"It does not compare with a praga. And it is far below a doradora," he adds. Yet despite the meat being passable, he continues to eat. Bite after bite until the plate is cleared. Grabbing a napkin from the table, he presses it against his lips in slow, deliberate movements, wiping his mouth as if he were the King of England himself.

"Passable..." I mutter under my breath as I stab my fork into my steak, bringing the entire piece to my mouth and taking a huge bite out of it. I forgo cutting it into small bites altogether, simply eating the big chunk from the fork.

His eyes widen at me, his expression horrified.

I munch on it with gusto. He might think it's just passable for his superior palate, but it's perfectly fine for mine. And as I finish, I clean the plate with the remaining potatoes, not leaving a single drop of sauce on it.

"You humans have deplorable table manners." He tips his chin up, the corners of his mouth turning down.

That's it! I've had it with Mr. Superiority.

Taking the napkin off my lap, I dump it over my plate and get up.

"Luce?" Thea asks, her lashes fluttering in confusion.

"I'm going to the restroom to pick at my teeth since I don't want to offend His Majesty's sensibilities with my deplorable table manners," I grit out. Glancing at Ze before I leave, I give him a death glare that should convey my current feelings for him. For God's sake, it's always one step forward and a hundred back with this...whatever he may be.

And of course, since Ze cannot not have the last word, he raises his forefinger to make one last note.

"I am not a king—yet. You may call me my liege." His piercing gaze meets my incensed one. "But for you, sir will suffice." The corners of his mouth tip up.

My nostrils flare at him.

"Fine. Sir Sparkles, as you wish," I say, bending forward in a mock bow.

His mouth drops open in shock, his eyes wide. He peers down at his black outfit, which is still covered in glitter, and for the first time, he's speechless.

I stick my tongue out at him before I dash out to the restroom.

* * *

I splash water over my face, glancing into the mirror as I take in my bedraggled appearance. A shower would be nice. A change of clothes too.

Taking a deep breath, I turn off the faucet as I lean against the sink.

"Nikki?" I whisper out loud. "Are you here?"

I wait minutes on end for him to reply, but the only sound in the small restroom is that of my own breathing.

"Please, Nikki. Give me a sign if you're here," I speak louder.