While in town with you for the Christmas market, Gwilym had noticed that one of the booths was advertising sleigh rides throughout the Christmas season. He thought it would be fun to do, and hopefully something that you would think would be fun to do with him too. It was pretty booked, so he had to sign up for a time a few days away.
In between the market and the intended sleigh ride, the two of you had dinner twice and had spent quite a bit of time whenever Gwilym wasn’t on the slopes sitting in front of the fire reading together and chatting.
It was the night before when Gwilym had signed up and the two of you were doing just that, reading different books but sitting on the same couch near the fireplace. You had started sitting next to each other, but then you had moved so your legs were on the couch too (your shoes were off). It was a loveseat, so you were close, and after a bit Gwil’s hand found its way to your ankle. Then a little bit later he slowly, without looking away from his book, pulled both of your legs across his lap. You adjusted to lean against the arm of the couch, your whole body warm with the casual intimacy.
When you came to the end of a chapter, Gwil tapped your leg so you’d look up at him, “What do you think about… a sleigh ride?”
“A sleigh ride?” you asked with a confused frown. “You mean the song?”
Gwil chuckled, “No, not the song, although that is good too. I mean someone in the village does sleigh rides and I have a slot tomorrow night and I was wondering if you’d like to join me.”
“Oh a sleigh ride here, that’d be so perfect! I can’t imagine a better place for it, yes I’d love to go with you!” you exclaimed, leaning forward to touch his arm when your excitement took over and you went in for a big hug instead. “Thank you, Gwil, that’ll be so much fun.”
Gwil breathed out a laugh, laughing because of your surprise and excitement, breathless because you were practically sitting in his lap now. He hugged you back, “My pleasure.”
You pulled back and pecked his cheek; you had kissed a few times now, but the lobby in the early evening hardly seemed like the place for a makeout session. But then you noticed how close your entire body was to his and your face flushed with heat. You detangled yourself from him, also moving your feet back to the ground instead of on Gwil’s lap.
He cleared his throat and you gave him a sheepish little smile, “So what time?”
___
The two of you had decided to get dinner in town before the sleigh ride, finding a place that had a great view of the ski hill to watch all of the skiers and snowboarders. It was great food, and by this time, you and Gwil had a good rapport and rhythm for your conversations that usually included the books you were reading, what your uncles were up to, and how the skiing was that day.
After dinner, Gwil led you first over to the coffee and tea cart for some hot chocolate for the ride. Next, it was the booth at the very edge of the market that acted as the pickup point for the sleigh ride. You hadn’t even noticed it during your first pass, so you were glad that Gwil had and that he had the foresight to sign up for a time, as well as thinking to invite you to go with him.
After a little wait the sleigh arrived, pulled by one black and one white horse and driven by a couple probably in their fifties. All four aforementioned were in cute Christmas livery. A couple around your age got out of the sleigh, their eyes and smiles bright. Then the woman called Gwil’s name (or an approximation of it in a thick Swiss French accent) and you walked over. Gwil gave you his hand to help you into the sleigh and even through the gloves you could feel his strong and steady grip.
There were two blankets in the sleigh, and you decided to lay one on the sleigh’s seat to insulate from behind and then draped the other over both of you once you had sat down. The size of the blanket meant you had to squish together, which neither of you were complaining about. Gwil also carefully put his arm around your shoulders and you leaned into him, less carefully.
The sleigh ride started, going in a wide turn to take you away from the market and towards the forest. It wasn’t that late, but the moon was fully out, and all of the snow reflected its light, so you could see. The lane through the forest had little chalets every so often and you could even see the Christmas trees inside some of them through the windows. Other than the houses, the tall evergreen trees covered in snow and smaller trees still growing that couldn’t even hold snow on them, and all of the evidence of wildlife was plenty to see. Both of your favorite, though, was a great big fir tree that was decorated with lights and ornaments and a big star on top. It wasn’t as professional as the one done in the main square, but it was even bigger and it was still alive and in the forest!
