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He did not like the painting. After a half hour of debate, Elias decided that it was... too serene.
He sat, lounged on the largest of the chaise in the Xanthos' living quarters, staring at a framed painting that he recalled had been there since his childhood. He thought that Queen Lucille might have had it hung at one point which only proved just how old and out of fashion it was. He had enjoyed looking at it, as a child, remembered spending hours cross-legged on the colourful rug on the floor and just staring at the detail. A picture of the coastline with people frolicking around the water's edge, animals and birds in the nearby trees and detail in the architecture of the builds just to one side. It held so much that Elias had spent so much time just trying to take in all of the miniscule attentions that the painter had applied to canvas.
Yet he now decided, after much debate, a cup of wine in hand, that he didn't like it. The scene it portrayed was happy and easy and whilst he had no issues with the emotions of joy and contentedness, there was something missing in the paint that made it... boring.
Despite all the detail and quirks and attentions that the painter had offered it, there was no passion in the subject manner. No drive, no conflict no splash of drama or flattering curves of muscular action. Elias preferred images of the great Gods @apollo or @ares... the way they shone with movement, their robes billowing, their limbs strong as they held weaponry crafted in the great Olympus forge. Images of the Underworld were impressive but not to his liking, for Elias disliked the reminder of mortality. And Poseidon was a God he greatly feared for the majesty and power he commanded over the sea. He didn't like to be reminded by artistry that his entire family's business could be sunk to the bottom of the oceans if Poseidon so chose. Which is why, in his own chambers in the Stravos manor, Ares and Apollo were perhaps the most featured. A large painting of either of them would do better than the one that hung here now.
Curling his lip in distaste, Elias twisted in his position on the chaise and reached for a piece of roasted meat. The kitchens had used some kind of glaze on the poultry to turn it spicy and sweet. And he despite the fact that it left a stickiness on his fingers, he was quite partial to it nowadays. He had spent so many meals - and the occasional nights - in the palati that he could hardly not have done. And now that his engagement to little Emilia had been formally declared, he was staying here permanently.
He had yet to install himself in the king's old quarters because that would certainly set tongues wagging of his ambitions but such an eventuality could only come to pass in time. Instead, he was quite content in how all had progressed (despite the mess that had been the announcement with that rumour of Persephone being alive). Everything else was really starting to pan out. He had gone from house arrest to living in the palati, had pushed his accusations of treason so far to the back of everyone's mind they appeared to have been forgotten altogether, secured little Emilia's heart enough to have her agree to marriage and his parents were still working the shaming angle against the Xanthos name.
Yes, there was hardly a wrinkle.
It was then that a servant announced that the Lady Evi of Antonis had arrived to speak with him.
Ah. Elias thought. He knew he had forgotten something.
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He did not like the painting. After a half hour of debate, Elias decided that it was... too serene.
He sat, lounged on the largest of the chaise in the Xanthos' living quarters, staring at a framed painting that he recalled had been there since his childhood. He thought that Queen Lucille might have had it hung at one point which only proved just how old and out of fashion it was. He had enjoyed looking at it, as a child, remembered spending hours cross-legged on the colourful rug on the floor and just staring at the detail. A picture of the coastline with people frolicking around the water's edge, animals and birds in the nearby trees and detail in the architecture of the builds just to one side. It held so much that Elias had spent so much time just trying to take in all of the miniscule attentions that the painter had applied to canvas.
Yet he now decided, after much debate, a cup of wine in hand, that he didn't like it. The scene it portrayed was happy and easy and whilst he had no issues with the emotions of joy and contentedness, there was something missing in the paint that made it... boring.
Despite all the detail and quirks and attentions that the painter had offered it, there was no passion in the subject manner. No drive, no conflict no splash of drama or flattering curves of muscular action. Elias preferred images of the great Gods @apollo or @ares... the way they shone with movement, their robes billowing, their limbs strong as they held weaponry crafted in the great Olympus forge. Images of the Underworld were impressive but not to his liking, for Elias disliked the reminder of mortality. And Poseidon was a God he greatly feared for the majesty and power he commanded over the sea. He didn't like to be reminded by artistry that his entire family's business could be sunk to the bottom of the oceans if Poseidon so chose. Which is why, in his own chambers in the Stravos manor, Ares and Apollo were perhaps the most featured. A large painting of either of them would do better than the one that hung here now.
Curling his lip in distaste, Elias twisted in his position on the chaise and reached for a piece of roasted meat. The kitchens had used some kind of glaze on the poultry to turn it spicy and sweet. And he despite the fact that it left a stickiness on his fingers, he was quite partial to it nowadays. He had spent so many meals - and the occasional nights - in the palati that he could hardly not have done. And now that his engagement to little Emilia had been formally declared, he was staying here permanently.
He had yet to install himself in the king's old quarters because that would certainly set tongues wagging of his ambitions but such an eventuality could only come to pass in time. Instead, he was quite content in how all had progressed (despite the mess that had been the announcement with that rumour of Persephone being alive). Everything else was really starting to pan out. He had gone from house arrest to living in the palati, had pushed his accusations of treason so far to the back of everyone's mind they appeared to have been forgotten altogether, secured little Emilia's heart enough to have her agree to marriage and his parents were still working the shaming angle against the Xanthos name.
Yes, there was hardly a wrinkle.
It was then that a servant announced that the Lady Evi of Antonis had arrived to speak with him.
Ah. Elias thought. He knew he had forgotten something.
He did not like the painting. After a half hour of debate, Elias decided that it was... too serene.
He sat, lounged on the largest of the chaise in the Xanthos' living quarters, staring at a framed painting that he recalled had been there since his childhood. He thought that Queen Lucille might have had it hung at one point which only proved just how old and out of fashion it was. He had enjoyed looking at it, as a child, remembered spending hours cross-legged on the colourful rug on the floor and just staring at the detail. A picture of the coastline with people frolicking around the water's edge, animals and birds in the nearby trees and detail in the architecture of the builds just to one side. It held so much that Elias had spent so much time just trying to take in all of the miniscule attentions that the painter had applied to canvas.
Yet he now decided, after much debate, a cup of wine in hand, that he didn't like it. The scene it portrayed was happy and easy and whilst he had no issues with the emotions of joy and contentedness, there was something missing in the paint that made it... boring.
Despite all the detail and quirks and attentions that the painter had offered it, there was no passion in the subject manner. No drive, no conflict no splash of drama or flattering curves of muscular action. Elias preferred images of the great Gods @apollo or @ares... the way they shone with movement, their robes billowing, their limbs strong as they held weaponry crafted in the great Olympus forge. Images of the Underworld were impressive but not to his liking, for Elias disliked the reminder of mortality. And Poseidon was a God he greatly feared for the majesty and power he commanded over the sea. He didn't like to be reminded by artistry that his entire family's business could be sunk to the bottom of the oceans if Poseidon so chose. Which is why, in his own chambers in the Stravos manor, Ares and Apollo were perhaps the most featured. A large painting of either of them would do better than the one that hung here now.
Curling his lip in distaste, Elias twisted in his position on the chaise and reached for a piece of roasted meat. The kitchens had used some kind of glaze on the poultry to turn it spicy and sweet. And he despite the fact that it left a stickiness on his fingers, he was quite partial to it nowadays. He had spent so many meals - and the occasional nights - in the palati that he could hardly not have done. And now that his engagement to little Emilia had been formally declared, he was staying here permanently.
