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It had been a long session in the senate, unnecessarily so in Achilleas’ mind. After listening to the Baron of Aetosis speak at length about how the temple to Poseidon must be repaired after a particularly severe storm, and hearing how it could not possibly be done so from the province’s own purse, it had devolved into a much longer conversation regarding funding for the temples at large. Really such a matter was deserving of its own session, but by the time the speaker had got everyone back on track the hours had slipped by already. When Achilleas had also made time to speak briefly with those other Mikaelidas lords who had made the journey into the capital the day had all but slipped away.
With his father having some other business to attend to, Achilleas had ridden across the city to the archontiko by himself. It was too long a ride to head back out to Euttica that evening, and he thought perhaps to call on his brother before he left in the morning. Or at least, that was how he had justified it to himself.
The Baron of Euttica had fallen into the habit of spending at least one night a week in the capital, sometimes two, understandable given his need to attend the arcus. But Achilleas had perhaps become more dedicated than usual in attending every senate meet. As he passed off his horse to the stablehand and made his way into the manor, he was already looking for the reason as to why.
His arrangement - for he was loath to call it a relationship - with the fair-haired serving girl in his father’s staff had been ongoing for several months, and it was all too easy to become accustomed to. Achilleas would not admit it, but he looked forward to his trips to the city now, to returning to his rooms to find Briseis waiting with easy smiles and open arms. As far as he knew, his preference for the malianian girl was still a secret, and that suited him. There would be no whispers and rumours surrounding his name.
But as he made his way through the manor there was no sign of Briseis, and Achilleas instead was greeted by Phyllis, the head housekeeper. Informing the man that he would be wanting to use the bathing chamber - because a long ride in the morning followed by an afternoon sat under the sun in the arctus was hot work - Achilleas went briefly via his study to set down some papers he’d brought with him before returning to his own chambers to strip off the chiton and himation that still bore the dust of the roads he had ridden that morning. They were carelessly discarded for the servants to deal with, the Lord slipping a simple linen robe over his nudity as he waited for the bath to be drawn, trying not to wonder where Briseis had gotten to. She would come to him in the night, he was sure, but there was perhaps part of him that enjoyed the fact that she would find excuses to come and greet him before that.
It was flattering, he told himself, nothing more, quite happy to ignore the fact that he had been known to take a diversion or two in order to come upon the maid when her duties saw her tucked away in another corner of the manor. Achilleas was more than proficient at ignoring most of the things he did that were unnecessary for anything other than allowing him to spend time with the girl. Which was a good thing, because Briseis was an amatorculist at best, a convenience at worst and nothing more.
Still, that did not stop him feeling pleased when later, sitting forwards in the bath to allow the male servant to pour clean water over his head, he instead felt a more familiar touch upon his shoulder. Achilleas leant back into it but did not turn.
“I was beginning to think you were too busy elsewhere to attend me” he said, lifting his own hand to settle over the top of her much smaller one. “Or even to come and say hello”
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It had been a long session in the senate, unnecessarily so in Achilleas’ mind. After listening to the Baron of Aetosis speak at length about how the temple to Poseidon must be repaired after a particularly severe storm, and hearing how it could not possibly be done so from the province’s own purse, it had devolved into a much longer conversation regarding funding for the temples at large. Really such a matter was deserving of its own session, but by the time the speaker had got everyone back on track the hours had slipped by already. When Achilleas had also made time to speak briefly with those other Mikaelidas lords who had made the journey into the capital the day had all but slipped away.
With his father having some other business to attend to, Achilleas had ridden across the city to the archontiko by himself. It was too long a ride to head back out to Euttica that evening, and he thought perhaps to call on his brother before he left in the morning. Or at least, that was how he had justified it to himself.
The Baron of Euttica had fallen into the habit of spending at least one night a week in the capital, sometimes two, understandable given his need to attend the arcus. But Achilleas had perhaps become more dedicated than usual in attending every senate meet. As he passed off his horse to the stablehand and made his way into the manor, he was already looking for the reason as to why.
His arrangement - for he was loath to call it a relationship - with the fair-haired serving girl in his father’s staff had been ongoing for several months, and it was all too easy to become accustomed to. Achilleas would not admit it, but he looked forward to his trips to the city now, to returning to his rooms to find Briseis waiting with easy smiles and open arms. As far as he knew, his preference for the malianian girl was still a secret, and that suited him. There would be no whispers and rumours surrounding his name.
But as he made his way through the manor there was no sign of Briseis, and Achilleas instead was greeted by Phyllis, the head housekeeper. Informing the man that he would be wanting to use the bathing chamber - because a long ride in the morning followed by an afternoon sat under the sun in the arctus was hot work - Achilleas went briefly via his study to set down some papers he’d brought with him before returning to his own chambers to strip off the chiton and himation that still bore the dust of the roads he had ridden that morning. They were carelessly discarded for the servants to deal with, the Lord slipping a simple linen robe over his nudity as he waited for the bath to be drawn, trying not to wonder where Briseis had gotten to. She would come to him in the night, he was sure, but there was perhaps part of him that enjoyed the fact that she would find excuses to come and greet him before that.
It was flattering, he told himself, nothing more, quite happy to ignore the fact that he had been known to take a diversion or two in order to come upon the maid when her duties saw her tucked away in another corner of the manor. Achilleas was more than proficient at ignoring most of the things he did that were unnecessary for anything other than allowing him to spend time with the girl. Which was a good thing, because Briseis was an amatorculist at best, a convenience at worst and nothing more.
Still, that did not stop him feeling pleased when later, sitting forwards in the bath to allow the male servant to pour clean water over his head, he instead felt a more familiar touch upon his shoulder. Achilleas leant back into it but did not turn.
“I was beginning to think you were too busy elsewhere to attend me” he said, lifting his own hand to settle over the top of her much smaller one. “Or even to come and say hello”
It had been a long session in the senate, unnecessarily so in Achilleas’ mind. After listening to the Baron of Aetosis speak at length about how the temple to Poseidon must be repaired after a particularly severe storm, and hearing how it could not possibly be done so from the province’s own purse, it had devolved into a much longer conversation regarding funding for the temples at large. Really such a matter was deserving of its own session, but by the time the speaker had got everyone back on track the hours had slipped by already. When Achilleas had also made time to speak briefly with those other Mikaelidas lords who had made the journey into the capital the day had all but slipped away.
With his father having some other business to attend to, Achilleas had ridden across the city to the archontiko by himself. It was too long a ride to head back out to Euttica that evening, and he thought perhaps to call on his brother before he left in the morning. Or at least, that was how he had justified it to himself.
The Baron of Euttica had fallen into the habit of spending at least one night a week in the capital, sometimes two, understandable given his need to attend the arcus. But Achilleas had perhaps become more dedicated than usual in attending every senate meet. As he passed off his horse to the stablehand and made his way into the manor, he was already looking for the reason as to why.
His arrangement - for he was loath to call it a relationship - with the fair-haired serving girl in his father’s staff had been ongoing for several months, and it was all too easy to become accustomed to. Achilleas would not admit it, but he looked forward to his trips to the city now, to returning to his rooms to find Briseis waiting with easy smiles and open arms. As far as he knew, his preference for the malianian girl was still a secret, and that suited him. There would be no whispers and rumours surrounding his name.
But as he made his way through the manor there was no sign of Briseis, and Achilleas instead was greeted by Phyllis, the head housekeeper. Informing the man that he would be wanting to use the bathing chamber - because a long ride in the morning followed by an afternoon sat under the sun in the arctus was hot work - Achilleas went briefly via his study to set down some papers he’d brought with him before returning to his own chambers to strip off the chiton and himation that still bore the dust of the roads he had ridden that morning. They were carelessly discarded for the servants to deal with, the Lord slipping a simple linen robe over his nudity as he waited for the bath to be drawn, trying not to wonder where Briseis had gotten to. She would come to him in the night, he was sure, but there was perhaps part of him that enjoyed the fact that she would find excuses to come and greet him before that.
It was flattering, he told himself, nothing more, quite happy to ignore the fact that he had been known to take a diversion or two in order to come upon the maid when her duties saw her tucked away in another corner of the manor. Achilleas was more than proficient at ignoring most of the things he did that were unnecessary for anything other than allowing him to spend time with the girl. Which was a good thing, because Briseis was an amatorculist at best, a convenience at worst and nothing more.
Still, that did not stop him feeling pleased when later, sitting forwards in the bath to allow the male servant to pour clean water over his head, he instead felt a more familiar touch upon his shoulder. Achilleas leant back into it but did not turn.
“I was beginning to think you were too busy elsewhere to attend me” he said, lifting his own hand to settle over the top of her much smaller one. “Or even to come and say hello”
She hadn't been expecting him to stay. It felt like more often than not Achilleas was too uncomfortable in his father's house to spend more time than necessary here, and while she understood and tried not to assume he remained for her, she always wished for more time when he left. When she was ordered instead to alter some of her tasks to accommodate the eldest son of her master she was filled with a giddy sensation. She would see him again, hopefully spend time in his bed again, and she wanted nothing more than to drop everything she was doing and race through the halls until she found him. It wouldn't do for her to be fired for shirking her duties though, and he had been insistent that they be discreet.
Instead she kept her head down and tried to speed through her tasks in the most efficient manner possible. If she made it through this, she would see him all the sooner. Preparing the house for the evening was simple enough, only time consuming, and the lady Sara requested additional tending to some of her things that fell upon Briseis. Every motion was accompanied by the eager beat of her heart at the thought of being in his arms again.
When her tasks were finally completed and she had been dismissed to her own devices, she made her way as quietly through the halls as she could, keeping her head down again as she hoped few would question her movements. It was a common enough sight for her to be on task, there was no reason to ask why she was slipping into the Lord Achilleas' room with some linens in her arms. He would need drying cloths if he bathed, and while she was sure whoever had been assigned to attend him would have covered that thought, it was as good an excuse as any.
Seeing him within, glistening with the water from the tub, she thought her heart skipped a few beats or even stopped. With a small smile at the servant attending him, she lifted the cloths and glanced over her shoulder where one of the guards familiar with the situation signaled for the other to leave. Only once the door was shut firmly behind the other, alone with her lover at last, did she set the towels aside and step in to attend him. Picking up the cask of clean water, she poured it gently over his head and brushed her fingers gently through his hair to ensure all soap was cleaned from it.
"Your decision to stay changed a few things. But I'm here now, at your will for the night."
Briseis couldn't help the smug smile on her lips. He'd known it was her even without looking, and she took the hand that covered hers, leaning down to press a kiss to his fingers. While the romance was sparse, the feelings were clear. Perhaps she had built things up too much, but at seventeen to have a man such as Achilleas of Mikaelidas paying her this attention, she couldn't help the silly thoughts and hopes slip in every now and then. As best she could given the angle of the tub and how he sat, she slid her arms around his shoulders, delicate hands slipping across the expanse of his chest as lips found his neck. She lingered there, eyes closing as she memorized how it felt to press against him, hold him close, be wanted by someone like him.
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She hadn't been expecting him to stay. It felt like more often than not Achilleas was too uncomfortable in his father's house to spend more time than necessary here, and while she understood and tried not to assume he remained for her, she always wished for more time when he left. When she was ordered instead to alter some of her tasks to accommodate the eldest son of her master she was filled with a giddy sensation. She would see him again, hopefully spend time in his bed again, and she wanted nothing more than to drop everything she was doing and race through the halls until she found him. It wouldn't do for her to be fired for shirking her duties though, and he had been insistent that they be discreet.
Instead she kept her head down and tried to speed through her tasks in the most efficient manner possible. If she made it through this, she would see him all the sooner. Preparing the house for the evening was simple enough, only time consuming, and the lady Sara requested additional tending to some of her things that fell upon Briseis. Every motion was accompanied by the eager beat of her heart at the thought of being in his arms again.
When her tasks were finally completed and she had been dismissed to her own devices, she made her way as quietly through the halls as she could, keeping her head down again as she hoped few would question her movements. It was a common enough sight for her to be on task, there was no reason to ask why she was slipping into the Lord Achilleas' room with some linens in her arms. He would need drying cloths if he bathed, and while she was sure whoever had been assigned to attend him would have covered that thought, it was as good an excuse as any.