You and Gwil pointed everything out to one another excitedly, like little kids on a school field trip. More than once you saw the couple driving the sleigh glance back at you and then at each other smiling. Somehow their acknowledgement of what was between you and him made you feel it even more as you simultaneously got a little embarrassed, caught being so smitten.
There was another big bend and you were now doing a wide circle around the market, the lights growing brighter and bigger as you got closer. But it was nice to see it from a distance at night, seeing how the whole town and all the visitors were laughing and talking and smiling in one cozy place.
It was down to the last couple minutes in the sleigh and you told Gwil, “Thank you so much for bringing me with you, this has been so much fun.”
“I’m glad you enjoyed it, love,” he told you, moving a piece of hair out of your face that had escaped from your hat. “I will confess that I did sign up with you in mind. If you had said no, I probably would’ve canceled the reservation.”
You looked down but smiled, flattered and glad that he seemed to be feeling something very similar to you, “I’m very glad to have met you here, Gwilym.”
Gwil smiled at your frankness, happy you felt the same way, “Me too, so glad.”
And then he tilted your face back towards his and leaned down, pressing his lips to yours in a sweet kiss that echoed what his words had said and went further, went towards the future and all that the feelings could mean.
He would totally be all over doing cute fall things with you
The first day of fall he was already getting our the Halloween decorations
Honestly you knew you loved this man for a reason
He even went to the store and got pumpkins for the two of you to paint
You chose to paint the pumpkins because who wants rotting pumpkins so fast after they’re carved? No one that’s who 🎃
Gwilym painted a ghost and you chose to paint a black cat!
You thought Gwilyms was better but he said yours was
Sadly with the coming of fall also means seasonal depression yayyyy
And Gwilym knew you weren’t feeling the best lately
Not only was work exhausting you but the seasonal depression did not help one bit
It was a Friday afternoon when you came home from work and dropped all your stuff at the door because you didn’t have the energy to carry it all the way upstairs
“Babe is that you???” You heard him yell from the kitchen
“Yeah it’s me!” You yelled back, your voice even sounded tired
He came around the corner with a kitchen towel over his shoulder, a sight you were used to seeing. His arms were already out stretched waiting for you
Gwilym was actually a great cook tbh
“Bad day today?” He asked and you nodded against his chest
“Well turn that frown upside down because we have a nice fall night planned!”
“Oh really?” You raised an eyebrow. You hadn’t had date night in awhile
“I have dinner on the stove, an apple pie in the oven, and cider in the fridge. Hocus pocus is ready to go on our tv upstairs and these arms are primed for cuddling!”
The man really had thought of everything ❤️😭
Like for real the night was already perfect
“How about we get you some dinner and warm cider?”
“You really are the best aren’t you?” You asked, giving him another hug
“I mean maybe..!” He leaned down and gave you a kiss, and for dinner for the two of you
After you finished eating you took your cider and pie upstairs because you were too excited to get cuddling
It had been a really hard week and this was exactly what you needed
The room was all lit up with candles and the Hocus Pocus main screen was on. You could even smell your favorite fall candle
“Gwil you didn’t have to do all this” you could almost cry
“I wanted to. I want to give you the best, because you deserve the best.”
You got all settled in and ate your pie, of course with Gwilym’s arms around you
You felt a sense of peace and home and you honestly couldn’t get more comfortable
“It’s not all hocus pocus is it babe?” He asked and you nodded. You definitely felt better now ❤️
This took me a little longer than expected because school has me wrapped up in papers and research projects. Someone do this work for me so I can sleep since I haven’t slept well in nights!!!!!!
But anyway. This chapter was interesting to write and I hope that y’all enjoy!!!
Next Chapter
Previous Chapter
Masterlist
Damn him. Damn him damn him! Grabbing the closest random vase to chuck it against the wall. Me! Sleeping with Peter? I would rather die in a pile of shit that had smallpox than sleep with that moron! It’s been a day and I still find those words making my stomach curl! Maybe another vase? Ah these this naked porcelain statue. Chucking it against the wall as it finally made me feel a little better.