He had yet to install himself in the king's old quarters because that would certainly set tongues wagging of his ambitions but such an eventuality could only come to pass in time. Instead, he was quite content in how all had progressed (despite the mess that had been the announcement with that rumour of Persephone being alive). Everything else was really starting to pan out. He had gone from house arrest to living in the palati, had pushed his accusations of treason so far to the back of everyone's mind they appeared to have been forgotten altogether, secured little Emilia's heart enough to have her agree to marriage and his parents were still working the shaming angle against the Xanthos name.
Yes, there was hardly a wrinkle.
It was then that a servant announced that the Lady Evi of Antonis had arrived to speak with him.
Ah. Elias thought. He knew he had forgotten something.
She had tried to find Elias at his home, archontiko Stravos first. It was foolish, she thought in hindsight, that she might find him there. Of course he wouldn’t be spending much, if any, time in his family home. Evi already knew that Elias had effectively moved into the palace - he had told her he was there to support Emilia in this trying time. But she still wished in her heart that she would find him away from there, perhaps so that everything could be more normal. She thought back to her trip to Lyncestia, Elias’ lands, where everything was easy and the pair had nothing more to worry about than if it started to rain. Things were calmer, nicer, back then. It had been how evi had fell in love with the Stravos Lord.
But no. Things were no longer quite as simple. Athenia was… not quite in turmoil, but it wasn’t that far off. Rumours ran wild through the city, hitting the ears of noblemen, commoners and slaves alike. And Elias seemed to be at the centre of them all.
The most recent one, one Evi had already established as true, was the engagement of Elias to Emilia of Xanthos. That had hit her like a tonne of bricks, crushing her spirit, her hopes, her dreams. Of course she knew she would never marry the man: she was the third daughter of a nobleman. She would marry well, but not that well. Still, Evi had let her heart run away with her and she had dared to dream of a beautiful life with that beautiful man. Hearing of the engagement shattered those secret hopes.
Worse, she had found out the news from one of the house servants. That his her hard too, that Elias hadn’t had the decency to share the news with her personally.
Evi had debated confronting the man. She had thought of just forgetting him, or trying to. Of bumping into him one day and trying to pretend that they were nothing more than acquaintances. Maybe they’d share a few polite words, maybe they would just nod in recognition of each other. Their lives would go on, apart from each other, and they need never again address the love affair they had been having over the past few months.
But as the days passed, Evi could not stop thinking about Elias. She loved him, at least she thought she did. How could she just cast him aside and forget about him? There was no closure, when news as big as this one was mentioned off hand by a servant within earshot. She had thought to approach Marietta, and shared her woes with her sister… but their relationship was still not completely recovered from when Evi had admitted to lying to Marietta. No, nothing would do. She found herself increasingly agitated during the days, and her thoughts wandered far during the nights, keeping her up until the small hours no matter how she tried to relax. So she sought him out.
One of the palace servants led her silently through the expansive building to where Elias sat, regal as ever, drink in hand. She stared at him for some time without speaking. She was going to say something important. Something memorable. But she had forgotten it in his eyes. Instead, she managed to blurt out, “Congratulations.”
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This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
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She had tried to find Elias at his home, archontiko Stravos first. It was foolish, she thought in hindsight, that she might find him there. Of course he wouldn’t be spending much, if any, time in his family home. Evi already knew that Elias had effectively moved into the palace - he had told her he was there to support Emilia in this trying time. But she still wished in her heart that she would find him away from there, perhaps so that everything could be more normal. She thought back to her trip to Lyncestia, Elias’ lands, where everything was easy and the pair had nothing more to worry about than if it started to rain. Things were calmer, nicer, back then. It had been how evi had fell in love with the Stravos Lord.
But no. Things were no longer quite as simple. Athenia was… not quite in turmoil, but it wasn’t that far off. Rumours ran wild through the city, hitting the ears of noblemen, commoners and slaves alike. And Elias seemed to be at the centre of them all.
The most recent one, one Evi had already established as true, was the engagement of Elias to Emilia of Xanthos. That had hit her like a tonne of bricks, crushing her spirit, her hopes, her dreams. Of course she knew she would never marry the man: she was the third daughter of a nobleman. She would marry well, but not that well. Still, Evi had let her heart run away with her and she had dared to dream of a beautiful life with that beautiful man. Hearing of the engagement shattered those secret hopes.
Worse, she had found out the news from one of the house servants. That his her hard too, that Elias hadn’t had the decency to share the news with her personally.
Evi had debated confronting the man. She had thought of just forgetting him, or trying to. Of bumping into him one day and trying to pretend that they were nothing more than acquaintances. Maybe they’d share a few polite words, maybe they would just nod in recognition of each other. Their lives would go on, apart from each other, and they need never again address the love affair they had been having over the past few months.
But as the days passed, Evi could not stop thinking about Elias. She loved him, at least she thought she did. How could she just cast him aside and forget about him? There was no closure, when news as big as this one was mentioned off hand by a servant within earshot. She had thought to approach Marietta, and shared her woes with her sister… but their relationship was still not completely recovered from when Evi had admitted to lying to Marietta. No, nothing would do. She found herself increasingly agitated during the days, and her thoughts wandered far during the nights, keeping her up until the small hours no matter how she tried to relax. So she sought him out.
One of the palace servants led her silently through the expansive building to where Elias sat, regal as ever, drink in hand. She stared at him for some time without speaking. She was going to say something important. Something memorable. But she had forgotten it in his eyes. Instead, she managed to blurt out, “Congratulations.”
She had tried to find Elias at his home, archontiko Stravos first. It was foolish, she thought in hindsight, that she might find him there. Of course he wouldn’t be spending much, if any, time in his family home. Evi already knew that Elias had effectively moved into the palace - he had told her he was there to support Emilia in this trying time. But she still wished in her heart that she would find him away from there, perhaps so that everything could be more normal. She thought back to her trip to Lyncestia, Elias’ lands, where everything was easy and the pair had nothing more to worry about than if it started to rain. Things were calmer, nicer, back then. It had been how evi had fell in love with the Stravos Lord.
But no. Things were no longer quite as simple. Athenia was… not quite in turmoil, but it wasn’t that far off. Rumours ran wild through the city, hitting the ears of noblemen, commoners and slaves alike. And Elias seemed to be at the centre of them all.
The most recent one, one Evi had already established as true, was the engagement of Elias to Emilia of Xanthos. That had hit her like a tonne of bricks, crushing her spirit, her hopes, her dreams. Of course she knew she would never marry the man: she was the third daughter of a nobleman. She would marry well, but not that well. Still, Evi had let her heart run away with her and she had dared to dream of a beautiful life with that beautiful man. Hearing of the engagement shattered those secret hopes.
Worse, she had found out the news from one of the house servants. That his her hard too, that Elias hadn’t had the decency to share the news with her personally.
Evi had debated confronting the man. She had thought of just forgetting him, or trying to. Of bumping into him one day and trying to pretend that they were nothing more than acquaintances. Maybe they’d share a few polite words, maybe they would just nod in recognition of each other. Their lives would go on, apart from each other, and they need never again address the love affair they had been having over the past few months.
