When evening painted the sky in hies of blue and orange, Calypso suddenly gasped looking out of the window. The infant was soundly sleeping in the bassinet beside her bed.
Calypso had so much more she wanted to talk about with Luciana. She told Luciana about her hobbies and preferences according to the latest fashion trending in the capital.
"Oh they seem wonderful." Luciana complimented that Calypso had a unique taste in fashion that displayed different kind of elegance than the preferences of noble women of the capital who preferred to show off their wealth and vanity.
"I love to design dresses and love it when they are created by Lady Amerson. She also takes on personal requests for custom designs. Oh! The dress you are wearing right now. It is also one of the famous pieces of Lady Amerson's boutique."
"Is it?" Luciana was very much surprised. More than that she was surprised how Erebus managed to buy such costly dresses and accessories from such a high end boutique.
"Ladies have to wait for months after booking just to get what they want. And you know the worst part is that the moment it is your turn, another new trend is being set and ladies are just mad to obtain the latest trend." Calypso sighed.
" That is indeed a hassle" Luciana couldn't imagine it. She had always had a personal seamstress who made dresses for her. Their were imperial jewellers who designed her jewelry and shoe makers aswell. And in Amanécer Luciana was the trendsetter of society. But she never had any friends to gossip or share a conversation since she was never allowed to have any.
Her interaction as a crowned princess was limitless only for political purposes. But when it came to an idle conversation. She never had a chance to approach women of her age and this felt isolated. Aria had many friends among all her sisters she was an example of a socialite.
A knock on the door snapped her back to reality.
Calypso asked Rum to answer the door.
"Is Lippi still talking with Lady Stygian?"
It was Callum's voice.
"Yes milady is still entertaining lady Stygian milord." Rum bowed.
"Who is it Rum?" Calypso called out.
"It is milord, my lady. Milord has come to escort you and Lord Stygian is awaiting lady Stygian."
"Oh dear! I truly apologize. I didn't realize what time it is" Calypso looked worried when she glanced at the hourglass clock. It was indeed past seven.
"I really enjoyed your company lady Calypso. So don't apologize. It is the first time ever that I managed to enjoy an idle conversation with lady like this.
" Oh I would love to continue but I won't keep our little lord waiting any longer." She looked at Nemesis who had dozed off on Luciana's lap without them noticing.
Calypso got up instructing Rum to watch over the sleeping infant.
"Oh-!" Luciana suddenly gasped as she tried to lift the sleeping toddler in her arms as she was about to trip over her own dress.
" Lady Stygian!" Calypso helped her hold the ground preventing Luciana from falling.
"Thank you for your help Lady Ashcroft. He has become heavier these past days," Luciana thanked her.
"You should lift anything heavy my lady." Calypso warned Luciana to watch out for her and the unborn baby's health as they left the room.
"Lippi it took you forever to come out," Callum whined.
"I do apologize for making you wait dear. But Lady Stygian is ever so much fun to talk to. I completely forgot the time." She giggled.
"Give him to me." Erebus who patiently waited for Luciana took the sleeping toddler in his arms.
"I told you not to lift him," Erebus said. His jaw tightened as he relieved her of the child. "Why is it that everyone under my command listens except my own wife?"
"He was asleep Erebus. Besides you know he is quite sensitive that-"
"I don't care about whatever the reason is Luciana. If you need something, call for someone. You are not to strain yourself."
Luciana remained silent. He was right. She was in no position to argue about it. Derran too had already warned her about the same things and Erebus aware of the precautions only reacted. Though his way wasn't of a gentle husband like Callum was overly sweet to his wife. But behind that sharpness was a genuine concern for her and she though faintly could sense it.
They took places in the dining room
when Mina who just came behind after setting up the luggage in their guest rooms had come as Erebus glared at her for not being there for Luciana when she needed help.
" Take Nemesis to the room. There will be no next time for you if I see my wife left unattended even for a minute." He wanted her. Mina understanding the depth of his frustration apologized and heeded his warning as she saw Erebus joining others at the table.
"Master has changed too much in such a short time. It is both scary and reassuring," Mina muttered as she left with the sleeping toddler.
"Is dinner to your liking lady Stygian?" Calypso asked.
"Yes very much so. I enjoyed the richness of the flavor in every dish." Luciana was at wonder that there was no bloody meat being served and the flavor was richer in every dish.
