⚔ II Closed for: @adalsindaofanjou II A Lover’s Leap
———— Slowly, emotions beneath the surface of skin began to rise with each footstep that carried him towards his greatest sin - the one piece of the puzzle he had acquired which colored him insane. Why should he have access to his brother's wife, to feel her skin on his and dance alone in the night? It was of a small victory, to have stolen the other's greatest prize. A statuesque French woman with features crafted carefully by the hands of God, so much so that her likeness could be painted a thousand times over and it would never capture the light that coated her visage such as veneer. She was the picture of modern loveliness mixed with all the niceties of the west - a triumph of their age, one who should have been admired but had been cast aside by his brother to pursue those closer to home long ago.
They had started their affair years prior, the innocence which had fueled their lust long dissipated, now what rested between them seemed something mirroring passion. He had been her source of comfort, a friend in a foreign land that did not readily accept her - the warmth during the cold nights of Russian winter. A bond had formed between them that threatened dangerous outcomes, his frame being pulled to her on occasions where loneliness had sunk in. How long it had been since he last felt the delicacy of her skin, he did not know, he was only aware that such luxuries must be halted. He had wed Eudoxia a few years past now, the letters which once carried Adalsinda's name now bore hers - his flowery language saved for the woman who was now his wife. It was painful at first to relinquish the sole person who had chosen him before his brother, but there were too many risks involved with their relations as he began plotting the downfall of their Tsar. Should they be caught together, many unsavory subjects would likely be explored, risking the overturning of Ivan's ignorance - stunting the growth of the seeds he had already planted.
In the months he was absent, he did not write her at all nor did he send word of his arrival. Rudolf thought it most fitting that she also rest in ignorance so that her mind would remain clear in the presence of her family. There need not be guilt at the tip of her tongue, or she may divulge their secrets to undeserving ears which would spread the rumors much like wildfire. This was another thing he could not stand to have if there was to be a success to his plots - which would likely come many years later, but it was imperative he keep a low profile in the meantime.
As his frame reached just beyond her door, his emotions rose to a crescendo. Was he truly aiming to drive away the one person who got so near to breaking down the walls he wore like panoply around his heart? Could he justify their separation if it meant his access to the throne years ahead? He was suddenly unsure of himself, feet willing him to turn away from his meeting with her - to go back from which he came, to seat himself beside the devil and reside there forever and beyond. He knew he was not good at things of this nature, much better at taking life than creating one of his own. Yet he was steadfast in his decision and raised his hand to present a knock at her chamber doors.