The dust had settled after the event earlier in the day, and Theodora had finally found a moment to herself that wasn’t accompanied by her father, mother or one of her sisters. It had been exhausting, to say the least, but it was finally over and Theodora could drop the facade she had worn for most of the day. She had been polite, obedient and put on a good front, all in honor of her family and the event.
Now that it had ended, Theodora had shed all the pretenses, and wore the same green dress that she had prior. It hung loosely around her frame, aside from the gold bands around her waist. She had grown more voluptuous in frame the past year, and had even grown a few inches taller. Her hair had gotten longer and hung down her back in loose curls. A few smaller curls framed her freckled face as well, and she hadn't taken the time to brush through it.
With her back leaned against one of the shop stalls, the brunette stared at the pages of the book leaned against her thighs. She paid little mind to the people walking past her, and in turn, they paid little mind to her. Most of the people still about was far too busy talking to old friends or closing deals with the many merchants lingering about. Her family ― or at least part of it, was likely still milling about somewhere. It was a great opportunity for her sisters to branch out.
Though, Theodora had found the opportunity for some peace and quiet far more satisfactory. And it also meant that her parents focus would be on the rest of them, and hopefully, wouldn't even notice that she wasn't mingling.
Flipping one of the pages too quickly, Theodora winched at the sudden sharp pain that spread over the tip of her index finger. Holding it up in front of her, she narrowed her eyes at the small drop of blood that started forming at the tip. Debating whether to let the blood dry or see if putting it in her mouth would help, Theodora pursed her lips: She'd never been overly fond of the taste of blood, which she realized was likely a good thing.
His horse had not come in, and Achilleas was rueing having taken the word of the youth he’d spoken to earlier. Things that seemed to good to be true were often too good to be true, he should have known better. And yet it had been a good day, a nice way to bring Taengea together. Wine and conversation had flowed in equal measure and now as the day slipped toward dusk there was music and laughter audible against the subtle sounds of the sea.
Achilleas, not so well used to long days drinking as some of his countrymen, was feeling the effects - head a little fuzzy, smiles a little easier. He had discharged his duty in mingling, had cemented some relationships that he thought would be useful in the months to come. The only disappointment, if he were really looking for one, was that he only managed to snatch the briefest of moments with Theodora. And even that had been guarded by her family, and so nothing more than a courteous hello.
Which is why, as he walked towards the edge of the throng of people, he did a double take as he caught sight of a burst of green, a tumble of dark hair. Things that seemed to good to be true….
He paused, the sensible and rational part of him telling him he ought to just turn away, pretend he had not seen her. But the wine had woken the less responsible side, and that argued that there was no harm in saying hello, that it was just..polite.
And so Achilleas had walked over toward where Theodora sat, mouth suddenly feeling dry for some inexplicable reason, and he was planning on what he might say when he watched her slice her finger open on the book she held. As she looked up to examine it, he stopped, standing over her, realising that he would be in her line of vision now.
“ Can you not be trusted with such a harmless thing as a book?” he asked, taking in the subtle changes since he had seen her last, and those others that were as he remembered. One dark brow arched, but there was a smile too as he offered a hand to help her to her feet.
“You have been relieved from your obligations as hostess then?” Achilleas observed her position away from the crowds as he pulled her up, his grip firm. He was quick to release her hand though, still very much conscious of the fact that they were in a public setting and that she was unaccompanied,and he kept a healthy distance between them, folded his hands behind his back.
The shape in the corner of her eyes did little to draw her attention away from her finger. She'd been around people all day, and it had dulled her awareness to some degree. The familiar voice, however, was enough to make the brunette turn her head: He was exactly as she remembered him. Tall and broad, with complimentary piercing blue eyes that somehow always reminded her of the sky, as it slowly turned from bright blue to dark.
She stared at him, brows furrowing at the words spoken. There was something different about him. He seemed less... Stiff. "Books can be quite the powerful weapons." She replied as she clasped her hand around his own and rose to her feet. "If you know how to use them."
Though he appeared less stiff, it seemed as if whatever had made the young lord relax more, wasn't enough to make him forget his manners. "I didn't really give them much of a chance to argue." She offered with a shrug and lifted the finger with the drying blood to her lips, moving the book to her other hand and nestled it against her chest. Not that she really thought that they'd noticed she was even gone, but that was exactly the point.
"It seems you've been enjoying yourself, though. I'm glad." There seemed little point in keeping up formalities. She'd spent the entire day referring to people as 'my lord' and 'my lady', and everything in between. It was rather tiresome. Still, curiosity and humor interlaced with brown as she looked up at him. With her finger still to her lips, she smiled. "Did you participate in the race?" She already knew the answer, of course. Though their interactions had been few, she had still paid attention. She would never admit to that out loud, though.
