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It took everything she had not to react in a way that wouldn't be appropriate whenever Emilios' name was brought up. It was even harder when that very same name came from the lips of his brother ― the man she was to wed. She couldn't help but to feel guilty. And rightfully so.
"I can't help but to find that a little sad." She spoke honestly, though the flicker of amusement still remained ― thanks to her best effort in keeping it there. "But I suppose we all have to deal with the ways of our parents, in one way or another." She continued with something of a shrug: Emilios wasn't alone in that, after all. It often came with the territory of being a noble.
As did many things.
It was surprisingly easy to get lost in not just the words that were offered, but the way he looked at her, too. There was something to be said about the honest desire that quelled within those blue orbs. There was no ill-intent behind it. Nothing complicated. It seemed pure, at least to her, and refreshingly honest. It was all too easy, to feel herself lose herself in such a simple seeming moment. Everything else seemed to fade away around her.
At least until her sister's spying offered enough reason to return to her clogging mind for her to turn her gaze elsewhere.
It was his voice that brought her gaze back and she couldn't quite help the chuckle that forced its way passed her lips. Her expression softened, though Theodora wasn't offered much of a chance to reply ― whether she would have agreed or not didn't matter. Not to her.
As his lips touched upon hers, Theodora found herself stiffening, as if surprised at the sudden boldness Achilleas offered. She could feel her muscles tense, though perhaps, not unpleasantly so. As Achilleas deepened the kiss, she found herself returning it: Hesitant at first, then a little more curious. She could feel the warmth of his hand leave hers, only to settle upon her waist. She felt her hesitance dull and turn into something more daring, allowing her own hand to slip, fingertips finding their way down jaw and neck. They found their place at the base of Achilleas' neck and she found herself surprised at how soft his hair felt between her fingers.
She could feel her heartbeat quicken ― and realized it wasn't an entirely unwelcome feeling.
Breaking the kiss, without pulling away, she allowed herself a moment to breathe ― though it came out slightly irregular. "I suppose," she said, the words barely above that of hushed whisper, "We could consider the moment... Seized." She smiled against his lips.
No. She would not let herself doubt anymore. She. Would. Not. Doubt.
This was a good thing. This ― here ― right in front of her.
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It took everything she had not to react in a way that wouldn't be appropriate whenever Emilios' name was brought up. It was even harder when that very same name came from the lips of his brother ― the man she was to wed. She couldn't help but to feel guilty. And rightfully so.
"I can't help but to find that a little sad." She spoke honestly, though the flicker of amusement still remained ― thanks to her best effort in keeping it there. "But I suppose we all have to deal with the ways of our parents, in one way or another." She continued with something of a shrug: Emilios wasn't alone in that, after all. It often came with the territory of being a noble.
As did many things.
It was surprisingly easy to get lost in not just the words that were offered, but the way he looked at her, too. There was something to be said about the honest desire that quelled within those blue orbs. There was no ill-intent behind it. Nothing complicated. It seemed pure, at least to her, and refreshingly honest. It was all too easy, to feel herself lose herself in such a simple seeming moment. Everything else seemed to fade away around her.
At least until her sister's spying offered enough reason to return to her clogging mind for her to turn her gaze elsewhere.
It was his voice that brought her gaze back and she couldn't quite help the chuckle that forced its way passed her lips. Her expression softened, though Theodora wasn't offered much of a chance to reply ― whether she would have agreed or not didn't matter. Not to her.
As his lips touched upon hers, Theodora found herself stiffening, as if surprised at the sudden boldness Achilleas offered. She could feel her muscles tense, though perhaps, not unpleasantly so. As Achilleas deepened the kiss, she found herself returning it: Hesitant at first, then a little more curious. She could feel the warmth of his hand leave hers, only to settle upon her waist. She felt her hesitance dull and turn into something more daring, allowing her own hand to slip, fingertips finding their way down jaw and neck. They found their place at the base of Achilleas' neck and she found herself surprised at how soft his hair felt between her fingers.
She could feel her heartbeat quicken ― and realized it wasn't an entirely unwelcome feeling.
Breaking the kiss, without pulling away, she allowed herself a moment to breathe ― though it came out slightly irregular. "I suppose," she said, the words barely above that of hushed whisper, "We could consider the moment... Seized." She smiled against his lips.
No. She would not let herself doubt anymore. She. Would. Not. Doubt.
This was a good thing. This ― here ― right in front of her.
It took everything she had not to react in a way that wouldn't be appropriate whenever Emilios' name was brought up. It was even harder when that very same name came from the lips of his brother ― the man she was to wed. She couldn't help but to feel guilty. And rightfully so.
"I can't help but to find that a little sad." She spoke honestly, though the flicker of amusement still remained ― thanks to her best effort in keeping it there. "But I suppose we all have to deal with the ways of our parents, in one way or another." She continued with something of a shrug: Emilios wasn't alone in that, after all. It often came with the territory of being a noble.
As did many things.
It was surprisingly easy to get lost in not just the words that were offered, but the way he looked at her, too. There was something to be said about the honest desire that quelled within those blue orbs. There was no ill-intent behind it. Nothing complicated. It seemed pure, at least to her, and refreshingly honest. It was all too easy, to feel herself lose herself in such a simple seeming moment. Everything else seemed to fade away around her.
