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Zenais was making her way around the room. Stunning in her Chiton, the graceful curvature of her next kissing against the malachite and emerald necklace he had purchased her a few weeks prior. She had seen him. Not the way the others did. That small, tight smile was not the one they shared. Not what he gave her when she opened the doors of her estate and found him waiting there in the morning. But if others could see it was fake, they didn't quite know the truth he was hiding. That was in his stance. There was a way he let his weight shift that he barely noticed himself. A posture communicated silently between she and he, only learned after hours in one another company. Deep trust subsumed into a perfect, unspoken communication.
He was irritated, he meant. Yes, because these sorts of events were long and tiresome. But tonight it was especially insulting. Zenais was standing where she mostly always had over the years. Distinctly not among the coterie of the women most desired for beauty or power. Athanasia was nowhere near. She, so graceful and divine, still overlooked by the arrogant, self-important social climbers in this hall. The absolute worst of it, Yiannis realized, was that until just a month ago, he had been among them. Unable to see the best thing in the whole world. Even when he thought himself so different than the rest, he was precisely the same. Failing a woman she didn't even deserve. Even now, she had seen it all, just as he'd seen her genuine enjoyment conversing with her friends. In spite of it, she had broken off to join him.
By now, the space between them had closed. He opened his arms to embrace her. It was somewhat more public than even some of the men were being with their wives. He was very conscientious of the act. Let these rats see who the prince preferred. But once he was in her arms, it was like the rest of the world fell away. The tension in his shoulders eased. When he leaned in to kiss her, it was a matter of unthinking reflex. He closed his eyes and wished there could be only the two of them.
The flutes and lyres were just starting up again. Yiannis stepped back, but left a hand on her hip. He made the smallest nod backwards, towards the center of the room. A few couples were already out on the floor. But this, her, was the only thing that mattered. HIs eyes locked into hers. Bodies swishing in the night. Twirling to the melody. Together.
JD
Staff Team
JD
Staff Team
This post was created by our staff team.
Please contact us with your queries and questions.
Zenais was making her way around the room. Stunning in her Chiton, the graceful curvature of her next kissing against the malachite and emerald necklace he had purchased her a few weeks prior. She had seen him. Not the way the others did. That small, tight smile was not the one they shared. Not what he gave her when she opened the doors of her estate and found him waiting there in the morning. But if others could see it was fake, they didn't quite know the truth he was hiding. That was in his stance. There was a way he let his weight shift that he barely noticed himself. A posture communicated silently between she and he, only learned after hours in one another company. Deep trust subsumed into a perfect, unspoken communication.
He was irritated, he meant. Yes, because these sorts of events were long and tiresome. But tonight it was especially insulting. Zenais was standing where she mostly always had over the years. Distinctly not among the coterie of the women most desired for beauty or power. Athanasia was nowhere near. She, so graceful and divine, still overlooked by the arrogant, self-important social climbers in this hall. The absolute worst of it, Yiannis realized, was that until just a month ago, he had been among them. Unable to see the best thing in the whole world. Even when he thought himself so different than the rest, he was precisely the same. Failing a woman she didn't even deserve. Even now, she had seen it all, just as he'd seen her genuine enjoyment conversing with her friends. In spite of it, she had broken off to join him.
By now, the space between them had closed. He opened his arms to embrace her. It was somewhat more public than even some of the men were being with their wives. He was very conscientious of the act. Let these rats see who the prince preferred. But once he was in her arms, it was like the rest of the world fell away. The tension in his shoulders eased. When he leaned in to kiss her, it was a matter of unthinking reflex. He closed his eyes and wished there could be only the two of them.
The flutes and lyres were just starting up again. Yiannis stepped back, but left a hand on her hip. He made the smallest nod backwards, towards the center of the room. A few couples were already out on the floor. But this, her, was the only thing that mattered. HIs eyes locked into hers. Bodies swishing in the night. Twirling to the melody. Together.
Zenais was making her way around the room. Stunning in her Chiton, the graceful curvature of her next kissing against the malachite and emerald necklace he had purchased her a few weeks prior. She had seen him. Not the way the others did. That small, tight smile was not the one they shared. Not what he gave her when she opened the doors of her estate and found him waiting there in the morning. But if others could see it was fake, they didn't quite know the truth he was hiding. That was in his stance. There was a way he let his weight shift that he barely noticed himself. A posture communicated silently between she and he, only learned after hours in one another company. Deep trust subsumed into a perfect, unspoken communication.
He was irritated, he meant. Yes, because these sorts of events were long and tiresome. But tonight it was especially insulting. Zenais was standing where she mostly always had over the years. Distinctly not among the coterie of the women most desired for beauty or power. Athanasia was nowhere near. She, so graceful and divine, still overlooked by the arrogant, self-important social climbers in this hall. The absolute worst of it, Yiannis realized, was that until just a month ago, he had been among them. Unable to see the best thing in the whole world. Even when he thought himself so different than the rest, he was precisely the same. Failing a woman she didn't even deserve. Even now, she had seen it all, just as he'd seen her genuine enjoyment conversing with her friends. In spite of it, she had broken off to join him.
By now, the space between them had closed. He opened his arms to embrace her. It was somewhat more public than even some of the men were being with their wives. He was very conscientious of the act. Let these rats see who the prince preferred. But once he was in her arms, it was like the rest of the world fell away. The tension in his shoulders eased. When he leaned in to kiss her, it was a matter of unthinking reflex. He closed his eyes and wished there could be only the two of them.
The flutes and lyres were just starting up again. Yiannis stepped back, but left a hand on her hip. He made the smallest nod backwards, towards the center of the room. A few couples were already out on the floor. But this, her, was the only thing that mattered. HIs eyes locked into hers. Bodies swishing in the night. Twirling to the melody. Together.
Her father had sent her the teal number just that morning. Zenais was sure her mother had sent for it to be made when she had sent a missive back just a week earlier, stating that Yiannis would be bringing her to attend a ball held in the Dikasitrio just the day before she was to return home to Lyncaea. It had been a month, or more then that? Zenais had stopped keeping count. The days began blending together as Yiannis had lavished her with attention, bringing her out and pretty much showcasing Zenais to anyone and everyone who would spare them a few seconds of attention. There was no denying the fact that the third prince of Colchis was smitten by this noble girl he had brought to Midas from Lyncaea, the daughter of the House Alistaire.
The House Alistaire which was secretly going bankrupt even as Zenais drank the finest wine, rode on imported Leventi horses, and was given almost every gold and dress her heart desired. Yiannis spoiled her. And everyday, the gaping hole in her chest grew bigger, deeper, the chasm widening.
She hoped he did not notice the way she tried to deflect his questions on the future. She hoped he did not notice the way she would glance at him when she thought he wasn't looking. And most of all, Zenais hoped he would not know what she asked herself. Would he forgive her? She could wait. But how long would his attention on her last? Was it for long? Princes of the realm were often said to be men who could not keep their attention on one person. Already, Zenais heard rumors from the ladies at court, of how Prince Yiannis would be sure to tire of her soon.
But she would not yield. Her family's fate depended on her.
So with a ramrod straight back, her confident smile in front of everyone, Zenais looked like a forest nymph in her teal chiton, embroidered in gold. Around her waist, a white silken sash held the rest of the gown in place, and on her neck, the heavy malachite and emerald necklace rested. Its weight reminded her of the prince whose favor she sought... whose riches she wanted. And yet... it was he who now has her heart. For Zenais could deny it all she wanted, she had failed in that one aspect. As much as she wanted to ensure only his heart was broken... her heart was just as entangled in it now. For how could one remain stone hearted when he rained kisses on her in the hidden alcoves, lavished her with gifts and attention, looked at her as if there were no other women who could compare? Zenais was lost the first time he called her princess and laid that grass crown on her head.
It had been bittersweet, the month she spent in Midas. And she was to return to Lyncaea the next day - she had to do something, and quick. The last rumor she heard, the debtors were gaining on her father - time was running out.
Catching Yiannis's eye across the heads of the nobles attending court in the Dikasitrio that day, Zenais gave a small smile, a smile only he ever got from her, a mixture of shyness and tenderness, the sort of love that seemed to have bloomed from a plan of deceit and lies. He was... a gentleman, a knight... someone who only wanted the best for those he cared for. Every value of his, Zenais treasured.
She could only wish circumstances were different.
Watching the way he moved, Zenais quickly made her excuses to the few nobles she had been speaking to, placing her glass of half-finished wine on the passing tray of a slave, before picking up her skirts. Her bare feet navigated the marbled floors of the hall, until she met him halfway across the hall, eagerly into his embrace. A slight flush colored her cheeks when he leaned in to kiss her - the whispers flew, but he didn't care. Should she care? She should. This would make her deceit that much more high profile when it happened... but somehow, he made her forget herself with his touch on hers, his love embracing hers.
"You'll have their tongues flying, Yiannis." Zenais murmured as they pulled back, and the music started again. As if she belonged there, the brunette stepped back following the dip of his head and smiled as he led her in a dance, her bare feet following the movement of the music. "Do you enjoy dancing, my prince? I've never heard you make a great deal of it before." she asked, eager to know every part of him. How much more could she learn? Before he banished her from his side?
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Her father had sent her the teal number just that morning. Zenais was sure her mother had sent for it to be made when she had sent a missive back just a week earlier, stating that Yiannis would be bringing her to attend a ball held in the Dikasitrio just the day before she was to return home to Lyncaea. It had been a month, or more then that? Zenais had stopped keeping count. The days began blending together as Yiannis had lavished her with attention, bringing her out and pretty much showcasing Zenais to anyone and everyone who would spare them a few seconds of attention. There was no denying the fact that the third prince of Colchis was smitten by this noble girl he had brought to Midas from Lyncaea, the daughter of the House Alistaire.
The House Alistaire which was secretly going bankrupt even as Zenais drank the finest wine, rode on imported Leventi horses, and was given almost every gold and dress her heart desired. Yiannis spoiled her. And everyday, the gaping hole in her chest grew bigger, deeper, the chasm widening.
She hoped he did not notice the way she tried to deflect his questions on the future. She hoped he did not notice the way she would glance at him when she thought he wasn't looking. And most of all, Zenais hoped he would not know what she asked herself. Would he forgive her? She could wait. But how long would his attention on her last? Was it for long? Princes of the realm were often said to be men who could not keep their attention on one person. Already, Zenais heard rumors from the ladies at court, of how Prince Yiannis would be sure to tire of her soon.
But she would not yield. Her family's fate depended on her.
So with a ramrod straight back, her confident smile in front of everyone, Zenais looked like a forest nymph in her teal chiton, embroidered in gold. Around her waist, a white silken sash held the rest of the gown in place, and on her neck, the heavy malachite and emerald necklace rested. Its weight reminded her of the prince whose favor she sought... whose riches she wanted. And yet... it was he who now has her heart. For Zenais could deny it all she wanted, she had failed in that one aspect. As much as she wanted to ensure only his heart was broken... her heart was just as entangled in it now. For how could one remain stone hearted when he rained kisses on her in the hidden alcoves, lavished her with gifts and attention, looked at her as if there were no other women who could compare? Zenais was lost the first time he called her princess and laid that grass crown on her head.
It had been bittersweet, the month she spent in Midas. And she was to return to Lyncaea the next day - she had to do something, and quick. The last rumor she heard, the debtors were gaining on her father - time was running out.
Catching Yiannis's eye across the heads of the nobles attending court in the Dikasitrio that day, Zenais gave a small smile, a smile only he ever got from her, a mixture of shyness and tenderness, the sort of love that seemed to have bloomed from a plan of deceit and lies. He was... a gentleman, a knight... someone who only wanted the best for those he cared for. Every value of his, Zenais treasured.
She could only wish circumstances were different.
Watching the way he moved, Zenais quickly made her excuses to the few nobles she had been speaking to, placing her glass of half-finished wine on the passing tray of a slave, before picking up her skirts. Her bare feet navigated the marbled floors of the hall, until she met him halfway across the hall, eagerly into his embrace. A slight flush colored her cheeks when he leaned in to kiss her - the whispers flew, but he didn't care. Should she care? She should. This would make her deceit that much more high profile when it happened... but somehow, he made her forget herself with his touch on hers, his love embracing hers.
