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He had been in the Palati a few days, knowing that it only made sense for him to be close to assist her in her position as Queen. There was a need to protect her, to stay close so that should bad news arrive, he would be there to help in whatever way he could. The war may have been on foreign soil, but that didn’t mean it would stay that way. And with the construction on the ways taking place, the chance was made more and more apparent every day.
Emilios hadn’t asked her, because he knew she would most likely said that she would be fine without him. It was a burden he didn’t want her to bear alone, and it was one that he knew she would push aside her own concerns and be brave.
And to make it worse, he didn’t want to be alone either. His brother was leading this war, was trusting him with both the country and his wife. The thought of something happening to his brother pained him more than he could say, and he knew that it would not be news he would want to receive on his own. And, regardless of what he thought of their relationship, he didn’t think she would want to hear of it alone, either.
They would prop each other up, for neither was truly prepared for the world they were left in.
Now that he was settled, he knew that she needed out.
He had spent the past year learning her mannerisms, knowing the subtle cues that she would give that she needed something. And the anxious way she was at dinners, the pent up energy the seemed out of her pores screamed for a need for anything other than the walls of the palati and the expectations of those around her. He had slipped a note under her door the night before, hoping that the idea of getting out from under the watchful eye of the entire kingdom to do something for herself would be too appealing to deny.
It was early, most of the kingdom still sleeping, when he entered the stables. He had her horse saddled and ready to go, bow strapped to the back for her to use as she saw fit. His own stallion was dressed as well, but his bow was on his back, quiver mounted to the side of the saddle for quick access. Dressed in warm, dark pants and a long tunic, he chose a wool himation instead of a cloak to keep his bow easily within reach.
He was nervous that she might not show, but her schedule had been verified as open by one of her maids, so there was little reason for her to turn down his invitation. But instead of pacing, like some might, he instead fiddled with the fletching on one of his arrows, leaning against the stall of her horse.
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This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
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He had been in the Palati a few days, knowing that it only made sense for him to be close to assist her in her position as Queen. There was a need to protect her, to stay close so that should bad news arrive, he would be there to help in whatever way he could. The war may have been on foreign soil, but that didn’t mean it would stay that way. And with the construction on the ways taking place, the chance was made more and more apparent every day.
Emilios hadn’t asked her, because he knew she would most likely said that she would be fine without him. It was a burden he didn’t want her to bear alone, and it was one that he knew she would push aside her own concerns and be brave.
And to make it worse, he didn’t want to be alone either. His brother was leading this war, was trusting him with both the country and his wife. The thought of something happening to his brother pained him more than he could say, and he knew that it would not be news he would want to receive on his own. And, regardless of what he thought of their relationship, he didn’t think she would want to hear of it alone, either.
They would prop each other up, for neither was truly prepared for the world they were left in.
Now that he was settled, he knew that she needed out.
He had spent the past year learning her mannerisms, knowing the subtle cues that she would give that she needed something. And the anxious way she was at dinners, the pent up energy the seemed out of her pores screamed for a need for anything other than the walls of the palati and the expectations of those around her. He had slipped a note under her door the night before, hoping that the idea of getting out from under the watchful eye of the entire kingdom to do something for herself would be too appealing to deny.
It was early, most of the kingdom still sleeping, when he entered the stables. He had her horse saddled and ready to go, bow strapped to the back for her to use as she saw fit. His own stallion was dressed as well, but his bow was on his back, quiver mounted to the side of the saddle for quick access. Dressed in warm, dark pants and a long tunic, he chose a wool himation instead of a cloak to keep his bow easily within reach.
He was nervous that she might not show, but her schedule had been verified as open by one of her maids, so there was little reason for her to turn down his invitation. But instead of pacing, like some might, he instead fiddled with the fletching on one of his arrows, leaning against the stall of her horse.
He had been in the Palati a few days, knowing that it only made sense for him to be close to assist her in her position as Queen. There was a need to protect her, to stay close so that should bad news arrive, he would be there to help in whatever way he could. The war may have been on foreign soil, but that didn’t mean it would stay that way. And with the construction on the ways taking place, the chance was made more and more apparent every day.
Emilios hadn’t asked her, because he knew she would most likely said that she would be fine without him. It was a burden he didn’t want her to bear alone, and it was one that he knew she would push aside her own concerns and be brave.
And to make it worse, he didn’t want to be alone either. His brother was leading this war, was trusting him with both the country and his wife. The thought of something happening to his brother pained him more than he could say, and he knew that it would not be news he would want to receive on his own. And, regardless of what he thought of their relationship, he didn’t think she would want to hear of it alone, either.
They would prop each other up, for neither was truly prepared for the world they were left in.
Now that he was settled, he knew that she needed out.
He had spent the past year learning her mannerisms, knowing the subtle cues that she would give that she needed something. And the anxious way she was at dinners, the pent up energy the seemed out of her pores screamed for a need for anything other than the walls of the palati and the expectations of those around her. He had slipped a note under her door the night before, hoping that the idea of getting out from under the watchful eye of the entire kingdom to do something for herself would be too appealing to deny.
It was early, most of the kingdom still sleeping, when he entered the stables. He had her horse saddled and ready to go, bow strapped to the back for her to use as she saw fit. His own stallion was dressed as well, but his bow was on his back, quiver mounted to the side of the saddle for quick access. Dressed in warm, dark pants and a long tunic, he chose a wool himation instead of a cloak to keep his bow easily within reach.
He was nervous that she might not show, but her schedule had been verified as open by one of her maids, so there was little reason for her to turn down his invitation. But instead of pacing, like some might, he instead fiddled with the fletching on one of his arrows, leaning against the stall of her horse.
The note under her door caught Theo by surprise when she found it the next morning, and once she read it, she didn’t know how to feel. The painfully familiar handwriting extending such a casual invitation… Pressing the piece of parchment against her chest, she sighed. Of course, she wanted to get out of here, to do something beyond the castle walls where she could just… let loose and not worry for a while. Riding was her only source of true freedom, a chance to feel the wind in her hair and the ground soar by beneath the pounding hooves of her mount. She wanted to go, and yet…
Could she really trust herself alone with Emilios? She had managed to behave herself thus far, but they were always together when others were around. It was much easier to control the surge of emotions she felt whenever she saw his face if there were witnesses present. If it was just the two of them, how much could she really pretend?
It was akin to torture, being so close and yet so far away. The fact that Achilleas left her in his brother’s charge seemed a trick devised by the gods themselves. Their marriage was still so young, and yet it already faced so many trials. Should she really test it further? Riding off into the sunrise with her husband’s brother, acting as if it meant nothing? Theodora wasn’t sure she could do it.
But how could she really refuse such an offer? He knew as well as she did how much she needed this, an opportunity to clear her head and escape the troubles of a kingdom, if only for a little while. And no matter how hard her head fought against the whims of her heart, she desperately wanted to bridge the gap between them, to just be Theo and Emilios again, rather than… whatever it was they were now.
Crumpling the piece of parchment she held, she put it aside. Of course she was going. She knew it the moment she read the first word.
Quickly dressing herself in a thick wool chiton of forest green, she stuffed her feet into boots and threw a dark maroon cloak over her shoulders. Securing her hair in a rough knot on the back of her head, she hastened from the room before any of her maids would realize she was awake. Practically sprinting to the stables to avoid anyone noticing her passage, she stopped with her hand on the broad doorway as she saw who already lingered within.
Her heart was in her throat as her gaze rested on Emilios, watching his fingers brush through the fletching of an arrow. Pangs of heated memory roared to the front of her mind as she gazed at him, lips parting slightly. The stables had always been one of their spots, countless stolen moments spent against the wall, among the hay… their hushed groans and sultry whispers only audible to the horses around them. Closing her eyes to ward such thoughts away, she took a deep breath and steadied herself.
Now was not the time.
Squaring her shoulders, she stepped inside and approached him with a smile. “Thank you for inviting me,” she murmured, a light flush coloring her cheeks as she glanced at her already saddled horse. “And for having her ready.” Suddenly shy, she swallowed hard and looked at her feet, inwardly chastising herself for her blushing demeanor. Was this how it was going to be the whole morning? Already she was imagining the feel of his muscles beneath his tunic, the sound of her name as he groaned it in her ear…
Theo! Stop it!
Looking back up at him, she forced her thoughts away again, and brought a bright smile to her lips. “Shall we go, then?”
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This character is currently a work in progress.
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The note under her door caught Theo by surprise when she found it the next morning, and once she read it, she didn’t know how to feel. The painfully familiar handwriting extending such a casual invitation… Pressing the piece of parchment against her chest, she sighed. Of course, she wanted to get out of here, to do something beyond the castle walls where she could just… let loose and not worry for a while. Riding was her only source of true freedom, a chance to feel the wind in her hair and the ground soar by beneath the pounding hooves of her mount. She wanted to go, and yet…
Could she really trust herself alone with Emilios? She had managed to behave herself thus far, but they were always together when others were around. It was much easier to control the surge of emotions she felt whenever she saw his face if there were witnesses present. If it was just the two of them, how much could she really pretend?
It was akin to torture, being so close and yet so far away. The fact that Achilleas left her in his brother’s charge seemed a trick devised by the gods themselves. Their marriage was still so young, and yet it already faced so many trials. Should she really test it further? Riding off into the sunrise with her husband’s brother, acting as if it meant nothing? Theodora wasn’t sure she could do it.
But how could she really refuse such an offer? He knew as well as she did how much she needed this, an opportunity to clear her head and escape the troubles of a kingdom, if only for a little while. And no matter how hard her head fought against the whims of her heart, she desperately wanted to bridge the gap between them, to just be Theo and Emilios again, rather than… whatever it was they were now.
Crumpling the piece of parchment she held, she put it aside. Of course she was going. She knew it the moment she read the first word.
Quickly dressing herself in a thick wool chiton of forest green, she stuffed her feet into boots and threw a dark maroon cloak over her shoulders. Securing her hair in a rough knot on the back of her head, she hastened from the room before any of her maids would realize she was awake. Practically sprinting to the stables to avoid anyone noticing her passage, she stopped with her hand on the broad doorway as she saw who already lingered within.
Her heart was in her throat as her gaze rested on Emilios, watching his fingers brush through the fletching of an arrow. Pangs of heated memory roared to the front of her mind as she gazed at him, lips parting slightly. The stables had always been one of their spots, countless stolen moments spent against the wall, among the hay… their hushed groans and sultry whispers only audible to the horses around them. Closing her eyes to ward such thoughts away, she took a deep breath and steadied herself.
Now was not the time.
Squaring her shoulders, she stepped inside and approached him with a smile. “Thank you for inviting me,” she murmured, a light flush coloring her cheeks as she glanced at her already saddled horse. “And for having her ready.” Suddenly shy, she swallowed hard and looked at her feet, inwardly chastising herself for her blushing demeanor. Was this how it was going to be the whole morning? Already she was imagining the feel of his muscles beneath his tunic, the sound of her name as he groaned it in her ear…
Theo! Stop it!
Looking back up at him, she forced her thoughts away again, and brought a bright smile to her lips. “Shall we go, then?”
The note under her door caught Theo by surprise when she found it the next morning, and once she read it, she didn’t know how to feel. The painfully familiar handwriting extending such a casual invitation… Pressing the piece of parchment against her chest, she sighed. Of course, she wanted to get out of here, to do something beyond the castle walls where she could just… let loose and not worry for a while. Riding was her only source of true freedom, a chance to feel the wind in her hair and the ground soar by beneath the pounding hooves of her mount. She wanted to go, and yet…
Could she really trust herself alone with Emilios? She had managed to behave herself thus far, but they were always together when others were around. It was much easier to control the surge of emotions she felt whenever she saw his face if there were witnesses present. If it was just the two of them, how much could she really pretend?
It was akin to torture, being so close and yet so far away. The fact that Achilleas left her in his brother’s charge seemed a trick devised by the gods themselves. Their marriage was still so young, and yet it already faced so many trials. Should she really test it further? Riding off into the sunrise with her husband’s brother, acting as if it meant nothing? Theodora wasn’t sure she could do it.
But how could she really refuse such an offer? He knew as well as she did how much she needed this, an opportunity to clear her head and escape the troubles of a kingdom, if only for a little while. And no matter how hard her head fought against the whims of her heart, she desperately wanted to bridge the gap between them, to just be Theo and Emilios again, rather than… whatever it was they were now.
Crumpling the piece of parchment she held, she put it aside. Of course she was going. She knew it the moment she read the first word.
Quickly dressing herself in a thick wool chiton of forest green, she stuffed her feet into boots and threw a dark maroon cloak over her shoulders. Securing her hair in a rough knot on the back of her head, she hastened from the room before any of her maids would realize she was awake. Practically sprinting to the stables to avoid anyone noticing her passage, she stopped with her hand on the broad doorway as she saw who already lingered within.
Her heart was in her throat as her gaze rested on Emilios, watching his fingers brush through the fletching of an arrow. Pangs of heated memory roared to the front of her mind as she gazed at him, lips parting slightly. The stables had always been one of their spots, countless stolen moments spent against the wall, among the hay… their hushed groans and sultry whispers only audible to the horses around them. Closing her eyes to ward such thoughts away, she took a deep breath and steadied herself.
Now was not the time.
Squaring her shoulders, she stepped inside and approached him with a smile. “Thank you for inviting me,” she murmured, a light flush coloring her cheeks as she glanced at her already saddled horse. “And for having her ready.” Suddenly shy, she swallowed hard and looked at her feet, inwardly chastising herself for her blushing demeanor. Was this how it was going to be the whole morning? Already she was imagining the feel of his muscles beneath his tunic, the sound of her name as he groaned it in her ear…
Theo! Stop it!
Looking back up at him, she forced her thoughts away again, and brought a bright smile to her lips. “Shall we go, then?”
As he leaned against the stall, he found himself wondering if she would come at all. They had found themselves in a rocky place, mostly because of his insistence of keeping her away until the wedding happened. He remember Fotios’ threat, knew that he would find himself too ready to demand that she run away with him and ruin the rest of her family. He thought of their dream, of hiding in the woods together with no one to stop them, and found himself wishing for it more and more.
He should have run with her, should have insisted they leave and damn the consequences. Even as duty bound as they both felt, their love had meant more, right? It felt like it had, as each moment blended into the next of blissful happiness. Emilios tried to think on a time when it was happy-- even when they fought, the passion bubbles under the surface. All it took was a fierce grip and they were taking their anger out on each other sexually.
That was gone, too.
