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Her hands had now found themselves reaching up and pressed firmly against his broad chest. She could feel his heart beating so rapidly she feared he would collapse in pain before her. However she quickly realized that their hearts were beating to the same cadence. Everything about him was gentle; his grip, his presence and his kiss. She had expected him to be rough with her almost forceful however this seemed natural, as if it were meant to be. It was upon this realization that Persephone suddenly became frightened. His kisses were so natural feeling to her; there was no sense of force behind it and no restraint. She felt her lips fold into his and she responded by sweetly pressing her teeth against his bottom lip. She had been kissed before, but never like this. When Drusus kissed her, it was quick and uneventful. She remember his lips being chapped as most men’s are. However she was not thinking about Drusus, she was thinking about Konstantin.

Feeling him pull away from her, she found herself still leaning in hoping he would continue to kiss her. Yet Konstantin only wanted to look at her. She had returned his kiss, much to his surprise, and judging by the faint smile that cross her perfect lips, she enjoyed it. Her hands remained pressed against his chest, as their bodies were still close together. He could smell the sweet scent of lavender on her pale skin and in her silky hair. Everything about her was beauty and yet she kissed him back.

“Konstantin,” She said with her smile still on her handsome face. “I, I,”

“Tonight, I will see you tonight.” He said gently backing away from her allowing her hands to fall. “I have business to attend too.”

“Of course,” She said with her smile still there but not as bright as it was seconds ago.

“Persephone.” He said softly almost like a question.

His eyes remained locked on hers for what seemed like hours yet were only seconds. He wanted her then and there yet he knew he could not bring that shame to her. She was too good a lady for that. Afraid of what he might do if he remained there any longer he turned and disappeared into the castle.

She could not stand any longer. With the deep breath she took, her legs gave way and she sat against the tree that would forever remind her of his kiss. She looked to the leaves as if they were admiring her. The smile still remained. She knew she should not be so excited as she was as she knew as the king he could and probably has had most of the women at court and she was but another notch in his belt. Yet she continued to smile. She smiled as she thought of the way he stood over her and the way he smelt; of leather and deep scents she could not identify. Yet as soon as the wind hit her face, Persephone immediately thought herself a fool.

“He is the king.” She whispered to herself. He was here to determine her innocence and he could just be testing her. If so, she felt she had failed. Looking back down the earth something else rung heavily in her mind. She was betrothed; to another man. The smile immediately vanished and she through her hand over her mouth as if she were trying to erase the pleasure he gave her. If someone were to have seen them, the only thing sealing her family’s reputation in the nobility would be lost. The guilt was inescapable; she could not allow that to happen again. Even though in her mind and heart the image and feeling that Konstantin stirred still remained and was burning hot.

He walked up the steps to his current chambers with a spring he did not recognize. His thoughts were still full of her as they were before. He did not know why he had kissed her but her certainly felt glad he did. The gladness he felt did not translate on his face as he refused to show the passing soldiers and staff that he was beside himself in cheer and in passion.

The walk to his chamber felt long and was irritating, as he wanted only to be alone. Yet much to his dismay when he arrived he found Ghalib waiting behind the desk. Looking up at him with his usual relaxed expression it suddenly changed as Ghalib gave Konstantin a look of grief.

“What are you doing?” He asked still remaining seated.

“I should be asking you that.” Konstantin replied sitting himself in the large red velvet chair in front of the fire. “Why is it you find the need to be in my study along with your own?”

“I am not talking about that,” Ghalib said rising from his seat. “I mean with the girl.”

The silence lingered for a moment, as Konstantin had nothing to reply with. His expression remained unchanged, as he was not surprised that Ghalib already knew. Konstantin figured he was probably spying on them as he usually did, just to be safe.

“I will do with her whatever I see fit.” He replied.

“And may I inquire as to what that is?” Ghalib asked with a unhesitant tone despite the cautions thoughts racing.

“It is what all kings do.” Konstantin said as he began to busy himself with his papers that lay idly on his desk.

He’s expression was that of a disappointed parent as he feared that would be his response. “She is not a lady of court or whore of the battlefield.”

“And I am thankful that she is neither of those.” Konstantin said with a half smile as he looked up from his papers.

“She is but a girl. She is betrothed to the Drusus boy. He is young, handsome and wealthy. Everything she would need to make herself happy.” Ghalib said firmly as if he were her father.