Still, after their last meeting a year ago, she was a little surprised he'd sought her out. Their previous interactions that day had been brief, and neither of them had taken any step to further any conversations, rather than the polite and expected greetings. Maybe it had been for the best, after what had happened the last time.
He blinked at her a moment as he helped her up, as if almost surprised that she would disagree with him. The man appeared to consider her words and then with a shrug, replied. ” You are right, I suppose. Though I’m quite sure their power does not lie in paper cuts.” He had stepped back a little as she drew upright, his gaze flitting briefly over her before he carefully positioned it just so, blue eyes fixed upon brown.
Achilleas laughed softly at her explanation of her new found freedom, glancing back toward where the party was still in full flow before he looked back to her. “I can imagine not”. There was a sort of fondness to the words, lacking entirely in any sense of reproach. At least for a moment. “You should be careful off by yourself though. People drinking…” he waved carelessly behind him “It’ll get rowdy soon”
He realised at her words that he had enjoyed himself, more that he had anticipated. And for her to notice, she must have been paying attention to him.
Which was nothing that he could act on,an annoying voice reminded him, but Achilleas was prepared to ignore it entirely for now. “Yes” he smiled, forgetting his self imposed rules and relaxing out of the formal stance he’d adopted, arms folding across his chest as he rocked back on his heels a little. “ More so now ”
The slightly cocky smile faded a touch when she asked if he’d been in the race, for that rather shattered his presumption that Theodora had at least been aware of him during the day’s proceedings but Achilleas kept his voice light.
“No I did not. Though I am glad you were paying attention”. was the answer he gave, before he offered Theodora a taste of her own medicine. “ Did you? There was an uncommonly pretty girl who was on a grey, and I’m afraid I didn’t really see much beyond her”
Why had he said that?! Achilleas could not even recall if there had been a grey horse in the ladies race, and even if there had been, he had not come over here to insult Theodora by comparing her unfavourably with other women. He set his teeth together. Why had he come over here?
He knew full well why, for too many times his thoughts returned to the young woman before him, and it was made a million times more maddening with the knowledge that he could not, should not act upon it.
“Forgive me” he muttered, running a hand through his hair so the dark locks fell disheveled. “That was rude” He reached for another subject that they might discuss more safely and that might help him recover from the altogether childish attempt to bait her.
A chuckle escaped her: "No, you're quite right in that." There was absolutely nothing about paper cuts that Theodora could possibly defend, even if she'd wanted to. They hurt a lot more than they should have, and she would never have wished them upon her worst enemy.
Amusement flickered more strongly within her brown eyes and she pursed her lips. "Have you been drinking, Lord Achilleas?" She words offered were entirely innocent sounding, but the tone of her voice did not at all match the mischievous look that crossed her expression.
Theodora didn't think she had anything to worry from the lord, even if he was drunk off of his ass. Even if alcohol might have affected one's better judgement, it didn't necessarily make a good person suddenly turn bad. His manners and inability to let his guard down for very long was proof of that.
Her smile grew less playful and more genuine then, clearly pleased by his words. "I am very good company, I agree." She chuckled softly. "I am glad I'm not the only one who thinks so, though." Most of the servants back home only seemed to think of her as either annoying or foolish. This was a much more preferred outcome.
And it seemed as if Achilleas was enjoying himself, too, just as he'd said.
A little surprised then at his sudden forwardness and once again, lack of tact, Theodora pursed her lips. A contemplative look crossed her features, though she said nothing in response. She wasn't insulted, per say, because she was well enough aware of the beauties that lined the many manors around Tangea. It was unrealistic to expect anything less, and that was at the very least, one of few things the young lady could easily enough swallow without much fight.
Still, that didn't mean she enjoyed hearing such words coming from such a handsome man. Even Theodora couldn't deny the bruise that was starting to form on her ego. Shaking her head at his apology, Theodora shrugged. "Don't."
Brown eyes fell downwards upon the book still nestled against her chest. She tapped her fingers against its brownish-red cover. It had no title on the front. It was a little worn around the edges, proof that it had been well used over time. It was one of her favorites, though she suddenly felt shy to admit that. "Ah," she began, lips pursing as she curled her fingers tighter around the leather. Though, a thought quickly crossed her mind as she looked back up at him. "A diary." Perfectly arched eyebrows rose. "This is where I write down all my innermost thoughts, my secrets and darkest desires."
Achilleas had laughed at her question, not quite comfortably. “A little, perhaps”Would he be here talking to her if he hadn’t? Probably not, because it was only adding fuel to a fire he could not allow to catch, and sober Achilleas would have known better. Now though, he gazed at Theodora and mentally recounted all the myriad reasons he should not just her kiss that mischievous smile off her face.
