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Theodora of Leventi stood in front of her looking glass and did her best not to let her bleakness show on her face.
By all rights, the young noblewoman should have been excited. She was getting married! This was what she had spent her entire life anticipating, and she could never have dreamed just how ideal of a match it would be. Achilleas of Mikaelidas was a strong, handsome man with an old and powerful family name; on the surface, he was everything she could have hoped for. Gods knew he was everything her family wanted, but their excitement far overshadowed her own.
But it wasn’t supposed to be him. It was supposed to be Emilios.
Tears shone in her eyes as her maid adjusted the fall of her crimson chiton, the color a nod to the family she would soon be joining. Golden fibulae in the shapes of lion’s heads fastened the garment at her shoulders, golden and ruby drops soon dangling from her ears. Her maid draped a delicate golden chain around her neck and fastened a series of golden bangles around her wrists, completing the ensemble with a delicate himation of amber silk. Hair carefully curled and arranged to fall over her shoulder, she toyed with one of the strands as her despondent reflection stared back at her. She looked lovely, she knew, but the misery on her face somewhat spoiled the effect.
“Why so down, my lady? You go to meet your fiancé! Surely that should be cause for celebration!” her maid enthused as she laced Theodora’s sandals.
“Of course, Althaia, I… it’s nothing.” Her lips curled in a false smile, one that felt so brittle it might shatter her entire face. “I was just… thinking of something else.”
The servant frowned but said nothing further; if Theo didn’t want to share, she wouldn’t. Years of service in the Leventi household had taught her that much, and so she simply let it lie. It was obvious something was wrong, but there was little to be done about it. Hopefully, the woman would make an effort to cheer herself before they arrived at the Mikaelidas manor.
However, as Theo sat in the carriage with her maid sitting across from her, the noblewoman’s face didn’t change much. Her expression was drawn and pensive as they made the short ride to what would soon be her new home, lost in her own melancholy. How had everything gone so wrong? How had Irakles taken Emilios’s suggestion and turned it into… this? What exactly had her lover said?
Not that it mattered now. After their tryst in the stables and breaking the news after… he wanted nothing to do with her. Not that she could blame him. The situation they found themselves in now was a far cry from the dreamy plans they had woven in the woods that day. There was no going back now.
When they at last arrived at their destination, Althaia exited the carriage first, looking up at her mistress expectantly. Doing her very best to smooth the distress from her expression, Theo allowed herself to be handed from the carriage, gazing at the front of the manor with a sense of foreboding. While she and Achilleas had met before, even kissed… that was a far cry from marriage. She wondered what he was thinking as a liveried servant led them inside to announce their arrival.
Waiting in the foyer with her hands folded demurely in front of her, Theodora did her best to smile when she saw Achilleas coming down the hall. It’s not his fault, she reminded herself, putting on the expression of blushing bride-to-be and desperately hoping it was convincing enough. This can work. It has to.
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Theodora of Leventi stood in front of her looking glass and did her best not to let her bleakness show on her face.
By all rights, the young noblewoman should have been excited. She was getting married! This was what she had spent her entire life anticipating, and she could never have dreamed just how ideal of a match it would be. Achilleas of Mikaelidas was a strong, handsome man with an old and powerful family name; on the surface, he was everything she could have hoped for. Gods knew he was everything her family wanted, but their excitement far overshadowed her own.
But it wasn’t supposed to be him. It was supposed to be Emilios.
Tears shone in her eyes as her maid adjusted the fall of her crimson chiton, the color a nod to the family she would soon be joining. Golden fibulae in the shapes of lion’s heads fastened the garment at her shoulders, golden and ruby drops soon dangling from her ears. Her maid draped a delicate golden chain around her neck and fastened a series of golden bangles around her wrists, completing the ensemble with a delicate himation of amber silk. Hair carefully curled and arranged to fall over her shoulder, she toyed with one of the strands as her despondent reflection stared back at her. She looked lovely, she knew, but the misery on her face somewhat spoiled the effect.
“Why so down, my lady? You go to meet your fiancé! Surely that should be cause for celebration!” her maid enthused as she laced Theodora’s sandals.
“Of course, Althaia, I… it’s nothing.” Her lips curled in a false smile, one that felt so brittle it might shatter her entire face. “I was just… thinking of something else.”
The servant frowned but said nothing further; if Theo didn’t want to share, she wouldn’t. Years of service in the Leventi household had taught her that much, and so she simply let it lie. It was obvious something was wrong, but there was little to be done about it. Hopefully, the woman would make an effort to cheer herself before they arrived at the Mikaelidas manor.
However, as Theo sat in the carriage with her maid sitting across from her, the noblewoman’s face didn’t change much. Her expression was drawn and pensive as they made the short ride to what would soon be her new home, lost in her own melancholy. How had everything gone so wrong? How had Irakles taken Emilios’s suggestion and turned it into… this? What exactly had her lover said?
Not that it mattered now. After their tryst in the stables and breaking the news after… he wanted nothing to do with her. Not that she could blame him. The situation they found themselves in now was a far cry from the dreamy plans they had woven in the woods that day. There was no going back now.
When they at last arrived at their destination, Althaia exited the carriage first, looking up at her mistress expectantly. Doing her very best to smooth the distress from her expression, Theo allowed herself to be handed from the carriage, gazing at the front of the manor with a sense of foreboding. While she and Achilleas had met before, even kissed… that was a far cry from marriage. She wondered what he was thinking as a liveried servant led them inside to announce their arrival.
Waiting in the foyer with her hands folded demurely in front of her, Theodora did her best to smile when she saw Achilleas coming down the hall. It’s not his fault, she reminded herself, putting on the expression of blushing bride-to-be and desperately hoping it was convincing enough. This can work. It has to.
Theodora of Leventi stood in front of her looking glass and did her best not to let her bleakness show on her face.
By all rights, the young noblewoman should have been excited. She was getting married! This was what she had spent her entire life anticipating, and she could never have dreamed just how ideal of a match it would be. Achilleas of Mikaelidas was a strong, handsome man with an old and powerful family name; on the surface, he was everything she could have hoped for. Gods knew he was everything her family wanted, but their excitement far overshadowed her own.
But it wasn’t supposed to be him. It was supposed to be Emilios.
Tears shone in her eyes as her maid adjusted the fall of her crimson chiton, the color a nod to the family she would soon be joining. Golden fibulae in the shapes of lion’s heads fastened the garment at her shoulders, golden and ruby drops soon dangling from her ears. Her maid draped a delicate golden chain around her neck and fastened a series of golden bangles around her wrists, completing the ensemble with a delicate himation of amber silk. Hair carefully curled and arranged to fall over her shoulder, she toyed with one of the strands as her despondent reflection stared back at her. She looked lovely, she knew, but the misery on her face somewhat spoiled the effect.
“Why so down, my lady? You go to meet your fiancé! Surely that should be cause for celebration!” her maid enthused as she laced Theodora’s sandals.
“Of course, Althaia, I… it’s nothing.” Her lips curled in a false smile, one that felt so brittle it might shatter her entire face. “I was just… thinking of something else.”
The servant frowned but said nothing further; if Theo didn’t want to share, she wouldn’t. Years of service in the Leventi household had taught her that much, and so she simply let it lie. It was obvious something was wrong, but there was little to be done about it. Hopefully, the woman would make an effort to cheer herself before they arrived at the Mikaelidas manor.
However, as Theo sat in the carriage with her maid sitting across from her, the noblewoman’s face didn’t change much. Her expression was drawn and pensive as they made the short ride to what would soon be her new home, lost in her own melancholy. How had everything gone so wrong? How had Irakles taken Emilios’s suggestion and turned it into… this? What exactly had her lover said?
Not that it mattered now. After their tryst in the stables and breaking the news after… he wanted nothing to do with her. Not that she could blame him. The situation they found themselves in now was a far cry from the dreamy plans they had woven in the woods that day. There was no going back now.
When they at last arrived at their destination, Althaia exited the carriage first, looking up at her mistress expectantly. Doing her very best to smooth the distress from her expression, Theo allowed herself to be handed from the carriage, gazing at the front of the manor with a sense of foreboding. While she and Achilleas had met before, even kissed… that was a far cry from marriage. She wondered what he was thinking as a liveried servant led them inside to announce their arrival.
Waiting in the foyer with her hands folded demurely in front of her, Theodora did her best to smile when she saw Achilleas coming down the hall. It’s not his fault, she reminded herself, putting on the expression of blushing bride-to-be and desperately hoping it was convincing enough. This can work. It has to.
He was not a man prone to nerves: had learned long ago that he would have to do whatever was making him uncomfortable anyway, so such feelings were usually squashed and ignored. And given the life he led, senator, soldier one might have imagined it would take a great deal to stir apprehension anyway.
Which was why Achilleas couldn’t understand the bubble of uncertainty that he felt waiting for Theodora’s arrival that morning. He was a coil of restless energy and kept glancing toward the window to see if there was any sign of her arrival. Getting to his feet and pacing the solar room and then catching himself doing it and feeling like a fool, he’d forced himself to settle with a new account of the Northern Wars. Now he was scanning the page but not really taking any of it in, despite his genuine interest in the subject matter.
According to his father, the discussion regarding the betrothal had been met with a positive response, so there was no cause for him to feel this way. Only it felt like something significant, and wasn’t it? Possibly the first thing he had requested for himself in that way. That made it feel like a risk, he decided and explained how out of sorts he felt now.
The elder of the two sons had learned at a young age that his was not to be a life filled with choices. His was a path of expectations and his father had many. Achilleas had always toed the line, gone where he was pointed, done what he was told. Any eventual marriage would have been the same: as first son and heir to the Mikaelidas Head of House, he’d resigned himself to the fact that any such union would be for political purposes, and had never entertained the notion of marriage for love.
His romantic history was, for the most part, hardly a thing to talk about. There were not countless lovers nor scandals. Achilleas had been as discreet as it was possible for a man of his birth to be, had taken few bed partners, and had expected silence from those whom he chose. It was better to keep things..neat like that.
Of course, Theodora had never been so easy to categorise. She had always been distracting, and so he’d deliberately steered away from her. The Leventi House was not one to be trifled with. Maybe it was that, the fact that he’d ignored his attraction toward the girl for so long that had made it like an itch unscratched, so he’d never been able to completely set the idea of her aside. It seemed nonsensical then not to voice it when his father had finally called him to talk of marriage.
Theodora was still unwed, and with Selene set for Zacharias, she would be the next in line to be matched. There was a good argument as to why she would make a fitting bride, but Achilleas had not even had to use it, his father’s almost instant agreement taking him back, and now here they were. There were still the formalities of course, but today at least he would see the woman to whom he was to be married.
When the sound of hoofbeats and carriage wheels alerted him to her imminent arrival, Achilleas was on his feet and moving toward the door before the slave had even arrived to let him know that his guest had arrived. He turned into the hallway just in time to see Theodora and her lady’s maid be led inside and the sight of her almost had him pause. Blessed, they whispered, and it was hard to counter when faced with the sight of her. She was breathtaking, and he thought he had done some good somewhere to be gifted with such beauty, smiling tentatively as he approached.
The Lord’s appearance was rarely anything but immaculate. Not vain, and yet Achilleas knew what he was expected to look like and he made sure to meet such expectations. He had - thankfully in hindsight or they would have made an awkwardly matched pair - foregone the rich burgundy of Mikaelidas in favour of a deep blue chiton that echoed the blue of the Aegean. Making a note to thank Petros for sidestepping that faux pas, he came to a halt a couple of paces away from Theodora, dipping his head in a slight bow.
“Lady Theodora. Welcome. It is a pleasure to see you again” His gaze alighted on her face somewhat searchingly, because honestly, it was nerve wracking seeing her now and knowing what was an expected level of formality with ones soon to be betrothed. He cleared his throat and offered her his arm. “I thought we might walk in the gardens if you are so inclined?”
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This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
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He was not a man prone to nerves: had learned long ago that he would have to do whatever was making him uncomfortable anyway, so such feelings were usually squashed and ignored. And given the life he led, senator, soldier one might have imagined it would take a great deal to stir apprehension anyway.
Which was why Achilleas couldn’t understand the bubble of uncertainty that he felt waiting for Theodora’s arrival that morning. He was a coil of restless energy and kept glancing toward the window to see if there was any sign of her arrival. Getting to his feet and pacing the solar room and then catching himself doing it and feeling like a fool, he’d forced himself to settle with a new account of the Northern Wars. Now he was scanning the page but not really taking any of it in, despite his genuine interest in the subject matter.
According to his father, the discussion regarding the betrothal had been met with a positive response, so there was no cause for him to feel this way. Only it felt like something significant, and wasn’t it? Possibly the first thing he had requested for himself in that way. That made it feel like a risk, he decided and explained how out of sorts he felt now.
The elder of the two sons had learned at a young age that his was not to be a life filled with choices. His was a path of expectations and his father had many. Achilleas had always toed the line, gone where he was pointed, done what he was told. Any eventual marriage would have been the same: as first son and heir to the Mikaelidas Head of House, he’d resigned himself to the fact that any such union would be for political purposes, and had never entertained the notion of marriage for love.
His romantic history was, for the most part, hardly a thing to talk about. There were not countless lovers nor scandals. Achilleas had been as discreet as it was possible for a man of his birth to be, had taken few bed partners, and had expected silence from those whom he chose. It was better to keep things..neat like that.
Of course, Theodora had never been so easy to categorise. She had always been distracting, and so he’d deliberately steered away from her. The Leventi House was not one to be trifled with. Maybe it was that, the fact that he’d ignored his attraction toward the girl for so long that had made it like an itch unscratched, so he’d never been able to completely set the idea of her aside. It seemed nonsensical then not to voice it when his father had finally called him to talk of marriage.
Theodora was still unwed, and with Selene set for Zacharias, she would be the next in line to be matched. There was a good argument as to why she would make a fitting bride, but Achilleas had not even had to use it, his father’s almost instant agreement taking him back, and now here they were. There were still the formalities of course, but today at least he would see the woman to whom he was to be married.
When the sound of hoofbeats and carriage wheels alerted him to her imminent arrival, Achilleas was on his feet and moving toward the door before the slave had even arrived to let him know that his guest had arrived. He turned into the hallway just in time to see Theodora and her lady’s maid be led inside and the sight of her almost had him pause. Blessed, they whispered, and it was hard to counter when faced with the sight of her. She was breathtaking, and he thought he had done some good somewhere to be gifted with such beauty, smiling tentatively as he approached.
The Lord’s appearance was rarely anything but immaculate. Not vain, and yet Achilleas knew what he was expected to look like and he made sure to meet such expectations. He had - thankfully in hindsight or they would have made an awkwardly matched pair - foregone the rich burgundy of Mikaelidas in favour of a deep blue chiton that echoed the blue of the Aegean. Making a note to thank Petros for sidestepping that faux pas, he came to a halt a couple of paces away from Theodora, dipping his head in a slight bow.
“Lady Theodora. Welcome. It is a pleasure to see you again” His gaze alighted on her face somewhat searchingly, because honestly, it was nerve wracking seeing her now and knowing what was an expected level of formality with ones soon to be betrothed. He cleared his throat and offered her his arm. “I thought we might walk in the gardens if you are so inclined?”
He was not a man prone to nerves: had learned long ago that he would have to do whatever was making him uncomfortable anyway, so such feelings were usually squashed and ignored. And given the life he led, senator, soldier one might have imagined it would take a great deal to stir apprehension anyway.
Which was why Achilleas couldn’t understand the bubble of uncertainty that he felt waiting for Theodora’s arrival that morning. He was a coil of restless energy and kept glancing toward the window to see if there was any sign of her arrival. Getting to his feet and pacing the solar room and then catching himself doing it and feeling like a fool, he’d forced himself to settle with a new account of the Northern Wars. Now he was scanning the page but not really taking any of it in, despite his genuine interest in the subject matter.