If he'd gone blind, he would have known the sound of her approach. Her steps, no matter the pace or pressure, carried a melodic tune. It was as if there were soft tympanic material stretched beyond each step. He didn't have to turn to know that she was pushing though the doors. He did look up as she came into view, and he forgot for a moment how to breathe. It had been so long since he'd seen her like this-- the memory of the last time was painful. The excitement in her face was electric, hair a bit out of place from the quick pace of her journey. He stepped forward, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear before he realized his place.
Damn it.
Clearing his throat, he slipped the arrow back into his quiver. “Of course. I figured we won't have long before they notice we are gone.” Turning back to her with a smile, he quickly mounted his horse, refusing to insult her by helping her on her own. She was a Leventi, one who was riding before she was walking. There was no reason for him to pretend she needed him in that way. Instead, he waited until she was in her seat and clicked his tongue, turning the horse towards the open doors. Waiting for her to get beside him, he started headed, knowing they would have to walk through the city before they could really run the beasts.
“I don't think I apologized for that day in my study.” He said, unable to deny that they needed the alone time. “I am sorry you had to see it.” She knew his anger, knew how openly he felt things. And she knew just how much he longed for the respect of his father. His death hit him harder than he expected it to, and she witnessed the rawness of it. And she had been injured because of it. “I am…” he struggled to find the words, truly feeling utterly alone in this. “Coping.”
He wondered if she'd recognize the lie.
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As he leaned against the stall, he found himself wondering if she would come at all. They had found themselves in a rocky place, mostly because of his insistence of keeping her away until the wedding happened. He remember Fotios’ threat, knew that he would find himself too ready to demand that she run away with him and ruin the rest of her family. He thought of their dream, of hiding in the woods together with no one to stop them, and found himself wishing for it more and more.
He should have run with her, should have insisted they leave and damn the consequences. Even as duty bound as they both felt, their love had meant more, right? It felt like it had, as each moment blended into the next of blissful happiness. Emilios tried to think on a time when it was happy-- even when they fought, the passion bubbles under the surface. All it took was a fierce grip and they were taking their anger out on each other sexually.
That was gone, too.
If he'd gone blind, he would have known the sound of her approach. Her steps, no matter the pace or pressure, carried a melodic tune. It was as if there were soft tympanic material stretched beyond each step. He didn't have to turn to know that she was pushing though the doors. He did look up as she came into view, and he forgot for a moment how to breathe. It had been so long since he'd seen her like this-- the memory of the last time was painful. The excitement in her face was electric, hair a bit out of place from the quick pace of her journey. He stepped forward, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear before he realized his place.
Damn it.
Clearing his throat, he slipped the arrow back into his quiver. “Of course. I figured we won't have long before they notice we are gone.” Turning back to her with a smile, he quickly mounted his horse, refusing to insult her by helping her on her own. She was a Leventi, one who was riding before she was walking. There was no reason for him to pretend she needed him in that way. Instead, he waited until she was in her seat and clicked his tongue, turning the horse towards the open doors. Waiting for her to get beside him, he started headed, knowing they would have to walk through the city before they could really run the beasts.
“I don't think I apologized for that day in my study.” He said, unable to deny that they needed the alone time. “I am sorry you had to see it.” She knew his anger, knew how openly he felt things. And she knew just how much he longed for the respect of his father. His death hit him harder than he expected it to, and she witnessed the rawness of it. And she had been injured because of it. “I am…” he struggled to find the words, truly feeling utterly alone in this. “Coping.”
He wondered if she'd recognize the lie.
As he leaned against the stall, he found himself wondering if she would come at all. They had found themselves in a rocky place, mostly because of his insistence of keeping her away until the wedding happened. He remember Fotios’ threat, knew that he would find himself too ready to demand that she run away with him and ruin the rest of her family. He thought of their dream, of hiding in the woods together with no one to stop them, and found himself wishing for it more and more.
He should have run with her, should have insisted they leave and damn the consequences. Even as duty bound as they both felt, their love had meant more, right? It felt like it had, as each moment blended into the next of blissful happiness. Emilios tried to think on a time when it was happy-- even when they fought, the passion bubbles under the surface. All it took was a fierce grip and they were taking their anger out on each other sexually.
That was gone, too.
If he'd gone blind, he would have known the sound of her approach. Her steps, no matter the pace or pressure, carried a melodic tune. It was as if there were soft tympanic material stretched beyond each step. He didn't have to turn to know that she was pushing though the doors. He did look up as she came into view, and he forgot for a moment how to breathe. It had been so long since he'd seen her like this-- the memory of the last time was painful. The excitement in her face was electric, hair a bit out of place from the quick pace of her journey. He stepped forward, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear before he realized his place.
Damn it.
Clearing his throat, he slipped the arrow back into his quiver. “Of course. I figured we won't have long before they notice we are gone.” Turning back to her with a smile, he quickly mounted his horse, refusing to insult her by helping her on her own. She was a Leventi, one who was riding before she was walking. There was no reason for him to pretend she needed him in that way. Instead, he waited until she was in her seat and clicked his tongue, turning the horse towards the open doors. Waiting for her to get beside him, he started headed, knowing they would have to walk through the city before they could really run the beasts.
“I don't think I apologized for that day in my study.” He said, unable to deny that they needed the alone time. “I am sorry you had to see it.” She knew his anger, knew how openly he felt things. And she knew just how much he longed for the respect of his father. His death hit him harder than he expected it to, and she witnessed the rawness of it. And she had been injured because of it. “I am…” he struggled to find the words, truly feeling utterly alone in this. “Coping.”
He wondered if she'd recognize the lie.
Fingers clutched in the fabric of her chiton as his fingers brushed her hair back, her lip momentarily pulled between her teeth. It was a familiar touch, a thoughtless gesture he’d performed hundreds of times before. But now, it was too familiar, the brush of his skin on hers, however brief, threatening to ignite a flame she had forced herself to stomp out.
Even smoldering ash could blaze again.
Luckily for them both, he took a step back and the moment was gone, releasing her breath as if a vice had loosened around her chest. How could she maintain control when such a simple touch threatened to send her reeling? Inwardly, she cursed the gods for their part in this, for whatever forces drove them apart only to force them back together again. What manner of game, what depth of cruelty could provoke such agony, and what had she done to deserve it? Why was it so hard to simply do what was right?
Hesitantly returning the smile he gave her, Theodora watched for a moment as he mounted his horse, the smooth motion that hoisted him onto the animal’s back. She could imagine the bunching of his muscles as his legs clutched the horse’s sides, the feel of his arm at her waist as they rode together across the lush countryside…
Here she was again, losing herself in impossible daydreams. Their choices had been made. They couldn’t be unmade now.
Shaking it off, she mounted her own horse, a spirited mare with grey dapples whom she’d favored since adolescence. Named Calista for the exquisite beauty of the young filly she’d once been, Theo had bonded with her instantly and insisted on training the horse herself. Because of that, their connection was practically instinctual, and though the mare advanced in age, she still bore her mistress with the same pride she had for years.
A nudge of her heel set the horse in motion so they came up beside Emilios and his mount, their pace slow at first as they set off into the city. It was early yet, and not many were awake, a calm quiet spread through the streets along with the morning dew. Part of her wished that it wasn’t so silent, that they could use the excuse of the city noise to keep from speaking, that they might simply forget the tension between them and just enjoy the ride.
Of course, that was not to be.
She stiffened slightly at his apology, eyes flashing as she remembered that day in the study—the bookcase falling on her and the horrified look on his face as he sought to rescue her. The room’s destruction was the action of a rash young boy, a temper tantrum that was unbecoming of a man of his status. But she knew how deeply Emilios felt things, such a stark contrast to the cool and even head of his brother. It was part of what drew her to him so fiercely, the fact that he was so unapologetically himself, and never felt the need to hide from her, even in his most vulnerable moments.
Her single nod was a tacit acceptance of his apology, one that should have happened a long time ago. Then again, they hadn’t been alone much since, and shouldn’t have been alone then. When would he have had the chance to say it?
Stop rationalizing, Theo. This will all be so much easier if you simply stay mad.
But she couldn’t, not when it came to him.
I am… coping.
Of course, she knew the lie for what it was; she knew him too well to call it anything but. “Aren’t we all?” she murmured in a voice that was almost snatched by the breeze. “It was a… difficult day.”
She referred to the day of her wedding, also the day of his father’s death. He faced more than one loss that day, and even if she was caught up in the middle of it, all she wanted was to go to him, to soothe the pain away, assure him everything would be fine. But it wasn’t. And it wouldn’t be. As long as this went on, nothing would be fine again.
“But you can’t cope with pain through destruction,” she said, a touch of reprimand in her voice. “You will be the one destroyed in the end. And anyone else you try to take down with you.”
She veiled her words as best she could, but her meaning was clear enough. His behavior that day was reckless, in more ways than one. She couldn’t be the one to take his hurt away any more, no matter how much she might wish to. Gods, but how she wished to…
Clearing her throat, she shook her head. This wasn’t what she wanted when she agreed to meet him. She didn’t want to linger on past wrongs or listen to apologies that would soften her heart. She had to stay strong. She couldn’t let him back in. Not without risking everything.
Her grin was half-hearted as she looked over at him. “Come on. We have more important things to worry about now.” Her smile turned a little more genuine as they reached the edge of the market, a well-beaten path verging off into the tamer wilds that bordered Vasiliadon. “Like me kicking your ass!”
There was a mischievous glint in her eyes at last as she kicked her horse into a run, waving innocently as the mare galloped past him.
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Fingers clutched in the fabric of her chiton as his fingers brushed her hair back, her lip momentarily pulled between her teeth. It was a familiar touch, a thoughtless gesture he’d performed hundreds of times before. But now, it was too familiar, the brush of his skin on hers, however brief, threatening to ignite a flame she had forced herself to stomp out.
Even smoldering ash could blaze again.
Luckily for them both, he took a step back and the moment was gone, releasing her breath as if a vice had loosened around her chest. How could she maintain control when such a simple touch threatened to send her reeling? Inwardly, she cursed the gods for their part in this, for whatever forces drove them apart only to force them back together again. What manner of game, what depth of cruelty could provoke such agony, and what had she done to deserve it? Why was it so hard to simply do what was right?
Hesitantly returning the smile he gave her, Theodora watched for a moment as he mounted his horse, the smooth motion that hoisted him onto the animal’s back. She could imagine the bunching of his muscles as his legs clutched the horse’s sides, the feel of his arm at her waist as they rode together across the lush countryside…
Here she was again, losing herself in impossible daydreams. Their choices had been made. They couldn’t be unmade now.
Shaking it off, she mounted her own horse, a spirited mare with grey dapples whom she’d favored since adolescence. Named Calista for the exquisite beauty of the young filly she’d once been, Theo had bonded with her instantly and insisted on training the horse herself. Because of that, their connection was practically instinctual, and though the mare advanced in age, she still bore her mistress with the same pride she had for years.
A nudge of her heel set the horse in motion so they came up beside Emilios and his mount, their pace slow at first as they set off into the city. It was early yet, and not many were awake, a calm quiet spread through the streets along with the morning dew. Part of her wished that it wasn’t so silent, that they could use the excuse of the city noise to keep from speaking, that they might simply forget the tension between them and just enjoy the ride.
Of course, that was not to be.
She stiffened slightly at his apology, eyes flashing as she remembered that day in the study—the bookcase falling on her and the horrified look on his face as he sought to rescue her. The room’s destruction was the action of a rash young boy, a temper tantrum that was unbecoming of a man of his status. But she knew how deeply Emilios felt things, such a stark contrast to the cool and even head of his brother. It was part of what drew her to him so fiercely, the fact that he was so unapologetically himself, and never felt the need to hide from her, even in his most vulnerable moments.
Her single nod was a tacit acceptance of his apology, one that should have happened a long time ago. Then again, they hadn’t been alone much since, and shouldn’t have been alone then. When would he have had the chance to say it?
Stop rationalizing, Theo. This will all be so much easier if you simply stay mad.
But she couldn’t, not when it came to him.
I am… coping.
Of course, she knew the lie for what it was; she knew him too well to call it anything but. “Aren’t we all?” she murmured in a voice that was almost snatched by the breeze. “It was a… difficult day.”
She referred to the day of her wedding, also the day of his father’s death. He faced more than one loss that day, and even if she was caught up in the middle of it, all she wanted was to go to him, to soothe the pain away, assure him everything would be fine. But it wasn’t. And it wouldn’t be. As long as this went on, nothing would be fine again.
“But you can’t cope with pain through destruction,” she said, a touch of reprimand in her voice. “You will be the one destroyed in the end. And anyone else you try to take down with you.”
She veiled her words as best she could, but her meaning was clear enough. His behavior that day was reckless, in more ways than one. She couldn’t be the one to take his hurt away any more, no matter how much she might wish to. Gods, but how she wished to…
Clearing her throat, she shook her head. This wasn’t what she wanted when she agreed to meet him. She didn’t want to linger on past wrongs or listen to apologies that would soften her heart. She had to stay strong. She couldn’t let him back in. Not without risking everything.
Her grin was half-hearted as she looked over at him. “Come on. We have more important things to worry about now.” Her smile turned a little more genuine as they reached the edge of the market, a well-beaten path verging off into the tamer wilds that bordered Vasiliadon. “Like me kicking your ass!”
There was a mischievous glint in her eyes at last as she kicked her horse into a run, waving innocently as the mare galloped past him.
Fingers clutched in the fabric of her chiton as his fingers brushed her hair back, her lip momentarily pulled between her teeth. It was a familiar touch, a thoughtless gesture he’d performed hundreds of times before. But now, it was too familiar, the brush of his skin on hers, however brief, threatening to ignite a flame she had forced herself to stomp out.
Even smoldering ash could blaze again.
Luckily for them both, he took a step back and the moment was gone, releasing her breath as if a vice had loosened around her chest. How could she maintain control when such a simple touch threatened to send her reeling? Inwardly, she cursed the gods for their part in this, for whatever forces drove them apart only to force them back together again. What manner of game, what depth of cruelty could provoke such agony, and what had she done to deserve it? Why was it so hard to simply do what was right?
Hesitantly returning the smile he gave her, Theodora watched for a moment as he mounted his horse, the smooth motion that hoisted him onto the animal’s back. She could imagine the bunching of his muscles as his legs clutched the horse’s sides, the feel of his arm at her waist as they rode together across the lush countryside…
Here she was again, losing herself in impossible daydreams. Their choices had been made. They couldn’t be unmade now.
Shaking it off, she mounted her own horse, a spirited mare with grey dapples whom she’d favored since adolescence. Named Calista for the exquisite beauty of the young filly she’d once been, Theo had bonded with her instantly and insisted on training the horse herself. Because of that, their connection was practically instinctual, and though the mare advanced in age, she still bore her mistress with the same pride she had for years.