At least until her sister's spying offered enough reason to return to her clogging mind for her to turn her gaze elsewhere.
It was his voice that brought her gaze back and she couldn't quite help the chuckle that forced its way passed her lips. Her expression softened, though Theodora wasn't offered much of a chance to reply ― whether she would have agreed or not didn't matter. Not to her.
As his lips touched upon hers, Theodora found herself stiffening, as if surprised at the sudden boldness Achilleas offered. She could feel her muscles tense, though perhaps, not unpleasantly so. As Achilleas deepened the kiss, she found herself returning it: Hesitant at first, then a little more curious. She could feel the warmth of his hand leave hers, only to settle upon her waist. She felt her hesitance dull and turn into something more daring, allowing her own hand to slip, fingertips finding their way down jaw and neck. They found their place at the base of Achilleas' neck and she found herself surprised at how soft his hair felt between her fingers.
She could feel her heartbeat quicken ― and realized it wasn't an entirely unwelcome feeling.
Breaking the kiss, without pulling away, she allowed herself a moment to breathe ― though it came out slightly irregular. "I suppose," she said, the words barely above that of hushed whisper, "We could consider the moment... Seized." She smiled against his lips.
No. She would not let herself doubt anymore. She. Would. Not. Doubt.
This was a good thing. This ― here ― right in front of her.
A little sad?
Achilleas had paused and looked at Theodora. He had not meant it to be sad..it was just the way things were, but as he considered how it sounded, he wondered if perhaps it had not been more revealing than he would have liked. “ I joke” he said, almost dismissively, brushing the moment away with a half shrug. He - and he guessed his brother too, to some degree, though Irakles had never kept him on so short a leash - had long grown used to his father’s high expectations and low-level patience. And it was by far easier to jest about it than to nurse the injury given as he might have done when he was younger.
But he did not want to talk about his parents now. Nor about his brother.
When he kissed her, Achilleas felt her freeze almost, but he persevered -gently- until she yielded and returned the kiss, having to stop himself smiling as her hand crept hesitantly over his jaw only to settle at the base of his neck. Her fingers in his hair sent a pleasurable shiver down his spine, and at that moment, the man very much resented the cup of wine he still held that selfishly hampered his own efforts at exploration.
Too soon she had broken the kiss, but he found himself grinning anyway, feeling that they gained some ground again in this painfully slow reacquaintance.
He had not expected it, if he were honest. Clearly, holding some memory close from their youth had kept a spark kindled for him, and perhaps he had fanned it deliberately. Theodora was all one could ask for in a match, after all. But, it had become clear to him that he would have to be more patient in allowing her feelings to catch. He had changed maybe in his time away, or she was intimidated by him...it was impossible to know, but Achilleas was not so dense that he could not see the woman needed some gentle persuasion.
“ Are you certain?” he questioned, not drawing away from her smile against his mouth. “I would have you be sure?”
But he did not press his luck, letting her come to him this time, if she so wished. Self discipline was something he was well used to it, and it served him well now, allowing him to quash the desire that might have seen him carried away.
With a rumble of a laugh, he did pull back then, looking for somewhere to set down the wine that he had awkwardly cradled in his hand between them. “ I should get rid of this before I spill it over your mother’s fine furnishings and incur her displeasure”. Forced to duck out of her hold upon him to lean over and put it upon a small side table, Achilleas was quick to take up Theodora’s hand again, not willing to slip back into the formality of earlier so soon.
“This is..nice. Not having to share you” He grew frustrated with the pomp and pageantry that had surrounded them since the engagement had been formally announced, and had felt almost as if Theodora did not want to be alone with him at times. So, this felt like progress, and he Achilleas liked measurable goals.
“Will you be coming to the Arcus tomorrow?” the man asked. It would be something brighter to look forward to than whatever awaited him in the Senate itself he was sure.
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A little sad?
Achilleas had paused and looked at Theodora. He had not meant it to be sad..it was just the way things were, but as he considered how it sounded, he wondered if perhaps it had not been more revealing than he would have liked. “ I joke” he said, almost dismissively, brushing the moment away with a half shrug. He - and he guessed his brother too, to some degree, though Irakles had never kept him on so short a leash - had long grown used to his father’s high expectations and low-level patience. And it was by far easier to jest about it than to nurse the injury given as he might have done when he was younger.
But he did not want to talk about his parents now. Nor about his brother.
When he kissed her, Achilleas felt her freeze almost, but he persevered -gently- until she yielded and returned the kiss, having to stop himself smiling as her hand crept hesitantly over his jaw only to settle at the base of his neck. Her fingers in his hair sent a pleasurable shiver down his spine, and at that moment, the man very much resented the cup of wine he still held that selfishly hampered his own efforts at exploration.
Too soon she had broken the kiss, but he found himself grinning anyway, feeling that they gained some ground again in this painfully slow reacquaintance.