According to his father, the discussion regarding the betrothal had been met with a positive response, so there was no cause for him to feel this way. Only it felt like something significant, and wasn’t it? Possibly the first thing he had requested for himself in that way. That made it feel like a risk, he decided and explained how out of sorts he felt now.
The elder of the two sons had learned at a young age that his was not to be a life filled with choices. His was a path of expectations and his father had many. Achilleas had always toed the line, gone where he was pointed, done what he was told. Any eventual marriage would have been the same: as first son and heir to the Mikaelidas Head of House, he’d resigned himself to the fact that any such union would be for political purposes, and had never entertained the notion of marriage for love.
His romantic history was, for the most part, hardly a thing to talk about. There were not countless lovers nor scandals. Achilleas had been as discreet as it was possible for a man of his birth to be, had taken few bed partners, and had expected silence from those whom he chose. It was better to keep things..neat like that.
Of course, Theodora had never been so easy to categorise. She had always been distracting, and so he’d deliberately steered away from her. The Leventi House was not one to be trifled with. Maybe it was that, the fact that he’d ignored his attraction toward the girl for so long that had made it like an itch unscratched, so he’d never been able to completely set the idea of her aside. It seemed nonsensical then not to voice it when his father had finally called him to talk of marriage.
Theodora was still unwed, and with Selene set for Zacharias, she would be the next in line to be matched. There was a good argument as to why she would make a fitting bride, but Achilleas had not even had to use it, his father’s almost instant agreement taking him back, and now here they were. There were still the formalities of course, but today at least he would see the woman to whom he was to be married.
When the sound of hoofbeats and carriage wheels alerted him to her imminent arrival, Achilleas was on his feet and moving toward the door before the slave had even arrived to let him know that his guest had arrived. He turned into the hallway just in time to see Theodora and her lady’s maid be led inside and the sight of her almost had him pause. Blessed, they whispered, and it was hard to counter when faced with the sight of her. She was breathtaking, and he thought he had done some good somewhere to be gifted with such beauty, smiling tentatively as he approached.
The Lord’s appearance was rarely anything but immaculate. Not vain, and yet Achilleas knew what he was expected to look like and he made sure to meet such expectations. He had - thankfully in hindsight or they would have made an awkwardly matched pair - foregone the rich burgundy of Mikaelidas in favour of a deep blue chiton that echoed the blue of the Aegean. Making a note to thank Petros for sidestepping that faux pas, he came to a halt a couple of paces away from Theodora, dipping his head in a slight bow.
“Lady Theodora. Welcome. It is a pleasure to see you again” His gaze alighted on her face somewhat searchingly, because honestly, it was nerve wracking seeing her now and knowing what was an expected level of formality with ones soon to be betrothed. He cleared his throat and offered her his arm. “I thought we might walk in the gardens if you are so inclined?”
His smile was nearly as hesitant as her own, though Theodora would wager it was for far different reasons. As Achilleas approached them, the Leventi woman squared her shoulders and stood up a little straighter, returning the polite bow of his head. Though she wanted to turn around and run right back out the door, she had agreed to this, however reluctantly. They were to be wed, and she needed to learn how to live with that.
“My lord, thank you for your invitation,” she responded, her smile widening a little. Did her voice sound too flat? Did her smile look fake? Gods, could he see right through her? “It is good to see you again, as well.”
He cut a dashing figure, that much she could admit. Tall and broad with a well-defined musculature, his face, too, seemed like it was carved by the hands of the gods themselves. If she was to be thrust into a marriage she had not asked for, there were certainly worse choices. But why did he have to look so much like Emilios? Must she be reminded of him every time she glanced at her fiancé’s face?
No. Thoughts of his brother had no place here. Better that she just forget him, if this was to be her fate.
Hesitating for only the barest second when he offered his arm, she swallowed and took it with a nod and another smile. Hand resting lightly in the crook of his elbow, she kept her fingers relaxed so that her clutch wouldn’t give away her nerves. “Of course, my lord. That would be lovely.”
Letting him lead her to the gardens, Theo did her best not to lock her gaze to the floor. One foot in front of the other, head held high, shoulders back; she needed to walk with confidence even if she didn’t feel it. Her maid was right; she was soon to be married, and she was supposed to be happy. It would do no good for their marriage if Achilleas already suspected something was wrong.
I can do this, she assured herself again. This is not the end of the world. Even if it felt that way.
Though she was reluctant to speak, lest the timbre of her voice betray her misery, neither did she want to continue on in stunted silence. They ought to get to know each other better before their lives were merged. Perhaps if she knew more about him, his interests, his passions, things would be better. If they could just find some common ground, then they could build a foundation to stand on.
But where to even start? They were practically strangers, even with their previous encounters. What did she really know of the man beside her? What did he really know of her?
Stepping from the manor and into the gardens outside, Theodora breathed in the sweet scent of the flowers with a touch less apprehension than she had inside. Surrounded by such beauty, it was a little harder to remain so nervous, and at the least, it would give them a lovely backdrop for an otherwise somewhat awkward encounter.
“Have you been well, my lord?” She decided to just begin there, with light small talk that would hopefully lead to a more genuine conversation. “It feels like it has been months since I last saw you.”
Wow. A scintillating observation, Theodora. He’ll be falling all over you in seconds with that kind of talk.
Inwardly, she rolled her eyes at her own internal monologue, but what could she really say? ‘Thanks for the proposal, but I’d rather marry your brother instead! Bye!’ That would surely go over so well.
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This character is currently a work in progress.
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His smile was nearly as hesitant as her own, though Theodora would wager it was for far different reasons. As Achilleas approached them, the Leventi woman squared her shoulders and stood up a little straighter, returning the polite bow of his head. Though she wanted to turn around and run right back out the door, she had agreed to this, however reluctantly. They were to be wed, and she needed to learn how to live with that.
“My lord, thank you for your invitation,” she responded, her smile widening a little. Did her voice sound too flat? Did her smile look fake? Gods, could he see right through her? “It is good to see you again, as well.”
He cut a dashing figure, that much she could admit. Tall and broad with a well-defined musculature, his face, too, seemed like it was carved by the hands of the gods themselves. If she was to be thrust into a marriage she had not asked for, there were certainly worse choices. But why did he have to look so much like Emilios? Must she be reminded of him every time she glanced at her fiancé’s face?
No. Thoughts of his brother had no place here. Better that she just forget him, if this was to be her fate.
Hesitating for only the barest second when he offered his arm, she swallowed and took it with a nod and another smile. Hand resting lightly in the crook of his elbow, she kept her fingers relaxed so that her clutch wouldn’t give away her nerves. “Of course, my lord. That would be lovely.”
Letting him lead her to the gardens, Theo did her best not to lock her gaze to the floor. One foot in front of the other, head held high, shoulders back; she needed to walk with confidence even if she didn’t feel it. Her maid was right; she was soon to be married, and she was supposed to be happy. It would do no good for their marriage if Achilleas already suspected something was wrong.
I can do this, she assured herself again. This is not the end of the world. Even if it felt that way.
Though she was reluctant to speak, lest the timbre of her voice betray her misery, neither did she want to continue on in stunted silence. They ought to get to know each other better before their lives were merged. Perhaps if she knew more about him, his interests, his passions, things would be better. If they could just find some common ground, then they could build a foundation to stand on.
But where to even start? They were practically strangers, even with their previous encounters. What did she really know of the man beside her? What did he really know of her?
Stepping from the manor and into the gardens outside, Theodora breathed in the sweet scent of the flowers with a touch less apprehension than she had inside. Surrounded by such beauty, it was a little harder to remain so nervous, and at the least, it would give them a lovely backdrop for an otherwise somewhat awkward encounter.
“Have you been well, my lord?” She decided to just begin there, with light small talk that would hopefully lead to a more genuine conversation. “It feels like it has been months since I last saw you.”
Wow. A scintillating observation, Theodora. He’ll be falling all over you in seconds with that kind of talk.
Inwardly, she rolled her eyes at her own internal monologue, but what could she really say? ‘Thanks for the proposal, but I’d rather marry your brother instead! Bye!’ That would surely go over so well.
His smile was nearly as hesitant as her own, though Theodora would wager it was for far different reasons. As Achilleas approached them, the Leventi woman squared her shoulders and stood up a little straighter, returning the polite bow of his head. Though she wanted to turn around and run right back out the door, she had agreed to this, however reluctantly. They were to be wed, and she needed to learn how to live with that.
“My lord, thank you for your invitation,” she responded, her smile widening a little. Did her voice sound too flat? Did her smile look fake? Gods, could he see right through her? “It is good to see you again, as well.”
He cut a dashing figure, that much she could admit. Tall and broad with a well-defined musculature, his face, too, seemed like it was carved by the hands of the gods themselves. If she was to be thrust into a marriage she had not asked for, there were certainly worse choices. But why did he have to look so much like Emilios? Must she be reminded of him every time she glanced at her fiancé’s face?
No. Thoughts of his brother had no place here. Better that she just forget him, if this was to be her fate.
Hesitating for only the barest second when he offered his arm, she swallowed and took it with a nod and another smile. Hand resting lightly in the crook of his elbow, she kept her fingers relaxed so that her clutch wouldn’t give away her nerves. “Of course, my lord. That would be lovely.”
Letting him lead her to the gardens, Theo did her best not to lock her gaze to the floor. One foot in front of the other, head held high, shoulders back; she needed to walk with confidence even if she didn’t feel it. Her maid was right; she was soon to be married, and she was supposed to be happy. It would do no good for their marriage if Achilleas already suspected something was wrong.
I can do this, she assured herself again. This is not the end of the world. Even if it felt that way.
Though she was reluctant to speak, lest the timbre of her voice betray her misery, neither did she want to continue on in stunted silence. They ought to get to know each other better before their lives were merged. Perhaps if she knew more about him, his interests, his passions, things would be better. If they could just find some common ground, then they could build a foundation to stand on.
But where to even start? They were practically strangers, even with their previous encounters. What did she really know of the man beside her? What did he really know of her?
Stepping from the manor and into the gardens outside, Theodora breathed in the sweet scent of the flowers with a touch less apprehension than she had inside. Surrounded by such beauty, it was a little harder to remain so nervous, and at the least, it would give them a lovely backdrop for an otherwise somewhat awkward encounter.
“Have you been well, my lord?” She decided to just begin there, with light small talk that would hopefully lead to a more genuine conversation. “It feels like it has been months since I last saw you.”
Wow. A scintillating observation, Theodora. He’ll be falling all over you in seconds with that kind of talk.
Inwardly, she rolled her eyes at her own internal monologue, but what could she really say? ‘Thanks for the proposal, but I’d rather marry your brother instead! Bye!’ That would surely go over so well.
Achilleas was quiet as he led Theodora through the halls of the archontiko, out beneath a sweeping stone archway into the gardens beyond. He kept his gaze fixed ahead, turning over different conversational subjects in his mind and discarding them in the next because everything seemed...odd and distant given who the woman on his arm was to him now. He was conscious of the maid trailing them, her presence only right for propriety’s sake but a little stifling all the same. She at least had the good grace to keep some few paces behind them, and eventually, it was Theodora who broke the silence with a question he was glad to find an easy answer for.
“Yes, thank you” he replied, tilting a glance toward her, thinking how it had been months, approximately two and a half by his reckoning. “ Well but busy enough that I have not been in Vasiliadon for much beyond the senate meets. I am sorry not to have seen more of you”
It wasn’t a lie, for he was always glad to see Theodora even if he had become well-practised at keeping his distance. “And you?” he added, directing an encouraging smile towards the young woman.
He made sure to listen attentively to her answer, blue eyes settled decisively on her and her alone, until he eventually glanced away as they walked through a small grove of olive trees, scattering some shadow and cool relief from the brightness of the sun.
“I wasn’t sure if you would rather have waited for things to be made official” he began, cutting right to the chase of things as was his way. “But I thought it might be easier if we had at least seen one another before facing everyone else.”
And for him certainly, there was a want to reassure himself that Theodora was happy with this arrangement. He had been open enough about his desire for the match, and though he’d been told that she had reacted favourably, there was still that lingering want to confirm. “I confess I’m glad that such a match could be made. I have thought of it before now”
Another truth. Not often because Achilleas knew better really, but on those rare occasions where he had left his thoughts to drift to his future, it had been a thing he had considered. He looked toward her again, that same searching intensity that there had been there before. What did she make of all of this? Like him, probably more so, he was certain Theodora would have been raised knowing that her future marriage would be one arranged for the betterment of her family. That was the norm for those born into noble lineage, but Achilleas truly felt that they had fallen on their feet in this. He was glad it was Theodora walking beside him rather than some stranger from another kingdom.
“You will have your family nearby,” he remarked, thinking this would be a comfort to her. “Euttica is only half a day’s ride or so”
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Achilleas was quiet as he led Theodora through the halls of the archontiko, out beneath a sweeping stone archway into the gardens beyond. He kept his gaze fixed ahead, turning over different conversational subjects in his mind and discarding them in the next because everything seemed...odd and distant given who the woman on his arm was to him now. He was conscious of the maid trailing them, her presence only right for propriety’s sake but a little stifling all the same. She at least had the good grace to keep some few paces behind them, and eventually, it was Theodora who broke the silence with a question he was glad to find an easy answer for.
“Yes, thank you” he replied, tilting a glance toward her, thinking how it had been months, approximately two and a half by his reckoning. “ Well but busy enough that I have not been in Vasiliadon for much beyond the senate meets. I am sorry not to have seen more of you”
It wasn’t a lie, for he was always glad to see Theodora even if he had become well-practised at keeping his distance. “And you?” he added, directing an encouraging smile towards the young woman.
He made sure to listen attentively to her answer, blue eyes settled decisively on her and her alone, until he eventually glanced away as they walked through a small grove of olive trees, scattering some shadow and cool relief from the brightness of the sun.
“I wasn’t sure if you would rather have waited for things to be made official” he began, cutting right to the chase of things as was his way. “But I thought it might be easier if we had at least seen one another before facing everyone else.”
And for him certainly, there was a want to reassure himself that Theodora was happy with this arrangement. He had been open enough about his desire for the match, and though he’d been told that she had reacted favourably, there was still that lingering want to confirm. “I confess I’m glad that such a match could be made. I have thought of it before now”
Another truth. Not often because Achilleas knew better really, but on those rare occasions where he had left his thoughts to drift to his future, it had been a thing he had considered. He looked toward her again, that same searching intensity that there had been there before. What did she make of all of this? Like him, probably more so, he was certain Theodora would have been raised knowing that her future marriage would be one arranged for the betterment of her family. That was the norm for those born into noble lineage, but Achilleas truly felt that they had fallen on their feet in this. He was glad it was Theodora walking beside him rather than some stranger from another kingdom.
“You will have your family nearby,” he remarked, thinking this would be a comfort to her. “Euttica is only half a day’s ride or so”
Achilleas was quiet as he led Theodora through the halls of the archontiko, out beneath a sweeping stone archway into the gardens beyond. He kept his gaze fixed ahead, turning over different conversational subjects in his mind and discarding them in the next because everything seemed...odd and distant given who the woman on his arm was to him now. He was conscious of the maid trailing them, her presence only right for propriety’s sake but a little stifling all the same. She at least had the good grace to keep some few paces behind them, and eventually, it was Theodora who broke the silence with a question he was glad to find an easy answer for.
“Yes, thank you” he replied, tilting a glance toward her, thinking how it had been months, approximately two and a half by his reckoning. “ Well but busy enough that I have not been in Vasiliadon for much beyond the senate meets. I am sorry not to have seen more of you”
It wasn’t a lie, for he was always glad to see Theodora even if he had become well-practised at keeping his distance. “And you?” he added, directing an encouraging smile towards the young woman.
He made sure to listen attentively to her answer, blue eyes settled decisively on her and her alone, until he eventually glanced away as they walked through a small grove of olive trees, scattering some shadow and cool relief from the brightness of the sun.
