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Was four weeks enough? Zenais fervently hoped so. Desperately. She needed it to be enough. But the prince had only woken up and they had only properly had conversations over the last two weeks, as she had brought him out for walks and sat with him during his meals. Occasionally, the brunette would pick out his clothes, even helped him as he finally reduced his usage of the staff she had customized for him...surely it had to be enough?
Pacing in her room, Zenais worried her bottom lip, her mind constantly going back to the missive the Alistaire manor had receive the day before - that a carriage from the royal house of Kotas would be arriving midday the next day. That it was sent by the King and Queen themselves to pick up their son since he has now recovered enough to manage a couple of days trip to return to the capital city to be with his family. Zenais had been sending missives on behalf of her father to update the royal family, but she had to have expected this day to come.
But she hadn't expected it to come so soon.
Was she sad? In a way, yes. The prince was... an anomaly. He may be unorthodox in his ways, yet there was a gentleness about him that managed to make Zenais smile, even despite her struggle to maintain that facade she wanted him to believe, to keep up her farce, to achieve her goal. But every day, his actions makes it harder. His words of concern for her, his allowance for her to glimpse into the inner workings of his mind, as he told her of his hopes and of his dreams, of his family and of his future.
Heart of steel. the brunette reminded herself, each time she felt herself wavering. There was no place in her plans for a soft heart, for her to entertain or even admit to herself that there was growing affections for the third prince. The survival of her house, the surety of her brother's future, all depended on her. Her mother was joyful, her father even more so when Zenais spent more time with Yiannis. She couldn't let them down now. Every night she heard her father sighing in his study, saw the eye bags under Effie of Alistaire's eyes. The debtors chased every other day. There was no time.
But he was to leave tomorrow. What could she do?
"Dysia, where is the prince?"
The moment her lady's maid entered, Zenais had turned immediately to ask. It was obvious her flaxen-haired lady's maid was caught by surprise, for the wide-eyed girl started a little before her meek reply came in a soft tone. The stables? He had ventured there once or twice. Zenais had brought him herself when he requested, and she had seen how he enjoyed the company of the steeds. Understaffed as they were, she had promised to bring him out on a ride to see the rest of her father's barony once he was cleared by the physician to be on horseback. A promise that she apparently can no longer keep, if he was to return to Midas tomorrow.
Nodding her thanks to the maiden, Zenais picked up the ends of her pale blue chiton, taking the steps two at a time as she went down and hurried out into the evening sun. her brown locks were twisted in a braid behind her and fell over her shoulders as her bare feet hurried past the dirt towards the stables. The sleeveless design of her chiton meant the slight chill in the evening air made her skin crawl, but Zenais barely paid any heed, as she finally slowed down, and her steps turned soft and gentle as she peered around the entrance, her voice hesitant as she spoke.
"Yiannis?" when her eyes fell upon his frame, Zenais felt the familiar way her heart swelled, the way it had recently, annoyingly started doing in the past few days every time she saw him and his visage. A fact that the brunette was pointedly trying to ignore, giving him a hesitant smile instead. "Do you... need help packing?" It was a lame excuse, but she can't very well just say she was here to see him cause she was frightened of his departure the next day, now could she?
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Was four weeks enough? Zenais fervently hoped so. Desperately. She needed it to be enough. But the prince had only woken up and they had only properly had conversations over the last two weeks, as she had brought him out for walks and sat with him during his meals. Occasionally, the brunette would pick out his clothes, even helped him as he finally reduced his usage of the staff she had customized for him...surely it had to be enough?
Pacing in her room, Zenais worried her bottom lip, her mind constantly going back to the missive the Alistaire manor had receive the day before - that a carriage from the royal house of Kotas would be arriving midday the next day. That it was sent by the King and Queen themselves to pick up their son since he has now recovered enough to manage a couple of days trip to return to the capital city to be with his family. Zenais had been sending missives on behalf of her father to update the royal family, but she had to have expected this day to come.
But she hadn't expected it to come so soon.
Was she sad? In a way, yes. The prince was... an anomaly. He may be unorthodox in his ways, yet there was a gentleness about him that managed to make Zenais smile, even despite her struggle to maintain that facade she wanted him to believe, to keep up her farce, to achieve her goal. But every day, his actions makes it harder. His words of concern for her, his allowance for her to glimpse into the inner workings of his mind, as he told her of his hopes and of his dreams, of his family and of his future.
Heart of steel. the brunette reminded herself, each time she felt herself wavering. There was no place in her plans for a soft heart, for her to entertain or even admit to herself that there was growing affections for the third prince. The survival of her house, the surety of her brother's future, all depended on her. Her mother was joyful, her father even more so when Zenais spent more time with Yiannis. She couldn't let them down now. Every night she heard her father sighing in his study, saw the eye bags under Effie of Alistaire's eyes. The debtors chased every other day. There was no time.
But he was to leave tomorrow. What could she do?
"Dysia, where is the prince?"
The moment her lady's maid entered, Zenais had turned immediately to ask. It was obvious her flaxen-haired lady's maid was caught by surprise, for the wide-eyed girl started a little before her meek reply came in a soft tone. The stables? He had ventured there once or twice. Zenais had brought him herself when he requested, and she had seen how he enjoyed the company of the steeds. Understaffed as they were, she had promised to bring him out on a ride to see the rest of her father's barony once he was cleared by the physician to be on horseback. A promise that she apparently can no longer keep, if he was to return to Midas tomorrow.
Nodding her thanks to the maiden, Zenais picked up the ends of her pale blue chiton, taking the steps two at a time as she went down and hurried out into the evening sun. her brown locks were twisted in a braid behind her and fell over her shoulders as her bare feet hurried past the dirt towards the stables. The sleeveless design of her chiton meant the slight chill in the evening air made her skin crawl, but Zenais barely paid any heed, as she finally slowed down, and her steps turned soft and gentle as she peered around the entrance, her voice hesitant as she spoke.
"Yiannis?" when her eyes fell upon his frame, Zenais felt the familiar way her heart swelled, the way it had recently, annoyingly started doing in the past few days every time she saw him and his visage. A fact that the brunette was pointedly trying to ignore, giving him a hesitant smile instead. "Do you... need help packing?" It was a lame excuse, but she can't very well just say she was here to see him cause she was frightened of his departure the next day, now could she?
Was four weeks enough? Zenais fervently hoped so. Desperately. She needed it to be enough. But the prince had only woken up and they had only properly had conversations over the last two weeks, as she had brought him out for walks and sat with him during his meals. Occasionally, the brunette would pick out his clothes, even helped him as he finally reduced his usage of the staff she had customized for him...surely it had to be enough?
Pacing in her room, Zenais worried her bottom lip, her mind constantly going back to the missive the Alistaire manor had receive the day before - that a carriage from the royal house of Kotas would be arriving midday the next day. That it was sent by the King and Queen themselves to pick up their son since he has now recovered enough to manage a couple of days trip to return to the capital city to be with his family. Zenais had been sending missives on behalf of her father to update the royal family, but she had to have expected this day to come.
But she hadn't expected it to come so soon.
Was she sad? In a way, yes. The prince was... an anomaly. He may be unorthodox in his ways, yet there was a gentleness about him that managed to make Zenais smile, even despite her struggle to maintain that facade she wanted him to believe, to keep up her farce, to achieve her goal. But every day, his actions makes it harder. His words of concern for her, his allowance for her to glimpse into the inner workings of his mind, as he told her of his hopes and of his dreams, of his family and of his future.
Heart of steel. the brunette reminded herself, each time she felt herself wavering. There was no place in her plans for a soft heart, for her to entertain or even admit to herself that there was growing affections for the third prince. The survival of her house, the surety of her brother's future, all depended on her. Her mother was joyful, her father even more so when Zenais spent more time with Yiannis. She couldn't let them down now. Every night she heard her father sighing in his study, saw the eye bags under Effie of Alistaire's eyes. The debtors chased every other day. There was no time.
But he was to leave tomorrow. What could she do?
"Dysia, where is the prince?"