How did I allow one man to have such control over my emotions! To flood my mind, body, and soul as if he is a flash flood in the valley! I don’t even..I’m going to drive myself into a pit of never ending darkness. That damn man with those...beautiful blue pools of his eyes that sparkle in the sunlight. I’ve never seen such beautiful eyes in my life. Those strong cheekbones that could cut someone with a knife.
FUCK!
Maybe write a letter..I imagine the family is missing me and I’ve only written two letters so far here. Father is probably worried that I’ve been converted to the Orthodox ways. (Well I’ve been breaking the laws of the catholic church but luckily these people are too busy with themselves). I sat down at my desk to begin thinking on how to send back a positive message when I’m dying on the inside.
Dear Father.
Remind me to never make allies with Russia if I ever become Queen of Italy. These people are uncultured, disgusting horny toads! It feels like I have walked into a brothel except they’re not a bunch of dirty poor people. Now it’s a vast amount of extremely broad people on the court.
I’m not asking for you to save me or come galavanting from the homeland to come save me. Catherine still needs a lot of help and it’s getting worse before it gets better. To think that I gave the Russians the benefit of the doubt because I knew Catherine would be a little sensitive to the whole situation. But this is just horrible. I literally witnessed the Emperor laying with someone in the middle of the hall!
This is definitely a reminder of what not to do when I become Duchess at least. No wild parties at court more than once a week, and no.
My chamber doors bursted open to see Marial storming in, closing the doors behind her. She turned her back and leaned against the door. A panic expression was written on her face as I was waiting for an explanation.
“Yes Marial?” Asking as I continued to work on my letter.
“We’ve got a problem?” I took a sip of my wine that I had sitting out with me.
“Don’t we always?”
“It’s Catherine.” Putting down the quill as I turned around in my chair to stare at her.
“Is Catherine alright?”
“Now that she's Leo , yes. But the ladies..they did something bad. Not extremely bad but bad.” Is this a situation where I should be extremely worried? Worried? Or just a pat on the shoulder should make her feel better.
“After we passed out the eggs to the ladies of the court, Lady Svenska invited her to the tea party she threw, they were in a dance and one of the ladies punched her in the noise and caused her nose blood.” No. NO! NOT WHILE I’M AROUND!
“Are they still at their dance?” Popping up from the chair as I walked over to my trunk.
“Yes. They will be for another hour or two.” Which means pastries and tea will be required. Did I bring it? I really thought I brought it YES!
“Please let Catherine know that I will be handling these women the way they should’ve been. Tossed back down to the station they truly belong in, not what they thought.” Ordering Marial as I rang my bell for Fernanda. She came in as I placed the bottle on the end of the desk.
“Yes M’Lady.”
“Did we bring tea dance attire?” Asking her as she nodded.
“Great. Get my full attire ready, I’m going to way these peasants.” AS before you know I hate wearing the wigs, corsets, layers of face paint, and the dress. But duty calls in this situation because no one lays a hand on my cousin!
Taking off my boots as I heard someone come running into my room as I waited to see who it was. Catherine slid in as I was still sitting there taking off my boots. If she thought she could talk me out of this then she’s surely mistaken.
“Chiara please don’t!” Catherine begged as Fernanda came in with the dress as Catherine looked like she was going to explode.
“You don’t have any idea how this country works and if you do something like this then you could ruin everything I’ve worked so hard for.” Catherine stood directly in front of me as I leaned back against the chair.
“Well your last plan turned out to be a disaster and look what they did!”
“Minor setbacks tend to happen in these situations.”
“You’d call that minor?” Pointing directly as her nose as I got up from my desk.
“Please Chiara just because this works in your country doesn’t mean the same thing here. Peter will see this as an attack and were right in the middle of a war! He would be more than happy to send soldiers just because you caused half the women of the court to suffer.” Rolling my eyes as I began unbuttoning my shirt.
“Might I make a suggestion?” Marial poked her head into the bedroom as we both turned to face her.
“There’s always smacking me down.” See we wouldn’t be in this situation if Catherine would’ve just listened to Marial and I!
“Yes! Look if you don’t smack her down then I’ll be taking this matter into my own hand. And of course it has to be in public. And you’ll really have to say something to really piss off Catherine.” She knows that if she doesn’t do it then I’ll be doing what I do best.