" I am grateful. I heard through my husband from lord Stygian that you disliked undercooked meat. It must be du to your pregnancy." Calypso had speculated it on her own accord as Luciana almost held her breath and so did Erebus. They both worried for almost makingher true identity exposed.
" Thank you for your kind consideration my lady. And to you too my lord." Luciana thanked them for their kind hospitality and after a brief walk in the garden they retired to their room.
Nemesis was still asleep soundly in his little bed.
Luciana went to the bathroom where wamr water was prepared by the servants. No sooner did she undress, her eyes fell on her reflection on the wall mirror. Her disguise had faded. Her lustrous white hair was back and her jewelled silver eyes gazed on her belly that was showing notable signs. And soon enough the stretch marks would also start etching over her body.
She felt exhausted and sighed list in thought. Her worries slowly seepied into her mind again as the temporary happiness slowly faded like it was only an illusion making her forget the reality she was exposed to.
"Forgive your mother little one." She whispered u knowingly as to why she would even apologize.
"Forgive what for?" Erebus was behind her naked just as she was.
She gasped when she looked at the mirror. She flushed deep crimson as she reached out to grab her clothes to dress herself.
But he caught her hand before she could even grab them.
"H-how are you here?" Luciana tried to cover breasts with one arm. Heat crept up as she felt his body heat making her body get goosebumps.
"Here to take a bath. But I found you standing in front of that mirror talking to yourself." Erebus replied.
"You could have knocked at the door. Please leave o-or let me leave instead. I will ask the servant to prepare a bath again once you're done." She looked away and trembled.
"What's the point when we can take a bath together?" He suggested much to her shock.
"H-how can you suggest something so bold?" She stammered.
"Is it wrong for a husband to bathe together with his wife? I think not." He lifted her in his arms and led her to the bath tub.
"Erebus! Let me down. Please" she was terrified. She didn't want him to bed her. Not with the past traumatic experiences. As soon as he would see her naked or even exposed a little he would react purely on instinct like a feral beast in heat.
He entered the tub but stopped before letting her soak into the warm water.
"Luciana. It is time you got used to this. I would take you even if you pleaded and wept or cursed me in every breath. I wouldn't care a world for it. That is only if I wanted. But know this that I am trying to change even if it is a little at a time. So bear with it." His words ever sharp and his bluntness caused her pain. He struggled yes but he hurt her at the same time.
She couldn't run away from him. Not could she disobey him. She was slightly trembling unknowing that her body was reacting to his cruel words.
He slowly and very gently put her down and her body stopped trembling once she was soaked in warm water with him. She felt humiliated and reassured at the same time. Her heart was truly conflicted as she was unable to determine what his actions deterred. Was it his ignorance? Or was it that he was trying to care for her by trying to change himself? Which was it?
He helped her bathe which was another usual and out of the way experience. He was clumsy and a little rough. But she could see how he tried his best to be gentle. Yes he was changing. But the change was too small sometimes to be noticed if not being looked up at.
"Erebus..." She said subconsciously.
"Hmm?" He immediately responded.
She wanted to ask why was he doing all of this? If it was for the sake of their future he didn't need to go through the trouble. She wanted to ask once more if he could divorce her. But she knew the answer. And he would end up claiming her and wouldn't care even if there was a maid or a sleeping child in the room.
"No... it's nothing," she admitted silently. Once the bath was done he wrapped her in the towel sheet and lifted her.
"I can walk ony own Erebus. Don't force yourself." She protested.
"I am doing nothing that counts as forcing myself. I am doing it out of my own accord." He said and placed her on the bed.
"Why do you go through such lengths? We are only married in name," she said as he put his night robe. His hair still damp falling on his nape as he swept them back with his hand.
"You have been looking at Callum and his wife with a longing face. Did you think I wouldn't notice it?" He said as he sat beside her.
She flinched.
"Did I really look that way?" She clenched on the towel.
"Yes. Even I can tell that." He said.
It is true that she admired the healthy relationship of the Ashcroft couple. How Callum treated Calypso was how Octavius once treated her being her ex fiance. She had forgotten how it felt to be loved by one who was promised a spouse who would spend lifetime with her. Who could truly love her, care for her the way she saw her father do for her late mother. She had always idealized their relationship wanting to be loved by her husband whoever it would be the same way as her father was yo her mother.
And she saw similarities in Callum and his wife. Their love was truly captivating. It was nothing like their relationship that was built on fake oaths and purposes to use eachother to gain their goals.
