Athenian Slave (Book 2)

Chapter 22

Chapter 22

Over the last week Alexios had found himself hovering. Well, more than usual. Around Charmion. Not allowing her to complete even the small tasks she had been able to start finishing. But the more he hovered the shyer Charmion seemed to become. He had thought he was bringing her out of the shell she had encased herself within, and yet since she had awoken in his arms, and tried to quickly disentangle herself, and move with the utmost haste. He had not been able to get her to look him in the eyes since. So he hovered. Trying to show her he was going nowhere.

He knew she was getting a little annoyed at him, but as he knew she would not make any gesture as to tell him so. Due to her position as slave. Yet, he still could not stop from doing so. A part of him was waiting to see when she would finally let free the fire he knew she held within her. It could not be easy going through what she had been through. And she had been silent ever since her attack, and more determined than ever to prove her worth since she had explained the news of the babe. It was not easy for her at all, but the only way she could have survived is through a will forged in fire, and he wanted her to show it too him, so he could prove to her that she could and would survive.

He had planned to watch over her in the courtyard today. He could not find anything wrong over her mending some clothing. It was not strenuous, and she was not going to tire out over it, but if she did, it would not harm her if she slipped up. Or, a pricked finger would be the worst injury she could sustain, and while he did not want her harmed in any way after what she had been through. A pin prick was nothing compared to other injuries she could gain from work around the villa. She was accomplishing her need to feel useful, and he managed to keep a close eye on her as he carried on with his carpentry, finding it soothed his mind to created new and beautiful items with his hands.

His calm day, with the dappeled light hitting the courtyard. The sun only just visible over the roof of the villa with the early hour. The birds could be heard in the tree in the opposite corner. There was even a gentle breeze keeping the courtyard cool before the sunlight finally fully emerged over the rooftop, bathing them all in its heat. He had only just glanced over once more to see that Charmion was intent upon her task, and seemed to be at peace for one of the first times since her arival at the vineyard villa. Iason ruined the peace when he charged through the entraceway, breathing hard, and placing his hands upon his knees.

Alexios was concerned at once. Dropping his tools and heading towards his second immediately. “Iason, what has happened?”

The male caught as much of his breath as possible before he could answer. “Alexios, there ahd been a terrible accident. You are needed immediately.” Alexios was moving before he could even give his body the command to do so. A movement made him pause in the entraceway. Turning he noticed that Charmion had stood, a pool of tunics at her feet, she was wringing her hands in confusion, and a plain need to help clear upon her face. But not knowing what he would be dealing with he could have her nowhere near the unknown danger. Seeing Iason collecting himself and making his way over to join him, he turned his attention fully on Charmion. “Stay here. Do not move, I will deal with the issue, and you need to make sure you are safely here when I return. Understand?” He waited, until she finally nodded at him, and slowly sat upon her stool once more.