He had not expected it, if he were honest. Clearly, holding some memory close from their youth had kept a spark kindled for him, and perhaps he had fanned it deliberately. Theodora was all one could ask for in a match, after all. But, it had become clear to him that he would have to be more patient in allowing her feelings to catch. He had changed maybe in his time away, or she was intimidated by him...it was impossible to know, but Achilleas was not so dense that he could not see the woman needed some gentle persuasion.
“ Are you certain?” he questioned, not drawing away from her smile against his mouth. “I would have you be sure?”
But he did not press his luck, letting her come to him this time, if she so wished. Self discipline was something he was well used to it, and it served him well now, allowing him to quash the desire that might have seen him carried away.
With a rumble of a laugh, he did pull back then, looking for somewhere to set down the wine that he had awkwardly cradled in his hand between them. “ I should get rid of this before I spill it over your mother’s fine furnishings and incur her displeasure”. Forced to duck out of her hold upon him to lean over and put it upon a small side table, Achilleas was quick to take up Theodora’s hand again, not willing to slip back into the formality of earlier so soon.
“This is..nice. Not having to share you” He grew frustrated with the pomp and pageantry that had surrounded them since the engagement had been formally announced, and had felt almost as if Theodora did not want to be alone with him at times. So, this felt like progress, and he Achilleas liked measurable goals.
“Will you be coming to the Arcus tomorrow?” the man asked. It would be something brighter to look forward to than whatever awaited him in the Senate itself he was sure.
A little sad?
Achilleas had paused and looked at Theodora. He had not meant it to be sad..it was just the way things were, but as he considered how it sounded, he wondered if perhaps it had not been more revealing than he would have liked. “ I joke” he said, almost dismissively, brushing the moment away with a half shrug. He - and he guessed his brother too, to some degree, though Irakles had never kept him on so short a leash - had long grown used to his father’s high expectations and low-level patience. And it was by far easier to jest about it than to nurse the injury given as he might have done when he was younger.
But he did not want to talk about his parents now. Nor about his brother.
When he kissed her, Achilleas felt her freeze almost, but he persevered -gently- until she yielded and returned the kiss, having to stop himself smiling as her hand crept hesitantly over his jaw only to settle at the base of his neck. Her fingers in his hair sent a pleasurable shiver down his spine, and at that moment, the man very much resented the cup of wine he still held that selfishly hampered his own efforts at exploration.
Too soon she had broken the kiss, but he found himself grinning anyway, feeling that they gained some ground again in this painfully slow reacquaintance.
He had not expected it, if he were honest. Clearly, holding some memory close from their youth had kept a spark kindled for him, and perhaps he had fanned it deliberately. Theodora was all one could ask for in a match, after all. But, it had become clear to him that he would have to be more patient in allowing her feelings to catch. He had changed maybe in his time away, or she was intimidated by him...it was impossible to know, but Achilleas was not so dense that he could not see the woman needed some gentle persuasion.
“ Are you certain?” he questioned, not drawing away from her smile against his mouth. “I would have you be sure?”
But he did not press his luck, letting her come to him this time, if she so wished. Self discipline was something he was well used to it, and it served him well now, allowing him to quash the desire that might have seen him carried away.
With a rumble of a laugh, he did pull back then, looking for somewhere to set down the wine that he had awkwardly cradled in his hand between them. “ I should get rid of this before I spill it over your mother’s fine furnishings and incur her displeasure”. Forced to duck out of her hold upon him to lean over and put it upon a small side table, Achilleas was quick to take up Theodora’s hand again, not willing to slip back into the formality of earlier so soon.
“This is..nice. Not having to share you” He grew frustrated with the pomp and pageantry that had surrounded them since the engagement had been formally announced, and had felt almost as if Theodora did not want to be alone with him at times. So, this felt like progress, and he Achilleas liked measurable goals.
“Will you be coming to the Arcus tomorrow?” the man asked. It would be something brighter to look forward to than whatever awaited him in the Senate itself he was sure.
His words seemed clear enough: The topic of conversation was put to rest there ― and Theodora knew better than anyone that pressing her luck on the topic any further would only put herself in a bad light. Instead, she simply offered her betrothed a smile and nodded in agreement. She could easily settle and take the words for what they had so innocently been portrayed.
Theodora was not so imperceptive that she did not notice the way such a simple touch seemed to cause a reaction ― however slight it might have been. She was a woman ― a beautiful one at that ― and it was to be expected. Or perhaps she was simply being conceited and putting too much worth on her own appearances.
Was she certain? Not in the slightest. But then, there were a great deal of things Theodora had found herself not certain with, but she had also made a decision. One that she would not allow herself to falter from. She would not allow herself to be lead astray by the matters of the heart. "There are a great deal of things that I'm not certain about." She stated honestly, though her smile did not falter. "But I will not abandon my duty." To him. To her family. "Though, it seems I find myself in a place where I feel as if apologizes are in order." Her thumb caressed the back of his neck for a moment before she continued. "I am very new to this ― I find it to be a difficult line to figure out what is appropriate and what is expected." At least she was trying her best to be honest, though finding the words to explain her feelings without sounding foolish seemed a rather difficult task. "You are a very difficult man to read, Achilleas."