Seeing him within, glistening with the water from the tub, she thought her heart skipped a few beats or even stopped. With a small smile at the servant attending him, she lifted the cloths and glanced over her shoulder where one of the guards familiar with the situation signaled for the other to leave. Only once the door was shut firmly behind the other, alone with her lover at last, did she set the towels aside and step in to attend him. Picking up the cask of clean water, she poured it gently over his head and brushed her fingers gently through his hair to ensure all soap was cleaned from it.
"Your decision to stay changed a few things. But I'm here now, at your will for the night."
Briseis couldn't help the smug smile on her lips. He'd known it was her even without looking, and she took the hand that covered hers, leaning down to press a kiss to his fingers. While the romance was sparse, the feelings were clear. Perhaps she had built things up too much, but at seventeen to have a man such as Achilleas of Mikaelidas paying her this attention, she couldn't help the silly thoughts and hopes slip in every now and then. As best she could given the angle of the tub and how he sat, she slid her arms around his shoulders, delicate hands slipping across the expanse of his chest as lips found his neck. She lingered there, eyes closing as she memorized how it felt to press against him, hold him close, be wanted by someone like him.
She hadn't been expecting him to stay. It felt like more often than not Achilleas was too uncomfortable in his father's house to spend more time than necessary here, and while she understood and tried not to assume he remained for her, she always wished for more time when he left. When she was ordered instead to alter some of her tasks to accommodate the eldest son of her master she was filled with a giddy sensation. She would see him again, hopefully spend time in his bed again, and she wanted nothing more than to drop everything she was doing and race through the halls until she found him. It wouldn't do for her to be fired for shirking her duties though, and he had been insistent that they be discreet.
Instead she kept her head down and tried to speed through her tasks in the most efficient manner possible. If she made it through this, she would see him all the sooner. Preparing the house for the evening was simple enough, only time consuming, and the lady Sara requested additional tending to some of her things that fell upon Briseis. Every motion was accompanied by the eager beat of her heart at the thought of being in his arms again.
When her tasks were finally completed and she had been dismissed to her own devices, she made her way as quietly through the halls as she could, keeping her head down again as she hoped few would question her movements. It was a common enough sight for her to be on task, there was no reason to ask why she was slipping into the Lord Achilleas' room with some linens in her arms. He would need drying cloths if he bathed, and while she was sure whoever had been assigned to attend him would have covered that thought, it was as good an excuse as any.
Seeing him within, glistening with the water from the tub, she thought her heart skipped a few beats or even stopped. With a small smile at the servant attending him, she lifted the cloths and glanced over her shoulder where one of the guards familiar with the situation signaled for the other to leave. Only once the door was shut firmly behind the other, alone with her lover at last, did she set the towels aside and step in to attend him. Picking up the cask of clean water, she poured it gently over his head and brushed her fingers gently through his hair to ensure all soap was cleaned from it.
"Your decision to stay changed a few things. But I'm here now, at your will for the night."
Briseis couldn't help the smug smile on her lips. He'd known it was her even without looking, and she took the hand that covered hers, leaning down to press a kiss to his fingers. While the romance was sparse, the feelings were clear. Perhaps she had built things up too much, but at seventeen to have a man such as Achilleas of Mikaelidas paying her this attention, she couldn't help the silly thoughts and hopes slip in every now and then. As best she could given the angle of the tub and how he sat, she slid her arms around his shoulders, delicate hands slipping across the expanse of his chest as lips found his neck. She lingered there, eyes closing as she memorized how it felt to press against him, hold him close, be wanted by someone like him.
‘Your decision to stay changed a few things. But I'm here now, at your will for the night’
The words fell so simply from her lips, and Achilleas gave a small sigh of content as her arms slipped around him from behind and those same lips pressed against the skin of his neck, slightly rough with a day's growth.
It was...relatively new to him, this form of arrangement, and Achilleas found himself enjoying the familiarity of Briseis to him now. He’d never been one to engage with the ladies of court: there had been a couple of trysts here and there, the closest thing he’d had to a love affair had been entirely unsuitable and years ago. On the whole, he’d led rather a solitary life, romantically speaking.
This was a safe way, he supposed, to enjoy the comfort of having an ‘other’. At first, it was merely the physical release that he sought, and the girl had offered it willingly. Somewhere though, these other small intimacies had begun to appear and he enjoyed them just as much. There was something nice about being wanted, about being appreciated, and if nothing else, Briseis never left him any doubt about how much she appreciated his attention, seemed almost grateful for the smallest gesture.
It had crossed his mind that perhaps she did not dare do anything else. He was far above her in station, older in years, it was not an equal partnership whichever way he turned it. That should probably bother him more than he did, but it was so nice to have her to return to that he shoved it away in favour of just enjoying the attention that she offered, that he didn’t have to worry was loaded with any secret intent or inveigling.
“You’re done for the evening?” he asked,thinking on how he could not claim to be. “ I will have to join my family for dinner, later.” To not do so would be odd indeed, even though Achilleas had no desire to spend time with Meena and her daughters. He would show his face, make suitable small talk for as long as was required and then return to his chambers, where hopefully, his little maid would still be waiting. Reaching up to catch a hold of the end of her braid and give it a playful tug, he wondered if it would be a bad idea to instruct her to join him in the water. It might be difficult to explain if someone walked in, but then, there was really no reason for anyone to disturb him now. His want to have her near won over such reservations “Join me?”
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‘Your decision to stay changed a few things. But I'm here now, at your will for the night’
The words fell so simply from her lips, and Achilleas gave a small sigh of content as her arms slipped around him from behind and those same lips pressed against the skin of his neck, slightly rough with a day's growth.
It was...relatively new to him, this form of arrangement, and Achilleas found himself enjoying the familiarity of Briseis to him now. He’d never been one to engage with the ladies of court: there had been a couple of trysts here and there, the closest thing he’d had to a love affair had been entirely unsuitable and years ago. On the whole, he’d led rather a solitary life, romantically speaking.
This was a safe way, he supposed, to enjoy the comfort of having an ‘other’. At first, it was merely the physical release that he sought, and the girl had offered it willingly. Somewhere though, these other small intimacies had begun to appear and he enjoyed them just as much. There was something nice about being wanted, about being appreciated, and if nothing else, Briseis never left him any doubt about how much she appreciated his attention, seemed almost grateful for the smallest gesture.
It had crossed his mind that perhaps she did not dare do anything else. He was far above her in station, older in years, it was not an equal partnership whichever way he turned it. That should probably bother him more than he did, but it was so nice to have her to return to that he shoved it away in favour of just enjoying the attention that she offered, that he didn’t have to worry was loaded with any secret intent or inveigling.
“You’re done for the evening?” he asked,thinking on how he could not claim to be. “ I will have to join my family for dinner, later.” To not do so would be odd indeed, even though Achilleas had no desire to spend time with Meena and her daughters. He would show his face, make suitable small talk for as long as was required and then return to his chambers, where hopefully, his little maid would still be waiting. Reaching up to catch a hold of the end of her braid and give it a playful tug, he wondered if it would be a bad idea to instruct her to join him in the water. It might be difficult to explain if someone walked in, but then, there was really no reason for anyone to disturb him now. His want to have her near won over such reservations “Join me?”
‘Your decision to stay changed a few things. But I'm here now, at your will for the night’
The words fell so simply from her lips, and Achilleas gave a small sigh of content as her arms slipped around him from behind and those same lips pressed against the skin of his neck, slightly rough with a day's growth.
It was...relatively new to him, this form of arrangement, and Achilleas found himself enjoying the familiarity of Briseis to him now. He’d never been one to engage with the ladies of court: there had been a couple of trysts here and there, the closest thing he’d had to a love affair had been entirely unsuitable and years ago. On the whole, he’d led rather a solitary life, romantically speaking.
This was a safe way, he supposed, to enjoy the comfort of having an ‘other’. At first, it was merely the physical release that he sought, and the girl had offered it willingly. Somewhere though, these other small intimacies had begun to appear and he enjoyed them just as much. There was something nice about being wanted, about being appreciated, and if nothing else, Briseis never left him any doubt about how much she appreciated his attention, seemed almost grateful for the smallest gesture.
It had crossed his mind that perhaps she did not dare do anything else. He was far above her in station, older in years, it was not an equal partnership whichever way he turned it. That should probably bother him more than he did, but it was so nice to have her to return to that he shoved it away in favour of just enjoying the attention that she offered, that he didn’t have to worry was loaded with any secret intent or inveigling.
“You’re done for the evening?” he asked,thinking on how he could not claim to be. “ I will have to join my family for dinner, later.” To not do so would be odd indeed, even though Achilleas had no desire to spend time with Meena and her daughters. He would show his face, make suitable small talk for as long as was required and then return to his chambers, where hopefully, his little maid would still be waiting. Reaching up to catch a hold of the end of her braid and give it a playful tug, he wondered if it would be a bad idea to instruct her to join him in the water. It might be difficult to explain if someone walked in, but then, there was really no reason for anyone to disturb him now. His want to have her near won over such reservations “Join me?”
"Done unless I am called for again. But no, I have been released. Others will serve at dinner tonight."
Her nose brushed against the shell of his ear and she hid herself there for a moment, smiling at the thought of an evening with him. Even if he did have to join his family for dinner, there would be time before and after and she would spend all of it with him if he wanted. Indeed she would have held her breath the entire time he was gone if it was what he asked of her. Her eyes closed, lashes fluttering against his skin as she tilted her head to press another kiss to his neck.
The tug on her braid startled a giggle from her, and she gave a playful splash at his chest as her head came around to follow her hair, facing him for the first time that night. Delicate fingers came to rest upon his chest, follow through from the splash as she leaned against the side of the tub. The long ends of her hair were already soaking in the perfumed waters, but his request was something different entirely. Trying to keep her surprise from her face, she worried her lower lip between her teeth for a moment as she considered the offer. There was nothing else for her to do, nothing that she would be scolded for shirking, and Krysto and others should keep anyone from disturbing them before they were ready.
Instead of asking if he was certain, or raising any of the possible questions or causes of caution, Briseis simply nodded, her smile almost shy at the thought of joining him. They had been intimate before, but somehow to share a bath felt as if it was more revealing still. Her chiton was a simple soft grey, a basic belt keeping it in place, and it was all easy enough to remove as she knelt beside the tub, allowing him to keep hold of her braid the entire time if that was his will. Shivering as she slipped the fabric from her torso and removed her sandals, it felt like an age passed between the time she was bare and when she stepped into the warm water with him.
Allowing her legs to part and cradle his hips, she thought only belatedly that perhaps she should have kept some sort of distance until he asked her to be closer. Something to consider for the future perhaps, but for now she carried through with her boldness, wrapping her arms around his shoulders as if trying to absorb the heat from both him and the water. Sitting like this felt too right, his broad strong frame beneath her, the water around her, steam rising from it causing the little wisps of her hair that had come free to curl even more about her face. It was a bath entirely unlike anything she had ever had the pleasure of experiencing before, made all the more luxurious not by the soaps and oils but by his presence alone.
"Should I return to my chamber when you leave for dinner?" It was an innocent sounding question, but she hoped the answer would hold the answer she sought. Hoped that he would want her to come back to him when he returned for the night.
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"Done unless I am called for again. But no, I have been released. Others will serve at dinner tonight."
Her nose brushed against the shell of his ear and she hid herself there for a moment, smiling at the thought of an evening with him. Even if he did have to join his family for dinner, there would be time before and after and she would spend all of it with him if he wanted. Indeed she would have held her breath the entire time he was gone if it was what he asked of her. Her eyes closed, lashes fluttering against his skin as she tilted her head to press another kiss to his neck.
The tug on her braid startled a giggle from her, and she gave a playful splash at his chest as her head came around to follow her hair, facing him for the first time that night. Delicate fingers came to rest upon his chest, follow through from the splash as she leaned against the side of the tub. The long ends of her hair were already soaking in the perfumed waters, but his request was something different entirely. Trying to keep her surprise from her face, she worried her lower lip between her teeth for a moment as she considered the offer. There was nothing else for her to do, nothing that she would be scolded for shirking, and Krysto and others should keep anyone from disturbing them before they were ready.