The moment her lady's maid entered, Zenais had turned immediately to ask. It was obvious her flaxen-haired lady's maid was caught by surprise, for the wide-eyed girl started a little before her meek reply came in a soft tone. The stables? He had ventured there once or twice. Zenais had brought him herself when he requested, and she had seen how he enjoyed the company of the steeds. Understaffed as they were, she had promised to bring him out on a ride to see the rest of her father's barony once he was cleared by the physician to be on horseback. A promise that she apparently can no longer keep, if he was to return to Midas tomorrow.
Nodding her thanks to the maiden, Zenais picked up the ends of her pale blue chiton, taking the steps two at a time as she went down and hurried out into the evening sun. her brown locks were twisted in a braid behind her and fell over her shoulders as her bare feet hurried past the dirt towards the stables. The sleeveless design of her chiton meant the slight chill in the evening air made her skin crawl, but Zenais barely paid any heed, as she finally slowed down, and her steps turned soft and gentle as she peered around the entrance, her voice hesitant as she spoke.
"Yiannis?" when her eyes fell upon his frame, Zenais felt the familiar way her heart swelled, the way it had recently, annoyingly started doing in the past few days every time she saw him and his visage. A fact that the brunette was pointedly trying to ignore, giving him a hesitant smile instead. "Do you... need help packing?" It was a lame excuse, but she can't very well just say she was here to see him cause she was frightened of his departure the next day, now could she?
Was it even possible to be so ambivalent? Before now, he hadn't imagined so. Each our he passed in Lyncaea had become a worse torment. What he only suspected in those first few days was now crystal clear. He felt something for Zenais. A woman who was only fulfilling her family's duties. No doubt promised to another. At the least, she had no real interest in him, and that was as good as the same thing. He remembered what she'd told him on that first walk. How depressing it would be to marry someone she didn't care for. He could not be that man. Would not. Someone with her softness and strength and beauty; the kindness she had offered him and the encouragement to heal were all fresh in his mind. The only thing that seemed unbearable in the world any longer was making her unhappy. So it would be easier to simply leave. To forget all of this strange sojourn.
There was no other way. Because the truth is that each waking hour had become delightful. He missed when her voice faded at night, and held the melodic cords of her song inside when he closed his eyes. She didn't know his smile started every morning when he heard the light patter of her feet outside. It would've been there even had she not brought hot porridge to share. He talked to no one else for as long or so easily. Leaving it behind for the royal court--where expectations bit and doubts lurked--would be painful. Enough so that he was up late, petting at a horse absent-mindedly, hoping somehow she might not wake early enough tomorrow, and he could slip away without having to face her again.
"Yiannis? Do you need help packing?" a voice called, breaking the still of the night.
Of course. When, in a month, had she not been at his side when he needed her? He turned slowly, catching her the moonlight's scintillations highlighted her beauty. There were goosebumps against her perfectly smooth, tan skin. It only served to lock his attention on the shapliness of her arms. He followed them up to where a thick, full braid rested against her shoulder, bouncing with each step. She stopped walking after asking. What was he to do? To say? It might have been easier to turn her away than continue this war in his mind. It became a thousand times more difficult in her presence. He certainly couldn't do it meeting that expectant glow in her eyes.
He turned back towards the animals. Calmed himself with another stroke or two. Maybe she would make the decision for him? But the thought no sooner occurred to him than it started to swell up in his belly. Threatened to tie a knot in his throat. What if she chose to leave? What is she might be glad to be free of him? He. . .she.
"If you like" he forced out. "I suppose it might help things along."
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Was it even possible to be so ambivalent? Before now, he hadn't imagined so. Each our he passed in Lyncaea had become a worse torment. What he only suspected in those first few days was now crystal clear. He felt something for Zenais. A woman who was only fulfilling her family's duties. No doubt promised to another. At the least, she had no real interest in him, and that was as good as the same thing. He remembered what she'd told him on that first walk. How depressing it would be to marry someone she didn't care for. He could not be that man. Would not. Someone with her softness and strength and beauty; the kindness she had offered him and the encouragement to heal were all fresh in his mind. The only thing that seemed unbearable in the world any longer was making her unhappy. So it would be easier to simply leave. To forget all of this strange sojourn.
There was no other way. Because the truth is that each waking hour had become delightful. He missed when her voice faded at night, and held the melodic cords of her song inside when he closed his eyes. She didn't know his smile started every morning when he heard the light patter of her feet outside. It would've been there even had she not brought hot porridge to share. He talked to no one else for as long or so easily. Leaving it behind for the royal court--where expectations bit and doubts lurked--would be painful. Enough so that he was up late, petting at a horse absent-mindedly, hoping somehow she might not wake early enough tomorrow, and he could slip away without having to face her again.
"Yiannis? Do you need help packing?" a voice called, breaking the still of the night.
Of course. When, in a month, had she not been at his side when he needed her? He turned slowly, catching her the moonlight's scintillations highlighted her beauty. There were goosebumps against her perfectly smooth, tan skin. It only served to lock his attention on the shapliness of her arms. He followed them up to where a thick, full braid rested against her shoulder, bouncing with each step. She stopped walking after asking. What was he to do? To say? It might have been easier to turn her away than continue this war in his mind. It became a thousand times more difficult in her presence. He certainly couldn't do it meeting that expectant glow in her eyes.
He turned back towards the animals. Calmed himself with another stroke or two. Maybe she would make the decision for him? But the thought no sooner occurred to him than it started to swell up in his belly. Threatened to tie a knot in his throat. What if she chose to leave? What is she might be glad to be free of him? He. . .she.
"If you like" he forced out. "I suppose it might help things along."
Was it even possible to be so ambivalent? Before now, he hadn't imagined so. Each our he passed in Lyncaea had become a worse torment. What he only suspected in those first few days was now crystal clear. He felt something for Zenais. A woman who was only fulfilling her family's duties. No doubt promised to another. At the least, she had no real interest in him, and that was as good as the same thing. He remembered what she'd told him on that first walk. How depressing it would be to marry someone she didn't care for. He could not be that man. Would not. Someone with her softness and strength and beauty; the kindness she had offered him and the encouragement to heal were all fresh in his mind. The only thing that seemed unbearable in the world any longer was making her unhappy. So it would be easier to simply leave. To forget all of this strange sojourn.
There was no other way. Because the truth is that each waking hour had become delightful. He missed when her voice faded at night, and held the melodic cords of her song inside when he closed his eyes. She didn't know his smile started every morning when he heard the light patter of her feet outside. It would've been there even had she not brought hot porridge to share. He talked to no one else for as long or so easily. Leaving it behind for the royal court--where expectations bit and doubts lurked--would be painful. Enough so that he was up late, petting at a horse absent-mindedly, hoping somehow she might not wake early enough tomorrow, and he could slip away without having to face her again.
"Yiannis? Do you need help packing?" a voice called, breaking the still of the night.
Of course. When, in a month, had she not been at his side when he needed her? He turned slowly, catching her the moonlight's scintillations highlighted her beauty. There were goosebumps against her perfectly smooth, tan skin. It only served to lock his attention on the shapliness of her arms. He followed them up to where a thick, full braid rested against her shoulder, bouncing with each step. She stopped walking after asking. What was he to do? To say? It might have been easier to turn her away than continue this war in his mind. It became a thousand times more difficult in her presence. He certainly couldn't do it meeting that expectant glow in her eyes.
He turned back towards the animals. Calmed himself with another stroke or two. Maybe she would make the decision for him? But the thought no sooner occurred to him than it started to swell up in his belly. Threatened to tie a knot in his throat. What if she chose to leave? What is she might be glad to be free of him? He. . .she.
"If you like" he forced out. "I suppose it might help things along."
Did he no longer want her then? When he turned, her smile had been expectant and delighted, the kind she always wore when around him. He was a broody one, that was what Zenais had heard when she had asked around on the reputation of the third prince. Yet in the walls of the Alistaire mansion, he seemed no part the broody, unorthodox prince people seemed to know of Yiannis of Kotas. Instead, the dark-haired prince would accompany her, regaling her with tales, even making Zenais laugh as she tried to tempt him with rabbit stew to go with his hot broth for a meal.
And then he had turned away, and Zenais felt her stomach drop to her toes. Was that from disappointment or fear? Fear that she had done something wrong... or fear that she was losing this battle she fought, and was trying so valiantly to win? For her family's sake.
Or maybe it was for her sake?