“The horse fucking.”
“Cause allegedly you did. Though I don’t know how you would but maybe if you sort of..”
“Fine. Tonight Elizabeth is throwing a party in honor of the archbishop being selected so I guess we’ll do it there. Can we talk privately?” Catherine whispered as I looked at Fernanda to leave the room. Marial followed suit to close the bedroom door for me to sit back down at my desk.
“Though I appreciate you willing to avenge my attack. I think you enjoy getting ahead of yourself.”
“We’re family. No one hurts la mia famiglia.” I turned away from her to walk over to the small liquor table that sits in my bedroom. Pouring her a glass of wine then grabbing mine from my desk.
“Here. Something to make you feel a little at home.” Handing it to her then she looked at the bottle.
“Gaja Ornellaia. Dark and sweet.” Clinking glasses together as we both took a sip. Motioning her to sit as she sighed.
“How do you deal with women of the court? Sucking up to them sounds torturous and there’s no way that I can stoop to their level of living.” Catherine sat down on one of the loveseats for me to sit down at my desk.
“This court is one that I won’t be forgetting till the day I die. It’s one that has been let loose to do their own bidding. For the moment I wouldn’t suck up to them, but obviously we’re on a mission to make everyone in favor of you instead of Peter. So gifts. Not like your golden eggs but something that will truly aid them in their boring day to day lives. Maybe a better doctor for instance, or even a dentist. Lord knows how rotted their teeths are and could use at least some sort of cleaning. Though they say their modern, it’s more a barbaric modern.”
“You’re the empress Catherine. You have a lot more power at your fingertips then you realize and they’re trying to make you inferior because you’re new to the court. If you really wanted to you could strip down Svenska from her station if you truly wanted to. Lord knows I would at this point in my mind.”
“The ladies are led by Svenska with the amount of money..”
“Who's the Empress of Russia? Who rules Russia? The donkey face can’t even work up the courage to hit you she sends one of her ladies to do it. I really need to find that mean bone in your body and drag it out of you. I’d hate to say it but there is no such thing as a loving Queen. Most of us who are in royal power must rule with an iron fist but that doesn’t mean to be a monster onto the people like your moron of a husband.”
“Be truthful and fair to the people. Gain their trust in the way they need it, not you.” Close enough.
“Tell me Chiara. What exactly were you going to do with the ladies if I hadn’t come by to stop you?”
“Remember that cruise two years ago?”
“Chiara!”
“What! It worked last time, why wouldn’t it work a second time.” It really would’ve and if something like that happens again while I’m around it will work again.
Catherine put her glass of wine down to then lean a little more towards me which caused me to lean back against the seat.
“You’re a lot more bitter than usual. Is everything alright?” No. Everything is not alright! How can any of this be alright! This country! These people! Backwoods! Horny toads that just do whatever they Goddamn please without respecting..Oh it’s not even that! Fucking Grigor accusing me of sleeping with the moron Emporer who has a mind of a child! How dare he accuse me! I wouldn’t have any sort of sexual contact with him if he was the last man on this earth. If the gates of hell were open and the choice for me to go into Heaven was having sex with Peter I still wouldn’t partake in it!
“Peachy. Just absolutely peachy.” Chugging the rest of my wine to then throw my empty glass against the wall.
“You know that scared me for the first few weeks of being here. But now..” Finishing her drink to then chuck it against the wall. Shattering against it as she laid down on the love seat.
“But now it’s become a permanent sound in my mental wallpaper.” Grabbing the bottle to then walk over to where she was laying then sat down next to her. Getting comfortable as I pulled the cork out with my teeth to spit it across the room. Taking a drink to then give her the bottle.
I’ve yet to look at the top of my room since I moved in. They’re cupids that are dancing around in the clouds. Not sure who exactly designed this room but those cupids...they're so masculine..Why are they so muscular? I know no baby ever comes out this muscular no matter who the father is. Zeus himself could not ever make a baby this muscular!