"You'll have their tongues flying, Yiannis." Zenais murmured as they pulled back, and the music started again. As if she belonged there, the brunette stepped back following the dip of his head and smiled as he led her in a dance, her bare feet following the movement of the music. "Do you enjoy dancing, my prince? I've never heard you make a great deal of it before." she asked, eager to know every part of him. How much more could she learn? Before he banished her from his side?
Her father had sent her the teal number just that morning. Zenais was sure her mother had sent for it to be made when she had sent a missive back just a week earlier, stating that Yiannis would be bringing her to attend a ball held in the Dikasitrio just the day before she was to return home to Lyncaea. It had been a month, or more then that? Zenais had stopped keeping count. The days began blending together as Yiannis had lavished her with attention, bringing her out and pretty much showcasing Zenais to anyone and everyone who would spare them a few seconds of attention. There was no denying the fact that the third prince of Colchis was smitten by this noble girl he had brought to Midas from Lyncaea, the daughter of the House Alistaire.
The House Alistaire which was secretly going bankrupt even as Zenais drank the finest wine, rode on imported Leventi horses, and was given almost every gold and dress her heart desired. Yiannis spoiled her. And everyday, the gaping hole in her chest grew bigger, deeper, the chasm widening.
She hoped he did not notice the way she tried to deflect his questions on the future. She hoped he did not notice the way she would glance at him when she thought he wasn't looking. And most of all, Zenais hoped he would not know what she asked herself. Would he forgive her? She could wait. But how long would his attention on her last? Was it for long? Princes of the realm were often said to be men who could not keep their attention on one person. Already, Zenais heard rumors from the ladies at court, of how Prince Yiannis would be sure to tire of her soon.
But she would not yield. Her family's fate depended on her.
So with a ramrod straight back, her confident smile in front of everyone, Zenais looked like a forest nymph in her teal chiton, embroidered in gold. Around her waist, a white silken sash held the rest of the gown in place, and on her neck, the heavy malachite and emerald necklace rested. Its weight reminded her of the prince whose favor she sought... whose riches she wanted. And yet... it was he who now has her heart. For Zenais could deny it all she wanted, she had failed in that one aspect. As much as she wanted to ensure only his heart was broken... her heart was just as entangled in it now. For how could one remain stone hearted when he rained kisses on her in the hidden alcoves, lavished her with gifts and attention, looked at her as if there were no other women who could compare? Zenais was lost the first time he called her princess and laid that grass crown on her head.
It had been bittersweet, the month she spent in Midas. And she was to return to Lyncaea the next day - she had to do something, and quick. The last rumor she heard, the debtors were gaining on her father - time was running out.
Catching Yiannis's eye across the heads of the nobles attending court in the Dikasitrio that day, Zenais gave a small smile, a smile only he ever got from her, a mixture of shyness and tenderness, the sort of love that seemed to have bloomed from a plan of deceit and lies. He was... a gentleman, a knight... someone who only wanted the best for those he cared for. Every value of his, Zenais treasured.
She could only wish circumstances were different.
Watching the way he moved, Zenais quickly made her excuses to the few nobles she had been speaking to, placing her glass of half-finished wine on the passing tray of a slave, before picking up her skirts. Her bare feet navigated the marbled floors of the hall, until she met him halfway across the hall, eagerly into his embrace. A slight flush colored her cheeks when he leaned in to kiss her - the whispers flew, but he didn't care. Should she care? She should. This would make her deceit that much more high profile when it happened... but somehow, he made her forget herself with his touch on hers, his love embracing hers.
"You'll have their tongues flying, Yiannis." Zenais murmured as they pulled back, and the music started again. As if she belonged there, the brunette stepped back following the dip of his head and smiled as he led her in a dance, her bare feet following the movement of the music. "Do you enjoy dancing, my prince? I've never heard you make a great deal of it before." she asked, eager to know every part of him. How much more could she learn? Before he banished her from his side?
"Good," he replied smugly.
These were the names that had defined too much of his life. Valaortis, Vhalakis, Drakos. Always weighing what the normal families would support. Considering what would rise or fall in the concilar deliberations. First there had been his father's reputation to uphold, and then soon enough his brothers'. They were not people so much as amorphous ideas, impinging on the freedom of even royal. Let them be scandalized. The daughter of House Alistaire had become something else altogether. An individual. She was giving him the space to be one, too.
"Do I enjoy dancing?" he started.
There seemed to him to be a certain natural appeal. A joy that could only be encapsulated in movement. But dancing itself, the forms and the order of it? That was another thing again. His performance had only ever been middling at best. His turns tended to start about a quarter beat too late for the melody. Though he was dexterous enough to recover, one looking down would appreciate his feet's confusion at the more complex moves ready enough. Were he anything other than totally relaxed in her arms, she might have been tensing intermittently in concentration or embarrassment. That he didn't said everything about their relationship--about who she was to him.
"Zenais, dearest. I enjoy anything that lets me be close to you," he finished.
Soon enough, the music ended and the room dissolved into light applause. The couples were beginning to separate. Repairing for the encore, or off to the web of side conversations where they'd pour over the gossip that was the life blood of courts. Yiannis instead took her wrist and led them through a side door. He moved with the easy confidence of one who'd navigated the Dikastrio's back halls since childhood. They spilled out into the lush atrium garden. It was thick with the pungent smell of late-ripening fruit that weighed down the bows of the trees. The dirt walkways between them were well-manicured. Above, the sky had taken up a deep blackish purple, a slender moon leaving space for the stars to shine brilliant.
"Do you know the constellations?" Yiannis asked.
He knew she did. It had been one of the early nights in Lyncaea, when the poppy touched nothing of his pain, and it was too unbearable to sleep. She had sat there beside him, talking about anything to distract him from the agony. It hadn't even been clear he was listening at the time. But the memory of her voice was crystalline. Regardless, knowing better than he did was no great accomplishment. The subject had never stuck well from his tutors' lessons. So while she looked up to pick them out, his eyes slipped downwards into the brush. Towards the place he had selected earlier that afternoon, when he decided to attend here after all.
". ..there is Astraea" she was saying.
Yiannis let his hand rest softly Zenais's shoulder. An affectionate, intimate gesture. As she turned to look, his other hand lifted into view. It was holding something painstakenly woven from his mother's prized gardens. A wreath of laurels and roses, fit perfectly to her head.
"On this night, she is not the only maiden of a beauty divine he said, crowning her.
JD
Staff Team
JD
Staff Team
This post was created by our staff team.
Please contact us with your queries and questions.
These were the names that had defined too much of his life. Valaortis, Vhalakis, Drakos. Always weighing what the normal families would support. Considering what would rise or fall in the concilar deliberations. First there had been his father's reputation to uphold, and then soon enough his brothers'. They were not people so much as amorphous ideas, impinging on the freedom of even royal. Let them be scandalized. The daughter of House Alistaire had become something else altogether. An individual. She was giving him the space to be one, too.
"Do I enjoy dancing?" he started.
There seemed to him to be a certain natural appeal. A joy that could only be encapsulated in movement. But dancing itself, the forms and the order of it? That was another thing again. His performance had only ever been middling at best. His turns tended to start about a quarter beat too late for the melody. Though he was dexterous enough to recover, one looking down would appreciate his feet's confusion at the more complex moves ready enough. Were he anything other than totally relaxed in her arms, she might have been tensing intermittently in concentration or embarrassment. That he didn't said everything about their relationship--about who she was to him.
"Zenais, dearest. I enjoy anything that lets me be close to you," he finished.
Soon enough, the music ended and the room dissolved into light applause. The couples were beginning to separate. Repairing for the encore, or off to the web of side conversations where they'd pour over the gossip that was the life blood of courts. Yiannis instead took her wrist and led them through a side door. He moved with the easy confidence of one who'd navigated the Dikastrio's back halls since childhood. They spilled out into the lush atrium garden. It was thick with the pungent smell of late-ripening fruit that weighed down the bows of the trees. The dirt walkways between them were well-manicured. Above, the sky had taken up a deep blackish purple, a slender moon leaving space for the stars to shine brilliant.
"Do you know the constellations?" Yiannis asked.
He knew she did. It had been one of the early nights in Lyncaea, when the poppy touched nothing of his pain, and it was too unbearable to sleep. She had sat there beside him, talking about anything to distract him from the agony. It hadn't even been clear he was listening at the time. But the memory of her voice was crystalline. Regardless, knowing better than he did was no great accomplishment. The subject had never stuck well from his tutors' lessons. So while she looked up to pick them out, his eyes slipped downwards into the brush. Towards the place he had selected earlier that afternoon, when he decided to attend here after all.
". ..there is Astraea" she was saying.
Yiannis let his hand rest softly Zenais's shoulder. An affectionate, intimate gesture. As she turned to look, his other hand lifted into view. It was holding something painstakenly woven from his mother's prized gardens. A wreath of laurels and roses, fit perfectly to her head.
"On this night, she is not the only maiden of a beauty divine he said, crowning her.
"Good," he replied smugly.
These were the names that had defined too much of his life. Valaortis, Vhalakis, Drakos. Always weighing what the normal families would support. Considering what would rise or fall in the concilar deliberations. First there had been his father's reputation to uphold, and then soon enough his brothers'. They were not people so much as amorphous ideas, impinging on the freedom of even royal. Let them be scandalized. The daughter of House Alistaire had become something else altogether. An individual. She was giving him the space to be one, too.
"Do I enjoy dancing?" he started.
There seemed to him to be a certain natural appeal. A joy that could only be encapsulated in movement. But dancing itself, the forms and the order of it? That was another thing again. His performance had only ever been middling at best. His turns tended to start about a quarter beat too late for the melody. Though he was dexterous enough to recover, one looking down would appreciate his feet's confusion at the more complex moves ready enough. Were he anything other than totally relaxed in her arms, she might have been tensing intermittently in concentration or embarrassment. That he didn't said everything about their relationship--about who she was to him.
"Zenais, dearest. I enjoy anything that lets me be close to you," he finished.
Soon enough, the music ended and the room dissolved into light applause. The couples were beginning to separate. Repairing for the encore, or off to the web of side conversations where they'd pour over the gossip that was the life blood of courts. Yiannis instead took her wrist and led them through a side door. He moved with the easy confidence of one who'd navigated the Dikastrio's back halls since childhood. They spilled out into the lush atrium garden. It was thick with the pungent smell of late-ripening fruit that weighed down the bows of the trees. The dirt walkways between them were well-manicured. Above, the sky had taken up a deep blackish purple, a slender moon leaving space for the stars to shine brilliant.
"Do you know the constellations?" Yiannis asked.
He knew she did. It had been one of the early nights in Lyncaea, when the poppy touched nothing of his pain, and it was too unbearable to sleep. She had sat there beside him, talking about anything to distract him from the agony. It hadn't even been clear he was listening at the time. But the memory of her voice was crystalline. Regardless, knowing better than he did was no great accomplishment. The subject had never stuck well from his tutors' lessons. So while she looked up to pick them out, his eyes slipped downwards into the brush. Towards the place he had selected earlier that afternoon, when he decided to attend here after all.
". ..there is Astraea" she was saying.
Yiannis let his hand rest softly Zenais's shoulder. An affectionate, intimate gesture. As she turned to look, his other hand lifted into view. It was holding something painstakenly woven from his mother's prized gardens. A wreath of laurels and roses, fit perfectly to her head.
"On this night, she is not the only maiden of a beauty divine he said, crowning her.
She laughed freely at his defiant answer. A part of her rejoiced at how public he made of his affections of her - she loved the attention he lavished on her. In return, she gave her affections freely to him, in the smallest things like the brush of her fingers against his, sidling her side up to his. But the other part of her was terrified of it. She was not about to back up on her plan, which meant every whisper, every gossip, would be multiplied tenfold when she finally found a way to gain the royal family's treasury for the usage of her family.
It was bittersweet, each time Zenais would brush her fingers across his skin. She tried to push it to the back of her mind, her plans and ideas. And in many ways, she succeeded. Zenais enjoyed just making the most out of each day she got to spend with Yiannis here in the capital. For the briefest of times, she could forget her responsibilities as the eldest child and only sister to her brother and her parents. Just revel in the fact that she was a prince's chosen partner.
Her heart skipped a beat. He called her dearest often, yet each time the affect on her was the same. Would it ever get old, this feeling that swelled her chest as she looked upon his handsome visage? Her honeyed eyes softened at his smile, even as the music ended and Zenais curtsied to him as was custom at the end of a dance. A curious smile curled her lips upwards when he took her wrist, yet she went along with his direction. She trusted him, with her life at this point.