She shook her head, ridding her mind of such whimsical thoughts. Eyes on the prize. Clearing her throat, the brunette paused for a moment or two, rocking on the balls of her toes to try to get rid of the lump in her throat before she spoke in response to his words.
"Help... Well, you are returning home. I'm sure your family is excited to have you back." she murmured in return, voice a decibel softer then it was before. Did she like it? To be truthful, no she didn't. For more reasons than one. Her plan was not complete, and she was unsure of how she would continue if he was to leave Lyncaea. To visit him in Midas would be too obvious, and too much in the proximity of the rest of the royal family for Zenais to feel comfortable with her schemes.
Too close to home.
"Would you... write? I can try. I've never been a good writer, but I can try." For you. In that same instance that she thought of them, the brunette forcefully wiped the last two words from her mind. Instead, she strode slowly to stand by him next to the quiet, docile mare he was stroking. The heat and satiny coat was a comfort to Zenais, horses a staple part of growing up, familiar as when her father brought her on horseback to view the barony he wished for his children to inherit. Like him, she too lay a hand on the warmed sides of the chocolate mare, allowing silence to fall between them for a moment.
But he was like a magnet, the kind that Zenais couldn't resist. From where she stood by his shoulders, she snuck a look at him, worrying her bottom lip with her teeth again before she spoke, "Do you still hurt? Do let me know if you do. I need to ensure extra padding is available for you in the carriage ride home. And I have asked the cook to prepare rabbit stew for your trip, so you may enjoy it."She stopped, and then lapsed into silence again. When had they become so awkward, when conversation would flow so naturally between them? And when had the lines become so blurred?
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Did he no longer want her then? When he turned, her smile had been expectant and delighted, the kind she always wore when around him. He was a broody one, that was what Zenais had heard when she had asked around on the reputation of the third prince. Yet in the walls of the Alistaire mansion, he seemed no part the broody, unorthodox prince people seemed to know of Yiannis of Kotas. Instead, the dark-haired prince would accompany her, regaling her with tales, even making Zenais laugh as she tried to tempt him with rabbit stew to go with his hot broth for a meal.
And then he had turned away, and Zenais felt her stomach drop to her toes. Was that from disappointment or fear? Fear that she had done something wrong... or fear that she was losing this battle she fought, and was trying so valiantly to win? For her family's sake.
Or maybe it was for her sake?
She shook her head, ridding her mind of such whimsical thoughts. Eyes on the prize. Clearing her throat, the brunette paused for a moment or two, rocking on the balls of her toes to try to get rid of the lump in her throat before she spoke in response to his words.
"Help... Well, you are returning home. I'm sure your family is excited to have you back." she murmured in return, voice a decibel softer then it was before. Did she like it? To be truthful, no she didn't. For more reasons than one. Her plan was not complete, and she was unsure of how she would continue if he was to leave Lyncaea. To visit him in Midas would be too obvious, and too much in the proximity of the rest of the royal family for Zenais to feel comfortable with her schemes.
Too close to home.
"Would you... write? I can try. I've never been a good writer, but I can try." For you. In that same instance that she thought of them, the brunette forcefully wiped the last two words from her mind. Instead, she strode slowly to stand by him next to the quiet, docile mare he was stroking. The heat and satiny coat was a comfort to Zenais, horses a staple part of growing up, familiar as when her father brought her on horseback to view the barony he wished for his children to inherit. Like him, she too lay a hand on the warmed sides of the chocolate mare, allowing silence to fall between them for a moment.
But he was like a magnet, the kind that Zenais couldn't resist. From where she stood by his shoulders, she snuck a look at him, worrying her bottom lip with her teeth again before she spoke, "Do you still hurt? Do let me know if you do. I need to ensure extra padding is available for you in the carriage ride home. And I have asked the cook to prepare rabbit stew for your trip, so you may enjoy it."She stopped, and then lapsed into silence again. When had they become so awkward, when conversation would flow so naturally between them? And when had the lines become so blurred?
Did he no longer want her then? When he turned, her smile had been expectant and delighted, the kind she always wore when around him. He was a broody one, that was what Zenais had heard when she had asked around on the reputation of the third prince. Yet in the walls of the Alistaire mansion, he seemed no part the broody, unorthodox prince people seemed to know of Yiannis of Kotas. Instead, the dark-haired prince would accompany her, regaling her with tales, even making Zenais laugh as she tried to tempt him with rabbit stew to go with his hot broth for a meal.
And then he had turned away, and Zenais felt her stomach drop to her toes. Was that from disappointment or fear? Fear that she had done something wrong... or fear that she was losing this battle she fought, and was trying so valiantly to win? For her family's sake.
Or maybe it was for her sake?
She shook her head, ridding her mind of such whimsical thoughts. Eyes on the prize. Clearing her throat, the brunette paused for a moment or two, rocking on the balls of her toes to try to get rid of the lump in her throat before she spoke in response to his words.
"Help... Well, you are returning home. I'm sure your family is excited to have you back." she murmured in return, voice a decibel softer then it was before. Did she like it? To be truthful, no she didn't. For more reasons than one. Her plan was not complete, and she was unsure of how she would continue if he was to leave Lyncaea. To visit him in Midas would be too obvious, and too much in the proximity of the rest of the royal family for Zenais to feel comfortable with her schemes.
Too close to home.
"Would you... write? I can try. I've never been a good writer, but I can try." For you. In that same instance that she thought of them, the brunette forcefully wiped the last two words from her mind. Instead, she strode slowly to stand by him next to the quiet, docile mare he was stroking. The heat and satiny coat was a comfort to Zenais, horses a staple part of growing up, familiar as when her father brought her on horseback to view the barony he wished for his children to inherit. Like him, she too lay a hand on the warmed sides of the chocolate mare, allowing silence to fall between them for a moment.
But he was like a magnet, the kind that Zenais couldn't resist. From where she stood by his shoulders, she snuck a look at him, worrying her bottom lip with her teeth again before she spoke, "Do you still hurt? Do let me know if you do. I need to ensure extra padding is available for you in the carriage ride home. And I have asked the cook to prepare rabbit stew for your trip, so you may enjoy it."She stopped, and then lapsed into silence again. When had they become so awkward, when conversation would flow so naturally between them? And when had the lines become so blurred?
"It will good to see all of them again. To have things back to some semblance of normality. For you as well, I imagine" he answered.
That was a safe answer. Non-commital. Everything he had said was technically true. Most of all, it avoided any discussion of his time here. He wasn't sure what he would do if it came up. Explaining his sorrow at leaving would be awkward. Especially when she felt the way she did. But he wasn't quite comfortable lying to her, either. Not Zenais. At every moment she'd been guileless. Refreshingly, startlingly open with him, even in ways that didn't make sense. He owed her the truth.
"Would you write?" she asked.
"Of course!" he started.
But probably too enthusiastically. Just like his gaze had lingered too long prior. The air was thick with some odd tension between them. It had only been growing worse in the last few days. As he got better, the less need there was for her presence. Her task must have seemed ever more ridiculous and wearisome. Did she wish to be rid of his puppy dog enthusiasm? His undignified neediness? Sometimes it seemed she struggled to even speak to him anymore. Moments like this would only make it worse. How dreadful it must be, stuck with some detestable thing that slobbered after you.
"I'll be happy to update you on my recovery. I know you've spent a lot of time with it" he amended. He tried to sound removed, clinical.
Then she did it again. Asking after him. Intuiting his needs and preferences. Not in the menu--the chefs as well as her might have mastered that. Everything. She drew closer, as if she could sense his longing somehow. Joined him in petting the old mare. It went further than their tongues were allowing either of them. Too far for him to leave things this way. He looked deep into her eyes before he tried to answer. "Zenais, about all this. These last weeks" he began. They are some of the best of my life. I don't like the thought of leaving you behind. You've done more for me than I can say. Which was the most true of all. Not when she would suffer in a life chained to some noble she had no affection for. It was not her fault he had taken the wrong idea from a young woman only fulfilling her duties to her family.
"I'll always remember them. And I will always think of you"
Best friend.
Love.
His Hestia. Everything that home should mean.
"and your family's loyalty to the Crown."
But his body was not so willing. He had continued petting the horse as he spoke, making ever longer strokes down its flank. Now, as he mustered words that he believed he would leave her with his hand strayed further still. Until it slipped over those soft, perfect fingers with their exacting manicure. Warm. He had stopped speaking. His hand did not move.
