattias knew women well enough to know when they were avoiding him. Or at least avoiding eye contact. That was the case with Alannah this morning, which surprised him almost as much as walking in to hear his name in conjunction with Ahsan's. Last evening at her door, she'd been sweet and amiable and appeared to enjoy the kiss he left on her cheek.
    What could have changed in a handful of hours? Perhaps she was merely embarrassed. It didn't seem her style, though, which left Mattias with more questions than answers. Gathering a few things for his plate, Mattias procured a mug of coffee and walked it toward Alannah and Ahsan. Although he was aware of Katrina at the other table, along with the dagger glances she was throwing him, he ignored her.
    Coming up on Alannah's right side, he set his plate down and pulled out his chair. At that moment, Alannah rose from her own.
    “Excuse me, gentlemen. I need to get back. Thank you for inviting me to breakfast, Mister Ahsan,” Alannah said.
    Mattias remained standing. Confused, he traded a glance with Ahsan, who seemed as surprised as Mattias over Astbury's sudden departure.
    “Thank you for making it enjoyable, Miss Astbury,” Ahsan said.
    “Would you like an escort back to your room?” Mattias asked Alannah. Here they'd just got her under their wing, and she wanted to take a solo flight again. Mattias noted the bodyguard standing near the doorway and wasn't reassured.
    “No, thank you. Good day,” Alannah said and turned on a heel.
    “I'll see you later this evening,” he said, puzzled at what he perceived as Miss Astbury fleeing the table. And his presence, unless he was mistaken.
    Alannah said nothing. She disappeared around the corner with her bodyguard in tow.
    “That's bloody fantastic,” Mattias muttered, hesitant to sit down. He had half a mind to follow Alannah and ask what was wrong.
    “Yes, I'd been hoping we could keep an eye on her personally from now until this evening,” Ahsan said. “What just happened?”
    “I have no idea.”
    “She seemed perfectly content to sit here and eat with me until you showed up. Something happened.” Ahsan sipped his coffee, looking at Mattias with an expectant expression.
    “I'm telling you, she was fine when I said goodbye to her at her door last night. Pleasant, in fact. I haven't seen her since then.”
    “Maybe it was just a coincidence.” Ahsan forked a bite of food into his mouth.
    Mattias, along with most members of the Royal Elite, didn't believe in coincidence like this. It was a little too suspicious. He stared at Ahsan then, conveying with a look that he didn't buy that explanation for a second.
    “Maybe you'll find out this evening,” Ahsan said after he'd swallowed.
    “No. I think I'll find out right now.” Mattias snared a few pieces of bacon from his plate and departed the dining hall without further ado. Between bites, he closed the distance to Alannah with long, determined strides.
    “Miss Astbury doesn't wish to be interrupted right now,” Barrett said, glancing back.
    “I'll let her tell me that herself.” Mattias drew abreast of Alannah just as she reached the stairs to the second floor.
    She paused hearing his voice and cast a frosty glance over her shoulder. “I have nothing to say to you, Prince Mattias. Please do as Barrett says.”
    Barrett stepped up and laid a hand lightly on