Ironic, wasn't it? When she was the one undeserving of the trust.
Picking up her chiton around her ankles, her steps were light as they followed him to the garden thick with late fruit in the back of the Dikasitrio. The fresh air was a great boon to Zenais, who took adeep breathe as they arrived at the dirt walkways. Her curious eyes fell on Yiannis, and grinned as she casted her eyes back on the sky. It was a moot question. "Of course, Yiannis." her hair fell to the back of her, spilling over her shoulders with her head tilted to the sky. "There is Crius, and then the daughtr of Astraeus and Eos, there is Astraea." They had exchanged conversations often in the nights he could not sleep. Zenais's heart had went out to him each time he cried in pain back in Lyncaea. Staying by his side at night was less to do with her plans,a nd more because he was a human in need.
His hands on her bare shoulder was like a searing fire, and as she turned, her eyes widened in semi-surprise a laugh escaping her lips when she saw the laurel and roses. This wasn't the first of his many crowns he had made for her, and each time Zenais would laugh, and dip her head respectfully, all the while laughing with him. He doted on her, and she in turn enjoyed his company. "Ah, then is the other maiden of beauty divine standing next to me then?" Zenais quipped mid-laugh, tilting her head to fit the crown perfectly on her head, and then turning her gaze back to Yiannis.
"Or am I to believe he is a handsome prince instead?" it was a cheeky smile that played on her lips. Zenais took a step closer, as if daring Yiannis to answer. And then her eyes fell on her bare feet, and suddenly the smile melted into a sigh, as she turned back to the vast expanse of the gardens. "I'm to leave tomorrow, am I not, Yiannis? I have been away from my parents far too long."
Would he hold her back? But how? There was no way in which she could stay anymore without her reputation going up in flames, precarious as it was already.
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She laughed freely at his defiant answer. A part of her rejoiced at how public he made of his affections of her - she loved the attention he lavished on her. In return, she gave her affections freely to him, in the smallest things like the brush of her fingers against his, sidling her side up to his. But the other part of her was terrified of it. She was not about to back up on her plan, which meant every whisper, every gossip, would be multiplied tenfold when she finally found a way to gain the royal family's treasury for the usage of her family.
It was bittersweet, each time Zenais would brush her fingers across his skin. She tried to push it to the back of her mind, her plans and ideas. And in many ways, she succeeded. Zenais enjoyed just making the most out of each day she got to spend with Yiannis here in the capital. For the briefest of times, she could forget her responsibilities as the eldest child and only sister to her brother and her parents. Just revel in the fact that she was a prince's chosen partner.
Her heart skipped a beat. He called her dearest often, yet each time the affect on her was the same. Would it ever get old, this feeling that swelled her chest as she looked upon his handsome visage? Her honeyed eyes softened at his smile, even as the music ended and Zenais curtsied to him as was custom at the end of a dance. A curious smile curled her lips upwards when he took her wrist, yet she went along with his direction. She trusted him, with her life at this point.
Ironic, wasn't it? When she was the one undeserving of the trust.
Picking up her chiton around her ankles, her steps were light as they followed him to the garden thick with late fruit in the back of the Dikasitrio. The fresh air was a great boon to Zenais, who took adeep breathe as they arrived at the dirt walkways. Her curious eyes fell on Yiannis, and grinned as she casted her eyes back on the sky. It was a moot question. "Of course, Yiannis." her hair fell to the back of her, spilling over her shoulders with her head tilted to the sky. "There is Crius, and then the daughtr of Astraeus and Eos, there is Astraea." They had exchanged conversations often in the nights he could not sleep. Zenais's heart had went out to him each time he cried in pain back in Lyncaea. Staying by his side at night was less to do with her plans,a nd more because he was a human in need.
His hands on her bare shoulder was like a searing fire, and as she turned, her eyes widened in semi-surprise a laugh escaping her lips when she saw the laurel and roses. This wasn't the first of his many crowns he had made for her, and each time Zenais would laugh, and dip her head respectfully, all the while laughing with him. He doted on her, and she in turn enjoyed his company. "Ah, then is the other maiden of beauty divine standing next to me then?" Zenais quipped mid-laugh, tilting her head to fit the crown perfectly on her head, and then turning her gaze back to Yiannis.
"Or am I to believe he is a handsome prince instead?" it was a cheeky smile that played on her lips. Zenais took a step closer, as if daring Yiannis to answer. And then her eyes fell on her bare feet, and suddenly the smile melted into a sigh, as she turned back to the vast expanse of the gardens. "I'm to leave tomorrow, am I not, Yiannis? I have been away from my parents far too long."
Would he hold her back? But how? There was no way in which she could stay anymore without her reputation going up in flames, precarious as it was already.
She laughed freely at his defiant answer. A part of her rejoiced at how public he made of his affections of her - she loved the attention he lavished on her. In return, she gave her affections freely to him, in the smallest things like the brush of her fingers against his, sidling her side up to his. But the other part of her was terrified of it. She was not about to back up on her plan, which meant every whisper, every gossip, would be multiplied tenfold when she finally found a way to gain the royal family's treasury for the usage of her family.
It was bittersweet, each time Zenais would brush her fingers across his skin. She tried to push it to the back of her mind, her plans and ideas. And in many ways, she succeeded. Zenais enjoyed just making the most out of each day she got to spend with Yiannis here in the capital. For the briefest of times, she could forget her responsibilities as the eldest child and only sister to her brother and her parents. Just revel in the fact that she was a prince's chosen partner.
Her heart skipped a beat. He called her dearest often, yet each time the affect on her was the same. Would it ever get old, this feeling that swelled her chest as she looked upon his handsome visage? Her honeyed eyes softened at his smile, even as the music ended and Zenais curtsied to him as was custom at the end of a dance. A curious smile curled her lips upwards when he took her wrist, yet she went along with his direction. She trusted him, with her life at this point.
Ironic, wasn't it? When she was the one undeserving of the trust.
Picking up her chiton around her ankles, her steps were light as they followed him to the garden thick with late fruit in the back of the Dikasitrio. The fresh air was a great boon to Zenais, who took adeep breathe as they arrived at the dirt walkways. Her curious eyes fell on Yiannis, and grinned as she casted her eyes back on the sky. It was a moot question. "Of course, Yiannis." her hair fell to the back of her, spilling over her shoulders with her head tilted to the sky. "There is Crius, and then the daughtr of Astraeus and Eos, there is Astraea." They had exchanged conversations often in the nights he could not sleep. Zenais's heart had went out to him each time he cried in pain back in Lyncaea. Staying by his side at night was less to do with her plans,a nd more because he was a human in need.
His hands on her bare shoulder was like a searing fire, and as she turned, her eyes widened in semi-surprise a laugh escaping her lips when she saw the laurel and roses. This wasn't the first of his many crowns he had made for her, and each time Zenais would laugh, and dip her head respectfully, all the while laughing with him. He doted on her, and she in turn enjoyed his company. "Ah, then is the other maiden of beauty divine standing next to me then?" Zenais quipped mid-laugh, tilting her head to fit the crown perfectly on her head, and then turning her gaze back to Yiannis.
"Or am I to believe he is a handsome prince instead?" it was a cheeky smile that played on her lips. Zenais took a step closer, as if daring Yiannis to answer. And then her eyes fell on her bare feet, and suddenly the smile melted into a sigh, as she turned back to the vast expanse of the gardens. "I'm to leave tomorrow, am I not, Yiannis? I have been away from my parents far too long."
Would he hold her back? But how? There was no way in which she could stay anymore without her reputation going up in flames, precarious as it was already.
"Zenais!" he tried to protest between his own chuckles. When he couldn't succeed, he settled for leaning in to peck at her cheek.
"I'm to leave tomorrow, am I not Yiannis? I have been away from my parents far too long," she said next.
The days played out like dreams for him now. Life was more full and gratifying than he had imagined. The work of caring for someone else more sophisticated. Trying to impress her he'd found new species of bravery. In promoting her, a new fire for political ingenuity. He was still too amazed by the better version of himself to believe it was quite real. She was the keystone that held together this gauzy reality, and now she was going away.
"Must you, dearest? Would a letter from me persuade them? From my father? Could we contrive some reason that you should stay?" he answered.
Yiannis took her hand in his own. He brought his other up to run through her hair, then touch affectionately against her cheek. Her eyes looked deep into hers, unblinking. They had been together so briefly, and already the gaze he was returned was a deep wellspring of memory. Thinking of her at any length warmed his cheeks. Now he could feel the dread march of time. All the changes he didn't want were coming still. If he could do nothing else, he had to express how he felt as truly as possible.
Clearing his throat, he started, "If this is our last night, then forget the ball Zenais. There will be a thousand of these stupid ceremonies in our lifetimes. But I have only hours remaining with the woman that I love.
Let's go back to the Kotas mansion. Or to yours, as you prefer it. The servants can fix us a private meal. It will be as if we two are the only people in the whole world. Just like it used to be"
JD
Staff Team
JD
Staff Team
This post was created by our staff team.
Please contact us with your queries and questions.
"Zenais!" he tried to protest between his own chuckles. When he couldn't succeed, he settled for leaning in to peck at her cheek.
"I'm to leave tomorrow, am I not Yiannis? I have been away from my parents far too long," she said next.
The days played out like dreams for him now. Life was more full and gratifying than he had imagined. The work of caring for someone else more sophisticated. Trying to impress her he'd found new species of bravery. In promoting her, a new fire for political ingenuity. He was still too amazed by the better version of himself to believe it was quite real. She was the keystone that held together this gauzy reality, and now she was going away.
"Must you, dearest? Would a letter from me persuade them? From my father? Could we contrive some reason that you should stay?" he answered.
Yiannis took her hand in his own. He brought his other up to run through her hair, then touch affectionately against her cheek. Her eyes looked deep into hers, unblinking. They had been together so briefly, and already the gaze he was returned was a deep wellspring of memory. Thinking of her at any length warmed his cheeks. Now he could feel the dread march of time. All the changes he didn't want were coming still. If he could do nothing else, he had to express how he felt as truly as possible.
Clearing his throat, he started, "If this is our last night, then forget the ball Zenais. There will be a thousand of these stupid ceremonies in our lifetimes. But I have only hours remaining with the woman that I love.
Let's go back to the Kotas mansion. Or to yours, as you prefer it. The servants can fix us a private meal. It will be as if we two are the only people in the whole world. Just like it used to be"
"Zenais!" he tried to protest between his own chuckles. When he couldn't succeed, he settled for leaning in to peck at her cheek.
"I'm to leave tomorrow, am I not Yiannis? I have been away from my parents far too long," she said next.
The days played out like dreams for him now. Life was more full and gratifying than he had imagined. The work of caring for someone else more sophisticated. Trying to impress her he'd found new species of bravery. In promoting her, a new fire for political ingenuity. He was still too amazed by the better version of himself to believe it was quite real. She was the keystone that held together this gauzy reality, and now she was going away.
"Must you, dearest? Would a letter from me persuade them? From my father? Could we contrive some reason that you should stay?" he answered.
Yiannis took her hand in his own. He brought his other up to run through her hair, then touch affectionately against her cheek. Her eyes looked deep into hers, unblinking. They had been together so briefly, and already the gaze he was returned was a deep wellspring of memory. Thinking of her at any length warmed his cheeks. Now he could feel the dread march of time. All the changes he didn't want were coming still. If he could do nothing else, he had to express how he felt as truly as possible.
Clearing his throat, he started, "If this is our last night, then forget the ball Zenais. There will be a thousand of these stupid ceremonies in our lifetimes. But I have only hours remaining with the woman that I love.
Let's go back to the Kotas mansion. Or to yours, as you prefer it. The servants can fix us a private meal. It will be as if we two are the only people in the whole world. Just like it used to be"
He was attentive to the highest degree, lavishing attention as if Zenais was a princess. And perhaps to him, she was. That was what he called her after all. Yiannis was not selfish in lavishing praise and love on Zenais, and as much as she basked in it, it also ate away at the guilt within her with each passing day.Yet with every news she got from her maids and slave's back in Lyncaea, she knew there was little time left before the debtors came knocking on the Alistaire manor door, and all the secrets would be uncovered.