A nudge of her heel set the horse in motion so they came up beside Emilios and his mount, their pace slow at first as they set off into the city. It was early yet, and not many were awake, a calm quiet spread through the streets along with the morning dew. Part of her wished that it wasn’t so silent, that they could use the excuse of the city noise to keep from speaking, that they might simply forget the tension between them and just enjoy the ride.
Of course, that was not to be.
She stiffened slightly at his apology, eyes flashing as she remembered that day in the study—the bookcase falling on her and the horrified look on his face as he sought to rescue her. The room’s destruction was the action of a rash young boy, a temper tantrum that was unbecoming of a man of his status. But she knew how deeply Emilios felt things, such a stark contrast to the cool and even head of his brother. It was part of what drew her to him so fiercely, the fact that he was so unapologetically himself, and never felt the need to hide from her, even in his most vulnerable moments.
Her single nod was a tacit acceptance of his apology, one that should have happened a long time ago. Then again, they hadn’t been alone much since, and shouldn’t have been alone then. When would he have had the chance to say it?
Stop rationalizing, Theo. This will all be so much easier if you simply stay mad.
But she couldn’t, not when it came to him.
I am… coping.
Of course, she knew the lie for what it was; she knew him too well to call it anything but. “Aren’t we all?” she murmured in a voice that was almost snatched by the breeze. “It was a… difficult day.”
She referred to the day of her wedding, also the day of his father’s death. He faced more than one loss that day, and even if she was caught up in the middle of it, all she wanted was to go to him, to soothe the pain away, assure him everything would be fine. But it wasn’t. And it wouldn’t be. As long as this went on, nothing would be fine again.
“But you can’t cope with pain through destruction,” she said, a touch of reprimand in her voice. “You will be the one destroyed in the end. And anyone else you try to take down with you.”
She veiled her words as best she could, but her meaning was clear enough. His behavior that day was reckless, in more ways than one. She couldn’t be the one to take his hurt away any more, no matter how much she might wish to. Gods, but how she wished to…
Clearing her throat, she shook her head. This wasn’t what she wanted when she agreed to meet him. She didn’t want to linger on past wrongs or listen to apologies that would soften her heart. She had to stay strong. She couldn’t let him back in. Not without risking everything.
Her grin was half-hearted as she looked over at him. “Come on. We have more important things to worry about now.” Her smile turned a little more genuine as they reached the edge of the market, a well-beaten path verging off into the tamer wilds that bordered Vasiliadon. “Like me kicking your ass!”
There was a mischievous glint in her eyes at last as she kicked her horse into a run, waving innocently as the mare galloped past him.
He had to stop himself from trying to make more of the glances than they were. He had thought he saw her hand move upward, perhaps moving to reach out to his hand. Or maybe it had been moving to pull it from its place. But he made the point to remove his hand before his heart broke again. Emilios was ready to be on their way, to have the physical distance of their horses between them.
It would make it harder to smell the oils she used. The ones that he could no longer smell on his pillow, faded with time.
Perhaps that had been the reason he’d asked her to ride with him that morning. He wanted to try and start things fresh between them. They had been friends and lovers, but neither had known how to act when they were now family. And it was only made worse because they had longed to be family for months. But the connection of husband and wife had been their dreams, not brother and sister. Neither had ever considered the possibility that they would not be married.
Nothing else made sense.
None of this made sense.
He was glad that he said it, glad that she seemed to forgive him for his actions. Yes, it certainly had been childish. But it had come from years of disappointment and sorrow. It came from the realization that he would never get the chance to make his father proud. It came from having to accept that his brother had married his soulmate. It came from the crushing realization that he would have to deal with so much alone. Like most explosive reactions, it came from a selfish place.
He was not sorry for how he acted. But he was sorry that she’d been injured from it. He was sorry that she had to witness it. Her reminder that it had been a difficult day felt like a gross understatement. He had to stand by and watch her wed his brother, unable to interject without sending her sisters into ruin. He had to watch his brother take the one thing he had loved. And then he chose that time to confront her, only to have his father die. He was just glad that it was behind them, that they could move on.
Emilios was about to reply to her concerns, to open up to her and really tell her how he was feeling. To let her know that the white hot anger he felt with his father was only damped by the desperation in his soul at the loss of her-- and that it was easier to destroy than it was to admit defeat. She had wanted him to fight for them, but it seemed if all he could fight was the truth.
As soon as soon as the streets widened, she was grinning and teasing him. Her horse was kicked into motion with a challenge on the lips of the Queen. The corners of his mouth turned upwards, and he was kicking his own stallion to a run as well. His mind wanted to capture the image of her in motion. Her eyes had been bright at the starting of their race, body hovering above the staddle as she moved, hair pulling out of its bun as she took off.
He knew that his invitation would not result in a won race for him. She was a Leventi, and riding horses was more natural than breathing for them. Her sister had beaten Zacharias in a race that permanently established the ability of the women of the house. He hadn’t written her to win-- it had been to provide them both with an outlet for their feelings. He preferred shooting to riding, when he needed to really clear his head, but she would find this a better option.
He trailed behind her, but not by far. The two horses sprinted towards the hills of the city, the only sound that could be heard was the thunder of the horse’s feet and the laughter on his lips as he finally relaxed a bit.
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He had to stop himself from trying to make more of the glances than they were. He had thought he saw her hand move upward, perhaps moving to reach out to his hand. Or maybe it had been moving to pull it from its place. But he made the point to remove his hand before his heart broke again. Emilios was ready to be on their way, to have the physical distance of their horses between them.
It would make it harder to smell the oils she used. The ones that he could no longer smell on his pillow, faded with time.
Perhaps that had been the reason he’d asked her to ride with him that morning. He wanted to try and start things fresh between them. They had been friends and lovers, but neither had known how to act when they were now family. And it was only made worse because they had longed to be family for months. But the connection of husband and wife had been their dreams, not brother and sister. Neither had ever considered the possibility that they would not be married.
Nothing else made sense.
None of this made sense.
He was glad that he said it, glad that she seemed to forgive him for his actions. Yes, it certainly had been childish. But it had come from years of disappointment and sorrow. It came from the realization that he would never get the chance to make his father proud. It came from having to accept that his brother had married his soulmate. It came from the crushing realization that he would have to deal with so much alone. Like most explosive reactions, it came from a selfish place.
He was not sorry for how he acted. But he was sorry that she’d been injured from it. He was sorry that she had to witness it. Her reminder that it had been a difficult day felt like a gross understatement. He had to stand by and watch her wed his brother, unable to interject without sending her sisters into ruin. He had to watch his brother take the one thing he had loved. And then he chose that time to confront her, only to have his father die. He was just glad that it was behind them, that they could move on.
Emilios was about to reply to her concerns, to open up to her and really tell her how he was feeling. To let her know that the white hot anger he felt with his father was only damped by the desperation in his soul at the loss of her-- and that it was easier to destroy than it was to admit defeat. She had wanted him to fight for them, but it seemed if all he could fight was the truth.
As soon as soon as the streets widened, she was grinning and teasing him. Her horse was kicked into motion with a challenge on the lips of the Queen. The corners of his mouth turned upwards, and he was kicking his own stallion to a run as well. His mind wanted to capture the image of her in motion. Her eyes had been bright at the starting of their race, body hovering above the staddle as she moved, hair pulling out of its bun as she took off.
He knew that his invitation would not result in a won race for him. She was a Leventi, and riding horses was more natural than breathing for them. Her sister had beaten Zacharias in a race that permanently established the ability of the women of the house. He hadn’t written her to win-- it had been to provide them both with an outlet for their feelings. He preferred shooting to riding, when he needed to really clear his head, but she would find this a better option.
He trailed behind her, but not by far. The two horses sprinted towards the hills of the city, the only sound that could be heard was the thunder of the horse’s feet and the laughter on his lips as he finally relaxed a bit.
He had to stop himself from trying to make more of the glances than they were. He had thought he saw her hand move upward, perhaps moving to reach out to his hand. Or maybe it had been moving to pull it from its place. But he made the point to remove his hand before his heart broke again. Emilios was ready to be on their way, to have the physical distance of their horses between them.
It would make it harder to smell the oils she used. The ones that he could no longer smell on his pillow, faded with time.
Perhaps that had been the reason he’d asked her to ride with him that morning. He wanted to try and start things fresh between them. They had been friends and lovers, but neither had known how to act when they were now family. And it was only made worse because they had longed to be family for months. But the connection of husband and wife had been their dreams, not brother and sister. Neither had ever considered the possibility that they would not be married.
Nothing else made sense.
None of this made sense.
He was glad that he said it, glad that she seemed to forgive him for his actions. Yes, it certainly had been childish. But it had come from years of disappointment and sorrow. It came from the realization that he would never get the chance to make his father proud. It came from having to accept that his brother had married his soulmate. It came from the crushing realization that he would have to deal with so much alone. Like most explosive reactions, it came from a selfish place.
He was not sorry for how he acted. But he was sorry that she’d been injured from it. He was sorry that she had to witness it. Her reminder that it had been a difficult day felt like a gross understatement. He had to stand by and watch her wed his brother, unable to interject without sending her sisters into ruin. He had to watch his brother take the one thing he had loved. And then he chose that time to confront her, only to have his father die. He was just glad that it was behind them, that they could move on.
Emilios was about to reply to her concerns, to open up to her and really tell her how he was feeling. To let her know that the white hot anger he felt with his father was only damped by the desperation in his soul at the loss of her-- and that it was easier to destroy than it was to admit defeat. She had wanted him to fight for them, but it seemed if all he could fight was the truth.
As soon as soon as the streets widened, she was grinning and teasing him. Her horse was kicked into motion with a challenge on the lips of the Queen. The corners of his mouth turned upwards, and he was kicking his own stallion to a run as well. His mind wanted to capture the image of her in motion. Her eyes had been bright at the starting of their race, body hovering above the staddle as she moved, hair pulling out of its bun as she took off.
He knew that his invitation would not result in a won race for him. She was a Leventi, and riding horses was more natural than breathing for them. Her sister had beaten Zacharias in a race that permanently established the ability of the women of the house. He hadn’t written her to win-- it had been to provide them both with an outlet for their feelings. He preferred shooting to riding, when he needed to really clear his head, but she would find this a better option.
He trailed behind her, but not by far. The two horses sprinted towards the hills of the city, the only sound that could be heard was the thunder of the horse’s feet and the laughter on his lips as he finally relaxed a bit.
Finally, she felt herself relax, the morning winds rushing through her hair as she let herself be soothed by the movements of the horse beneath her. Theodora and Calista were as one in that moment, the horse an extension of the rider and vice versa. The mare responded to even the most minute of her commands, speeding up even further at the slight squeeze of her knees. It was as if the horse could read her mind, and as Theo let go, so did she.
The sun was just barely starting to paint the sky as they rode for the hillside, Apollo’s chariot tugging the ball of fire in a smooth, slow arc. Cerulean sky merged with soft lavender and fuchsia, little tufts of clouds forming with the awakening of the sun. It was a stunning portrait of Taengea in autumn, the decaying grass and leaf litter crunching beneath their horses’ hooves. Brilliant tones of red and orange colored the trees they passed, and Theo felt her heart lighten with the beauty of the morning they rode into.
All seemed well as the pair raced side by side, Emilios occasionally overtaking her on his younger mount. Each time he passed, her eyes narrowed in playful challenge, spurring Calista on with whispered promises of all the apples she could eat. Everything seemed just as it should be, their outing serving its intended purpose of relieving the burdens from her mind. Everything seemed right, that is, until it wasn’t.
Calista drew to a sudden halt, her eyes rolling to show the whites all around. Rearing up with a nervous whinny, Theo’s legs clutched tighter around the horse’s abdomen and leaned forward to grasp her neck. “Calm down, girl!” she begged as the mare reared again, pawing the ground in front of her as a snake slithered by. It amazed Theo that such things still spooked her, but such was the nature of beasts of burden. No matter the training, an animal’s prey instinct could never quite be stamped out.
It seemed like the mare was under control for a moment, snorting and shaking her head. Theo patted her neck in a soothing motion, shushing her with soft words of encouragement. However, another rustle in the leaves only spooked her again—rearing up, bolting off, and throwing her rider from the saddle all in one smooth motion.
The Queen was more shocked than anything as she hit the ground with an abrupt thud, the brunt of her impact forcing a cry from her lips. The skirt of her chiton snagged itself on some deadwood, the fabric ripping as she sought to pry it free. “Damn it,” she muttered under breath when she yanked it away, a bit of blood seeping through the remaining silk. Pushing the skirt above her knee, she grimaced at the scrapes she found there, dabbing at them with the fabric that tore off.
Nothing was more hurt than her pride, however; a Leventi thrown from the saddle was nigh on sacrilege. Of course, she had fallen off her horse before—she doubted any true horseman or woman could say they hadn’t. But to do it in front of somebody else, someone whose ass she had just bragged about kicking… Freckled cheeks were stained red with embarrassment, her face sheepish as she looked up toward Emilios.
“I’d just like to say I was in the lead before Calista threw me,” she joked weakly, doing her best to divert any concern he may have had. “Does this mean I won?”
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Finally, she felt herself relax, the morning winds rushing through her hair as she let herself be soothed by the movements of the horse beneath her. Theodora and Calista were as one in that moment, the horse an extension of the rider and vice versa. The mare responded to even the most minute of her commands, speeding up even further at the slight squeeze of her knees. It was as if the horse could read her mind, and as Theo let go, so did she.
The sun was just barely starting to paint the sky as they rode for the hillside, Apollo’s chariot tugging the ball of fire in a smooth, slow arc. Cerulean sky merged with soft lavender and fuchsia, little tufts of clouds forming with the awakening of the sun. It was a stunning portrait of Taengea in autumn, the decaying grass and leaf litter crunching beneath their horses’ hooves. Brilliant tones of red and orange colored the trees they passed, and Theo felt her heart lighten with the beauty of the morning they rode into.
All seemed well as the pair raced side by side, Emilios occasionally overtaking her on his younger mount. Each time he passed, her eyes narrowed in playful challenge, spurring Calista on with whispered promises of all the apples she could eat. Everything seemed just as it should be, their outing serving its intended purpose of relieving the burdens from her mind. Everything seemed right, that is, until it wasn’t.
Calista drew to a sudden halt, her eyes rolling to show the whites all around. Rearing up with a nervous whinny, Theo’s legs clutched tighter around the horse’s abdomen and leaned forward to grasp her neck. “Calm down, girl!” she begged as the mare reared again, pawing the ground in front of her as a snake slithered by. It amazed Theo that such things still spooked her, but such was the nature of beasts of burden. No matter the training, an animal’s prey instinct could never quite be stamped out.