There were lots of them, he remembered. Lots.
This is why he did not drink much, often. It was too easy to forget the lines that had been drawn, too simple to just act on instinct and without logic. For a moment, Achilleas tried to imagine the consequences if he did just give in to his desires, really pursued Theodora Leventi. His cousin would. Probably Emilios too, neither of them would have the same compunction that had him standing here and second guessing his somewhat wine addled thoughts.
But then, neither of them were held to the same unforgiving standards as he. Their lives were not as governed by the dictates of their family, they were not expected to have to lead some day. Achilleas was. And in that, he would be expected to keep his nose clean, to represent Dynasteia Mikaelidas in a way that would bring respect and prosperity.
And as he looked at the girl before him,Achilleas realised he would not want to compromise her honour, he would not be so careless with that.
He stopped himself from saying that anyone who thought her dull company was clearly a fool, knowing he had already said too much. Maybe that was why he was so clumsy in his question, subconsciously creating some distance again. Either way, it was discourteous, and so he apologised, undecided if he should be pleased with her apparent nonchalance about it or not and then telling himself it was ridiculous to be displeased that she appeared unbothered by the very thing he had just apologised for.
The book then provided a welcome distraction, and the Baron glanced at it again with undisguised curiosity. Even with his internal musings, there was something irresistible about the idea of getting a glimpse into the thoughts of the girl that had so caught his attention.
“ Is that so? Sounds like an interesting read.” He resisted the urge to pluck it from her grasp and instead went on. “ Is it predictable though? Vapid thoughts of a young noblewoman? Or are there any surprises in there?”
It was safer, he thought, to try and provoke her than it was to flirt with danger in the compliments that kept slipping out. And if it meant he could talk to her a little longer, then he would.
Well, that surely explained the sudden forwardness. It also explained how he appeared a little lighter. She envied him that, though it seemed as if Theodora had an easier time letting certain facades and masks go. She wondered if it would always be like that, or if she’d wake up one day and find herself just like the rest of them, weighed down by responsibilities and mannerism. ”It suits you.” she smiled, ”You seem a little less tense.”
She found herself relieved at the distraction he’d offered and the young lady found it far too easy to slip back into old habits. Once again, she tapped the tips of her fingers against the cover of the book, which was not at all what she’d said it was. ”If I told you what the book contains, Achilleas, it would hardly be a secret anymore, and then what would be the point of writing it?”
Placing both of her hands against the book then, Theodora pressed it against her chest and smiled. She found her surprisingly pleased at how curious he seemed, and even more so, how interested he was. ”Though, what I can tell you, my lord, is that you can’t even begin to imagine what it says.” She wiggled her eyebrows and moved the book from her chest to her back, hands folding over it as she leaned forward, her expression playful.
When he realized, or somehow found out that the book was in fact not her diary, but rather a book of poems and tales, the game would be over. She didn’t want the game to be over so soon, even though she was leading him on. ”You seem very curious about the inner thoughts of a young lady.”
You seem a little less tense she said, and Achilleas snorted a laugh. Was that how he seemed to people? Tense? He knew he was oft thought of as being serious, but it wasn’t often he was told flat out, unless you counted those closest to him, or those that had no qualms about ruffling his feathers such as his brother or cousins. Theodora seemed to consider herself one such person and had no reservation about speaking her thoughts. It was refreshing somehow.
He did not think himself tense. More than he usually had a purpose, and that he was focused on delivering it. He wasn’t so good at being aimless, in fact, he found occasions such as this more strenous than those that others might balk at. Give him a task, an objective, and the schooling and drills he had spent his years on would see him confident and assured.
The schmoozing, the politics. That was less his forte. He was too easy to read, and to keen to speak to the heart of the matter, his father had told him. Which is why it was even more unusual for him to become even the littlest bit inebriated, for it would just highlight those weaknesses.
He shrugged. So the wine had stripped away some of his discipline, perhaps made him more his years. It still could not remove the more serious obstacles that kept him at a distance, though he did think perhaps they were a little easier to ignore. The young Lord glanced around them, consciously sweeping the area for anyone who might be paying attention to them, before he tilted his head and looked down at her.
“You know I could take it if I wanted to?” he said as she took the book and hid it behind her back, as if she would be able to guard it, and her secrets. Achilleas took half a step forward, using his physicality to his advantage, though it was softened by the grin upon his lips. “Knowledge is power they say. What would I learn?” he asked her. “ Who Theodora favours? What she dreams of at night?” He leant around her as if to reach for the book, speaking close to her ear. Closer than he would have allowed himself had it not been for the slight softening of his sharp edges “ Is that not enough to make any man curious?”
