𝙘𝙚𝙙𝙖𝙧

17 - theo takes a tumble

it started with theo. as most of mayven’s current problems did.

he appeared in the garden just after lunch, marching toward her like an overzealous general on a crusade to restore decency. his boots crunched on the gravel with self-righteous purpose, and his expression was so grim mayven half-expected him to brandish a scroll and start reading a proclamation about the virtues of obedience and sensible courtship.

“mayven,” he began, his voice dripping with paternal disappointment, which was especially insulting given that he was only three years her senior.

“theo,” mayven replied, not bothering to look up from the book in her lap.

“i’m here to talk some sense into you.”

she sighed, marking her place in the novel and setting it aside. “oh, good. i was just thinking my day needed more unsolicited advice.”

theo either didn’t catch the sarcasm or chose to ignore it. “do you have any idea how much damage you’re doing to your reputation? to your family’s reputation?”

mayven resisted the urge to groan. “yes, theo. thank you. i’ve been reminded approximately three hundred times this week.”

“then why are you still associating with that—that ruffian?” he demanded, his face reddening as if the very word ruffian caused him physical discomfort.

“because,” mayven said, leaning back against the bench, “he’s more fun than you.”

theo’s mouth opened and closed like a fish gasping for air. “fun? mayven, this isn’t about fun! this is about your future!”

“exactly,” she said. “and i’d prefer a future that doesn’t involve spending my days listening to you lecture me about proper behavior.”

“i do not lecture,” theo said, looking genuinely offended.

mayven raised an eyebrow.

“i advise,” he amended, straightening his jacket.

“and it’s exhausting,” she said, standing and brushing off her skirts.

“mayven—”

but before he could finish, a familiar figure strolled into view, looking entirely too pleased with himself.

“oh, wonderful,” theo muttered.

“good afternoon, theo,” guy said, his grin wide and unapologetic. “come to bore mayven into submission again?”

“some of us take our responsibilities seriously,” theo snapped, his posture stiffening like an outraged butler in a melodrama.

“and some of us know how to have a good time,” guy shot back.

mayven pinched the bridge of her nose, feeling the beginnings of a headache. “can you two please not do this today?”

“i’m not doing anything,” guy said innocently.

“you exist,” theo replied, as though that was argument enough.

“and yet,” guy said, spreading his arms theatrically, “here i am. thriving.”

theo looked like he might explode. instead, he turned to mayven, his tone sharp and accusing. “this is exactly what i mean! this—this chaos he brings into your life—”

“chaos can be fun,” guy interjected, earning a glare from theo.

“you,” theo said, pointing a finger at guy like a headmaster scolding an unruly student, “are a bad influence.”

“and you,” guy said, leaning casually against the garden gate, “are insufferable.”

“gentlemen,” mayven said, her patience snapping, “if you’re going to argue, at least have the decency to do it somewhere i don’t have to listen.”

theo turned back to her, his expression softening into something uncomfortably earnest. “mayven, please. i’m only trying to help you.”

she sighed, crossing her arms. “theo, i appreciate your concern, but i don’t need you to save me. i’m perfectly capable of making my own decisions.”

“and what if those decisions are mistakes?” theo asked, his voice rising.

“then they’re my mistakes to make,” she said, her tone firm.

there was a beat of silence, during which theo looked like he might actually cry. and then, as if on cue, guy—unable to resist—decided to make the moment worse.

“if you fall, mayven,” he said, his voice low and teasing, “i’ll be there to catch you.”

theo scoffed so hard it sounded like he was choking. “you? catch her?