“My Gods! It was but a kiss, there is no intention of me bedding her or even caring for her.” Konstantin said with an unconvincing laugh. “Even if I did want her company in my chamber, it does not mean I have to care for her, I have done it before.”

“I am aware.” Ghalib said. “But do not believe that you are fooling me when you say you do not care for her. I can see it. You would not want to ruin whatever future she might have?”

“I have no intention of doing that, she does not matter to me now.”

“All right then let us go back to court.”

“We will, I wish to make sure everything is in order as well she needs to understand she is not out of waters yet.”

“All right, tonight at dinner. Make it clear to her.”

“I will do as I please! You will remember your place Ghalib or else I will find someone who will.” 
The silence returned. It was heavy, like smoke in the air. Both stared intensely at one another however Konstantin’s was faulting which was uncommon. Ghalib however did not stare to challenge but stares to search and he found what he was looking for.

“She will turn from you.” Ghalib said saddened as he looked at the frustrated Konstantin. “She is young and pretty. She could have her choice of men and I would hate to see you rejected once again. She will play your game but she will not go so far. You must know that.”

Turning to the windows, Konstantin could only see her sitting in the gardens still pressed against the tree. He felt like Actaeon spying on the innocent Artemis bathing in the woods. She was a lovely creature, foreign to his sight. There was no fault he could find in her, and this frightened him. His lies were not convincing to Ghalib and himself. The only thing he had done was successfully convince himself that his intentions were purely lust due to his lack of touch from a woman. Yet as Ghalib slipped from the chamber, as Konstantin continued to gaze, he knew this was going to bring only distress for all those connected to Persephone and Konstantin.

The red dress that she wore clung to her body in all the places that Konstantin found the most attracting. Her elegant steps into the chamber were soft and soundless, as if she were walking on air. Her smile was the same as she had given him in the garden, making his heart rush even faster. He refused to greet her as warmly as she greeted him and yet he found his gaze was softer than usual.

She sat herself beside him with her head now low, staring in the empty place setting.

“You look lovely,” He said in his deep whispered tone.

Looking up her smile grew, “Thank you,”

He was pleased to see her looking lovely, however he was displeased at the same time. The gown she wore was beautiful on her pale skin and made her blonde hair glow. Her braid was long and hung over her shoulder with the black ribbon around it clearly made of silk. She was beautiful and he found himself hating it. It was always the beautiful ones that captured his attention, always the innocent ones. Yet they were always the ones that ran from him.

“Did you enjoy the rest of your day?” He asked hoping to shake his head of his thoughts of the past and of her.

“I did, the children kept me very much entertained.” She said with her smile still stretched. “And how were the rest of your inquires?”

“They were fine.” He lied as he was relieved to see the servants bring out there dinner. “We should not be here much longer.”

“Oh, well I hope you have found your time here somewhat satisfying.” Persephone said as she watched him carefully. “Despite the circumstances.”

Looking at her, he could have easily told her that he enjoyed himself greatly and she was the true source of pleasure for him, however he didn’t and instead he replied. “It will be nice to return to my home and be amongst the people I care for.”

“Yes, I am sure you miss your family.” Persephone said sipping her soup gently refusing to respond to the coldness of his words.

“I do although I see that to be known of your concern.” He said without looking at her.

His words were shocking and this time hurtful. She knew she could not be so sensitive and yet she caught herself saying, “Did I do something to offend you milord?”

“Your very existence offends me.” He snapped at her placing his spoon down. “We are not friends nor are we acquaintances.”

Shocked at this she quickly gathered her thoughts as she said, “I, I am, I am sorry Konstantin, I just assumed…”

“You assumed wrong.” He said standing up from the table. “Just because I allowed you to use my birth name and walk with me does not mean we share any sort of a bond. I only allowed you to call me by my name is because I did not wish to here ‘your highness’ every time I saw you. You are not allowed to ask me personable questions unless I allow it understood.”

“Yes, I understand.” Persephone said looking at him still unsure what she had done wrong.

The fury still burnt within him although inside he did not understand why he felt such anger towards her. She had only been kind, but he had convinced himself that afternoon that she was only kind and caring to him because she desired him gone. He had convinced himself she was using him and he therefore would keep her down before any damage to him could be done.

