Thread: Learning from a master (Cheshire x Tema)

She didn't really feel like she'd won anything, truth be told. She would have preferred to yell and scream. But he did what they all did, just accepted it and went about their way. It made her feel even more powerless to not even be able to get her feelings out and have someone at least acknowledge them. She didn't have a choice. Neither of them did really. Yes, he could give up the title of Weapon Master, but that would throw everything into chaos, and from what she knew of him, she doubted he would do that. All of these troubled thoughts weighed heavily on her mind as she made her way to her private quarters, her dearest hope to avoid her aunt and her random machinations. Thankfully, that goal was accomplished. But she'd forgotten about Anastazi. So, is he as handsome as you remember? The words interrupted her thoughts and made her look up at her childhood friend, and now a Spy Master, although the term would never be used in polite company. He had ins in every single House, and was in charge of going through the information with her so she could keep abreast of things that were pertinent. I never said he was handsome, Stazi. And she pushed her own personal thoughts to the back of her mind. No, you're right. He was dashing, charming and dominating. Which earned him another glare. Yes, well that was before we are being forced to consort. He acknowledge her comment with a dip of his head. Granted. So I suppose now he's...hmm...let's see... He stroked his beard thoughtfully while opening the door to her study that he'd been previously waiting outside of for her arrival. How about pompous, manipulative and domineering. She tried to resist, really she did, but Stazi had always been able to make her laugh. I think that hits it right on the money. The man simply chuckled and waited till after she entered before sobering his expression. After all, only she knew what he did. It's worse than we thought, he stated after the door had been closed and walked over to the fireplace, pushing the logs back and forth to recharge the fire. Great. Just Great. She flopped onto her reclining couch and made a bare effort of 'composing' herself. Appearances had to be maintained, even if she wouldn't consider Anastazi as a partner. She had the option, but chose to remain chaste. A gift to her husband to be, if you will. Serefina was nothing if not loyal. So no matter her threats to Vallios, it wasn't likely she'd have another partner. And so Stazi was the ONLY male she was allowed to be alone with, and only because they'd known each other since childhood, and she'd demanded it of her mother in exchange for everything else. He was a good friend. So textile prices will go up, which will get the seamstresses and tailor guilds in an uproar. And House E'lat will refuse to budge on the land allowances for food production versus mercantile. As Anastazi came over to her couch and sat on the edge she sat up to give him room as well as to use his lap for a cushion for her feet. Have you ever thought of just running away, Stazi? Just running away, living underneath the stars, your skills and knowledge your only resource? None of this dry law and diplomacy, but freedom? To make love in the moonlight, to bathe in the pool of a waterfall simply because you desire it. Her face was lit with the painful desire that Stazi was almost overwhelmed. Only if it was with you, 'Fina, his personal nickname for her, but the words spoken were heartfelt. But Serefina just rolled her eyes. She couldn't even imagine being intimate with Stazi. He knew far too many of her bad habits. Then again, a consort would too eventually. Ugh. Everything was conflicting inside her head. You're silly, Stazi. not noticing the wounded look on his face as she tried to focus. See if you can find out what their demands are, and I'll talk to my aunt's counselor. He can try and convince her of a good way to handle all of this. He nodded, but his heart really wasn't in it. After all, she did this every time he mentioned something like that. After the announcement of her acceptance to her mother's position, he'd given up on the idea of marrying her. One thing he would never be was a Weapon Master. Once Stazi had left, Serefina had the maid stoke the fire to a good roar and order a bath. She smelled worse than a squire mucking out a horse's stall, or so it felt. Damned if I do, and damned if I don't., she sighed as she slipped into the steaming hot water. What would you do Mother? Her gaze slipped skyward as if it held the answers. She and the previous Weapon Master had complimented each other well. Yet she and Vallios couldn't even agree to two sentences without argueing. Oh, how he angered her. Treated her as if her problems were petty and without consequence. Most likely, he simply saw her as a child, she thought after mulling over it in the bath. It was frustrating. She was either a child to be protected from the world, or a Ruling Mother to be who should be able to take on the world. Would she ever just be a woman, she thought as she allowed the maid to dry her off.