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"It will good to see all of them again. To have things back to some semblance of normality. For you as well, I imagine" he answered.
That was a safe answer. Non-commital. Everything he had said was technically true. Most of all, it avoided any discussion of his time here. He wasn't sure what he would do if it came up. Explaining his sorrow at leaving would be awkward. Especially when she felt the way she did. But he wasn't quite comfortable lying to her, either. Not Zenais. At every moment she'd been guileless. Refreshingly, startlingly open with him, even in ways that didn't make sense. He owed her the truth.
"Would you write?" she asked.
"Of course!" he started.
But probably too enthusiastically. Just like his gaze had lingered too long prior. The air was thick with some odd tension between them. It had only been growing worse in the last few days. As he got better, the less need there was for her presence. Her task must have seemed ever more ridiculous and wearisome. Did she wish to be rid of his puppy dog enthusiasm? His undignified neediness? Sometimes it seemed she struggled to even speak to him anymore. Moments like this would only make it worse. How dreadful it must be, stuck with some detestable thing that slobbered after you.
"I'll be happy to update you on my recovery. I know you've spent a lot of time with it" he amended. He tried to sound removed, clinical.
Then she did it again. Asking after him. Intuiting his needs and preferences. Not in the menu--the chefs as well as her might have mastered that. Everything. She drew closer, as if she could sense his longing somehow. Joined him in petting the old mare. It went further than their tongues were allowing either of them. Too far for him to leave things this way. He looked deep into her eyes before he tried to answer. "Zenais, about all this. These last weeks" he began. They are some of the best of my life. I don't like the thought of leaving you behind. You've done more for me than I can say. Which was the most true of all. Not when she would suffer in a life chained to some noble she had no affection for. It was not her fault he had taken the wrong idea from a young woman only fulfilling her duties to her family.
"I'll always remember them. And I will always think of you"
Best friend.
Love.
His Hestia. Everything that home should mean.
"and your family's loyalty to the Crown."
But his body was not so willing. He had continued petting the horse as he spoke, making ever longer strokes down its flank. Now, as he mustered words that he believed he would leave her with his hand strayed further still. Until it slipped over those soft, perfect fingers with their exacting manicure. Warm. He had stopped speaking. His hand did not move.
"It will good to see all of them again. To have things back to some semblance of normality. For you as well, I imagine" he answered.
That was a safe answer. Non-commital. Everything he had said was technically true. Most of all, it avoided any discussion of his time here. He wasn't sure what he would do if it came up. Explaining his sorrow at leaving would be awkward. Especially when she felt the way she did. But he wasn't quite comfortable lying to her, either. Not Zenais. At every moment she'd been guileless. Refreshingly, startlingly open with him, even in ways that didn't make sense. He owed her the truth.
"Would you write?" she asked.
"Of course!" he started.
But probably too enthusiastically. Just like his gaze had lingered too long prior. The air was thick with some odd tension between them. It had only been growing worse in the last few days. As he got better, the less need there was for her presence. Her task must have seemed ever more ridiculous and wearisome. Did she wish to be rid of his puppy dog enthusiasm? His undignified neediness? Sometimes it seemed she struggled to even speak to him anymore. Moments like this would only make it worse. How dreadful it must be, stuck with some detestable thing that slobbered after you.
"I'll be happy to update you on my recovery. I know you've spent a lot of time with it" he amended. He tried to sound removed, clinical.
Then she did it again. Asking after him. Intuiting his needs and preferences. Not in the menu--the chefs as well as her might have mastered that. Everything. She drew closer, as if she could sense his longing somehow. Joined him in petting the old mare. It went further than their tongues were allowing either of them. Too far for him to leave things this way. He looked deep into her eyes before he tried to answer. "Zenais, about all this. These last weeks" he began. They are some of the best of my life. I don't like the thought of leaving you behind. You've done more for me than I can say. Which was the most true of all. Not when she would suffer in a life chained to some noble she had no affection for. It was not her fault he had taken the wrong idea from a young woman only fulfilling her duties to her family.
"I'll always remember them. And I will always think of you"
Best friend.
Love.
His Hestia. Everything that home should mean.
"and your family's loyalty to the Crown."
But his body was not so willing. He had continued petting the horse as he spoke, making ever longer strokes down its flank. Now, as he mustered words that he believed he would leave her with his hand strayed further still. Until it slipped over those soft, perfect fingers with their exacting manicure. Warm. He had stopped speaking. His hand did not move.
His immediate promise to write eased her somewhat - maybe she still had her way. It wouldn't be as easy as she can have it if Yiannis remained in the Alistaire manor, but she would take anything she can get at this point. Her smile was obvious at his over-enthusiastic promise to write, a sense of relief washing over the brunette. For a moment when he had responded, Zenais had met her eyes with his, and the moment seemed to drag forever. But she had dropped her gaze, chuckling when he spoke of his recovery. "I'm sure you'll be fine. You have the best physicians in Midas. Your parents would want nothing but the best for you afterall."
He was a prince. He deserved nothing but the best. Now she simply had to convince that she was the best for him in this situation. Could she follow him to Midas? Would that work? But its too close to the rest of the Kotas family. Her mind worked furiously, even if her outward appearance did not show anything different.
When he broach the topic of their last few weeks, Zenais could almost feel her heart stop. The way her name lingered on his tongue, the way his gaze lingered on hers. What was it about the intense way in which his eyes bore into hers? Could he tell? Was he seeing through her lies? Worry creeped in her mind, stealing her sleep and gnawing at her conscience. Day after day, Zenais had to remind herself who she was doing all of this for - her end goal. Her family. Calix.
He would remember them? Think of her? Her heart soared at his choice of words. She did it then. Did she? he was at the precipe of falling - she just had to push a little more. But she cannot push if he wasn't nearby. Slowly as he stroked the velveteen surface of the mare's body, she could feel him pulling away, his words drawing into himself, even as his words gave her hope. What was a girl to do?
Ducking her head, his finishing sentence had her heart drop, and in a bid to gain a clearer picture, Zenais dropped her hesitation to turn to her side, and for the first time since she had stepped into the dim stables whilst the day turned into night, she got her first actual look of the prince she had spent so long with over the past few weeks.
He laughed. He smiled. He listened to her dreams as she did his, for even if she was playing a ruse with him, her dreams as she had told him was real. Her smile when he had teased her was real. And her concern for his injuries could not be feigned, not when he seemed genuinely in pain. Her body froze when she felt his fingers slip over hers.
So she did it.
But at a price to pay.
In a moment's desperation, whether was it to keep him there, or to remind herself of what her end-goal was, Zenais did not know. If she had looked back and recalled that moment, the brunette herself would not be able to tell you what had came over her. Perhaps it was the night that provided a false sense of safety, a shroud that people assumed would hide them from the rest of the world. Was that not why most scandals happened at night?
Whatever it was, she lent its courage, the courage of the goddess Selene as it shone down over fields surrounding the Lyncaea manor. The fingers twined around hers, she curled around his, and taking a step closer, Zenais stood on her tip toes and brought her lips to his in a fleeting moment's necessity to retain his presence by her side. "Don't go." she whispered, her breathe ghosting against his lips, a soft plead that was half a lie, and half a truth. She needed him to stay. For her family, for her parents' happiness, for her brother's future.
And, she was beginning to suspect, for her heart.
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His immediate promise to write eased her somewhat - maybe she still had her way. It wouldn't be as easy as she can have it if Yiannis remained in the Alistaire manor, but she would take anything she can get at this point. Her smile was obvious at his over-enthusiastic promise to write, a sense of relief washing over the brunette. For a moment when he had responded, Zenais had met her eyes with his, and the moment seemed to drag forever. But she had dropped her gaze, chuckling when he spoke of his recovery. "I'm sure you'll be fine. You have the best physicians in Midas. Your parents would want nothing but the best for you afterall."
He was a prince. He deserved nothing but the best. Now she simply had to convince that she was the best for him in this situation. Could she follow him to Midas? Would that work? But its too close to the rest of the Kotas family. Her mind worked furiously, even if her outward appearance did not show anything different.