“I wasn’t sure if you would rather have waited for things to be made official” he began, cutting right to the chase of things as was his way. “But I thought it might be easier if we had at least seen one another before facing everyone else.”
And for him certainly, there was a want to reassure himself that Theodora was happy with this arrangement. He had been open enough about his desire for the match, and though he’d been told that she had reacted favourably, there was still that lingering want to confirm. “I confess I’m glad that such a match could be made. I have thought of it before now”
Another truth. Not often because Achilleas knew better really, but on those rare occasions where he had left his thoughts to drift to his future, it had been a thing he had considered. He looked toward her again, that same searching intensity that there had been there before. What did she make of all of this? Like him, probably more so, he was certain Theodora would have been raised knowing that her future marriage would be one arranged for the betterment of her family. That was the norm for those born into noble lineage, but Achilleas truly felt that they had fallen on their feet in this. He was glad it was Theodora walking beside him rather than some stranger from another kingdom.
“You will have your family nearby,” he remarked, thinking this would be a comfort to her. “Euttica is only half a day’s ride or so”
Theodora could have laughed at the irony of it all, had she been in a mood than leant itself toward humor. Walking arm-in-arm with the brother of the man she’d hoped to wed, the garden was filled with stilted small talk, rather than the easy banter that always came between her and Emilios. Again, she wondered if this was all some divine joke, to give her heart to one brother, and her hand to the other. What manner of cruelty was this? Would it ever get any easier?
However, she knew that it would not if she didn’t let herself relax. If she constantly held herself on guard in her fiancé’s presence, nothing would ever change, and she would spend the rest of her life wishing for something that could not be. Was that truly how she wanted to spend her days? Bereft and longing rather than rejoicing in what she had?
It’s a good match, she reminded herself again as he spoke, the earnestness of his sapphire gaze softening her demeanor at least a little. When he spoke to her, he seemed genuinely interested in her response, and that was more than could be said for so many others of their station. Perhaps if she kept thinking of the positives, all the reasons this was a good thing, she could start to let go of the negatives. Theodora had always been one to look on the bright side of life; why stop now?
“I have also been well,” she replied with the hint of a smile. “Busy too, but certainly not as busy as you.” She looked up to meet his eyes for a moment before dropping her gaze again, worried the depth of his stare would reach into places she’d rather keep covered.
She became far more aware of her maid’s presence at their backs as they walked, mildly annoyed that Althaia should have to accompany them at all. They were to be wed; could they not be afforded some privacy? How could they truly get to know one another if they couldn’t snatch a moment or two alone? If only there was some way they could evade her, escape her notice. Even as she had the thought, though, she quickly discarded it. From what she knew of Achilleas, he was a very proper, straight-laced sort of man. She doubted he would risk impugning her honor, even if it was for so innocent a reason.
I confess I’m glad that such a match could be made. I have thought of it before now.
Again, she wanted to laugh and cry all at once. Theo was well aware of the lingering glances Achilleas thought he could hide when they were in a room together, but she never thought much of them. Said to be blessed by Aphrodite, she was used to the curious glances of men, the looks of admiration that had their gaze lingering longer than was seemly. She never would have guessed that his thoughts drifted that way, but then, there had never been a reason to suspect it. Caught up in the arms of one brother, who would have thought she caught the attention of the other?
“I am flattered, my lord,” she murmured, a pretty blush coloring her freckled cheeks with the smile she offered. “I was surprised at your offer, but certainly not displeased.” Half-truths were more easily woven than outright lies; it wouldn’t do him any good to know how her spirit had fallen when she learned it was not the Mikaelidas lord she hoped for. Resting her other hand on his arm, as well, she looked up to meet his gaze more fully. “Any woman should be so thrilled to make a match in you, my lord. I am honored to be your choice.”
There, that was the proper thing to say, right? All those courtly lessons with her mother over the years had to serve some purpose, and hopefully, they wouldn’t fail her now.
“It will be a good marriage,” she went on with a nod, as much to reassure herself as to satisfy him. “And you’re right; it will be lovely to have my family so close by. It’s everything I could have hoped for.”
Gently squeezing his arm, she attempted another smile, the look demure as eyelashes fluttered gently against her cheeks. “Forgive me for not saying so earlier, but you look very handsome today, Lord Achilleas. That color suits you well.” That much, at least, wasn’t a lie. He was very handsome, today and all days. The looks he had given her over the years had been returned in kind; even with a heart clouded by love, her eyes were not blind.
Again, positives. Focus on the good, Theodora. One day, it will outweigh the bad.
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Theodora could have laughed at the irony of it all, had she been in a mood than leant itself toward humor. Walking arm-in-arm with the brother of the man she’d hoped to wed, the garden was filled with stilted small talk, rather than the easy banter that always came between her and Emilios. Again, she wondered if this was all some divine joke, to give her heart to one brother, and her hand to the other. What manner of cruelty was this? Would it ever get any easier?
However, she knew that it would not if she didn’t let herself relax. If she constantly held herself on guard in her fiancé’s presence, nothing would ever change, and she would spend the rest of her life wishing for something that could not be. Was that truly how she wanted to spend her days? Bereft and longing rather than rejoicing in what she had?
It’s a good match, she reminded herself again as he spoke, the earnestness of his sapphire gaze softening her demeanor at least a little. When he spoke to her, he seemed genuinely interested in her response, and that was more than could be said for so many others of their station. Perhaps if she kept thinking of the positives, all the reasons this was a good thing, she could start to let go of the negatives. Theodora had always been one to look on the bright side of life; why stop now?
“I have also been well,” she replied with the hint of a smile. “Busy too, but certainly not as busy as you.” She looked up to meet his eyes for a moment before dropping her gaze again, worried the depth of his stare would reach into places she’d rather keep covered.
She became far more aware of her maid’s presence at their backs as they walked, mildly annoyed that Althaia should have to accompany them at all. They were to be wed; could they not be afforded some privacy? How could they truly get to know one another if they couldn’t snatch a moment or two alone? If only there was some way they could evade her, escape her notice. Even as she had the thought, though, she quickly discarded it. From what she knew of Achilleas, he was a very proper, straight-laced sort of man. She doubted he would risk impugning her honor, even if it was for so innocent a reason.
I confess I’m glad that such a match could be made. I have thought of it before now.
Again, she wanted to laugh and cry all at once. Theo was well aware of the lingering glances Achilleas thought he could hide when they were in a room together, but she never thought much of them. Said to be blessed by Aphrodite, she was used to the curious glances of men, the looks of admiration that had their gaze lingering longer than was seemly. She never would have guessed that his thoughts drifted that way, but then, there had never been a reason to suspect it. Caught up in the arms of one brother, who would have thought she caught the attention of the other?
“I am flattered, my lord,” she murmured, a pretty blush coloring her freckled cheeks with the smile she offered. “I was surprised at your offer, but certainly not displeased.” Half-truths were more easily woven than outright lies; it wouldn’t do him any good to know how her spirit had fallen when she learned it was not the Mikaelidas lord she hoped for. Resting her other hand on his arm, as well, she looked up to meet his gaze more fully. “Any woman should be so thrilled to make a match in you, my lord. I am honored to be your choice.”
There, that was the proper thing to say, right? All those courtly lessons with her mother over the years had to serve some purpose, and hopefully, they wouldn’t fail her now.
“It will be a good marriage,” she went on with a nod, as much to reassure herself as to satisfy him. “And you’re right; it will be lovely to have my family so close by. It’s everything I could have hoped for.”
Gently squeezing his arm, she attempted another smile, the look demure as eyelashes fluttered gently against her cheeks. “Forgive me for not saying so earlier, but you look very handsome today, Lord Achilleas. That color suits you well.” That much, at least, wasn’t a lie. He was very handsome, today and all days. The looks he had given her over the years had been returned in kind; even with a heart clouded by love, her eyes were not blind.
Again, positives. Focus on the good, Theodora. One day, it will outweigh the bad.
Theodora could have laughed at the irony of it all, had she been in a mood than leant itself toward humor. Walking arm-in-arm with the brother of the man she’d hoped to wed, the garden was filled with stilted small talk, rather than the easy banter that always came between her and Emilios. Again, she wondered if this was all some divine joke, to give her heart to one brother, and her hand to the other. What manner of cruelty was this? Would it ever get any easier?
However, she knew that it would not if she didn’t let herself relax. If she constantly held herself on guard in her fiancé’s presence, nothing would ever change, and she would spend the rest of her life wishing for something that could not be. Was that truly how she wanted to spend her days? Bereft and longing rather than rejoicing in what she had?
It’s a good match, she reminded herself again as he spoke, the earnestness of his sapphire gaze softening her demeanor at least a little. When he spoke to her, he seemed genuinely interested in her response, and that was more than could be said for so many others of their station. Perhaps if she kept thinking of the positives, all the reasons this was a good thing, she could start to let go of the negatives. Theodora had always been one to look on the bright side of life; why stop now?
“I have also been well,” she replied with the hint of a smile. “Busy too, but certainly not as busy as you.” She looked up to meet his eyes for a moment before dropping her gaze again, worried the depth of his stare would reach into places she’d rather keep covered.
She became far more aware of her maid’s presence at their backs as they walked, mildly annoyed that Althaia should have to accompany them at all. They were to be wed; could they not be afforded some privacy? How could they truly get to know one another if they couldn’t snatch a moment or two alone? If only there was some way they could evade her, escape her notice. Even as she had the thought, though, she quickly discarded it. From what she knew of Achilleas, he was a very proper, straight-laced sort of man. She doubted he would risk impugning her honor, even if it was for so innocent a reason.
I confess I’m glad that such a match could be made. I have thought of it before now.
Again, she wanted to laugh and cry all at once. Theo was well aware of the lingering glances Achilleas thought he could hide when they were in a room together, but she never thought much of them. Said to be blessed by Aphrodite, she was used to the curious glances of men, the looks of admiration that had their gaze lingering longer than was seemly. She never would have guessed that his thoughts drifted that way, but then, there had never been a reason to suspect it. Caught up in the arms of one brother, who would have thought she caught the attention of the other?
“I am flattered, my lord,” she murmured, a pretty blush coloring her freckled cheeks with the smile she offered. “I was surprised at your offer, but certainly not displeased.” Half-truths were more easily woven than outright lies; it wouldn’t do him any good to know how her spirit had fallen when she learned it was not the Mikaelidas lord she hoped for. Resting her other hand on his arm, as well, she looked up to meet his gaze more fully. “Any woman should be so thrilled to make a match in you, my lord. I am honored to be your choice.”
There, that was the proper thing to say, right? All those courtly lessons with her mother over the years had to serve some purpose, and hopefully, they wouldn’t fail her now.
“It will be a good marriage,” she went on with a nod, as much to reassure herself as to satisfy him. “And you’re right; it will be lovely to have my family so close by. It’s everything I could have hoped for.”
Gently squeezing his arm, she attempted another smile, the look demure as eyelashes fluttered gently against her cheeks. “Forgive me for not saying so earlier, but you look very handsome today, Lord Achilleas. That color suits you well.” That much, at least, wasn’t a lie. He was very handsome, today and all days. The looks he had given her over the years had been returned in kind; even with a heart clouded by love, her eyes were not blind.
Again, positives. Focus on the good, Theodora. One day, it will outweigh the bad.
Theodora’s reserve surprised Achilleas if he were being honest. In his experience, she had never been backward about coming forward, and he wondered if it was just the sudden change in the nature of their acquaintance that would see her words as careful as his own. Her smile softened a little of his worry though, made him bold enough to admit that he had not come upon his own feelings for her suddenly, that she had held a share of his attention for some time.
Flattered? Achilleas considered that word, his expression perhaps conveying that he found it a little lacklustre though the flush that graced her cheeks was endearing. Surprised but not displeased. That was not the same as delighted, but the lord pushed the discomfort of that away because of course this was all very new and perhaps it was just the fact that everything would change that had his betrothed seem so cautious. He offered a cordial smile in return, wondered if perhaps it was just the years at court that had seen Theodora cultivate more of that formality that she had seemed to find somehow objectionable in him before.
It was probably better, he decided. And things would feel easier once they had grown more used to one another’s company. When the young woman spoke to being honoured, the Mikaelidas man glanced away, laughed a soft, self- depreciating chuckle. “I consider myself equally if not more honoured, my Lady.”
He could still barely believe it if he were honest, for it had all seemed to fall into place too easily. The timing of it, his father’s ready agreement to something Achilleas himself had suggested. But by Hades, he was not going to question it. There had been much in his life that he had turned aside from to ensure he met the expectations set out for him, things he had sacrificed without thinking over the years. Perhaps it was not wrong to take a little selfish pleasure in having something of his choosing for once.
Someone.
They had paused under the shade of the olive trees, as if the flimsy veil of leaves offered any real privacy, and Achilleas turned so he stood more in front of Theodora, the curl of a small but more genuine smile at his lips at the words of his soon to be wife. One of his own hands, large enough to swamp hers but warm and surprisingly gentle in its touch, came to settle atop Theo’s where it rested on his arm. “ That brings me great joy, Theodora. It is a rare privilege and one I did not expect to be gifted, to be wed to someone other than a stranger. Someone that I…” there he fumbled for a word because he wasn’t quite sure what was appropriate “..greatly esteem.”
And then he was feeling absurdly pleased at her flattery, not because he was particularly vain but because it was only a good thing, wasn’t it, if she was paying attention to things like that? He had been remiss in not offering her the compliments she deserved upon her arrival, and now it would just sound as if he were replying in kind. “Then you shall also forgive me for being so clumsy as not to tell you how radiant you are.” he offered, his gaze settling on hers for a moment before he cleared his throat and turned, urging them into a walk again where they ventured back into the warmth of the sun and the sun-bleached stone of a small fountain came into view. “ I’d love to show you Euttica,” he said. It felt so much more like home to him than here, the archontiko having lost any sense of that when Meena moved in and his mother was forced to leave. And Achilleas was much more at ease in the sleepy provincial town where there were fewer eyes upon him and he felt he could actually relax a little. The idea of being able to share that sweet little slice of his life with the woman next to him made him happy, and it bled through into the way he spoke. “ Perhaps you will allow me to take you there before we are wed?”
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Theodora’s reserve surprised Achilleas if he were being honest. In his experience, she had never been backward about coming forward, and he wondered if it was just the sudden change in the nature of their acquaintance that would see her words as careful as his own. Her smile softened a little of his worry though, made him bold enough to admit that he had not come upon his own feelings for her suddenly, that she had held a share of his attention for some time.
Flattered? Achilleas considered that word, his expression perhaps conveying that he found it a little lacklustre though the flush that graced her cheeks was endearing. Surprised but not displeased. That was not the same as delighted, but the lord pushed the discomfort of that away because of course this was all very new and perhaps it was just the fact that everything would change that had his betrothed seem so cautious. He offered a cordial smile in return, wondered if perhaps it was just the years at court that had seen Theodora cultivate more of that formality that she had seemed to find somehow objectionable in him before.
It was probably better, he decided. And things would feel easier once they had grown more used to one another’s company. When the young woman spoke to being honoured, the Mikaelidas man glanced away, laughed a soft, self- depreciating chuckle. “I consider myself equally if not more honoured, my Lady.”
He could still barely believe it if he were honest, for it had all seemed to fall into place too easily. The timing of it, his father’s ready agreement to something Achilleas himself had suggested. But by Hades, he was not going to question it. There had been much in his life that he had turned aside from to ensure he met the expectations set out for him, things he had sacrificed without thinking over the years. Perhaps it was not wrong to take a little selfish pleasure in having something of his choosing for once.
Someone.