It seemed like the mare was under control for a moment, snorting and shaking her head. Theo patted her neck in a soothing motion, shushing her with soft words of encouragement. However, another rustle in the leaves only spooked her again—rearing up, bolting off, and throwing her rider from the saddle all in one smooth motion.
The Queen was more shocked than anything as she hit the ground with an abrupt thud, the brunt of her impact forcing a cry from her lips. The skirt of her chiton snagged itself on some deadwood, the fabric ripping as she sought to pry it free. “Damn it,” she muttered under breath when she yanked it away, a bit of blood seeping through the remaining silk. Pushing the skirt above her knee, she grimaced at the scrapes she found there, dabbing at them with the fabric that tore off.
Nothing was more hurt than her pride, however; a Leventi thrown from the saddle was nigh on sacrilege. Of course, she had fallen off her horse before—she doubted any true horseman or woman could say they hadn’t. But to do it in front of somebody else, someone whose ass she had just bragged about kicking… Freckled cheeks were stained red with embarrassment, her face sheepish as she looked up toward Emilios.
“I’d just like to say I was in the lead before Calista threw me,” she joked weakly, doing her best to divert any concern he may have had. “Does this mean I won?”
Finally, she felt herself relax, the morning winds rushing through her hair as she let herself be soothed by the movements of the horse beneath her. Theodora and Calista were as one in that moment, the horse an extension of the rider and vice versa. The mare responded to even the most minute of her commands, speeding up even further at the slight squeeze of her knees. It was as if the horse could read her mind, and as Theo let go, so did she.
The sun was just barely starting to paint the sky as they rode for the hillside, Apollo’s chariot tugging the ball of fire in a smooth, slow arc. Cerulean sky merged with soft lavender and fuchsia, little tufts of clouds forming with the awakening of the sun. It was a stunning portrait of Taengea in autumn, the decaying grass and leaf litter crunching beneath their horses’ hooves. Brilliant tones of red and orange colored the trees they passed, and Theo felt her heart lighten with the beauty of the morning they rode into.
All seemed well as the pair raced side by side, Emilios occasionally overtaking her on his younger mount. Each time he passed, her eyes narrowed in playful challenge, spurring Calista on with whispered promises of all the apples she could eat. Everything seemed just as it should be, their outing serving its intended purpose of relieving the burdens from her mind. Everything seemed right, that is, until it wasn’t.
Calista drew to a sudden halt, her eyes rolling to show the whites all around. Rearing up with a nervous whinny, Theo’s legs clutched tighter around the horse’s abdomen and leaned forward to grasp her neck. “Calm down, girl!” she begged as the mare reared again, pawing the ground in front of her as a snake slithered by. It amazed Theo that such things still spooked her, but such was the nature of beasts of burden. No matter the training, an animal’s prey instinct could never quite be stamped out.
It seemed like the mare was under control for a moment, snorting and shaking her head. Theo patted her neck in a soothing motion, shushing her with soft words of encouragement. However, another rustle in the leaves only spooked her again—rearing up, bolting off, and throwing her rider from the saddle all in one smooth motion.
The Queen was more shocked than anything as she hit the ground with an abrupt thud, the brunt of her impact forcing a cry from her lips. The skirt of her chiton snagged itself on some deadwood, the fabric ripping as she sought to pry it free. “Damn it,” she muttered under breath when she yanked it away, a bit of blood seeping through the remaining silk. Pushing the skirt above her knee, she grimaced at the scrapes she found there, dabbing at them with the fabric that tore off.
Nothing was more hurt than her pride, however; a Leventi thrown from the saddle was nigh on sacrilege. Of course, she had fallen off her horse before—she doubted any true horseman or woman could say they hadn’t. But to do it in front of somebody else, someone whose ass she had just bragged about kicking… Freckled cheeks were stained red with embarrassment, her face sheepish as she looked up toward Emilios.
“I’d just like to say I was in the lead before Calista threw me,” she joked weakly, doing her best to divert any concern he may have had. “Does this mean I won?”
It was always amazing to watch the transformation of her. In one moment, she was the perfect Queen, elegant and poised. In the next, she was his Theo, a mess of laughter and curls and pure joy. It was the same transformation that happened prior to her wedding, only the Leventi mantle was the one that dropped the second they disappeared into the woods by themselves. It was as if she was a butterfly, hidden away from the world, waiting for the time to come out and fly.
Gods, it was almost impossible not to remember every single reason he fell in love with her when she was like this.
He loved this game, loved chasing her through the forest from this distance, overtaking her to then have the expert riding take back the lead as they let the stress of the past few weeks melt away into each hoofbeat. Nothing else mattered by the idea of getting away with as much speed as they could muster. There was nothing said between them, only the occasional laughter as they found themselves lost in the landscape.
He’d let her take the lead, let her stop worrying about keeping up with him and just let her find a bit of peace in the ride. It was as he slowed down his horse that he heard her trying to regain control of her own aging mare. From what he could see, it appeared as if everything was back to normal. But the sound of him breaking through the brush must have set if off again and Theo tumbled from her horse onto the ground.
Emilios slipped from his saddle to his feet, rushing to her side only to stop short of dropping to his knees. As he stood over her, hands on his hips, he couldn’t help but chuckle a little at her question. “I suppose you can claim the victory.” The only thing he was genuinely concerned for was her potential bruised pride. Leventis never were tossed from their saddles, unless they were breaking a horse. The poor mare must have been spooked by something, which could have unseated even the best rider. “Here, let me help you up.” He offered her his hand, waiting for her to slip hers into his.
Pulling her up, he didn’t take into account the uneven ground, nor did he think about the amount of force he used to get her to her feet. Even though she was feather light, the motion caused him to rock back on his feet. To counterbalance it, he stepped forward, but that meant that he was far closer to Theo than he intended. Their chests bumped into each other, the force threatening to send her back onto the ground. Instinctively, his hand wrapped around her waist, eager to keep her on her feet.
Pressed together, his eyes were staring down at her. “Are you alright?” There was no denying the way his heart was racing now, or the sudden smell of her so close to him.
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It was always amazing to watch the transformation of her. In one moment, she was the perfect Queen, elegant and poised. In the next, she was his Theo, a mess of laughter and curls and pure joy. It was the same transformation that happened prior to her wedding, only the Leventi mantle was the one that dropped the second they disappeared into the woods by themselves. It was as if she was a butterfly, hidden away from the world, waiting for the time to come out and fly.
Gods, it was almost impossible not to remember every single reason he fell in love with her when she was like this.
He loved this game, loved chasing her through the forest from this distance, overtaking her to then have the expert riding take back the lead as they let the stress of the past few weeks melt away into each hoofbeat. Nothing else mattered by the idea of getting away with as much speed as they could muster. There was nothing said between them, only the occasional laughter as they found themselves lost in the landscape.
He’d let her take the lead, let her stop worrying about keeping up with him and just let her find a bit of peace in the ride. It was as he slowed down his horse that he heard her trying to regain control of her own aging mare. From what he could see, it appeared as if everything was back to normal. But the sound of him breaking through the brush must have set if off again and Theo tumbled from her horse onto the ground.
Emilios slipped from his saddle to his feet, rushing to her side only to stop short of dropping to his knees. As he stood over her, hands on his hips, he couldn’t help but chuckle a little at her question. “I suppose you can claim the victory.” The only thing he was genuinely concerned for was her potential bruised pride. Leventis never were tossed from their saddles, unless they were breaking a horse. The poor mare must have been spooked by something, which could have unseated even the best rider. “Here, let me help you up.” He offered her his hand, waiting for her to slip hers into his.
Pulling her up, he didn’t take into account the uneven ground, nor did he think about the amount of force he used to get her to her feet. Even though she was feather light, the motion caused him to rock back on his feet. To counterbalance it, he stepped forward, but that meant that he was far closer to Theo than he intended. Their chests bumped into each other, the force threatening to send her back onto the ground. Instinctively, his hand wrapped around her waist, eager to keep her on her feet.
Pressed together, his eyes were staring down at her. “Are you alright?” There was no denying the way his heart was racing now, or the sudden smell of her so close to him.
It was always amazing to watch the transformation of her. In one moment, she was the perfect Queen, elegant and poised. In the next, she was his Theo, a mess of laughter and curls and pure joy. It was the same transformation that happened prior to her wedding, only the Leventi mantle was the one that dropped the second they disappeared into the woods by themselves. It was as if she was a butterfly, hidden away from the world, waiting for the time to come out and fly.
Gods, it was almost impossible not to remember every single reason he fell in love with her when she was like this.
He loved this game, loved chasing her through the forest from this distance, overtaking her to then have the expert riding take back the lead as they let the stress of the past few weeks melt away into each hoofbeat. Nothing else mattered by the idea of getting away with as much speed as they could muster. There was nothing said between them, only the occasional laughter as they found themselves lost in the landscape.
He’d let her take the lead, let her stop worrying about keeping up with him and just let her find a bit of peace in the ride. It was as he slowed down his horse that he heard her trying to regain control of her own aging mare. From what he could see, it appeared as if everything was back to normal. But the sound of him breaking through the brush must have set if off again and Theo tumbled from her horse onto the ground.
Emilios slipped from his saddle to his feet, rushing to her side only to stop short of dropping to his knees. As he stood over her, hands on his hips, he couldn’t help but chuckle a little at her question. “I suppose you can claim the victory.” The only thing he was genuinely concerned for was her potential bruised pride. Leventis never were tossed from their saddles, unless they were breaking a horse. The poor mare must have been spooked by something, which could have unseated even the best rider. “Here, let me help you up.” He offered her his hand, waiting for her to slip hers into his.
Pulling her up, he didn’t take into account the uneven ground, nor did he think about the amount of force he used to get her to her feet. Even though she was feather light, the motion caused him to rock back on his feet. To counterbalance it, he stepped forward, but that meant that he was far closer to Theo than he intended. Their chests bumped into each other, the force threatening to send her back onto the ground. Instinctively, his hand wrapped around her waist, eager to keep her on her feet.
Pressed together, his eyes were staring down at her. “Are you alright?” There was no denying the way his heart was racing now, or the sudden smell of her so close to him.
Theo offered a sheepish smile as Emilios conceded her victory, placing her hand in his when he offered to help her up. It was barely an effort for him to lift her, and clearly, he overcalculated the force he needed—nearly pitching her forward in an effort to keep her from going backward. As he compensated by stepping toward her, they collided, a motion which almost sent her sprawling once more. Another quick correction, and his arm was around her, and it was then the Queen forgot why they came out here in the first place.
Are you all right?
There was a breathless moment of time as they stood there, just looking at each other, Theo swallowing hard as she tried to remember why she should twist from his grasp and just pretend nothing happened. But as she stood there, caught up in his embrace and pressed flush to his chest, it was impossible not to notice the way his heart pounded against hers, the quickening of his breath, and the dilating of his eyes as they met her gaze. Her own heart stuttered to match the pace of his, lips parting as if to answer, but no words spilled forth.
The long moment of silence was finally interrupted by a whispered, “I’m fine.” Her mouth was suddenly dry, eyes unblinking as they locked with his. Yes, his embrace now had served to keep her from falling, but how many other times had he held her like this, stroked the hair back from her face before leaning in to claim a kiss? The posture was the same, as was the look in his eyes, and Theo knew she should push him away before they made their already complicated lives that much harder.
And yet…
She did not move from the circle of his arms as she turned her face to the side, gazing after her horse who now grazed peacefully some yards away. Snorting, she shook her head. “I suppose I ought to go fetch her,” she murmured before turning back to face him, and as soon as she did, she wished she hadn’t.
Gods, had she not dreamed of this? Their bodies pressed together, their breath intermingling as their hearts wove a smooth counterrhythm to the other? Even as she knew it was wrong, it hurt that it felt so right, and Theo was reluctant to step away.
“Emilios, I…” She trailed off, her hand raising as if to stroke his cheek, though she clenched her fingers at the last moment. Biting her lip, she fought to uncloud her mind, clearing her throat as she murmured, “We should probably head back.”
Still, she did not move.
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Theo offered a sheepish smile as Emilios conceded her victory, placing her hand in his when he offered to help her up. It was barely an effort for him to lift her, and clearly, he overcalculated the force he needed—nearly pitching her forward in an effort to keep her from going backward. As he compensated by stepping toward her, they collided, a motion which almost sent her sprawling once more. Another quick correction, and his arm was around her, and it was then the Queen forgot why they came out here in the first place.
Are you all right?
There was a breathless moment of time as they stood there, just looking at each other, Theo swallowing hard as she tried to remember why she should twist from his grasp and just pretend nothing happened. But as she stood there, caught up in his embrace and pressed flush to his chest, it was impossible not to notice the way his heart pounded against hers, the quickening of his breath, and the dilating of his eyes as they met her gaze. Her own heart stuttered to match the pace of his, lips parting as if to answer, but no words spilled forth.
The long moment of silence was finally interrupted by a whispered, “I’m fine.” Her mouth was suddenly dry, eyes unblinking as they locked with his. Yes, his embrace now had served to keep her from falling, but how many other times had he held her like this, stroked the hair back from her face before leaning in to claim a kiss? The posture was the same, as was the look in his eyes, and Theo knew she should push him away before they made their already complicated lives that much harder.
And yet…
She did not move from the circle of his arms as she turned her face to the side, gazing after her horse who now grazed peacefully some yards away. Snorting, she shook her head. “I suppose I ought to go fetch her,” she murmured before turning back to face him, and as soon as she did, she wished she hadn’t.
Gods, had she not dreamed of this? Their bodies pressed together, their breath intermingling as their hearts wove a smooth counterrhythm to the other? Even as she knew it was wrong, it hurt that it felt so right, and Theo was reluctant to step away.
“Emilios, I…” She trailed off, her hand raising as if to stroke his cheek, though she clenched her fingers at the last moment. Biting her lip, she fought to uncloud her mind, clearing her throat as she murmured, “We should probably head back.”
Still, she did not move.
Theo offered a sheepish smile as Emilios conceded her victory, placing her hand in his when he offered to help her up. It was barely an effort for him to lift her, and clearly, he overcalculated the force he needed—nearly pitching her forward in an effort to keep her from going backward. As he compensated by stepping toward her, they collided, a motion which almost sent her sprawling once more. Another quick correction, and his arm was around her, and it was then the Queen forgot why they came out here in the first place.
Are you all right?
There was a breathless moment of time as they stood there, just looking at each other, Theo swallowing hard as she tried to remember why she should twist from his grasp and just pretend nothing happened. But as she stood there, caught up in his embrace and pressed flush to his chest, it was impossible not to notice the way his heart pounded against hers, the quickening of his breath, and the dilating of his eyes as they met her gaze. Her own heart stuttered to match the pace of his, lips parting as if to answer, but no words spilled forth.