When he broach the topic of their last few weeks, Zenais could almost feel her heart stop. The way her name lingered on his tongue, the way his gaze lingered on hers. What was it about the intense way in which his eyes bore into hers? Could he tell? Was he seeing through her lies? Worry creeped in her mind, stealing her sleep and gnawing at her conscience. Day after day, Zenais had to remind herself who she was doing all of this for - her end goal. Her family. Calix.
He would remember them? Think of her? Her heart soared at his choice of words. She did it then. Did she? he was at the precipe of falling - she just had to push a little more. But she cannot push if he wasn't nearby. Slowly as he stroked the velveteen surface of the mare's body, she could feel him pulling away, his words drawing into himself, even as his words gave her hope. What was a girl to do?
Ducking her head, his finishing sentence had her heart drop, and in a bid to gain a clearer picture, Zenais dropped her hesitation to turn to her side, and for the first time since she had stepped into the dim stables whilst the day turned into night, she got her first actual look of the prince she had spent so long with over the past few weeks.
He laughed. He smiled. He listened to her dreams as she did his, for even if she was playing a ruse with him, her dreams as she had told him was real. Her smile when he had teased her was real. And her concern for his injuries could not be feigned, not when he seemed genuinely in pain. Her body froze when she felt his fingers slip over hers.
So she did it.
But at a price to pay.
In a moment's desperation, whether was it to keep him there, or to remind herself of what her end-goal was, Zenais did not know. If she had looked back and recalled that moment, the brunette herself would not be able to tell you what had came over her. Perhaps it was the night that provided a false sense of safety, a shroud that people assumed would hide them from the rest of the world. Was that not why most scandals happened at night?
Whatever it was, she lent its courage, the courage of the goddess Selene as it shone down over fields surrounding the Lyncaea manor. The fingers twined around hers, she curled around his, and taking a step closer, Zenais stood on her tip toes and brought her lips to his in a fleeting moment's necessity to retain his presence by her side. "Don't go." she whispered, her breathe ghosting against his lips, a soft plead that was half a lie, and half a truth. She needed him to stay. For her family, for her parents' happiness, for her brother's future.
And, she was beginning to suspect, for her heart.
His immediate promise to write eased her somewhat - maybe she still had her way. It wouldn't be as easy as she can have it if Yiannis remained in the Alistaire manor, but she would take anything she can get at this point. Her smile was obvious at his over-enthusiastic promise to write, a sense of relief washing over the brunette. For a moment when he had responded, Zenais had met her eyes with his, and the moment seemed to drag forever. But she had dropped her gaze, chuckling when he spoke of his recovery. "I'm sure you'll be fine. You have the best physicians in Midas. Your parents would want nothing but the best for you afterall."
He was a prince. He deserved nothing but the best. Now she simply had to convince that she was the best for him in this situation. Could she follow him to Midas? Would that work? But its too close to the rest of the Kotas family. Her mind worked furiously, even if her outward appearance did not show anything different.
When he broach the topic of their last few weeks, Zenais could almost feel her heart stop. The way her name lingered on his tongue, the way his gaze lingered on hers. What was it about the intense way in which his eyes bore into hers? Could he tell? Was he seeing through her lies? Worry creeped in her mind, stealing her sleep and gnawing at her conscience. Day after day, Zenais had to remind herself who she was doing all of this for - her end goal. Her family. Calix.
He would remember them? Think of her? Her heart soared at his choice of words. She did it then. Did she? he was at the precipe of falling - she just had to push a little more. But she cannot push if he wasn't nearby. Slowly as he stroked the velveteen surface of the mare's body, she could feel him pulling away, his words drawing into himself, even as his words gave her hope. What was a girl to do?
Ducking her head, his finishing sentence had her heart drop, and in a bid to gain a clearer picture, Zenais dropped her hesitation to turn to her side, and for the first time since she had stepped into the dim stables whilst the day turned into night, she got her first actual look of the prince she had spent so long with over the past few weeks.
He laughed. He smiled. He listened to her dreams as she did his, for even if she was playing a ruse with him, her dreams as she had told him was real. Her smile when he had teased her was real. And her concern for his injuries could not be feigned, not when he seemed genuinely in pain. Her body froze when she felt his fingers slip over hers.
So she did it.
But at a price to pay.
In a moment's desperation, whether was it to keep him there, or to remind herself of what her end-goal was, Zenais did not know. If she had looked back and recalled that moment, the brunette herself would not be able to tell you what had came over her. Perhaps it was the night that provided a false sense of safety, a shroud that people assumed would hide them from the rest of the world. Was that not why most scandals happened at night?
Whatever it was, she lent its courage, the courage of the goddess Selene as it shone down over fields surrounding the Lyncaea manor. The fingers twined around hers, she curled around his, and taking a step closer, Zenais stood on her tip toes and brought her lips to his in a fleeting moment's necessity to retain his presence by her side. "Don't go." she whispered, her breathe ghosting against his lips, a soft plead that was half a lie, and half a truth. She needed him to stay. For her family, for her parents' happiness, for her brother's future.
And, she was beginning to suspect, for her heart.
Yiannis wanted to scream, but his lips were already taken up. Quivering at the lightest brush from something he'd relegated to fantasy. A few intense seconds of things he'd try to deny himself, all rushing at him at once. His mouth stayed slightly opened as it past, begging for more. Wondering that it had some at all. He felt the coil of her delicate, perfect fingers, laced between his own. He wanted to tell himself he was dreaming. But realized even as he pulled her head away, his arm had come around her waist to hold her. She didn't object.
He didn't hear what she said. Not really. His mind was so overwhelmed just then there was no space to process what was actually happening. Even then, disbelief wouldn't quite let him register the memory. More than hearing, he had felt. Her breath swept soft against his face. Lips came just shy of tickling his ear. She was as close to him as she ever came. Even more than when she was trying to manage the angle of his jaw with a razor without shearing his face in two. Only this time, for once, he knew it wasn't just about duty. That made a hundred things truer, and a thousnad possible. His Zenais. He gave her the smile that had become more reticent in the last few days. Yiannis thought he should have known. Of course. She was the one place where perfect honesty was the rule. He never had to hide anything from her.
The Prince knew enough of the old tales of romance. He needed to say something. Summon up a grand speech, like the heroes of old. His problem was not that nothing would come. It was that everything did--all at once. His heart hammered. He wanted to hug her and twirl her through the stables. To guide her back into a kiss. To tell her how he felt. All of it kept piling atop each other like a stampeding crowd, stumbling madly. It was sloppy and uncontrolled, stopping up before it could reach his vocal folds. His hands settled for giving her a brief, gentle squeeze. Not so much an expression of his joy as a piece of it that slipped out from him into the world. When he finally did speak, it was the most stupid, clumsy, overly literal remark he could imagine.
"My father requires it. All the royals must come back to Midas now" he said, painfully aware as he spoke that she'd understood every word long before he'd bothered. Hopefully she didn't like him for his verbal wit.
But then his face lit up. Holding up a finger to beg her patience, he spun suddenly. Now facing the bales of provender, he let his hands fly. They were the only part of him that hadn't seemed utterly broken on arrival in Lyncaea. His lone reassurance of physical competence for long hours in bed, and what he worked during his boredom. Now he let them do them do their work, knotting and turning. He failed at suppressing a small giggle as he urged himself on. When he turned to face Zenais again, his hands were behind her back.
"All the royals must come to Midas," he repeated more confidently. As he spoke, he brought his hands forward to reveal what he'd made. It was rough, slightly ovaloid and uneven besides. A grass crown. As he lifted it onto her head, he finished, "Would you give me a pleasure sharing a carriage then, my princess?"
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Yiannis wanted to scream, but his lips were already taken up. Quivering at the lightest brush from something he'd relegated to fantasy. A few intense seconds of things he'd try to deny himself, all rushing at him at once. His mouth stayed slightly opened as it past, begging for more. Wondering that it had some at all. He felt the coil of her delicate, perfect fingers, laced between his own. He wanted to tell himself he was dreaming. But realized even as he pulled her head away, his arm had come around her waist to hold her. She didn't object.