They had paused under the shade of the olive trees, as if the flimsy veil of leaves offered any real privacy, and Achilleas turned so he stood more in front of Theodora, the curl of a small but more genuine smile at his lips at the words of his soon to be wife. One of his own hands, large enough to swamp hers but warm and surprisingly gentle in its touch, came to settle atop Theo’s where it rested on his arm. “ That brings me great joy, Theodora. It is a rare privilege and one I did not expect to be gifted, to be wed to someone other than a stranger. Someone that I…” there he fumbled for a word because he wasn’t quite sure what was appropriate “..greatly esteem.”
And then he was feeling absurdly pleased at her flattery, not because he was particularly vain but because it was only a good thing, wasn’t it, if she was paying attention to things like that? He had been remiss in not offering her the compliments she deserved upon her arrival, and now it would just sound as if he were replying in kind. “Then you shall also forgive me for being so clumsy as not to tell you how radiant you are.” he offered, his gaze settling on hers for a moment before he cleared his throat and turned, urging them into a walk again where they ventured back into the warmth of the sun and the sun-bleached stone of a small fountain came into view. “ I’d love to show you Euttica,” he said. It felt so much more like home to him than here, the archontiko having lost any sense of that when Meena moved in and his mother was forced to leave. And Achilleas was much more at ease in the sleepy provincial town where there were fewer eyes upon him and he felt he could actually relax a little. The idea of being able to share that sweet little slice of his life with the woman next to him made him happy, and it bled through into the way he spoke. “ Perhaps you will allow me to take you there before we are wed?”
Theodora’s reserve surprised Achilleas if he were being honest. In his experience, she had never been backward about coming forward, and he wondered if it was just the sudden change in the nature of their acquaintance that would see her words as careful as his own. Her smile softened a little of his worry though, made him bold enough to admit that he had not come upon his own feelings for her suddenly, that she had held a share of his attention for some time.
Flattered? Achilleas considered that word, his expression perhaps conveying that he found it a little lacklustre though the flush that graced her cheeks was endearing. Surprised but not displeased. That was not the same as delighted, but the lord pushed the discomfort of that away because of course this was all very new and perhaps it was just the fact that everything would change that had his betrothed seem so cautious. He offered a cordial smile in return, wondered if perhaps it was just the years at court that had seen Theodora cultivate more of that formality that she had seemed to find somehow objectionable in him before.
It was probably better, he decided. And things would feel easier once they had grown more used to one another’s company. When the young woman spoke to being honoured, the Mikaelidas man glanced away, laughed a soft, self- depreciating chuckle. “I consider myself equally if not more honoured, my Lady.”
He could still barely believe it if he were honest, for it had all seemed to fall into place too easily. The timing of it, his father’s ready agreement to something Achilleas himself had suggested. But by Hades, he was not going to question it. There had been much in his life that he had turned aside from to ensure he met the expectations set out for him, things he had sacrificed without thinking over the years. Perhaps it was not wrong to take a little selfish pleasure in having something of his choosing for once.
Someone.
They had paused under the shade of the olive trees, as if the flimsy veil of leaves offered any real privacy, and Achilleas turned so he stood more in front of Theodora, the curl of a small but more genuine smile at his lips at the words of his soon to be wife. One of his own hands, large enough to swamp hers but warm and surprisingly gentle in its touch, came to settle atop Theo’s where it rested on his arm. “ That brings me great joy, Theodora. It is a rare privilege and one I did not expect to be gifted, to be wed to someone other than a stranger. Someone that I…” there he fumbled for a word because he wasn’t quite sure what was appropriate “..greatly esteem.”
And then he was feeling absurdly pleased at her flattery, not because he was particularly vain but because it was only a good thing, wasn’t it, if she was paying attention to things like that? He had been remiss in not offering her the compliments she deserved upon her arrival, and now it would just sound as if he were replying in kind. “Then you shall also forgive me for being so clumsy as not to tell you how radiant you are.” he offered, his gaze settling on hers for a moment before he cleared his throat and turned, urging them into a walk again where they ventured back into the warmth of the sun and the sun-bleached stone of a small fountain came into view. “ I’d love to show you Euttica,” he said. It felt so much more like home to him than here, the archontiko having lost any sense of that when Meena moved in and his mother was forced to leave. And Achilleas was much more at ease in the sleepy provincial town where there were fewer eyes upon him and he felt he could actually relax a little. The idea of being able to share that sweet little slice of his life with the woman next to him made him happy, and it bled through into the way he spoke. “ Perhaps you will allow me to take you there before we are wed?”
Part of her wanted to scream at the grating formality, sweet words spoken as if they were written by a courtly scribe. Why couldn’t they just talk to each other like friends, rather than this stumbling exchange of honor and flattery? It will come in time, was her silent reassurance, even if, this time, she was just as guilty as he. She had teased and mocked him in their younger years, both playfully and not, so why couldn’t she find it in her to do it now?
You weren’t engaged to him then.
Theodora smiled again as his hand came to rest on hers. Even if the words he spoke weren’t the romantic poetry she might have wished for, at least he seemed honest. He’s trying, she reminded herself, her gaze sweeping over the way the shadows of the olive trees dappled his face, a face so foreign yet so achingly familiar… This is new to him, too. Even if he did ask for it.
“Truly, my lord, you missed your calling as a bard,” she did finally manage to quip, a light-hearted tease she hoped he would recognize for what it was. Even if he didn’t quite share her sense of humor, perhaps it would help restore some sense of normality to such an unprecedented situation. “But thank you. You can thank my maid for my radiance today, though. I’d say she had more a part in it than I.” She dared a glance over her shoulder at Althaia, who quickly looked away as if she hadn’t been listening. Rolling her eyes, Theo turned back to Achilleas as they started walking again.
Her heart softened further at his mention of his home, looking up at him as he spoke. His face was more animated and open when he suggested taking her there, and Theodora felt a more genuine smile tilt her lips in return. “I think I would like that very much,” she agreed, and that much was true. She would love to see Achilleas in a less formal setting, in a place where he could be more freely himself. Perhaps that would serve to loosen more of the tension between them if she could get to know him better in a place where he didn’t feel so much need to wear the polite Court mask. What surprises did the real man hold underneath?
And besides, it would be good for her, for them both, to spend time away from the capitol together, so long as Emilios didn’t accompany them. She needed the time to acquaint herself better with the man she was to be tied to, time free of such… distractions… that were sure to come staying here. Doubtless, they’d still have to deal with the presence of guards and retainers and all such nonsense that came with the mantle of nobility, but surely they could find some time to be alone together. Gods knew she’d managed it with one brother, why couldn’t she with the other?
There was a sparkle of genuine interest in her eye when she looked up to meet his gaze again, head tilting curiously to the side. “When can we go? Does your father not keep you too busy?”
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Part of her wanted to scream at the grating formality, sweet words spoken as if they were written by a courtly scribe. Why couldn’t they just talk to each other like friends, rather than this stumbling exchange of honor and flattery? It will come in time, was her silent reassurance, even if, this time, she was just as guilty as he. She had teased and mocked him in their younger years, both playfully and not, so why couldn’t she find it in her to do it now?
You weren’t engaged to him then.
Theodora smiled again as his hand came to rest on hers. Even if the words he spoke weren’t the romantic poetry she might have wished for, at least he seemed honest. He’s trying, she reminded herself, her gaze sweeping over the way the shadows of the olive trees dappled his face, a face so foreign yet so achingly familiar… This is new to him, too. Even if he did ask for it.
“Truly, my lord, you missed your calling as a bard,” she did finally manage to quip, a light-hearted tease she hoped he would recognize for what it was. Even if he didn’t quite share her sense of humor, perhaps it would help restore some sense of normality to such an unprecedented situation. “But thank you. You can thank my maid for my radiance today, though. I’d say she had more a part in it than I.” She dared a glance over her shoulder at Althaia, who quickly looked away as if she hadn’t been listening. Rolling her eyes, Theo turned back to Achilleas as they started walking again.
Her heart softened further at his mention of his home, looking up at him as he spoke. His face was more animated and open when he suggested taking her there, and Theodora felt a more genuine smile tilt her lips in return. “I think I would like that very much,” she agreed, and that much was true. She would love to see Achilleas in a less formal setting, in a place where he could be more freely himself. Perhaps that would serve to loosen more of the tension between them if she could get to know him better in a place where he didn’t feel so much need to wear the polite Court mask. What surprises did the real man hold underneath?
And besides, it would be good for her, for them both, to spend time away from the capitol together, so long as Emilios didn’t accompany them. She needed the time to acquaint herself better with the man she was to be tied to, time free of such… distractions… that were sure to come staying here. Doubtless, they’d still have to deal with the presence of guards and retainers and all such nonsense that came with the mantle of nobility, but surely they could find some time to be alone together. Gods knew she’d managed it with one brother, why couldn’t she with the other?
There was a sparkle of genuine interest in her eye when she looked up to meet his gaze again, head tilting curiously to the side. “When can we go? Does your father not keep you too busy?”
Part of her wanted to scream at the grating formality, sweet words spoken as if they were written by a courtly scribe. Why couldn’t they just talk to each other like friends, rather than this stumbling exchange of honor and flattery? It will come in time, was her silent reassurance, even if, this time, she was just as guilty as he. She had teased and mocked him in their younger years, both playfully and not, so why couldn’t she find it in her to do it now?
You weren’t engaged to him then.
Theodora smiled again as his hand came to rest on hers. Even if the words he spoke weren’t the romantic poetry she might have wished for, at least he seemed honest. He’s trying, she reminded herself, her gaze sweeping over the way the shadows of the olive trees dappled his face, a face so foreign yet so achingly familiar… This is new to him, too. Even if he did ask for it.
“Truly, my lord, you missed your calling as a bard,” she did finally manage to quip, a light-hearted tease she hoped he would recognize for what it was. Even if he didn’t quite share her sense of humor, perhaps it would help restore some sense of normality to such an unprecedented situation. “But thank you. You can thank my maid for my radiance today, though. I’d say she had more a part in it than I.” She dared a glance over her shoulder at Althaia, who quickly looked away as if she hadn’t been listening. Rolling her eyes, Theo turned back to Achilleas as they started walking again.
Her heart softened further at his mention of his home, looking up at him as he spoke. His face was more animated and open when he suggested taking her there, and Theodora felt a more genuine smile tilt her lips in return. “I think I would like that very much,” she agreed, and that much was true. She would love to see Achilleas in a less formal setting, in a place where he could be more freely himself. Perhaps that would serve to loosen more of the tension between them if she could get to know him better in a place where he didn’t feel so much need to wear the polite Court mask. What surprises did the real man hold underneath?
And besides, it would be good for her, for them both, to spend time away from the capitol together, so long as Emilios didn’t accompany them. She needed the time to acquaint herself better with the man she was to be tied to, time free of such… distractions… that were sure to come staying here. Doubtless, they’d still have to deal with the presence of guards and retainers and all such nonsense that came with the mantle of nobility, but surely they could find some time to be alone together. Gods knew she’d managed it with one brother, why couldn’t she with the other?
There was a sparkle of genuine interest in her eye when she looked up to meet his gaze again, head tilting curiously to the side. “When can we go? Does your father not keep you too busy?”
‘Truly my lord, you missed your calling as a bard’
For a moment, Achilleas stared at her, gaze a little troubled because he knew he had messed that up, and he wanted to very much to convey how..glad he was of their betrothal. But he caught himself, smiled a little self-consciously and rubbed at the back of his neck. “Right. Yes. Well, I shan’t try and woo you with words then. Noted”
His gaze wandered toward the maid Theodora drew attention too, and he wondered at the roll of her eyes. Did she begrudge her presence as much as he did? Not that it mattered, there were still social etiquettes that should be observed, particularly because the engagement had yet to be formally announced. But it didn’t stop him thinking ahead, of what it might be like to have Theodora beside him, to share a life and a home and a family and all of those things that he had not given much thought to before now when they suddenly seemed so close.
Encouraged, he turned to her with a smile less measured, less tempered than those he usually employed. It made him look younger than the somewhat stern countenance he wore most. “Then we shall go. It is only right you acquaint yourself with the place, and if you’re lucky there will peaches. You could lose yourself in the orchards. It's early for figs but I know a place where we…” Achilleas stopped himself, let out a little breath of a laugh. “You will see...I hope you’ll like it there”
When she raised the question of when the lord frowned a little. His father…
“I daresay he might allow me a little grace for such a trip,” Achilleas said. “I spend a good part of my time there. And anyway, my father is invested in this match too. He and your uncle are glad to tie our Houses together.”
Indeed, Lord Fotios and Irakles had long been friends and Achilleas was certain that was at least part of what had his father so amenable to the idea of a marriage between Theodora and his eldest son. No doubt he would have preferred Selene, for the sake of prestige, but she was set for the Crown Prince, so really, things had fallen quite fatefully.
Achilleas let his gaze wander a little more freely over the profile of the woman who walked beside him, thinking back to the first time he had seen her and cataloguing the slight changes he could see. He would no have pictured them here if someone had asked him all those years ago. Admittedly because he had spent the first minutes of their acquaintance thinking her a farmer’s daughter. How he could have believed such a thing confounded him now. Everything about her was gently sculpted perfection and he had to drag his eyes away, made a show of looking up at the fountain that they had reached instead of at her.
“ Are you looking forward to the feast?” he enquired, almost wishing it were not such a necessary part of the proceedings. But the announcement was to be made at the event so there would be no avoiding it. He tolerated parties because they were part and parcel of his role as a Lord and Baron, but Achilleas had never been one to find much ease in such scenarios. But perhaps it would be different now, with Theodora as a companion.
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‘Truly my lord, you missed your calling as a bard’
For a moment, Achilleas stared at her, gaze a little troubled because he knew he had messed that up, and he wanted to very much to convey how..glad he was of their betrothal. But he caught himself, smiled a little self-consciously and rubbed at the back of his neck. “Right. Yes. Well, I shan’t try and woo you with words then. Noted”
His gaze wandered toward the maid Theodora drew attention too, and he wondered at the roll of her eyes. Did she begrudge her presence as much as he did? Not that it mattered, there were still social etiquettes that should be observed, particularly because the engagement had yet to be formally announced. But it didn’t stop him thinking ahead, of what it might be like to have Theodora beside him, to share a life and a home and a family and all of those things that he had not given much thought to before now when they suddenly seemed so close.
Encouraged, he turned to her with a smile less measured, less tempered than those he usually employed. It made him look younger than the somewhat stern countenance he wore most. “Then we shall go. It is only right you acquaint yourself with the place, and if you’re lucky there will peaches. You could lose yourself in the orchards. It's early for figs but I know a place where we…” Achilleas stopped himself, let out a little breath of a laugh. “You will see...I hope you’ll like it there”
When she raised the question of when the lord frowned a little. His father…
“I daresay he might allow me a little grace for such a trip,” Achilleas said. “I spend a good part of my time there. And anyway, my father is invested in this match too. He and your uncle are glad to tie our Houses together.”
Indeed, Lord Fotios and Irakles had long been friends and Achilleas was certain that was at least part of what had his father so amenable to the idea of a marriage between Theodora and his eldest son. No doubt he would have preferred Selene, for the sake of prestige, but she was set for the Crown Prince, so really, things had fallen quite fatefully.
Achilleas let his gaze wander a little more freely over the profile of the woman who walked beside him, thinking back to the first time he had seen her and cataloguing the slight changes he could see. He would no have pictured them here if someone had asked him all those years ago. Admittedly because he had spent the first minutes of their acquaintance thinking her a farmer’s daughter. How he could have believed such a thing confounded him now. Everything about her was gently sculpted perfection and he had to drag his eyes away, made a show of looking up at the fountain that they had reached instead of at her.
“ Are you looking forward to the feast?” he enquired, almost wishing it were not such a necessary part of the proceedings. But the announcement was to be made at the event so there would be no avoiding it. He tolerated parties because they were part and parcel of his role as a Lord and Baron, but Achilleas had never been one to find much ease in such scenarios. But perhaps it would be different now, with Theodora as a companion.