“Catherine. Catherine. Lookup.” Pointing directly at them as her head tilted in curiosity.
“They’re cupids.”
“Yes they’re cupids. But have you ever noticed that they’re extremely muscular. They’re babies and have more muscles than Zeus himself. Just look!” We began laughing as the bottles continued to go back and forth between the both of us. This is exactly what I think we both needed. No men, no Government, not worrying about anything and just laughing at extremely masculine cupids.
“How is Leo? How is having a lover in your life?”
“It’s..intoxicating and confusing. When I first arrived I planned to make Peter fall in love with me as I am a romantic. Then tossed into a wheel of uncertainty. Leo says that he has fallen for me and..it feels so wrong from everything I’ve once believed in.” That’s one word to describe everything I’ve gone through so far.
“Our worlds are messy. We always think that it will be easy as those before us. But the world...people..him..it’s unclear.”
What am I doing? I’m to be a Grand Duchess in the next year or two, there’s a possibility of being a Queen and I’m in a tiny crisis on how to deal with some Russian that’s just using to get back at his wife? That didn’t even feel like the case till he brought up Peter and the accusation. But...look what he’s going through in his life as I imagine he doesn’t want his wife to be behaving like this.
Grigor...Grigor...for some reason the thought of his arms being wrapped around me is helping me fall asleep..so peacefully. He does this thing with his thumb where it glides up and down where it’s placed and it brings such comfort.
After drinking for a little longer than predicted. Catherine and I ended up sleeping directly where we were sitting for more than two hours. Alcohol is such a good night medicine. Fernanda came in to wake us as we both felt like brand new people and we had to get ready for Elizabeths party.
Per usual I truly didn’t feel like getting shoved into a dress and from what I’ve gathered about Elizabeth this party will end up becoming a clothes off party. So why not just dress the part but not get involved. Besides...I want to piss off Grigor for his accusation so why to wear as little as possible for something he’s not receiving.
My beautiful crafted corset that was pink with gold floral designs all around it. My plain white long sleeve shirt was underneath the corset with my nice pair of black pants and boots. Quite the scandal some would say. (But as you know it’s me just trying to be comfortable.)
“Boot dagger.” Fernanda tossed the sheathed knife onto the bed as I placed my boot on the bed and placed it in the boot. And now we’re set.
“Feel free to let loose tonight. I should be able to get myself ready to sleep and probably will be extremely intoxicated.” She nodded as I fixed my shirt so that my chest would be a little more exposed than most times.
Wait, something is missing. Rings yes, boot knife yes, and OH! Necklace! Walking to the desk to pull out my jewelry box to pull out my pearl necklace. The first few rows of pearls were tight around the neck itself then relaxed across my chest. Oh yes. Much better.
Walking out of my bedroom to already hear the madness going down near the end of the hallway. I really need a break from this palace. I’m in Russia and I should be going into the cities to at least see them! Maybe Catherine would be up for a trip to Moscow or Saint Petersburg sometime soon. I think that it would do her some good to go out and see the people to get a complete understanding of the country that she lives in. It does no good for a rising Empress to preach about change when she hasn’t met her own subjects. At home I would constantly go out and about to see my people. Support their businesses and make sure everything was doing okay. Yes her and I are in different situations but going out every once in a while wouldn’t hurt.
Walking into the party to see people were holding snakes, animals, and...a bird? I must admit this is one interesting party. Reminds me of when we had an animal exposition a few months back and I got to see a Tiger from China! But I imagine that would be impossible here due to the fact that the tiger would eat all of them up.
Looking around to see the ladies were sitting around the fireplace laughing as I wanted to choke the donkey face till she turned a different color. Ah and George. The Emporers would be where you had the audacity to become angry when Grigor and I were fooling around. The hypocrisy that spills from her mouth is exhausting.
Speaking of Grigor, where is he? Trying not to look suspicious as I searched the room to see him sitting with Peter and children as they drink wine? They look around 10? Mother didn’t even let me touch a drop besides communion till I turned at least 12! He looked directly at me to form a smile on his face. Maybe I over blew the whole situation. Tends to be a problem of mine which I need to fix.