But as the days passed, Evi could not stop thinking about Elias. She loved him, at least she thought she did. How could she just cast him aside and forget about him? There was no closure, when news as big as this one was mentioned off hand by a servant within earshot. She had thought to approach Marietta, and shared her woes with her sister… but their relationship was still not completely recovered from when Evi had admitted to lying to Marietta. No, nothing would do. She found herself increasingly agitated during the days, and her thoughts wandered far during the nights, keeping her up until the small hours no matter how she tried to relax. So she sought him out.
One of the palace servants led her silently through the expansive building to where Elias sat, regal as ever, drink in hand. She stared at him for some time without speaking. She was going to say something important. Something memorable. But she had forgotten it in his eyes. Instead, she managed to blurt out, “Congratulations.”
Despite the fact that Elias could openly admit to having failed to prewarn his lover of his impending nuptials, Elias was only mildly chastising in himself. He had been raised to understand marriage as a political connection and, despite his parents being crazy for one another when the mood suited them, he had yet to really amalgamate the certification of matrimony with anything over just enough lust to secure a child and heir. His physical state needed to desire his wife enough to be able to produce sons but there was little more that needed to bind them in pleasure or passion. And the heart was an entirely different beast altogether. Never to be trusted.
Elias had manipulated enough of them in his time to know how fragile hearts were; how untrustworthy and fallible. He had spent many a year ignoring any messages that came from his own and shoving them down into a mental box never to be opened. He had allowed himself to be vulnerable only a few times in his life. And it had never ended well. Yes. Hearts were overrated.
Which was perhaps why he had overlooked Evi's in the process of securing his union to Princess Emilia. To Elias, the marriage to the second princess was his ticket to the throne. Even if his parents and the Stravos clan failed in turning public opinion enough to have the Senate revote for the inheritance law to be renounced and returned to its original state, Elias would be marrying the heir to the throne. One slip and removal of the Queen Persephone and he would automatically be king. As far as he was concerned, he had just ensuring his own rule by default; whichever way the dice were to fall.
Which meant that his impending union with Emilia had nothing to do with emotion or a desire to bed the little girl. She was pretty and he would be able to fulfil his husbandly duties but that was perhaps all he cared for. Evi was far more to his liking and had always been intended for his bed regardless of any other legal connections. He hadn't thought to tell Evi of his engagement because, on Elias' side, it hadn't seemed to affect her and her position in his life at all.
Perhaps this was naive or narcissistic, but it was what it was.
So, when Evi of Antonis arrived, announced by the servant and permitted into the room, Elias surveyed her with a swarthy care and eager eye before she blurted her single word of congratulations. He could only assume, given the timing of her visit that the word was chosen for his announced betrothal.
Setting the chalice of wine to one side and licking the tip of one of his fingers that still held a little of the chicken's sauce, Elias rose to his feet with a languid and nonchalant ease that came across as effortlessly sexual. He prowled towards Elias with a smile curling at his mouth, his lips around his finger for a moment longer than necessary. Reaching out to touch at her lips, Elias didn't allow the girl to escape or to be surprised in how simply he leaned in to offer her a kiss.
"Congratulations to us both..." He breathed, as his lips reached for hers. For what better promotion was there for Evi than to be the mistress of the future king of Athenia...?
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This character is currently a work in progress.
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Despite the fact that Elias could openly admit to having failed to prewarn his lover of his impending nuptials, Elias was only mildly chastising in himself. He had been raised to understand marriage as a political connection and, despite his parents being crazy for one another when the mood suited them, he had yet to really amalgamate the certification of matrimony with anything over just enough lust to secure a child and heir. His physical state needed to desire his wife enough to be able to produce sons but there was little more that needed to bind them in pleasure or passion. And the heart was an entirely different beast altogether. Never to be trusted.
Elias had manipulated enough of them in his time to know how fragile hearts were; how untrustworthy and fallible. He had spent many a year ignoring any messages that came from his own and shoving them down into a mental box never to be opened. He had allowed himself to be vulnerable only a few times in his life. And it had never ended well. Yes. Hearts were overrated.
Which was perhaps why he had overlooked Evi's in the process of securing his union to Princess Emilia. To Elias, the marriage to the second princess was his ticket to the throne. Even if his parents and the Stravos clan failed in turning public opinion enough to have the Senate revote for the inheritance law to be renounced and returned to its original state, Elias would be marrying the heir to the throne. One slip and removal of the Queen Persephone and he would automatically be king. As far as he was concerned, he had just ensuring his own rule by default; whichever way the dice were to fall.
Which meant that his impending union with Emilia had nothing to do with emotion or a desire to bed the little girl. She was pretty and he would be able to fulfil his husbandly duties but that was perhaps all he cared for. Evi was far more to his liking and had always been intended for his bed regardless of any other legal connections. He hadn't thought to tell Evi of his engagement because, on Elias' side, it hadn't seemed to affect her and her position in his life at all.
Perhaps this was naive or narcissistic, but it was what it was.
So, when Evi of Antonis arrived, announced by the servant and permitted into the room, Elias surveyed her with a swarthy care and eager eye before she blurted her single word of congratulations. He could only assume, given the timing of her visit that the word was chosen for his announced betrothal.
Setting the chalice of wine to one side and licking the tip of one of his fingers that still held a little of the chicken's sauce, Elias rose to his feet with a languid and nonchalant ease that came across as effortlessly sexual. He prowled towards Elias with a smile curling at his mouth, his lips around his finger for a moment longer than necessary. Reaching out to touch at her lips, Elias didn't allow the girl to escape or to be surprised in how simply he leaned in to offer her a kiss.
"Congratulations to us both..." He breathed, as his lips reached for hers. For what better promotion was there for Evi than to be the mistress of the future king of Athenia...?
Despite the fact that Elias could openly admit to having failed to prewarn his lover of his impending nuptials, Elias was only mildly chastising in himself. He had been raised to understand marriage as a political connection and, despite his parents being crazy for one another when the mood suited them, he had yet to really amalgamate the certification of matrimony with anything over just enough lust to secure a child and heir. His physical state needed to desire his wife enough to be able to produce sons but there was little more that needed to bind them in pleasure or passion. And the heart was an entirely different beast altogether. Never to be trusted.
Elias had manipulated enough of them in his time to know how fragile hearts were; how untrustworthy and fallible. He had spent many a year ignoring any messages that came from his own and shoving them down into a mental box never to be opened. He had allowed himself to be vulnerable only a few times in his life. And it had never ended well. Yes. Hearts were overrated.
Which was perhaps why he had overlooked Evi's in the process of securing his union to Princess Emilia. To Elias, the marriage to the second princess was his ticket to the throne. Even if his parents and the Stravos clan failed in turning public opinion enough to have the Senate revote for the inheritance law to be renounced and returned to its original state, Elias would be marrying the heir to the throne. One slip and removal of the Queen Persephone and he would automatically be king. As far as he was concerned, he had just ensuring his own rule by default; whichever way the dice were to fall.