He didn't hear what she said. Not really. His mind was so overwhelmed just then there was no space to process what was actually happening. Even then, disbelief wouldn't quite let him register the memory. More than hearing, he had felt. Her breath swept soft against his face. Lips came just shy of tickling his ear. She was as close to him as she ever came. Even more than when she was trying to manage the angle of his jaw with a razor without shearing his face in two. Only this time, for once, he knew it wasn't just about duty. That made a hundred things truer, and a thousnad possible. His Zenais. He gave her the smile that had become more reticent in the last few days. Yiannis thought he should have known. Of course. She was the one place where perfect honesty was the rule. He never had to hide anything from her.
The Prince knew enough of the old tales of romance. He needed to say something. Summon up a grand speech, like the heroes of old. His problem was not that nothing would come. It was that everything did--all at once. His heart hammered. He wanted to hug her and twirl her through the stables. To guide her back into a kiss. To tell her how he felt. All of it kept piling atop each other like a stampeding crowd, stumbling madly. It was sloppy and uncontrolled, stopping up before it could reach his vocal folds. His hands settled for giving her a brief, gentle squeeze. Not so much an expression of his joy as a piece of it that slipped out from him into the world. When he finally did speak, it was the most stupid, clumsy, overly literal remark he could imagine.
"My father requires it. All the royals must come back to Midas now" he said, painfully aware as he spoke that she'd understood every word long before he'd bothered. Hopefully she didn't like him for his verbal wit.
But then his face lit up. Holding up a finger to beg her patience, he spun suddenly. Now facing the bales of provender, he let his hands fly. They were the only part of him that hadn't seemed utterly broken on arrival in Lyncaea. His lone reassurance of physical competence for long hours in bed, and what he worked during his boredom. Now he let them do them do their work, knotting and turning. He failed at suppressing a small giggle as he urged himself on. When he turned to face Zenais again, his hands were behind her back.
"All the royals must come to Midas," he repeated more confidently. As he spoke, he brought his hands forward to reveal what he'd made. It was rough, slightly ovaloid and uneven besides. A grass crown. As he lifted it onto her head, he finished, "Would you give me a pleasure sharing a carriage then, my princess?"
Yiannis wanted to scream, but his lips were already taken up. Quivering at the lightest brush from something he'd relegated to fantasy. A few intense seconds of things he'd try to deny himself, all rushing at him at once. His mouth stayed slightly opened as it past, begging for more. Wondering that it had some at all. He felt the coil of her delicate, perfect fingers, laced between his own. He wanted to tell himself he was dreaming. But realized even as he pulled her head away, his arm had come around her waist to hold her. She didn't object.
He didn't hear what she said. Not really. His mind was so overwhelmed just then there was no space to process what was actually happening. Even then, disbelief wouldn't quite let him register the memory. More than hearing, he had felt. Her breath swept soft against his face. Lips came just shy of tickling his ear. She was as close to him as she ever came. Even more than when she was trying to manage the angle of his jaw with a razor without shearing his face in two. Only this time, for once, he knew it wasn't just about duty. That made a hundred things truer, and a thousnad possible. His Zenais. He gave her the smile that had become more reticent in the last few days. Yiannis thought he should have known. Of course. She was the one place where perfect honesty was the rule. He never had to hide anything from her.
The Prince knew enough of the old tales of romance. He needed to say something. Summon up a grand speech, like the heroes of old. His problem was not that nothing would come. It was that everything did--all at once. His heart hammered. He wanted to hug her and twirl her through the stables. To guide her back into a kiss. To tell her how he felt. All of it kept piling atop each other like a stampeding crowd, stumbling madly. It was sloppy and uncontrolled, stopping up before it could reach his vocal folds. His hands settled for giving her a brief, gentle squeeze. Not so much an expression of his joy as a piece of it that slipped out from him into the world. When he finally did speak, it was the most stupid, clumsy, overly literal remark he could imagine.
"My father requires it. All the royals must come back to Midas now" he said, painfully aware as he spoke that she'd understood every word long before he'd bothered. Hopefully she didn't like him for his verbal wit.
But then his face lit up. Holding up a finger to beg her patience, he spun suddenly. Now facing the bales of provender, he let his hands fly. They were the only part of him that hadn't seemed utterly broken on arrival in Lyncaea. His lone reassurance of physical competence for long hours in bed, and what he worked during his boredom. Now he let them do them do their work, knotting and turning. He failed at suppressing a small giggle as he urged himself on. When he turned to face Zenais again, his hands were behind her back.
"All the royals must come to Midas," he repeated more confidently. As he spoke, he brought his hands forward to reveal what he'd made. It was rough, slightly ovaloid and uneven besides. A grass crown. As he lifted it onto her head, he finished, "Would you give me a pleasure sharing a carriage then, my princess?"
Her heart fell to her stomach at his first words - did she not do it well? Has he been with so many skilled courtesans and priestesses of Aphrodite then, that perhaps Zenais's skills, or lack thereof, displeases him so greatly that upon her kiss, he finds it even more imperatie for him to hurry back to Midas, to the royal family's quarters? Zenais had no experience with men, and what little she had of them was limited to mere words of flirtation and brief glances. Having not yet reached the age where marriage was of utmost importance, she had simply been playing before this.
But she had no time to play now.
Nerves played at her, frayed her ends, and was obvious in her blue gaze. The brunette bit her lip as he held a finger, asking her to wait. Curious, but complicit, Zenais stood her ground, her eyes never leaving his form as he turned to the bales behind him, seemingly quite busy. Even as the young noble tried to peer over his shoulders, she could not quite see what he was doing, not till he turned around.
But the prince now wore a smile. Could she... hope? What was he smiling for? Was it of something that Zenais did not know? Was it a prank he intended to play on her, to get her back for her horrible servitude over the past few weeks, before he returned to his home?
Zenais nodded tightly. She understood that much. When the King said an edict, even his sons could not say no. And Yiannis has been away from his family long enough that it was high time he returned to their sides. She had tried, but it would seem as if she had failed to keep him in Lyncaea. A lump had began forming in her throat, a glimmer of tears threathened her eyes. She averted her gaze, looking down - just as he brought forward what he had made, causing Zenais to gasp in surprise at the rough, uneven, but unmistakable formation of a crown made of grass.
Surprise was evident in her cerulean gaze as she glanced up, just in time for Yiannis to call her a princess. And for that brief moment, it was as if she lost the ability to breathe. Was she hearing things? Or was Yiannis actually inviting her to share his carriage to Midas with him?
But oh, what would this mean for her plans? This would mean she had to go in close proximity to the royal family - unless she could ask her father to unlock the manor the Alistaire House had in Midas for her stay, whilst she remained in Midas. That should keep enough distance, enough for Zenais to be comfortable whilst she continued her farce with Yiannis. Slowly, her face of surprise melted into a smile, and in an effort to try and hide her joy, she bit her lip, but failed. Her face now glowed with joy, and she didn't trust herself to speak, for she could only nod, and dive forward to wrap her arms around his waist, nodding vehemently, a choked out "Yes" following her actions.
Zenais of Alistaire started this whole plan in an effort to save her family. She knew it would brand her as a thief, and a thieves life she was prepared to embrace, if it would return her father from the brink of debtors prison, and her mother her joy, her brother his future. She was prepared to be a thief.
Except now, she wasn't so sure if she could continue. For how good a thief can she be, when she's allowed someone else to steal her heart?
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Her heart fell to her stomach at his first words - did she not do it well? Has he been with so many skilled courtesans and priestesses of Aphrodite then, that perhaps Zenais's skills, or lack thereof, displeases him so greatly that upon her kiss, he finds it even more imperatie for him to hurry back to Midas, to the royal family's quarters? Zenais had no experience with men, and what little she had of them was limited to mere words of flirtation and brief glances. Having not yet reached the age where marriage was of utmost importance, she had simply been playing before this.
But she had no time to play now.
Nerves played at her, frayed her ends, and was obvious in her blue gaze. The brunette bit her lip as he held a finger, asking her to wait. Curious, but complicit, Zenais stood her ground, her eyes never leaving his form as he turned to the bales behind him, seemingly quite busy. Even as the young noble tried to peer over his shoulders, she could not quite see what he was doing, not till he turned around.
But the prince now wore a smile. Could she... hope? What was he smiling for? Was it of something that Zenais did not know? Was it a prank he intended to play on her, to get her back for her horrible servitude over the past few weeks, before he returned to his home?