Description
Her hands had now found themselves reaching up and pressed firmly against his broad chest. She could feel his heart beating so rapidly she feared he would collapse in pain before her. However she quickly realized that their hearts were beating to the same cadence. Everything about him was gentle; his grip, his presence and his kiss. She had expected him to be rough with her almost forceful however this seemed natural, as if it were meant to be. It was upon this realization that Persephone suddenly became frightened. His kisses were so natural feeling to her; there was no sense of force behind it and no restraint. She felt her lips fold into his and she responded by sweetly pressing her teeth against his bottom lip. She had been kissed before, but never like this. When Drusus kissed her, it was quick and uneventful. She remember his lips being chapped as most men’s are. However she was not thinking about Drusus, she was thinking about Konstantin.

Feeling him pull away from her, she found herself still leaning in hoping he would continue to kiss her. Yet Konstantin only wanted to look at her. She had returned his kiss, much to his surprise, and judging by the faint smile that cross her perfect lips, she enjoyed it. Her hands remained pressed against his chest, as their bodies were still close together. He could smell the sweet scent of lavender on her pale skin and in her silky hair. Everything about her was beauty and yet she kissed him back.

“Konstantin,” She said with her smile still on her handsome face. “I, I,”

“Tonight, I will see you tonight.” He said gently backing away from her allowing her hands to fall. “I have business to attend too.”

“Of course,” She said with her smile still there but not as bright as it was seconds ago.

“Persephone.” He said softly almost like a question.

His eyes remained locked on hers for what seemed like hours yet were only seconds. He wanted her then and there yet he knew he could not bring that shame to her. She was too good a lady for that. Afraid of what he might do if he remained there any longer he turned and disappeared into the castle.

She could not stand any longer. With the deep breath she took, her legs gave way and she sat against the tree that would forever remind her of his kiss. She looked to the leaves as if they were admiring her. The smile still remained. She knew she should not be so excited as she was as she knew as the king he could and probably has had most of the women at court and she was but another notch in his belt. Yet she continued to smile. She smiled as she thought of the way he stood over her and the way he smelt; of leather and deep scents she could not identify. Yet as soon as the wind hit her face, Persephone immediately thought herself a fool.

“He is the king.” She whispered to herself. He was here to determine her innocence and he could just be testing her. If so, she felt she had failed. Looking back down the earth something else rung heavily in her mind. She was betrothed; to another man. The smile immediately vanished and she through her hand over her mouth as if she were trying to erase the pleasure he gave her. If someone were to have seen them, the only thing sealing her family’s reputation in the nobility would be lost. The guilt was inescapable; she could not allow that to happen again. Even though in her mind and heart the image and feeling that Konstantin stirred still remained and was burning hot.

He walked up the steps to his current chambers with a spring he did not recognize. His thoughts were still full of her as they were before. He did not know why he had kissed her but her certainly felt glad he did. The gladness he felt did not translate on his face as he refused to show the passing soldiers and staff that he was beside himself in cheer and in passion.

The walk to his chamber felt long and was irritating, as he wanted only to be alone. Yet much to his dismay when he arrived he found Ghalib waiting behind the desk. Looking up at him with his usual relaxed expression it suddenly changed as Ghalib gave Konstantin a look of grief.

“What are you doing?” He asked still remaining seated.

“I should be asking you that.” Konstantin replied sitting himself in the large red velvet chair in front of the fire. “Why is it you find the need to be in my study along with your own?”

“I am not talking about that,” Ghalib said rising from his seat. “I mean with the girl.”

The silence lingered for a moment, as Konstantin had nothing to reply with. His expression remained unchanged, as he was not surprised that Ghalib already knew. Konstantin figured he was probably spying on them as he usually did, just to be safe.

“I will do with her whatever I see fit.” He replied.

“And may I inquire as to what that is?” Ghalib asked with a unhesitant tone despite the cautions thoughts racing.

“It is what all kings do.” Konstantin said as he began to busy himself with his papers that lay idly on his desk.

He’s expression was that of a disappointed parent as he feared that would be his response. “She is not a lady of court or whore of the battlefield.”

“And I am thankful that she is neither of those.” Konstantin said with a half smile as he looked up from his papers.

“She is but a girl. She is betrothed to the Drusus boy. He is young, handsome and wealthy. Everything she would need to make herself happy.” Ghalib said firmly as if he were her father.

