King Of Her Heart

2

At the Palace Of Vasillios

The door creaks and opens to reveal two familiar figures standing side by side. One dismisses the guards with only a single gesture, the other walks forward just the same dominant aura as the one on the front.

Eros, the former one, breaks the silence "It has been a while" He says and he looks over to our direction. I didn't know he was coming.

I get up and curtly bow, it feels weird, but he is my superior now. They sit on the empty couches perpendicular to us. The discussions weren't much interesting, a few talks of some political stuff going on in the country and what not. Eros asks me how things have been, and I reply that I have just been doing well. I can feel some awkwardness in the air, but this gathering is really quite intimidating, I mean, the feared Marquess Helio, cunning Duchess of Solon and the sociopath crown prince, together? I feel like a small puppy infront of these dominating humans.

Medea says she will take me to the palace living rooms for our tea session. Eros and Helio stay behind while we set out for the  garden room. I glanced at Helio a few times, but that was too many for me. 

It has not been that long, but I already see a change in the palace interior, in this tea area we're in too. She seems to notice my staring but makes no remark. Instead, she asks "So, Psyche, how have things been?"

"They have been... good", I reply, "Actually, very peaceful"

"Oh? That's good to hear" says Medea as she places down her cup.

"It's kinda weird isn't it? I feel anxious from time to time because of it."

"Ha! you've got to get used to it. Its nothing really" she says "but hey, there seems to be something on your mind lately, mind to tell me what it is?"

I guess it's quite noticeable. "Huh? I'm not sure.." I pause for a moment, could it be about Helio?, no, don't. " But It's been fun lately. I've had my fair share of exciting encounters, though they're quite meagre. I've been free, free to roam more. and it's been great! so to say"

She smiles, "I'm glad you have been doing well, Psyche." 

Wow.. It's been a while since I've seen that. Medea really is beautiful when she smiles. "Heh, thank you. And how have you been?"

"Hm, well. It's been more peaceful than expected, I guess,"

The tea party goes on without a hitch. The afternoon sun gives a pleasant warmth as we discuss about our lives, the adventures, the news around Vasillios, and what not. We exchanged laughter, and we had our serious moments too, The light slightly dims down, and soon enough, the tea party, or so, is to come to an end. The sound of a carriage strolling through the castle is heard, and soon enough, the guard informs us that Marquess Helio has arrived to pick me up.

Medea tells the guard to let the Marquess wait near the carriage. I get ready to stand up, but she  stops me. I prepare to say a few words to Medea when she suddenly shifts and asks, while looking me in the eye, "Psyche, what do you think about Heli?"

What?  Why is she asking about Marquess Helio? "Uh- why do you ask?", "I don't know, I'm thankful to him for all he has done, he has assisted me greatly".

"That's not what I meant." she says with clear gravity in her voice. She gives me a look of... understanding or knowing? Nevertheless, my thoughts start to run like an active stream, certainly a challenge to stop.

Of course, she knows. She knows something is up. I guess there is never a point of hiding something from Medea. Why was I hiding them anyway? I've always worried; What will happen? how will she feel? how will our friendship go? will she start to dislike me or hate me! no- maybe? no?... I'm dreading the day I face this. And now...

 I take a deep breath, "yeah I guess so. But it's nothing really", I continue "just some... Little thoughts here and there, I guess." 

"Wrong"

I flinch slightly in my seat. Come on Psyche! get it together. This isn't gonna work. The next second, Medea leaned in closer and so very casually said, with a smirk,

"You like Heli, is it not?"

This is my doom. Why fall for the one person in her life, that one person who has much influence on her. The one person whom she might be in love with. Nevertheless, I have to say something, have to come clear-

"Don't fret, Psyche. I know what you're thinking" she leans back, "I do not have those feelings for Heli. Though I have to admit, it is quite surprising you fell for someone like him-"

"Medea! please do not take it the wrong way. I.. I admit. Embarrassingly enough I do have a little crush on Marquess Helio. But I promise, it is just a crush, and I will keep it only as it is." She was very reassuring, but I have a doubt that her feelings for Helio are only just platonic. I'd rather assume they are not, so I would not hurt her in any way. "Plus! I would not date that person!" how did it even come to this, he is quite ungodly too, uff...

She slightly chuckles at me and takes a moment. "and why is that?"

"Well.. there are many reasons." I look up right at her as I say, "Uhh.. he is does not really believe in God it seems, and he is not a good fit for me". He deserves someone else, someone better. " But please, keep this a secret. I'm sure these are just childish feelings that will fade away in a moment!"

 I take a deep breath, "And I'm really sorry, so sorry for not telling you sooner. I was a coward!", "and I know all I have is excuses. I really am sorry, This won't happen again-"

I stop talking as I realised that Medea has just been sitting there for a while, listening to me talk. Out of nowhere, she lets out a small laugh

"Ha!" though her mouth is covered,her smiling eyes are seen clearly."It's alright, Psyche, I forgive you. Do not beat yourself so much over these insignificant things."

She reassures me yet again, and we end up chatting along, for a good minute. We made our way downstairs to the carriage, and there he stood. We said our good wishes and within a moment, the carriage set out for home. Helio and I sat there, face to face, with the picturesque view of the clouds and all the blessed elements of nature with the scattered city lights.

I could very clearly see, by the way he talks, the way he walks, looks when Medea is around. I can see there is still love in his eyes. The desire to be acknowledged, appreciated, to be loved back.

I guess I understand a little bit of your pain now.