Instead of asking if he was certain, or raising any of the possible questions or causes of caution, Briseis simply nodded, her smile almost shy at the thought of joining him. They had been intimate before, but somehow to share a bath felt as if it was more revealing still. Her chiton was a simple soft grey, a basic belt keeping it in place, and it was all easy enough to remove as she knelt beside the tub, allowing him to keep hold of her braid the entire time if that was his will. Shivering as she slipped the fabric from her torso and removed her sandals, it felt like an age passed between the time she was bare and when she stepped into the warm water with him.
Allowing her legs to part and cradle his hips, she thought only belatedly that perhaps she should have kept some sort of distance until he asked her to be closer. Something to consider for the future perhaps, but for now she carried through with her boldness, wrapping her arms around his shoulders as if trying to absorb the heat from both him and the water. Sitting like this felt too right, his broad strong frame beneath her, the water around her, steam rising from it causing the little wisps of her hair that had come free to curl even more about her face. It was a bath entirely unlike anything she had ever had the pleasure of experiencing before, made all the more luxurious not by the soaps and oils but by his presence alone.
"Should I return to my chamber when you leave for dinner?" It was an innocent sounding question, but she hoped the answer would hold the answer she sought. Hoped that he would want her to come back to him when he returned for the night.
"Done unless I am called for again. But no, I have been released. Others will serve at dinner tonight."
Her nose brushed against the shell of his ear and she hid herself there for a moment, smiling at the thought of an evening with him. Even if he did have to join his family for dinner, there would be time before and after and she would spend all of it with him if he wanted. Indeed she would have held her breath the entire time he was gone if it was what he asked of her. Her eyes closed, lashes fluttering against his skin as she tilted her head to press another kiss to his neck.
The tug on her braid startled a giggle from her, and she gave a playful splash at his chest as her head came around to follow her hair, facing him for the first time that night. Delicate fingers came to rest upon his chest, follow through from the splash as she leaned against the side of the tub. The long ends of her hair were already soaking in the perfumed waters, but his request was something different entirely. Trying to keep her surprise from her face, she worried her lower lip between her teeth for a moment as she considered the offer. There was nothing else for her to do, nothing that she would be scolded for shirking, and Krysto and others should keep anyone from disturbing them before they were ready.
Instead of asking if he was certain, or raising any of the possible questions or causes of caution, Briseis simply nodded, her smile almost shy at the thought of joining him. They had been intimate before, but somehow to share a bath felt as if it was more revealing still. Her chiton was a simple soft grey, a basic belt keeping it in place, and it was all easy enough to remove as she knelt beside the tub, allowing him to keep hold of her braid the entire time if that was his will. Shivering as she slipped the fabric from her torso and removed her sandals, it felt like an age passed between the time she was bare and when she stepped into the warm water with him.
Allowing her legs to part and cradle his hips, she thought only belatedly that perhaps she should have kept some sort of distance until he asked her to be closer. Something to consider for the future perhaps, but for now she carried through with her boldness, wrapping her arms around his shoulders as if trying to absorb the heat from both him and the water. Sitting like this felt too right, his broad strong frame beneath her, the water around her, steam rising from it causing the little wisps of her hair that had come free to curl even more about her face. It was a bath entirely unlike anything she had ever had the pleasure of experiencing before, made all the more luxurious not by the soaps and oils but by his presence alone.
"Should I return to my chamber when you leave for dinner?" It was an innocent sounding question, but she hoped the answer would hold the answer she sought. Hoped that he would want her to come back to him when he returned for the night.
Achilleas’ gaze tilted brefly toward Briseis as she leant around to face him, his fingers playing idly with the soft tail of her hair, aureate and tawny and such a contrast to his own dark locks. When it was wet, he decided, it was more bronze almost. He smiled at her, tried to read her response to his request, for it had been a request, not an order. It was not as if he had a parchment to tell him what was appropriate to ask in an arrangement such as theirs, and truly, for one who found some comfort in rules, Achilleas rather wished there was. Instead he just said what he wanted and tried to disregard the fact that Briseis might say yes only because she felt she ought to.
Whatever thoughts might have had her hesitate, they did not linger, and soon the water was rising and sloshing as she stepped into the tub, settling herself on his lap, all smooth golden skin and warmth. Achilleas let his hands roam over her back, slippery with the fragrant oils that perfumed the water and the veil of steam that hung over them now.
“I would be disappointed if you did” he replied, when the girl asked if she should retire for the evening when he inevitably got called to dinner. “You can stay here..you shouldn’t be disturbed. Make yourself comfortable”
There was a certain degree of trust in bidding her such freedoms, but it made no sense to Achilleas for her to leave and come back again, and she had proven herself discreet enough thus far. Reaching up to smooth some of those tendrils of hair away from her face, he gave a shrug. “Unless you would rather not” His tone made it rather clear which his preference would be.
His hands were taking a leisurely slide, reacquainting himself with her body after the days apart, and he stopped to push the heavy braid over her shoulder, letting his thumb stroke over her collarbone. “How was your week? Busy?” There was not much the Lord anticipated out of such smalltalk: her days were not often filled with anything that would interest him and yet he asked anyway. Occasionally she might have some gossip from the household, but Achilleas wasn’t usually one to pay much notice to such things, and he was only really half-listening for her answer, more intent upon pulling the ribbon from her hair and running his fingers through its lengths so it fell in snaking tendrils down her back. She was like some little naiad like this, and it was more than a little diverting.
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Achilleas’ gaze tilted brefly toward Briseis as she leant around to face him, his fingers playing idly with the soft tail of her hair, aureate and tawny and such a contrast to his own dark locks. When it was wet, he decided, it was more bronze almost. He smiled at her, tried to read her response to his request, for it had been a request, not an order. It was not as if he had a parchment to tell him what was appropriate to ask in an arrangement such as theirs, and truly, for one who found some comfort in rules, Achilleas rather wished there was. Instead he just said what he wanted and tried to disregard the fact that Briseis might say yes only because she felt she ought to.
Whatever thoughts might have had her hesitate, they did not linger, and soon the water was rising and sloshing as she stepped into the tub, settling herself on his lap, all smooth golden skin and warmth. Achilleas let his hands roam over her back, slippery with the fragrant oils that perfumed the water and the veil of steam that hung over them now.
“I would be disappointed if you did” he replied, when the girl asked if she should retire for the evening when he inevitably got called to dinner. “You can stay here..you shouldn’t be disturbed. Make yourself comfortable”
There was a certain degree of trust in bidding her such freedoms, but it made no sense to Achilleas for her to leave and come back again, and she had proven herself discreet enough thus far. Reaching up to smooth some of those tendrils of hair away from her face, he gave a shrug. “Unless you would rather not” His tone made it rather clear which his preference would be.
His hands were taking a leisurely slide, reacquainting himself with her body after the days apart, and he stopped to push the heavy braid over her shoulder, letting his thumb stroke over her collarbone. “How was your week? Busy?” There was not much the Lord anticipated out of such smalltalk: her days were not often filled with anything that would interest him and yet he asked anyway. Occasionally she might have some gossip from the household, but Achilleas wasn’t usually one to pay much notice to such things, and he was only really half-listening for her answer, more intent upon pulling the ribbon from her hair and running his fingers through its lengths so it fell in snaking tendrils down her back. She was like some little naiad like this, and it was more than a little diverting.
Achilleas’ gaze tilted brefly toward Briseis as she leant around to face him, his fingers playing idly with the soft tail of her hair, aureate and tawny and such a contrast to his own dark locks. When it was wet, he decided, it was more bronze almost. He smiled at her, tried to read her response to his request, for it had been a request, not an order. It was not as if he had a parchment to tell him what was appropriate to ask in an arrangement such as theirs, and truly, for one who found some comfort in rules, Achilleas rather wished there was. Instead he just said what he wanted and tried to disregard the fact that Briseis might say yes only because she felt she ought to.
Whatever thoughts might have had her hesitate, they did not linger, and soon the water was rising and sloshing as she stepped into the tub, settling herself on his lap, all smooth golden skin and warmth. Achilleas let his hands roam over her back, slippery with the fragrant oils that perfumed the water and the veil of steam that hung over them now.
“I would be disappointed if you did” he replied, when the girl asked if she should retire for the evening when he inevitably got called to dinner. “You can stay here..you shouldn’t be disturbed. Make yourself comfortable”
There was a certain degree of trust in bidding her such freedoms, but it made no sense to Achilleas for her to leave and come back again, and she had proven herself discreet enough thus far. Reaching up to smooth some of those tendrils of hair away from her face, he gave a shrug. “Unless you would rather not” His tone made it rather clear which his preference would be.
His hands were taking a leisurely slide, reacquainting himself with her body after the days apart, and he stopped to push the heavy braid over her shoulder, letting his thumb stroke over her collarbone. “How was your week? Busy?” There was not much the Lord anticipated out of such smalltalk: her days were not often filled with anything that would interest him and yet he asked anyway. Occasionally she might have some gossip from the household, but Achilleas wasn’t usually one to pay much notice to such things, and he was only really half-listening for her answer, more intent upon pulling the ribbon from her hair and running his fingers through its lengths so it fell in snaking tendrils down her back. She was like some little naiad like this, and it was more than a little diverting.
It was clear from his expression that she had made the right choice in joining him as she had. If there was one thing she had going for her, it was her boldness and the fact that he seemed to enjoy it when she simply moved instead of asking permission. There were still moments of uncertainty, fear that she overstepped, but for the most part she was pleased with the reward she got for simple being herself. Smiling as his hands slid over her back she shared in an equal exploration, tracing her fingertips lightly along his shoulders and neck until her thumbs pressed against muscles in a gentle massage.
"I'll be where you wish me to be."
Briseis tried to keep her tone even, though one golden brow arched slightly in question even if she didn't say anything. If they had reached a place in their relationship where he trusted her to remain in his room alone, she had done well indeed. Granted in staying here all she would do would likely be luxuriating on the blankets and softness of the bed, so unlike her own. The rougher sheets didn't scratch her skin as they had before, but if given the choice to linger in his bed with its space and comfort instead of the smaller cot she usually slept in she would take it without question. She leaned her head into his palm as he brushed at the tendrils of her hair, turning to press a kiss to the skin there as he gave her the opportunity to refuse him. As if she ever would.
"I will happily wait for you." Closing her eyes with a hum as his touch continued to roam her body, strong and sure, she gave a little laugh at the question that she couldn't imagine he wanted a proper answer for. With a little shrug, Briseis continued rubbing circles in his neck and shoulders to try to ease the muscles, made easier with the oils in the water. "All the better now you're here. Everything else has been ordinary."
The way he brushed out her waves from the braid that had restrained them held a sort of ethereal slowness, the ends dragging through the water already as the rest seemed to embrace the freedom and steam, becoming more of a cloud than it usually was. Of all of her features she would have to admit to taking the most pride and effort in her hair. The locks that were a mousy looking sort of brown turned more golden with the addition of sunshine, and the length and thickness was the envy of many of her fellow serving girls. And Achilleas seemed to enjoy it which made the care of it all the more important. Any little thing that drew his attention to her, gave him more pleasure, Briseis knew full well she would do anything for more time with him, more from him.
"And what brings my lord back? Important decisions to be made in the kingdom?" Most of his business went over her head, and she was content for it to remain that way. He could talk at length over whatever he was dealing with and she was happy to listen, but rarely would she have any kind of opinion and certainly not one she would voice unless he directly asked it of her. Instead she focused on leaning closer so she could press her lips to his chest, taking advantage of the chance to memorize as much of him as she could.
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It was clear from his expression that she had made the right choice in joining him as she had. If there was one thing she had going for her, it was her boldness and the fact that he seemed to enjoy it when she simply moved instead of asking permission. There were still moments of uncertainty, fear that she overstepped, but for the most part she was pleased with the reward she got for simple being herself. Smiling as his hands slid over her back she shared in an equal exploration, tracing her fingertips lightly along his shoulders and neck until her thumbs pressed against muscles in a gentle massage.
"I'll be where you wish me to be."
Briseis tried to keep her tone even, though one golden brow arched slightly in question even if she didn't say anything. If they had reached a place in their relationship where he trusted her to remain in his room alone, she had done well indeed. Granted in staying here all she would do would likely be luxuriating on the blankets and softness of the bed, so unlike her own. The rougher sheets didn't scratch her skin as they had before, but if given the choice to linger in his bed with its space and comfort instead of the smaller cot she usually slept in she would take it without question. She leaned her head into his palm as he brushed at the tendrils of her hair, turning to press a kiss to the skin there as he gave her the opportunity to refuse him. As if she ever would.