Zenais nodded tightly. She understood that much. When the King said an edict, even his sons could not say no. And Yiannis has been away from his family long enough that it was high time he returned to their sides. She had tried, but it would seem as if she had failed to keep him in Lyncaea. A lump had began forming in her throat, a glimmer of tears threathened her eyes. She averted her gaze, looking down - just as he brought forward what he had made, causing Zenais to gasp in surprise at the rough, uneven, but unmistakable formation of a crown made of grass.
Surprise was evident in her cerulean gaze as she glanced up, just in time for Yiannis to call her a princess. And for that brief moment, it was as if she lost the ability to breathe. Was she hearing things? Or was Yiannis actually inviting her to share his carriage to Midas with him?
But oh, what would this mean for her plans? This would mean she had to go in close proximity to the royal family - unless she could ask her father to unlock the manor the Alistaire House had in Midas for her stay, whilst she remained in Midas. That should keep enough distance, enough for Zenais to be comfortable whilst she continued her farce with Yiannis. Slowly, her face of surprise melted into a smile, and in an effort to try and hide her joy, she bit her lip, but failed. Her face now glowed with joy, and she didn't trust herself to speak, for she could only nod, and dive forward to wrap her arms around his waist, nodding vehemently, a choked out "Yes" following her actions.
Zenais of Alistaire started this whole plan in an effort to save her family. She knew it would brand her as a thief, and a thieves life she was prepared to embrace, if it would return her father from the brink of debtors prison, and her mother her joy, her brother his future. She was prepared to be a thief.
Except now, she wasn't so sure if she could continue. For how good a thief can she be, when she's allowed someone else to steal her heart?
Her heart fell to her stomach at his first words - did she not do it well? Has he been with so many skilled courtesans and priestesses of Aphrodite then, that perhaps Zenais's skills, or lack thereof, displeases him so greatly that upon her kiss, he finds it even more imperatie for him to hurry back to Midas, to the royal family's quarters? Zenais had no experience with men, and what little she had of them was limited to mere words of flirtation and brief glances. Having not yet reached the age where marriage was of utmost importance, she had simply been playing before this.
But she had no time to play now.
Nerves played at her, frayed her ends, and was obvious in her blue gaze. The brunette bit her lip as he held a finger, asking her to wait. Curious, but complicit, Zenais stood her ground, her eyes never leaving his form as he turned to the bales behind him, seemingly quite busy. Even as the young noble tried to peer over his shoulders, she could not quite see what he was doing, not till he turned around.
But the prince now wore a smile. Could she... hope? What was he smiling for? Was it of something that Zenais did not know? Was it a prank he intended to play on her, to get her back for her horrible servitude over the past few weeks, before he returned to his home?
Zenais nodded tightly. She understood that much. When the King said an edict, even his sons could not say no. And Yiannis has been away from his family long enough that it was high time he returned to their sides. She had tried, but it would seem as if she had failed to keep him in Lyncaea. A lump had began forming in her throat, a glimmer of tears threathened her eyes. She averted her gaze, looking down - just as he brought forward what he had made, causing Zenais to gasp in surprise at the rough, uneven, but unmistakable formation of a crown made of grass.
Surprise was evident in her cerulean gaze as she glanced up, just in time for Yiannis to call her a princess. And for that brief moment, it was as if she lost the ability to breathe. Was she hearing things? Or was Yiannis actually inviting her to share his carriage to Midas with him?
But oh, what would this mean for her plans? This would mean she had to go in close proximity to the royal family - unless she could ask her father to unlock the manor the Alistaire House had in Midas for her stay, whilst she remained in Midas. That should keep enough distance, enough for Zenais to be comfortable whilst she continued her farce with Yiannis. Slowly, her face of surprise melted into a smile, and in an effort to try and hide her joy, she bit her lip, but failed. Her face now glowed with joy, and she didn't trust herself to speak, for she could only nod, and dive forward to wrap her arms around his waist, nodding vehemently, a choked out "Yes" following her actions.
Zenais of Alistaire started this whole plan in an effort to save her family. She knew it would brand her as a thief, and a thieves life she was prepared to embrace, if it would return her father from the brink of debtors prison, and her mother her joy, her brother his future. She was prepared to be a thief.
Except now, she wasn't so sure if she could continue. For how good a thief can she be, when she's allowed someone else to steal her heart?
Yes! YES. A single word broke the dam. He erupted in joyous, rippling laughter. Hoisted up into the air by her waist, spinning in delight. Not that he was quite well enough to manage that well yet. He felt himself tottering heavily backwards. He didn't bring her down smoothly so much as stumble backwards into the huge bales of hay. Stacks tall enough to keep him upright and soft enough to break their momentum. Regardless, he segued her descent into a tight hug.
It was ridiculous. Over-ambitious, so that he once again served up a reminder of how very weak he was. Not that it mattered. In the truest sense of the word. Not because people could overlook it. She had done something more than that. Seen beyond both the injuries and titles. He could be as off-kilter as he'd ever dreamed, and still they'd found affection. Where even in the halls of the palace where he was born, he had to show restraint, she had touched his truest self. The whole swirl of pleasure and gratitude and relief washed through him and found its reification in the woman in his arms. He never wanted to let go. Nonetheless, he still pulled back, smiling as broadly as he ever had.
"Zenais, there's so much to tell. You've made me impossibly happy today. I would lose a thousand battles. Take wounds every time. If only I had the assurance that it would lead me to you. he said.
He knew he was babbling. He tried to force himself to slow down.
"Can I help you pack at all? What if we did it together? I've given you no time to make preparations, and there will be everything to do once we arrive. There are some horses in the royal stable I think you'll love, for instance."
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This character is currently a work in progress.
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Yes! YES. A single word broke the dam. He erupted in joyous, rippling laughter. Hoisted up into the air by her waist, spinning in delight. Not that he was quite well enough to manage that well yet. He felt himself tottering heavily backwards. He didn't bring her down smoothly so much as stumble backwards into the huge bales of hay. Stacks tall enough to keep him upright and soft enough to break their momentum. Regardless, he segued her descent into a tight hug.
It was ridiculous. Over-ambitious, so that he once again served up a reminder of how very weak he was. Not that it mattered. In the truest sense of the word. Not because people could overlook it. She had done something more than that. Seen beyond both the injuries and titles. He could be as off-kilter as he'd ever dreamed, and still they'd found affection. Where even in the halls of the palace where he was born, he had to show restraint, she had touched his truest self. The whole swirl of pleasure and gratitude and relief washed through him and found its reification in the woman in his arms. He never wanted to let go. Nonetheless, he still pulled back, smiling as broadly as he ever had.
"Zenais, there's so much to tell. You've made me impossibly happy today. I would lose a thousand battles. Take wounds every time. If only I had the assurance that it would lead me to you. he said.
He knew he was babbling. He tried to force himself to slow down.
"Can I help you pack at all? What if we did it together? I've given you no time to make preparations, and there will be everything to do once we arrive. There are some horses in the royal stable I think you'll love, for instance."
Yes! YES. A single word broke the dam. He erupted in joyous, rippling laughter. Hoisted up into the air by her waist, spinning in delight. Not that he was quite well enough to manage that well yet. He felt himself tottering heavily backwards. He didn't bring her down smoothly so much as stumble backwards into the huge bales of hay. Stacks tall enough to keep him upright and soft enough to break their momentum. Regardless, he segued her descent into a tight hug.
It was ridiculous. Over-ambitious, so that he once again served up a reminder of how very weak he was. Not that it mattered. In the truest sense of the word. Not because people could overlook it. She had done something more than that. Seen beyond both the injuries and titles. He could be as off-kilter as he'd ever dreamed, and still they'd found affection. Where even in the halls of the palace where he was born, he had to show restraint, she had touched his truest self. The whole swirl of pleasure and gratitude and relief washed through him and found its reification in the woman in his arms. He never wanted to let go. Nonetheless, he still pulled back, smiling as broadly as he ever had.
"Zenais, there's so much to tell. You've made me impossibly happy today. I would lose a thousand battles. Take wounds every time. If only I had the assurance that it would lead me to you. he said.
He knew he was babbling. He tried to force himself to slow down.
"Can I help you pack at all? What if we did it together? I've given you no time to make preparations, and there will be everything to do once we arrive. There are some horses in the royal stable I think you'll love, for instance."