The long moment of silence was finally interrupted by a whispered, “I’m fine.” Her mouth was suddenly dry, eyes unblinking as they locked with his. Yes, his embrace now had served to keep her from falling, but how many other times had he held her like this, stroked the hair back from her face before leaning in to claim a kiss? The posture was the same, as was the look in his eyes, and Theo knew she should push him away before they made their already complicated lives that much harder.
And yet…
She did not move from the circle of his arms as she turned her face to the side, gazing after her horse who now grazed peacefully some yards away. Snorting, she shook her head. “I suppose I ought to go fetch her,” she murmured before turning back to face him, and as soon as she did, she wished she hadn’t.
Gods, had she not dreamed of this? Their bodies pressed together, their breath intermingling as their hearts wove a smooth counterrhythm to the other? Even as she knew it was wrong, it hurt that it felt so right, and Theo was reluctant to step away.
“Emilios, I…” She trailed off, her hand raising as if to stroke his cheek, though she clenched her fingers at the last moment. Biting her lip, she fought to uncloud her mind, clearing her throat as she murmured, “We should probably head back.”
Still, she did not move.
He tried not to think of the last time they were pushed together like this. Perhaps it was that day of the circus, where he had unknowingly taken his brother’s fiancee. That had to be it, and it was painful to think just how long he had gone without her. She was not his, and yet, holding her like this, it was easy for him to think that she was. His brother wasn’t here to woe her, to claim his prize. His fingers itched against her hip, knowing that she had been his first.
She was always supposed to be his.
Emilios had spent the past year learning her eyes. If he had a talent for painting, he was certain that he could have made a perfect piece of only the irises of her eyes. He knew each fleck of gold, each ebb and flow of one color into another. He knew the wide way they would get when she was surprised, or excited. And the more he learned of them, the more time he spent trying to see them, to make sure he had them right. Like this, he was reassured that he hadn’t forgotten them.
But they were not his to adore.
One arm was pulled from her side, moving to brush the curl back behind her ear. How easy would it have been to let his hand cup the curve of her cheek, for his thumb to brush against the round flesh, to dip his head to her mouth for a kiss? It would have felt so natural, as they had both been so used to it prior to a few months ago. As he looked down, a curl from his own head dropped into his eyes.
Could she feel the way his own heart was racing in time with hers? It was as if his heart had been suffering without its other half and now, so close to it, the beating had synced with hers. There was no way he would be left to believe that she hadn’t been crafted by the Gods just for him. And it was mostly his fault they weren’t together now. He registered what she said and yet, he didn’t pull away either. “You probably should.” He stood there for a moment, his head dropped down, lips within a breath of each other.
The whinny of her horse broke the spell, causing his hand to drop from her cheek back to the swell of her hip.
“Come on, I’ve got something I want to show you.” He said, moving back towards his horse. This time, he pulled the stallion to a low hanging tree, securing the reins to it. “It’s a short walk from here, if you think you can manage?” He didn’t offer his arm, afraid of what further contact would do to him now. He had to keep his distance, but needed her more than he was willing to say. Waiting till she was at his side, he stirred her towards the path. The walk was silent, tense but thankfully, it only last about 10 minutes. As they neared, he came up behind her, covering her eyes. “It’s a surprise.”
They walked for another minute, then he stopped her, “I know it won’t be the same.” He was slow to uncover her eyes, anxious to see her reaction.
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He tried not to think of the last time they were pushed together like this. Perhaps it was that day of the circus, where he had unknowingly taken his brother’s fiancee. That had to be it, and it was painful to think just how long he had gone without her. She was not his, and yet, holding her like this, it was easy for him to think that she was. His brother wasn’t here to woe her, to claim his prize. His fingers itched against her hip, knowing that she had been his first.
She was always supposed to be his.
Emilios had spent the past year learning her eyes. If he had a talent for painting, he was certain that he could have made a perfect piece of only the irises of her eyes. He knew each fleck of gold, each ebb and flow of one color into another. He knew the wide way they would get when she was surprised, or excited. And the more he learned of them, the more time he spent trying to see them, to make sure he had them right. Like this, he was reassured that he hadn’t forgotten them.
But they were not his to adore.
One arm was pulled from her side, moving to brush the curl back behind her ear. How easy would it have been to let his hand cup the curve of her cheek, for his thumb to brush against the round flesh, to dip his head to her mouth for a kiss? It would have felt so natural, as they had both been so used to it prior to a few months ago. As he looked down, a curl from his own head dropped into his eyes.
Could she feel the way his own heart was racing in time with hers? It was as if his heart had been suffering without its other half and now, so close to it, the beating had synced with hers. There was no way he would be left to believe that she hadn’t been crafted by the Gods just for him. And it was mostly his fault they weren’t together now. He registered what she said and yet, he didn’t pull away either. “You probably should.” He stood there for a moment, his head dropped down, lips within a breath of each other.
The whinny of her horse broke the spell, causing his hand to drop from her cheek back to the swell of her hip.
“Come on, I’ve got something I want to show you.” He said, moving back towards his horse. This time, he pulled the stallion to a low hanging tree, securing the reins to it. “It’s a short walk from here, if you think you can manage?” He didn’t offer his arm, afraid of what further contact would do to him now. He had to keep his distance, but needed her more than he was willing to say. Waiting till she was at his side, he stirred her towards the path. The walk was silent, tense but thankfully, it only last about 10 minutes. As they neared, he came up behind her, covering her eyes. “It’s a surprise.”
They walked for another minute, then he stopped her, “I know it won’t be the same.” He was slow to uncover her eyes, anxious to see her reaction.
He tried not to think of the last time they were pushed together like this. Perhaps it was that day of the circus, where he had unknowingly taken his brother’s fiancee. That had to be it, and it was painful to think just how long he had gone without her. She was not his, and yet, holding her like this, it was easy for him to think that she was. His brother wasn’t here to woe her, to claim his prize. His fingers itched against her hip, knowing that she had been his first.
She was always supposed to be his.
Emilios had spent the past year learning her eyes. If he had a talent for painting, he was certain that he could have made a perfect piece of only the irises of her eyes. He knew each fleck of gold, each ebb and flow of one color into another. He knew the wide way they would get when she was surprised, or excited. And the more he learned of them, the more time he spent trying to see them, to make sure he had them right. Like this, he was reassured that he hadn’t forgotten them.
But they were not his to adore.
One arm was pulled from her side, moving to brush the curl back behind her ear. How easy would it have been to let his hand cup the curve of her cheek, for his thumb to brush against the round flesh, to dip his head to her mouth for a kiss? It would have felt so natural, as they had both been so used to it prior to a few months ago. As he looked down, a curl from his own head dropped into his eyes.
Could she feel the way his own heart was racing in time with hers? It was as if his heart had been suffering without its other half and now, so close to it, the beating had synced with hers. There was no way he would be left to believe that she hadn’t been crafted by the Gods just for him. And it was mostly his fault they weren’t together now. He registered what she said and yet, he didn’t pull away either. “You probably should.” He stood there for a moment, his head dropped down, lips within a breath of each other.
The whinny of her horse broke the spell, causing his hand to drop from her cheek back to the swell of her hip.
“Come on, I’ve got something I want to show you.” He said, moving back towards his horse. This time, he pulled the stallion to a low hanging tree, securing the reins to it. “It’s a short walk from here, if you think you can manage?” He didn’t offer his arm, afraid of what further contact would do to him now. He had to keep his distance, but needed her more than he was willing to say. Waiting till she was at his side, he stirred her towards the path. The walk was silent, tense but thankfully, it only last about 10 minutes. As they neared, he came up behind her, covering her eyes. “It’s a surprise.”
They walked for another minute, then he stopped her, “I know it won’t be the same.” He was slow to uncover her eyes, anxious to see her reaction.
Her breath was quick as Emilios lingered so close to her, his lips hovering over hers. Had she stood a little straighter, she could’ve closed the distance between them, and gods help her, but she nearly did. Her own hand reached to brush his face as he did hers, and in the moment where she might have thrown logic to the wayside and done what her heart demanded, Calista’s sharp whinny was enough to shatter the little bubble they found themselves in. Clearing her throat and stepping back, she let loose the shuddering breath she hadn’t even realized she was holding.
“Yes, I think I can manage,” she managed to reply, swallowing hard as she looked toward her mare. “One moment.”
Walking over to Calista, she gathered the horse’s reins and stroked the side of her neck, using the familiar motions as a time to calm the pounding of her heart and still the nervous energy thrilling through her veins. She should’ve known such an excursion would end up exactly like this, the pair of them far too vulnerable to each other to be left alone together. By all rights, she should have been mounting Calista and heading back in the direction of the palati, rather than tying her off next to Emilios’s stallion.
But, she didn’t, instead intrigued by whatever it was the prince meant to show her. Following at his side while pointedly keeping her hands to herself, she tried not to linger on what had just happened, writing it off as nothing more than a moment of weakness. It was to be expected, after all; Theodora was stuck in a rather precarious position. With Achilleas gone and Emilios right here, it was surprising this sort of tension hadn’t happened sooner.
The walk was silent thankfully, both of them not daring to say a word about what just happened. It’s better that way, she told herself firmly, carefully picking through the undergrowth. Best to pretend nothing happened.
When Emilios stopped her and put his hands over her eyes, her heart started its erratic pace again, his proximity drawing reactions from her that she thought she had buried. What manner of surprise was this? And must he be so close to show it to her?
However, she made no argument, part of her content to be so close to him once more. That was how it was supposed to be, and deep in the woods like this, who would ever know? No one could see them here. No one could circulate vicious rumors or threaten to snatch the life she’d attained from beneath her feet. Nothing could…
His hands lifted from her eyes, and all Theo could do was gasp. Before her was an unfinished wood structure, not quite large enough to be a house, but a bit larger than the average lean-to. With a thatched roof and sturdy walls, it would offer a measure of protection from the weather, even as it was left open to the scenery around it. The Queen was speechless as she stumbled toward it, stuffed away memories buffeting her of the fateful day she and Emilios lay on the forest floor and spoke of the future they would build together. The fanciful dreams of a hut in the woods with barefoot children running all around them. It was a dream that could never come true now, but this… gods, she never would have expected this.
The fingers of one hand rested against the nearest wall, brushing over the rough-grained wood as if it to assure herself it was real. “You did this?” she asked in a cracked voice as she turned to look at him, tears springing to her eyes unbidden. Impatiently dashing them away with the back of her hand, her heart constricted as she took a step back to take it all in.
What could she say? How long had he been constructing this? Had he started after the day they spoke of it, before the engagement, or was this an attempt to bring back to life the dreams they had once shared? “I…” She trailed off, unable to find the words to express what she felt in that moment. Joy, anguish, bitterness, hope, and relief all flooded her at once, and it was all she could do to simply stand there and stare without breaking down in a puddle of her own tears.
Biting her lip, she turned back to him and managed to stumble the few feet that lay between them. Rather than saying anything else, she simply threw herself into his embrace, arms wrapped tight around his waist as she buried her face in his chest. “It’s perfect,” she whispered, voice muffled by his clothing.
And gods, so are you.
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Her breath was quick as Emilios lingered so close to her, his lips hovering over hers. Had she stood a little straighter, she could’ve closed the distance between them, and gods help her, but she nearly did. Her own hand reached to brush his face as he did hers, and in the moment where she might have thrown logic to the wayside and done what her heart demanded, Calista’s sharp whinny was enough to shatter the little bubble they found themselves in. Clearing her throat and stepping back, she let loose the shuddering breath she hadn’t even realized she was holding.
“Yes, I think I can manage,” she managed to reply, swallowing hard as she looked toward her mare. “One moment.”
Walking over to Calista, she gathered the horse’s reins and stroked the side of her neck, using the familiar motions as a time to calm the pounding of her heart and still the nervous energy thrilling through her veins. She should’ve known such an excursion would end up exactly like this, the pair of them far too vulnerable to each other to be left alone together. By all rights, she should have been mounting Calista and heading back in the direction of the palati, rather than tying her off next to Emilios’s stallion.
But, she didn’t, instead intrigued by whatever it was the prince meant to show her. Following at his side while pointedly keeping her hands to herself, she tried not to linger on what had just happened, writing it off as nothing more than a moment of weakness. It was to be expected, after all; Theodora was stuck in a rather precarious position. With Achilleas gone and Emilios right here, it was surprising this sort of tension hadn’t happened sooner.
The walk was silent thankfully, both of them not daring to say a word about what just happened. It’s better that way, she told herself firmly, carefully picking through the undergrowth. Best to pretend nothing happened.
When Emilios stopped her and put his hands over her eyes, her heart started its erratic pace again, his proximity drawing reactions from her that she thought she had buried. What manner of surprise was this? And must he be so close to show it to her?
However, she made no argument, part of her content to be so close to him once more. That was how it was supposed to be, and deep in the woods like this, who would ever know? No one could see them here. No one could circulate vicious rumors or threaten to snatch the life she’d attained from beneath her feet. Nothing could…
His hands lifted from her eyes, and all Theo could do was gasp. Before her was an unfinished wood structure, not quite large enough to be a house, but a bit larger than the average lean-to. With a thatched roof and sturdy walls, it would offer a measure of protection from the weather, even as it was left open to the scenery around it. The Queen was speechless as she stumbled toward it, stuffed away memories buffeting her of the fateful day she and Emilios lay on the forest floor and spoke of the future they would build together. The fanciful dreams of a hut in the woods with barefoot children running all around them. It was a dream that could never come true now, but this… gods, she never would have expected this.
The fingers of one hand rested against the nearest wall, brushing over the rough-grained wood as if it to assure herself it was real. “You did this?” she asked in a cracked voice as she turned to look at him, tears springing to her eyes unbidden. Impatiently dashing them away with the back of her hand, her heart constricted as she took a step back to take it all in.
What could she say? How long had he been constructing this? Had he started after the day they spoke of it, before the engagement, or was this an attempt to bring back to life the dreams they had once shared? “I…” She trailed off, unable to find the words to express what she felt in that moment. Joy, anguish, bitterness, hope, and relief all flooded her at once, and it was all she could do to simply stand there and stare without breaking down in a puddle of her own tears.
Biting her lip, she turned back to him and managed to stumble the few feet that lay between them. Rather than saying anything else, she simply threw herself into his embrace, arms wrapped tight around his waist as she buried her face in his chest. “It’s perfect,” she whispered, voice muffled by his clothing.
And gods, so are you.
Her breath was quick as Emilios lingered so close to her, his lips hovering over hers. Had she stood a little straighter, she could’ve closed the distance between them, and gods help her, but she nearly did. Her own hand reached to brush his face as he did hers, and in the moment where she might have thrown logic to the wayside and done what her heart demanded, Calista’s sharp whinny was enough to shatter the little bubble they found themselves in. Clearing her throat and stepping back, she let loose the shuddering breath she hadn’t even realized she was holding.
