The Cursed King

The two of them were in the penthouse when Elise suddenly went up to Loriel. Elise was dressed in a fine dress that she had gotten from Bloomingrose back then. Her face was beaming with happiness.

Loriel on the other hand was on the sofa, relaxing. He was thinking about what to have for dinner when Elise suddenly graced him with her presence.

"Ah, Elise? Are you going somewhere?" Loriel furrowed his brows. He couldn't remember any company dinners that Elise needed to attend to unless Marc failed to inform him. It was impossible that this attire was suited for her baking course either.

"I want to take you out for dinner, Loriel," Elise said. She stared up at the surprised face of Loriel and smiled. The expression of surprise on Loriel's face as he was caught off guard by her suggestion was rare.

"I mean yes, but why?" Loriel asked. He thought Elise enjoyed staying in the penthouse after work and baking classes.

It had been that way for the past weeks that they had lived together. This was something that brought Loriel great pleasure. So why the sudden change in heart?

"I just got my pay today," she giggled. The beautiful woman looked so happy and her expression was adorable that Loriel just wanted to pich her cheeks and kissed her.

"Oh, congratulations! You finally get the results of your hard work."

"Thank you," said Elise. She smiled sheepishly and finally explained her plan. "Since you have been so kind to me, I want to treat you to dinner. I wish I can cook as well as you do, but I can't. So, I decided to take you to eat somewhere nice and enjoy good food."

She had tasted the food from St. Laurent Hotel and liked it very much. So, she thought she could take Loriel to eat at their restaurant. Alex helped her make reservation earlier for tonight.

It was only something that could be done using Marc Sanderman's connection which Alex had control over.

Other people would need to make a reservation for weeks in advance to be able to dine in their fancy three-starred Michelin restaurant.

"Oh… you don't have to. I love doing things for you," said Loriel. He didn't want Elise to waste her hard-earned money.

Besides, didn't she know….? He hated people and the crowd.

Eating in a restaurant would mean sharing his space with many strangers who would also eat at the same establishment. Even in a fancy place, there would be way too many people to his liking.

He sometimes ate in some small places, like Haruka Ramen Shop, only because he liked the food, and he didn't have to care about dining alone.

Since he had Elise with him, he actually wanted to always have meals with her in the comfort of their own home.

"Please don't say no. This is the least that I can do for you." Elise told him. She wore a cute pout on her face. "I want to treat you to dinner and you can't say no. I already booked us a table in a fancy restaurant anyway."

"Where did you book a table for us?" Loriel finally asked Elise.

"My boss helped me with the reservation. It's the Blue Orchid restauant," the girl replied.

Loriel knew that restaurant. It was one of the bests in New York. This means Elise was going all out. He didn't have the heart to say no.

Finally, the man chuckled. "Then there doesn't seem to be any choice then, is there?"

"Nope. You're coming with me."

"Then I will," Loriel said. Well, he would do anything for Elise. Even though he hated eating outside with her, he didn't complain. Loriel got to his feet and glanced at his outfit. "Should I wear something more formal to match you?"

Elise looked at him from head to toe. "You always wear formal business wear, and I don't think you'd want to change to a suit and tie now, do you?"

"If you wish. But I think this much is fine," Loriel said. Loriel always wore something relaxed and formal around Elise to impress her.

Elise was happy and she couldn't help but grab on to Loriel's arm. She giggled and said, "Then let's go. Let me just pull up the address on GoogleMaps then we'll be there soon."

Elise pulled out her phone and tapped the screen, bringing up the directions. Loriel found himself staring at this beautiful and bright woman. It was about just half a month and yet he could see the change in her.

Elise was now more confident in her actions. She didn't hesitate to make a move on Loriel and invite him out. She looked more relaxed and happy in her own skin and nothing could make him happier than to see her happy.

"You're very beautiful," Loriel said. He couldn't help but say it.

"Huh?" Elise blinked and looked at him. She pursed her lips and then batted her eyes at him. "Well, I did dress up for the occasion so I guess you can say that. Thank you, Loriel."

In five minutes,  the two of them then left the penthouse together. It was far easier for Elise to navigate in NYC now and they were able to actually get there in a short amount of time.

The penthouse Loriel stayed in was situated in one of the most complete areas of the city. It had a little bit of everything.

Once the two of them arrived at the restaurant,  the maitre d' greeted them with a smile. "Ah, Ms. Elise. We've been expecting you. Please follow me."

Elise smiled and nodded. She pulled Loriel along with her and they went to their table which was situated near the  window.

The restaurant that Elise booked was a very posh one and Loriel was wondering if Elise knew the prices of food in this establishment. 

Did she even have enough money? She had just worked for slightly over ten days. So, the pro-rated salary she received must be meager.

However, he decided to let her do whatever she wanted and later he could take care of the bills if needed.

Everything was perfect and Loriel couldn't have asked for anything more. When one allowed somebody the freedom to do as they wished, it seemed like the person blossomed and grew wonderfully.

Elise thanked the maitre d' before the man left. The maitre d' told them that the waiter will be there to assist them soon.

Elise smiled and nodded. 

"Thank you," she said politely. She then turned to Loriel and smiled. "So, what would you like to eat? 

"What I'd like to eat? Hmm..." Loriel rubbed his chin.

The waiter soon arrived and handed them the menu. Loriel took one and started looking for a perfect date dish. Meanwhile, Elise couldn't help but smile when she noticed that a vast majority of the available dishes were Italian.

Elise remembered Loriel told her that Italian was the best cuisine.

"How about some aperitivo then?" Elise glanced at the waiter and surprised them with her knowledge. She wasn't even looking at the menu.

"What kind, Miss?"

"Ah, maybe a Classic Aperol Spritz? Hmm, something to nibble on before dinner would be Whipped Ricotta Crostini? Are you fine with that, Loriel?" Elise asked him.

"Sounds perfect." Loriel told her with a smile.