His questions, eager as they were, made her face fell, even as he took her hand. Averting her gaze from his, Zenais worried at her bottom lip, giving the appropriate pause so it seemed as if she were thining deep and hard, before she replied. "It would not do for me to be longer away Yiannis, not when... I am still an unmarried young lady of a noble house. Mother would expect me home." she murmured. Of course, there was the subtle hint in her words. After all, there was truth to them. It was unbecoming for an unmarried young lady of her age to stay so long in the custody of another male, prince he may be.
Lacing her fingers with his, her face brightened again when Yiannis started his plethora of words, each one only making her happier then the last. Could she forget everything else too then, her heart asked? Forget that she had an ulterior motive for even encouraging him on in the first place? Forget that he was a prince and she was the daughter of a noble house heavily in debt? Forget that if he ever found out about her deceit and beginning motives, he would not be happy?
Forget that.... that she had fallen for her own trap, and now could see him for the man that he was. Forget that he was that courageous, charming, brilliant in strategy, loving to his family, protective and thoughftul. Forget that she had fallen in love with him. Forget that she could now see the man beyond the prince she had first come to know.
The lull that came after he asked to return for a private meal was real this time, as she was consumed by her own thoughts. But it was as if the stark silence was a slap to her own face, for Zenais quickly perked up and flashed a smile to Yiannis, giving him an eager nod. "My town manor should be available." she offered immediately, not at all eager to face the risk of running into any other of his family. She had managed to steer clear of anyone else but the King and Queen themselves so far, and Zenais had no wished to endanger herself more.
Instead, she grasped Yiannis's hands in hers, and tugged at him to follow. Leading him down a set of servant's staircase, they arrived at the area where the carriages for the nobility were parked awaiting the end of the ball. There, Zenais headed quick for the one decked in teal trimmings on a white carriage, the sigil of the Alistaire house on its door. The footman was quick to open the door, and Zenais led Yiannis in, breathless with silent laughter as she rapped on the roof for the driver to drive on. As the carriage rolled to a start, the jerk of movement tipped the still off balance lady in to the prince's lap, where Zenais scrambled to get up, her cheeks flushing, biting her lip in embarassment.
"Apologies, I forget to keep my balance." she murmured, a shy smile again before she rambled on. "I have informed one of my footmen to ride ahead, and the kitchen should have prepared a meal by the time we're back. It is but a simple repast, but I do hope it should be enough for you." Zenais offered him a sweet smile, turning her eyes up to him, lips curled upwards.
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He was attentive to the highest degree, lavishing attention as if Zenais was a princess. And perhaps to him, she was. That was what he called her after all. Yiannis was not selfish in lavishing praise and love on Zenais, and as much as she basked in it, it also ate away at the guilt within her with each passing day.Yet with every news she got from her maids and slave's back in Lyncaea, she knew there was little time left before the debtors came knocking on the Alistaire manor door, and all the secrets would be uncovered.
His questions, eager as they were, made her face fell, even as he took her hand. Averting her gaze from his, Zenais worried at her bottom lip, giving the appropriate pause so it seemed as if she were thining deep and hard, before she replied. "It would not do for me to be longer away Yiannis, not when... I am still an unmarried young lady of a noble house. Mother would expect me home." she murmured. Of course, there was the subtle hint in her words. After all, there was truth to them. It was unbecoming for an unmarried young lady of her age to stay so long in the custody of another male, prince he may be.
Lacing her fingers with his, her face brightened again when Yiannis started his plethora of words, each one only making her happier then the last. Could she forget everything else too then, her heart asked? Forget that she had an ulterior motive for even encouraging him on in the first place? Forget that he was a prince and she was the daughter of a noble house heavily in debt? Forget that if he ever found out about her deceit and beginning motives, he would not be happy?
Forget that.... that she had fallen for her own trap, and now could see him for the man that he was. Forget that he was that courageous, charming, brilliant in strategy, loving to his family, protective and thoughftul. Forget that she had fallen in love with him. Forget that she could now see the man beyond the prince she had first come to know.
The lull that came after he asked to return for a private meal was real this time, as she was consumed by her own thoughts. But it was as if the stark silence was a slap to her own face, for Zenais quickly perked up and flashed a smile to Yiannis, giving him an eager nod. "My town manor should be available." she offered immediately, not at all eager to face the risk of running into any other of his family. She had managed to steer clear of anyone else but the King and Queen themselves so far, and Zenais had no wished to endanger herself more.
Instead, she grasped Yiannis's hands in hers, and tugged at him to follow. Leading him down a set of servant's staircase, they arrived at the area where the carriages for the nobility were parked awaiting the end of the ball. There, Zenais headed quick for the one decked in teal trimmings on a white carriage, the sigil of the Alistaire house on its door. The footman was quick to open the door, and Zenais led Yiannis in, breathless with silent laughter as she rapped on the roof for the driver to drive on. As the carriage rolled to a start, the jerk of movement tipped the still off balance lady in to the prince's lap, where Zenais scrambled to get up, her cheeks flushing, biting her lip in embarassment.
"Apologies, I forget to keep my balance." she murmured, a shy smile again before she rambled on. "I have informed one of my footmen to ride ahead, and the kitchen should have prepared a meal by the time we're back. It is but a simple repast, but I do hope it should be enough for you." Zenais offered him a sweet smile, turning her eyes up to him, lips curled upwards.
He was attentive to the highest degree, lavishing attention as if Zenais was a princess. And perhaps to him, she was. That was what he called her after all. Yiannis was not selfish in lavishing praise and love on Zenais, and as much as she basked in it, it also ate away at the guilt within her with each passing day.Yet with every news she got from her maids and slave's back in Lyncaea, she knew there was little time left before the debtors came knocking on the Alistaire manor door, and all the secrets would be uncovered.
His questions, eager as they were, made her face fell, even as he took her hand. Averting her gaze from his, Zenais worried at her bottom lip, giving the appropriate pause so it seemed as if she were thining deep and hard, before she replied. "It would not do for me to be longer away Yiannis, not when... I am still an unmarried young lady of a noble house. Mother would expect me home." she murmured. Of course, there was the subtle hint in her words. After all, there was truth to them. It was unbecoming for an unmarried young lady of her age to stay so long in the custody of another male, prince he may be.
Lacing her fingers with his, her face brightened again when Yiannis started his plethora of words, each one only making her happier then the last. Could she forget everything else too then, her heart asked? Forget that she had an ulterior motive for even encouraging him on in the first place? Forget that he was a prince and she was the daughter of a noble house heavily in debt? Forget that if he ever found out about her deceit and beginning motives, he would not be happy?
Forget that.... that she had fallen for her own trap, and now could see him for the man that he was. Forget that he was that courageous, charming, brilliant in strategy, loving to his family, protective and thoughftul. Forget that she had fallen in love with him. Forget that she could now see the man beyond the prince she had first come to know.
The lull that came after he asked to return for a private meal was real this time, as she was consumed by her own thoughts. But it was as if the stark silence was a slap to her own face, for Zenais quickly perked up and flashed a smile to Yiannis, giving him an eager nod. "My town manor should be available." she offered immediately, not at all eager to face the risk of running into any other of his family. She had managed to steer clear of anyone else but the King and Queen themselves so far, and Zenais had no wished to endanger herself more.
Instead, she grasped Yiannis's hands in hers, and tugged at him to follow. Leading him down a set of servant's staircase, they arrived at the area where the carriages for the nobility were parked awaiting the end of the ball. There, Zenais headed quick for the one decked in teal trimmings on a white carriage, the sigil of the Alistaire house on its door. The footman was quick to open the door, and Zenais led Yiannis in, breathless with silent laughter as she rapped on the roof for the driver to drive on. As the carriage rolled to a start, the jerk of movement tipped the still off balance lady in to the prince's lap, where Zenais scrambled to get up, her cheeks flushing, biting her lip in embarassment.
"Apologies, I forget to keep my balance." she murmured, a shy smile again before she rambled on. "I have informed one of my footmen to ride ahead, and the kitchen should have prepared a meal by the time we're back. It is but a simple repast, but I do hope it should be enough for you." Zenais offered him a sweet smile, turning her eyes up to him, lips curled upwards.
Their laughter settled into silence. For once Yiannis willed himself to look beyond her out into the night sky. He knew it was getting later. With every passing hour his continued presence would be more improbable. The specter of scandal was going to force them apart, and he fretted knowing when they would ever come back together again. As much as he tried to contrive reasons in his head to visit Lyncaea, nothing fit. It all just seemed fundamentally wrong. There was something more here.
His eyes fell to the empty bowl of rabbit stew. The first part of their meal together that night. A callback to what they'd eaten the first day he'd walked. She was wonderful about mall details like that. Suffusing the smallest moments of life with extraordinary meaning. He needed to tell her so, along with a thousand other things. But it was more than he could manage. He was not Zanon. No master plan would drop into his lap. No grand speech. Only his halting, uncertain prose. The sort that only she would listen to with rapt attention as if he were some master of the forum. He supposed, finally, that this knowledge alone would have to be enough.
"There's something I have to say he started.
"There was a time when I thought I would die. Then a moment I realized I wouldn't, and wished that I had. Last of all, I realized I had never truly lived in the first place.
You changed my life. I was a smaller man. You opened my heart. I don't need the things I was seeking. My life isn't for glory or the gods or excellence. Not any more. All the meaning I need anymore is the two of us. Our happiness together seems a richer treasure than gold-plaited palaces and any bard's song. These few weeks at your side more worthy than any I've seen."
As he spoke, he had taken her hand between his. Now he reached out to press it against his heart. That way it could be the way it was in his dreams. She, holding his heart as it thrummed in her hands. Reaching out to touch her fingertips. His words faltered. But she had always understood him. Without speaking--sometimes before he even thought himself. He hoped she would know now what he was trying to say.
"Just you and me, Zenais. None of the rest of it, do you understand? I love you. Your happiness is mine."
Then he had it. Finally. Each time their separation threatened, the solution had been in front of them. His hand worked furiously at his own finger. Slipping off his signet ring. The grin the swung across his face as it came free was impossibly large. He pressed it into her hands.
"Take this, Zenais. The symbol of everything I am. We are. Have it as you have my entire soul. Marry me, Zenais."
JD
Staff Team
JD
Staff Team
This post was created by our staff team.
Please contact us with your queries and questions.
Their laughter settled into silence. For once Yiannis willed himself to look beyond her out into the night sky. He knew it was getting later. With every passing hour his continued presence would be more improbable. The specter of scandal was going to force them apart, and he fretted knowing when they would ever come back together again. As much as he tried to contrive reasons in his head to visit Lyncaea, nothing fit. It all just seemed fundamentally wrong. There was something more here.
His eyes fell to the empty bowl of rabbit stew. The first part of their meal together that night. A callback to what they'd eaten the first day he'd walked. She was wonderful about mall details like that. Suffusing the smallest moments of life with extraordinary meaning. He needed to tell her so, along with a thousand other things. But it was more than he could manage. He was not Zanon. No master plan would drop into his lap. No grand speech. Only his halting, uncertain prose. The sort that only she would listen to with rapt attention as if he were some master of the forum. He supposed, finally, that this knowledge alone would have to be enough.
"There's something I have to say he started.
"There was a time when I thought I would die. Then a moment I realized I wouldn't, and wished that I had. Last of all, I realized I had never truly lived in the first place.
You changed my life. I was a smaller man. You opened my heart. I don't need the things I was seeking. My life isn't for glory or the gods or excellence. Not any more. All the meaning I need anymore is the two of us. Our happiness together seems a richer treasure than gold-plaited palaces and any bard's song. These few weeks at your side more worthy than any I've seen."
As he spoke, he had taken her hand between his. Now he reached out to press it against his heart. That way it could be the way it was in his dreams. She, holding his heart as it thrummed in her hands. Reaching out to touch her fingertips. His words faltered. But she had always understood him. Without speaking--sometimes before he even thought himself. He hoped she would know now what he was trying to say.
"Just you and me, Zenais. None of the rest of it, do you understand? I love you. Your happiness is mine."
Then he had it. Finally. Each time their separation threatened, the solution had been in front of them. His hand worked furiously at his own finger. Slipping off his signet ring. The grin the swung across his face as it came free was impossibly large. He pressed it into her hands.
"Take this, Zenais. The symbol of everything I am. We are. Have it as you have my entire soul. Marry me, Zenais."