"I will happily wait for you." Closing her eyes with a hum as his touch continued to roam her body, strong and sure, she gave a little laugh at the question that she couldn't imagine he wanted a proper answer for. With a little shrug, Briseis continued rubbing circles in his neck and shoulders to try to ease the muscles, made easier with the oils in the water. "All the better now you're here. Everything else has been ordinary."
The way he brushed out her waves from the braid that had restrained them held a sort of ethereal slowness, the ends dragging through the water already as the rest seemed to embrace the freedom and steam, becoming more of a cloud than it usually was. Of all of her features she would have to admit to taking the most pride and effort in her hair. The locks that were a mousy looking sort of brown turned more golden with the addition of sunshine, and the length and thickness was the envy of many of her fellow serving girls. And Achilleas seemed to enjoy it which made the care of it all the more important. Any little thing that drew his attention to her, gave him more pleasure, Briseis knew full well she would do anything for more time with him, more from him.
"And what brings my lord back? Important decisions to be made in the kingdom?" Most of his business went over her head, and she was content for it to remain that way. He could talk at length over whatever he was dealing with and she was happy to listen, but rarely would she have any kind of opinion and certainly not one she would voice unless he directly asked it of her. Instead she focused on leaning closer so she could press her lips to his chest, taking advantage of the chance to memorize as much of him as she could.
It was clear from his expression that she had made the right choice in joining him as she had. If there was one thing she had going for her, it was her boldness and the fact that he seemed to enjoy it when she simply moved instead of asking permission. There were still moments of uncertainty, fear that she overstepped, but for the most part she was pleased with the reward she got for simple being herself. Smiling as his hands slid over her back she shared in an equal exploration, tracing her fingertips lightly along his shoulders and neck until her thumbs pressed against muscles in a gentle massage.
"I'll be where you wish me to be."
Briseis tried to keep her tone even, though one golden brow arched slightly in question even if she didn't say anything. If they had reached a place in their relationship where he trusted her to remain in his room alone, she had done well indeed. Granted in staying here all she would do would likely be luxuriating on the blankets and softness of the bed, so unlike her own. The rougher sheets didn't scratch her skin as they had before, but if given the choice to linger in his bed with its space and comfort instead of the smaller cot she usually slept in she would take it without question. She leaned her head into his palm as he brushed at the tendrils of her hair, turning to press a kiss to the skin there as he gave her the opportunity to refuse him. As if she ever would.
"I will happily wait for you." Closing her eyes with a hum as his touch continued to roam her body, strong and sure, she gave a little laugh at the question that she couldn't imagine he wanted a proper answer for. With a little shrug, Briseis continued rubbing circles in his neck and shoulders to try to ease the muscles, made easier with the oils in the water. "All the better now you're here. Everything else has been ordinary."
The way he brushed out her waves from the braid that had restrained them held a sort of ethereal slowness, the ends dragging through the water already as the rest seemed to embrace the freedom and steam, becoming more of a cloud than it usually was. Of all of her features she would have to admit to taking the most pride and effort in her hair. The locks that were a mousy looking sort of brown turned more golden with the addition of sunshine, and the length and thickness was the envy of many of her fellow serving girls. And Achilleas seemed to enjoy it which made the care of it all the more important. Any little thing that drew his attention to her, gave him more pleasure, Briseis knew full well she would do anything for more time with him, more from him.
"And what brings my lord back? Important decisions to be made in the kingdom?" Most of his business went over her head, and she was content for it to remain that way. He could talk at length over whatever he was dealing with and she was happy to listen, but rarely would she have any kind of opinion and certainly not one she would voice unless he directly asked it of her. Instead she focused on leaning closer so she could press her lips to his chest, taking advantage of the chance to memorize as much of him as she could.
As much as he tried not to be affected by it, there was something a little heady about the way in which Briseis so sweetly capitulated. He gusted out a sigh at the way her nimble fingers sought and pressed at knots of tension in his shoulders, his own hands stilling as he closed his eyes briefly at the sensation, a welcome reprieve.
Despite his day’s duty being with the senate, and even with the early ride, he had risen to train as he always did and the burn and fatigue of such exertions were beginning to bloom. It was such dedication that meant his was the still the body of a soldier, hard and sculpted lines of muscle only slightly softened, even though more of his days were spent behind a desk than fighting now. He watched other men let themselves go slack like overfed cattle and wondered how much use they would be next time Taengea demanded their swords. Achilleas would not be caught so unprepared.
Briseis’ touch, gently coaxing in her quest to see him relax was more welcomed than perhaps she realised, and it was with some soft appreciation that he swept her hair from her face and let the heavy, warm weight of his palm rest momentarily upon her shoulder.
She was not of a mind to tell of her week, it would seem, and he was not disposed to press for information he had no want of, so he settled back, slid down in the water, tugging her with him and caring not that the motion sent a tidal wave of water spilling over the edge of the tub.It was such trivial moments that demonstrated the differences between them, Achilleas not even sparing a thought on who would mop up such a mess when they were done. He didn’t care, just slipped his arms about Briseis waist and enjoyed the gentle press of her against the length of his body. His interest was stirring, but he ignored it, for now, content to let the burdens of the day soak away.
“More talking than decisions, as usual” he answered when she asked after his own news. It was one of the things he found most frustrating about the senate, being a man who preferred to be direct. Things would be more efficient if everyone was of the same mind but it was not so, and so sessions always ended up taking longer than they needed to. Once the requisitory people pleasing had been done afterwards, he always felt a little drained, and usually retreated to Euttica sooner rather than later. Or at least that had been the case, until lately. Now, the attraction to linger awhile in Vasiiadon was that much greater.
“I couldn’t face the ride tonight. And I thought I might see my brother on the morro” Whether he was trying to justify his presence to her or himself, he didn’t know, but Achilleas resolved not to think on it too closely, instead snaking his hand into her hair and drawing her up for a kiss that was proprietary, claiming. “You will stay here then. Tonight.”
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As much as he tried not to be affected by it, there was something a little heady about the way in which Briseis so sweetly capitulated. He gusted out a sigh at the way her nimble fingers sought and pressed at knots of tension in his shoulders, his own hands stilling as he closed his eyes briefly at the sensation, a welcome reprieve.
Despite his day’s duty being with the senate, and even with the early ride, he had risen to train as he always did and the burn and fatigue of such exertions were beginning to bloom. It was such dedication that meant his was the still the body of a soldier, hard and sculpted lines of muscle only slightly softened, even though more of his days were spent behind a desk than fighting now. He watched other men let themselves go slack like overfed cattle and wondered how much use they would be next time Taengea demanded their swords. Achilleas would not be caught so unprepared.
Briseis’ touch, gently coaxing in her quest to see him relax was more welcomed than perhaps she realised, and it was with some soft appreciation that he swept her hair from her face and let the heavy, warm weight of his palm rest momentarily upon her shoulder.
She was not of a mind to tell of her week, it would seem, and he was not disposed to press for information he had no want of, so he settled back, slid down in the water, tugging her with him and caring not that the motion sent a tidal wave of water spilling over the edge of the tub.It was such trivial moments that demonstrated the differences between them, Achilleas not even sparing a thought on who would mop up such a mess when they were done. He didn’t care, just slipped his arms about Briseis waist and enjoyed the gentle press of her against the length of his body. His interest was stirring, but he ignored it, for now, content to let the burdens of the day soak away.
“More talking than decisions, as usual” he answered when she asked after his own news. It was one of the things he found most frustrating about the senate, being a man who preferred to be direct. Things would be more efficient if everyone was of the same mind but it was not so, and so sessions always ended up taking longer than they needed to. Once the requisitory people pleasing had been done afterwards, he always felt a little drained, and usually retreated to Euttica sooner rather than later. Or at least that had been the case, until lately. Now, the attraction to linger awhile in Vasiiadon was that much greater.
“I couldn’t face the ride tonight. And I thought I might see my brother on the morro” Whether he was trying to justify his presence to her or himself, he didn’t know, but Achilleas resolved not to think on it too closely, instead snaking his hand into her hair and drawing her up for a kiss that was proprietary, claiming. “You will stay here then. Tonight.”
As much as he tried not to be affected by it, there was something a little heady about the way in which Briseis so sweetly capitulated. He gusted out a sigh at the way her nimble fingers sought and pressed at knots of tension in his shoulders, his own hands stilling as he closed his eyes briefly at the sensation, a welcome reprieve.
Despite his day’s duty being with the senate, and even with the early ride, he had risen to train as he always did and the burn and fatigue of such exertions were beginning to bloom. It was such dedication that meant his was the still the body of a soldier, hard and sculpted lines of muscle only slightly softened, even though more of his days were spent behind a desk than fighting now. He watched other men let themselves go slack like overfed cattle and wondered how much use they would be next time Taengea demanded their swords. Achilleas would not be caught so unprepared.
Briseis’ touch, gently coaxing in her quest to see him relax was more welcomed than perhaps she realised, and it was with some soft appreciation that he swept her hair from her face and let the heavy, warm weight of his palm rest momentarily upon her shoulder.
She was not of a mind to tell of her week, it would seem, and he was not disposed to press for information he had no want of, so he settled back, slid down in the water, tugging her with him and caring not that the motion sent a tidal wave of water spilling over the edge of the tub.It was such trivial moments that demonstrated the differences between them, Achilleas not even sparing a thought on who would mop up such a mess when they were done. He didn’t care, just slipped his arms about Briseis waist and enjoyed the gentle press of her against the length of his body. His interest was stirring, but he ignored it, for now, content to let the burdens of the day soak away.
“More talking than decisions, as usual” he answered when she asked after his own news. It was one of the things he found most frustrating about the senate, being a man who preferred to be direct. Things would be more efficient if everyone was of the same mind but it was not so, and so sessions always ended up taking longer than they needed to. Once the requisitory people pleasing had been done afterwards, he always felt a little drained, and usually retreated to Euttica sooner rather than later. Or at least that had been the case, until lately. Now, the attraction to linger awhile in Vasiiadon was that much greater.
“I couldn’t face the ride tonight. And I thought I might see my brother on the morro” Whether he was trying to justify his presence to her or himself, he didn’t know, but Achilleas resolved not to think on it too closely, instead snaking his hand into her hair and drawing her up for a kiss that was proprietary, claiming. “You will stay here then. Tonight.”
As his muscles relaxed slowly beneath her touch Briseis couldn't help but smile, his closed eyes and comfort in her company a privilege she could not take for granted. That someone like him had even looked her way was some sort of blessed miracle from the gods, and she would do anything she could to make sure his eyes stayed on her. His hand brushing through her hair made it her turn to luxuriate in his attentions, arching into the sweep of his touch like a cat, all but purring in enjoyment.
Moving readily with him as they shifted, she pressed her chest against his own and let her hair fan out around them like a protective curtain in the water, flowing slowly with the movement of the ripples. She nodded in understanding, more of an acknowledgement that she'd heard him than proper understanding of what might go on during council meetings. When he returned from those he always seemed more tired than if he had simply come in for a ride or a family dinner. Though the family dinners saw him more agitated than tired on his interactions with her. As much respect as she had for her masters here, there was no doubt that Prince Irakles took his eldest son for granted.
It wasn't her place to say or do anything about the relationship between father and son, but if the prince could not see what a gem he had in his child she would happily see it for him. It meant there would be more time she could have before he was married to someone else for political gain. In a foolish hope, Briseis prayed to the gods that if Achilleas was married to another, he might still keep his heart for her. If not the whole thing, then at least some small space that she could tuck into and be near him the rest of their days. Even when they were old and grey she knew he would be as handsome as ever.
"As glad as I am that you will be able to spend time with your brother, I am happier still for selfish reasons that you'll stay." Smiling as he pulled her down for a kiss, she lingered in that moment as long as she could, looping her arms around his shoulders and sliding her own hands up into his hair to hold him close. If she could stay like this forever, she thought she might. Curled against him with the warmth of his body and the heat of the water she had never felt safer.
"I'll be here when you return. For as long as you desire."
