Good, but tension builds

Velmira took a deep breath. With Casimir in Zalessia it was up to her to her to represent Sarmata in his absence. She had done so more than once before, and had carried herself well in those instances. She did not allow those in power to talk down to her and had a presence that commanded that those in the room see her as an equal. So why was she feeling trepidation at meeting with the representative from Vichy? Certainly he was handsome, but no more handsome than her beloved was. She sat at the head of the table where Casimir held his meetings with important officials, putting on an air of confidence and competence.

And then he walked in the room, accompanied by a retinue of guards from his nation, with Sarmatian guards close behind him.

"Greetings Princess Velmira," the man called Hadrian greeted, every word smooth and charming. "May I say tales of your beauty do not do you justice."

Velmira fought the urge to gasp. This close she could see he wasn't just handsome, he was devastatingly handsome.

"You flatter me, Earl, but I believe we have important matters to discuss," Velmira said, managing to betray no hint of being caught off-guard.

"Indeed." He spoke in what Velmira assumed was his native tongue, and then the green-garbed guards exited the room. "A token of good faith."

"Agreed. Captain, I ask that you wait outside. The Earl and I have matters of state to discuss." It wasn't well known, but Velmira was a capable shot with a crossbow. She kept a small, efficient out of sight, but within easy reach. She didn't anticipate any danger from the man, Vichi had never shown any aggression toward Sarmata, but it never hurt to be cautious.

"As you wish, Princess." The captain and his men exited the room as well.

"Have a seat, Earl. Are you hungry? I can have the cook bring something up," she offered, politely.

"No, thank you, and please, call me Hadrian," he insisted, sitting close by, but not uncomfortably close to her. "I am not overly fond of titles. I'd rather be judged on my merits than some fanciful name given to me. "

Velmira found herself smiling at that. She held similar views herself. "That is very commendable, though still those badges of office compel us to act in the best interests of our people," she replied eloquently.

Piotr fought the urge to grin more broadly. She had a sharp mind as well.

"Very true," he agreed. He removed a parchment from his belt. "My grandmother wanted me to deliver this proposed trade agreement for the needed supplies that Prince Casimir has requested. May I bring them over to you?"

Part of her, the cautious part, caused her hand to subtly hover over the crossbow's hiding place. The other part, getting increasingly louder, wanted to see the handsome man from an even closer vantage point.

"Yes, that would be acceptable." While she maintained an aura of calm, her insides were gnawing at her in anticipation.

Piotr stood up and walked over to where Velmira sat. He couldn't help but admire how lovely she was. Perhaps when his mother claimed Casimir he would ask permission to take Velmira as his own.

On Velmira's end she fought the urge to stare. His facial features were both elegant and handsome, and the way his clothes fit snugly to his frame hinted at what must have been a powerful body underneath it. She almost ventured a glance below his waist, but stopped herself. He handed her the parchment.

Damn it! What was wrong her? "Thank you," she said, the barest hint of a stammer in her words. Most wouldn't have caught it.

However, Piotr did catch it. It was small, but he was starting to get to her. "Are you all right, my Lady?"

She should have chastised him from shifting from her title to a more intimate address, but found that deep down she liked hearing him say it.

"I am fine, thank you," she assured.

"Are you certain? You seem tense? In Vichi we have highly lauded massage techniques. I could loosen the tension in your neck for you," he offered.

Velmira was stunned that he would make such a bold offer! At the same time the idea of him having his hands on her, being so close..No! She couldn't. It was no betrayal, but what would Casimir think? Still...