‘Truly my lord, you missed your calling as a bard’
For a moment, Achilleas stared at her, gaze a little troubled because he knew he had messed that up, and he wanted to very much to convey how..glad he was of their betrothal. But he caught himself, smiled a little self-consciously and rubbed at the back of his neck. “Right. Yes. Well, I shan’t try and woo you with words then. Noted”
His gaze wandered toward the maid Theodora drew attention too, and he wondered at the roll of her eyes. Did she begrudge her presence as much as he did? Not that it mattered, there were still social etiquettes that should be observed, particularly because the engagement had yet to be formally announced. But it didn’t stop him thinking ahead, of what it might be like to have Theodora beside him, to share a life and a home and a family and all of those things that he had not given much thought to before now when they suddenly seemed so close.
Encouraged, he turned to her with a smile less measured, less tempered than those he usually employed. It made him look younger than the somewhat stern countenance he wore most. “Then we shall go. It is only right you acquaint yourself with the place, and if you’re lucky there will peaches. You could lose yourself in the orchards. It's early for figs but I know a place where we…” Achilleas stopped himself, let out a little breath of a laugh. “You will see...I hope you’ll like it there”
When she raised the question of when the lord frowned a little. His father…
“I daresay he might allow me a little grace for such a trip,” Achilleas said. “I spend a good part of my time there. And anyway, my father is invested in this match too. He and your uncle are glad to tie our Houses together.”
Indeed, Lord Fotios and Irakles had long been friends and Achilleas was certain that was at least part of what had his father so amenable to the idea of a marriage between Theodora and his eldest son. No doubt he would have preferred Selene, for the sake of prestige, but she was set for the Crown Prince, so really, things had fallen quite fatefully.
Achilleas let his gaze wander a little more freely over the profile of the woman who walked beside him, thinking back to the first time he had seen her and cataloguing the slight changes he could see. He would no have pictured them here if someone had asked him all those years ago. Admittedly because he had spent the first minutes of their acquaintance thinking her a farmer’s daughter. How he could have believed such a thing confounded him now. Everything about her was gently sculpted perfection and he had to drag his eyes away, made a show of looking up at the fountain that they had reached instead of at her.
“ Are you looking forward to the feast?” he enquired, almost wishing it were not such a necessary part of the proceedings. But the announcement was to be made at the event so there would be no avoiding it. He tolerated parties because they were part and parcel of his role as a Lord and Baron, but Achilleas had never been one to find much ease in such scenarios. But perhaps it would be different now, with Theodora as a companion.
Right. Yes. Well, I shan’t try and woo you with words then. Noted.
Her lips twitched at that, but Theodora held her laughter, not wanting to hurt his feelings so soon into the conversation. At least he hadn’t reacted with outright offense, and she thought that, at least, was a good sign. If they were to be wed, Achilleas would simply have to get used to her mischievous sense of humor; at twenty six years of age, that wasn’t likely to change any time soon. Perhaps, in time, she would have him laughing alongside her. One could dream, anyway.
She was glad she hadn’t laughed when she saw the change that came over the lord’s face as he spoke so fondly of Euttica. It was almost as if an entirely different man walked next to her when his expression became so animated, the smile on his face softening his countenance into something far gentler than she was used to seeing in him. “It sounds lovely,” she responded at his talk of peaches and figs, the possibility of losing herself in the orchards. Now he was speaking her language, and she could almost picture it—a warm and sunny afternoon, side-by-side as they drifted through the groves, plucking and indulging in only the sweetest and ripest fruits. The shade of the trees keeping them cool as they conversed, each of them letting go a little more of the inhibitions that held them back. If their marriage was to be successful, they needed a strong base to stand on. Perhaps such a trip could start to form that base.
“I look forward to it already,” she said with another smile, glancing up to meet the cerulean gaze that sought hers so eagerly. “Peaches are my favorite, especially when they’re so fresh. Perhaps we can even have the cooks make them into a pie, do you think?”
This was good. Thinking of the future instead of lingering on the past. She had begun this day with a looming sense of dread, but as their conversation went on, she could feel it being replaced with a sort of tentative hope. While this marriage was certainly not what she planned for, surely they could make the best of it. Achilleas was a good man, she kept reminding herself. There was no doubt she would be the envy of so many other women of the Court. Even if this was not what she wanted, it wasn’t a death sentence. They could make it work. Right?
And anyway, my father is invested in this match too. He and your uncle are glad to tie our Houses together.
“Yes, my uncle was very pleased when he brought me the news,” was her vague reply. So had she been until she found out exactly which Mikaelidas lord sought her hand, but this she kept to herself. “And once Selene weds Zacharias, we’ll be even further joined,” she went on. “One big happy family.”
Well, it would be a family, anyway.
At the mention of the feast, Theo did her best not to let her face fall. She had almost forgotten the event that would bring about the formal announcement of their engagement in front of both their families. Was she looking forward to it? No, not at all. While it should have been a joyous and celebratory occasion, all the woman could think of was making such an announcement right in the face of the brother she had hoped to wed. How could she bear it? Would they all see right through her?
“Of course,” she answered, perhaps a little too quickly with a smile that was maybe a little too bright. “Doesn’t every young bride?” Rather than lingering on her own ambiguous answer, she turned her attention back to him. “Are you looking forward to it? It will be the talk of the capital, I’m sure.”
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Right. Yes. Well, I shan’t try and woo you with words then. Noted.
Her lips twitched at that, but Theodora held her laughter, not wanting to hurt his feelings so soon into the conversation. At least he hadn’t reacted with outright offense, and she thought that, at least, was a good sign. If they were to be wed, Achilleas would simply have to get used to her mischievous sense of humor; at twenty six years of age, that wasn’t likely to change any time soon. Perhaps, in time, she would have him laughing alongside her. One could dream, anyway.
She was glad she hadn’t laughed when she saw the change that came over the lord’s face as he spoke so fondly of Euttica. It was almost as if an entirely different man walked next to her when his expression became so animated, the smile on his face softening his countenance into something far gentler than she was used to seeing in him. “It sounds lovely,” she responded at his talk of peaches and figs, the possibility of losing herself in the orchards. Now he was speaking her language, and she could almost picture it—a warm and sunny afternoon, side-by-side as they drifted through the groves, plucking and indulging in only the sweetest and ripest fruits. The shade of the trees keeping them cool as they conversed, each of them letting go a little more of the inhibitions that held them back. If their marriage was to be successful, they needed a strong base to stand on. Perhaps such a trip could start to form that base.
“I look forward to it already,” she said with another smile, glancing up to meet the cerulean gaze that sought hers so eagerly. “Peaches are my favorite, especially when they’re so fresh. Perhaps we can even have the cooks make them into a pie, do you think?”
This was good. Thinking of the future instead of lingering on the past. She had begun this day with a looming sense of dread, but as their conversation went on, she could feel it being replaced with a sort of tentative hope. While this marriage was certainly not what she planned for, surely they could make the best of it. Achilleas was a good man, she kept reminding herself. There was no doubt she would be the envy of so many other women of the Court. Even if this was not what she wanted, it wasn’t a death sentence. They could make it work. Right?
And anyway, my father is invested in this match too. He and your uncle are glad to tie our Houses together.
“Yes, my uncle was very pleased when he brought me the news,” was her vague reply. So had she been until she found out exactly which Mikaelidas lord sought her hand, but this she kept to herself. “And once Selene weds Zacharias, we’ll be even further joined,” she went on. “One big happy family.”
Well, it would be a family, anyway.
At the mention of the feast, Theo did her best not to let her face fall. She had almost forgotten the event that would bring about the formal announcement of their engagement in front of both their families. Was she looking forward to it? No, not at all. While it should have been a joyous and celebratory occasion, all the woman could think of was making such an announcement right in the face of the brother she had hoped to wed. How could she bear it? Would they all see right through her?
“Of course,” she answered, perhaps a little too quickly with a smile that was maybe a little too bright. “Doesn’t every young bride?” Rather than lingering on her own ambiguous answer, she turned her attention back to him. “Are you looking forward to it? It will be the talk of the capital, I’m sure.”
Right. Yes. Well, I shan’t try and woo you with words then. Noted.
Her lips twitched at that, but Theodora held her laughter, not wanting to hurt his feelings so soon into the conversation. At least he hadn’t reacted with outright offense, and she thought that, at least, was a good sign. If they were to be wed, Achilleas would simply have to get used to her mischievous sense of humor; at twenty six years of age, that wasn’t likely to change any time soon. Perhaps, in time, she would have him laughing alongside her. One could dream, anyway.
She was glad she hadn’t laughed when she saw the change that came over the lord’s face as he spoke so fondly of Euttica. It was almost as if an entirely different man walked next to her when his expression became so animated, the smile on his face softening his countenance into something far gentler than she was used to seeing in him. “It sounds lovely,” she responded at his talk of peaches and figs, the possibility of losing herself in the orchards. Now he was speaking her language, and she could almost picture it—a warm and sunny afternoon, side-by-side as they drifted through the groves, plucking and indulging in only the sweetest and ripest fruits. The shade of the trees keeping them cool as they conversed, each of them letting go a little more of the inhibitions that held them back. If their marriage was to be successful, they needed a strong base to stand on. Perhaps such a trip could start to form that base.
“I look forward to it already,” she said with another smile, glancing up to meet the cerulean gaze that sought hers so eagerly. “Peaches are my favorite, especially when they’re so fresh. Perhaps we can even have the cooks make them into a pie, do you think?”
This was good. Thinking of the future instead of lingering on the past. She had begun this day with a looming sense of dread, but as their conversation went on, she could feel it being replaced with a sort of tentative hope. While this marriage was certainly not what she planned for, surely they could make the best of it. Achilleas was a good man, she kept reminding herself. There was no doubt she would be the envy of so many other women of the Court. Even if this was not what she wanted, it wasn’t a death sentence. They could make it work. Right?
And anyway, my father is invested in this match too. He and your uncle are glad to tie our Houses together.
“Yes, my uncle was very pleased when he brought me the news,” was her vague reply. So had she been until she found out exactly which Mikaelidas lord sought her hand, but this she kept to herself. “And once Selene weds Zacharias, we’ll be even further joined,” she went on. “One big happy family.”
Well, it would be a family, anyway.
At the mention of the feast, Theo did her best not to let her face fall. She had almost forgotten the event that would bring about the formal announcement of their engagement in front of both their families. Was she looking forward to it? No, not at all. While it should have been a joyous and celebratory occasion, all the woman could think of was making such an announcement right in the face of the brother she had hoped to wed. How could she bear it? Would they all see right through her?
“Of course,” she answered, perhaps a little too quickly with a smile that was maybe a little too bright. “Doesn’t every young bride?” Rather than lingering on her own ambiguous answer, she turned her attention back to him. “Are you looking forward to it? It will be the talk of the capital, I’m sure.”
It had been said before that Achilleas took himself a little too seriously: he was aware of it, and though there was sometimes a half-hearted resistance, he actually appreciated those close enough to him to ignore the fact and jostle him out of his often rigid outlookDull and boring were not exactly things one aspired to after all. He was well aware he didn't have the smooth charm that his cousin boasted nor the laid back, easy-going nature of his brother.
If nothing else the Mikaelidas Lord was a product of his environment, focused and serious about his responsibilities because he had been trained to be so. He was good at many things, a comfortable leader, a well-respected Baron and an excellent soldier. Perhaps where he lacked were these areas that couldn’t be practised so easily, where he was trying to connect with people...as himself. It was rather a perplexing realisation as he stared at Theodora and tried to figure out if she was laughing at him or with him.
At least he didn’t have to try so hard talking of Euttica, the words coming easily and his enthusiasm less guarded, because he couldn’t be judged surely for having a soft spot for his home? There was a relief that Theodora seemed genuinely pleased at the idea of visiting, and it showed on his face which took an almost boyish cast,
“If that is what you want that is what you shall have” he promised, and he meant it. He didn’t often make demands of the staff, was fairly low maintenance as far as a lord and master went, but there was something appealing about being able to give Theodora any such thing she desired. And anyway, they would be hers to command as she saw fit soon enough.
But such fanciful wonderings could not last, and of course, when talk turned to their respective families there was a slight sobering of the tone. Achilleas, because he had a complicated relationship with his father, and he knew the man was scrutinising him in this, keen for him not to mess it up somehow. And Theodora? Well he wasn’t sure but her words about her Uncle and in particular the ‘one big happy family’ seemed a little...thin and insubstantial somehow.
He thought the feast might be a brighter topic, most others he knew were slanted to enjoying such events but even with that, the lustre had dulled a little, and Achilleas could hardly wax poetic as to his enthusiasm for the event. “Aah, yes. You are probably right.” he agreed with a small shake of his head “ It’s not my most favoured idea if I am honest.” And then he turned his eyes to her warily and followed up that revelation quickly, lest she misunderstand. “ Not that I’m not looking forward to it...the betrothal, the marriage. I just..I have never been terribly good at parties, and as you say, it sounds already as if this one shall have much stock set in it.”
It did not bode well for the wedding itself, he couldn't help thinking, but then that was hardly his domain. He already felt like he had won in his future bride, so he could hardly complain about a little pomp and ceremony to accompany the fact. “I admit I did not understand quite how many layers were involved in this whole process” He’d managed to irk his father by being ignorant to such things, but really, it seemed to Achilleas that much of it went on above his head anyway. Lord Fotios and his father would hash out some agreement over a dowry, he would need to speak to Lord Georgios at some point… That had Achilleas pull a bit of a face and he glanced at Theodora out the side of his eye. “ Do you suppose your father has forgotten that unfortunate incident with that devil horse yet?”
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It had been said before that Achilleas took himself a little too seriously: he was aware of it, and though there was sometimes a half-hearted resistance, he actually appreciated those close enough to him to ignore the fact and jostle him out of his often rigid outlookDull and boring were not exactly things one aspired to after all. He was well aware he didn't have the smooth charm that his cousin boasted nor the laid back, easy-going nature of his brother.
If nothing else the Mikaelidas Lord was a product of his environment, focused and serious about his responsibilities because he had been trained to be so. He was good at many things, a comfortable leader, a well-respected Baron and an excellent soldier. Perhaps where he lacked were these areas that couldn’t be practised so easily, where he was trying to connect with people...as himself. It was rather a perplexing realisation as he stared at Theodora and tried to figure out if she was laughing at him or with him.
At least he didn’t have to try so hard talking of Euttica, the words coming easily and his enthusiasm less guarded, because he couldn’t be judged surely for having a soft spot for his home? There was a relief that Theodora seemed genuinely pleased at the idea of visiting, and it showed on his face which took an almost boyish cast,
“If that is what you want that is what you shall have” he promised, and he meant it. He didn’t often make demands of the staff, was fairly low maintenance as far as a lord and master went, but there was something appealing about being able to give Theodora any such thing she desired. And anyway, they would be hers to command as she saw fit soon enough.
But such fanciful wonderings could not last, and of course, when talk turned to their respective families there was a slight sobering of the tone. Achilleas, because he had a complicated relationship with his father, and he knew the man was scrutinising him in this, keen for him not to mess it up somehow. And Theodora? Well he wasn’t sure but her words about her Uncle and in particular the ‘one big happy family’ seemed a little...thin and insubstantial somehow.
He thought the feast might be a brighter topic, most others he knew were slanted to enjoying such events but even with that, the lustre had dulled a little, and Achilleas could hardly wax poetic as to his enthusiasm for the event. “Aah, yes. You are probably right.” he agreed with a small shake of his head “ It’s not my most favoured idea if I am honest.” And then he turned his eyes to her warily and followed up that revelation quickly, lest she misunderstand. “ Not that I’m not looking forward to it...the betrothal, the marriage. I just..I have never been terribly good at parties, and as you say, it sounds already as if this one shall have much stock set in it.”