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As his muscles relaxed slowly beneath her touch Briseis couldn't help but smile, his closed eyes and comfort in her company a privilege she could not take for granted. That someone like him had even looked her way was some sort of blessed miracle from the gods, and she would do anything she could to make sure his eyes stayed on her. His hand brushing through her hair made it her turn to luxuriate in his attentions, arching into the sweep of his touch like a cat, all but purring in enjoyment.
Moving readily with him as they shifted, she pressed her chest against his own and let her hair fan out around them like a protective curtain in the water, flowing slowly with the movement of the ripples. She nodded in understanding, more of an acknowledgement that she'd heard him than proper understanding of what might go on during council meetings. When he returned from those he always seemed more tired than if he had simply come in for a ride or a family dinner. Though the family dinners saw him more agitated than tired on his interactions with her. As much respect as she had for her masters here, there was no doubt that Prince Irakles took his eldest son for granted.
It wasn't her place to say or do anything about the relationship between father and son, but if the prince could not see what a gem he had in his child she would happily see it for him. It meant there would be more time she could have before he was married to someone else for political gain. In a foolish hope, Briseis prayed to the gods that if Achilleas was married to another, he might still keep his heart for her. If not the whole thing, then at least some small space that she could tuck into and be near him the rest of their days. Even when they were old and grey she knew he would be as handsome as ever.
"As glad as I am that you will be able to spend time with your brother, I am happier still for selfish reasons that you'll stay." Smiling as he pulled her down for a kiss, she lingered in that moment as long as she could, looping her arms around his shoulders and sliding her own hands up into his hair to hold him close. If she could stay like this forever, she thought she might. Curled against him with the warmth of his body and the heat of the water she had never felt safer.
"I'll be here when you return. For as long as you desire."
As his muscles relaxed slowly beneath her touch Briseis couldn't help but smile, his closed eyes and comfort in her company a privilege she could not take for granted. That someone like him had even looked her way was some sort of blessed miracle from the gods, and she would do anything she could to make sure his eyes stayed on her. His hand brushing through her hair made it her turn to luxuriate in his attentions, arching into the sweep of his touch like a cat, all but purring in enjoyment.
Moving readily with him as they shifted, she pressed her chest against his own and let her hair fan out around them like a protective curtain in the water, flowing slowly with the movement of the ripples. She nodded in understanding, more of an acknowledgement that she'd heard him than proper understanding of what might go on during council meetings. When he returned from those he always seemed more tired than if he had simply come in for a ride or a family dinner. Though the family dinners saw him more agitated than tired on his interactions with her. As much respect as she had for her masters here, there was no doubt that Prince Irakles took his eldest son for granted.
It wasn't her place to say or do anything about the relationship between father and son, but if the prince could not see what a gem he had in his child she would happily see it for him. It meant there would be more time she could have before he was married to someone else for political gain. In a foolish hope, Briseis prayed to the gods that if Achilleas was married to another, he might still keep his heart for her. If not the whole thing, then at least some small space that she could tuck into and be near him the rest of their days. Even when they were old and grey she knew he would be as handsome as ever.
"As glad as I am that you will be able to spend time with your brother, I am happier still for selfish reasons that you'll stay." Smiling as he pulled her down for a kiss, she lingered in that moment as long as she could, looping her arms around his shoulders and sliding her own hands up into his hair to hold him close. If she could stay like this forever, she thought she might. Curled against him with the warmth of his body and the heat of the water she had never felt safer.
"I'll be here when you return. For as long as you desire."
He watched her hair dance across the surface of the water, the drenched strands darkening and breathed out a sigh with the last of the residual tension of the day. It was not over yet, of course, there was still dinner to be sat through. Achilleas hoped it would not be a drawn-out affair: he had no desire to sit with Meena or her daughters and make polite conversation. If it wouldn’t seem abominably rude, he would just have asked for something to be brought to his rooms. No such luck though.
This, at least, was some sweet measure of comfort to enjoy before he had to endure that though, and he was pleased at the idea that Briseis would be waiting for him upon his return. Not one given to availing himself of whores or tavern girls, the physical closeness he got with the girl - not even just the sex- but just the touch was something Achilleas was starting to miss when he was away from Vasiliadon. It was too easy a luxury to become accustomed to, her gentle hands and what was almost an easy familiarity with him now. Sinking down a little lower still, roughened hands swept down her sides, settled in the dip of her waist and held her there.
“Then I am a lucky man” he replied unthinkingly, just wanting to bring a smile to her face. His fingers pressed lightly into her flesh, gripping her. She always felt so little under his touch, delicate somehow. If Achilleas had been more observant, more familiar with emotions and their power, he might have realised that the risk of breaking was not in the warm body atop his own, but in the beating heart that the younger girl had somehow given into his care without him realising.
A wiser man might have seen the risk; how would a girl like Briseis not be dazzled by the attentions of a powerful, handsome man like Achilleas? How would she not read more into the fact that he returned to her again and again, arranged his schedule so he might claim additional time with her? A wiser man might have recognised in himself that the craving to be with Briseis had edged into something more than a mere matter of convenience. When it had stopped being a question if he wished her to attend him when he returned home when dismissing her the moment they had finished turned into her sleeping beside him.
Achilleas was good at many things. He was an excellent swordsman, a solid leader. A capable baron, a skilled horseman. These were all things he had been set for since birth. Where the Mikaelidas man fell down was perhaps in those areas that could not be trained for. The subtle complexities of things that could not be taught and had to be felt through and that Achilleas had been doing a fine job in disregarding. It was turning into a bit of a habit of his.
For now, though, he was content enough in lazily tracing circles on Briseis’ skin, smiling a little at the tiny shudders he coaxed from her when he brushed a ticklish spot, swallowing her laugh in a kiss. Easy, because there was no expectation and he could relax with her.
“How did you come to work in Vasiliadon,” he asked one of the idle questions he put to her during such times. Never loaded, just genuine curiosities into one whose life so differed from his own and perhaps one of those things that led them unwittingly into dangerous waters. For it was easy to be dismissive and uncaring of a face and a name, less so when one knew the person behind such things.
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He watched her hair dance across the surface of the water, the drenched strands darkening and breathed out a sigh with the last of the residual tension of the day. It was not over yet, of course, there was still dinner to be sat through. Achilleas hoped it would not be a drawn-out affair: he had no desire to sit with Meena or her daughters and make polite conversation. If it wouldn’t seem abominably rude, he would just have asked for something to be brought to his rooms. No such luck though.
This, at least, was some sweet measure of comfort to enjoy before he had to endure that though, and he was pleased at the idea that Briseis would be waiting for him upon his return. Not one given to availing himself of whores or tavern girls, the physical closeness he got with the girl - not even just the sex- but just the touch was something Achilleas was starting to miss when he was away from Vasiliadon. It was too easy a luxury to become accustomed to, her gentle hands and what was almost an easy familiarity with him now. Sinking down a little lower still, roughened hands swept down her sides, settled in the dip of her waist and held her there.
“Then I am a lucky man” he replied unthinkingly, just wanting to bring a smile to her face. His fingers pressed lightly into her flesh, gripping her. She always felt so little under his touch, delicate somehow. If Achilleas had been more observant, more familiar with emotions and their power, he might have realised that the risk of breaking was not in the warm body atop his own, but in the beating heart that the younger girl had somehow given into his care without him realising.
A wiser man might have seen the risk; how would a girl like Briseis not be dazzled by the attentions of a powerful, handsome man like Achilleas? How would she not read more into the fact that he returned to her again and again, arranged his schedule so he might claim additional time with her? A wiser man might have recognised in himself that the craving to be with Briseis had edged into something more than a mere matter of convenience. When it had stopped being a question if he wished her to attend him when he returned home when dismissing her the moment they had finished turned into her sleeping beside him.
Achilleas was good at many things. He was an excellent swordsman, a solid leader. A capable baron, a skilled horseman. These were all things he had been set for since birth. Where the Mikaelidas man fell down was perhaps in those areas that could not be trained for. The subtle complexities of things that could not be taught and had to be felt through and that Achilleas had been doing a fine job in disregarding. It was turning into a bit of a habit of his.
For now, though, he was content enough in lazily tracing circles on Briseis’ skin, smiling a little at the tiny shudders he coaxed from her when he brushed a ticklish spot, swallowing her laugh in a kiss. Easy, because there was no expectation and he could relax with her.
“How did you come to work in Vasiliadon,” he asked one of the idle questions he put to her during such times. Never loaded, just genuine curiosities into one whose life so differed from his own and perhaps one of those things that led them unwittingly into dangerous waters. For it was easy to be dismissive and uncaring of a face and a name, less so when one knew the person behind such things.
He watched her hair dance across the surface of the water, the drenched strands darkening and breathed out a sigh with the last of the residual tension of the day. It was not over yet, of course, there was still dinner to be sat through. Achilleas hoped it would not be a drawn-out affair: he had no desire to sit with Meena or her daughters and make polite conversation. If it wouldn’t seem abominably rude, he would just have asked for something to be brought to his rooms. No such luck though.
This, at least, was some sweet measure of comfort to enjoy before he had to endure that though, and he was pleased at the idea that Briseis would be waiting for him upon his return. Not one given to availing himself of whores or tavern girls, the physical closeness he got with the girl - not even just the sex- but just the touch was something Achilleas was starting to miss when he was away from Vasiliadon. It was too easy a luxury to become accustomed to, her gentle hands and what was almost an easy familiarity with him now. Sinking down a little lower still, roughened hands swept down her sides, settled in the dip of her waist and held her there.
“Then I am a lucky man” he replied unthinkingly, just wanting to bring a smile to her face. His fingers pressed lightly into her flesh, gripping her. She always felt so little under his touch, delicate somehow. If Achilleas had been more observant, more familiar with emotions and their power, he might have realised that the risk of breaking was not in the warm body atop his own, but in the beating heart that the younger girl had somehow given into his care without him realising.
A wiser man might have seen the risk; how would a girl like Briseis not be dazzled by the attentions of a powerful, handsome man like Achilleas? How would she not read more into the fact that he returned to her again and again, arranged his schedule so he might claim additional time with her? A wiser man might have recognised in himself that the craving to be with Briseis had edged into something more than a mere matter of convenience. When it had stopped being a question if he wished her to attend him when he returned home when dismissing her the moment they had finished turned into her sleeping beside him.
Achilleas was good at many things. He was an excellent swordsman, a solid leader. A capable baron, a skilled horseman. These were all things he had been set for since birth. Where the Mikaelidas man fell down was perhaps in those areas that could not be trained for. The subtle complexities of things that could not be taught and had to be felt through and that Achilleas had been doing a fine job in disregarding. It was turning into a bit of a habit of his.
For now, though, he was content enough in lazily tracing circles on Briseis’ skin, smiling a little at the tiny shudders he coaxed from her when he brushed a ticklish spot, swallowing her laugh in a kiss. Easy, because there was no expectation and he could relax with her.
“How did you come to work in Vasiliadon,” he asked one of the idle questions he put to her during such times. Never loaded, just genuine curiosities into one whose life so differed from his own and perhaps one of those things that led them unwittingly into dangerous waters. For it was easy to be dismissive and uncaring of a face and a name, less so when one knew the person behind such things.
Her lips tipped into a soft smile as he spoke, happily sinking further into the water as his fingers pressed against her skin. Hands continued to massage along his neck and shoulders, running down his chest and back up into his hair. She could spend all night touching him, sitting here curled against him in his embrace, happy to spend as much time with him as she could. Squirming as he found a ticklish spot, she brushed her nose against his with a giggle that turned into a soft moan as he caught her in a kiss.
Lifting her hands from the water, she brushed the backs of her knuckles against his jaw, fingers curling into his hair as she reached the damp ends. A sigh escaped her as he broke their lips apart for breath, happy enough to have drowned in his kisses for the rest of the night. The question was not uncommon, they often exchanged these little moments of getting to know one another better, and Briseis took the chance to lay her head against his shoulder and press a kiss to his throat before she replied.
"My mother sent me here when I was fourteen, she didn't want me to come to the temple with her, so I lived with my half siblings and worked as a maid until I came to be here."
She left out the part about her sister's general distaste for her, how more frequently than not she would find shelter with her brother until she had been given housing at the Mikaelidas residence. That was too deep of a place for them to go to, it was best to keep it light. She'd already glossed over her mother's position as a priestess of Aphrodite, the details of her Judean heritage and half siblings of other varying descent were still a closely kept secret for the most part. Though the tone of her skin and tilt of her nose might have given off hints even if they weren't spoken of.