“My Gods! It was but a kiss, there is no intention of me bedding her or even caring for her.” Konstantin said with an unconvincing laugh. “Even if I did want her company in my chamber, it does not mean I have to care for her, I have done it before.”

“I am aware.” Ghalib said. “But do not believe that you are fooling me when you say you do not care for her. I can see it. You would not want to ruin whatever future she might have?”

“I have no intention of doing that, she does not matter to me now.”

“All right then let us go back to court.”

“We will, I wish to make sure everything is in order as well she needs to understand she is not out of waters yet.”

“All right, tonight at dinner. Make it clear to her.”

“I will do as I please! You will remember your place Ghalib or else I will find someone who will.” 
The silence returned. It was heavy, like smoke in the air. Both stared intensely at one another however Konstantin’s was faulting which was uncommon. Ghalib however did not stare to challenge but stares to search and he found what he was looking for.

“She will turn from you.” Ghalib said saddened as he looked at the frustrated Konstantin. “She is young and pretty. She could have her choice of men and I would hate to see you rejected once again. She will play your game but she will not go so far. You must know that.”

Turning to the windows, Konstantin could only see her sitting in the gardens still pressed against the tree. He felt like Actaeon spying on the innocent Artemis bathing in the woods. She was a lovely creature, foreign to his sight. There was no fault he could find in her, and this frightened him. His lies were not convincing to Ghalib and himself. The only thing he had done was successfully convince himself that his intentions were purely lust due to his lack of touch from a woman. Yet as Ghalib slipped from the chamber, as Konstantin continued to gaze, he knew this was going to bring only distress for all those connected to Persephone and Konstantin.

The red dress that she wore clung to her body in all the places that Konstantin found the most attracting. Her elegant steps into the chamber were soft and soundless, as if she were walking on air. Her smile was the same as she had given him in the garden, making his heart rush even faster. He refused to greet her as warmly as she greeted him and yet he found his gaze was softer than usual.

She sat herself beside him with her head now low, staring in the empty place setting.

“You look lovely,” He said in his deep whispered tone.

Looking up her smile grew, “Thank you,”

He was pleased to see her looking lovely, however he was displeased at the same time. The gown she wore was beautiful on her pale skin and made her blonde hair glow. Her braid was long and hung over her shoulder with the black ribbon around it clearly made of silk. She was beautiful and he found himself hating it. It was always the beautiful ones that captured his attention, always the innocent ones. Yet they were always the ones that ran from him.

“Did you enjoy the rest of your day?” He asked hoping to shake his head of his thoughts of the past and of her.

“I did, the children kept me very much entertained.” She said with her smile still stretched. “And how were the rest of your inquires?”

“They were fine.” He lied as he was relieved to see the servants bring out there dinner. “We should not be here much longer.”

“Oh, well I hope you have found your time here somewhat satisfying.” Persephone said as she watched him carefully. “Despite the circumstances.”

Looking at her, he could have easily told her that he enjoyed himself greatly and she was the true source of pleasure for him, however he didn’t and instead he replied. “It will be nice to return to my home and be amongst the people I care for.”

“Yes, I am sure you miss your family.” Persephone said sipping her soup gently refusing to respond to the coldness of his words.

“I do although I see that to be known of your concern.” He said without looking at her.

His words were shocking and this time hurtful. She knew she could not be so sensitive and yet she caught herself saying, “Did I do something to offend you milord?”

“Your very existence offends me.” He snapped at her placing his spoon down. “We are not friends nor are we acquaintances.”

Shocked at this she quickly gathered her thoughts as she said, “I, I am, I am sorry Konstantin, I just assumed…”

“You assumed wrong.” He said standing up from the table. “Just because I allowed you to use my birth name and walk with me does not mean we share any sort of a bond. I only allowed you to call me by my name is because I did not wish to here ‘your highness’ every time I saw you. You are not allowed to ask me personable questions unless I allow it understood.”

“Yes, I understand.” Persephone said looking at him still unsure what she had done wrong.

The fury still burnt within him although inside he did not understand why he felt such anger towards her. She had only been kind, but he had convinced himself that afternoon that she was only kind and caring to him because she desired him gone. He had convinced himself she was using him and he therefore would keep her down before any damage to him could be done.