Which meant that his impending union with Emilia had nothing to do with emotion or a desire to bed the little girl. She was pretty and he would be able to fulfil his husbandly duties but that was perhaps all he cared for. Evi was far more to his liking and had always been intended for his bed regardless of any other legal connections. He hadn't thought to tell Evi of his engagement because, on Elias' side, it hadn't seemed to affect her and her position in his life at all.
Perhaps this was naive or narcissistic, but it was what it was.
So, when Evi of Antonis arrived, announced by the servant and permitted into the room, Elias surveyed her with a swarthy care and eager eye before she blurted her single word of congratulations. He could only assume, given the timing of her visit that the word was chosen for his announced betrothal.
Setting the chalice of wine to one side and licking the tip of one of his fingers that still held a little of the chicken's sauce, Elias rose to his feet with a languid and nonchalant ease that came across as effortlessly sexual. He prowled towards Elias with a smile curling at his mouth, his lips around his finger for a moment longer than necessary. Reaching out to touch at her lips, Elias didn't allow the girl to escape or to be surprised in how simply he leaned in to offer her a kiss.
"Congratulations to us both..." He breathed, as his lips reached for hers. For what better promotion was there for Evi than to be the mistress of the future king of Athenia...?
She should not have come. Evi knew this from just looking into Elias’ eyes. He seemed not in the slightest bit guilty - why would he? They both knew this day would always come, and sooner rather than later, what with the political climate swinging and lurching the way it was. It had always been expected that Elias would marry better than Evi - another land owner, a first daughter os someone powerful, maybe a foreign princess. It wasn’t even a stretch for him to be marrying Emilia.
Evi knew this was a political alliance, rather than one borne out of love. Elias did not feel anything for the younger of the two princesses as far as Evi knew. Gods, he practically despised Persephone so it wouldn’t surprise Evi if those feelings had somehow transferred onto Emilia too. He was marrying her to secure his future position as King. With the Queen missing, presumed dead, it would not take much work on Elias’ part to secure the throne for himself. And she was glad of it, for him… it was what he had always wanted. She was happy for him.
So why did it hurt so much?
When he approached, Evi automatically took a step back, heart stuttering in her chest and her breath catching in her throat. “I…” she began again, very much hoping to return to her naturally loquacious ways, but she was stopped by Elias’ lips meeting hers in a kiss. The kiss was different from many of their previous ones. Elias and Evi had traded countless pecks back and forth and any kisses that were more than that, such as that first kiss when they shared the night together, had been slow and sweet, drawn out and unhurried. This kiss wasn’t anything like that. Evi seemed to be attempting to pour herself into Elias’ mouth. The Lord’s hands anchored themselves on Evi hips automatically, but her brain was still stuttering a bit in the attempt to catch up. When Evi made a little mewling sound into his mouth, her brain figured out that catching up was probably overrated and just went with it.
When he eventually pulled away and spoke, lips still mere inches away from her skin, she opened her eyes, running her tongue lightly across her top lip as her eyes darted this way and that, across his face as if trying to memorise every blemish, every imperfection.
“What do you mean..?” Evi finally asked in response to his confusing words. But she doesn’t need to hear his answer. The answer comes to Evi with the kind of perfect clarity she never expects from the world anymore, not since she grew up enough to realise how complex and nuanced it was. “Oh, I see…” she whispered, though she did not dare pull away from him. “I am to remain with you, then?” She asked instead, this time expecting an answer from him. “You still want me by your side, you are not going to sever ties with me now that you are engaged?”
It was almost too much to hope that he would still want her. Long had Evi thought that Elias’ feelings for Evi ran deeper than simple carnal relations. He liked to listen to her talk, and seemed pleased when they engaged in a form of verbal sparing. Truthfully, much of their time (well, the majority of their time) together was spent fully clothed. She was loathe to lose any of it, so if he was offering a way forward, she was all ears.
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She should not have come. Evi knew this from just looking into Elias’ eyes. He seemed not in the slightest bit guilty - why would he? They both knew this day would always come, and sooner rather than later, what with the political climate swinging and lurching the way it was. It had always been expected that Elias would marry better than Evi - another land owner, a first daughter os someone powerful, maybe a foreign princess. It wasn’t even a stretch for him to be marrying Emilia.
Evi knew this was a political alliance, rather than one borne out of love. Elias did not feel anything for the younger of the two princesses as far as Evi knew. Gods, he practically despised Persephone so it wouldn’t surprise Evi if those feelings had somehow transferred onto Emilia too. He was marrying her to secure his future position as King. With the Queen missing, presumed dead, it would not take much work on Elias’ part to secure the throne for himself. And she was glad of it, for him… it was what he had always wanted. She was happy for him.
So why did it hurt so much?
When he approached, Evi automatically took a step back, heart stuttering in her chest and her breath catching in her throat. “I…” she began again, very much hoping to return to her naturally loquacious ways, but she was stopped by Elias’ lips meeting hers in a kiss. The kiss was different from many of their previous ones. Elias and Evi had traded countless pecks back and forth and any kisses that were more than that, such as that first kiss when they shared the night together, had been slow and sweet, drawn out and unhurried. This kiss wasn’t anything like that. Evi seemed to be attempting to pour herself into Elias’ mouth. The Lord’s hands anchored themselves on Evi hips automatically, but her brain was still stuttering a bit in the attempt to catch up. When Evi made a little mewling sound into his mouth, her brain figured out that catching up was probably overrated and just went with it.
When he eventually pulled away and spoke, lips still mere inches away from her skin, she opened her eyes, running her tongue lightly across her top lip as her eyes darted this way and that, across his face as if trying to memorise every blemish, every imperfection.
“What do you mean..?” Evi finally asked in response to his confusing words. But she doesn’t need to hear his answer. The answer comes to Evi with the kind of perfect clarity she never expects from the world anymore, not since she grew up enough to realise how complex and nuanced it was. “Oh, I see…” she whispered, though she did not dare pull away from him. “I am to remain with you, then?” She asked instead, this time expecting an answer from him. “You still want me by your side, you are not going to sever ties with me now that you are engaged?”
It was almost too much to hope that he would still want her. Long had Evi thought that Elias’ feelings for Evi ran deeper than simple carnal relations. He liked to listen to her talk, and seemed pleased when they engaged in a form of verbal sparing. Truthfully, much of their time (well, the majority of their time) together was spent fully clothed. She was loathe to lose any of it, so if he was offering a way forward, she was all ears.
She should not have come. Evi knew this from just looking into Elias’ eyes. He seemed not in the slightest bit guilty - why would he? They both knew this day would always come, and sooner rather than later, what with the political climate swinging and lurching the way it was. It had always been expected that Elias would marry better than Evi - another land owner, a first daughter os someone powerful, maybe a foreign princess. It wasn’t even a stretch for him to be marrying Emilia.
Evi knew this was a political alliance, rather than one borne out of love. Elias did not feel anything for the younger of the two princesses as far as Evi knew. Gods, he practically despised Persephone so it wouldn’t surprise Evi if those feelings had somehow transferred onto Emilia too. He was marrying her to secure his future position as King. With the Queen missing, presumed dead, it would not take much work on Elias’ part to secure the throne for himself. And she was glad of it, for him… it was what he had always wanted. She was happy for him.
So why did it hurt so much?