He did not take it though, but straightened up again, took a long slow breath. “Besides, I already know one of your secrets, don’t I?”
A young noblewoman skipping around the fields like a farmer’s girl, challenging strangers to play games with her. He had solved her riddle and she had made him promise to keep her secret, on that first meeting. He had agreed, claiming a kiss as his just reward. It had been hardly anything, and yet he found himself tempted to try it again, and the feeling was not going away the longer he stood here.
Achilleas rubbed at the back of his neck and shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts a little. “ Why do I always feel as if I will end up in trouble with you Theodora?”
She watched him carefully, though not guarded, as he stepped closer. Brown eyebrows rose at his words. Perhaps the wine had had more of an effect than she’d first though, because he hadn’t been this daring with her since he’d thought she was a simple farm girl. She could feel the grip on the book tighten as he drew closer, and goosebumps trickled over her skin as his breath washed over whatever skin the dress had left bare. Licking her lips, Theodora huffed. Her mouth had suddenly turned incredibly dry for some reason. Still, Theodora turned her head to look at him. ”Now, where would the fun be, if you knew all my secrets?” He was close enough that she could smell the faint trace of wine on his breath.
He pulled back then, and Theodora felt oddly… Disappointed. Still, it didn’t show on her face. Instead, the young girl smiled at his words. Ah, yes. She had made him promise not to tell anyone, hadn’t she? It was a good thing, too, because her father wouldn’t have been too pleased had he known she’d snuck out. Again.
”Why does it always feel like you want to get in trouble?” she countered, letting one hand free of the book, while the one still holding it circled back towards her chest, where she placed the book once more. Stepping forward, she closed some of the distance between them.
Had he still thought her a farm girl, would he have been more forward then, as he had been that day they’d met out in the field? Perhaps so. It did speak volumes of how much titles mattered to some, and what an impact they had upon which actions some chose, or didn’t chose to do. Placing her free hand upon the lord’s chest, Theodora leaned up on the tips of her toes and whispered into his ear, ”I know one of your secrets, too.”
It would have been so easy when she turned her head, just to lean that little further and give her a kiss, a proper one. He very nearly did, close enough that their breath mingled, until he remembered with a jolt where he was, and pulled back. Achilleas swallowed and looked about them, relieved when he did not notice anyone watching them.
His gaze narrowed upon Theodora when she spoke, and he felt a need to refute her words. He did not look for trouble. That wasn’t him. But then he thought how he had sought her out again and wondered if perhaps she didn't have a point.
He didn't want the trouble, but he did want her, and so found himself drawn back like a moth to a flame despite the futility of it. “ I usually stay well clear of trouble” he admitted, looking around them once more. “You must be a bad influence. Or we will blame the wine.”
As if to prove his point - or perhaps to just further test his self control - the young woman stepped up to him, and his brows climbed in surprise at the breathy words in his ear. Struggling to focus on them instead of the warm press of her hand against his chest, Achilleas twisted to look at her.
“You do?” He could not imagine what she would claim to know of him, but played along anyway. “ Go on then. Tell me”.
It was one good thing that came out of being considered serious and proper, that the stories that circulated about him did not tend to be scandalous. Or at least, not the ones that had reached his ears. Still he was curious as to what Theodora of Leventi would claim to know about him that was secret. Unless it was his less that proper conduct toward her when she had been just a sweet girl in Macendia and he had not known any better. He frowned a little at that, because he would prefer that kept a secret. The Lady Evelli had been friendly enough toward him earlier, but he was not sure it would be so if she knew what he had proposed to Theodora before he had realised she was Theodora.
“I should….return you to your chaperone” he said then, raising his hand to remove hers from his chest, though he held onto it a moment longer than needed.With his back to the crowd, he thought it safe enough, that little indulgence. “ That will win me back some of the good favour I lost with your father last time, surely?”
“Bad influence, me?” Brown eyes widened innocently. “Whatever do you mean, my lord?” She was well aware of her actions, of course. She had been openly flirting with him since they met, and she wasn’t regretting any of it.
Looking up at him through her lashes, Theodora smiled. “Mmm, I do.” she offered, her tone soft. Then she dipped her head back and placed her finger against her lips.
She would reveal nothing.
Her gaze didn’t falter, though this time she let the disappointment show. He was trying very hard to resist her, she realized. Perhaps that was why she continued to try. She found herself enjoying his reservation, but even more so the challenge he held before him. So close, yet so far out of reach. Still, she didn’t fight him, and rather let her fingers tighten on his hand. “Yes, it likely would, though you would lose some with me.”
