14.2 Vexed

Gaping slightly, you are caught off guard by his brazen answer. Scoffing under your breath, you cannot help casting him a look of disbelief. Throwing your shoulders back, you straighten to your full height, though it still leaves you more than a foot below his level. The expression on his face reveals he's aware of your answer before you speak.

"Have your prices sent to those who overlook my fiscus and I will see your men are paid."

Teos' face squares while his hazel eyes stare down at you pointedly. His own posture levels as well, making the full extent of his impressive height known. You know you should feel some type of fear or regret, however, you find yourself oddly calm. Wordlessly, you maintain his gaze as your unspoken answer hangs in the air.

"Are you certain of your decision?" He presses, his deep voice now low and heated.

"I suppose now you will tell me you are not used to rejection." You muse unsympathetically, all sense of diplomacy gone with his blatant request.

"And what I told you I will not accept rejection?" He counters, his pale eyes flashing irately as he steps forward.

It takes all your fortitude to keep from shrinking back against the wall. Perhaps it is the liquid courage or pure stubbornness that keeps you in place, regardless of the reason, you remain steady. Unfortunately, the man is not inclined to remain civil and reaches forward to roughly grab your arm. Gasping loudly in protest, you struggle in vain against his vice-like grip.

"Unhand me!" You demand breathlessly as the sound of your goblet clattering to the floor is muffled by the noise of the crowd.

"I will see that you are mine." He leans down to speak in your ear, his hot breath sending a shiver down your spine. "One way or another."

Before you can reply the sound of movement from down the corridor is heard. Your eyes widen as Teos swiftly turns, using his large frame to conceal the majority of your figure. You wince lightly as his firm grasp remains around your wrist, you struggle to see the approaching figure.

"On your way sentry." He addresses the unseen invader, his tone harsh and biting.

"I do not answer to you." The familiar, resonant tone of Tiberius' voice carries over to you, providing an instant sense of relief. "Nor to your subordinates, though they did their best to persuade me otherwise."

You feel the grip around you tighten painfully as Teos conveys his desire for you to remain silent. Having had quite enough of his undesired actions and requests you are far from willing to remain compliant. Instead you make a final attempt to break from his hold.

"Release me you brute!" You exclaim, managing to push away enough to make yourself partially visible.

Though you only catch a glimpse of Tiberius' form, you're unable to miss the instant rage that overtook his face upon seeing you. Teos clicks his tongue in a mix of annoyance and acceptance of the situation. You feel his fingers dig into your skin once more as he roughly drags you forward.

"I told you, subordinates who do not listen are a sign of poor leadership." He growls in frustration before throwing your guard a final look of contempt.

You're then shoved into Tiberius before the man turns and retreats. Gasping, you collide into the man's large frame and he quickly steady's you. Pushing him away, you straighten yourself in a mix of annoyance and embarrassment. You're really starting to grow annoyed with having to rely on others for aid. Whether it be for war or personal reasons, you decide it's high time you become more independent.