When he approached, Evi automatically took a step back, heart stuttering in her chest and her breath catching in her throat. “I…” she began again, very much hoping to return to her naturally loquacious ways, but she was stopped by Elias’ lips meeting hers in a kiss. The kiss was different from many of their previous ones. Elias and Evi had traded countless pecks back and forth and any kisses that were more than that, such as that first kiss when they shared the night together, had been slow and sweet, drawn out and unhurried. This kiss wasn’t anything like that. Evi seemed to be attempting to pour herself into Elias’ mouth. The Lord’s hands anchored themselves on Evi hips automatically, but her brain was still stuttering a bit in the attempt to catch up. When Evi made a little mewling sound into his mouth, her brain figured out that catching up was probably overrated and just went with it.
When he eventually pulled away and spoke, lips still mere inches away from her skin, she opened her eyes, running her tongue lightly across her top lip as her eyes darted this way and that, across his face as if trying to memorise every blemish, every imperfection.
“What do you mean..?” Evi finally asked in response to his confusing words. But she doesn’t need to hear his answer. The answer comes to Evi with the kind of perfect clarity she never expects from the world anymore, not since she grew up enough to realise how complex and nuanced it was. “Oh, I see…” she whispered, though she did not dare pull away from him. “I am to remain with you, then?” She asked instead, this time expecting an answer from him. “You still want me by your side, you are not going to sever ties with me now that you are engaged?”
It was almost too much to hope that he would still want her. Long had Evi thought that Elias’ feelings for Evi ran deeper than simple carnal relations. He liked to listen to her talk, and seemed pleased when they engaged in a form of verbal sparing. Truthfully, much of their time (well, the majority of their time) together was spent fully clothed. She was loathe to lose any of it, so if he was offering a way forward, she was all ears.
Regardless of Evi's momentary hesitation and the way that she pulled back and away from him, Elias ensured that their lips met. He didn't force her. Not really. He never forced women. He just made it too impossible for them to draw back, to truly part from him. Even Evi, as spirited as she was, wasn't able to hold true to her own retreat. She melted at his touch and bent like a bow at his joining of their mouths.
Elias took from her the kiss that she offered. There was body and emotion and a small hint of desperation in the way that her lips clung to his, as if trying to melt into his existence. He had known such a kiss before. From so many women. Usually those who had sensed or feared that he was soon to draw their liaisons to an end. He was a man that any woman would miss, after all, that any female would hold onto as best they could. And Evi said as much in her kiss and the way that her tongue offered a mewling sort of whimper into his mouth. It was the call of a female looking for her mate and Elias was happy to provide, stoking that desire with his kiss.
When she pulled back for a moment, their connection broken, Elias maintained the intimacy of the moment. His hands stayed upon her face, cupping her cheek, his forehead came to almost rest upon hers. The thumb of his hand brushed just beneath her eye in a gesture of compassion and value. He watched her carefully as she shifted from confusion to realisation and then smiled upon her words.
His thumb drew down to brush against her lip, still damp from his attentions.
"But, of course." He told her, a little frown drawing down over his eyes. His head tilted and his expression became a little perplexed. "You thought I would be rid of you? Of you?"
Happy to play this game with her, Elias was content to draw her back into his confidence and loyalties. The Antonis family were perhaps the only curveball in this whole mess now that Persephone might actually be back in Athenia. He held the support of enough of the Marikas that their belief in tradition and values would see to the rest siding with him. The Stravos and Xanthos families were spoken for and the Antonis were the only hold out. He already possessed Marietta's friendship, Evi's heart would be placed alongside it, and then all he had to do was have them both in a room with he and their father, as he attempted to charm the Head of House to his side. Which shouldn't be that difficult. The man had been willing to abdicate his throne to Elias after all. He could hardly claim to lack trust in his successor now.
Focusing on the matter at hand, Elias' smile broke out a little broader and his exhale seemed almost a soft little chuckle of laughter.
"Sweet Evi, you are too romantic for your own good. Men in my position will rarely care for their wives. You think we suffer in a loveless existence for the sake of fidelity?" He shook his head. "We're just forced to give our hearts elsewhere..."
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Regardless of Evi's momentary hesitation and the way that she pulled back and away from him, Elias ensured that their lips met. He didn't force her. Not really. He never forced women. He just made it too impossible for them to draw back, to truly part from him. Even Evi, as spirited as she was, wasn't able to hold true to her own retreat. She melted at his touch and bent like a bow at his joining of their mouths.
Elias took from her the kiss that she offered. There was body and emotion and a small hint of desperation in the way that her lips clung to his, as if trying to melt into his existence. He had known such a kiss before. From so many women. Usually those who had sensed or feared that he was soon to draw their liaisons to an end. He was a man that any woman would miss, after all, that any female would hold onto as best they could. And Evi said as much in her kiss and the way that her tongue offered a mewling sort of whimper into his mouth. It was the call of a female looking for her mate and Elias was happy to provide, stoking that desire with his kiss.
When she pulled back for a moment, their connection broken, Elias maintained the intimacy of the moment. His hands stayed upon her face, cupping her cheek, his forehead came to almost rest upon hers. The thumb of his hand brushed just beneath her eye in a gesture of compassion and value. He watched her carefully as she shifted from confusion to realisation and then smiled upon her words.
His thumb drew down to brush against her lip, still damp from his attentions.
"But, of course." He told her, a little frown drawing down over his eyes. His head tilted and his expression became a little perplexed. "You thought I would be rid of you? Of you?"
Happy to play this game with her, Elias was content to draw her back into his confidence and loyalties. The Antonis family were perhaps the only curveball in this whole mess now that Persephone might actually be back in Athenia. He held the support of enough of the Marikas that their belief in tradition and values would see to the rest siding with him. The Stravos and Xanthos families were spoken for and the Antonis were the only hold out. He already possessed Marietta's friendship, Evi's heart would be placed alongside it, and then all he had to do was have them both in a room with he and their father, as he attempted to charm the Head of House to his side. Which shouldn't be that difficult. The man had been willing to abdicate his throne to Elias after all. He could hardly claim to lack trust in his successor now.
Focusing on the matter at hand, Elias' smile broke out a little broader and his exhale seemed almost a soft little chuckle of laughter.
"Sweet Evi, you are too romantic for your own good. Men in my position will rarely care for their wives. You think we suffer in a loveless existence for the sake of fidelity?" He shook his head. "We're just forced to give our hearts elsewhere..."
Regardless of Evi's momentary hesitation and the way that she pulled back and away from him, Elias ensured that their lips met. He didn't force her. Not really. He never forced women. He just made it too impossible for them to draw back, to truly part from him. Even Evi, as spirited as she was, wasn't able to hold true to her own retreat. She melted at his touch and bent like a bow at his joining of their mouths.
Elias took from her the kiss that she offered. There was body and emotion and a small hint of desperation in the way that her lips clung to his, as if trying to melt into his existence. He had known such a kiss before. From so many women. Usually those who had sensed or feared that he was soon to draw their liaisons to an end. He was a man that any woman would miss, after all, that any female would hold onto as best they could. And Evi said as much in her kiss and the way that her tongue offered a mewling sort of whimper into his mouth. It was the call of a female looking for her mate and Elias was happy to provide, stoking that desire with his kiss.