Being brought back to her family was the last thing she wanted right now. Taking a step back from him, she slid her hand from his grip, her fingertips sliding over the coarseness of his skin. “You’d have to drag me away from here kicking and screaming, and your reputation seems very important to you. As does the opinion of my father.” But as was the way of life.
Perhaps she would have been far happier not being Georgios of Leventi’s daughter.
“You’re free to leave if my company puts you so off, you’d rather have me sent off to my father, but I’m not going anywhere, lord Achilleas.” There was no playful tone to her voice and perhaps for the very first time, she looked at him seriously. She didn’t particularly enjoy being treated like a child, who had to be sent away whenever she did something that wasn’t the norm.
There was an altogether skeptical expression upon Achilleas’ face as Theodora played innocent. She knew exactly what she was doing, and it almost made him like her more. Even if it did make the task of resisting and being sensible about the whole matter sit squarely with him. Either the young woman before him did not care, or she had a lot more faith in his ability to resist than he currently did.
Achilleas’ brows lifted. “I think you know exactly what I mean”. He tried to look mildy disapproving, but the effect was somewhat spoilt by the smile that lifted the corners of his mouth.
And predictably, the girl was in no hurry to reveal whatever secret she claimed to hold, and that was infuriating. Now he wanted to know His curiosity and natural vanity was piqued, and it was hard to silence when stirred.
“Perhaps it is because you are bluffing, and have nothing” the Lord Mikealidas observed thoughtfully. “ For there is surely no other reason you would refuse to tell me? Or is it that you are scared to offend?” He watched her expression carefully as he spoke for some clue. “Is it so scandalous?” There was a carefully condescending tone employed as he delivered the next “ Don’t worry. If you are too shy to speak it, then you can write it in your book and let me read it”
Her proximity was impossible for him to ignore, and it was as Achilleas caught a glance thrown their way from someone he vaguely recognised that he decided he needed to rein this all back before was too late. His suggestion that he escort Theodora back to her party though, was met with a less than favourable reaction.
If not quite pouting, she did not look happy, and she pulled her hand back away from him before he was ready to let it go, leaving him missing its warmth. Frowning in consternation, he shook his head. “You should care about your reputation too, Theodora. More so perhaps than me” It came out harsher than he had intended, likely because he was reminding himself of the fact so he did nothing more to compromise it.
Why did she have to be stubborn. Barely resisting rolling his eyes, he tried to smooth over what had clearly been a misstep on his behalf. “ Your company does not put me off. Far from it. And that is why I am trying to be sensible here. Why do you make it so difficult?”
The smile she wore only grew more innocent. Did she know what he meant? Of course. But that didn’t necessarily mean she’d so eagerly admit to it, and place all her cards on the table for the young lord to see. Where would the fun in that be? Still, she shook her head no, the grin on her lips growing a fraction and turning impish.
A laugh bubbled past her lips. “You come up with quite a lot of reasons, though none of them are right.” She shook her head at him again, though made no effort to reveal this secret she had claimed to know about him. “I am not bluffing, nor am I scared. I think I have proved that I’m not too shy, nor afraid to offend.” Looking down at the book, a contemplative expression crossed her features, almost as if she was considering it. “I have no pen, so that would also be a no.” Though, finding one likely wouldn’t be very hard, but then, he’d know it was not her diary.
He glanced around them, as if scared that anyone would see him with her. It wasn’t so bad, was it? It wasn’t as if the two was doing anything they weren’t supposed to. She was of a marriageable age, and had entered court a year before. There was nothing wrong about talking with someone of the opposite gender, and yet, it seemed as if it was all the lord could worry about. She couldn’t really blame him, she tried convincing herself. He wasn’t just looking out for his own reputation, but hers as well, and yet, all she wanted was to tell him that she could take care of herself.
He didn’t need to fuss.
“You say that like we’re doing something wrong, and yet, all I see are two people talking together. Hardly anything scandalous.” Still, she drew further away from him. The lines had been drawn and it was rather clear that the games, and with it, the fun, had ended. His harsh tone brought forth a pair of furrowed brows. She was tempted to sigh, but managed to keep herself from doing so.
With the book nestled to her chest, Theodora crossed her arms across it. Splaying her fingers over her elbows, she pursed her lips. Unable to resist the urge to be childish, Theodora huffed. “Fine. I’ll make it simple.” Why she was suddenly feeling so annoyed with him, she wasn’t sure. And why did he keep insisting on treating her like some helpless child that couldn’t take care of herself? She didn’t need protection. She had plenty of that as it was. She didn’t need someone overbearing, telling her what was good for her and what wasn’t.
Returning to where she’d been sitting when he’d first found her, Theodora pulled her legs up against her chest and placed the book on top of it. Opening it, her eyes dropped to the pages written.
