The world is divided into two categories of individuals: those who believe that destiny is preordained and those who believe they can shape their own path. Lianne identifies with the latter group. However, growing up in the dazzling light of Lys, sh...
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It was four o'clock when I headed to Deimos' study. The exquisite white wooden door stood closed before me. I observed its decorations, paying particular attention to the drawing depicting the blissful, proud, and happy sun and moon. For a moment, I envied them. Was it written that we were meant to be together? Certainly not, but undeniably, we were bound by a stronger feeling that we couldn't tame. I imagined him sitting at his desk, engrossed in his myriad of useless papers, bored. Determined to see him, I knocked. His voice mumbled a "Come in!" from the other side, so I pulled down the golden handle and entered.The scene before me was different yet the same as my imagination: he was indeed seated at his desk, sipping tea with the amiable Idian sitting across from him, absorbed in her coquettish tactics. I didn't want to lose control again, so I took a deep breath and counted to ten. I pre-empted the conversation:
"I'm here just to inform you that this afternoon I will be visiting Lucifer and Caleb because I need to..." I didn't want to say it in the presence of that viper, so I kept it as concise as possible. "Because I have urgent matters to discuss with them."
He sat there completely impassive, sipping his tea. He didn't seem curious or interested in what I was saying.
"What matters?" he asked. I hesitated; I was more submissive than ever about involving him, especially when I didn't even know what I had in my hands.
"Nothing that concerns you for now, Governor," I said calmly, wanting to convey that I hadn't yet digested the treatment he had given me that morning. He pursed his lip, and I knew that gesture perfectly – he did it every time he wanted to admonish me without words.
"I'll come too," he offered, but even before he finished the sentence, I vigorously shook my head. "No need to bother, your presence isn't necessary. I wouldn't want to disturb or interrupt your tea with your lovely guest."
More of a viper and social climber than a guest; it all depended on the angle from which you looked at it. Idian gazed at us with a mischievous glint in her eyes, her face illuminated by an odd light. I sensed pride in her wicked smile, almost as if she had just won something invaluable. I smiled sardonically, executing a curt curtsey; mine was clearly a challenge. Quite amusing, I thought, pleased with myself, observing her confused and disoriented expression.
"But what...?" Deimos mumbled, not knowing how to conclude his sentence. His face held amusement, but his gaze revealed mistrust. He was guarded and no longer knew what to think. He could be sure I wouldn't expend my energy on arguing with him anymore; I had decided to channel it into my quest.
"See you at dinner! Tonight," I declared, watching Idian's face turn grey. My little barb had struck her directly in the chest. She was probably wondering why Deimos and I shared all our meals together. To be honest, I didn't know either; perhaps it was a ritual, and we had never had a reason to break that habit. I considered the idea of stopping it altogether – what had happened during breakfast had left a small scar on my heart, changing much of the image I had of Deimos. I turned and left the room, hearing his chair move inside and deducing that he intended to follow me. I began running down the corridor, just like I used to as a child. My hair flew all over, often obstructing my view. I was terrified of breaking something. When I was sure he wasn't following me, I slowed down.