“These parties..so interesting.” Catherine commented as we continued into the party. A waiter passed by with one glass as I snuck it for myself.
“Remember the plan.” Winking as we both sat down with the bitches.
“So. Tell me of your lives here.”
“All is bliss in the court of Peter.”
“Of course life is bliss here. But if tiny improvements could be made, and I could help you as Empress, that would gladden my heart to be a friend and a use to you all.”
“Why don’t you stop the war?” Why don’t you stop being a child? Impossible. They all chuckled as I wanted to scream.
“I will note it down. But it is probably beyond me at this point. Maybe more immediate things.” I can’t chime in on this because I don’t really live here full full time. (Though it feels like I’ve been living here for ages!)
“Well, the carriages are always in disrepair. They do not fix it fast enough.” George chimed in. Always being helpful in gaining her own glory.
“I see. I shall look into it. How is your son Tatyana? Boris. He was unwell?”
“Fucking Chekhow saw him, but...We need better doctors than the Chekhovs. Boris coughs blood, and the fool puts leeches on his throat. I do not know doctoring but it seems ridiculous. And my dearest Boris gets sicker.” I truly can not imagine the horror of how this country would handle an outbreak of any sort of disease. Even if precautions are made to keep them at bay.
“He basically killed Raisa.”
“Exactly.”
“Indeed. We must have the most modern medicine. We shall bring a new doctor from France.”
“What a friend you are to us. How is Leo?” Is her life so dull that she must pry her big disgusting nose into Catherines love affair? Looking over to Catherine who looked uncomfortable for just a moment then smiled.
“He makes my skin tingle and my heart gladden.” They all giggled as I wanted to scream. It’s a private affair!
“Surely more detail than that. If you really are our friend, we will need you to open up to us, if it is true and we are to feel you love us.”
“Shut up, whore!” OH SHIT! Taking a sip of my wine after Marial yelled at her. In reality I’m trying not to laugh because holy shit that’s funny!
“She cannot…”
“Apologize!” Her and Catherine exchanged a look as I was ready. C’mon Catherine! Use that mean bone!
“I will see her later. Go back to your quarters, Marial.”
“NEEEEEIGH!” Catherine stood up to slap the living shit out of her to the point she almost fell down on the ground. Everyone gasped as I was sipping my wine trying not to laugh at these dumbasses.
“Do not ever do that! That goes for all of you. Am I heard?” The ladies in the circle slightly nodded as my eyes were directly on Svenska. I know the ass face was responsible for this mess and I’ll be dealing with it even after this. Oh did you think I forgot about the whole tea dance? Far from it.
“I have spoken to my husband on this, and he sees it as a sleight on him. If it is heard again, no matter what family, what wealth, they will be a servant stripped of everything and we will slap the shit out of them on a daily basis! Am I heard?” And that is how you do it!
“Marial, wipe the blood from your nose. Pour me wine.” Catherine sat down as Marial began to pour her wine.
“Now, other things you ladies need from me? Lady Svenska, can I help you in any way?”
“No Empress. I am satisfied.”
“Mmm. Marvelous. Good day then.” Catherine got up from her seat as I stayed exactly where I was for a few minutes. I’m waiting to see if ass face will say something smart right after Catherine has left.
“What are you waiting for exactly?” Svenska commented as my focus went directly to her.
“Oh just..watching..and waiting.” Svenska turned back towards Tatyana as I noticed George was staring directly at me. What could she possibly want?
“I think we need to talk.”
“Need or want? I have absolutely nothing to say to you.”
“I find that hard to believe.” Her eyebrow was raised at me as I put my drink down.
“And I find it hard to believe that you’re a good woman of any sort. If you want to talk then talk. You have the floor and are ready to tell me all about how you’re the victim and everything you do is for status. Truthfully you enjoy every moment of it that you go out of your own way to spend all your time with him.”
I waited for a few moments for her to say something back against my statement but what does she have against me? Being a whore? She’s already got that covered in her department so what would that even do against me?
“The Emperor is about to announce the new patriarch to the court.” A servant told us as I got up from my chair to then walk away. Stupid woman.