Their laughter settled into silence. For once Yiannis willed himself to look beyond her out into the night sky. He knew it was getting later. With every passing hour his continued presence would be more improbable. The specter of scandal was going to force them apart, and he fretted knowing when they would ever come back together again. As much as he tried to contrive reasons in his head to visit Lyncaea, nothing fit. It all just seemed fundamentally wrong. There was something more here.
His eyes fell to the empty bowl of rabbit stew. The first part of their meal together that night. A callback to what they'd eaten the first day he'd walked. She was wonderful about mall details like that. Suffusing the smallest moments of life with extraordinary meaning. He needed to tell her so, along with a thousand other things. But it was more than he could manage. He was not Zanon. No master plan would drop into his lap. No grand speech. Only his halting, uncertain prose. The sort that only she would listen to with rapt attention as if he were some master of the forum. He supposed, finally, that this knowledge alone would have to be enough.
"There's something I have to say he started.
"There was a time when I thought I would die. Then a moment I realized I wouldn't, and wished that I had. Last of all, I realized I had never truly lived in the first place.
You changed my life. I was a smaller man. You opened my heart. I don't need the things I was seeking. My life isn't for glory or the gods or excellence. Not any more. All the meaning I need anymore is the two of us. Our happiness together seems a richer treasure than gold-plaited palaces and any bard's song. These few weeks at your side more worthy than any I've seen."
As he spoke, he had taken her hand between his. Now he reached out to press it against his heart. That way it could be the way it was in his dreams. She, holding his heart as it thrummed in her hands. Reaching out to touch her fingertips. His words faltered. But she had always understood him. Without speaking--sometimes before he even thought himself. He hoped she would know now what he was trying to say.
"Just you and me, Zenais. None of the rest of it, do you understand? I love you. Your happiness is mine."
Then he had it. Finally. Each time their separation threatened, the solution had been in front of them. His hand worked furiously at his own finger. Slipping off his signet ring. The grin the swung across his face as it came free was impossibly large. He pressed it into her hands.
"Take this, Zenais. The symbol of everything I am. We are. Have it as you have my entire soul. Marry me, Zenais."
She had intentionally asked for the kitchen to make rabbit stew - Zenais had kept in mind what he had said many weeks ago, when they had still been in Lyncaea and he had still been reliant on her for mobility. In the fields where life had been simpler, and she had only one motive when it came to the handsome third prince of Colchis.
But life could never remain easy, could it?
The meal was an enjoyable one, as one always was with Yiannis. He teased, she quipped, they exchanged jokes and chatter as the night grew later, and the Alistaire manor grew silent as the servants slowly began to retire, as the cleared the tables and left the two to their own devices. As the echoes of their laughter died, Zenais found it harder and harder to pull her gaze away from Yiannis, almost as if she wanted to imprint his visage on her mind. Would she be able to see him still after tis?
His sudden start in words had her cock her head to a side, curious with all thoughts of deceit wiped out of her mind as she tried to decipher his sudden tenseness in his body. Has he realized her lies? Had he noticed that she was not true? That there is a sparseness to the Alistaire house, a lack in a full staff that her father could not afford to hire?
Her heart raced, and Zenais gripped at her fingers in between her chiton, suddenly nervous. As he began his speech, she read more then necessary into his words, seeking, searching for what he meant, what was in store for her. If he had been able to feel it, Yiannis would've felt how clammy her own palms had been, but she suspected he was just as nervous as her.
For he had just asked her to marry him.
Did she hear him right? Was she dreaming? They have exchanged the 'love' word a few times over the past month, mostly Zenais replying whenever Yiannis does so. Much of it has been Zenais herself reciprocating to make Yiannis feel better with her, gain his confidence, enroll his feelings to hers. But now... this...
Zenais only stared blindly, her mouth agape and her blue eyes glittering with unshed tears as she watched him work his signet ring off his finger. She was stone still while he passed the ring to her own hands, her heart going too fast she felt almost as if she was going to faint. Blinking wordlessly, her gaze dropped to the heavy ring in her outstretched palm, and then back at his bright, eager eyes... and then suddenly, it all hit her at once.
She did it.
She actually did it.
She had the heart of the prince in her hands. She had a signet ring - one that would allow her access to the royal treasury. And if she had it right, House Alistaire would need the funds immediately for the debtors were soon to come calling and relegate all of her House to shame.
But at the risk of what?
Her heart? Her love? Her own affection and feelings for Yiannis?
She had to do it. For she had no choice. But let her have one night.
With the ring gently placed on the dinner table, Zenais took up the hand which had held hers just moments ago, and squeezed it tight. There was a lump in her throat the brunette was finding hard to breathe past - but she couldn't cry. Not yet.
Without any warning, she launched herself at Yiannis into his arms, on his lap, latching her lips to his in a kiss that spoke all of her feelings. Everything she wanted him to know, yet was refrained from telling him was conveyed in her kiss, her arms curling around his neck as she pulled back briefly, just enough space for a wisp of air to past between their lips, only to realize her tears had escaped. But let him think they were tears of joy. Let him think of that as her answer, her kiss be her affection, her need for him, her want for his love and touch, his attention and desire. She couldn't say yes. That would be a lie to him, and at this juncture of the road, Zenais was loathe to lie to him any longer. But she could say one thing.
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This character is currently a work in progress.
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She had intentionally asked for the kitchen to make rabbit stew - Zenais had kept in mind what he had said many weeks ago, when they had still been in Lyncaea and he had still been reliant on her for mobility. In the fields where life had been simpler, and she had only one motive when it came to the handsome third prince of Colchis.
But life could never remain easy, could it?
The meal was an enjoyable one, as one always was with Yiannis. He teased, she quipped, they exchanged jokes and chatter as the night grew later, and the Alistaire manor grew silent as the servants slowly began to retire, as the cleared the tables and left the two to their own devices. As the echoes of their laughter died, Zenais found it harder and harder to pull her gaze away from Yiannis, almost as if she wanted to imprint his visage on her mind. Would she be able to see him still after tis?
His sudden start in words had her cock her head to a side, curious with all thoughts of deceit wiped out of her mind as she tried to decipher his sudden tenseness in his body. Has he realized her lies? Had he noticed that she was not true? That there is a sparseness to the Alistaire house, a lack in a full staff that her father could not afford to hire?
Her heart raced, and Zenais gripped at her fingers in between her chiton, suddenly nervous. As he began his speech, she read more then necessary into his words, seeking, searching for what he meant, what was in store for her. If he had been able to feel it, Yiannis would've felt how clammy her own palms had been, but she suspected he was just as nervous as her.
For he had just asked her to marry him.
Did she hear him right? Was she dreaming? They have exchanged the 'love' word a few times over the past month, mostly Zenais replying whenever Yiannis does so. Much of it has been Zenais herself reciprocating to make Yiannis feel better with her, gain his confidence, enroll his feelings to hers. But now... this...
Zenais only stared blindly, her mouth agape and her blue eyes glittering with unshed tears as she watched him work his signet ring off his finger. She was stone still while he passed the ring to her own hands, her heart going too fast she felt almost as if she was going to faint. Blinking wordlessly, her gaze dropped to the heavy ring in her outstretched palm, and then back at his bright, eager eyes... and then suddenly, it all hit her at once.
She did it.
She actually did it.
She had the heart of the prince in her hands. She had a signet ring - one that would allow her access to the royal treasury. And if she had it right, House Alistaire would need the funds immediately for the debtors were soon to come calling and relegate all of her House to shame.
But at the risk of what?
Her heart? Her love? Her own affection and feelings for Yiannis?
She had to do it. For she had no choice. But let her have one night.
With the ring gently placed on the dinner table, Zenais took up the hand which had held hers just moments ago, and squeezed it tight. There was a lump in her throat the brunette was finding hard to breathe past - but she couldn't cry. Not yet.
Without any warning, she launched herself at Yiannis into his arms, on his lap, latching her lips to his in a kiss that spoke all of her feelings. Everything she wanted him to know, yet was refrained from telling him was conveyed in her kiss, her arms curling around his neck as she pulled back briefly, just enough space for a wisp of air to past between their lips, only to realize her tears had escaped. But let him think they were tears of joy. Let him think of that as her answer, her kiss be her affection, her need for him, her want for his love and touch, his attention and desire. She couldn't say yes. That would be a lie to him, and at this juncture of the road, Zenais was loathe to lie to him any longer. But she could say one thing.
She had intentionally asked for the kitchen to make rabbit stew - Zenais had kept in mind what he had said many weeks ago, when they had still been in Lyncaea and he had still been reliant on her for mobility. In the fields where life had been simpler, and she had only one motive when it came to the handsome third prince of Colchis.
But life could never remain easy, could it?
The meal was an enjoyable one, as one always was with Yiannis. He teased, she quipped, they exchanged jokes and chatter as the night grew later, and the Alistaire manor grew silent as the servants slowly began to retire, as the cleared the tables and left the two to their own devices. As the echoes of their laughter died, Zenais found it harder and harder to pull her gaze away from Yiannis, almost as if she wanted to imprint his visage on her mind. Would she be able to see him still after tis?
His sudden start in words had her cock her head to a side, curious with all thoughts of deceit wiped out of her mind as she tried to decipher his sudden tenseness in his body. Has he realized her lies? Had he noticed that she was not true? That there is a sparseness to the Alistaire house, a lack in a full staff that her father could not afford to hire?
Her heart raced, and Zenais gripped at her fingers in between her chiton, suddenly nervous. As he began his speech, she read more then necessary into his words, seeking, searching for what he meant, what was in store for her. If he had been able to feel it, Yiannis would've felt how clammy her own palms had been, but she suspected he was just as nervous as her.
For he had just asked her to marry him.
Did she hear him right? Was she dreaming? They have exchanged the 'love' word a few times over the past month, mostly Zenais replying whenever Yiannis does so. Much of it has been Zenais herself reciprocating to make Yiannis feel better with her, gain his confidence, enroll his feelings to hers. But now... this...
Zenais only stared blindly, her mouth agape and her blue eyes glittering with unshed tears as she watched him work his signet ring off his finger. She was stone still while he passed the ring to her own hands, her heart going too fast she felt almost as if she was going to faint. Blinking wordlessly, her gaze dropped to the heavy ring in her outstretched palm, and then back at his bright, eager eyes... and then suddenly, it all hit her at once.
She did it.
She actually did it.
She had the heart of the prince in her hands. She had a signet ring - one that would allow her access to the royal treasury. And if she had it right, House Alistaire would need the funds immediately for the debtors were soon to come calling and relegate all of her House to shame.
But at the risk of what?
Her heart? Her love? Her own affection and feelings for Yiannis?
She had to do it. For she had no choice. But let her have one night.
With the ring gently placed on the dinner table, Zenais took up the hand which had held hers just moments ago, and squeezed it tight. There was a lump in her throat the brunette was finding hard to breathe past - but she couldn't cry. Not yet.
Without any warning, she launched herself at Yiannis into his arms, on his lap, latching her lips to his in a kiss that spoke all of her feelings. Everything she wanted him to know, yet was refrained from telling him was conveyed in her kiss, her arms curling around his neck as she pulled back briefly, just enough space for a wisp of air to past between their lips, only to realize her tears had escaped. But let him think they were tears of joy. Let him think of that as her answer, her kiss be her affection, her need for him, her want for his love and touch, his attention and desire. She couldn't say yes. That would be a lie to him, and at this juncture of the road, Zenais was loathe to lie to him any longer. But she could say one thing.
"Zenais!" he cried ecstatic. "ZENAIS!"
He pulled her in a tight embrace. Giggling, gasping in surprise, yelping in triumph. His whole body crackled with energy. A divine sort of fulfillment to have come to this moment. He with her, on this blessed night in Colchis. The whole world seemed right.
Yiannis could see their whole life spreading out from this singularity. A wide universe of their own making. He was going to go back out to war one day. Soon, likely, defending his people and honoring his brothers. In his own unique style. That was place in Colchis. And each time, every day and every year, he would come back to her. Because she was his place in the grand scheme. The one that showed him the grand scheme of things. There was a timelessness to that moment. A satisfaction that could only come from knowing what one was supposed to be.
The two of them were spinning in circles together. He was excited enough to hoist her up off the floor, toes only brushing against the earth. At his full strength at last, he hefted her up even higher, until she towered far over his head. He'd kissed her a few times along the way. Once fully on the lips, at her assent. Then only showering her cheeks and neck, looking for some outlet for his feelings. But then she he had clear in the air, her bellybutton near eye level. Passion still roaring. He leaned forward to kiss her again.
