Final Brushstrokes of a Tragic Romance || BxB | MLM

XVIII Unexpected Revelations

As we parted ways, I couldn't shake the feeling of unease that had settled over me since yesterday's events. The corridors of the palace felt both familiar and alien, each step echoing in the silence. As I made my way back to my room, something caught my eye-a small, smoke-like figure with a flicker of sparks, like a shadow of a creature or a human-like being, seemed to be following me.

I turned around quickly, but there was nothing there. Just the empty hallway and the faint sound of my own breathing. Shaking my head, I continued to my room, trying to dismiss the strange sight. Once inside, I closed the door behind me and let out a heavy sigh.

Collapsing onto my bed, I stared blankly at the ceiling, my mind racing with thoughts. What should I do today? The weight of my responsibilities pressed down on me, making it hard to breathe. Ed chirped softly, a comforting presence.

A knock on the door startled me. "Hey, Ian, are you in there?" Athena's voice called out.

"Yeah, come in," I replied, sitting up.

Athena entered, her brow furrowed in concern. "Have you seen Theo?"

I blinked in confusion. "What? He was just with me at breakfast. He said he was going to see you."

Athena shook her head. "No, I just came from my room, and I didn't see him anywhere."

I frowned, trying to make sense of it. "That's strange. He left right after breakfast. He should have seen you on the way."

"Maybe you're just tired from everything that's been happening," Athena suggested gently. "You should rest today. We can work on the portrait individually."

I sighed, rubbing my temples. "Yeah, maybe you're right. It's just... everything's getting to me. Father's condition, being next in line to the throne-it's all so overwhelming."

Athena nodded sympathetically. "I understand. Theo mentioned he had already outlined how we should be positioned. We can each do our part separately, and it'll come together."

"That sounds good," I agreed, feeling a bit of the pressure ease. "Theo's really talented. He's done a great job with the outline."

Athena smiled. "He is. And he's quite handsome, don't you think?"

I rolled my eyes playfully. "Oh, stop. I'm more handsome than him."

We laughed, the tension between us easing for a moment. But our lighthearted banter was interrupted by the sound of the door opening.

Theo walked in, a playful smirk on his face. "Oh, Ian, you are definitely more handsome than me. You're the most beautiful person I have ever seen."

Athena gasped, her eyes wide with surprise. "What?"

I felt my face heat up, a mix of embarrassment and confusion. "Theo, where were you? Athena didn't see you on her way here."

Theo looked puzzled. "I went to Athena's room, but she wasn't there."

Athena frowned. "That's impossible. I came straight from my room to Ian's. We should have crossed paths."

We all stood there, trying to piece together the strange series of events. The tension in the room was palpable, but Theo's presence seemed to ease it slightly.

"So, about the portrait," Theo began, trying to steer the conversation back on track. "I outlined the positions and now we just need to add the features."

Athena nodded, her eyes still darting between Theo and me. "Yes, we were just discussing that. Your outline is perfect."

Theo smiled, his gaze meeting mine. "I'm glad you think so. Ian, your eyes-" He paused, his expression thoughtful. "They're like the color of new beginnings, like the verdant fields at dawn . It's mesmerizing."

I felt my face flush again. "Theo, stop," I muttered, embarrassed.

Athena chuckled, clearly enjoying my discomfort. "He's right, Ian. You do have beautiful eyes."

I rolled my eyes, trying to deflect the attention. "Okay, enough about my eyes. Let's focus on the portrait."

Theo laughed, the sound lightening the mood. "Alright, alright. But I stand by what I said."

We spent the next hour discussing the details of the portrait, our earlier confusion forgotten in the flurry of planning. As we talked, I couldn't help but notice how easily Theo and Athena interacted. There was a natural ease between them, one that I envied slightly.

"So, Theo," Athena said, her tone teasing. "You think Ian is the most beautiful person you've ever seen?"

Theo grinned, glancing at me. "Absolutely. No one else comes close."

I groaned, hiding my face in my hands. "Please, stop. This is so embarrassing."

Athena laughed, patting my shoulder. "Don't be embarrassed, Ian. It's a compliment."

Theo's expression turned serious for a moment. "Ian, I'm really here to help. If there's anything you need, don't hesitate to ask."

I nodded, feeling a surge of gratitude. "Thanks, Theo. I appreciate it."

As the conversation shifted back to the portrait, I felt a strange sense of contentment. Despite the day's confusion and the heavy weight of my responsibilities, having Theo and Athena by my side made it all seem more manageable.

Later, after Theo and Athena had left, I found myself alone in my room once more. The memory of the smoke-like figure from earlier nagged at me, but I pushed it aside. There were more pressing matters to focus on.