Trapped in Lace (lgbt)

Ch 10

Mikhail watches as bags upon bags are loaded onto carriages. Horses neighing impatiently as the staff works around the beasts to accommodate everything neatly into place. He's glad he managed to convince Antony to forgo buying him new clothes. He's made due with Antony's own clothing even if they fit too loose on his smaller frame.

"We can ride in the carriage," Antony offers breaking his train of thought.

Mikhail's brows furrow, "I prefer horseback. Won't that be faster?"

"Are you sure? Would it be safe?"

Mikhail's frown deepens before he remembers, hand quickly resting on his belly, "I... I'm not sure."

He tenses and Antony notices, he knows Antony almost wishes he hadn't brought it up. But Antony's priority is his safety, he's said as much. He feels the need to look out for the younger man and Mikhail appreciates it. Mikhail knows this. He knows Antony simply cares, but it'll make everything more complicated when they have to part ways. Mikhail is already falling for the man and when they part because they will part... right? He doesn't want to consider, doesn't want to think of the inevitable.

Boyd calls over for Antony and Mikhail's attention is captured by Ida as the older man leaves him for a brief moment. Ida, the older maidservant who had helped him over a month ago with his menses, offers him a gentle smile.

"Lord Mikhail?" Her voice is warbled with age, but kind.

"Missus Ida," he returns the gesture.

"I overheard you and Master Antony," she begins softly, making sure no one else hears.

Mikhail swallows around the lump forming in his throat. He almost feels sick.

"A babe is a blessing," she begins.

Mikhail feels himself nodding, if only for politeness sake.

"You should be safe to ride alongside Master Antony as it is still early and only so long as you listen to your body."

Her advise is sound and he knows she says it because like Antony, she cares for him. She has practically become a maternal figure in the absence of his own mother these past weeks. He bites his lip.

"A child is daunting, but it is a beginning. However, in the end, it is your decision my dear."

He chooses to store that away.

A beginning, huh.

Antony returns then and Mikhail excuses himself, waving goodbye unsure if he'll see her again as they make their way to Mountainshire and a majority of the staff either stay or return to Alborear.

"Ready?" Antony asks.

"Yes," he assures, "as I'll ever be."

Reluctantly, Antony helps him onto the saddle of a small beast and only does so with Mikhail's continuous reassurance.

"Ida has said it was ok," Mikhail smiles softly.

"If you feel tired at any point, we shall stop," Antony concedes, "It is over three day's travel and we will make multiple stops to rest regardless, but..."

"I know," Mikhail interrupts, "and I will, thank you, Antony."

Antony smiles back and while everyone else is still busy with finishing touches, he pulls Mikhail by his waistcoat and they share a chaste sweet kiss.

Antony then mounts his own horse, a mighty beast huffing and puffing right beside Mikhail's mare.

They waste little more time as they start the trek to Mountainshire. And each step closer to what was once his home, makes anxiety fill Mikhail's belly.