"I was so excited to be here, given such a position. My mother is very proud of how I have managed to gain work in a royal house." She would be less proud if she knew of how close to royalty Briseis had gotten, upset that her daughter had fallen into the exact sort of thing she had wanted her to avoid. But this was different, Briseis had love, a connection with one man who was unmarried, she was not living the life of a priestess. It was difficult to know that this would be a disappointment, but more difficult still to think of breaking away from Achilleas' strong arms.
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Her lips tipped into a soft smile as he spoke, happily sinking further into the water as his fingers pressed against her skin. Hands continued to massage along his neck and shoulders, running down his chest and back up into his hair. She could spend all night touching him, sitting here curled against him in his embrace, happy to spend as much time with him as she could. Squirming as he found a ticklish spot, she brushed her nose against his with a giggle that turned into a soft moan as he caught her in a kiss.
Lifting her hands from the water, she brushed the backs of her knuckles against his jaw, fingers curling into his hair as she reached the damp ends. A sigh escaped her as he broke their lips apart for breath, happy enough to have drowned in his kisses for the rest of the night. The question was not uncommon, they often exchanged these little moments of getting to know one another better, and Briseis took the chance to lay her head against his shoulder and press a kiss to his throat before she replied.
"My mother sent me here when I was fourteen, she didn't want me to come to the temple with her, so I lived with my half siblings and worked as a maid until I came to be here."
She left out the part about her sister's general distaste for her, how more frequently than not she would find shelter with her brother until she had been given housing at the Mikaelidas residence. That was too deep of a place for them to go to, it was best to keep it light. She'd already glossed over her mother's position as a priestess of Aphrodite, the details of her Judean heritage and half siblings of other varying descent were still a closely kept secret for the most part. Though the tone of her skin and tilt of her nose might have given off hints even if they weren't spoken of.
"I was so excited to be here, given such a position. My mother is very proud of how I have managed to gain work in a royal house." She would be less proud if she knew of how close to royalty Briseis had gotten, upset that her daughter had fallen into the exact sort of thing she had wanted her to avoid. But this was different, Briseis had love, a connection with one man who was unmarried, she was not living the life of a priestess. It was difficult to know that this would be a disappointment, but more difficult still to think of breaking away from Achilleas' strong arms.
Her lips tipped into a soft smile as he spoke, happily sinking further into the water as his fingers pressed against her skin. Hands continued to massage along his neck and shoulders, running down his chest and back up into his hair. She could spend all night touching him, sitting here curled against him in his embrace, happy to spend as much time with him as she could. Squirming as he found a ticklish spot, she brushed her nose against his with a giggle that turned into a soft moan as he caught her in a kiss.
Lifting her hands from the water, she brushed the backs of her knuckles against his jaw, fingers curling into his hair as she reached the damp ends. A sigh escaped her as he broke their lips apart for breath, happy enough to have drowned in his kisses for the rest of the night. The question was not uncommon, they often exchanged these little moments of getting to know one another better, and Briseis took the chance to lay her head against his shoulder and press a kiss to his throat before she replied.
"My mother sent me here when I was fourteen, she didn't want me to come to the temple with her, so I lived with my half siblings and worked as a maid until I came to be here."
She left out the part about her sister's general distaste for her, how more frequently than not she would find shelter with her brother until she had been given housing at the Mikaelidas residence. That was too deep of a place for them to go to, it was best to keep it light. She'd already glossed over her mother's position as a priestess of Aphrodite, the details of her Judean heritage and half siblings of other varying descent were still a closely kept secret for the most part. Though the tone of her skin and tilt of her nose might have given off hints even if they weren't spoken of.
"I was so excited to be here, given such a position. My mother is very proud of how I have managed to gain work in a royal house." She would be less proud if she knew of how close to royalty Briseis had gotten, upset that her daughter had fallen into the exact sort of thing she had wanted her to avoid. But this was different, Briseis had love, a connection with one man who was unmarried, she was not living the life of a priestess. It was difficult to know that this would be a disappointment, but more difficult still to think of breaking away from Achilleas' strong arms.
She had clever hands, Briseis. Good at finding and unravelling the little knots that formed within the well-cut muscles of his shoulders, at encouraging relaxation. As a concept, it didn't come easily to the Mikaelidas Lord. Achilleas was not good at switching off, ever conscious of appearance and expectation. It made these rare moments a bit of a treasure, a refuge of sorts. Certainly, one that he didn’t find much outside of Euttica. But yes, the golden-haired girl had gone some way to make his time in Vasiliadon more enjoyable.
Briseis was so glad of whatever he offered her: curling upon him like a cat and basking in the small affections they shared, their time together let him shut off in a manner that he rarely did. She didn’t ask more than he was willing to give, and he had nothing to prove to a serving girl. Smiling as she settled herself against his shoulder he was appreciating the sight of her, sleek and golden when she answered his question, and Achilleas was mostly listening as he leant his head back against the edge of the bath, eyes slitted against the steam.
They might be from two different walks of life, but it seemed there were some similarities. He had been sixteen when he’d left his parents home and taken the barony in Euttica. Briseis had been a couple of years younger than that, and he wondered what that must have been like, leaving her province to come to the capital. “ Were you afraid?” he asked, not lifting his head but letting the words drift lazily upward like the cypress scented steam that curled about them. His hands had slid lower to settle upon the swell of her rear, squeezing lightly. When the girl spoke of her taking her position in his father’s house, he supposed it must be something to be proud off, the name Mikaelidas no thing to be sniffed at.
“Are you treated well?” he asked, genuinely curious as to what kind of experience Briseis had. He didn’t think she would necessarily speak the entire truth, he was hardly impartial after all, but maybe he would get a sense from her answer. Meena, he was sure, could be unkind and his father…
Well, of course, the face that Irakles presented to others was often quite different to the version Achilleas found himself in the company of, so perhaps he was a sweet old thing to Briseis and her fellows. Frowning a little as he felt some of his sense of ease slip away, the Lord decided he didn’t want to think about his father at all then, and without warning, he slipped under the water to submerge himself, effectively dunking the girl curled atop him too.
He was smiling, a rare moment of playfulness when he appeared spluttering from the water, dark hair plastered across his forehead in waves. “Oh sorry, Did I get you wet” He didn’t sound terribly contrite though, nor act it when he pulled her in for a long and lingering kiss. And he seemed even less worried about the water that sloshed everywhere when he gathered her up and rose from the bath to carry her through into the adjoining rooms where his bed was, setting her down upon the sheets still dripping and covering her with the expanse of his body, clean and warm from the bath.
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She had clever hands, Briseis. Good at finding and unravelling the little knots that formed within the well-cut muscles of his shoulders, at encouraging relaxation. As a concept, it didn't come easily to the Mikaelidas Lord. Achilleas was not good at switching off, ever conscious of appearance and expectation. It made these rare moments a bit of a treasure, a refuge of sorts. Certainly, one that he didn’t find much outside of Euttica. But yes, the golden-haired girl had gone some way to make his time in Vasiliadon more enjoyable.
Briseis was so glad of whatever he offered her: curling upon him like a cat and basking in the small affections they shared, their time together let him shut off in a manner that he rarely did. She didn’t ask more than he was willing to give, and he had nothing to prove to a serving girl. Smiling as she settled herself against his shoulder he was appreciating the sight of her, sleek and golden when she answered his question, and Achilleas was mostly listening as he leant his head back against the edge of the bath, eyes slitted against the steam.
They might be from two different walks of life, but it seemed there were some similarities. He had been sixteen when he’d left his parents home and taken the barony in Euttica. Briseis had been a couple of years younger than that, and he wondered what that must have been like, leaving her province to come to the capital. “ Were you afraid?” he asked, not lifting his head but letting the words drift lazily upward like the cypress scented steam that curled about them. His hands had slid lower to settle upon the swell of her rear, squeezing lightly. When the girl spoke of her taking her position in his father’s house, he supposed it must be something to be proud off, the name Mikaelidas no thing to be sniffed at.
“Are you treated well?” he asked, genuinely curious as to what kind of experience Briseis had. He didn’t think she would necessarily speak the entire truth, he was hardly impartial after all, but maybe he would get a sense from her answer. Meena, he was sure, could be unkind and his father…
Well, of course, the face that Irakles presented to others was often quite different to the version Achilleas found himself in the company of, so perhaps he was a sweet old thing to Briseis and her fellows. Frowning a little as he felt some of his sense of ease slip away, the Lord decided he didn’t want to think about his father at all then, and without warning, he slipped under the water to submerge himself, effectively dunking the girl curled atop him too.
He was smiling, a rare moment of playfulness when he appeared spluttering from the water, dark hair plastered across his forehead in waves. “Oh sorry, Did I get you wet” He didn’t sound terribly contrite though, nor act it when he pulled her in for a long and lingering kiss. And he seemed even less worried about the water that sloshed everywhere when he gathered her up and rose from the bath to carry her through into the adjoining rooms where his bed was, setting her down upon the sheets still dripping and covering her with the expanse of his body, clean and warm from the bath.
She had clever hands, Briseis. Good at finding and unravelling the little knots that formed within the well-cut muscles of his shoulders, at encouraging relaxation. As a concept, it didn't come easily to the Mikaelidas Lord. Achilleas was not good at switching off, ever conscious of appearance and expectation. It made these rare moments a bit of a treasure, a refuge of sorts. Certainly, one that he didn’t find much outside of Euttica. But yes, the golden-haired girl had gone some way to make his time in Vasiliadon more enjoyable.
Briseis was so glad of whatever he offered her: curling upon him like a cat and basking in the small affections they shared, their time together let him shut off in a manner that he rarely did. She didn’t ask more than he was willing to give, and he had nothing to prove to a serving girl. Smiling as she settled herself against his shoulder he was appreciating the sight of her, sleek and golden when she answered his question, and Achilleas was mostly listening as he leant his head back against the edge of the bath, eyes slitted against the steam.
They might be from two different walks of life, but it seemed there were some similarities. He had been sixteen when he’d left his parents home and taken the barony in Euttica. Briseis had been a couple of years younger than that, and he wondered what that must have been like, leaving her province to come to the capital. “ Were you afraid?” he asked, not lifting his head but letting the words drift lazily upward like the cypress scented steam that curled about them. His hands had slid lower to settle upon the swell of her rear, squeezing lightly. When the girl spoke of her taking her position in his father’s house, he supposed it must be something to be proud off, the name Mikaelidas no thing to be sniffed at.
“Are you treated well?” he asked, genuinely curious as to what kind of experience Briseis had. He didn’t think she would necessarily speak the entire truth, he was hardly impartial after all, but maybe he would get a sense from her answer. Meena, he was sure, could be unkind and his father…
Well, of course, the face that Irakles presented to others was often quite different to the version Achilleas found himself in the company of, so perhaps he was a sweet old thing to Briseis and her fellows. Frowning a little as he felt some of his sense of ease slip away, the Lord decided he didn’t want to think about his father at all then, and without warning, he slipped under the water to submerge himself, effectively dunking the girl curled atop him too.
He was smiling, a rare moment of playfulness when he appeared spluttering from the water, dark hair plastered across his forehead in waves. “Oh sorry, Did I get you wet” He didn’t sound terribly contrite though, nor act it when he pulled her in for a long and lingering kiss. And he seemed even less worried about the water that sloshed everywhere when he gathered her up and rose from the bath to carry her through into the adjoining rooms where his bed was, setting her down upon the sheets still dripping and covering her with the expanse of his body, clean and warm from the bath.
Briseis laid her head against Achilleas' chest, hands still working at the knots along the back of his neck and shoulders as they simply lingered in the heat of the water together. His question caught her somewhat off guard and she had to take a moment to consider it before she replied.
"No. I was more afraid to stay there."
Had she stayed in Maliania she would no doubt have been taken into service at the temple, there wasn't much else to do in the province and it would have been that choice or putting herself in a brothel for survival. While she had no complaints in what she did here, her affair with him was her choice, not the result of no further prospects to be found. Here she had a full belly and things to occupy her day and time of both work and pleasure, all that she could ask for and more. And it had brought her to him. No doubt he hadn't wanted all of this information when he had asked, and though she considered sharing it, instead she bit her lip and slid her hands through his hair, tucking her face against his chest and pressing a kiss to the smooth skin there.