When she pulled back for a moment, their connection broken, Elias maintained the intimacy of the moment. His hands stayed upon her face, cupping her cheek, his forehead came to almost rest upon hers. The thumb of his hand brushed just beneath her eye in a gesture of compassion and value. He watched her carefully as she shifted from confusion to realisation and then smiled upon her words.
His thumb drew down to brush against her lip, still damp from his attentions.
"But, of course." He told her, a little frown drawing down over his eyes. His head tilted and his expression became a little perplexed. "You thought I would be rid of you? Of you?"
Happy to play this game with her, Elias was content to draw her back into his confidence and loyalties. The Antonis family were perhaps the only curveball in this whole mess now that Persephone might actually be back in Athenia. He held the support of enough of the Marikas that their belief in tradition and values would see to the rest siding with him. The Stravos and Xanthos families were spoken for and the Antonis were the only hold out. He already possessed Marietta's friendship, Evi's heart would be placed alongside it, and then all he had to do was have them both in a room with he and their father, as he attempted to charm the Head of House to his side. Which shouldn't be that difficult. The man had been willing to abdicate his throne to Elias after all. He could hardly claim to lack trust in his successor now.
Focusing on the matter at hand, Elias' smile broke out a little broader and his exhale seemed almost a soft little chuckle of laughter.
"Sweet Evi, you are too romantic for your own good. Men in my position will rarely care for their wives. You think we suffer in a loveless existence for the sake of fidelity?" He shook his head. "We're just forced to give our hearts elsewhere..."
The way he touched her, held her, was just so gentle and she was lost in that moment, a moment Evi wished would span through eternity. There, at the front of her mind, were so many things she would sacrifice to remain with him forever. Thoughts ran through her mind at a million miles a minute, so hard to latch onto and focus it was when he touched her the way he was touching her now. Yes, if this moment lasted a lifetime, Evi knew she would go willingly into the next world, remembering the taste of his lips on hers with a smile on her face.
When Elias talked of being rid of her, Evi flinched. It was minute, nearly imperceptible, but Elias was so violently attuned to Evi’s every breath there was no way he could miss it. Even as he said the opposite of her fears, said that he wanted her to remain in his life, the mere thought of it was enough to cause her flinch. He smiled down at her and the corners of Evi’s own lips turned upwards as she released the breath she hadn’t even ben aware she was holding.
Evi couldn’t quite find the words for what she wanted to ask. Maybe they do not exist, or perhaps she herself is too cowardly to speak them. During the current days though, some things changed, and it almost looked like something disappeared during that time. Evi’s world was slowly losing its colours. And Evi knew in that moment that it would only take a choice number of words to hurt her so much, and it would feel like a thousand knives piercing through her heart. She could feel the hot tears already welling up in her eyes at the mere thought of it.
Being this open, this emotionally vulnerable with one person… “Trust me, you’re the only one in my heart and soul. I want to be so confident with you and yet these odd insecurities come back for one last hit… it will be okay though, it’s similar to having a summer cold, passing quickly, allowing the warm days to return and my faith in you to grow all the more.”
The girl struggled with what she wanted to say. She swallowed, the silence is palpable, a physical presence that climbed down Evi’s throat and clenched its fists around her heart. Evi made a high-pitched sound of distress before continuing. “I will stay as long as you love me and not a day more, for even if I still love you, it has to go both ways. So even if I don't feel alive without you, even if you have become the air that I breathe, if you don't love me... I will go.”
The idea of Elias marrying Emilia was a horrible one and it was like her brain didn’t even want to comprehend the finality of the situation. But he spoke so callously of her, how his heart did not belong to her and likely never would. That gave Evi hope. The young, naïve girl imagined that if she were pregnant, things might be different, she might have more of a stake, and if that baby were a boy… she let her mind run away with her, imagining all the possibilities, but that in and of itself was just as hard, a path she knew she shouldn’t go down. Evi let out a breath of mirthless laughter. “It’s like I want to tell my heart to stop getting involved in everything. Its job is to pump blood and that's it. It's forgotten to do that.”
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The way he touched her, held her, was just so gentle and she was lost in that moment, a moment Evi wished would span through eternity. There, at the front of her mind, were so many things she would sacrifice to remain with him forever. Thoughts ran through her mind at a million miles a minute, so hard to latch onto and focus it was when he touched her the way he was touching her now. Yes, if this moment lasted a lifetime, Evi knew she would go willingly into the next world, remembering the taste of his lips on hers with a smile on her face.
When Elias talked of being rid of her, Evi flinched. It was minute, nearly imperceptible, but Elias was so violently attuned to Evi’s every breath there was no way he could miss it. Even as he said the opposite of her fears, said that he wanted her to remain in his life, the mere thought of it was enough to cause her flinch. He smiled down at her and the corners of Evi’s own lips turned upwards as she released the breath she hadn’t even ben aware she was holding.
Evi couldn’t quite find the words for what she wanted to ask. Maybe they do not exist, or perhaps she herself is too cowardly to speak them. During the current days though, some things changed, and it almost looked like something disappeared during that time. Evi’s world was slowly losing its colours. And Evi knew in that moment that it would only take a choice number of words to hurt her so much, and it would feel like a thousand knives piercing through her heart. She could feel the hot tears already welling up in her eyes at the mere thought of it.
Being this open, this emotionally vulnerable with one person… “Trust me, you’re the only one in my heart and soul. I want to be so confident with you and yet these odd insecurities come back for one last hit… it will be okay though, it’s similar to having a summer cold, passing quickly, allowing the warm days to return and my faith in you to grow all the more.”
The girl struggled with what she wanted to say. She swallowed, the silence is palpable, a physical presence that climbed down Evi’s throat and clenched its fists around her heart. Evi made a high-pitched sound of distress before continuing. “I will stay as long as you love me and not a day more, for even if I still love you, it has to go both ways. So even if I don't feel alive without you, even if you have become the air that I breathe, if you don't love me... I will go.”
The idea of Elias marrying Emilia was a horrible one and it was like her brain didn’t even want to comprehend the finality of the situation. But he spoke so callously of her, how his heart did not belong to her and likely never would. That gave Evi hope. The young, naïve girl imagined that if she were pregnant, things might be different, she might have more of a stake, and if that baby were a boy… she let her mind run away with her, imagining all the possibilities, but that in and of itself was just as hard, a path she knew she shouldn’t go down. Evi let out a breath of mirthless laughter. “It’s like I want to tell my heart to stop getting involved in everything. Its job is to pump blood and that's it. It's forgotten to do that.”
The way he touched her, held her, was just so gentle and she was lost in that moment, a moment Evi wished would span through eternity. There, at the front of her mind, were so many things she would sacrifice to remain with him forever. Thoughts ran through her mind at a million miles a minute, so hard to latch onto and focus it was when he touched her the way he was touching her now. Yes, if this moment lasted a lifetime, Evi knew she would go willingly into the next world, remembering the taste of his lips on hers with a smile on her face.
When Elias talked of being rid of her, Evi flinched. It was minute, nearly imperceptible, but Elias was so violently attuned to Evi’s every breath there was no way he could miss it. Even as he said the opposite of her fears, said that he wanted her to remain in his life, the mere thought of it was enough to cause her flinch. He smiled down at her and the corners of Evi’s own lips turned upwards as she released the breath she hadn’t even ben aware she was holding.