But she didn't want it or say anything of such sort to this man who was her husband now. She didn't love him. But she had to be a devout wife to him fulfilling her duties to satisfy him. After all he was protecting her. His protection never came for free.
But his change made her both reassured and hard to adjust with. He was doing it for her even when she didn't ask of it from him. He was finally looking at her as a man devoted to his beloved wife would do. Something she never expected from him who could've killed her the moment he abducted her. Her life line was dependant upon him.
"Luciana," his voice snapped her back to him.
"Y-yes?" She responded hastily.
"Does it make you uncomfortable?" His sudden question confused her.
"About what?" She asked. She didn't know what exactly was he asking about.
"About all of this." He asked.
" I..." She stopped midway unable to respond to him .
"I really don't know....how to answer your question..." She managed to say.
There was an invisible barrier that stood between them. Yet he was the one who took the first move to make a crack in it.
He stroked her cheek. Something that had become a habit of his.
She flinched. He paused and withdrew.
"You freeze like this whenever I touch you. As if I could eat you alive. Are you that afraid of me?"
She couldn't respond. It was part truth part her own fears.
"Luciana, if you don't start letting me know what keeps you so scared. I will never be able to mould myself into someone you can lean on for help. Nor can it help either of us to understand eachother. I gave you my word to protect you. If you don't say anything to make me understand. I would inevitably hurt you before I realize the consequences."
" I will think about it." She said after a moment of silence trying to absorb his words into her mind.
"Good." He tucked her strand behind her ear too carefully to be very gentle to not make her scared or flinch from his touch.
"Rest up."
He got up and took a cut log and fed it to he fire in the hearth to keep it alive.
She lied down on the soft featherbed as she watched him move it with a poker. His strong and sturdy frame blocking the view of the hearth made her think about his words as she dozed away into sleep.
Once the fire was rekindled enough to be lit throughout the night. He placed the fire poker back on it's stand. When he went back she was already asleep soundly. He could see how the long journey had exhausted her.
He lied down taking up he quilt and took her in his embrace with his arms over her waist and her back supported against his broad chest.
"Don't even think I will ever divorce you." He muttered. And slowly he too drifted off into sleep.
----->>>>>
The entire day at Callum's residence was bustling with preparations for a dinner party celebrating the birth of their son. Though only a few servants attended to the details, they worked with admirable diligence.
Calypso had assigned her maid, Nyx, to assist Luciana and Nemesis, her young son, while she, who also served as head maid and nanny to the newborn, handled the care of the child. Nyx, a jovial woman much like her mistress, introduced herself with a pleasant formality.
"It's an honor to serve you, my lady. I am Nyx, Lady Calypso's personal maid and headmaid of the Ashcroft residence," she said warmly.
"Likewise. We will be in your care,Nyx" Luciana smiled.
Nyx helped Luciana prepare for breakfast before escorting her to the dining hall. Calypso was already seated at the table, greeting them with a welcoming smile. Nemesis, however, seemed distracted, his gaze scanning the room.
"Are you looking for someone, young lord?" Nyx asked with a gentle smile.
Luciana looked around. "It's strange; I don't see our husbands. I'm sure Erebus was awake before dawn."
She wondered whether Erebus had left early to attend to matters at the palace. Calypso nodded in agreement.
"Callum is the same. He rises before dawn to practice his swordsmanship," she said as she stood, motioning for Nyx to open the windows.
Through the opening, Luciana spotted the two men sparring in the garden. "It seems they still share the same habits from their time together," she remarked.
"Lady Calypso, what are the women in the capital like?" Luciana asked, curiosity coloring her tone.
Calypso's expression shifted ever so slightly. "They are… intense," she muttered, her voice careful. Luciana noticed a subtle change in the atmosphere, as if the warmth in the room had cooled.
Calypso's gaze remained steady. "It's best to avoid getting on their bad side. When they make a request, it's not wise to refuse, especially if it comes from someone like Lady Drusilla, the sister of the Great General. She commands enormous influence in high society and is a strong contender for the position of Crown Princess, although the Tzar has yet to make a decision on the matter."
Luciana listened intently, a chill creeping up her spine.
"There is another woman to be wary of—Lady Leila, the general's wife. She has a reputation. Rumor has it she's his second wife, and that his first mysteriously disappeared to make way for her. Few have seen her recently, as she's expecting a child, but it's well known that the general is fiercely protective. It is said that when someone once harmed her, the offender's entire family vanished overnight. She is also considered the flower of high society. Even the crown prince has tried to get her attention."