“Yes, I think I can manage,” she managed to reply, swallowing hard as she looked toward her mare. “One moment.”
Walking over to Calista, she gathered the horse’s reins and stroked the side of her neck, using the familiar motions as a time to calm the pounding of her heart and still the nervous energy thrilling through her veins. She should’ve known such an excursion would end up exactly like this, the pair of them far too vulnerable to each other to be left alone together. By all rights, she should have been mounting Calista and heading back in the direction of the palati, rather than tying her off next to Emilios’s stallion.
But, she didn’t, instead intrigued by whatever it was the prince meant to show her. Following at his side while pointedly keeping her hands to herself, she tried not to linger on what had just happened, writing it off as nothing more than a moment of weakness. It was to be expected, after all; Theodora was stuck in a rather precarious position. With Achilleas gone and Emilios right here, it was surprising this sort of tension hadn’t happened sooner.
The walk was silent thankfully, both of them not daring to say a word about what just happened. It’s better that way, she told herself firmly, carefully picking through the undergrowth. Best to pretend nothing happened.
When Emilios stopped her and put his hands over her eyes, her heart started its erratic pace again, his proximity drawing reactions from her that she thought she had buried. What manner of surprise was this? And must he be so close to show it to her?
However, she made no argument, part of her content to be so close to him once more. That was how it was supposed to be, and deep in the woods like this, who would ever know? No one could see them here. No one could circulate vicious rumors or threaten to snatch the life she’d attained from beneath her feet. Nothing could…
His hands lifted from her eyes, and all Theo could do was gasp. Before her was an unfinished wood structure, not quite large enough to be a house, but a bit larger than the average lean-to. With a thatched roof and sturdy walls, it would offer a measure of protection from the weather, even as it was left open to the scenery around it. The Queen was speechless as she stumbled toward it, stuffed away memories buffeting her of the fateful day she and Emilios lay on the forest floor and spoke of the future they would build together. The fanciful dreams of a hut in the woods with barefoot children running all around them. It was a dream that could never come true now, but this… gods, she never would have expected this.
The fingers of one hand rested against the nearest wall, brushing over the rough-grained wood as if it to assure herself it was real. “You did this?” she asked in a cracked voice as she turned to look at him, tears springing to her eyes unbidden. Impatiently dashing them away with the back of her hand, her heart constricted as she took a step back to take it all in.
What could she say? How long had he been constructing this? Had he started after the day they spoke of it, before the engagement, or was this an attempt to bring back to life the dreams they had once shared? “I…” She trailed off, unable to find the words to express what she felt in that moment. Joy, anguish, bitterness, hope, and relief all flooded her at once, and it was all she could do to simply stand there and stare without breaking down in a puddle of her own tears.
Biting her lip, she turned back to him and managed to stumble the few feet that lay between them. Rather than saying anything else, she simply threw herself into his embrace, arms wrapped tight around his waist as she buried her face in his chest. “It’s perfect,” she whispered, voice muffled by his clothing.
And gods, so are you.
It had been something he had been hiding from everyone, which shouldn’t have been a surprise. Announcing to the world that he was creating this for his brother’s wife would have been seen as crazy. And really, they wouldn’t have been wrong. He should not have been working on the lean to, on the dream that had been lost on them both.
But in between hunting the Creed and preparing for the wedding, Emilios had needed something to distract him. And the hard labor, cutting each log and sanding it down, shaping it and repeating the process had been oddly comforting. While he was aware he was losing everything he had ever wanted, at least he could still have this. And even if he never showed it to her, he would be able to come and be alone.
It could be his place, if it would never be theirs.
Yet even now, he realized the need for her to have a place she could go. Life would be stressful for her now, in the stoplight of everything. And she had always enjoyed the freedom to do as she pleased, to run into the woods of her island without worry or care. As Queen, that was no longer an option for her. But if she had a space, one that was small and only for her, then perhaps this life wouldn’t be so horrible. And because of that, he had decided to bring her out here. There was a chance she would hate it, would hate what it reminded her of.
He watched her reaction carefully, ready for her to slap him again, or to make him take her back to the palati. Like the bow he had gifted her after the incident at the wedding, this had been a forward gesture. But with her, he found it impossible to look before he lept-- she was worth the risk. But just as powerful as a slap, she launched herself into his arms, giving him just enough time to catch her as she wrapped her arms around his neck.
And, in true fashion, he chuckled. “I’m glad you like it.” He couldn’t stop the familiar way he nuzzled into the crevice of her neck, the scent of her like coming again. “It’s yours.” He told her, just like he wanted to tell her of his heart, of how it had always been hers. Even when he was trying to make it through the wedding, even when he had slept with another to keep his mind off her, she was always close at heart. Always. Nothing would ruin that affinity he had for her. Pulling back, he was acutely aware of how close she was again. Swallowing he put her back on her feet, holding out his hand for her to take it.
“Let me show you what I’ve made.”
As they approached, it was obvious that it was completely crafted by his own hand. Doorless (they were far too difficult for him to create on his own), it was as large as a horse’s stall. But inside, it was spacious with a small loft and mattress. A little table with two chairs, flowers in a crude vase sat in the center. Peeking in the doorway, it was easy to see the whole space of the room. Enough for one or two, he knew.
Blood, sweats and tears went into the small hovel. “It’s not much, but I made it for you.”
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It had been something he had been hiding from everyone, which shouldn’t have been a surprise. Announcing to the world that he was creating this for his brother’s wife would have been seen as crazy. And really, they wouldn’t have been wrong. He should not have been working on the lean to, on the dream that had been lost on them both.
But in between hunting the Creed and preparing for the wedding, Emilios had needed something to distract him. And the hard labor, cutting each log and sanding it down, shaping it and repeating the process had been oddly comforting. While he was aware he was losing everything he had ever wanted, at least he could still have this. And even if he never showed it to her, he would be able to come and be alone.
It could be his place, if it would never be theirs.
Yet even now, he realized the need for her to have a place she could go. Life would be stressful for her now, in the stoplight of everything. And she had always enjoyed the freedom to do as she pleased, to run into the woods of her island without worry or care. As Queen, that was no longer an option for her. But if she had a space, one that was small and only for her, then perhaps this life wouldn’t be so horrible. And because of that, he had decided to bring her out here. There was a chance she would hate it, would hate what it reminded her of.
He watched her reaction carefully, ready for her to slap him again, or to make him take her back to the palati. Like the bow he had gifted her after the incident at the wedding, this had been a forward gesture. But with her, he found it impossible to look before he lept-- she was worth the risk. But just as powerful as a slap, she launched herself into his arms, giving him just enough time to catch her as she wrapped her arms around his neck.
And, in true fashion, he chuckled. “I’m glad you like it.” He couldn’t stop the familiar way he nuzzled into the crevice of her neck, the scent of her like coming again. “It’s yours.” He told her, just like he wanted to tell her of his heart, of how it had always been hers. Even when he was trying to make it through the wedding, even when he had slept with another to keep his mind off her, she was always close at heart. Always. Nothing would ruin that affinity he had for her. Pulling back, he was acutely aware of how close she was again. Swallowing he put her back on her feet, holding out his hand for her to take it.
“Let me show you what I’ve made.”
As they approached, it was obvious that it was completely crafted by his own hand. Doorless (they were far too difficult for him to create on his own), it was as large as a horse’s stall. But inside, it was spacious with a small loft and mattress. A little table with two chairs, flowers in a crude vase sat in the center. Peeking in the doorway, it was easy to see the whole space of the room. Enough for one or two, he knew.
Blood, sweats and tears went into the small hovel. “It’s not much, but I made it for you.”
It had been something he had been hiding from everyone, which shouldn’t have been a surprise. Announcing to the world that he was creating this for his brother’s wife would have been seen as crazy. And really, they wouldn’t have been wrong. He should not have been working on the lean to, on the dream that had been lost on them both.
But in between hunting the Creed and preparing for the wedding, Emilios had needed something to distract him. And the hard labor, cutting each log and sanding it down, shaping it and repeating the process had been oddly comforting. While he was aware he was losing everything he had ever wanted, at least he could still have this. And even if he never showed it to her, he would be able to come and be alone.
It could be his place, if it would never be theirs.
Yet even now, he realized the need for her to have a place she could go. Life would be stressful for her now, in the stoplight of everything. And she had always enjoyed the freedom to do as she pleased, to run into the woods of her island without worry or care. As Queen, that was no longer an option for her. But if she had a space, one that was small and only for her, then perhaps this life wouldn’t be so horrible. And because of that, he had decided to bring her out here. There was a chance she would hate it, would hate what it reminded her of.
He watched her reaction carefully, ready for her to slap him again, or to make him take her back to the palati. Like the bow he had gifted her after the incident at the wedding, this had been a forward gesture. But with her, he found it impossible to look before he lept-- she was worth the risk. But just as powerful as a slap, she launched herself into his arms, giving him just enough time to catch her as she wrapped her arms around his neck.
And, in true fashion, he chuckled. “I’m glad you like it.” He couldn’t stop the familiar way he nuzzled into the crevice of her neck, the scent of her like coming again. “It’s yours.” He told her, just like he wanted to tell her of his heart, of how it had always been hers. Even when he was trying to make it through the wedding, even when he had slept with another to keep his mind off her, she was always close at heart. Always. Nothing would ruin that affinity he had for her. Pulling back, he was acutely aware of how close she was again. Swallowing he put her back on her feet, holding out his hand for her to take it.
“Let me show you what I’ve made.”
As they approached, it was obvious that it was completely crafted by his own hand. Doorless (they were far too difficult for him to create on his own), it was as large as a horse’s stall. But inside, it was spacious with a small loft and mattress. A little table with two chairs, flowers in a crude vase sat in the center. Peeking in the doorway, it was easy to see the whole space of the room. Enough for one or two, he knew.
Blood, sweats and tears went into the small hovel. “It’s not much, but I made it for you.”
Theodora knew she should have been angry. She should have railed at him for this, reminded him in no uncertain terms that she was now married, and to his brother no less, and that grand gestures like this were entirely inappropriate. He never should have built this place, and more so, he never should have brought her here. It was easier for them all if they let the past stay in the past, let old dreams scatter to the wind, instead of… whatever this was. Now that Achilleas was gone, did Emilios hope to woo her back over to him? Did he think that recreating their fantasies would somehow make them come true?
As angry as she should have been with him, she was even angrier with herself because it was working.
Everything she had ever felt for the man in her arms came rushing back, the safety and comfort she felt in his embrace. Every kiss, every laugh, every intimate moment they shared raced through her head as he nuzzled in against her neck, torn between the righteous anger she should have felt and what flooded her now. When he stepped back from her, telling her it was hers, she wanted to fall into his arms again, to kiss every inch of his face and tell her what this meant to her. Instead, she was dumbstruck, nodding as she placed her hand in his and let him lead her to the entrance.
Peering inside, it was easy to see the care that gone into his creation, the roughly hewn details that sprung from his own hands. Pulling her fingers from his grasp, she walked in and gazed around her, took in the mattress, the table, the flowers in the corner. Fingertips drifting over the tabletop as if to convince herself it was real, she shook her head in disbelief. Once her engagement to Achilleas had been announced, she had done her best to quash these memories, to banish such fanciful longings from her mind where they no longer had a place. To see such a dream made real, right here beneath her feet, within her very grasp, it was much harder to quell the emotions that came with it.
She had sworn they would have this place, even if they had to sneak away from their sprawling manor to find it. Little had she known of the prophecy her words would hold… nor the circumstances surrounding it.
It’s not much, but I made it for you.
“It’s everything,” she choked in response, overwhelmed at the implication of what this all meant. If Emilios had taken the time to build this, his feelings were not lost either. As surely as he still held her heart, there was at least a part of him that lingered with her, and nothing could have made it more obvious than this. While her heart had softened to Achilleas, now it was impossible to forget why she had fallen for Emilios so hard in the first place.
“When did you… how did you… why…” Theo tried to ask a million questions at once, but unable to form a coherent thought, she just fell silent instead and looked around the room again, imagining where it might have held a hearth, a warm fire burning as the smell of roasting meat filled the woods around them. The sweet laughter of children drifting through the rustling trees, his arms around her as they laughed at some shared jest… even if this wasn’t a castle, she could have imagined it as a home.
Walking back to where he stood watching her, she stopped in front of him and met his gaze, letting her eyes say the words she couldn’t. There was a desperation there, a poignant longing as she took his hand again. Gently, almost shyly, she pressed her lips to his palm before pulling it back down, though she didn’t release her grasp.
“Thank you,” she finally whispered, dark eyes glassy with the tears she refused to shed. “This is… I… thank you.”
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Theodora knew she should have been angry. She should have railed at him for this, reminded him in no uncertain terms that she was now married, and to his brother no less, and that grand gestures like this were entirely inappropriate. He never should have built this place, and more so, he never should have brought her here. It was easier for them all if they let the past stay in the past, let old dreams scatter to the wind, instead of… whatever this was. Now that Achilleas was gone, did Emilios hope to woo her back over to him? Did he think that recreating their fantasies would somehow make them come true?
As angry as she should have been with him, she was even angrier with herself because it was working.
Everything she had ever felt for the man in her arms came rushing back, the safety and comfort she felt in his embrace. Every kiss, every laugh, every intimate moment they shared raced through her head as he nuzzled in against her neck, torn between the righteous anger she should have felt and what flooded her now. When he stepped back from her, telling her it was hers, she wanted to fall into his arms again, to kiss every inch of his face and tell her what this meant to her. Instead, she was dumbstruck, nodding as she placed her hand in his and let him lead her to the entrance.
Peering inside, it was easy to see the care that gone into his creation, the roughly hewn details that sprung from his own hands. Pulling her fingers from his grasp, she walked in and gazed around her, took in the mattress, the table, the flowers in the corner. Fingertips drifting over the tabletop as if to convince herself it was real, she shook her head in disbelief. Once her engagement to Achilleas had been announced, she had done her best to quash these memories, to banish such fanciful longings from her mind where they no longer had a place. To see such a dream made real, right here beneath her feet, within her very grasp, it was much harder to quell the emotions that came with it.
She had sworn they would have this place, even if they had to sneak away from their sprawling manor to find it. Little had she known of the prophecy her words would hold… nor the circumstances surrounding it.
It’s not much, but I made it for you.
“It’s everything,” she choked in response, overwhelmed at the implication of what this all meant. If Emilios had taken the time to build this, his feelings were not lost either. As surely as he still held her heart, there was at least a part of him that lingered with her, and nothing could have made it more obvious than this. While her heart had softened to Achilleas, now it was impossible to forget why she had fallen for Emilios so hard in the first place.