She did not budge on revealing her secret. Or his secret, whatever it should be termed. Achilleas wondered if she did it deliberately, having sewn the seed, knowing that he wound be left wondering and that once again she would remain in his thoughts. If so, he applauded her.
He was less enamoured of her petulant attitude that came next though, looking faintly surprised at her argument before he tried to point out the complexity of it. “ You say just two people talking but..” The Lord Mikaelidas broke off, because actually that was all it was. It was his thoughts that made it more, and it was not as if those around him could read those now, was it? Still, “...you are unmarried and without a chaperone, and it is not as if I have any intent toward marrying you. People will judge” He finished, seemingly oblivious to his rather ungentle choice of words, and his face had taken on that haughty expression he wore when he was imparting his greater wisdom upon those who didn’t quite understand.
It morphed into one of incredulity when Theodora proceeded to sit back down on the ground before him and open her book, just as if he were not there at all.
“Well that’s very mature of you,Theodora. Well done. You have certainly allayed my fears that you are too young and naive to be left here alone.” he said snippily, before seeming to catch a hold of himself again. Achilleas drew in a breath and blew it out, glanced around them once again, and then with a slight shake of his head, the Lord moved to sit next to where Theodora had lowered herself, keeping a respectful distance away as he did so.
Glancing over her shoulder as he sat, he left a few beats of silence before trying to coax the young woman out of her sulk. “ That does not look much like a diary.” he commented quietly, not quite succeeding in keeping the smile from his voice. That she had played such a game to keep his attention pleased him, despite his earlier protests.
Mayhaps she was right, and he was being over cautious. And given that the young woman had made it quite clear that she was not to be moved, and he was not about to leave her at the mercy of the masses, well he was doing the honourable thing, wasn’t he?
Achilleas snagged a cup of wine from a passing serf and held it out to Theodora like a peace offering. “ Talking together then. Nothing scandalous” As disappointing as such boundaries were, he felt the need to establish them before he let himself relax back against the boards behind him.
“We never did cross paths in Vasiliadon” he said, looking out ahead at the crowd as opposed to at her, the statement more like a question as he let it settle between them.
Whatever his intention had been didn't really matter. It didn't stop Theodora from rolling her eyes at him. It wasn't as if she was skipping around after him, with her heart aflutter, hoping that he'd get down on one knee. Unlike her peers, Theodora knew better than to even let herself consider such things. "You say that as if I'm expecting anything from you." She pressed, but quickly added, "That's a rather arrogant thing to even presume."
Did she care if people judged her? Not at all. At least not right now. Right now, Theodora was far too occupied with proving her point, which was more than likely only doing the opposite of just that. Besides, she'd much rather have people ask her, than assume and make decisions for her.
But then again, she had never claimed she wasn't stubborn in her pride.
Though Theodora didn't respond to him essentially calling her out for being a child, the reaction was still there. Pressing her lips together into a tight line, she made a brave effort of not looking up at him and shot daggers in his directions.
If looks could kill...
Despite himself, it seemed, Achilleas didn't walk away. Rather than doing what she had expected him to, he took up a seat next to her ― though, 'next to her' seemed to be a rather broad term for him. It took every ounce of self control she had in her entire body not to turn her head and comment it. Instead, Theodora bit down on the words. "That's because it isn't." She replied, and though her voice was low, she was still short with him.
He had essentially called her a child, just like her father, mother and countless of other adults had done so many times before him. It was infuriating.
It was only when the cup of wine was offered that Theodora finally turned her head in his direction. For a moment, she stared at the cup before lifting her hand to accept it. "So, talking to me is inappropriate, but getting me drunk isn't?" She moved the cup closer to herself before he could change his mind. "Fine." She finally said, and though still short, some of the sourness had left her tone.
Lifting the wine to her lips, Theodora took a careful sip of the bitter liquid and made a face. She never understood how anyone could ever possibly learn to drink this on a regular basis. "I'm afraid even I cannot get away with sneaking away quite that far." She commented, taking yet another sip of the wine. "Unless you know of any secret shortcuts. I'll happily hear about those." What she wouldn't have given to be free to go wherever she pleased, whenever she pleased. What she wouldn't give to make decisions about her life that were her own, and only hers.
Achilleas had paused, raised one brow. Was it arrogant? He had simply stated observations“ It is not only your expectations we have to contend ourselves with Theodora” he remarked, frowning again as she rolled her eyes as if he were the one being unreasonable.
There was the briefest of moments when he considered the possibility that he might be, but it was fleeting; Achilleas was not usually one to doubt himself. And so, he took the few moments required to shrug off the irritation at her attitude and settled himself beside her, laughing when she responded to him, her voice clinging on to her petulance.