Or perhaps this all came from self doubt and a little bit of naivety. "Though, I do think it would be beneficial for the both of us to... Spend more time together." To both grow accustomed to each other's presence and whatever lay ahead of them.
Like a wedding.
Finding herself a little relieved when he pulled away, as it offered Theodora a moment to clear her head further. In so many ways it felt as if she was being dishonest and not offering him enough affections. Would it have been more appropriate for her to throw herself at him like a lovesick puppy, or did it make more sense for her to act like a proper lady that didn't give in too easily? It seemed like an incredibly difficult line: Which side was she supposed to stand on? Would it make more sense of her to pull away and allow herself some proper time to grieve, or would it be far better for her to simply accept her current circumstances? It wasn't as if her love for Emilios would simply vanish overnight ― she knew that much, but she also knew that dwelling in the past would not help either of them ― and most of all, it would offer Emilios a proper chance to move on, if he had not already. "I think that would be very wise." She laughed then. "I know better than anyone what kind of ire such simple things might seem much bigger than what they really are." Her features softened when he returned to her only a short moment later. "Although I think they have far more important matters to draw their minds away with than furnishings." Or so she hoped.
Though, not that such a thing would be a concern for much longer. After the wedding, this would no longer be her home, would it?
Not having to share you. The guilt that coursed through her body at such a genuine declaration was almost enough to make her wish she could run away from the situation altogether. While she did not wish to be shared ― there was still certain feelings that surfaced: Even now, she could not stop the image of Emilios haunting her mind. Her free hand ― the one not cradling the back of his neck ― lifted. The back of her finger followed the line of his strong jaw and she smiled at him. "I'm afraid you're going to have to share me―," She took a moment to look about the room, as if her entire family stood around them, watching. It was likely a good thing that they didn't. "-Until we're properly married and are offered a chance to be alone." With crimson still coloring her cheeks ― a little deeper this time ― Theodora offered him something of a shy smile. "Away from all of this. All of them."
If nothing else, Theodora was looking forward to properly getting to know her husband-to-be, and from what she'd seen thus far, he truly did appear to be a good and honest man. She was lucky for having been offered such a good match.
Her reluctance was unreasonable and nothing more than purely selfish. It was not fair towards Achilleas ― and it seemed as if she was only now starting to understand that.
"I'm not sure." She shook her head a little at that, though did not allow her hesitance to draw her away from him. "I'd say it would depend a lot more on whether or not I'm expected to be there." And whether or not her family would bring her. "Though..." She quickly added, "If I do not ― and you find yourself with the time on your hands, then perhaps..." Trailing off, Theodora chewed her lips. "Perhaps we could meet up after?" She had no idea how long the meeting would last and how it would all turn up. As if a thought then struck her, she looked at her betrothed directly. "Unless you'd rather have me there." For what, though, she wasn't sure. She wasn't sure how much support she could offer, and it seemed as if such things was better left to the people who actually knew what they were doing.
Was she being too indecisive? Was it unfair of her to put the decision on his shoulders, simply because she was too weak-minded to make up her own mind? "I apologize." She hastily said, casting her gaze downwards.
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His words seemed clear enough: The topic of conversation was put to rest there ― and Theodora knew better than anyone that pressing her luck on the topic any further would only put herself in a bad light. Instead, she simply offered her betrothed a smile and nodded in agreement. She could easily settle and take the words for what they had so innocently been portrayed.
Theodora was not so imperceptive that she did not notice the way such a simple touch seemed to cause a reaction ― however slight it might have been. She was a woman ― a beautiful one at that ― and it was to be expected. Or perhaps she was simply being conceited and putting too much worth on her own appearances.
Was she certain? Not in the slightest. But then, there were a great deal of things Theodora had found herself not certain with, but she had also made a decision. One that she would not allow herself to falter from. She would not allow herself to be lead astray by the matters of the heart. "There are a great deal of things that I'm not certain about." She stated honestly, though her smile did not falter. "But I will not abandon my duty." To him. To her family. "Though, it seems I find myself in a place where I feel as if apologizes are in order." Her thumb caressed the back of his neck for a moment before she continued. "I am very new to this ― I find it to be a difficult line to figure out what is appropriate and what is expected." At least she was trying her best to be honest, though finding the words to explain her feelings without sounding foolish seemed a rather difficult task. "You are a very difficult man to read, Achilleas."
Or perhaps this all came from self doubt and a little bit of naivety. "Though, I do think it would be beneficial for the both of us to... Spend more time together." To both grow accustomed to each other's presence and whatever lay ahead of them.
Like a wedding.
Finding herself a little relieved when he pulled away, as it offered Theodora a moment to clear her head further. In so many ways it felt as if she was being dishonest and not offering him enough affections. Would it have been more appropriate for her to throw herself at him like a lovesick puppy, or did it make more sense for her to act like a proper lady that didn't give in too easily? It seemed like an incredibly difficult line: Which side was she supposed to stand on? Would it make more sense of her to pull away and allow herself some proper time to grieve, or would it be far better for her to simply accept her current circumstances? It wasn't as if her love for Emilios would simply vanish overnight ― she knew that much, but she also knew that dwelling in the past would not help either of them ― and most of all, it would offer Emilios a proper chance to move on, if he had not already. "I think that would be very wise." She laughed then. "I know better than anyone what kind of ire such simple things might seem much bigger than what they really are." Her features softened when he returned to her only a short moment later. "Although I think they have far more important matters to draw their minds away with than furnishings." Or so she hoped.