We walked into a large sitting room as the new patriarch was wearing his garments as Peter was standing on top of the love seat. I stood next to Leo as I noticed Grigor was coming to stand next to me.
“The new Patriarch! Huzzah!”
“Huzzah!”
“Oh! To the Empress! She is finding her feet here, and her fists.” Took her a minute but we managed to get it out of her.
“Apparently she fucked a horse before she got here!” Damn it….
“For I am all for fucking and after Archie blesses us we will all begin!”
“Huzzah!” Glad to know that after everyone is blessed that they’re basically saying yeah God take it back. Didn’t need it in the first place.
“Can we talk?” Grigor whispered for me to raise my eyebrow.
“You and your wife truly love to talk don’t you?” Not looking directly at him as I kept my head straight forward.
“Please Chiara. I really….” Maybe he is sorry. I feel like this is becoming a usual song and dance for us these past few weeks. Nodding for the two of us to turn around and walk out of the room.
We started down the hallway keeping absolutely silent towards each other. Who exactly was going to start this conversation? Not me because at this moment I have nothing to say on the matter besides saying sorry for being a little over dramatic, and that’s it. He stopped walking to move in front of the fireplace to warm himself up a little. Turning towards me to let out a large sigh.
“I’m sorry...I’m sorry that I accused you of sleeping with Peter because of my own personal problems. It wasn’t right and I truly feel horrible for saying that…” I could tell that he wanted to say much more but was working on it. My hands were behind my back as I waited for him to finish his statement.
“Grigor it’s not a..
“Chiara I’ve fallen for you.” He interrupted me as I was confused by what he just said. What?
“I have fallen for you Duchess Chiara.” It sent shivers down my spine. What why? We’ve only known each other for a few weeks and now he’s fallen. Oh no...no no no.
“I am not the romantic type Grigor. I am not like my cousin who will bring you a twig to show love and unity. I..I don’t care for it.” Truth be told I’ve been avoiding the whole love marriage life ever since I was born. If I marry then I lose everything. The power will go to my husband and I am left to be nothing but a baby making device for my husband.
Yet...this feels different. I feel as if I should be comforting Grigor to hold one another. If I could keep him as a lover for eternity I might be okay with this idea. But marriage is something that I plan on never happening in my life.
“I don’t expect you to have fallen because why would you have fallen for a piece of shit like myself. You’re right about me..I’m nothing but a weakling who can’t even stand up against the moron himself..” He fell to his knees as he was beginning to have some sort of attack on the floor in front of me. Quickly approaching him as I got down on my knees.
“Grigor take a breath.” Rubbing his back as he was trying to catch his breath.
“My mind is beginning to chip away right before my eyes Chiara..” Oh no..no no. Holding him close to me as I kissed the top of his forehead. Okay so me swearing off love may just be a phase like mother said! Or is this just me feeling bad. I’ll figure that out later!
“This..this is just a rocky path in the road of life. We all go through it and eventually it becomes better. Just have to go through the rough path in order to see that beautiful green field on the other...this isn’t helping is it.” He shook his head as I thought I heard a door opening.
“A weakling… I’m such a weakling..” I’d rather the court not see Grigor falling apart in front of their eyes. Laughing was echoing from the hall as I had to get him out of here.
“Let’s go somewhere else.” Telling him as I lifted him up from the ground. We were stumbling around a little as we quickly walked through the palace till we made it to the apartments. No this isn’t meant for me to tackle him and have rough sex. Rather..rather not let the court see him breaking down when he’s the most important members of Peters court.
Opening the door to my apartment as he walked in then slamming the doors shut. Locking it as he fell onto the love seat. His breathing did calm down a little bit yet he was still in some sort of a panic state. Water.
“God how am I a man? Any man would’ve killed the other man for sleeping with his wife..you 're right..” Okay now I’m feeling horrible. I poured him a glass of water to then sit on my knees next to Grigor.
“Drink some water.” He sat up to take the glass from my hand.