“When did you… how did you… why…” Theo tried to ask a million questions at once, but unable to form a coherent thought, she just fell silent instead and looked around the room again, imagining where it might have held a hearth, a warm fire burning as the smell of roasting meat filled the woods around them. The sweet laughter of children drifting through the rustling trees, his arms around her as they laughed at some shared jest… even if this wasn’t a castle, she could have imagined it as a home.
Walking back to where he stood watching her, she stopped in front of him and met his gaze, letting her eyes say the words she couldn’t. There was a desperation there, a poignant longing as she took his hand again. Gently, almost shyly, she pressed her lips to his palm before pulling it back down, though she didn’t release her grasp.
“Thank you,” she finally whispered, dark eyes glassy with the tears she refused to shed. “This is… I… thank you.”
Theodora knew she should have been angry. She should have railed at him for this, reminded him in no uncertain terms that she was now married, and to his brother no less, and that grand gestures like this were entirely inappropriate. He never should have built this place, and more so, he never should have brought her here. It was easier for them all if they let the past stay in the past, let old dreams scatter to the wind, instead of… whatever this was. Now that Achilleas was gone, did Emilios hope to woo her back over to him? Did he think that recreating their fantasies would somehow make them come true?
As angry as she should have been with him, she was even angrier with herself because it was working.
Everything she had ever felt for the man in her arms came rushing back, the safety and comfort she felt in his embrace. Every kiss, every laugh, every intimate moment they shared raced through her head as he nuzzled in against her neck, torn between the righteous anger she should have felt and what flooded her now. When he stepped back from her, telling her it was hers, she wanted to fall into his arms again, to kiss every inch of his face and tell her what this meant to her. Instead, she was dumbstruck, nodding as she placed her hand in his and let him lead her to the entrance.
Peering inside, it was easy to see the care that gone into his creation, the roughly hewn details that sprung from his own hands. Pulling her fingers from his grasp, she walked in and gazed around her, took in the mattress, the table, the flowers in the corner. Fingertips drifting over the tabletop as if to convince herself it was real, she shook her head in disbelief. Once her engagement to Achilleas had been announced, she had done her best to quash these memories, to banish such fanciful longings from her mind where they no longer had a place. To see such a dream made real, right here beneath her feet, within her very grasp, it was much harder to quell the emotions that came with it.
She had sworn they would have this place, even if they had to sneak away from their sprawling manor to find it. Little had she known of the prophecy her words would hold… nor the circumstances surrounding it.
It’s not much, but I made it for you.
“It’s everything,” she choked in response, overwhelmed at the implication of what this all meant. If Emilios had taken the time to build this, his feelings were not lost either. As surely as he still held her heart, there was at least a part of him that lingered with her, and nothing could have made it more obvious than this. While her heart had softened to Achilleas, now it was impossible to forget why she had fallen for Emilios so hard in the first place.
“When did you… how did you… why…” Theo tried to ask a million questions at once, but unable to form a coherent thought, she just fell silent instead and looked around the room again, imagining where it might have held a hearth, a warm fire burning as the smell of roasting meat filled the woods around them. The sweet laughter of children drifting through the rustling trees, his arms around her as they laughed at some shared jest… even if this wasn’t a castle, she could have imagined it as a home.
Walking back to where he stood watching her, she stopped in front of him and met his gaze, letting her eyes say the words she couldn’t. There was a desperation there, a poignant longing as she took his hand again. Gently, almost shyly, she pressed her lips to his palm before pulling it back down, though she didn’t release her grasp.
“Thank you,” she finally whispered, dark eyes glassy with the tears she refused to shed. “This is… I… thank you.”
This was not the kind of gift you gave to your sister in law. A person did not create a structure like this would deeply rooted emotions behind it. And he knew the moment he looked at her that she understood why he built it. They had both made promises that, no matter what happened, they would have this. They would defy everyone to have this place of their own.
And perhaps that was why he made it. Even with his own coldness, allowing her time to grow used to the idea of marrying his brother, he had wanted that for them. Even knowing that Fotios had something to gain from this relationship, he had still wanted her. He wanted everything they had promised each other. Forever wasn’t something he thought he would get with her, but the idea that she would at least have their dream for her own selfish needs brought him a little peace.
And then, she looked as if the world had stopped turning.
Suddenly, he was nervous that she didn’t like it, that it was pushing the boundaries too far. He knew it had been risky, but he had thought that she would have at least appreciated the sentiment. They had both tried to do as was expected from their families-- she knew what family expectations meant, knew what would happen if the engagement was broken. And the marriage had to happen, else there would be unknown consequences for her family. Perhaps she had fallen for his brother.
The thought crushed his spirit a bit.
He braced himself for her anger, figuring that she was going to tell him off for even putting the work into this place. The young MIkaelidas wouldn’t have blamed her for it, even if they had mended their connection since the wedding. They had found solid ground, and here he was putting it on the line again. And then, she was obviously flabbergasted by it. Relief washed over him as she mentioned it being everything. She started asking half questions, “After the Creed were caught, I needed a distraction.” He didn’t think he needed to expand on it too much. He’d tried to move on, but the one woman he’d been with was nothing compared to her. “It was good to work with my hands.”
He watched her approach, as graceful as the Queen she was. “I wanted you to have a place of your dreams. If things…” He didn’t know exactly what he had wanted to say. If things didn’t work out? If she was unhappy in her marriage? Why would he want to wish that for her? He wanted her happy and well matched, even if it hadn’t been with him. “Well, I wanted to keep this promise to you-- seemed like the only one I could.”
Her hand was in his, her lips pressed to his hand in a gesture that felt so intimate. It was not as if she would have done it to anyone else. And how many times had she done it to him prior to this? He felt his heart wrap back around her fingers, but had it ever really been elsewhere? Emilios let his hand fall to her waist, let it pull her close. “Theo…” His voice trailed, her hand coming up to his lips, the kiss against the back unrushed.
He dropped her wrist, his hand moving to hold her cheek, to rub his thumb against the apple of skin there. Eyes locked, full of emotion, he found himself unable to think of anything else but what he lips had tasted like. His head lowered to hers, capturing her lips in a promise that had been made months earlier.
He was taken back to their conversation in a place like this, when their engagement was on the horizon and she was destined to be his. The emotions of that day bubbled to the surface, and he forgot that she wasn’t his. He forgot that she was married, that she held the title of sister-in-law and not wife. But none of that mattered, not with the first take of her on his lips in months and the knowledge of how much he truly loved her on his mind.
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This character is currently a work in progress.
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This was not the kind of gift you gave to your sister in law. A person did not create a structure like this would deeply rooted emotions behind it. And he knew the moment he looked at her that she understood why he built it. They had both made promises that, no matter what happened, they would have this. They would defy everyone to have this place of their own.
And perhaps that was why he made it. Even with his own coldness, allowing her time to grow used to the idea of marrying his brother, he had wanted that for them. Even knowing that Fotios had something to gain from this relationship, he had still wanted her. He wanted everything they had promised each other. Forever wasn’t something he thought he would get with her, but the idea that she would at least have their dream for her own selfish needs brought him a little peace.
And then, she looked as if the world had stopped turning.
Suddenly, he was nervous that she didn’t like it, that it was pushing the boundaries too far. He knew it had been risky, but he had thought that she would have at least appreciated the sentiment. They had both tried to do as was expected from their families-- she knew what family expectations meant, knew what would happen if the engagement was broken. And the marriage had to happen, else there would be unknown consequences for her family. Perhaps she had fallen for his brother.
The thought crushed his spirit a bit.
He braced himself for her anger, figuring that she was going to tell him off for even putting the work into this place. The young MIkaelidas wouldn’t have blamed her for it, even if they had mended their connection since the wedding. They had found solid ground, and here he was putting it on the line again. And then, she was obviously flabbergasted by it. Relief washed over him as she mentioned it being everything. She started asking half questions, “After the Creed were caught, I needed a distraction.” He didn’t think he needed to expand on it too much. He’d tried to move on, but the one woman he’d been with was nothing compared to her. “It was good to work with my hands.”
He watched her approach, as graceful as the Queen she was. “I wanted you to have a place of your dreams. If things…” He didn’t know exactly what he had wanted to say. If things didn’t work out? If she was unhappy in her marriage? Why would he want to wish that for her? He wanted her happy and well matched, even if it hadn’t been with him. “Well, I wanted to keep this promise to you-- seemed like the only one I could.”
Her hand was in his, her lips pressed to his hand in a gesture that felt so intimate. It was not as if she would have done it to anyone else. And how many times had she done it to him prior to this? He felt his heart wrap back around her fingers, but had it ever really been elsewhere? Emilios let his hand fall to her waist, let it pull her close. “Theo…” His voice trailed, her hand coming up to his lips, the kiss against the back unrushed.
He dropped her wrist, his hand moving to hold her cheek, to rub his thumb against the apple of skin there. Eyes locked, full of emotion, he found himself unable to think of anything else but what he lips had tasted like. His head lowered to hers, capturing her lips in a promise that had been made months earlier.
He was taken back to their conversation in a place like this, when their engagement was on the horizon and she was destined to be his. The emotions of that day bubbled to the surface, and he forgot that she wasn’t his. He forgot that she was married, that she held the title of sister-in-law and not wife. But none of that mattered, not with the first take of her on his lips in months and the knowledge of how much he truly loved her on his mind.
This was not the kind of gift you gave to your sister in law. A person did not create a structure like this would deeply rooted emotions behind it. And he knew the moment he looked at her that she understood why he built it. They had both made promises that, no matter what happened, they would have this. They would defy everyone to have this place of their own.
And perhaps that was why he made it. Even with his own coldness, allowing her time to grow used to the idea of marrying his brother, he had wanted that for them. Even knowing that Fotios had something to gain from this relationship, he had still wanted her. He wanted everything they had promised each other. Forever wasn’t something he thought he would get with her, but the idea that she would at least have their dream for her own selfish needs brought him a little peace.
And then, she looked as if the world had stopped turning.
Suddenly, he was nervous that she didn’t like it, that it was pushing the boundaries too far. He knew it had been risky, but he had thought that she would have at least appreciated the sentiment. They had both tried to do as was expected from their families-- she knew what family expectations meant, knew what would happen if the engagement was broken. And the marriage had to happen, else there would be unknown consequences for her family. Perhaps she had fallen for his brother.
The thought crushed his spirit a bit.
He braced himself for her anger, figuring that she was going to tell him off for even putting the work into this place. The young MIkaelidas wouldn’t have blamed her for it, even if they had mended their connection since the wedding. They had found solid ground, and here he was putting it on the line again. And then, she was obviously flabbergasted by it. Relief washed over him as she mentioned it being everything. She started asking half questions, “After the Creed were caught, I needed a distraction.” He didn’t think he needed to expand on it too much. He’d tried to move on, but the one woman he’d been with was nothing compared to her. “It was good to work with my hands.”
He watched her approach, as graceful as the Queen she was. “I wanted you to have a place of your dreams. If things…” He didn’t know exactly what he had wanted to say. If things didn’t work out? If she was unhappy in her marriage? Why would he want to wish that for her? He wanted her happy and well matched, even if it hadn’t been with him. “Well, I wanted to keep this promise to you-- seemed like the only one I could.”
Her hand was in his, her lips pressed to his hand in a gesture that felt so intimate. It was not as if she would have done it to anyone else. And how many times had she done it to him prior to this? He felt his heart wrap back around her fingers, but had it ever really been elsewhere? Emilios let his hand fall to her waist, let it pull her close. “Theo…” His voice trailed, her hand coming up to his lips, the kiss against the back unrushed.
He dropped her wrist, his hand moving to hold her cheek, to rub his thumb against the apple of skin there. Eyes locked, full of emotion, he found himself unable to think of anything else but what he lips had tasted like. His head lowered to hers, capturing her lips in a promise that had been made months earlier.
He was taken back to their conversation in a place like this, when their engagement was on the horizon and she was destined to be his. The emotions of that day bubbled to the surface, and he forgot that she wasn’t his. He forgot that she was married, that she held the title of sister-in-law and not wife. But none of that mattered, not with the first take of her on his lips in months and the knowledge of how much he truly loved her on his mind.
Well, I wanted to keep this promise to you-- seemed like the only one I could.
Gods, how many promises lay shattered between them now? Everything they had vowed to one another was gone, dissolved and blown away like dust in the wind. The moment she had accepted his brother’s proposal had sealed their fate, and yet who was really to blame? It was not like she had much of a choice. Theodora knew what it would mean to break that engagement, even if her heart still lay with Emilios. She had ardently pled her case to her father and her uncle both, but her argument had fallen on deaf ears. The irony was not lost on her that Emilios now occupied an enviable position, one that neither her parents nor her uncle could have possibly objected to. Had the proposal only waited a few months more, Fotios would have been hard pressed to say no to giving her hand to the crown prince. To know what might have been…
But that was the past. This was now. And now, they were walking on dangerous ground.
Her heart was in her throat and her breath fled her lungs as Emilios raised her hand to his lips, his gaze lingering on hers with a heat that threatened to sear them both. A dozen and a half things she could say chased each other through her mind, but in the end, she uttered none of them. There was nothing she could say, not when he pulled her in closer, laid claim to her mouth, and stole the words from her very lips.
It was as if no time had passed, as if those months apart were but a distant dream when he kissed her again, her body molding to his as naturally as if it belonged there. Which, for so long, it had. Emilios owned her heart in a way no other man had—her body, her mind, her soul had been his, and she had believed they always would be. Her arms twined around his neck of their own volition, fingers threading through his hair as she pulled him in closer. She deepened the kiss without thinking, a natural reaction borne of a familiar act performed so many times before. This was how it should be, how it was supposed to be, and gods help her, because she knew she couldn’t help herself.
Except this wasn’t how it could be any more. Their days together were done, and their vows to each other could never be upheld now. No matter how they might long for each other, it didn’t change the fact that Theodora was wed. To his brother. And no matter how right it felt, this was… wrong.
Achilleas.
Earnest blue eyes swam in her mind’s eye, a pang of guilt seizing her heart. Even if what she felt for her husband was but a shadow compared to what she felt for Emilios, she had sworn herself to Achilleas in front of gods and man. Apparently, she couldn’t keep any of her promises to either brother. Both of them deserved better than this.
She pulled back with a ragged breath, willing her racing heart to settle. “We can’t do this, Emilios,” she whispered, her voice breaking on his name. “You know I—” Love you. She cut herself off before she said the words; such a declaration would only cause more harm than it healed. “But this isn’t right.”