Though, not that such a thing would be a concern for much longer. After the wedding, this would no longer be her home, would it?
Not having to share you. The guilt that coursed through her body at such a genuine declaration was almost enough to make her wish she could run away from the situation altogether. While she did not wish to be shared ― there was still certain feelings that surfaced: Even now, she could not stop the image of Emilios haunting her mind. Her free hand ― the one not cradling the back of his neck ― lifted. The back of her finger followed the line of his strong jaw and she smiled at him. "I'm afraid you're going to have to share me―," She took a moment to look about the room, as if her entire family stood around them, watching. It was likely a good thing that they didn't. "-Until we're properly married and are offered a chance to be alone." With crimson still coloring her cheeks ― a little deeper this time ― Theodora offered him something of a shy smile. "Away from all of this. All of them."
If nothing else, Theodora was looking forward to properly getting to know her husband-to-be, and from what she'd seen thus far, he truly did appear to be a good and honest man. She was lucky for having been offered such a good match.
Her reluctance was unreasonable and nothing more than purely selfish. It was not fair towards Achilleas ― and it seemed as if she was only now starting to understand that.
"I'm not sure." She shook her head a little at that, though did not allow her hesitance to draw her away from him. "I'd say it would depend a lot more on whether or not I'm expected to be there." And whether or not her family would bring her. "Though..." She quickly added, "If I do not ― and you find yourself with the time on your hands, then perhaps..." Trailing off, Theodora chewed her lips. "Perhaps we could meet up after?" She had no idea how long the meeting would last and how it would all turn up. As if a thought then struck her, she looked at her betrothed directly. "Unless you'd rather have me there." For what, though, she wasn't sure. She wasn't sure how much support she could offer, and it seemed as if such things was better left to the people who actually knew what they were doing.
Was she being too indecisive? Was it unfair of her to put the decision on his shoulders, simply because she was too weak-minded to make up her own mind? "I apologize." She hastily said, casting her gaze downwards.
His words seemed clear enough: The topic of conversation was put to rest there ― and Theodora knew better than anyone that pressing her luck on the topic any further would only put herself in a bad light. Instead, she simply offered her betrothed a smile and nodded in agreement. She could easily settle and take the words for what they had so innocently been portrayed.
Theodora was not so imperceptive that she did not notice the way such a simple touch seemed to cause a reaction ― however slight it might have been. She was a woman ― a beautiful one at that ― and it was to be expected. Or perhaps she was simply being conceited and putting too much worth on her own appearances.
Was she certain? Not in the slightest. But then, there were a great deal of things Theodora had found herself not certain with, but she had also made a decision. One that she would not allow herself to falter from. She would not allow herself to be lead astray by the matters of the heart. "There are a great deal of things that I'm not certain about." She stated honestly, though her smile did not falter. "But I will not abandon my duty." To him. To her family. "Though, it seems I find myself in a place where I feel as if apologizes are in order." Her thumb caressed the back of his neck for a moment before she continued. "I am very new to this ― I find it to be a difficult line to figure out what is appropriate and what is expected." At least she was trying her best to be honest, though finding the words to explain her feelings without sounding foolish seemed a rather difficult task. "You are a very difficult man to read, Achilleas."
Or perhaps this all came from self doubt and a little bit of naivety. "Though, I do think it would be beneficial for the both of us to... Spend more time together." To both grow accustomed to each other's presence and whatever lay ahead of them.
Like a wedding.
Finding herself a little relieved when he pulled away, as it offered Theodora a moment to clear her head further. In so many ways it felt as if she was being dishonest and not offering him enough affections. Would it have been more appropriate for her to throw herself at him like a lovesick puppy, or did it make more sense for her to act like a proper lady that didn't give in too easily? It seemed like an incredibly difficult line: Which side was she supposed to stand on? Would it make more sense of her to pull away and allow herself some proper time to grieve, or would it be far better for her to simply accept her current circumstances? It wasn't as if her love for Emilios would simply vanish overnight ― she knew that much, but she also knew that dwelling in the past would not help either of them ― and most of all, it would offer Emilios a proper chance to move on, if he had not already. "I think that would be very wise." She laughed then. "I know better than anyone what kind of ire such simple things might seem much bigger than what they really are." Her features softened when he returned to her only a short moment later. "Although I think they have far more important matters to draw their minds away with than furnishings." Or so she hoped.
Though, not that such a thing would be a concern for much longer. After the wedding, this would no longer be her home, would it?
Not having to share you. The guilt that coursed through her body at such a genuine declaration was almost enough to make her wish she could run away from the situation altogether. While she did not wish to be shared ― there was still certain feelings that surfaced: Even now, she could not stop the image of Emilios haunting her mind. Her free hand ― the one not cradling the back of his neck ― lifted. The back of her finger followed the line of his strong jaw and she smiled at him. "I'm afraid you're going to have to share me―," She took a moment to look about the room, as if her entire family stood around them, watching. It was likely a good thing that they didn't. "-Until we're properly married and are offered a chance to be alone." With crimson still coloring her cheeks ― a little deeper this time ― Theodora offered him something of a shy smile. "Away from all of this. All of them."