“How could anyone love me...I’m such a coward. I can’t even fuck my wife...she has to go to someone else in order to fill that void...that desire that I can not fufill.” Well that’s utter bullshit because being railed by him was marvelous.
“Stop that! There is no need to bring down yourself because of your wife being a total whore. Grigor I’m sorry...I’m sorry for being such a cunt towards you. We both come from completely different worlds and I have to remember sometimes that this isn’t home..You’re not a weakling or a coward. This is just a difficult situation that probably doesn’t help that I’ve been acting so horrid towards you..” His glass was empty as I took it from him to place it down on the ground. My hands cupped his cheeks as he held onto them, he closed his eyes to put his forehead against mine.
“May I stay here for the night?” Grigor asked for me to nod.
“I can’t spend another night alone. Not another night…” Sitting up to then wrap my arms around him. He picked me up to then pull me into his lap which made me giggle a little. It’s kind of fun just being hoisted up into someone's lap.
“I don’t plan on making love with you tonight Chiara.” Oh really? This is rather shocking because I figured he would’ve found a way to seduce me into the bed.
“And why is that? Got tired of me already? We’re those three days….or five..still a little blurry with the amount of wine and food
“Never. You are the only good thing that has come from my dreadful existence here.” Somehow I think he’s right.
“I’m really wanting a glass of vodka. Care for some?” Asking as he was rubbing his eyes.
“Please.” Climbing off to walk over on my refilled liquor shelf. Two of my biggest glasses filled with vodka as I imagine it’s like water to him at this point. Just like how wine is like water, just drink it like water. Sitting back down on his lap to give him the glass, clinking out glasses as we both chugged down the vodka. HOLY SHIT THIS BURNS GOING DOWN STILL HOLY CRAP!
“Still getting used to it aren’t you?” He began to laugh as I shook my head then blinked a few times.
“Indeed. But it acts fast and my fingers are already feeling wonderful. How about another?” I’m just going to grab the glass bottle so I can stay comfortable on his lap. Skipping to the bottle as I pulled the cork off and placed it on the table.
“If you would’ve told me when we first met that I would be letting you sit on my lap after our first introduction. I would’ve thought they were mad.” Good times from a few weeks ago when I had a large stick up my ass. Sitting back down to take a swing from the bottle then hand it to him.
“Or me having some sort of relationship with you after I almost beat you with my sabre. How the world changes before our own eyes.” We both nodded to continue passing the glass bottle back and forth to one another.
I could feel it coursing through my veins like water rushing down a river after a rainstorm. It feels incredible! Vodka is truly a wondrous type of alcohol that loves to scorch my throat. Oof. As much as I would love to sit on his lap for a long time, my bed looks absolutely enticing for us to crawl in. Hopefully he wouldn’t mind crawling into bed.
“Would you mind if we got into bed? Your lap is comfortable but my bed just feels so much better. Please Grigor?” Without questioning it. He sat up as my legs wrapped around his back for us to start heading towards the bed. As much as I love not being pounded into oblivion in this position..this is fun! Wait for the corset. I can not get into my sleep mindset if I’m stuck wearing this cage.
He put me down on the bed as I sat on my knees to then begin taking off my corset. Crap Fernanda really tied the bow up high to the point I can’t reach it. His fingers began messing with the string as I felt the air entering my body once again. Tossing it across the room to untuck my shirt from my pants.
“Thank you.” Turning to face him as we leaned in to kiss one another. Softly kissing one another as he placed his hand on my cheek.
“Picnic with me tomorrow. There’s a beautiful tree that the leaves just dance with the wind that is just beautiful.” Yes. I said that I wanted to get some sort of fresh air and the timing could not be more perfect!
“It’s only been one day since I’ve been away from your bed, and I’ve missed the way it feels. Warm..comforting, can be a bit rough but eventually I become in a state of relaxation.” Grigor became comfortable down on the bed as I joined him on top of the covers. He placed his hand on my cheek as I kissed his hand.
“I know you don’t love me or have fallen for me...but thank you.” He drifted to sleep as I began to scoot closer to him. He must’ve felt me move because I was pulled closer to him and tucked into his chest.