Evi couldn’t quite find the words for what she wanted to ask. Maybe they do not exist, or perhaps she herself is too cowardly to speak them. During the current days though, some things changed, and it almost looked like something disappeared during that time. Evi’s world was slowly losing its colours. And Evi knew in that moment that it would only take a choice number of words to hurt her so much, and it would feel like a thousand knives piercing through her heart. She could feel the hot tears already welling up in her eyes at the mere thought of it.
Being this open, this emotionally vulnerable with one person… “Trust me, you’re the only one in my heart and soul. I want to be so confident with you and yet these odd insecurities come back for one last hit… it will be okay though, it’s similar to having a summer cold, passing quickly, allowing the warm days to return and my faith in you to grow all the more.”
The girl struggled with what she wanted to say. She swallowed, the silence is palpable, a physical presence that climbed down Evi’s throat and clenched its fists around her heart. Evi made a high-pitched sound of distress before continuing. “I will stay as long as you love me and not a day more, for even if I still love you, it has to go both ways. So even if I don't feel alive without you, even if you have become the air that I breathe, if you don't love me... I will go.”
The idea of Elias marrying Emilia was a horrible one and it was like her brain didn’t even want to comprehend the finality of the situation. But he spoke so callously of her, how his heart did not belong to her and likely never would. That gave Evi hope. The young, naïve girl imagined that if she were pregnant, things might be different, she might have more of a stake, and if that baby were a boy… she let her mind run away with her, imagining all the possibilities, but that in and of itself was just as hard, a path she knew she shouldn’t go down. Evi let out a breath of mirthless laughter. “It’s like I want to tell my heart to stop getting involved in everything. Its job is to pump blood and that's it. It's forgotten to do that.”
Elias did not let up on the soft caresses and the easy touches that were cooling Evi's ire and convincing her of his great love and affection. Women were like that. That connected the physical act of pleasure with the wondrous emotion of love. Their hearts demanded the latter and their bodies accepted the former as symptomatic evidence of what they could not live without; the promise of a filial heart.
Elias didn't love women. He was loved by them. He loved them with his body and with his shape. He took them to his bed and he made them love the notion of his love. The idea of it. He worked so hard to construct the lies and promises and physical adoration that there was no difference between his mask of love and the real thing. He said the words, he gave the looks, he made the touches and offered the kisses. He simpered and coaxed and courted and pined. He did all that a lovestruck simpleton would do. So, what did it matter if his heart wasn't in it? If the words he said were lies. If the women believed them... Emotions were only what other people read anyway. Why did it matter what was happening in the depths of his soul where no-one could see?
"I love you." Elias promised her, his words faithful and sure. His eyes were soft, the pad of his thumb brushing over her cheek as if she were the most precious thing in his world. "Never doubt it, Evi. Please, I could not see to the path that I must, without you trusting that." His brows lowered in a frown of pain, as if the mere idea of going forward in his ambitions to become king without the support of her love was so terribly unthinkable. Then his expression brightened and turned joking. "And do not mock your heart so. For it has become my friend and ally."
Reaching down from her face, Elias placed the flat of his palm against the front of Evi's chest. His fingers stretched up towards her shoulder and he could feel the aching pound of her heart beneath his touch. He shuddered through his palm and along his wrist. Tempting in its heavy passions.
"I care for only you, Evi. For you alone. I..." He paused, unsure, his words broken and stunted on his tongue. He dipped his head to sip from her lips once more, breathing his request against her mouth. "Would you allow me to lie with you again? Sweet love, I have not the way with words that you do. Will you permit me to show you the love I feel? And how it is only for you?"
The hand that rested against Evi's cheek moved to the back of her neck. His hand upon her chest held true. Neither was a particularly sexual touch but both were possessive... intimate. Elias watched Evi with a closeness, a covetous desire in his eye that hooded his gaze and tempted her to allow him the trespass he had made upon her body just once before...
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Elias did not let up on the soft caresses and the easy touches that were cooling Evi's ire and convincing her of his great love and affection. Women were like that. That connected the physical act of pleasure with the wondrous emotion of love. Their hearts demanded the latter and their bodies accepted the former as symptomatic evidence of what they could not live without; the promise of a filial heart.
Elias didn't love women. He was loved by them. He loved them with his body and with his shape. He took them to his bed and he made them love the notion of his love. The idea of it. He worked so hard to construct the lies and promises and physical adoration that there was no difference between his mask of love and the real thing. He said the words, he gave the looks, he made the touches and offered the kisses. He simpered and coaxed and courted and pined. He did all that a lovestruck simpleton would do. So, what did it matter if his heart wasn't in it? If the words he said were lies. If the women believed them... Emotions were only what other people read anyway. Why did it matter what was happening in the depths of his soul where no-one could see?
"I love you." Elias promised her, his words faithful and sure. His eyes were soft, the pad of his thumb brushing over her cheek as if she were the most precious thing in his world. "Never doubt it, Evi. Please, I could not see to the path that I must, without you trusting that." His brows lowered in a frown of pain, as if the mere idea of going forward in his ambitions to become king without the support of her love was so terribly unthinkable. Then his expression brightened and turned joking. "And do not mock your heart so. For it has become my friend and ally."
Reaching down from her face, Elias placed the flat of his palm against the front of Evi's chest. His fingers stretched up towards her shoulder and he could feel the aching pound of her heart beneath his touch. He shuddered through his palm and along his wrist. Tempting in its heavy passions.
"I care for only you, Evi. For you alone. I..." He paused, unsure, his words broken and stunted on his tongue. He dipped his head to sip from her lips once more, breathing his request against her mouth. "Would you allow me to lie with you again? Sweet love, I have not the way with words that you do. Will you permit me to show you the love I feel? And how it is only for you?"
The hand that rested against Evi's cheek moved to the back of her neck. His hand upon her chest held true. Neither was a particularly sexual touch but both were possessive... intimate. Elias watched Evi with a closeness, a covetous desire in his eye that hooded his gaze and tempted her to allow him the trespass he had made upon her body just once before...
Elias did not let up on the soft caresses and the easy touches that were cooling Evi's ire and convincing her of his great love and affection. Women were like that. That connected the physical act of pleasure with the wondrous emotion of love. Their hearts demanded the latter and their bodies accepted the former as symptomatic evidence of what they could not live without; the promise of a filial heart.
Elias didn't love women. He was loved by them. He loved them with his body and with his shape. He took them to his bed and he made them love the notion of his love. The idea of it. He worked so hard to construct the lies and promises and physical adoration that there was no difference between his mask of love and the real thing. He said the words, he gave the looks, he made the touches and offered the kisses. He simpered and coaxed and courted and pined. He did all that a lovestruck simpleton would do. So, what did it matter if his heart wasn't in it? If the words he said were lies. If the women believed them... Emotions were only what other people read anyway. Why did it matter what was happening in the depths of his soul where no-one could see?
"I love you." Elias promised her, his words faithful and sure. His eyes were soft, the pad of his thumb brushing over her cheek as if she were the most precious thing in his world. "Never doubt it, Evi. Please, I could not see to the path that I must, without you trusting that." His brows lowered in a frown of pain, as if the mere idea of going forward in his ambitions to become king without the support of her love was so terribly unthinkable. Then his expression brightened and turned joking. "And do not mock your heart so. For it has become my friend and ally."