If nothing else, Theodora was looking forward to properly getting to know her husband-to-be, and from what she'd seen thus far, he truly did appear to be a good and honest man. She was lucky for having been offered such a good match.
Her reluctance was unreasonable and nothing more than purely selfish. It was not fair towards Achilleas ― and it seemed as if she was only now starting to understand that.
"I'm not sure." She shook her head a little at that, though did not allow her hesitance to draw her away from him. "I'd say it would depend a lot more on whether or not I'm expected to be there." And whether or not her family would bring her. "Though..." She quickly added, "If I do not ― and you find yourself with the time on your hands, then perhaps..." Trailing off, Theodora chewed her lips. "Perhaps we could meet up after?" She had no idea how long the meeting would last and how it would all turn up. As if a thought then struck her, she looked at her betrothed directly. "Unless you'd rather have me there." For what, though, she wasn't sure. She wasn't sure how much support she could offer, and it seemed as if such things was better left to the people who actually knew what they were doing.
Was she being too indecisive? Was it unfair of her to put the decision on his shoulders, simply because she was too weak-minded to make up her own mind? "I apologize." She hastily said, casting her gaze downwards.
There was a brief flicker of something - displeasure perhaps - that passed across his face when Theodora mentioned not shirking from her duty. It was gone almost as soon as it presented itself though. Achilleas had been teasing, inviting her to kiss him again if she so wanted, and so was a little taken aback by her serious response. Was that all this was? Duty? It was insulting, if he considered it, but more so, disappointing. She had been pleased by the idea of their betrothal when he had first broached it with her all those weeks ago, it had given him hope that perhaps he had not been alone in feeling...something. “Duty?” he echoed,a dark brow arching questioningly as he looked at Theodora. When she went on to speak of expectations and propriety, Achilleas pulled away to create some space between them, though his tone was laced with a certain amount of disbelief. He really did not think he was that hard to read in this. “ We are to be married in less than a month, Theodora, and have been betrothed for many now. I hardly think a kiss is going to scandalise anyone”. He wondered then how new she was to this, looking at her searchingly. He would not necessarily have expected to her have remained chaste, but there was an undeniable thrill in the idea that she was: that she would be his and only his, when the time came.
“But of course, if you feel this is too fast,if you would rather wait” he appended quickly, thinking he understood now more of her reticence.
Achilleas nodded his affirmation at the request they spend more time together, all the while wondering how he might arrange his days to free up more of them for this woman.His gaze drifted toward the window even as he considered what he could safely set aside for a few days, and what were the more pressing duties that would not be ignored. There was a pair of courting songbirds skittering around in the branches of the Olive tree that shaded the window, and for a moment he watched them, thinking things could be not be so complicated for them as it seemed to be in his own situation.
There was a barely suppressed sigh at Theodora’s words, and yet he found himself pleased by that deepening blush, for it suggested his betrothed’s thoughts led her to the same place that his own kept returning to, so at least he was not alone in his frustration. Away from all of this. She echoed his own thoughts in this too, there would be space for them to know each other in Euttica at least. It had been more trying than he had imagined residing back in Vasiliadon these past weeks.
“ I do not have any such expectations” he said, the barest hint of a frown settling upon his brow as thoughts turned toward the Senate Meeting tomorrow. “ If you prefer, I can certainly call upon you when we are done” It would give him a reason to escape, if he so wanted. And then she apologised and he did not hide the exasperated exhale this time.
“ And you will stop saying sorry for nothing at all” Warm, sword calloused fingers caught her gently under her chin and he lifted it so she would look at him again, smiling. An idea took him then. “ We should go riding tomorrow. Get away from...things. You will be allowed? I can speak to your Father today if you wish?”
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There was a brief flicker of something - displeasure perhaps - that passed across his face when Theodora mentioned not shirking from her duty. It was gone almost as soon as it presented itself though. Achilleas had been teasing, inviting her to kiss him again if she so wanted, and so was a little taken aback by her serious response. Was that all this was? Duty? It was insulting, if he considered it, but more so, disappointing. She had been pleased by the idea of their betrothal when he had first broached it with her all those weeks ago, it had given him hope that perhaps he had not been alone in feeling...something. “Duty?” he echoed,a dark brow arching questioningly as he looked at Theodora. When she went on to speak of expectations and propriety, Achilleas pulled away to create some space between them, though his tone was laced with a certain amount of disbelief. He really did not think he was that hard to read in this. “ We are to be married in less than a month, Theodora, and have been betrothed for many now. I hardly think a kiss is going to scandalise anyone”. He wondered then how new she was to this, looking at her searchingly. He would not necessarily have expected to her have remained chaste, but there was an undeniable thrill in the idea that she was: that she would be his and only his, when the time came.
“But of course, if you feel this is too fast,if you would rather wait” he appended quickly, thinking he understood now more of her reticence.