“I shall try not to be offended at the deceit then” he replied, and thought things would be easier then, but he had underestimated the young woman’s tenacity. And Theodora seemed determined to be annoyed with him for a little while longer.
His peace offering, though accepted, was met with words that the Lord Mikaelidas was quick to dispel. “ I am not trying to get you drunk” he said tightly, feeling even his hard won patience stretch and thin.Though perhaps it might make you more agreeable company he appended silently, wondering if perhaps he should have snagged more wine and at least got himself drunk.
Though that would not likely have helped with the non-scandalous part of his decree
Deciding he would give it another few minutes and then, if Theodora was going to persist in being awkward, he would just dispatch a servant to tell her family of her whereabouts and be done with it. He did not have to sit here in the dirt and look at something he could not have. Nor try and make conversation with it.
As if perhaps she could sense his waning commitment, the young woman relented a little, and Achilleas glanced sideways at her, shook his head. “ Aah, no. I have never been one for sneaking” And truer words could not have been spoken. The eldest son of a Father who would accept no less that perfection, Achilleas had walked the straight and narrow for all of his life. Sneaking and other such nonsense was a luxury reserved for those with less pressure upon their shoulders, those whose actions were less closely scrutinized. The Baron of Euttica generally strived to do the best thing..the right thing, which was perhaps why he was slightly uncomfortable and yet fascinated with his attraction toward Theodora. He could not very well act upon unless such a thing were formalised or sanctioned by her head of House, and his own father.
Indeed, Theodora would have seen a different man entirely if Irakles had decided to put in an appearance at the day’s events - Achilleas much less likely to have been relaxed enough to think to pursue a conversation with her in such a casual manner. Perhaps she might have better understood his reservations then.
“ If you come across any, you must let me know. There are enough moments I would escape that place.” The man frowned and fell silent, surprised that he had spoken a thought that he usually would not. Was it wine or this challenging girl that had him forget himself so easily?
"Why else would an older man offer a seventeen year old girl wine?" She countered, though, some of the edge had been washed away from her tone. There might have been a hint of humor hidden somewhere laced between her words, but Theodora did her best not to let it show.
Theodora didn't doubt his words. In fact, she could easily see them to be true. Achilleas didn't strike her as the the type of person who had grown up with very loose rules. Rather the opposite. For someone so young, he was incredibly mature. Infuriatingly so, at times. Perhaps that was why she enjoyed it so much, the few times she had been able to coax him out of his shell.
It felt incredibly rewarding. In an incredibly selfish and prideful way. "I suppose not." She said, her lips pursing in thought. Besides, her first time at court had been... Distracting. And not entirely voluntarily so. After that, Theodora had stuck to her mother's side for the most part.
Perhaps it was a good thing the two hadn't crossed paths that day.
Turning her head to look at him then, Theodora furrowed her brows. "What is it that you'd like to escape from?" She asked curiously. He had a lot more freedom than she had ― he could go wherever he pleased, within reason anyway. He had his own barony. He was his own master. What freedom could he possible seek out that was not already within his grasp?
She envied him that. The sense of freedom that came with being your own boss. Of course, he still had to follow common sense and the rules of the senate, but all in all, he wasn't nearly as restricted nor as confined as she herself felt. And Theodora feared that restriction would only increase the older she got. The older she got, the more responsibility she would have. And eventually, she would have to marry and become some lord's brooding mare.
Surely, no love could ever be born from an arranged marriage she had no hand in, could it?
“Perhaps to sweeten her sour mood” Achilleas replied, barely restraining a sigh. “If you don’t want it, give it back, because I will certainly drink it”
He wondered if he should have been so honest with her, thought perhaps she might be more partial to someone who shared her sense of adventure, and then he reminded himself that he didn’t want her to be partial to him. Or he did, but it would not be conducive to keeping a respectful distance. He did not want her not to be partial to him anyway.
He probably should not have any more wine.
When she posed her question, Achilleas turned to look at her, as if surprised at her words. He wasn’t sure anyone had asked him that before. Nor was he certain that he trusted her well enough to speak the truth. The young Lord met her gaze and held it a moment and he realised he did not want to say anything more. He was Achilleas of Mikaelidas, he had a reputation that he had worked hard to build, and he was not about to undermine it by spilling his secrets to a young woman who was now part of the court of Taengea, no matter how taken he was with her. And perhaps he was also not ready to let go of the shine of that reputation when it came to the girl beside him. Let her bask in it, feel its warmth. That would do no harm, he was sure.
