5.3 Concordat

The sense of calm from your previous dream accompanies you through the long corridor. When you arrive at the designated meeting chamber, you find yourself free of any previous concern. A member of your guard pulls open one of the large doors and you silently slip inside. The feeling of apprehension briefly returns when you see the familiar form of Nikias before you. While you are happy to see him, the grim expression on his face gives you pause. The door shuts behind you, leaving the two of you alone in the large chamber. Such solitude is no doubt by order of the future ruler. Suddenly nervous, you hesitate to move forward, instead, looking at the man somewhat warily.

"I have news." He finally speaks, his eyes failing to meet yours. Preparing yourself for the worst, you take in a deep inhale. "I was successful." You are surprised to hear him continue speaking. Though his words are those which you wished to hear, his tone is less than joyful. Concerned, you nervously fidget with your hair while trying to appear calm. "That is good news." You reply softly, trying to gauge Nikias' reaction to your words. His expression remains conflicted when his eyes meet your gaze. Still fiddling with your hair, you feel increasingly uncomfortable as silence hangs in the air.

Nikias brusquely turns his head away from you and exhales deeply. You watch him run a hand through his messy hair in a frustrated motion. "If it's not what you want..." You begin reluctantly, still confused by his downcast demeanor. His form tenses slightly before he swiftly looks over his shoulder. His light brown eyes appear discordant and conflicted. He lets out another sigh before walking over to where you stand. You feel your heartbeat increase when he stops before you. He reaches up and takes your still fidgeting hand, pulling it away from your face. "It is what I desired." He replies earnestly, his gaze locked into your own. "However..." A frown creases your brow when his voice trails off.

"Please," You speak softly, feeling your anxiety grow with each passing moment. "Tell me what is the matter." Nikias looks away for a moment before finally replying. "In ending my engagement." He states, absentmindedly releasing your hand as he speaks. "It seems I have also ended our lands alliance." Your frown deepens as you slowly digest this additional information. Losing any alley is rarely amenable, especially prior to being ruler. "Perhaps we have been hasty." You reason while taking a step away from the worried man. "I do not wish to cause our kingdom trouble."

Nikias' focus returns to you as you take another step back cautiously. Your back brushing against the closed door behind you, prohibiting you from moving further. "Do you have regrets?" He asks bluntly, tilting his head down slightly as he observes you. Blinking in surprise, you quickly consider the question before replying. "No, I do not." The muscles of your back feel stiff as you lean further against the door. Several thoughts float around your mind as you try reading his stoic expression. Wordlessly, he moves forward until the fabric of his toga grazes your skin. "That is what I hoped to hear." Nikias replies before his mouth presses against your own.

All thoughts are temporarily forgotten as you soften into his embrace. His rough cheek brushes across your flushed face as he leans in deeper. With eyes half closed, you bask in the unexpected action. You're left dazed and breathless when he finally pulls away a moment later. Face still crimson, you look up at the man, lost for words. His previously clouded expression is now streaked with impatient desire. You're acutely aware of your current isolation. Swallowing softly, you silently await the man's next words.