It did not bode well for the wedding itself, he couldn't help thinking, but then that was hardly his domain. He already felt like he had won in his future bride, so he could hardly complain about a little pomp and ceremony to accompany the fact. “I admit I did not understand quite how many layers were involved in this whole process” He’d managed to irk his father by being ignorant to such things, but really, it seemed to Achilleas that much of it went on above his head anyway. Lord Fotios and his father would hash out some agreement over a dowry, he would need to speak to Lord Georgios at some point… That had Achilleas pull a bit of a face and he glanced at Theodora out the side of his eye. “ Do you suppose your father has forgotten that unfortunate incident with that devil horse yet?”
It had been said before that Achilleas took himself a little too seriously: he was aware of it, and though there was sometimes a half-hearted resistance, he actually appreciated those close enough to him to ignore the fact and jostle him out of his often rigid outlookDull and boring were not exactly things one aspired to after all. He was well aware he didn't have the smooth charm that his cousin boasted nor the laid back, easy-going nature of his brother.
If nothing else the Mikaelidas Lord was a product of his environment, focused and serious about his responsibilities because he had been trained to be so. He was good at many things, a comfortable leader, a well-respected Baron and an excellent soldier. Perhaps where he lacked were these areas that couldn’t be practised so easily, where he was trying to connect with people...as himself. It was rather a perplexing realisation as he stared at Theodora and tried to figure out if she was laughing at him or with him.
At least he didn’t have to try so hard talking of Euttica, the words coming easily and his enthusiasm less guarded, because he couldn’t be judged surely for having a soft spot for his home? There was a relief that Theodora seemed genuinely pleased at the idea of visiting, and it showed on his face which took an almost boyish cast,
“If that is what you want that is what you shall have” he promised, and he meant it. He didn’t often make demands of the staff, was fairly low maintenance as far as a lord and master went, but there was something appealing about being able to give Theodora any such thing she desired. And anyway, they would be hers to command as she saw fit soon enough.
But such fanciful wonderings could not last, and of course, when talk turned to their respective families there was a slight sobering of the tone. Achilleas, because he had a complicated relationship with his father, and he knew the man was scrutinising him in this, keen for him not to mess it up somehow. And Theodora? Well he wasn’t sure but her words about her Uncle and in particular the ‘one big happy family’ seemed a little...thin and insubstantial somehow.
He thought the feast might be a brighter topic, most others he knew were slanted to enjoying such events but even with that, the lustre had dulled a little, and Achilleas could hardly wax poetic as to his enthusiasm for the event. “Aah, yes. You are probably right.” he agreed with a small shake of his head “ It’s not my most favoured idea if I am honest.” And then he turned his eyes to her warily and followed up that revelation quickly, lest she misunderstand. “ Not that I’m not looking forward to it...the betrothal, the marriage. I just..I have never been terribly good at parties, and as you say, it sounds already as if this one shall have much stock set in it.”
It did not bode well for the wedding itself, he couldn't help thinking, but then that was hardly his domain. He already felt like he had won in his future bride, so he could hardly complain about a little pomp and ceremony to accompany the fact. “I admit I did not understand quite how many layers were involved in this whole process” He’d managed to irk his father by being ignorant to such things, but really, it seemed to Achilleas that much of it went on above his head anyway. Lord Fotios and his father would hash out some agreement over a dowry, he would need to speak to Lord Georgios at some point… That had Achilleas pull a bit of a face and he glanced at Theodora out the side of his eye. “ Do you suppose your father has forgotten that unfortunate incident with that devil horse yet?”
It’s not my most favoured idea if I am honest.
Theodora almost wished she could walk her own words back, agree with him that she wasn’t fond of the idea, either. However, as he elaborated his reasons before she could rush to conclusions, she knew she couldn’t say anything. It wasn’t like she could tell him why she wasn’t looking forward to it. If there was a poor way to begin a marriage, Theo imagined that ‘I don’t want to have this feast because I actually want to marry your brother’ would be near the top of the list.
“Yes, these events do tend to drag on,” she said with the hint of a smile, the closest she could get to agreeing with him. “I absolutely despised them as a teenager, as I’m sure you remember.” There was a playful sidelong glance in his direction as she recalled the night at the Reflection Pool with him and Stephanos, the trio sneaking off from the dreadful party to pursue something more exciting. “But I suppose my tolerance for them has grown. At least we shall have each other there, yes?” Once more forcibly pushing down her misery at the circumstances, she made an effort to bring more cheer into her expression. Gently nudging him, she even managed a laugh. “Maybe we can sneak off then too. Surely no one will notice the absence of the guests of honor?”
If only that were remotely possible. Theodora normally enjoyed attention; a party in her honor would usually be far more exciting than any held for another reason. But this… she wasn’t sure how well she could pretend, particularly with Emilios in attendance. Maybe… maybe he would find an excuse to get out of it, and she wouldn’t have to face him. Maybe then it would be easier.
“It is quite the process,” she agreed with him, though she supposed she was better acquainted with it than he was. Even if she was to be the first of her sisters to be wedded, it was something she’d been prepared for her entire life. Once, it was all she longed for—a strong marriage to a good man that would secure her family’s future. Now, such a dream was practically in her lap, but not… in the way she expected.
Stop lingering on what you can’t have, Theo. You should have known you couldn’t get so lucky. Focus on what you will have instead. That shouldn’t be so hard, right?
Thus reprimanded, she steered her wayward thoughts back to the conversation at hand, laughing again at the baron’s mention of her father. “It has been over ten years,” she pointed out with a smirk. “I should hope he’s over it by now.” Luckily, Lord Georgios was more the forgiving type than say, her uncle, but part of her almost absurdly wished he wasn’t. That he was still holding a grudge and would refuse the marriage outright because of it. Of course, that was nothing more than a pipe dream, so Theo did not allow herself to linger on it.
“Let’s hope you’re a better rider now though, eh?” she teased gently. “You’re marrying a Leventi, after all, and I would hate to have to put you to shame too quickly.”
At that, she turned a little more thoughtful, looking up at him curiously. “Do you like to ride, my lord? It is one of my favorite things to do. Perhaps you would like to join me one afternoon? I go nearly every day, when the weather permits.”
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It’s not my most favoured idea if I am honest.
Theodora almost wished she could walk her own words back, agree with him that she wasn’t fond of the idea, either. However, as he elaborated his reasons before she could rush to conclusions, she knew she couldn’t say anything. It wasn’t like she could tell him why she wasn’t looking forward to it. If there was a poor way to begin a marriage, Theo imagined that ‘I don’t want to have this feast because I actually want to marry your brother’ would be near the top of the list.
“Yes, these events do tend to drag on,” she said with the hint of a smile, the closest she could get to agreeing with him. “I absolutely despised them as a teenager, as I’m sure you remember.” There was a playful sidelong glance in his direction as she recalled the night at the Reflection Pool with him and Stephanos, the trio sneaking off from the dreadful party to pursue something more exciting. “But I suppose my tolerance for them has grown. At least we shall have each other there, yes?” Once more forcibly pushing down her misery at the circumstances, she made an effort to bring more cheer into her expression. Gently nudging him, she even managed a laugh. “Maybe we can sneak off then too. Surely no one will notice the absence of the guests of honor?”
If only that were remotely possible. Theodora normally enjoyed attention; a party in her honor would usually be far more exciting than any held for another reason. But this… she wasn’t sure how well she could pretend, particularly with Emilios in attendance. Maybe… maybe he would find an excuse to get out of it, and she wouldn’t have to face him. Maybe then it would be easier.
“It is quite the process,” she agreed with him, though she supposed she was better acquainted with it than he was. Even if she was to be the first of her sisters to be wedded, it was something she’d been prepared for her entire life. Once, it was all she longed for—a strong marriage to a good man that would secure her family’s future. Now, such a dream was practically in her lap, but not… in the way she expected.
Stop lingering on what you can’t have, Theo. You should have known you couldn’t get so lucky. Focus on what you will have instead. That shouldn’t be so hard, right?
Thus reprimanded, she steered her wayward thoughts back to the conversation at hand, laughing again at the baron’s mention of her father. “It has been over ten years,” she pointed out with a smirk. “I should hope he’s over it by now.” Luckily, Lord Georgios was more the forgiving type than say, her uncle, but part of her almost absurdly wished he wasn’t. That he was still holding a grudge and would refuse the marriage outright because of it. Of course, that was nothing more than a pipe dream, so Theo did not allow herself to linger on it.
“Let’s hope you’re a better rider now though, eh?” she teased gently. “You’re marrying a Leventi, after all, and I would hate to have to put you to shame too quickly.”
At that, she turned a little more thoughtful, looking up at him curiously. “Do you like to ride, my lord? It is one of my favorite things to do. Perhaps you would like to join me one afternoon? I go nearly every day, when the weather permits.”
It’s not my most favoured idea if I am honest.
Theodora almost wished she could walk her own words back, agree with him that she wasn’t fond of the idea, either. However, as he elaborated his reasons before she could rush to conclusions, she knew she couldn’t say anything. It wasn’t like she could tell him why she wasn’t looking forward to it. If there was a poor way to begin a marriage, Theo imagined that ‘I don’t want to have this feast because I actually want to marry your brother’ would be near the top of the list.
“Yes, these events do tend to drag on,” she said with the hint of a smile, the closest she could get to agreeing with him. “I absolutely despised them as a teenager, as I’m sure you remember.” There was a playful sidelong glance in his direction as she recalled the night at the Reflection Pool with him and Stephanos, the trio sneaking off from the dreadful party to pursue something more exciting. “But I suppose my tolerance for them has grown. At least we shall have each other there, yes?” Once more forcibly pushing down her misery at the circumstances, she made an effort to bring more cheer into her expression. Gently nudging him, she even managed a laugh. “Maybe we can sneak off then too. Surely no one will notice the absence of the guests of honor?”
If only that were remotely possible. Theodora normally enjoyed attention; a party in her honor would usually be far more exciting than any held for another reason. But this… she wasn’t sure how well she could pretend, particularly with Emilios in attendance. Maybe… maybe he would find an excuse to get out of it, and she wouldn’t have to face him. Maybe then it would be easier.
“It is quite the process,” she agreed with him, though she supposed she was better acquainted with it than he was. Even if she was to be the first of her sisters to be wedded, it was something she’d been prepared for her entire life. Once, it was all she longed for—a strong marriage to a good man that would secure her family’s future. Now, such a dream was practically in her lap, but not… in the way she expected.
Stop lingering on what you can’t have, Theo. You should have known you couldn’t get so lucky. Focus on what you will have instead. That shouldn’t be so hard, right?
Thus reprimanded, she steered her wayward thoughts back to the conversation at hand, laughing again at the baron’s mention of her father. “It has been over ten years,” she pointed out with a smirk. “I should hope he’s over it by now.” Luckily, Lord Georgios was more the forgiving type than say, her uncle, but part of her almost absurdly wished he wasn’t. That he was still holding a grudge and would refuse the marriage outright because of it. Of course, that was nothing more than a pipe dream, so Theo did not allow herself to linger on it.
“Let’s hope you’re a better rider now though, eh?” she teased gently. “You’re marrying a Leventi, after all, and I would hate to have to put you to shame too quickly.”
At that, she turned a little more thoughtful, looking up at him curiously. “Do you like to ride, my lord? It is one of my favorite things to do. Perhaps you would like to join me one afternoon? I go nearly every day, when the weather permits.”
There was the lift of a brow and a sideways glance at Theodora, for yes, Achilleas did recall her eagerness to escape the rigours of society at the some of the courtly events they had attended over the years. Be it hiding away with a book at an event hosted by her own family or being led astray at events held by his own, he supposed there was enough evidence to conclude from. His expression shifted when she suggested they sneak off at one thrown in their own honour though, and Achilleas had to look at her to see if she were jesting or not.
“I think…” Her nudge and laugh had him decide she had been joking, and he laughed too, a little stiffly perhaps because he couldn’t quite stop imagining his father’s reaction if they were to follow such a course. Probably best not to think upon it. “I imagine we will be lucky if we manage as much as a conversation alone,” he said, not sounding thrilled about it. But there were the formalities that must be upheld, and he would smile and go along with them as he always did.
“Ten years” The passage of time was a strange thing, it hardly seemed as long, and yet she was right. “Is your father one to nurse a grudge? Perhaps I will tell him the truth now and let you take the blame?” That whole incident had been an embarrassment, and yet somehow he managed to recall it fondly because Theodora was present in each memory. When her tone turned to tease, the Lord’s gaze narrowed slightly, a mock affront furrowing his brow and parting his lips. “ I don’t know a single man who could have stayed atop that creature” he defended with a huff. “I seem to recall you did not try, my lady, so do not be so quick to presume I’ll be the one shamed”
Her question had him look down at her and give a shrug. He didn’t not enjoy riding, though it was not often he managed it solely for pleasure. Theodora’s invitation made him determined to ensure he made time to do so, however.
“I would like that very much” he answered a brief smile and a quick glance toward her again. “I am usually in the city at least one day a week, sometimes longer.” Whilst the archontiko did not feel like home since Meena had been moved in and his mother moved out, it was a convenience to have somewhere to use as a base when he attended the senate meets, and now he had all the more reason to want to be in Vasiliadon.
Their slow wandering had taken them well past the fountain now, meandering down cut stone steps to a courtyard where the cook grew thyme and oregano and mint and the mixed fragrance drifted lazily on the warm breeze. Gesturing to the small stone bench that sat between two riotous beds of green, Achilleas waited for Theodora to sit before he lowered himself to sit beside her, his knee brushing against hers before he shifted slightly to afford her more space next to his bulk. He was not a small man, taller than most and with a musculature built over years of training with sword and spear. Looking at him, it was not hard to imagine how he might have earned his repute as a warrior even though his manner was more slighted toward the reserved.
“You know...I had thought, when my father summoned me to talk of marriage, that I was destined to have to argue my case” he observed, swallowing around the words and then tilting a glance toward Theodora. “If I had known he would be so amenable to the idea I would have suggested it before now. Might not have wasted so many years” Because he was acutely aware that there had been more than one occasion where he had...missed opportunity with the woman beside him. “I hope you understand I just wouldn’t have wished there to be any misunderstandings between us. Or for your reputation to have been compromised.”
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There was the lift of a brow and a sideways glance at Theodora, for yes, Achilleas did recall her eagerness to escape the rigours of society at the some of the courtly events they had attended over the years. Be it hiding away with a book at an event hosted by her own family or being led astray at events held by his own, he supposed there was enough evidence to conclude from. His expression shifted when she suggested they sneak off at one thrown in their own honour though, and Achilleas had to look at her to see if she were jesting or not.
“I think…” Her nudge and laugh had him decide she had been joking, and he laughed too, a little stiffly perhaps because he couldn’t quite stop imagining his father’s reaction if they were to follow such a course. Probably best not to think upon it. “I imagine we will be lucky if we manage as much as a conversation alone,” he said, not sounding thrilled about it. But there were the formalities that must be upheld, and he would smile and go along with them as he always did.
“Ten years” The passage of time was a strange thing, it hardly seemed as long, and yet she was right. “Is your father one to nurse a grudge? Perhaps I will tell him the truth now and let you take the blame?” That whole incident had been an embarrassment, and yet somehow he managed to recall it fondly because Theodora was present in each memory. When her tone turned to tease, the Lord’s gaze narrowed slightly, a mock affront furrowing his brow and parting his lips. “ I don’t know a single man who could have stayed atop that creature” he defended with a huff. “I seem to recall you did not try, my lady, so do not be so quick to presume I’ll be the one shamed”
Her question had him look down at her and give a shrug. He didn’t not enjoy riding, though it was not often he managed it solely for pleasure. Theodora’s invitation made him determined to ensure he made time to do so, however.
“I would like that very much” he answered a brief smile and a quick glance toward her again. “I am usually in the city at least one day a week, sometimes longer.” Whilst the archontiko did not feel like home since Meena had been moved in and his mother moved out, it was a convenience to have somewhere to use as a base when he attended the senate meets, and now he had all the more reason to want to be in Vasiliadon.