“Ah, I was being dramatic” he said, with a shrug “ What do I have to complain of?” He could be convincing when he wanted to, and he employed that to full effect, showing her a smile of even white teeth, blue eyes merry. And it was not altogether false - he enjoyed his work, and could not bemoan the advantages that his lineage had gifted him. If there were a certain..flatness on occasion then he could put it down to the fact that whenever he thought he had reached a goal, his father had found a new one, something else out of reach that he was demanding, and never even a word of acknowledgement for what his son had already delivered.
“But it is all new to you, isn’t it? Why not tell me what the girl who likes to run barefoot in the fields makes of the court of Taengea?”
He could admit to himself, such occasions would hold a little more interest to him, knowing that she might be in attendance
"No." She said, quickly lifting the cup to her lips and taking another swallow. "It's mine now." Stubbornly, she tightened her grip around the cup, and though he could likely very easily wrestle if from her hands if he so chose, she wouldn't make it easy for him.
She also chose to ignore the 'sour mood' comment. If he didn't want her to be in one, he had quite a lot to learn. Like for example how to talk to a woman without insulting her. More than once. She knew she was being petty and childish, though couldn't quite help herself. When searching for it, it was far too easy to get offended by everything.
"Hmm." She mused, a small smile splaying over her lips as she leaned her head back against the shop's walls and looked up at the sky. "I think we all find something to complain about no matter how good our lives appear to outsiders." Because that was just it, wasn't it? It was human nature to want for what you couldn't have. To compare yourself, and your achievements (or lack thereof) to those of others. She wanted freedom, he had it. Perhaps there was something someone else had, that Achilleas didn't have, but wanted. The same could be said for everyone.
She considered his question: The court had been grand, of course. It had been everything a young girl like herself could have imagined. "It's all very grand." She began quietly. "Yet it feels very cramped at the same time." She turned her head to look at him, a smile tugging at her lips. Putting the book onto the ground, Theodora's attention returned to the cup of wine in her hand. The red liquid had already cast a gentle hue of pink across her cheeks, though she still felt clear minded. She swirled the contents of the cup and watched it go round and round and round.
"I think I much prefer the fields." She mused, though more so to herself.
Out there, she wasn't Theodora of Leventi. Out there... She simply was. And she had yet to find anywhere else that made her feel the same way. Still, she knew better than to really complain about the life she'd been given. She knew she was far luckier than most. She had been born with being given most things delivered on a silver platter, and there was a lot of people who couldn't say the same.
He huffed out a laugh, amused at her stubborness now instead of irritated. “ Careful it doesn’t go to your head then” he said, slightly smugly. “ Being so young and all”. He mirrored her movements, leaning back further against the shut up stall at their back, tilting his head back and watching her out of eyes half closed against the angle of the sun as it slanted towards the horizon.
When she was not being obstinate, he liked hearing what she had to say. There was generally some sense to be found there, which is more than he could say for a good proportion of the courtiers back in Vasiliadon. “ And you? What do you complain about?”
He could agree with her surmissal of the grandeur of court too, for he knew more than most how restrictive it could be also. It was as natural to him as breathing, considering how things would appear to others, how an action might be construed, how carefully words and actions should be controlled. And on the rare occasion that he forgot, or slipped up. Well, he had the Prince to remind him.
Achilleas set his teeth against the thought, sat up and let his gaze roam over the crowds gathered here. It was not court. It was not Vasiliadon even, and most of the folk gathered had seen plenty of wine and sun. Himself included.
But it meant that perhaps there were not so many keen eyes about, and when he’d had the thought it would not leave him. Not when he turned to look at Theodora again, her fair skin sweetly flushed with even the little wine she had drunk, those dark eyes dipped to stare into the cup she held.
“Me too” Achilleas replied, thinking back to how simple it had felt when she was just a pretty girl in a field. He would have laid her down in the grass there and not given it a second thought, and now here he was sitting a foot away from her in case somebody got the wrong idea.
He would blame the wine later. But in that moment, Achilleas’ actions were very deliberate, almost as if he just tired of doing the expected. He did sweep a casual glance out and over the crowd to ensure noone watched too closely, and then he called her name, called her attention to him. “Theodora”
Without giving himself a moment to change his mind, he was there as she turned her head, so much closer than she might have expected as he braced his weight against his palm on the grass between them. And he caught her gaze, expression determined before his lips pressed against hers, warm and edged with the shadow of stubble. Achilleas gave her the kiss he had wanted in Macendia, not fleeting nor half-hearted but assured, definite, and with all the fervour to be expected after he had behaved so well, first in her father’s home, and then here.
He could have gone on, her lips petal soft tasted of wine, and he was heady with it, but some reason remained, and he finally broke away, pulling back to a respectable distance, unable to stop the silly grin that settled upon his face. “ You will pardon my forwardness, Lady Theodora”
