The Greek Princess

Chapter LXXVII

Chapter LXXVII

Lycus

The warm sun filtered through the trees in the small courtyard; a cool breeze wafted gently, rustling the leaves as birdsong sounded from the branches. I took another breath of the clean air. My ribs still hurt, as did the rest of my body, but it had faded.

I was sitting on a stone bench next to the wall of the house, enjoying a break from everything. Well, not everything, but that's what it felt like. It was wonderful. I heard soft footsteps approaching and turned to see who it was.

"Hey," Ariadne greeted softly.

I nodded to her. She looked a lot better. She'd washed, combed her hair, and looked rested.
She sat down next to me and seemed to wait for me to say something. I didn't care to break the silence, however, so silence reigned.

Finally, she cleared her throat and asked, "How are you feeling?"

"Well enough," I answered, a little shortly.

"That's good," she replied, trying to keep a cheery demeanor. "Your leg? Is it..."

"It's fine," I answered before she finished her question.

Ariadne bit her lip and looked away. "Good, good."

There was silence again, but it was now uncomfortable.

I was a little disgusted with myself. Ariadne didn't deserve to be slighted that way. Sure, she'd messed up sometimes back in the dungeons, but could I blame her? Both of us had been feeling out of it, and for good reason. Of course she'd mess up. So why should I be mad at her? 

I sighed. I shouldn't. I had to apologize. I didn't want to admit that I was wrong, but I rather owed it to Ariadne. But how would I word it? Should I just say it? Beat around the bush a little? Ugh, I was delaying. Just say it. Yeah, that'll work.

"I'm sorry," I said suddenly.

"What?" Ariadne turned to face me.

"I--I said I'm sorry," I said again.

A hint of a smile touched her mouth. She looked away. "No, I'm sorry."

I shrugged my shoulders slightly, so as not to aggravate my injuries, and looked down at the ground. "I guess the feeling is mutual."

Ariadne laughed a bit, "I guess so."