Their slow wandering had taken them well past the fountain now, meandering down cut stone steps to a courtyard where the cook grew thyme and oregano and mint and the mixed fragrance drifted lazily on the warm breeze. Gesturing to the small stone bench that sat between two riotous beds of green, Achilleas waited for Theodora to sit before he lowered himself to sit beside her, his knee brushing against hers before he shifted slightly to afford her more space next to his bulk. He was not a small man, taller than most and with a musculature built over years of training with sword and spear. Looking at him, it was not hard to imagine how he might have earned his repute as a warrior even though his manner was more slighted toward the reserved.
“You know...I had thought, when my father summoned me to talk of marriage, that I was destined to have to argue my case” he observed, swallowing around the words and then tilting a glance toward Theodora. “If I had known he would be so amenable to the idea I would have suggested it before now. Might not have wasted so many years” Because he was acutely aware that there had been more than one occasion where he had...missed opportunity with the woman beside him. “I hope you understand I just wouldn’t have wished there to be any misunderstandings between us. Or for your reputation to have been compromised.”
There was the lift of a brow and a sideways glance at Theodora, for yes, Achilleas did recall her eagerness to escape the rigours of society at the some of the courtly events they had attended over the years. Be it hiding away with a book at an event hosted by her own family or being led astray at events held by his own, he supposed there was enough evidence to conclude from. His expression shifted when she suggested they sneak off at one thrown in their own honour though, and Achilleas had to look at her to see if she were jesting or not.
“I think…” Her nudge and laugh had him decide she had been joking, and he laughed too, a little stiffly perhaps because he couldn’t quite stop imagining his father’s reaction if they were to follow such a course. Probably best not to think upon it. “I imagine we will be lucky if we manage as much as a conversation alone,” he said, not sounding thrilled about it. But there were the formalities that must be upheld, and he would smile and go along with them as he always did.
“Ten years” The passage of time was a strange thing, it hardly seemed as long, and yet she was right. “Is your father one to nurse a grudge? Perhaps I will tell him the truth now and let you take the blame?” That whole incident had been an embarrassment, and yet somehow he managed to recall it fondly because Theodora was present in each memory. When her tone turned to tease, the Lord’s gaze narrowed slightly, a mock affront furrowing his brow and parting his lips. “ I don’t know a single man who could have stayed atop that creature” he defended with a huff. “I seem to recall you did not try, my lady, so do not be so quick to presume I’ll be the one shamed”
Her question had him look down at her and give a shrug. He didn’t not enjoy riding, though it was not often he managed it solely for pleasure. Theodora’s invitation made him determined to ensure he made time to do so, however.
“I would like that very much” he answered a brief smile and a quick glance toward her again. “I am usually in the city at least one day a week, sometimes longer.” Whilst the archontiko did not feel like home since Meena had been moved in and his mother moved out, it was a convenience to have somewhere to use as a base when he attended the senate meets, and now he had all the more reason to want to be in Vasiliadon.
Their slow wandering had taken them well past the fountain now, meandering down cut stone steps to a courtyard where the cook grew thyme and oregano and mint and the mixed fragrance drifted lazily on the warm breeze. Gesturing to the small stone bench that sat between two riotous beds of green, Achilleas waited for Theodora to sit before he lowered himself to sit beside her, his knee brushing against hers before he shifted slightly to afford her more space next to his bulk. He was not a small man, taller than most and with a musculature built over years of training with sword and spear. Looking at him, it was not hard to imagine how he might have earned his repute as a warrior even though his manner was more slighted toward the reserved.
“You know...I had thought, when my father summoned me to talk of marriage, that I was destined to have to argue my case” he observed, swallowing around the words and then tilting a glance toward Theodora. “If I had known he would be so amenable to the idea I would have suggested it before now. Might not have wasted so many years” Because he was acutely aware that there had been more than one occasion where he had...missed opportunity with the woman beside him. “I hope you understand I just wouldn’t have wished there to be any misunderstandings between us. Or for your reputation to have been compromised.”
It made her smile, to see him lighten up a little and dare to laugh at her jokes. She’d often known Achilleas to be a rather stiff and formal man, but to see him loosen some of the reserve he normally held made her think that perhaps there was some hope, after all. With a father like Irakles, who could blame him for his normal behavior? Surely there was more beneath the prim and proper shell he wore like armor.
Though, as she had the thought, it was hard not to remember there was another son of Irakles who wasn’t like that. One who did show her his true colors without fear.
No. It wasn’t fair to compare them, even if it was all she had to compare to. Not for the first time, she inwardly cursed whatever divine ploy had led them into this situation.
As the conversation turned to talk of her father, she shoved away the intrusive thoughts of Emilios again. “My father knows me well. I’m sure he would believe you,” she answered with a snort. “Though it wouldn’t be very honorable of you to change your story now, would it?” There was a half-hidden smirk at her comment, a smirk which turned to an amused laugh as he went on to defend himself against her teases.
I seem to recall you did not try, my lady, so do not be so quick to presume I’ll be the one shamed.
“Perhaps I didn’t then,” she relented, her laugh fading back to the smirk from before. “But she is the horse I ride to this day. She endeared herself to me when she dumped you both in the dirt.”
It was true; that day was the day Theodora knew that filly would be hers. There was some argument initially—her father didn’t trust her with such a spirited mount at such a young age. But it was precisely that spirit that drew the mischievous girl to the filly, begging and begging until Georgios finally gave in. The moment he said yes was the moment Theo started training Calista, and they had been inseparable ever since.
Her smirk widened to a grin, one which she tamped down as she glanced up at Achilleas with a look of faux innocence. “Will it traumatize you to see her when we go riding together? If it makes you feel any better, I won’t trick you into riding her again. She doesn’t bear other riders well. Who would’ve thought, right?”
The wafting scent of the growing herbs filled her senses as the Mikaelidas lord led her over to a bench, seating himself next to her once she was settled. For a moment, his leg brushed against hers before he pulled it back, and Theo wondered why it was that, even now, he seemed so wary of touching her. Should she be glad of it? That she wouldn’t immediately have to face the guilt of knowing the touch of two brothers? Or should it upset her that he still handled her with kid gloves, even as they were to be tied to one another? Should she linger on it at all? This was uncharted territory for them both; no doubt she was overthinking everything.
When he started speaking again, she wished she had left herself in her own thoughts.
How different would her life had been if he had not held her at arm’s length for so long? If that kiss stolen so long ago had evolved into something more? If, that fateful night of the festival a year past, he had been the one to melt into the shadows with her, rather than leaving her to wander off on her own and into the arms of his brother? Would she have been happy? Or would she and Emilios have come together anyway? Some things seemed fated, and that’s what she always thought after she fell into Emilios’s embrace that night. But were the gods truly pushing her toward Achilleas all along?
She had never denied her attraction to Achilleas; a woman would have to be blind not to see his appeal. But attraction was one thing, and love entirely another. Things had never been easy with them like they had with Emilios, his rigid propriety a constant point of contention. But, what if she could have softened him, shown him there was a whole other world outside of his father’s expectations? Would it have made things simpler now? Would she be rejoicing instead of despairing?
What if, what if, what if.
Caught up in her musings, it took her a moment to realize he was probably expecting her to say something, but Theodora had no words for a situation like this, at least not any that she could say out loud. She could have laughed as he spoke of maintaining her reputation, gazing down at her lap as she contained the hysterical bubble of ironic amusement. Gods, if he only knew…
“I… I always knew I would have little choice in my marriage,” she finally said. “The Leventis barter their daughters like prized mares, but it never really bothered me, not truly. In spite of my typical teenage rebellion, I wanted to make my family proud. I am… glad I will make them proud now.” Gently, tentatively, her hand rested against his knee, the one he had pulled from her before. Another half smirk was directed his way, eyes flicking up to meet his gaze. “But yes, you might have said something earlier. I should see no reason my family, at least, would have refused you. It could’ve saved everyone a lot of—” Cutting herself off before she was accidentally too honest, Theo cleared her throat and finished with, “Confusion. You are awfully hard to read sometimes, you know.”
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It made her smile, to see him lighten up a little and dare to laugh at her jokes. She’d often known Achilleas to be a rather stiff and formal man, but to see him loosen some of the reserve he normally held made her think that perhaps there was some hope, after all. With a father like Irakles, who could blame him for his normal behavior? Surely there was more beneath the prim and proper shell he wore like armor.
Though, as she had the thought, it was hard not to remember there was another son of Irakles who wasn’t like that. One who did show her his true colors without fear.
No. It wasn’t fair to compare them, even if it was all she had to compare to. Not for the first time, she inwardly cursed whatever divine ploy had led them into this situation.
As the conversation turned to talk of her father, she shoved away the intrusive thoughts of Emilios again. “My father knows me well. I’m sure he would believe you,” she answered with a snort. “Though it wouldn’t be very honorable of you to change your story now, would it?” There was a half-hidden smirk at her comment, a smirk which turned to an amused laugh as he went on to defend himself against her teases.
I seem to recall you did not try, my lady, so do not be so quick to presume I’ll be the one shamed.
“Perhaps I didn’t then,” she relented, her laugh fading back to the smirk from before. “But she is the horse I ride to this day. She endeared herself to me when she dumped you both in the dirt.”
It was true; that day was the day Theodora knew that filly would be hers. There was some argument initially—her father didn’t trust her with such a spirited mount at such a young age. But it was precisely that spirit that drew the mischievous girl to the filly, begging and begging until Georgios finally gave in. The moment he said yes was the moment Theo started training Calista, and they had been inseparable ever since.
Her smirk widened to a grin, one which she tamped down as she glanced up at Achilleas with a look of faux innocence. “Will it traumatize you to see her when we go riding together? If it makes you feel any better, I won’t trick you into riding her again. She doesn’t bear other riders well. Who would’ve thought, right?”
The wafting scent of the growing herbs filled her senses as the Mikaelidas lord led her over to a bench, seating himself next to her once she was settled. For a moment, his leg brushed against hers before he pulled it back, and Theo wondered why it was that, even now, he seemed so wary of touching her. Should she be glad of it? That she wouldn’t immediately have to face the guilt of knowing the touch of two brothers? Or should it upset her that he still handled her with kid gloves, even as they were to be tied to one another? Should she linger on it at all? This was uncharted territory for them both; no doubt she was overthinking everything.
When he started speaking again, she wished she had left herself in her own thoughts.
How different would her life had been if he had not held her at arm’s length for so long? If that kiss stolen so long ago had evolved into something more? If, that fateful night of the festival a year past, he had been the one to melt into the shadows with her, rather than leaving her to wander off on her own and into the arms of his brother? Would she have been happy? Or would she and Emilios have come together anyway? Some things seemed fated, and that’s what she always thought after she fell into Emilios’s embrace that night. But were the gods truly pushing her toward Achilleas all along?
She had never denied her attraction to Achilleas; a woman would have to be blind not to see his appeal. But attraction was one thing, and love entirely another. Things had never been easy with them like they had with Emilios, his rigid propriety a constant point of contention. But, what if she could have softened him, shown him there was a whole other world outside of his father’s expectations? Would it have made things simpler now? Would she be rejoicing instead of despairing?
What if, what if, what if.
Caught up in her musings, it took her a moment to realize he was probably expecting her to say something, but Theodora had no words for a situation like this, at least not any that she could say out loud. She could have laughed as he spoke of maintaining her reputation, gazing down at her lap as she contained the hysterical bubble of ironic amusement. Gods, if he only knew…
“I… I always knew I would have little choice in my marriage,” she finally said. “The Leventis barter their daughters like prized mares, but it never really bothered me, not truly. In spite of my typical teenage rebellion, I wanted to make my family proud. I am… glad I will make them proud now.” Gently, tentatively, her hand rested against his knee, the one he had pulled from her before. Another half smirk was directed his way, eyes flicking up to meet his gaze. “But yes, you might have said something earlier. I should see no reason my family, at least, would have refused you. It could’ve saved everyone a lot of—” Cutting herself off before she was accidentally too honest, Theo cleared her throat and finished with, “Confusion. You are awfully hard to read sometimes, you know.”
It made her smile, to see him lighten up a little and dare to laugh at her jokes. She’d often known Achilleas to be a rather stiff and formal man, but to see him loosen some of the reserve he normally held made her think that perhaps there was some hope, after all. With a father like Irakles, who could blame him for his normal behavior? Surely there was more beneath the prim and proper shell he wore like armor.
Though, as she had the thought, it was hard not to remember there was another son of Irakles who wasn’t like that. One who did show her his true colors without fear.
No. It wasn’t fair to compare them, even if it was all she had to compare to. Not for the first time, she inwardly cursed whatever divine ploy had led them into this situation.
As the conversation turned to talk of her father, she shoved away the intrusive thoughts of Emilios again. “My father knows me well. I’m sure he would believe you,” she answered with a snort. “Though it wouldn’t be very honorable of you to change your story now, would it?” There was a half-hidden smirk at her comment, a smirk which turned to an amused laugh as he went on to defend himself against her teases.
I seem to recall you did not try, my lady, so do not be so quick to presume I’ll be the one shamed.
“Perhaps I didn’t then,” she relented, her laugh fading back to the smirk from before. “But she is the horse I ride to this day. She endeared herself to me when she dumped you both in the dirt.”
It was true; that day was the day Theodora knew that filly would be hers. There was some argument initially—her father didn’t trust her with such a spirited mount at such a young age. But it was precisely that spirit that drew the mischievous girl to the filly, begging and begging until Georgios finally gave in. The moment he said yes was the moment Theo started training Calista, and they had been inseparable ever since.
Her smirk widened to a grin, one which she tamped down as she glanced up at Achilleas with a look of faux innocence. “Will it traumatize you to see her when we go riding together? If it makes you feel any better, I won’t trick you into riding her again. She doesn’t bear other riders well. Who would’ve thought, right?”
The wafting scent of the growing herbs filled her senses as the Mikaelidas lord led her over to a bench, seating himself next to her once she was settled. For a moment, his leg brushed against hers before he pulled it back, and Theo wondered why it was that, even now, he seemed so wary of touching her. Should she be glad of it? That she wouldn’t immediately have to face the guilt of knowing the touch of two brothers? Or should it upset her that he still handled her with kid gloves, even as they were to be tied to one another? Should she linger on it at all? This was uncharted territory for them both; no doubt she was overthinking everything.
When he started speaking again, she wished she had left herself in her own thoughts.
How different would her life had been if he had not held her at arm’s length for so long? If that kiss stolen so long ago had evolved into something more? If, that fateful night of the festival a year past, he had been the one to melt into the shadows with her, rather than leaving her to wander off on her own and into the arms of his brother? Would she have been happy? Or would she and Emilios have come together anyway? Some things seemed fated, and that’s what she always thought after she fell into Emilios’s embrace that night. But were the gods truly pushing her toward Achilleas all along?
She had never denied her attraction to Achilleas; a woman would have to be blind not to see his appeal. But attraction was one thing, and love entirely another. Things had never been easy with them like they had with Emilios, his rigid propriety a constant point of contention. But, what if she could have softened him, shown him there was a whole other world outside of his father’s expectations? Would it have made things simpler now? Would she be rejoicing instead of despairing?
What if, what if, what if.
Caught up in her musings, it took her a moment to realize he was probably expecting her to say something, but Theodora had no words for a situation like this, at least not any that she could say out loud. She could have laughed as he spoke of maintaining her reputation, gazing down at her lap as she contained the hysterical bubble of ironic amusement. Gods, if he only knew…
“I… I always knew I would have little choice in my marriage,” she finally said. “The Leventis barter their daughters like prized mares, but it never really bothered me, not truly. In spite of my typical teenage rebellion, I wanted to make my family proud. I am… glad I will make them proud now.” Gently, tentatively, her hand rested against his knee, the one he had pulled from her before. Another half smirk was directed his way, eyes flicking up to meet his gaze. “But yes, you might have said something earlier. I should see no reason my family, at least, would have refused you. It could’ve saved everyone a lot of—” Cutting herself off before she was accidentally too honest, Theo cleared her throat and finished with, “Confusion. You are awfully hard to read sometimes, you know.”