It was like something clicked inside him. A deep-seated longing. The first kindlings months ago, when he noticed how symmetric her face was as it struck the life. Growing with affection and familiarity. Waiting. Then he kissed her belly, pressing his face against her chiton, and it all blossomed. Suddenly, the whole of her body was available. They came against a wall. As he lowered her back to him, his hands stopped holding the outside of the chiton, and dared to slip beneath. Whatever had control of them now was propelling them upwards. Toward her bedroom.
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He pulled her in a tight embrace. Giggling, gasping in surprise, yelping in triumph. His whole body crackled with energy. A divine sort of fulfillment to have come to this moment. He with her, on this blessed night in Colchis. The whole world seemed right.
Yiannis could see their whole life spreading out from this singularity. A wide universe of their own making. He was going to go back out to war one day. Soon, likely, defending his people and honoring his brothers. In his own unique style. That was place in Colchis. And each time, every day and every year, he would come back to her. Because she was his place in the grand scheme. The one that showed him the grand scheme of things. There was a timelessness to that moment. A satisfaction that could only come from knowing what one was supposed to be.
The two of them were spinning in circles together. He was excited enough to hoist her up off the floor, toes only brushing against the earth. At his full strength at last, he hefted her up even higher, until she towered far over his head. He'd kissed her a few times along the way. Once fully on the lips, at her assent. Then only showering her cheeks and neck, looking for some outlet for his feelings. But then she he had clear in the air, her bellybutton near eye level. Passion still roaring. He leaned forward to kiss her again.
It was like something clicked inside him. A deep-seated longing. The first kindlings months ago, when he noticed how symmetric her face was as it struck the life. Growing with affection and familiarity. Waiting. Then he kissed her belly, pressing his face against her chiton, and it all blossomed. Suddenly, the whole of her body was available. They came against a wall. As he lowered her back to him, his hands stopped holding the outside of the chiton, and dared to slip beneath. Whatever had control of them now was propelling them upwards. Toward her bedroom.
"Zenais!" he cried ecstatic. "ZENAIS!"
He pulled her in a tight embrace. Giggling, gasping in surprise, yelping in triumph. His whole body crackled with energy. A divine sort of fulfillment to have come to this moment. He with her, on this blessed night in Colchis. The whole world seemed right.
Yiannis could see their whole life spreading out from this singularity. A wide universe of their own making. He was going to go back out to war one day. Soon, likely, defending his people and honoring his brothers. In his own unique style. That was place in Colchis. And each time, every day and every year, he would come back to her. Because she was his place in the grand scheme. The one that showed him the grand scheme of things. There was a timelessness to that moment. A satisfaction that could only come from knowing what one was supposed to be.
The two of them were spinning in circles together. He was excited enough to hoist her up off the floor, toes only brushing against the earth. At his full strength at last, he hefted her up even higher, until she towered far over his head. He'd kissed her a few times along the way. Once fully on the lips, at her assent. Then only showering her cheeks and neck, looking for some outlet for his feelings. But then she he had clear in the air, her bellybutton near eye level. Passion still roaring. He leaned forward to kiss her again.
It was like something clicked inside him. A deep-seated longing. The first kindlings months ago, when he noticed how symmetric her face was as it struck the life. Growing with affection and familiarity. Waiting. Then he kissed her belly, pressing his face against her chiton, and it all blossomed. Suddenly, the whole of her body was available. They came against a wall. As he lowered her back to him, his hands stopped holding the outside of the chiton, and dared to slip beneath. Whatever had control of them now was propelling them upwards. Toward her bedroom.
He was excited, but the excitement only served as another reminder of what she was about to do.
Not now. Zenais thought to herself, her smile faltering as Yiannis picked her up and swung her around. Luckily for her, the prince was so consumed by his joy that he did not notice the way Zenais bit her lip, fighting back the tears that threatened to spill at his joy. Would he still be as joyous, when Zenais stole off in the middle of the night? Not now. Please, Gods, let her just enjoy that fleeting moment where she could pretend all was fine in her world.
That she was not about to betray her own heart.
As he set her down, she stumbled a little, laughing breathlessly. Her vision swam slightly from him spinning her, but her lips laughed, her skin still tingling from the kisses he rained upon her cheeks, neck, any square inch of skin he seemed to be able to reach. Linking her arms around his neck as he pushed her against the wall, Zenais eagerly met his kiss with her own, lips molding against his.
Their breaths were hot and mingled together in the minute space between the two bodies. The hand which had slipped beneath her chiton made her shiver, his large, warm palm heating up the cold of her skin, against the flat of her belly. Pulling away from the kiss, Zenais looked at him, peering from her height beneath him. And in his eyes, she saw a wealth of longing.
The kind of longing he had made her feel in his kisses, in the chaste brushes of his finger against her neck and lower back, the innocent way in which he had touched her before. They were young, but in teenagers, hormones raged with the slightest inclination. And it was made all the more worst when Zenais knew very clearly, this could be the one time she had Yiannis without remorse, without fear of repercussion, without anything between them.
Daringly, almost as if she knew what she wanted, Zenais pulled at his chiton to get Yiannis closer again so she could meet his lips with hers. Using one hand, she gripped the wrist of the hand beneath her chiton, and pushed it further up so it would brush against her bare breasts beneath her silken outfit. Clinging against his neck, Zenais's kisses were filled with a longing and desire she had long known of, but was told to keep locked and hidden until her marriage. But he had proposed to her, had she not? He had offered her his signet ring, which now lay on the dinner table.
Because Zenais wanted to forget what the ring meant for her. She wanted to remember instead, the man who had asked her with it, the question that came with it, the feelings behind it. "Bring me upstairs, Yiannis. My room." she murmured against his lips, pushing her whole body to press against his. For she wanted no one else, only him.
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This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
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He was excited, but the excitement only served as another reminder of what she was about to do.
Not now. Zenais thought to herself, her smile faltering as Yiannis picked her up and swung her around. Luckily for her, the prince was so consumed by his joy that he did not notice the way Zenais bit her lip, fighting back the tears that threatened to spill at his joy. Would he still be as joyous, when Zenais stole off in the middle of the night? Not now. Please, Gods, let her just enjoy that fleeting moment where she could pretend all was fine in her world.
That she was not about to betray her own heart.
As he set her down, she stumbled a little, laughing breathlessly. Her vision swam slightly from him spinning her, but her lips laughed, her skin still tingling from the kisses he rained upon her cheeks, neck, any square inch of skin he seemed to be able to reach. Linking her arms around his neck as he pushed her against the wall, Zenais eagerly met his kiss with her own, lips molding against his.
Their breaths were hot and mingled together in the minute space between the two bodies. The hand which had slipped beneath her chiton made her shiver, his large, warm palm heating up the cold of her skin, against the flat of her belly. Pulling away from the kiss, Zenais looked at him, peering from her height beneath him. And in his eyes, she saw a wealth of longing.
The kind of longing he had made her feel in his kisses, in the chaste brushes of his finger against her neck and lower back, the innocent way in which he had touched her before. They were young, but in teenagers, hormones raged with the slightest inclination. And it was made all the more worst when Zenais knew very clearly, this could be the one time she had Yiannis without remorse, without fear of repercussion, without anything between them.
Daringly, almost as if she knew what she wanted, Zenais pulled at his chiton to get Yiannis closer again so she could meet his lips with hers. Using one hand, she gripped the wrist of the hand beneath her chiton, and pushed it further up so it would brush against her bare breasts beneath her silken outfit. Clinging against his neck, Zenais's kisses were filled with a longing and desire she had long known of, but was told to keep locked and hidden until her marriage. But he had proposed to her, had she not? He had offered her his signet ring, which now lay on the dinner table.
Because Zenais wanted to forget what the ring meant for her. She wanted to remember instead, the man who had asked her with it, the question that came with it, the feelings behind it. "Bring me upstairs, Yiannis. My room." she murmured against his lips, pushing her whole body to press against his. For she wanted no one else, only him.
He was excited, but the excitement only served as another reminder of what she was about to do.
Not now. Zenais thought to herself, her smile faltering as Yiannis picked her up and swung her around. Luckily for her, the prince was so consumed by his joy that he did not notice the way Zenais bit her lip, fighting back the tears that threatened to spill at his joy. Would he still be as joyous, when Zenais stole off in the middle of the night? Not now. Please, Gods, let her just enjoy that fleeting moment where she could pretend all was fine in her world.
That she was not about to betray her own heart.
As he set her down, she stumbled a little, laughing breathlessly. Her vision swam slightly from him spinning her, but her lips laughed, her skin still tingling from the kisses he rained upon her cheeks, neck, any square inch of skin he seemed to be able to reach. Linking her arms around his neck as he pushed her against the wall, Zenais eagerly met his kiss with her own, lips molding against his.
Their breaths were hot and mingled together in the minute space between the two bodies. The hand which had slipped beneath her chiton made her shiver, his large, warm palm heating up the cold of her skin, against the flat of her belly. Pulling away from the kiss, Zenais looked at him, peering from her height beneath him. And in his eyes, she saw a wealth of longing.
The kind of longing he had made her feel in his kisses, in the chaste brushes of his finger against her neck and lower back, the innocent way in which he had touched her before. They were young, but in teenagers, hormones raged with the slightest inclination. And it was made all the more worst when Zenais knew very clearly, this could be the one time she had Yiannis without remorse, without fear of repercussion, without anything between them.
Daringly, almost as if she knew what she wanted, Zenais pulled at his chiton to get Yiannis closer again so she could meet his lips with hers. Using one hand, she gripped the wrist of the hand beneath her chiton, and pushed it further up so it would brush against her bare breasts beneath her silken outfit. Clinging against his neck, Zenais's kisses were filled with a longing and desire she had long known of, but was told to keep locked and hidden until her marriage. But he had proposed to her, had she not? He had offered her his signet ring, which now lay on the dinner table.
Because Zenais wanted to forget what the ring meant for her. She wanted to remember instead, the man who had asked her with it, the question that came with it, the feelings behind it. "Bring me upstairs, Yiannis. My room." she murmured against his lips, pushing her whole body to press against his. For she wanted no one else, only him.
These last months had served, more than anything, to teach him courage. How to keep moving, even when he was terrified. There was no one else here. No tutors to break in. Every second seemed exponentially more terrifying. Thrilling on the one hand, and disastrous on the other. The mere thought of where his hand was raised the hairs on the back of neck. That was before he touched her skin, and realized no one was going to stop them.
As if to prove the point, she took hold of his hand and guided it upwards. Even though he knew what was happening, his mind took a few seconds to accept. She was holding her breast now. Just seeing it would have been enough. The feel of it--of her--drove him wild. If somehow he had been holding any of himself in reserve, he let it all go. Entangling himself in her body with a ferocious new energy.
The way her body moved against his was intoxicating. She seemed so much like a master at this. Each kiss with just the right touch. Here heavy, to convey her passion, there a light graze to stir his excitement. He was trying to keep up. But he'd already crossed into a place he'd only walked in his dreams. Except dreams ended. You woke up, and could imagine that everything had turned out perfectly. She was still right here in his arms, demanding the whole of his attentions. Hoisting her up in his arms as they moved towards her chambers, he could only hope he didn't disappoint her.
They spilled onto her bed together. Rolling atop one another, laughing and gasping and kissing. In the rare second he could convince himself to take his hands from her, he was tearing at his own garments. Trying awkwardly to disrobe one-handed. Had he been looking from the door, he would have thought it incredibly stupid. A single second's self-consciousness, and he would have felt that way. Felt it so strongly he would literally freeze. The truth, after all, is that he had no idea what he was doing. Only vague instinct and whispered stories to guide him. He was exposing everything. Except of everything in the world, she was the one person who knew how to make that feel alright. He had spent the last few months learning about courage. And he knew that she was his.
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This post was created by our staff team.
Please contact us with your queries and questions.
These last months had served, more than anything, to teach him courage. How to keep moving, even when he was terrified. There was no one else here. No tutors to break in. Every second seemed exponentially more terrifying. Thrilling on the one hand, and disastrous on the other. The mere thought of where his hand was raised the hairs on the back of neck. That was before he touched her skin, and realized no one was going to stop them.