She laughed. It was the very first reaction she had as he spun her around by her waist. Lifted in the air, Zenais could do little else but cling to his shoulders as he spun, adrenaline coursing through her. She had no doubt that her parents would agree - any noble couple would be out of their minds to deny their daughter when the prince of the kingdom himself invited her to share his carriage, and be their guest.
A light squeal escaped as he toppled back, bringing the brunette along with him. The girl had instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck, curling into him as he wrapped his own around her waist into an embrace that was enveloped by the bales of hay. Breathless by the time her mind caught up to where her body lay now, Zenais took a moment before she had the sound of mind to tell herself to pull back just as he did, resulting in their gazes meeting.
His words were eager, a tone in which brought joy to her heart. As he spoke of wounds and battles, she quickly brought a finger to place on his lips in her effort to stop what she saw was a dangerous choice of words, shaking her head. "No, do not get wounds for me. I do not wish to see you injured. We just got you better from one." she replied, a laugh in her words. Those, were true. In her hearts, Zenais did not wish to see him hurt. She had affection for the prince, in the way in which he was eager to please her, the quiet way that he revealed himself, his dreams and his wishes to her.
He was no dastardly prince, terror of the battles as the people saw him. He was merely someone who wished to do well by his family - regardless of what he had to do to get there.
Poignantly, Zenais thought them quite similar. Similar in that she too, was now coming to terms that she woud do whatever it took to help her family. Did it include hurting him? Maybe. And inwardly, Zenais wanted to simultaneously cry and laugh at the irony of it all. That she did not want him hurt, yet she was undoubtedly going to cause him hurt as she went through with her plan.
Faintly, she realized he was speaking again, and she was still on his lap, cradled in his arms, an intimate position that immediately had Zenais blushing. She straightened up, awkwardly running a hand through her hair and giving a shy smile to the male, amused at how quick he was speaking now, how eager he sounded.
And how adorable he made it seem.
"No, its alright Yiannis. I can pack quickly. Our mansion in the city has half of my stuff there anyway." she replied, laying a hand on his, giving it a light squeeze. Her eyes brightened at his mention of horses, and Zenais nodded, a part of her eager to see a glimpse of his life. She'll take what she can get for now. "I can't wait for you to show me everything, my prince."
Helping him up, her hands brushed over his limbs and torso to check that he did not aggravate any of his wounds, before she daintily threaded her fingers through his. It was a bold move, but she had already kissed him - could anything else surpass that? So Zenais went ahead with it, and tugged at him so they could stroll back to the main mansion. The night was chilly as they emerged from the stables, and Zenais gave a light shiver, before her eyes turned up to the skies blanketed by stars, topped off with the crescent moon. The soft light of it illuminated the one next to her - and a soft smile curled her lips upwards.Not devious, not planning.
Just a simple smile.
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This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
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She laughed. It was the very first reaction she had as he spun her around by her waist. Lifted in the air, Zenais could do little else but cling to his shoulders as he spun, adrenaline coursing through her. She had no doubt that her parents would agree - any noble couple would be out of their minds to deny their daughter when the prince of the kingdom himself invited her to share his carriage, and be their guest.
A light squeal escaped as he toppled back, bringing the brunette along with him. The girl had instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck, curling into him as he wrapped his own around her waist into an embrace that was enveloped by the bales of hay. Breathless by the time her mind caught up to where her body lay now, Zenais took a moment before she had the sound of mind to tell herself to pull back just as he did, resulting in their gazes meeting.
His words were eager, a tone in which brought joy to her heart. As he spoke of wounds and battles, she quickly brought a finger to place on his lips in her effort to stop what she saw was a dangerous choice of words, shaking her head. "No, do not get wounds for me. I do not wish to see you injured. We just got you better from one." she replied, a laugh in her words. Those, were true. In her hearts, Zenais did not wish to see him hurt. She had affection for the prince, in the way in which he was eager to please her, the quiet way that he revealed himself, his dreams and his wishes to her.
He was no dastardly prince, terror of the battles as the people saw him. He was merely someone who wished to do well by his family - regardless of what he had to do to get there.
Poignantly, Zenais thought them quite similar. Similar in that she too, was now coming to terms that she woud do whatever it took to help her family. Did it include hurting him? Maybe. And inwardly, Zenais wanted to simultaneously cry and laugh at the irony of it all. That she did not want him hurt, yet she was undoubtedly going to cause him hurt as she went through with her plan.
Faintly, she realized he was speaking again, and she was still on his lap, cradled in his arms, an intimate position that immediately had Zenais blushing. She straightened up, awkwardly running a hand through her hair and giving a shy smile to the male, amused at how quick he was speaking now, how eager he sounded.
And how adorable he made it seem.
"No, its alright Yiannis. I can pack quickly. Our mansion in the city has half of my stuff there anyway." she replied, laying a hand on his, giving it a light squeeze. Her eyes brightened at his mention of horses, and Zenais nodded, a part of her eager to see a glimpse of his life. She'll take what she can get for now. "I can't wait for you to show me everything, my prince."
Helping him up, her hands brushed over his limbs and torso to check that he did not aggravate any of his wounds, before she daintily threaded her fingers through his. It was a bold move, but she had already kissed him - could anything else surpass that? So Zenais went ahead with it, and tugged at him so they could stroll back to the main mansion. The night was chilly as they emerged from the stables, and Zenais gave a light shiver, before her eyes turned up to the skies blanketed by stars, topped off with the crescent moon. The soft light of it illuminated the one next to her - and a soft smile curled her lips upwards.Not devious, not planning.
Just a simple smile.
She laughed. It was the very first reaction she had as he spun her around by her waist. Lifted in the air, Zenais could do little else but cling to his shoulders as he spun, adrenaline coursing through her. She had no doubt that her parents would agree - any noble couple would be out of their minds to deny their daughter when the prince of the kingdom himself invited her to share his carriage, and be their guest.
A light squeal escaped as he toppled back, bringing the brunette along with him. The girl had instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck, curling into him as he wrapped his own around her waist into an embrace that was enveloped by the bales of hay. Breathless by the time her mind caught up to where her body lay now, Zenais took a moment before she had the sound of mind to tell herself to pull back just as he did, resulting in their gazes meeting.
His words were eager, a tone in which brought joy to her heart. As he spoke of wounds and battles, she quickly brought a finger to place on his lips in her effort to stop what she saw was a dangerous choice of words, shaking her head. "No, do not get wounds for me. I do not wish to see you injured. We just got you better from one." she replied, a laugh in her words. Those, were true. In her hearts, Zenais did not wish to see him hurt. She had affection for the prince, in the way in which he was eager to please her, the quiet way that he revealed himself, his dreams and his wishes to her.
He was no dastardly prince, terror of the battles as the people saw him. He was merely someone who wished to do well by his family - regardless of what he had to do to get there.
Poignantly, Zenais thought them quite similar. Similar in that she too, was now coming to terms that she woud do whatever it took to help her family. Did it include hurting him? Maybe. And inwardly, Zenais wanted to simultaneously cry and laugh at the irony of it all. That she did not want him hurt, yet she was undoubtedly going to cause him hurt as she went through with her plan.
Faintly, she realized he was speaking again, and she was still on his lap, cradled in his arms, an intimate position that immediately had Zenais blushing. She straightened up, awkwardly running a hand through her hair and giving a shy smile to the male, amused at how quick he was speaking now, how eager he sounded.
And how adorable he made it seem.
"No, its alright Yiannis. I can pack quickly. Our mansion in the city has half of my stuff there anyway." she replied, laying a hand on his, giving it a light squeeze. Her eyes brightened at his mention of horses, and Zenais nodded, a part of her eager to see a glimpse of his life. She'll take what she can get for now. "I can't wait for you to show me everything, my prince."
Helping him up, her hands brushed over his limbs and torso to check that he did not aggravate any of his wounds, before she daintily threaded her fingers through his. It was a bold move, but she had already kissed him - could anything else surpass that? So Zenais went ahead with it, and tugged at him so they could stroll back to the main mansion. The night was chilly as they emerged from the stables, and Zenais gave a light shiver, before her eyes turned up to the skies blanketed by stars, topped off with the crescent moon. The soft light of it illuminated the one next to her - and a soft smile curled her lips upwards.Not devious, not planning.