Achilleas nodded his affirmation at the request they spend more time together, all the while wondering how he might arrange his days to free up more of them for this woman.His gaze drifted toward the window even as he considered what he could safely set aside for a few days, and what were the more pressing duties that would not be ignored. There was a pair of courting songbirds skittering around in the branches of the Olive tree that shaded the window, and for a moment he watched them, thinking things could be not be so complicated for them as it seemed to be in his own situation.
There was a barely suppressed sigh at Theodora’s words, and yet he found himself pleased by that deepening blush, for it suggested his betrothed’s thoughts led her to the same place that his own kept returning to, so at least he was not alone in his frustration. Away from all of this. She echoed his own thoughts in this too, there would be space for them to know each other in Euttica at least. It had been more trying than he had imagined residing back in Vasiliadon these past weeks.
“ I do not have any such expectations” he said, the barest hint of a frown settling upon his brow as thoughts turned toward the Senate Meeting tomorrow. “ If you prefer, I can certainly call upon you when we are done” It would give him a reason to escape, if he so wanted. And then she apologised and he did not hide the exasperated exhale this time.
“ And you will stop saying sorry for nothing at all” Warm, sword calloused fingers caught her gently under her chin and he lifted it so she would look at him again, smiling. An idea took him then. “ We should go riding tomorrow. Get away from...things. You will be allowed? I can speak to your Father today if you wish?”
There was a brief flicker of something - displeasure perhaps - that passed across his face when Theodora mentioned not shirking from her duty. It was gone almost as soon as it presented itself though. Achilleas had been teasing, inviting her to kiss him again if she so wanted, and so was a little taken aback by her serious response. Was that all this was? Duty? It was insulting, if he considered it, but more so, disappointing. She had been pleased by the idea of their betrothal when he had first broached it with her all those weeks ago, it had given him hope that perhaps he had not been alone in feeling...something. “Duty?” he echoed,a dark brow arching questioningly as he looked at Theodora. When she went on to speak of expectations and propriety, Achilleas pulled away to create some space between them, though his tone was laced with a certain amount of disbelief. He really did not think he was that hard to read in this. “ We are to be married in less than a month, Theodora, and have been betrothed for many now. I hardly think a kiss is going to scandalise anyone”. He wondered then how new she was to this, looking at her searchingly. He would not necessarily have expected to her have remained chaste, but there was an undeniable thrill in the idea that she was: that she would be his and only his, when the time came.
“But of course, if you feel this is too fast,if you would rather wait” he appended quickly, thinking he understood now more of her reticence.
Achilleas nodded his affirmation at the request they spend more time together, all the while wondering how he might arrange his days to free up more of them for this woman.His gaze drifted toward the window even as he considered what he could safely set aside for a few days, and what were the more pressing duties that would not be ignored. There was a pair of courting songbirds skittering around in the branches of the Olive tree that shaded the window, and for a moment he watched them, thinking things could be not be so complicated for them as it seemed to be in his own situation.
There was a barely suppressed sigh at Theodora’s words, and yet he found himself pleased by that deepening blush, for it suggested his betrothed’s thoughts led her to the same place that his own kept returning to, so at least he was not alone in his frustration. Away from all of this. She echoed his own thoughts in this too, there would be space for them to know each other in Euttica at least. It had been more trying than he had imagined residing back in Vasiliadon these past weeks.
“ I do not have any such expectations” he said, the barest hint of a frown settling upon his brow as thoughts turned toward the Senate Meeting tomorrow. “ If you prefer, I can certainly call upon you when we are done” It would give him a reason to escape, if he so wanted. And then she apologised and he did not hide the exasperated exhale this time.
“ And you will stop saying sorry for nothing at all” Warm, sword calloused fingers caught her gently under her chin and he lifted it so she would look at him again, smiling. An idea took him then. “ We should go riding tomorrow. Get away from...things. You will be allowed? I can speak to your Father today if you wish?”
There was something that flickered across his expression, gone far too quickly for her to get a proper read on it. She found herself issuing a resigned sigh: she was not good at this, she realized. Speaking her mind boldly usually came easy to her, but for some reason… she felt a little intimidated. Too afraid to say the wrong thing, though that was exactly what she’d just done. “That’s not what I meant.” She hurriedly pressed, her shoulders slumping as he drew away. Looking down at her hands, she found them much easier to focus on. “You hear all these tales of marriage, but no one ever really talks of the parts before. Where are the lines drawn? What is too much, and what is too little?” Pursing her lips, she found herself reeling as she tried making sense of her thoughts, and her feelings.
Still, as she took a moment to breathe, she could feel some of her boldness return. “Am I supposed to behave like a lady, and only give you just enough? Would that be what’s considered appropriate? Or am I allowed to look past all such restrictions and allow myself more?” She lifted her gaze to look at him directly then. It wasn’t a lie. She did love his brother, but that didn’t mean she could not come to love Achilleas too, did it? She wanted this to work. She wanted to be happy. She wanted Achilleas to be happy too.
“I want to get to know you. I want to get to know us.” She furrowed her brows at that. Speaking the words caused the lump to return and despite her best efforts, and despite how hard she tried to push it away, an image of Emilios found its way across her vision.