Luciana shuddered at the thought. "Did the Tzar not intervene?" she asked in disbelief.
Calypso shook her head. "The Tzar rarely meddles in such affairs unless they directly threaten the empire or the imperial family. Here, it's a matter of survival."
Her words were interrupted by the clashing sound of swords from the garden, followed by a loud grunt.
"Gah! I can't believe I lost again," Callum's voice rang out.
"You need heavier weapons," Erebus's voice carried clearly through the windows. "Your control suffers because you're compensating for a lack of weight."
Callum laughed, accepting his friend's hand to rise from the grass. "Even though you favor that axe, you're still deadly with a longsword."
"I don't just train with the axe," Erebus replied. "I work with all types, though I haven't yet tried flintlocks or muskets."
Callum's eyes lit up. "Then why don't we compete with those?"
Erebus gave him a stern look. "Are you mad? Those are imperial weapons. You'd risk an arrest warrant."
Callum laughed heartily. "I'm in charge of the artillery department. I can always report that we're testing the artillery," he teased, slapping Erebus on the back.
Luciana and Calypso shook their head, a reluctant smile tugging at her lips.
Men.
After washing up, the two men joined the others for breakfast. Nemesis, still distracted, remained unusually quiet. Concerned, Luciana asked him if something was troubling him.
"He must be feeling homesick," Calypso speculated.
"Oh, perhaps," Luciana said, "though he's been so eager to explore the world."
Later, in Calypso's favorite garden, Nyx brought the baby to her. It was time to feed him.
Luciana, curious, asked, "Have you named him?"
Calypso smiled tenderly. "We'll reveal his name at tomorrow's celebration."
Nemesis stared at the baby in wonder before tugging at Luciana's skirt.
"Mama, when will my baby sister come?" he asked suddenly, his tone earnest.
Luciana was taken aback. "What do you mean, sweetling?"
He pouted, his head hanging low. "Mina said a bird would bring him. Hasn't the bird come yet?"
"Mina told you that?" Luciana laughed softly, amused by his innocence. "No, sweetling, the bird hasn't come yet, but we have to be patient. When we're ready, your sister will come."
"Yes little one, in the meantime you can play with your little brother once he is awake." Calypso said.
Nemesis, reassured, raised his tiny hands in the air. "Nemesis will wait!" he declared.
" Oh my little darling." Luciana kissed him on the cheek and Nemesis hugged her and ran to the garden to play with the butterfly that skipped and hoped over the blooming red roses.
That was when she saw them—Erebus and Callum, striding toward the stables, clearly preparing to ride out.
Nemesis spotted his father at the same moment.
"Papa!"
The boy darted forward—straight toward Erebus's massive black stallion, Nightmare, who tossed his head and stamped a hoof the size of a dinner plate.
Luciana's heart stopped.
But Erebus moved faster than she could track—scooping Nemesis into his arms before the horse could react, lifting him high in the air while the boy shrieked with delighted laughter.
"Careful, little one," Erebus said, though there was no heat in his voice.
Luciana hurried toward them, one hand pressed to her chest where her heart still hammered. "Are you going somewhere?"
"Hunting," Erebus replied. "I'll be back before the royal ball tonight, don't worry."
As he set Nemesis down, Erebus caught sight of Octavius watching them from a distance. With a sly grin, he leaned in and kissed Luciana on the lips, that shocked his subordinates and Callum,
then pressed another kiss to her neck, causing her to blush.
Octavius' mouth twisted with anger, enmity clouding his mind. His fingers curled into a fist. He gritted while muttering curses.
"E-Erebus!" she stammered, embarrassed by the public display.
Callum coughed awkwardly. "It's nice to see such open affection," he said, nudging Erebus.
"Mind your own business," Erebus replied before mounting his horse.
-"When did he start showing such mischievous side?" She helplessly wondered.
The men rode off—Callum waving cheerfully, Erebus not looking back—and Luciana pressed her fingers to her mouth, still feeling the ghost of his kiss.
And then, from somewhere in the garden's shadows, she felt eyes on her.
She turned sharply.
Nothing.
Just leaves stirring in the breeze. Just roses dropping their petals. Just the whisper of wind through the hedges.
"Was it my imagination?" she murmured.
But her skin prickled with the certainty that she was being watched.