The Lord's brows rose a fraction and he ducked his head in acknowledgement of her rather pointed observation. Not very honourable. The smile was fleeting, but it was there, Achilleas taking the jibe in good spirits. His defence was not grounded in much, he had no idea if Theodora was a competent rider, though it seemed an impossibility for her to be anything but. When she confessed that she had taken the mad horse as her own mount though, his outraged expression was almost comical.
“You did not! I don’t believe you. That creature was from Tartarus if ever I have met such a beast” He was gazing at her intently, trying to read if she was being serious. As she went on, he realised she was and his shock shifted into something like admiration.
“ Wasn’t the first horse I’ve fallen off, nor the last, so I'm sure I’ll cope” he replied. “Besides, maybe she will be better disposed to me now. You can put in a good word”
When they sat and his leg brushed hers it was habit for Achilleas to pull back, and he realised as he did that perhaps he did not need to now. That was a heady kind of realisation for one so used to being careful in all that he did. To think that he did not have to try so hard to temper the desire to touch, did not have to worry about being seen as improper or encouraging affections where there was no room for such things.
It was that a sudden want to make Theodora understand his reticence over the years gone by that saw him speak again, a little halting, but honest nonetheless. When she did not respond straight away, Achilleas felt a sudden twinge of worry that he had offended her somehow. If he thought it was for lack of wanting that he had kept his distance, then she was wrong and he opened his mouth to tell her so but then the lady was speaking and so he closed it again, let her answer.
And when her hand snuck out to settle upon his knee, he stared at it a moment before calmly setting his hand atop hers. There was no reason to be so standoffish now. Her words were not quite so warming though, and Achilleas found himself hoping for a little more than talk of honour and making her family proud. Not that feelings necessarily needed to be part of a marriage but he had thought...
It didn’t matter. They would have the opportunity to know one another, and then whatever their relationship was to be, it would develop with time. Though he frowned a little at the assertion that he was the one who was hard to read. If either of them were inconstant then it was Theodora surely? She could be entirely irrational.
“I am?” he replied, frowning slightly. He had often heard the opposite from his father, that he gave away too much on his face, but Achilleas had never been able to lie to the man, so perhaps he was not so transparent when it came to others. “ It’s not intentional.” Which was not entirely true, because it had been schooled into him from a young age that to display one's emotions was to show your weaknesses to an enemy. And when you tried so hard to live by that, he supposed perhaps it bled into situations where the was no enemy.
Achilleas cleared his throat. “ Well, I hope there is less confusion now. I didn’t ask to be wed to anyone else”
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The Lord's brows rose a fraction and he ducked his head in acknowledgement of her rather pointed observation. Not very honourable. The smile was fleeting, but it was there, Achilleas taking the jibe in good spirits. His defence was not grounded in much, he had no idea if Theodora was a competent rider, though it seemed an impossibility for her to be anything but. When she confessed that she had taken the mad horse as her own mount though, his outraged expression was almost comical.
“You did not! I don’t believe you. That creature was from Tartarus if ever I have met such a beast” He was gazing at her intently, trying to read if she was being serious. As she went on, he realised she was and his shock shifted into something like admiration.
“ Wasn’t the first horse I’ve fallen off, nor the last, so I'm sure I’ll cope” he replied. “Besides, maybe she will be better disposed to me now. You can put in a good word”
When they sat and his leg brushed hers it was habit for Achilleas to pull back, and he realised as he did that perhaps he did not need to now. That was a heady kind of realisation for one so used to being careful in all that he did. To think that he did not have to try so hard to temper the desire to touch, did not have to worry about being seen as improper or encouraging affections where there was no room for such things.
It was that a sudden want to make Theodora understand his reticence over the years gone by that saw him speak again, a little halting, but honest nonetheless. When she did not respond straight away, Achilleas felt a sudden twinge of worry that he had offended her somehow. If he thought it was for lack of wanting that he had kept his distance, then she was wrong and he opened his mouth to tell her so but then the lady was speaking and so he closed it again, let her answer.
And when her hand snuck out to settle upon his knee, he stared at it a moment before calmly setting his hand atop hers. There was no reason to be so standoffish now. Her words were not quite so warming though, and Achilleas found himself hoping for a little more than talk of honour and making her family proud. Not that feelings necessarily needed to be part of a marriage but he had thought...
It didn’t matter. They would have the opportunity to know one another, and then whatever their relationship was to be, it would develop with time. Though he frowned a little at the assertion that he was the one who was hard to read. If either of them were inconstant then it was Theodora surely? She could be entirely irrational.
“I am?” he replied, frowning slightly. He had often heard the opposite from his father, that he gave away too much on his face, but Achilleas had never been able to lie to the man, so perhaps he was not so transparent when it came to others. “ It’s not intentional.” Which was not entirely true, because it had been schooled into him from a young age that to display one's emotions was to show your weaknesses to an enemy. And when you tried so hard to live by that, he supposed perhaps it bled into situations where the was no enemy.
Achilleas cleared his throat. “ Well, I hope there is less confusion now. I didn’t ask to be wed to anyone else”
The Lord's brows rose a fraction and he ducked his head in acknowledgement of her rather pointed observation. Not very honourable. The smile was fleeting, but it was there, Achilleas taking the jibe in good spirits. His defence was not grounded in much, he had no idea if Theodora was a competent rider, though it seemed an impossibility for her to be anything but. When she confessed that she had taken the mad horse as her own mount though, his outraged expression was almost comical.
“You did not! I don’t believe you. That creature was from Tartarus if ever I have met such a beast” He was gazing at her intently, trying to read if she was being serious. As she went on, he realised she was and his shock shifted into something like admiration.
“ Wasn’t the first horse I’ve fallen off, nor the last, so I'm sure I’ll cope” he replied. “Besides, maybe she will be better disposed to me now. You can put in a good word”
When they sat and his leg brushed hers it was habit for Achilleas to pull back, and he realised as he did that perhaps he did not need to now. That was a heady kind of realisation for one so used to being careful in all that he did. To think that he did not have to try so hard to temper the desire to touch, did not have to worry about being seen as improper or encouraging affections where there was no room for such things.
It was that a sudden want to make Theodora understand his reticence over the years gone by that saw him speak again, a little halting, but honest nonetheless. When she did not respond straight away, Achilleas felt a sudden twinge of worry that he had offended her somehow. If he thought it was for lack of wanting that he had kept his distance, then she was wrong and he opened his mouth to tell her so but then the lady was speaking and so he closed it again, let her answer.
And when her hand snuck out to settle upon his knee, he stared at it a moment before calmly setting his hand atop hers. There was no reason to be so standoffish now. Her words were not quite so warming though, and Achilleas found himself hoping for a little more than talk of honour and making her family proud. Not that feelings necessarily needed to be part of a marriage but he had thought...
It didn’t matter. They would have the opportunity to know one another, and then whatever their relationship was to be, it would develop with time. Though he frowned a little at the assertion that he was the one who was hard to read. If either of them were inconstant then it was Theodora surely? She could be entirely irrational.
“I am?” he replied, frowning slightly. He had often heard the opposite from his father, that he gave away too much on his face, but Achilleas had never been able to lie to the man, so perhaps he was not so transparent when it came to others. “ It’s not intentional.” Which was not entirely true, because it had been schooled into him from a young age that to display one's emotions was to show your weaknesses to an enemy. And when you tried so hard to live by that, he supposed perhaps it bled into situations where the was no enemy.
Achilleas cleared his throat. “ Well, I hope there is less confusion now. I didn’t ask to be wed to anyone else”
Her gaze sparkled at his blatant disbelief for her tale, though, for once, she wasn’t teasing him. When he realized she wasn’t lying about Calista, her grin briefly returned. “I’ll put in a good word, yes,” she replied with a soft chuckle. “But maybe bring a treat or two with you. I’m sure it will go further than my good word.”
Theo’s amusement faded again as they made themselves comfortable in the little alcove Achilleas led her to, Althaia politely lingering a few yards away—not quite out of sight, but enough to give them the illusion of privacy. His hand rested atop hers, and for a moment, she thought she saw a vague look of disapproval on her maid’s face, but the woman said nothing—taking her own seat and pretending to mind her business. She pulled another face, but didn’t say anything, either; after all, there was hardly any scandal to be found in holding hands with the man she was supposed to marry. If only Althaia knew some of the activities she should be disapproving of…
It was her turn to fix him with a look of disbelief when he spoke again, blinking a few times as she wondered if maybe he was even teasing her. It quickly became obvious that wasn’t the case, Theo frowning a little. “Do you really not realize how stoic you are?” she asked with a lifted brow, shaking her head at his answer. “And how many… confusing hints you’ve given me over the years?” He at least realized it a little, as he was the one who had brought the subject up in the first place. The baron had explained himself, yes, but she was still somewhat put out to know how this knowledge might have changed things if he had only been forthright.
“That night of the festival in Maliania…” She trailed off, her cheeks flushing for a moment before she shook her head again. If he had known what exactly his reticence had led to, would he have behaved differently? Would he have spoken of these feelings then and not left her confused and even a little hurt? Would it have changed anything, or would the end result still have been the same?
Only the gods knew, and she doubted they would be any more forthright than he was.
Well, I hope there is less confusion now. I didn’t ask to be wed to anyone else.
A sharp glance was cut his way for the briefest of moments, wondering if that statement was as pointed as it sounded. No, of course it wasn’t; she just had a guilty conscience. He had no way of knowing that she had asked to be wed to someone else; if he did, would they still be having this conversation? Somehow, she doubted it.
Sighing, she ran her free hand over her face before offering an apologetic smile. If she started venting her frustrations now, she was afraid it would all start tumbling out, and this was hardly the time, the place, or the person to be spilling it all to. “The past is the past, I suppose. Here we are now, and hopefully we can avoid any confusion in the future.” A diplomatic answer, and one she thought her parents would be proud of. Would avoiding misunderstanding even be possible with personalities such as theirs? Or were they inevitably bound for it?
Carefully, she turned her hand in his grasp so that she could lightly twine her fingers in his. Hoping to distract him away from such dangerous emotional territory, she returned to the subject of his stoic demeanor, teasing gently, “It’s okay to smile, you know. It usually feels quite nice.”
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Her gaze sparkled at his blatant disbelief for her tale, though, for once, she wasn’t teasing him. When he realized she wasn’t lying about Calista, her grin briefly returned. “I’ll put in a good word, yes,” she replied with a soft chuckle. “But maybe bring a treat or two with you. I’m sure it will go further than my good word.”
Theo’s amusement faded again as they made themselves comfortable in the little alcove Achilleas led her to, Althaia politely lingering a few yards away—not quite out of sight, but enough to give them the illusion of privacy. His hand rested atop hers, and for a moment, she thought she saw a vague look of disapproval on her maid’s face, but the woman said nothing—taking her own seat and pretending to mind her business. She pulled another face, but didn’t say anything, either; after all, there was hardly any scandal to be found in holding hands with the man she was supposed to marry. If only Althaia knew some of the activities she should be disapproving of…
It was her turn to fix him with a look of disbelief when he spoke again, blinking a few times as she wondered if maybe he was even teasing her. It quickly became obvious that wasn’t the case, Theo frowning a little. “Do you really not realize how stoic you are?” she asked with a lifted brow, shaking her head at his answer. “And how many… confusing hints you’ve given me over the years?” He at least realized it a little, as he was the one who had brought the subject up in the first place. The baron had explained himself, yes, but she was still somewhat put out to know how this knowledge might have changed things if he had only been forthright.
“That night of the festival in Maliania…” She trailed off, her cheeks flushing for a moment before she shook her head again. If he had known what exactly his reticence had led to, would he have behaved differently? Would he have spoken of these feelings then and not left her confused and even a little hurt? Would it have changed anything, or would the end result still have been the same?
Only the gods knew, and she doubted they would be any more forthright than he was.
Well, I hope there is less confusion now. I didn’t ask to be wed to anyone else.
A sharp glance was cut his way for the briefest of moments, wondering if that statement was as pointed as it sounded. No, of course it wasn’t; she just had a guilty conscience. He had no way of knowing that she had asked to be wed to someone else; if he did, would they still be having this conversation? Somehow, she doubted it.
Sighing, she ran her free hand over her face before offering an apologetic smile. If she started venting her frustrations now, she was afraid it would all start tumbling out, and this was hardly the time, the place, or the person to be spilling it all to. “The past is the past, I suppose. Here we are now, and hopefully we can avoid any confusion in the future.” A diplomatic answer, and one she thought her parents would be proud of. Would avoiding misunderstanding even be possible with personalities such as theirs? Or were they inevitably bound for it?
Carefully, she turned her hand in his grasp so that she could lightly twine her fingers in his. Hoping to distract him away from such dangerous emotional territory, she returned to the subject of his stoic demeanor, teasing gently, “It’s okay to smile, you know. It usually feels quite nice.”
Her gaze sparkled at his blatant disbelief for her tale, though, for once, she wasn’t teasing him. When he realized she wasn’t lying about Calista, her grin briefly returned. “I’ll put in a good word, yes,” she replied with a soft chuckle. “But maybe bring a treat or two with you. I’m sure it will go further than my good word.”
Theo’s amusement faded again as they made themselves comfortable in the little alcove Achilleas led her to, Althaia politely lingering a few yards away—not quite out of sight, but enough to give them the illusion of privacy. His hand rested atop hers, and for a moment, she thought she saw a vague look of disapproval on her maid’s face, but the woman said nothing—taking her own seat and pretending to mind her business. She pulled another face, but didn’t say anything, either; after all, there was hardly any scandal to be found in holding hands with the man she was supposed to marry. If only Althaia knew some of the activities she should be disapproving of…
It was her turn to fix him with a look of disbelief when he spoke again, blinking a few times as she wondered if maybe he was even teasing her. It quickly became obvious that wasn’t the case, Theo frowning a little. “Do you really not realize how stoic you are?” she asked with a lifted brow, shaking her head at his answer. “And how many… confusing hints you’ve given me over the years?” He at least realized it a little, as he was the one who had brought the subject up in the first place. The baron had explained himself, yes, but she was still somewhat put out to know how this knowledge might have changed things if he had only been forthright.
“That night of the festival in Maliania…” She trailed off, her cheeks flushing for a moment before she shook her head again. If he had known what exactly his reticence had led to, would he have behaved differently? Would he have spoken of these feelings then and not left her confused and even a little hurt? Would it have changed anything, or would the end result still have been the same?
Only the gods knew, and she doubted they would be any more forthright than he was.
Well, I hope there is less confusion now. I didn’t ask to be wed to anyone else.
A sharp glance was cut his way for the briefest of moments, wondering if that statement was as pointed as it sounded. No, of course it wasn’t; she just had a guilty conscience. He had no way of knowing that she had asked to be wed to someone else; if he did, would they still be having this conversation? Somehow, she doubted it.
Sighing, she ran her free hand over her face before offering an apologetic smile. If she started venting her frustrations now, she was afraid it would all start tumbling out, and this was hardly the time, the place, or the person to be spilling it all to. “The past is the past, I suppose. Here we are now, and hopefully we can avoid any confusion in the future.” A diplomatic answer, and one she thought her parents would be proud of. Would avoiding misunderstanding even be possible with personalities such as theirs? Or were they inevitably bound for it?
Carefully, she turned her hand in his grasp so that she could lightly twine her fingers in his. Hoping to distract him away from such dangerous emotional territory, she returned to the subject of his stoic demeanor, teasing gently, “It’s okay to smile, you know. It usually feels quite nice.”