"I am, the head servants are kind, and the housekeeper treats me like one of her own. I don't much get to serve the family, aside from those who call me to them." Briseis smiled, tracing her fingers across the curls of hair that marked his broad chest, slowly letting them run down his torso. "These are my favorite days."
Before she could turn to kiss him again or properly finish her words she was suddenly submerged, too quick to shriek when suddenly she was breathing the air again. Laughter bubbled out of her chest as she sat back enough to brush the curtain of blonde curls that had suddenly become heavy and soaked out of her face, her smile broadening as she saw his own. She was convinced there was no man more handsome or kind than Achilleas, and especially when they were like this there was no where else she would rather be.
Sticking her tongue out at him and giving a little splash in a tease, her arms still wound around his neck to pull herself against him and meet his lips, any annoyance quickly soothed by his affection. Her legs wrapped around him as he stood, carrying them over to the bed and sending a rush of desire trough her as he laid them down. Whether he meant to tease her until he had to leave or if he would have her more than once that night didn't matter, any time she had with him was worth the moment, and she was not so secretly desperate for the affection and attention he gave her.
She slid her hands through his dark hair, lifting herself up to kiss him boldly, legs parted and hooked about his hips as she brought their bodies as close as they could. Bracketed by his heat and weight all around her, she didn't know if she had ever felt so entirely secure and safe before in her life.
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Briseis laid her head against Achilleas' chest, hands still working at the knots along the back of his neck and shoulders as they simply lingered in the heat of the water together. His question caught her somewhat off guard and she had to take a moment to consider it before she replied.
"No. I was more afraid to stay there."
Had she stayed in Maliania she would no doubt have been taken into service at the temple, there wasn't much else to do in the province and it would have been that choice or putting herself in a brothel for survival. While she had no complaints in what she did here, her affair with him was her choice, not the result of no further prospects to be found. Here she had a full belly and things to occupy her day and time of both work and pleasure, all that she could ask for and more. And it had brought her to him. No doubt he hadn't wanted all of this information when he had asked, and though she considered sharing it, instead she bit her lip and slid her hands through his hair, tucking her face against his chest and pressing a kiss to the smooth skin there.
"I am, the head servants are kind, and the housekeeper treats me like one of her own. I don't much get to serve the family, aside from those who call me to them." Briseis smiled, tracing her fingers across the curls of hair that marked his broad chest, slowly letting them run down his torso. "These are my favorite days."
Before she could turn to kiss him again or properly finish her words she was suddenly submerged, too quick to shriek when suddenly she was breathing the air again. Laughter bubbled out of her chest as she sat back enough to brush the curtain of blonde curls that had suddenly become heavy and soaked out of her face, her smile broadening as she saw his own. She was convinced there was no man more handsome or kind than Achilleas, and especially when they were like this there was no where else she would rather be.
Sticking her tongue out at him and giving a little splash in a tease, her arms still wound around his neck to pull herself against him and meet his lips, any annoyance quickly soothed by his affection. Her legs wrapped around him as he stood, carrying them over to the bed and sending a rush of desire trough her as he laid them down. Whether he meant to tease her until he had to leave or if he would have her more than once that night didn't matter, any time she had with him was worth the moment, and she was not so secretly desperate for the affection and attention he gave her.
She slid her hands through his dark hair, lifting herself up to kiss him boldly, legs parted and hooked about his hips as she brought their bodies as close as they could. Bracketed by his heat and weight all around her, she didn't know if she had ever felt so entirely secure and safe before in her life.
Briseis laid her head against Achilleas' chest, hands still working at the knots along the back of his neck and shoulders as they simply lingered in the heat of the water together. His question caught her somewhat off guard and she had to take a moment to consider it before she replied.
"No. I was more afraid to stay there."
Had she stayed in Maliania she would no doubt have been taken into service at the temple, there wasn't much else to do in the province and it would have been that choice or putting herself in a brothel for survival. While she had no complaints in what she did here, her affair with him was her choice, not the result of no further prospects to be found. Here she had a full belly and things to occupy her day and time of both work and pleasure, all that she could ask for and more. And it had brought her to him. No doubt he hadn't wanted all of this information when he had asked, and though she considered sharing it, instead she bit her lip and slid her hands through his hair, tucking her face against his chest and pressing a kiss to the smooth skin there.
"I am, the head servants are kind, and the housekeeper treats me like one of her own. I don't much get to serve the family, aside from those who call me to them." Briseis smiled, tracing her fingers across the curls of hair that marked his broad chest, slowly letting them run down his torso. "These are my favorite days."
Before she could turn to kiss him again or properly finish her words she was suddenly submerged, too quick to shriek when suddenly she was breathing the air again. Laughter bubbled out of her chest as she sat back enough to brush the curtain of blonde curls that had suddenly become heavy and soaked out of her face, her smile broadening as she saw his own. She was convinced there was no man more handsome or kind than Achilleas, and especially when they were like this there was no where else she would rather be.
Sticking her tongue out at him and giving a little splash in a tease, her arms still wound around his neck to pull herself against him and meet his lips, any annoyance quickly soothed by his affection. Her legs wrapped around him as he stood, carrying them over to the bed and sending a rush of desire trough her as he laid them down. Whether he meant to tease her until he had to leave or if he would have her more than once that night didn't matter, any time she had with him was worth the moment, and she was not so secretly desperate for the affection and attention he gave her.
She slid her hands through his dark hair, lifting herself up to kiss him boldly, legs parted and hooked about his hips as she brought their bodies as close as they could. Bracketed by his heat and weight all around her, she didn't know if she had ever felt so entirely secure and safe before in her life.
There was the subtle quirk of a brow, an almost imperceptible sign that the Lord had noted and was perplexed at the notion that the girl would have been scared to remain at home with her family. For a moment, he considered pressing her further, to satisfy his curiosity but in the end, he held back. Perhaps a question for another time.
It was not that Achilleas led a life entirely separated from those of common birth: in Euttica, he quite often heard the petitions of those who tended the land and the orchards, and in the military, there were men from all walks of life. But this...dalliance with Briseis afforded him a window into a world he might not otherwise have seen and it would have been a lie to say he did not find it fascinating in some regards.
He made an absent sort of noise in his throat to show he was listening, lips curving into a smile when she spoke of her most favourite times. “You are too easily pleased” It was flattering, to be so adored, and honestly, a feeling that the lord coveted, even if he would not openly admit such a thing. But when he settled her back upon his bed a few moments later, Achilleas allowed himself to enjoy her open affection, kissing her back and smiling against her mouth as she clung to him like a limpet.
He slipped his hands from her hips down to the swell of her rear, pulling her closer still so she could feel the evidence of his arousal. They had time, probably, before he was called to dinner, and he did not know that he could make himself wait. She made an appealing sight, skin damp and glistening and with that entirely admiring expression as if she could not quite believe her luck in being here with him. It would have bolstered anyone’s ego, and he was but a man, after all.
Sword- calloused fingers gently quested between them, teasing, making a passing attempt at stroking her to readiness. But she was always so welcoming, so eager for him that Achilleas was lazy about it. Pulling his hand away from her, he braced one by her head, used the other to bracket her hip as he pushed into her, drawing her ever closer. There were no sweet nothings whispered against her skin, no words at all as he laid claim to her. Kisses pressed to her throat and her shoulder, the slide of his warm hand down her thigh as he hitched her closer to him. He was quiet, controlled even in this, and afterwards, when he had spilt in her and rolled off so as not to crush her beneath his weight, he let her curl against him for only a few moments, a hand idly caressing her back before it paused in its path.
“Don’t let anyone find you in here when I’m gone” he muttered from under the arm thrown over his face. “ You shouldn’t be disturbed but..well, you know.”
Of course, she knew. He had ma no secret of his desire to keep what was between them far from the lips of gossips. He trusted Briseis, she had done much to prove herself to him, but the rest of the staff? As likely to be spying for Meena as anything else.
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There was the subtle quirk of a brow, an almost imperceptible sign that the Lord had noted and was perplexed at the notion that the girl would have been scared to remain at home with her family. For a moment, he considered pressing her further, to satisfy his curiosity but in the end, he held back. Perhaps a question for another time.
It was not that Achilleas led a life entirely separated from those of common birth: in Euttica, he quite often heard the petitions of those who tended the land and the orchards, and in the military, there were men from all walks of life. But this...dalliance with Briseis afforded him a window into a world he might not otherwise have seen and it would have been a lie to say he did not find it fascinating in some regards.
He made an absent sort of noise in his throat to show he was listening, lips curving into a smile when she spoke of her most favourite times. “You are too easily pleased” It was flattering, to be so adored, and honestly, a feeling that the lord coveted, even if he would not openly admit such a thing. But when he settled her back upon his bed a few moments later, Achilleas allowed himself to enjoy her open affection, kissing her back and smiling against her mouth as she clung to him like a limpet.
He slipped his hands from her hips down to the swell of her rear, pulling her closer still so she could feel the evidence of his arousal. They had time, probably, before he was called to dinner, and he did not know that he could make himself wait. She made an appealing sight, skin damp and glistening and with that entirely admiring expression as if she could not quite believe her luck in being here with him. It would have bolstered anyone’s ego, and he was but a man, after all.
Sword- calloused fingers gently quested between them, teasing, making a passing attempt at stroking her to readiness. But she was always so welcoming, so eager for him that Achilleas was lazy about it. Pulling his hand away from her, he braced one by her head, used the other to bracket her hip as he pushed into her, drawing her ever closer. There were no sweet nothings whispered against her skin, no words at all as he laid claim to her. Kisses pressed to her throat and her shoulder, the slide of his warm hand down her thigh as he hitched her closer to him. He was quiet, controlled even in this, and afterwards, when he had spilt in her and rolled off so as not to crush her beneath his weight, he let her curl against him for only a few moments, a hand idly caressing her back before it paused in its path.
“Don’t let anyone find you in here when I’m gone” he muttered from under the arm thrown over his face. “ You shouldn’t be disturbed but..well, you know.”
Of course, she knew. He had ma no secret of his desire to keep what was between them far from the lips of gossips. He trusted Briseis, she had done much to prove herself to him, but the rest of the staff? As likely to be spying for Meena as anything else.
There was the subtle quirk of a brow, an almost imperceptible sign that the Lord had noted and was perplexed at the notion that the girl would have been scared to remain at home with her family. For a moment, he considered pressing her further, to satisfy his curiosity but in the end, he held back. Perhaps a question for another time.
It was not that Achilleas led a life entirely separated from those of common birth: in Euttica, he quite often heard the petitions of those who tended the land and the orchards, and in the military, there were men from all walks of life. But this...dalliance with Briseis afforded him a window into a world he might not otherwise have seen and it would have been a lie to say he did not find it fascinating in some regards.
He made an absent sort of noise in his throat to show he was listening, lips curving into a smile when she spoke of her most favourite times. “You are too easily pleased” It was flattering, to be so adored, and honestly, a feeling that the lord coveted, even if he would not openly admit such a thing. But when he settled her back upon his bed a few moments later, Achilleas allowed himself to enjoy her open affection, kissing her back and smiling against her mouth as she clung to him like a limpet.
He slipped his hands from her hips down to the swell of her rear, pulling her closer still so she could feel the evidence of his arousal. They had time, probably, before he was called to dinner, and he did not know that he could make himself wait. She made an appealing sight, skin damp and glistening and with that entirely admiring expression as if she could not quite believe her luck in being here with him. It would have bolstered anyone’s ego, and he was but a man, after all.
Sword- calloused fingers gently quested between them, teasing, making a passing attempt at stroking her to readiness. But she was always so welcoming, so eager for him that Achilleas was lazy about it. Pulling his hand away from her, he braced one by her head, used the other to bracket her hip as he pushed into her, drawing her ever closer. There were no sweet nothings whispered against her skin, no words at all as he laid claim to her. Kisses pressed to her throat and her shoulder, the slide of his warm hand down her thigh as he hitched her closer to him. He was quiet, controlled even in this, and afterwards, when he had spilt in her and rolled off so as not to crush her beneath his weight, he let her curl against him for only a few moments, a hand idly caressing her back before it paused in its path.