As if to prove the point, she took hold of his hand and guided it upwards. Even though he knew what was happening, his mind took a few seconds to accept. She was holding her breast now. Just seeing it would have been enough. The feel of it--of her--drove him wild. If somehow he had been holding any of himself in reserve, he let it all go. Entangling himself in her body with a ferocious new energy.
The way her body moved against his was intoxicating. She seemed so much like a master at this. Each kiss with just the right touch. Here heavy, to convey her passion, there a light graze to stir his excitement. He was trying to keep up. But he'd already crossed into a place he'd only walked in his dreams. Except dreams ended. You woke up, and could imagine that everything had turned out perfectly. She was still right here in his arms, demanding the whole of his attentions. Hoisting her up in his arms as they moved towards her chambers, he could only hope he didn't disappoint her.
They spilled onto her bed together. Rolling atop one another, laughing and gasping and kissing. In the rare second he could convince himself to take his hands from her, he was tearing at his own garments. Trying awkwardly to disrobe one-handed. Had he been looking from the door, he would have thought it incredibly stupid. A single second's self-consciousness, and he would have felt that way. Felt it so strongly he would literally freeze. The truth, after all, is that he had no idea what he was doing. Only vague instinct and whispered stories to guide him. He was exposing everything. Except of everything in the world, she was the one person who knew how to make that feel alright. He had spent the last few months learning about courage. And he knew that she was his.
These last months had served, more than anything, to teach him courage. How to keep moving, even when he was terrified. There was no one else here. No tutors to break in. Every second seemed exponentially more terrifying. Thrilling on the one hand, and disastrous on the other. The mere thought of where his hand was raised the hairs on the back of neck. That was before he touched her skin, and realized no one was going to stop them.
As if to prove the point, she took hold of his hand and guided it upwards. Even though he knew what was happening, his mind took a few seconds to accept. She was holding her breast now. Just seeing it would have been enough. The feel of it--of her--drove him wild. If somehow he had been holding any of himself in reserve, he let it all go. Entangling himself in her body with a ferocious new energy.
The way her body moved against his was intoxicating. She seemed so much like a master at this. Each kiss with just the right touch. Here heavy, to convey her passion, there a light graze to stir his excitement. He was trying to keep up. But he'd already crossed into a place he'd only walked in his dreams. Except dreams ended. You woke up, and could imagine that everything had turned out perfectly. She was still right here in his arms, demanding the whole of his attentions. Hoisting her up in his arms as they moved towards her chambers, he could only hope he didn't disappoint her.
They spilled onto her bed together. Rolling atop one another, laughing and gasping and kissing. In the rare second he could convince himself to take his hands from her, he was tearing at his own garments. Trying awkwardly to disrobe one-handed. Had he been looking from the door, he would have thought it incredibly stupid. A single second's self-consciousness, and he would have felt that way. Felt it so strongly he would literally freeze. The truth, after all, is that he had no idea what he was doing. Only vague instinct and whispered stories to guide him. He was exposing everything. Except of everything in the world, she was the one person who knew how to make that feel alright. He had spent the last few months learning about courage. And he knew that she was his.
She was chaste. Of cours she was, Effie and Proteus of Alistaire would expect their eldest daughter to be anything but. She was respected and treasured as a daughter, seen as one of the ways in which their noble House would be able to achieve greater heights - but she would give it all to him, in this brief moment of the night when all else was silent, and Zenais could pretend that nothing else mattered but what they wanted, they two in that moment in time.
When his hands closed around her breasts, she had shivered, a shy blush coloring the cream of her cheeks, before he finally let go and picked her up. Instinctively, Zenais wound her legs around his waist, hooking her arms around his neck as his hands supported her from below. Giving in to his kisses, the brunette arched her neck, little mewls of delight and laughter escaping her as he brought her up the stairwell into her chambers, where their bodies spilled, entangled into her bed.
She grasped at his chiton, tugging at it as he did to hers, rolling until they found themselves right in the middle of the bedframe. Her heart raced at the sight of his handsome visage, the man she had given her heart, but was about to take his away and likely crush it. She did not want to. But her loyalty to her parents came before, sad as she had to admit. She could not defy her parents and leave them for dead, not when they had debtors coming up to their doors everyday, about to become a noble family who could not even show their faces to their own province.
Pulling at his garments, she assisted in pulling it away, and when it finally fell off, Zenais eagerly placed her palms on the bare skin of his chest, hitching herself up so she could meet his lips with hers, shrugging the sleeves of her chiton down her body. The silken material slide like a cloud down her body, leaving her in nothing but the necklace which he had given her, and the bangles which she had wore for the dance they had attended earlier. Her bare body was illuminated by the glow of the moon streaming in from the open window, and for just a moment, Zenais blushed when his eyes fell on her naked form.
She was going to give him her all. For she had nothing else to offer him.
Reaching out to him, Zenais eagerly pressed her lips against his bare shoulders, hands spanning down his chest, around his waist, brushing his hips, and then up again to bury themselves in the familiar dark curls she had grown to love and adore. She tugged on the ends of his roots, her legs hitching to curl around his waist again, her lips murmuring soothing words of in his ear, multitudes of 'I love you's and "I want you"s, all the words Zenais was afraid she would never have a chance to say again once tonight was over.
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This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
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She was chaste. Of cours she was, Effie and Proteus of Alistaire would expect their eldest daughter to be anything but. She was respected and treasured as a daughter, seen as one of the ways in which their noble House would be able to achieve greater heights - but she would give it all to him, in this brief moment of the night when all else was silent, and Zenais could pretend that nothing else mattered but what they wanted, they two in that moment in time.
When his hands closed around her breasts, she had shivered, a shy blush coloring the cream of her cheeks, before he finally let go and picked her up. Instinctively, Zenais wound her legs around his waist, hooking her arms around his neck as his hands supported her from below. Giving in to his kisses, the brunette arched her neck, little mewls of delight and laughter escaping her as he brought her up the stairwell into her chambers, where their bodies spilled, entangled into her bed.
She grasped at his chiton, tugging at it as he did to hers, rolling until they found themselves right in the middle of the bedframe. Her heart raced at the sight of his handsome visage, the man she had given her heart, but was about to take his away and likely crush it. She did not want to. But her loyalty to her parents came before, sad as she had to admit. She could not defy her parents and leave them for dead, not when they had debtors coming up to their doors everyday, about to become a noble family who could not even show their faces to their own province.
Pulling at his garments, she assisted in pulling it away, and when it finally fell off, Zenais eagerly placed her palms on the bare skin of his chest, hitching herself up so she could meet his lips with hers, shrugging the sleeves of her chiton down her body. The silken material slide like a cloud down her body, leaving her in nothing but the necklace which he had given her, and the bangles which she had wore for the dance they had attended earlier. Her bare body was illuminated by the glow of the moon streaming in from the open window, and for just a moment, Zenais blushed when his eyes fell on her naked form.
She was going to give him her all. For she had nothing else to offer him.
Reaching out to him, Zenais eagerly pressed her lips against his bare shoulders, hands spanning down his chest, around his waist, brushing his hips, and then up again to bury themselves in the familiar dark curls she had grown to love and adore. She tugged on the ends of his roots, her legs hitching to curl around his waist again, her lips murmuring soothing words of in his ear, multitudes of 'I love you's and "I want you"s, all the words Zenais was afraid she would never have a chance to say again once tonight was over.
She was chaste. Of cours she was, Effie and Proteus of Alistaire would expect their eldest daughter to be anything but. She was respected and treasured as a daughter, seen as one of the ways in which their noble House would be able to achieve greater heights - but she would give it all to him, in this brief moment of the night when all else was silent, and Zenais could pretend that nothing else mattered but what they wanted, they two in that moment in time.
When his hands closed around her breasts, she had shivered, a shy blush coloring the cream of her cheeks, before he finally let go and picked her up. Instinctively, Zenais wound her legs around his waist, hooking her arms around his neck as his hands supported her from below. Giving in to his kisses, the brunette arched her neck, little mewls of delight and laughter escaping her as he brought her up the stairwell into her chambers, where their bodies spilled, entangled into her bed.
She grasped at his chiton, tugging at it as he did to hers, rolling until they found themselves right in the middle of the bedframe. Her heart raced at the sight of his handsome visage, the man she had given her heart, but was about to take his away and likely crush it. She did not want to. But her loyalty to her parents came before, sad as she had to admit. She could not defy her parents and leave them for dead, not when they had debtors coming up to their doors everyday, about to become a noble family who could not even show their faces to their own province.
Pulling at his garments, she assisted in pulling it away, and when it finally fell off, Zenais eagerly placed her palms on the bare skin of his chest, hitching herself up so she could meet his lips with hers, shrugging the sleeves of her chiton down her body. The silken material slide like a cloud down her body, leaving her in nothing but the necklace which he had given her, and the bangles which she had wore for the dance they had attended earlier. Her bare body was illuminated by the glow of the moon streaming in from the open window, and for just a moment, Zenais blushed when his eyes fell on her naked form.
She was going to give him her all. For she had nothing else to offer him.
Reaching out to him, Zenais eagerly pressed her lips against his bare shoulders, hands spanning down his chest, around his waist, brushing his hips, and then up again to bury themselves in the familiar dark curls she had grown to love and adore. She tugged on the ends of his roots, her legs hitching to curl around his waist again, her lips murmuring soothing words of in his ear, multitudes of 'I love you's and "I want you"s, all the words Zenais was afraid she would never have a chance to say again once tonight was over.
The face of the woman he loved. Just now, it was shaded with the slightest hint of crimson. An acknowledgement of their mutual apprehensions about this moment. It was still touched with baby fat, even as they prepared to cross this last threshold of adulthood together. What he knew, and what he liked most of all, was her expression. There was a transcendent sort of joy that reached from the fullness of her smile and made her eye glow. He'd only seen it a few moments. But when it was there--by the gods. It was as if nothing else in the world mattered. Yiannis had taken it as his personal mission to make her feel it as oft as possible. After all, it was the gift that she had given him these last few weeks.
Her touch had an odd, particular intensity. Their was an immediacy to having their bodies flush against one another that he hadn't been able to predict. Exponentially moreso than even the times they'd shared passionate kisses with only airy silks or linens separating them. But now he felt all of her heat. One's goosebumps pressed into the other's flesh. The slightest muscle movement in one body reverberated across both. It prompted him to move slowly at first. As if he struggled to account for the whole of her body. More beauty than he had imagined. He let her guide.
"I love you so much" he murmured in reply to her.
He repeated it between touches and kisses. At first a sort of mantra; it was the thing he wanted her to understand most. Sometimes it broke up, just the first half of the phrase, or only the second. It was his apology, when he moved in a way that felt uncomfortable or awkward. His encouragement when she made his senses flare with pleasure. At long last, a tempo, as their two bodies fell into synchrony with one another. A rhthymic ecstasy. This was the only woman he ever wanted to know. And this was the rest of their life. Yiannis reveled in it.
JD
Staff Team
JD
Staff Team
This post was created by our staff team.
Please contact us with your queries and questions.
The face of the woman he loved. Just now, it was shaded with the slightest hint of crimson. An acknowledgement of their mutual apprehensions about this moment. It was still touched with baby fat, even as they prepared to cross this last threshold of adulthood together. What he knew, and what he liked most of all, was her expression. There was a transcendent sort of joy that reached from the fullness of her smile and made her eye glow. He'd only seen it a few moments. But when it was there--by the gods. It was as if nothing else in the world mattered. Yiannis had taken it as his personal mission to make her feel it as oft as possible. After all, it was the gift that she had given him these last few weeks.
Her touch had an odd, particular intensity. Their was an immediacy to having their bodies flush against one another that he hadn't been able to predict. Exponentially moreso than even the times they'd shared passionate kisses with only airy silks or linens separating them. But now he felt all of her heat. One's goosebumps pressed into the other's flesh. The slightest muscle movement in one body reverberated across both. It prompted him to move slowly at first. As if he struggled to account for the whole of her body. More beauty than he had imagined. He let her guide.
"I love you so much" he murmured in reply to her.
He repeated it between touches and kisses. At first a sort of mantra; it was the thing he wanted her to understand most. Sometimes it broke up, just the first half of the phrase, or only the second. It was his apology, when he moved in a way that felt uncomfortable or awkward. His encouragement when she made his senses flare with pleasure. At long last, a tempo, as their two bodies fell into synchrony with one another. A rhthymic ecstasy. This was the only woman he ever wanted to know. And this was the rest of their life. Yiannis reveled in it.