Theodora thought it might kill her for the pain she felt in her chest as she broke from his embrace, the imprint of his lips still warm against her mouth. Unconsciously, her fingertips lingered where his lips had been only seconds before, eyes dark with emotion as they caught his. “I can’t,” she insisted again in a cracked murmur, gazing at the walls around them as she fought to keep the shattered pieces of her heart contained in her chest.
Burying her face in her hands, she backed away a few steps until she lingered in the doorway. Turning away from him, her hand gripped the frame in a white-knuckled grasp as she tried to catch her breath. “We need to go back,” she said to the air outside, unable to look back at him and see whatever might linger there on his face. If she turned back to him now, she knew her resolve would fail her, and she would not be able to stop herself at a kiss.
Their dreams were dead. As much as it hurt her, they needed to stay that way.
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This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
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Well, I wanted to keep this promise to you-- seemed like the only one I could.
Gods, how many promises lay shattered between them now? Everything they had vowed to one another was gone, dissolved and blown away like dust in the wind. The moment she had accepted his brother’s proposal had sealed their fate, and yet who was really to blame? It was not like she had much of a choice. Theodora knew what it would mean to break that engagement, even if her heart still lay with Emilios. She had ardently pled her case to her father and her uncle both, but her argument had fallen on deaf ears. The irony was not lost on her that Emilios now occupied an enviable position, one that neither her parents nor her uncle could have possibly objected to. Had the proposal only waited a few months more, Fotios would have been hard pressed to say no to giving her hand to the crown prince. To know what might have been…
But that was the past. This was now. And now, they were walking on dangerous ground.
Her heart was in her throat and her breath fled her lungs as Emilios raised her hand to his lips, his gaze lingering on hers with a heat that threatened to sear them both. A dozen and a half things she could say chased each other through her mind, but in the end, she uttered none of them. There was nothing she could say, not when he pulled her in closer, laid claim to her mouth, and stole the words from her very lips.
It was as if no time had passed, as if those months apart were but a distant dream when he kissed her again, her body molding to his as naturally as if it belonged there. Which, for so long, it had. Emilios owned her heart in a way no other man had—her body, her mind, her soul had been his, and she had believed they always would be. Her arms twined around his neck of their own volition, fingers threading through his hair as she pulled him in closer. She deepened the kiss without thinking, a natural reaction borne of a familiar act performed so many times before. This was how it should be, how it was supposed to be, and gods help her, because she knew she couldn’t help herself.
Except this wasn’t how it could be any more. Their days together were done, and their vows to each other could never be upheld now. No matter how they might long for each other, it didn’t change the fact that Theodora was wed. To his brother. And no matter how right it felt, this was… wrong.
Achilleas.
Earnest blue eyes swam in her mind’s eye, a pang of guilt seizing her heart. Even if what she felt for her husband was but a shadow compared to what she felt for Emilios, she had sworn herself to Achilleas in front of gods and man. Apparently, she couldn’t keep any of her promises to either brother. Both of them deserved better than this.
She pulled back with a ragged breath, willing her racing heart to settle. “We can’t do this, Emilios,” she whispered, her voice breaking on his name. “You know I—” Love you. She cut herself off before she said the words; such a declaration would only cause more harm than it healed. “But this isn’t right.”
Theodora thought it might kill her for the pain she felt in her chest as she broke from his embrace, the imprint of his lips still warm against her mouth. Unconsciously, her fingertips lingered where his lips had been only seconds before, eyes dark with emotion as they caught his. “I can’t,” she insisted again in a cracked murmur, gazing at the walls around them as she fought to keep the shattered pieces of her heart contained in her chest.
Burying her face in her hands, she backed away a few steps until she lingered in the doorway. Turning away from him, her hand gripped the frame in a white-knuckled grasp as she tried to catch her breath. “We need to go back,” she said to the air outside, unable to look back at him and see whatever might linger there on his face. If she turned back to him now, she knew her resolve would fail her, and she would not be able to stop herself at a kiss.
Their dreams were dead. As much as it hurt her, they needed to stay that way.
Well, I wanted to keep this promise to you-- seemed like the only one I could.
Gods, how many promises lay shattered between them now? Everything they had vowed to one another was gone, dissolved and blown away like dust in the wind. The moment she had accepted his brother’s proposal had sealed their fate, and yet who was really to blame? It was not like she had much of a choice. Theodora knew what it would mean to break that engagement, even if her heart still lay with Emilios. She had ardently pled her case to her father and her uncle both, but her argument had fallen on deaf ears. The irony was not lost on her that Emilios now occupied an enviable position, one that neither her parents nor her uncle could have possibly objected to. Had the proposal only waited a few months more, Fotios would have been hard pressed to say no to giving her hand to the crown prince. To know what might have been…
But that was the past. This was now. And now, they were walking on dangerous ground.
Her heart was in her throat and her breath fled her lungs as Emilios raised her hand to his lips, his gaze lingering on hers with a heat that threatened to sear them both. A dozen and a half things she could say chased each other through her mind, but in the end, she uttered none of them. There was nothing she could say, not when he pulled her in closer, laid claim to her mouth, and stole the words from her very lips.
It was as if no time had passed, as if those months apart were but a distant dream when he kissed her again, her body molding to his as naturally as if it belonged there. Which, for so long, it had. Emilios owned her heart in a way no other man had—her body, her mind, her soul had been his, and she had believed they always would be. Her arms twined around his neck of their own volition, fingers threading through his hair as she pulled him in closer. She deepened the kiss without thinking, a natural reaction borne of a familiar act performed so many times before. This was how it should be, how it was supposed to be, and gods help her, because she knew she couldn’t help herself.
Except this wasn’t how it could be any more. Their days together were done, and their vows to each other could never be upheld now. No matter how they might long for each other, it didn’t change the fact that Theodora was wed. To his brother. And no matter how right it felt, this was… wrong.
Achilleas.
Earnest blue eyes swam in her mind’s eye, a pang of guilt seizing her heart. Even if what she felt for her husband was but a shadow compared to what she felt for Emilios, she had sworn herself to Achilleas in front of gods and man. Apparently, she couldn’t keep any of her promises to either brother. Both of them deserved better than this.
She pulled back with a ragged breath, willing her racing heart to settle. “We can’t do this, Emilios,” she whispered, her voice breaking on his name. “You know I—” Love you. She cut herself off before she said the words; such a declaration would only cause more harm than it healed. “But this isn’t right.”
Theodora thought it might kill her for the pain she felt in her chest as she broke from his embrace, the imprint of his lips still warm against her mouth. Unconsciously, her fingertips lingered where his lips had been only seconds before, eyes dark with emotion as they caught his. “I can’t,” she insisted again in a cracked murmur, gazing at the walls around them as she fought to keep the shattered pieces of her heart contained in her chest.
Burying her face in her hands, she backed away a few steps until she lingered in the doorway. Turning away from him, her hand gripped the frame in a white-knuckled grasp as she tried to catch her breath. “We need to go back,” she said to the air outside, unable to look back at him and see whatever might linger there on his face. If she turned back to him now, she knew her resolve would fail her, and she would not be able to stop herself at a kiss.
Their dreams were dead. As much as it hurt her, they needed to stay that way.
Was it as powerful for her as it was for him?
Did she feel as if she had been drowning for weeks and was finally coming up for air?
How long had he wanted this? How long had he woke up with the phantom feel of her lips on his with no body next to him? She haunted his dreams, each morning waking alone without her there was his own nightmare. There was a part of him that wanted to make sure he wasn’t dreaming, but she simply pressed against him as if she belonged with him always. Her scent surrounded him like a familiar hug, one that he hadn’t known that he’d needed for this long. They had been together, but so separate and alone in all of this.
This felt right.
Felt like breathing.
And he was only reassured by the rightness of it as her arms found their way to his neck, holding herself to him. His stance was wide, firm to ground them both. He was her rock, would always be her rock. Emilios had wanted to be her safe place to fall, to be the one she went to when things were hard, or when she was struggling with whatever. Their idea of home was not just the small house behind them-- it was everything that a home represented. It was the safe place to fall, the protection of heart and hearth. It was the future that would be created there.
And it wasn’t theirs to have.
It was almost laughable how in sync they were with each other, for the realization must have been made at the exact same moment. He couldn’t say what had made her pull away, and to be honest, he didn’t wish to think about it in the first place. Her emotions, which once had been his only concern, were no longer his focus. But he had remembered his brother, remembered the matter of fact way he’d spoken about his now wife. And he remembered that she was not his, and as much as he wanted her, he wasn’t sure he could betray Achilleas.
Screw the barony and the promise he made to Fotios. He could not do this.
His head dropped to her forehead, breath ragged as she spoke. He didn’t want to agree, didn’t want to pretend like he was sorry for what he’d done. He nodded as she pulled back, allowing himself a moment to imprint the feel of her lips on his again. It would have to last him the rest of his life, wouldn’t it? This was the end, the test on how they really felt, and it was that they couldn’t, in good faith, do this to a man they both cared for.
“You’re right.” He said, watching her gather her thoughts. They needed to go back, to return to the positions they had created for themselves, without the emotions that were so natural for them to feel. He could learn to love her like a sister, couldn’t he?
Did he have any other option?
He walked back to his own horse, mounting the stallion while watching her carefully. Her focus was on the house, and he knew he needed to give her whatever time she needed. Perhaps she was closing herself off to him, which was the best they could really do now. Everything was still there, but it had to end. So he kept his distance from her now, on his own horse to give her whatever moment she needed before she returned.
His eyes were on her, cautious as she mounted her horse and swung the beast around. With a glimmer in his eye, he allowed his to finally meet her sad gaze. “Rematch?” He challenged, kicking his own stallion into a trot to allow her the chance to keep her distance or race ahead.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
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Was it as powerful for her as it was for him?
Did she feel as if she had been drowning for weeks and was finally coming up for air?
How long had he wanted this? How long had he woke up with the phantom feel of her lips on his with no body next to him? She haunted his dreams, each morning waking alone without her there was his own nightmare. There was a part of him that wanted to make sure he wasn’t dreaming, but she simply pressed against him as if she belonged with him always. Her scent surrounded him like a familiar hug, one that he hadn’t known that he’d needed for this long. They had been together, but so separate and alone in all of this.
This felt right.
Felt like breathing.
And he was only reassured by the rightness of it as her arms found their way to his neck, holding herself to him. His stance was wide, firm to ground them both. He was her rock, would always be her rock. Emilios had wanted to be her safe place to fall, to be the one she went to when things were hard, or when she was struggling with whatever. Their idea of home was not just the small house behind them-- it was everything that a home represented. It was the safe place to fall, the protection of heart and hearth. It was the future that would be created there.
And it wasn’t theirs to have.
It was almost laughable how in sync they were with each other, for the realization must have been made at the exact same moment. He couldn’t say what had made her pull away, and to be honest, he didn’t wish to think about it in the first place. Her emotions, which once had been his only concern, were no longer his focus. But he had remembered his brother, remembered the matter of fact way he’d spoken about his now wife. And he remembered that she was not his, and as much as he wanted her, he wasn’t sure he could betray Achilleas.
Screw the barony and the promise he made to Fotios. He could not do this.
His head dropped to her forehead, breath ragged as she spoke. He didn’t want to agree, didn’t want to pretend like he was sorry for what he’d done. He nodded as she pulled back, allowing himself a moment to imprint the feel of her lips on his again. It would have to last him the rest of his life, wouldn’t it? This was the end, the test on how they really felt, and it was that they couldn’t, in good faith, do this to a man they both cared for.
“You’re right.” He said, watching her gather her thoughts. They needed to go back, to return to the positions they had created for themselves, without the emotions that were so natural for them to feel. He could learn to love her like a sister, couldn’t he?
Did he have any other option?
He walked back to his own horse, mounting the stallion while watching her carefully. Her focus was on the house, and he knew he needed to give her whatever time she needed. Perhaps she was closing herself off to him, which was the best they could really do now. Everything was still there, but it had to end. So he kept his distance from her now, on his own horse to give her whatever moment she needed before she returned.
His eyes were on her, cautious as she mounted her horse and swung the beast around. With a glimmer in his eye, he allowed his to finally meet her sad gaze. “Rematch?” He challenged, kicking his own stallion into a trot to allow her the chance to keep her distance or race ahead.
Was it as powerful for her as it was for him?
Did she feel as if she had been drowning for weeks and was finally coming up for air?
How long had he wanted this? How long had he woke up with the phantom feel of her lips on his with no body next to him? She haunted his dreams, each morning waking alone without her there was his own nightmare. There was a part of him that wanted to make sure he wasn’t dreaming, but she simply pressed against him as if she belonged with him always. Her scent surrounded him like a familiar hug, one that he hadn’t known that he’d needed for this long. They had been together, but so separate and alone in all of this.
This felt right.
Felt like breathing.
And he was only reassured by the rightness of it as her arms found their way to his neck, holding herself to him. His stance was wide, firm to ground them both. He was her rock, would always be her rock. Emilios had wanted to be her safe place to fall, to be the one she went to when things were hard, or when she was struggling with whatever. Their idea of home was not just the small house behind them-- it was everything that a home represented. It was the safe place to fall, the protection of heart and hearth. It was the future that would be created there.
And it wasn’t theirs to have.
It was almost laughable how in sync they were with each other, for the realization must have been made at the exact same moment. He couldn’t say what had made her pull away, and to be honest, he didn’t wish to think about it in the first place. Her emotions, which once had been his only concern, were no longer his focus. But he had remembered his brother, remembered the matter of fact way he’d spoken about his now wife. And he remembered that she was not his, and as much as he wanted her, he wasn’t sure he could betray Achilleas.
Screw the barony and the promise he made to Fotios. He could not do this.
His head dropped to her forehead, breath ragged as she spoke. He didn’t want to agree, didn’t want to pretend like he was sorry for what he’d done. He nodded as she pulled back, allowing himself a moment to imprint the feel of her lips on his again. It would have to last him the rest of his life, wouldn’t it? This was the end, the test on how they really felt, and it was that they couldn’t, in good faith, do this to a man they both cared for.
“You’re right.” He said, watching her gather her thoughts. They needed to go back, to return to the positions they had created for themselves, without the emotions that were so natural for them to feel. He could learn to love her like a sister, couldn’t he?
Did he have any other option?
He walked back to his own horse, mounting the stallion while watching her carefully. Her focus was on the house, and he knew he needed to give her whatever time she needed. Perhaps she was closing herself off to him, which was the best they could really do now. Everything was still there, but it had to end. So he kept his distance from her now, on his own horse to give her whatever moment she needed before she returned.
His eyes were on her, cautious as she mounted her horse and swung the beast around. With a glimmer in his eye, he allowed his to finally meet her sad gaze. “Rematch?” He challenged, kicking his own stallion into a trot to allow her the chance to keep her distance or race ahead.