“Don’t let anyone find you in here when I’m gone” he muttered from under the arm thrown over his face. “ You shouldn’t be disturbed but..well, you know.”
Of course, she knew. He had ma no secret of his desire to keep what was between them far from the lips of gossips. He trusted Briseis, she had done much to prove herself to him, but the rest of the staff? As likely to be spying for Meena as anything else.
Every touch was setting her ablaze, whether he intended it to or not, and as his fingers brushed against her most intimate part she had to bite down on her lip, soft sighs and gasps were all she allowed herself to prevent anyone outside from hearing them. It was too easy to get lost when she was with him, his hands and breath upon her skin, the weight and heat of him intoxicating unlike any other. Her experience was limited to few, and of those she could claim he was the only one who had made her feel as stories said she ought to. Women spoke of their relations with men in a different manner, but she couldn't imagine anything better than this in comparison to the rutting of the boys she had known before.
As he finished Briseis curled to his side, eager as always to be close to him and soak up the moments when he allowed this easy affection, wishing as always it would last longer than it did. She'd chosen long ago not to see it for what it was, a distancing of himself in an attempt to prevent attachment. She'd become far too attached already for what this was, and the rose colored glass before her showed nothing but perfection. After all, the way his hand slid gently along her back as she laid her head against his chest and brushed her own fingers along the contours of muscle in his abdomen could only be affection.
She sighed softly and gave a nod, content to remain in his bed if he wasn't going to send her back to her own quarters while he was gone. "Of course. No one will find me here." The luxury of the sheets and the fullness of the pillows were a siren song, and though she didn't want to miss his return she already felt her eyes beginning to grow heavy. Her work of the day and their activities of the evening thus far would prevent her curiosity from getting out of hand. Pressing a kiss to his chest, she slipped from his side and broke the spell woven before he had a chance to push her away. He would need to dress and prepare himself for dinner shortly, and as much as she wanted to stay connected to him forever, it was impossible.
"Do you require assistance to prepare for dinner, my lord?"
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Every touch was setting her ablaze, whether he intended it to or not, and as his fingers brushed against her most intimate part she had to bite down on her lip, soft sighs and gasps were all she allowed herself to prevent anyone outside from hearing them. It was too easy to get lost when she was with him, his hands and breath upon her skin, the weight and heat of him intoxicating unlike any other. Her experience was limited to few, and of those she could claim he was the only one who had made her feel as stories said she ought to. Women spoke of their relations with men in a different manner, but she couldn't imagine anything better than this in comparison to the rutting of the boys she had known before.
As he finished Briseis curled to his side, eager as always to be close to him and soak up the moments when he allowed this easy affection, wishing as always it would last longer than it did. She'd chosen long ago not to see it for what it was, a distancing of himself in an attempt to prevent attachment. She'd become far too attached already for what this was, and the rose colored glass before her showed nothing but perfection. After all, the way his hand slid gently along her back as she laid her head against his chest and brushed her own fingers along the contours of muscle in his abdomen could only be affection.
She sighed softly and gave a nod, content to remain in his bed if he wasn't going to send her back to her own quarters while he was gone. "Of course. No one will find me here." The luxury of the sheets and the fullness of the pillows were a siren song, and though she didn't want to miss his return she already felt her eyes beginning to grow heavy. Her work of the day and their activities of the evening thus far would prevent her curiosity from getting out of hand. Pressing a kiss to his chest, she slipped from his side and broke the spell woven before he had a chance to push her away. He would need to dress and prepare himself for dinner shortly, and as much as she wanted to stay connected to him forever, it was impossible.
"Do you require assistance to prepare for dinner, my lord?"
Every touch was setting her ablaze, whether he intended it to or not, and as his fingers brushed against her most intimate part she had to bite down on her lip, soft sighs and gasps were all she allowed herself to prevent anyone outside from hearing them. It was too easy to get lost when she was with him, his hands and breath upon her skin, the weight and heat of him intoxicating unlike any other. Her experience was limited to few, and of those she could claim he was the only one who had made her feel as stories said she ought to. Women spoke of their relations with men in a different manner, but she couldn't imagine anything better than this in comparison to the rutting of the boys she had known before.
As he finished Briseis curled to his side, eager as always to be close to him and soak up the moments when he allowed this easy affection, wishing as always it would last longer than it did. She'd chosen long ago not to see it for what it was, a distancing of himself in an attempt to prevent attachment. She'd become far too attached already for what this was, and the rose colored glass before her showed nothing but perfection. After all, the way his hand slid gently along her back as she laid her head against his chest and brushed her own fingers along the contours of muscle in his abdomen could only be affection.
She sighed softly and gave a nod, content to remain in his bed if he wasn't going to send her back to her own quarters while he was gone. "Of course. No one will find me here." The luxury of the sheets and the fullness of the pillows were a siren song, and though she didn't want to miss his return she already felt her eyes beginning to grow heavy. Her work of the day and their activities of the evening thus far would prevent her curiosity from getting out of hand. Pressing a kiss to his chest, she slipped from his side and broke the spell woven before he had a chance to push her away. He would need to dress and prepare himself for dinner shortly, and as much as she wanted to stay connected to him forever, it was impossible.
"Do you require assistance to prepare for dinner, my lord?"
He would have liked to have stayed put, maybe dozed a while and then enjoyed her again. The brief moments of closeness that he got with her had to sustain him until he next came to Vasiliadon, and he was growing a little too used to it, a little too comfortable.
It was why he stopped in the lazy stroking of his fingers down her spine, reminded her - and himself - that it would not do to become complacent.
Much as he might have preferred to lounge in bed for a few hours, it was not an option. The last thing he needed was for someone to be sent to fetch him for dinner and to find his little secret curled up next to him. Achilleas valued his privacy too much and had no desire to draw attention to the arrangement he and Briseis had come too. He was already pushing the line of the boundaries he’d set himself by inviting her to stay for the night.
Almost as if she had read his mind, heard him second-guessing the decision, it was Briseis who pulled away, dropping a kiss upon the broad expanse of his chest before she was gone and there was cold where she had lain warm against him. It was a little jarring, and Achilleas dropped his arm to glance across at her as she asked if he needed any assistance to ready himself for dinner.
“Uh…” The lord pushed up to sitting, brow furrowed as he was the one left floundering and trying to snap back into routine after their little sojourn into more pleasurable distractions. He should clean up a little and get dressed, he supposed.
“You can pick me out something to wear,” he said, glancing at her as he walked barefoot back into the bathing chamber to quickly wipe down with a damp cloth. He paused to slick his hair back away from his face, trying to tame the unruly curls that were threatening to run riot. Eventually, he gave up and just smoothed a little oil through his hair, so they were at least not so fluffy.
Back in his bedroom, he moved first to slide the gold armband onto his right bicep. Depicting the Mikaelidas lion, it had been a gift on his coming of age and had been faithfully resized as he had grown bulkier, built more muscle over the years since. Twisting it so the lion faced outwards as it should, Achilleas looked to Briseis to see what she had laid out, smiled at her and then motioned toward it so she might help wrap and pin it in place. That their height difference made it more of a task than it might have been made him laugh, and he looked down at her and leant in for a kiss, sweet and unthinking.
It was only as he broke away that he seemed to realise what he’d done, the unprompted affection a little outside of what had become their normal and he was frowning as he turned away, fiddling with the fibula at his shoulder. “I should go before I am summoned” Achilleas said crisply, strapping his knife to his belt and not looking toward the girl. “I’ll...see you later.”
And then he was gone, striding from the room without a backward glance, leaving her with the scent of cedar and cypress and the feeling that he was somehow displeased.
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He would have liked to have stayed put, maybe dozed a while and then enjoyed her again. The brief moments of closeness that he got with her had to sustain him until he next came to Vasiliadon, and he was growing a little too used to it, a little too comfortable.
It was why he stopped in the lazy stroking of his fingers down her spine, reminded her - and himself - that it would not do to become complacent.
Much as he might have preferred to lounge in bed for a few hours, it was not an option. The last thing he needed was for someone to be sent to fetch him for dinner and to find his little secret curled up next to him. Achilleas valued his privacy too much and had no desire to draw attention to the arrangement he and Briseis had come too. He was already pushing the line of the boundaries he’d set himself by inviting her to stay for the night.
Almost as if she had read his mind, heard him second-guessing the decision, it was Briseis who pulled away, dropping a kiss upon the broad expanse of his chest before she was gone and there was cold where she had lain warm against him. It was a little jarring, and Achilleas dropped his arm to glance across at her as she asked if he needed any assistance to ready himself for dinner.
“Uh…” The lord pushed up to sitting, brow furrowed as he was the one left floundering and trying to snap back into routine after their little sojourn into more pleasurable distractions. He should clean up a little and get dressed, he supposed.
“You can pick me out something to wear,” he said, glancing at her as he walked barefoot back into the bathing chamber to quickly wipe down with a damp cloth. He paused to slick his hair back away from his face, trying to tame the unruly curls that were threatening to run riot. Eventually, he gave up and just smoothed a little oil through his hair, so they were at least not so fluffy.
Back in his bedroom, he moved first to slide the gold armband onto his right bicep. Depicting the Mikaelidas lion, it had been a gift on his coming of age and had been faithfully resized as he had grown bulkier, built more muscle over the years since. Twisting it so the lion faced outwards as it should, Achilleas looked to Briseis to see what she had laid out, smiled at her and then motioned toward it so she might help wrap and pin it in place. That their height difference made it more of a task than it might have been made him laugh, and he looked down at her and leant in for a kiss, sweet and unthinking.
It was only as he broke away that he seemed to realise what he’d done, the unprompted affection a little outside of what had become their normal and he was frowning as he turned away, fiddling with the fibula at his shoulder. “I should go before I am summoned” Achilleas said crisply, strapping his knife to his belt and not looking toward the girl. “I’ll...see you later.”
And then he was gone, striding from the room without a backward glance, leaving her with the scent of cedar and cypress and the feeling that he was somehow displeased.
He would have liked to have stayed put, maybe dozed a while and then enjoyed her again. The brief moments of closeness that he got with her had to sustain him until he next came to Vasiliadon, and he was growing a little too used to it, a little too comfortable.
It was why he stopped in the lazy stroking of his fingers down her spine, reminded her - and himself - that it would not do to become complacent.
Much as he might have preferred to lounge in bed for a few hours, it was not an option. The last thing he needed was for someone to be sent to fetch him for dinner and to find his little secret curled up next to him. Achilleas valued his privacy too much and had no desire to draw attention to the arrangement he and Briseis had come too. He was already pushing the line of the boundaries he’d set himself by inviting her to stay for the night.
Almost as if she had read his mind, heard him second-guessing the decision, it was Briseis who pulled away, dropping a kiss upon the broad expanse of his chest before she was gone and there was cold where she had lain warm against him. It was a little jarring, and Achilleas dropped his arm to glance across at her as she asked if he needed any assistance to ready himself for dinner.
“Uh…” The lord pushed up to sitting, brow furrowed as he was the one left floundering and trying to snap back into routine after their little sojourn into more pleasurable distractions. He should clean up a little and get dressed, he supposed.
“You can pick me out something to wear,” he said, glancing at her as he walked barefoot back into the bathing chamber to quickly wipe down with a damp cloth. He paused to slick his hair back away from his face, trying to tame the unruly curls that were threatening to run riot. Eventually, he gave up and just smoothed a little oil through his hair, so they were at least not so fluffy.
Back in his bedroom, he moved first to slide the gold armband onto his right bicep. Depicting the Mikaelidas lion, it had been a gift on his coming of age and had been faithfully resized as he had grown bulkier, built more muscle over the years since. Twisting it so the lion faced outwards as it should, Achilleas looked to Briseis to see what she had laid out, smiled at her and then motioned toward it so she might help wrap and pin it in place. That their height difference made it more of a task than it might have been made him laugh, and he looked down at her and leant in for a kiss, sweet and unthinking.
It was only as he broke away that he seemed to realise what he’d done, the unprompted affection a little outside of what had become their normal and he was frowning as he turned away, fiddling with the fibula at his shoulder. “I should go before I am summoned” Achilleas said crisply, strapping his knife to his belt and not looking toward the girl. “I’ll...see you later.”
And then he was gone, striding from the room without a backward glance, leaving her with the scent of cedar and cypress and the feeling that he was somehow displeased.