The face of the woman he loved. Just now, it was shaded with the slightest hint of crimson. An acknowledgement of their mutual apprehensions about this moment. It was still touched with baby fat, even as they prepared to cross this last threshold of adulthood together. What he knew, and what he liked most of all, was her expression. There was a transcendent sort of joy that reached from the fullness of her smile and made her eye glow. He'd only seen it a few moments. But when it was there--by the gods. It was as if nothing else in the world mattered. Yiannis had taken it as his personal mission to make her feel it as oft as possible. After all, it was the gift that she had given him these last few weeks.
Her touch had an odd, particular intensity. Their was an immediacy to having their bodies flush against one another that he hadn't been able to predict. Exponentially moreso than even the times they'd shared passionate kisses with only airy silks or linens separating them. But now he felt all of her heat. One's goosebumps pressed into the other's flesh. The slightest muscle movement in one body reverberated across both. It prompted him to move slowly at first. As if he struggled to account for the whole of her body. More beauty than he had imagined. He let her guide.
"I love you so much" he murmured in reply to her.
He repeated it between touches and kisses. At first a sort of mantra; it was the thing he wanted her to understand most. Sometimes it broke up, just the first half of the phrase, or only the second. It was his apology, when he moved in a way that felt uncomfortable or awkward. His encouragement when she made his senses flare with pleasure. At long last, a tempo, as their two bodies fell into synchrony with one another. A rhthymic ecstasy. This was the only woman he ever wanted to know. And this was the rest of their life. Yiannis reveled in it.
Her flush warmed her cream cheeks, Zenais could feel it even if she could not see it. She was a young teenager, hormones rampant, and only spurred on further by a man she had spent much time with over the month, a man she truly believed she loved. In the dim shadows of the light, illuminated only by the moon shining through the windows, Yiannis's features seemed even more handsome to the young girl, and she gave herself to him so easily. She wanted to burn this night in her memory. If this was to be her last night with him.
She repeated the same words he did, fervantly, even as they moved together. It was an odd feeling, and Zenais had half expected to feel pain, as Effie had often told her the moment Zenais had debuted in society and attended her first court session as a lady of marriageable age. But with Yiannis, she was beginning to doubt he could ever make her feel hurt. She accepted his touch, hushed his apologies, even as she wrapped her legs around him, allowing him to set the tempo they both moved at. She would throw her head back at the pleasure and desire he was making her feel, eagerly moving in time with him. Every part of her felt as if she was on fire, as she pressed her forehead to his, breath coming heavy and fast.
Until she finally found that desire he gave her, her body clinging to him as if he was her anchor in a sea of crashing waves, until she came down from that high. Until she could hear the heavy throbbing of her heart pressed against his, and her mind brought to attention their sweat slicked bodies pressed against each other, and the very fact that she had given her greatest gift to the third prince, the man she had intended to dupe, but had somehow ended up falling in love with.
Leaning back, her chest still heaved as Zenais reached to brush his hair away from his eyes. Rolling closer, she found his lips with hers, pressing a fervant kiss against them. Would he be mad at her? Would he hate her? Would she ever have a chance to explain to him what and why she had done? The future was bleak. But to choose between the flesh of her blood and the man of her heart, was something Zenais never though she would have to face.
Drawing back from her kiss, she curled up against his chest, intending to at least enjoy his presence for now. The night was young yet. "I love you, Yiannis." So what if he thought this was a lie after she had done what she did. If he did, then so be it. It was the price she'd have to pay. But at least, she knew they were words from her heart.
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Her flush warmed her cream cheeks, Zenais could feel it even if she could not see it. She was a young teenager, hormones rampant, and only spurred on further by a man she had spent much time with over the month, a man she truly believed she loved. In the dim shadows of the light, illuminated only by the moon shining through the windows, Yiannis's features seemed even more handsome to the young girl, and she gave herself to him so easily. She wanted to burn this night in her memory. If this was to be her last night with him.
She repeated the same words he did, fervantly, even as they moved together. It was an odd feeling, and Zenais had half expected to feel pain, as Effie had often told her the moment Zenais had debuted in society and attended her first court session as a lady of marriageable age. But with Yiannis, she was beginning to doubt he could ever make her feel hurt. She accepted his touch, hushed his apologies, even as she wrapped her legs around him, allowing him to set the tempo they both moved at. She would throw her head back at the pleasure and desire he was making her feel, eagerly moving in time with him. Every part of her felt as if she was on fire, as she pressed her forehead to his, breath coming heavy and fast.
Until she finally found that desire he gave her, her body clinging to him as if he was her anchor in a sea of crashing waves, until she came down from that high. Until she could hear the heavy throbbing of her heart pressed against his, and her mind brought to attention their sweat slicked bodies pressed against each other, and the very fact that she had given her greatest gift to the third prince, the man she had intended to dupe, but had somehow ended up falling in love with.
Leaning back, her chest still heaved as Zenais reached to brush his hair away from his eyes. Rolling closer, she found his lips with hers, pressing a fervant kiss against them. Would he be mad at her? Would he hate her? Would she ever have a chance to explain to him what and why she had done? The future was bleak. But to choose between the flesh of her blood and the man of her heart, was something Zenais never though she would have to face.
Drawing back from her kiss, she curled up against his chest, intending to at least enjoy his presence for now. The night was young yet. "I love you, Yiannis." So what if he thought this was a lie after she had done what she did. If he did, then so be it. It was the price she'd have to pay. But at least, she knew they were words from her heart.
Her flush warmed her cream cheeks, Zenais could feel it even if she could not see it. She was a young teenager, hormones rampant, and only spurred on further by a man she had spent much time with over the month, a man she truly believed she loved. In the dim shadows of the light, illuminated only by the moon shining through the windows, Yiannis's features seemed even more handsome to the young girl, and she gave herself to him so easily. She wanted to burn this night in her memory. If this was to be her last night with him.
She repeated the same words he did, fervantly, even as they moved together. It was an odd feeling, and Zenais had half expected to feel pain, as Effie had often told her the moment Zenais had debuted in society and attended her first court session as a lady of marriageable age. But with Yiannis, she was beginning to doubt he could ever make her feel hurt. She accepted his touch, hushed his apologies, even as she wrapped her legs around him, allowing him to set the tempo they both moved at. She would throw her head back at the pleasure and desire he was making her feel, eagerly moving in time with him. Every part of her felt as if she was on fire, as she pressed her forehead to his, breath coming heavy and fast.
Until she finally found that desire he gave her, her body clinging to him as if he was her anchor in a sea of crashing waves, until she came down from that high. Until she could hear the heavy throbbing of her heart pressed against his, and her mind brought to attention their sweat slicked bodies pressed against each other, and the very fact that she had given her greatest gift to the third prince, the man she had intended to dupe, but had somehow ended up falling in love with.
Leaning back, her chest still heaved as Zenais reached to brush his hair away from his eyes. Rolling closer, she found his lips with hers, pressing a fervant kiss against them. Would he be mad at her? Would he hate her? Would she ever have a chance to explain to him what and why she had done? The future was bleak. But to choose between the flesh of her blood and the man of her heart, was something Zenais never though she would have to face.
Drawing back from her kiss, she curled up against his chest, intending to at least enjoy his presence for now. The night was young yet. "I love you, Yiannis." So what if he thought this was a lie after she had done what she did. If he did, then so be it. It was the price she'd have to pay. But at least, she knew they were words from her heart.
Time warped when he put himself between her hips. Nothing was really quite sufficient to say what this was like. He was wholly unprepared. He felt more in the first three seconds than after hours of revelry. Yiannis lost himself entirely in her, until he couldn't say how long they'd been going. He only felt something building in him, and knew he didn't want it to end so soon. He only delayed a few moments longer. Enough to treasure her, and the quintessential truth of this moment. Then the whole of his being was letting go, trembling in her arms. It was an ecstasy indescribable. That, and more vulnerable than he was used to. Neither of which he could imagine with anyone but her.
When they were ostensibly finished, he hesitated to pull apart. He was gratified when she nuzzled into his chest. He wrapped his arms over her and gave a squeeze of delight. Even playing in her hair was satisfying. What they'd shared was incredible. He knew now how much he was taken with every fiber of her being. He wanted to be sure that she understood it as well.
"And I you, Zenais," he replied. His breath still heaving, he took a moment before he answered "So what do you want for the wedding? How many children should we have?
"We have everything and nothing at all in our way. The only thing now is seeing how to enjoy it."
This was the life that he wanted. The woman he needed. He was still so new to adulthood, and already things that had fallen perfectly into place. Not that there weren't costs. He knew the whispers that would come from tonight's performance at court, and their whole hurried courtship. But he knew, too, that this was something special the others couldn't see. Something worth everything he'd given. His peers, at best, were shuffling into staid, arranged marriages with women as good as strangers. Others in pointless dalliances with prostitutes or temple priestesses, or camp followers. Only he had something real and enduring. Someone he could trust unquestionably. None of them could know how it felt to have someone like that in life. Before this, he hadn't either. More the fools they.
JD
Staff Team
JD
Staff Team
This post was created by our staff team.
Please contact us with your queries and questions.
Time warped when he put himself between her hips. Nothing was really quite sufficient to say what this was like. He was wholly unprepared. He felt more in the first three seconds than after hours of revelry. Yiannis lost himself entirely in her, until he couldn't say how long they'd been going. He only felt something building in him, and knew he didn't want it to end so soon. He only delayed a few moments longer. Enough to treasure her, and the quintessential truth of this moment. Then the whole of his being was letting go, trembling in her arms. It was an ecstasy indescribable. That, and more vulnerable than he was used to. Neither of which he could imagine with anyone but her.
When they were ostensibly finished, he hesitated to pull apart. He was gratified when she nuzzled into his chest. He wrapped his arms over her and gave a squeeze of delight. Even playing in her hair was satisfying. What they'd shared was incredible. He knew now how much he was taken with every fiber of her being. He wanted to be sure that she understood it as well.
"And I you, Zenais," he replied. His breath still heaving, he took a moment before he answered "So what do you want for the wedding? How many children should we have?
"We have everything and nothing at all in our way. The only thing now is seeing how to enjoy it."
This was the life that he wanted. The woman he needed. He was still so new to adulthood, and already things that had fallen perfectly into place. Not that there weren't costs. He knew the whispers that would come from tonight's performance at court, and their whole hurried courtship. But he knew, too, that this was something special the others couldn't see. Something worth everything he'd given. His peers, at best, were shuffling into staid, arranged marriages with women as good as strangers. Others in pointless dalliances with prostitutes or temple priestesses, or camp followers. Only he had something real and enduring. Someone he could trust unquestionably. None of them could know how it felt to have someone like that in life. Before this, he hadn't either. More the fools they.
Time warped when he put himself between her hips. Nothing was really quite sufficient to say what this was like. He was wholly unprepared. He felt more in the first three seconds than after hours of revelry. Yiannis lost himself entirely in her, until he couldn't say how long they'd been going. He only felt something building in him, and knew he didn't want it to end so soon. He only delayed a few moments longer. Enough to treasure her, and the quintessential truth of this moment. Then the whole of his being was letting go, trembling in her arms. It was an ecstasy indescribable. That, and more vulnerable than he was used to. Neither of which he could imagine with anyone but her.
When they were ostensibly finished, he hesitated to pull apart. He was gratified when she nuzzled into his chest. He wrapped his arms over her and gave a squeeze of delight. Even playing in her hair was satisfying. What they'd shared was incredible. He knew now how much he was taken with every fiber of her being. He wanted to be sure that she understood it as well.
"And I you, Zenais," he replied. His breath still heaving, he took a moment before he answered "So what do you want for the wedding? How many children should we have?
"We have everything and nothing at all in our way. The only thing now is seeing how to enjoy it."
This was the life that he wanted. The woman he needed. He was still so new to adulthood, and already things that had fallen perfectly into place. Not that there weren't costs. He knew the whispers that would come from tonight's performance at court, and their whole hurried courtship. But he knew, too, that this was something special the others couldn't see. Something worth everything he'd given. His peers, at best, were shuffling into staid, arranged marriages with women as good as strangers. Others in pointless dalliances with prostitutes or temple priestesses, or camp followers. Only he had something real and enduring. Someone he could trust unquestionably. None of them could know how it felt to have someone like that in life. Before this, he hadn't either. More the fools they.
