A Plead Of Affection

EÍKOSI ENNÉA

"Do they look bad?" Slowly opening the bags and boxes showed a variety of gowns; as I picked a simple design with the shoes paired, I picked it up while I packed the other back, "Except for this one, return all of them." Alexios had his mouth hanging wide open as he could not believe what I had just said.

Everything was in a cream color, with a lace-up closure, a v neckline, with Watteau Train; the gown was made in satin as the long sleeve fitted perfectly for the temperature. It had pleats and pearls as an embellishment; all emphasized a natural waistline.

"What did you say?" The man questioned with his forehead creased, "I will only have this, as for the other, you can have them returned and refunded, thank you, Alexios," It seems like I partially convinced the man, he then gestured, pointing out all the items that I did not pick.

"Take them back," He said, "You heard her," They immediately left our sight with only a few guards at the corner.

"Let us go," Alexios held me by my waist; only then did I realize that he was soon carrying me in his arms, "Do not show me that face, Eva," I avoided his gaze.

"If only you could seehow red your face is right now, now wonder you are avoiding my face," He chuckled, "I do not want others to see the expression you are showing to me, also, let us get you dressed,"

After changing in a nearby comfort room and fixing my face, I walked out, fixing the dress, "Alexios, how do I look?" He turned around and glanced at me from head to toe. "It irritates me that you appear ravishing, you really know your ways on how to make me mad," He snickered and pulled me by the waist.

"I will help you with your shoes," As he gently put medications and a bandage on my blistered feet, he slowly glided the flat shoes on my feet, "Do you still feel pain? You should not have run all the way, you silly woman," He poked my forehead, shaking my head in response; we back towards the carriage, soon going off.

After we entered the carriage, I noticed that there was tension building up between us. "Alexios," I called his name out, "My name is for later," He directly looked at me, straight into my eyes.

"Tell me, Eva. Is there a reason why you keep coming back even if you must run away?" His question made my tongue-tie, "Is there a reason why you push me away so much and pull me back in?"

Why cannot I say anything? We both know the situation we are in; we should not be together. The moment my Family knows that I am having secret rendezvous with the son of the House of Schleswig, I will be in deep trouble.

He held my hand, bringing it close to his face. I do not know what to say or what I should say. If it were not for the ties that bind us from keeping each other away, this man would have locked me up to himself.

"What are you thinking?" He asked, going near my face, "How can you ask such question carefreely?" It was the only words that came out of my mouth.

"I will not be satisfied until you gave me a satisfactory answer. I cannot help but to wonder about the reasons you might give me," He replied, "I could not function properly when your Brother took you away, I could not stop think about you."

I raised my head, "Even now? Do you still think about it?" He sighed deeply, "I will not answer that."

No one spoke after he released me, only to find out that we were soon in front of our Residence. "Smile, do not look so glum," He smiled at me as he stated, "If were in an official relationship, would things be any different?" I questioned.

A bitter grin came into my way, "I also wonder the same thing," He held my hand once again, "Can you at least give me a reason, Eva, please, I beg of you."

"Alexios, I did mention before how our Houses are in dispute." He nodded, "You did, however, that is not a reason that I wanted to hear,"

"You should tell me your thoughts if you wants us to works, if you want us to be clear, Eva," He mumbled, "I will send someone over to your House tomorrow, unfortunately, I have to leave early in the morning because of some unexpected issue," Alexios leaned over and kissed my cheek.

"I will not see you out, I can already see how your guards are on high alert after they saw the carriage," He scoffed, laughing it off, "Take care and have a good night's rest."

With a last kiss on the back of my palm, I went out and walked towards the front only to see my Brother waiting, "Brother-" I could not finish my explanation when he turned around, "Father and Mother are waiting in the drawing room," It was all it could take to make me follow him.

Knocking three times and entering, we saw our parents sitting beside each other, "Take your seats," Father started, Brother and I sat at the opposing couch, with my head lowered down, "It seems like I do not need to preach so much, you know what you did, Maria!" His tone raised, making me flinch.

"You know how much danger and trouble our Family can get if we keep getting involved with the Schleswig! How much should I tell you?" I closed my eyes in anticipation for more, "F- Forgive me, Father."

Just as I thought it could get any worse, Mother banged her teacup on the saucer making the room silent, "Get engaged with him," Father and Brother stood up in shock with what Mother said, "Do you even know what are you saying?" Father yelled.

On the other hand, Mother took a deep breath, standing up and poked Father's shoulder, "You know what could get any worse than marrying this Lady to that House?" She uttered, "Plummeting to the lowest,"