Reaching down from her face, Elias placed the flat of his palm against the front of Evi's chest. His fingers stretched up towards her shoulder and he could feel the aching pound of her heart beneath his touch. He shuddered through his palm and along his wrist. Tempting in its heavy passions.
"I care for only you, Evi. For you alone. I..." He paused, unsure, his words broken and stunted on his tongue. He dipped his head to sip from her lips once more, breathing his request against her mouth. "Would you allow me to lie with you again? Sweet love, I have not the way with words that you do. Will you permit me to show you the love I feel? And how it is only for you?"
The hand that rested against Evi's cheek moved to the back of her neck. His hand upon her chest held true. Neither was a particularly sexual touch but both were possessive... intimate. Elias watched Evi with a closeness, a covetous desire in his eye that hooded his gaze and tempted her to allow him the trespass he had made upon her body just once before...
He had a way with his hands. Evi had known that from the very first times they had met. Well, maybe not the first, that had been a bustling library, and they had only talked, nothing more. But after that, she remembered the way his long, thin fingers brushed against her skin, teasing, caressing, exploring. It was nothing short of a miracle that Evi kept her head - she so wanted to lose herself in the moment, let the world fall away and leave just the two of them to be with each other
And then he said those three words, and it was all she needed.
Everything about him screamed sincerity and she wanted to believe him. So she did. Evi smiled, so relieved and happy with the news that the words were stolen right out of her. She leant in for a kiss, soft and chaste though it was, it spoke of her returned feelings for him. They would never be parted, not even the princess could get in the way of their love. Marriage wasn’t everything, she realised in that moment - it was an inconvenience and nothing more. They could get past this, she knew it.
“I am so glad to hear it, Elias.” She finally responded, her heart doing the talking such that her brain was barely processing the words before they were spoken. “To hear of your love… it lifts my spirit so. Would that I were a princess, our path would be so much clearer, so much easier. But I am not, and you are to be married to another.” The young girl swallowed as his hands moved down to her chest, “I will stand with you - by your side, behind you, whatever you need, forever, that is what I can give you.”
Elias’ touch was one of ownership, and she felt her legs go weak at the mere thought of it. They were not in private - servants lurked in dark corners of all great houses, ready to respond to their master’s every whim at a moment’s notice. But she forgot any eyes on them, they did not matter, only Elias’ soft gaze… that was all she could think about. “Show me your love?” Evi repeated quietly, closing her eyes as she felt his other hand slide to the back of her neck. She opened them again, azure eyes filled with lust, desire, excitement. “Here? In the Palace?” They had slept together before, and Evi would swear that most of court knew about it now… but it was still a larger risk than one they had taken before. She hesitated, then nodded, her head jerking in a rather ungraceful manner. Elias would not have asked if it was not alright.
“Yes, Elias, of course. Your words are enough for me to believe you. But to be with you in that way…” she trailed off, her smile still bright as she rested her hand over the one on her chest and took it in her own. “Lead on, My Lord…”
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This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
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He had a way with his hands. Evi had known that from the very first times they had met. Well, maybe not the first, that had been a bustling library, and they had only talked, nothing more. But after that, she remembered the way his long, thin fingers brushed against her skin, teasing, caressing, exploring. It was nothing short of a miracle that Evi kept her head - she so wanted to lose herself in the moment, let the world fall away and leave just the two of them to be with each other
And then he said those three words, and it was all she needed.
Everything about him screamed sincerity and she wanted to believe him. So she did. Evi smiled, so relieved and happy with the news that the words were stolen right out of her. She leant in for a kiss, soft and chaste though it was, it spoke of her returned feelings for him. They would never be parted, not even the princess could get in the way of their love. Marriage wasn’t everything, she realised in that moment - it was an inconvenience and nothing more. They could get past this, she knew it.
“I am so glad to hear it, Elias.” She finally responded, her heart doing the talking such that her brain was barely processing the words before they were spoken. “To hear of your love… it lifts my spirit so. Would that I were a princess, our path would be so much clearer, so much easier. But I am not, and you are to be married to another.” The young girl swallowed as his hands moved down to her chest, “I will stand with you - by your side, behind you, whatever you need, forever, that is what I can give you.”
Elias’ touch was one of ownership, and she felt her legs go weak at the mere thought of it. They were not in private - servants lurked in dark corners of all great houses, ready to respond to their master’s every whim at a moment’s notice. But she forgot any eyes on them, they did not matter, only Elias’ soft gaze… that was all she could think about. “Show me your love?” Evi repeated quietly, closing her eyes as she felt his other hand slide to the back of her neck. She opened them again, azure eyes filled with lust, desire, excitement. “Here? In the Palace?” They had slept together before, and Evi would swear that most of court knew about it now… but it was still a larger risk than one they had taken before. She hesitated, then nodded, her head jerking in a rather ungraceful manner. Elias would not have asked if it was not alright.
“Yes, Elias, of course. Your words are enough for me to believe you. But to be with you in that way…” she trailed off, her smile still bright as she rested her hand over the one on her chest and took it in her own. “Lead on, My Lord…”
He had a way with his hands. Evi had known that from the very first times they had met. Well, maybe not the first, that had been a bustling library, and they had only talked, nothing more. But after that, she remembered the way his long, thin fingers brushed against her skin, teasing, caressing, exploring. It was nothing short of a miracle that Evi kept her head - she so wanted to lose herself in the moment, let the world fall away and leave just the two of them to be with each other
And then he said those three words, and it was all she needed.
Everything about him screamed sincerity and she wanted to believe him. So she did. Evi smiled, so relieved and happy with the news that the words were stolen right out of her. She leant in for a kiss, soft and chaste though it was, it spoke of her returned feelings for him. They would never be parted, not even the princess could get in the way of their love. Marriage wasn’t everything, she realised in that moment - it was an inconvenience and nothing more. They could get past this, she knew it.
“I am so glad to hear it, Elias.” She finally responded, her heart doing the talking such that her brain was barely processing the words before they were spoken. “To hear of your love… it lifts my spirit so. Would that I were a princess, our path would be so much clearer, so much easier. But I am not, and you are to be married to another.” The young girl swallowed as his hands moved down to her chest, “I will stand with you - by your side, behind you, whatever you need, forever, that is what I can give you.”
Elias’ touch was one of ownership, and she felt her legs go weak at the mere thought of it. They were not in private - servants lurked in dark corners of all great houses, ready to respond to their master’s every whim at a moment’s notice. But she forgot any eyes on them, they did not matter, only Elias’ soft gaze… that was all she could think about. “Show me your love?” Evi repeated quietly, closing her eyes as she felt his other hand slide to the back of her neck. She opened them again, azure eyes filled with lust, desire, excitement. “Here? In the Palace?” They had slept together before, and Evi would swear that most of court knew about it now… but it was still a larger risk than one they had taken before. She hesitated, then nodded, her head jerking in a rather ungraceful manner. Elias would not have asked if it was not alright.
“Yes, Elias, of course. Your words are enough for me to believe you. But to be with you in that way…” she trailed off, her smile still bright as she rested her hand over the one on her chest and took it in her own. “Lead on, My Lord…”