She nodded at that: Perhaps it was better that she stayed put. She had enough to think of and clearly, she needed to work on herself. Still, being allowed another chance to explore this so soon, even Theodora couldn’t miss out on that. “I would like that.”
When she felt his fingers against her chin, she lifted her gaze to look at him. She could help but to return his smile. She was about to apologize, but stopped herself and chuckled instead. It seemed as if Achilleas caught the ball and played along. “I wouldn’t imagine he’d have issues with it, though it it would offer you a chance to get on his good-better graces.” She grinned then, one eyebrow arching amusedly, winking. “And I would love that.”
Placing her fingers over his, she pulled his fingers to her lips and offered his knuckles a chaste kiss. Keeping his hand in front of her lips, though breaking the kiss, Theodora smiled as she looked at him through her lashes. “I’m glad you came.”
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There was something that flickered across his expression, gone far too quickly for her to get a proper read on it. She found herself issuing a resigned sigh: she was not good at this, she realized. Speaking her mind boldly usually came easy to her, but for some reason… she felt a little intimidated. Too afraid to say the wrong thing, though that was exactly what she’d just done. “That’s not what I meant.” She hurriedly pressed, her shoulders slumping as he drew away. Looking down at her hands, she found them much easier to focus on. “You hear all these tales of marriage, but no one ever really talks of the parts before. Where are the lines drawn? What is too much, and what is too little?” Pursing her lips, she found herself reeling as she tried making sense of her thoughts, and her feelings.
Still, as she took a moment to breathe, she could feel some of her boldness return. “Am I supposed to behave like a lady, and only give you just enough? Would that be what’s considered appropriate? Or am I allowed to look past all such restrictions and allow myself more?” She lifted her gaze to look at him directly then. It wasn’t a lie. She did love his brother, but that didn’t mean she could not come to love Achilleas too, did it? She wanted this to work. She wanted to be happy. She wanted Achilleas to be happy too.
“I want to get to know you. I want to get to know us.” She furrowed her brows at that. Speaking the words caused the lump to return and despite her best efforts, and despite how hard she tried to push it away, an image of Emilios found its way across her vision.
She nodded at that: Perhaps it was better that she stayed put. She had enough to think of and clearly, she needed to work on herself. Still, being allowed another chance to explore this so soon, even Theodora couldn’t miss out on that. “I would like that.”
When she felt his fingers against her chin, she lifted her gaze to look at him. She could help but to return his smile. She was about to apologize, but stopped herself and chuckled instead. It seemed as if Achilleas caught the ball and played along. “I wouldn’t imagine he’d have issues with it, though it it would offer you a chance to get on his good-better graces.” She grinned then, one eyebrow arching amusedly, winking. “And I would love that.”
Placing her fingers over his, she pulled his fingers to her lips and offered his knuckles a chaste kiss. Keeping his hand in front of her lips, though breaking the kiss, Theodora smiled as she looked at him through her lashes. “I’m glad you came.”
There was something that flickered across his expression, gone far too quickly for her to get a proper read on it. She found herself issuing a resigned sigh: she was not good at this, she realized. Speaking her mind boldly usually came easy to her, but for some reason… she felt a little intimidated. Too afraid to say the wrong thing, though that was exactly what she’d just done. “That’s not what I meant.” She hurriedly pressed, her shoulders slumping as he drew away. Looking down at her hands, she found them much easier to focus on. “You hear all these tales of marriage, but no one ever really talks of the parts before. Where are the lines drawn? What is too much, and what is too little?” Pursing her lips, she found herself reeling as she tried making sense of her thoughts, and her feelings.
Still, as she took a moment to breathe, she could feel some of her boldness return. “Am I supposed to behave like a lady, and only give you just enough? Would that be what’s considered appropriate? Or am I allowed to look past all such restrictions and allow myself more?” She lifted her gaze to look at him directly then. It wasn’t a lie. She did love his brother, but that didn’t mean she could not come to love Achilleas too, did it? She wanted this to work. She wanted to be happy. She wanted Achilleas to be happy too.
“I want to get to know you. I want to get to know us.” She furrowed her brows at that. Speaking the words caused the lump to return and despite her best efforts, and despite how hard she tried to push it away, an image of Emilios found its way across her vision.
She nodded at that: Perhaps it was better that she stayed put. She had enough to think of and clearly, she needed to work on herself. Still, being allowed another chance to explore this so soon, even Theodora couldn’t miss out on that. “I would like that.”
When she felt his fingers against her chin, she lifted her gaze to look at him. She could help but to return his smile. She was about to apologize, but stopped herself and chuckled instead. It seemed as if Achilleas caught the ball and played along. “I wouldn’t imagine he’d have issues with it, though it it would offer you a chance to get on his good-better graces.” She grinned then, one eyebrow arching amusedly, winking. “And I would love that.”
Placing her fingers over his, she pulled his fingers to her lips and offered his knuckles a chaste kiss. Keeping his hand in front of her lips, though breaking the kiss, Theodora smiled as she looked at him through her lashes. “I’m glad you came.”
