6.2 Collision

As the day of Nikias' inauguration approaches, your nerves continue to build in apprehension. You have already been feeling somewhat odd about relinquishing control, now there is the added mix of curiosity regarding the new ruler's cousin. Though all of your senses have been calling out to you to avoid the man, there is still a strange sense of interest. Regardless of your position, you seem unable to keep track of the man as he never seems to be around. Though you hear talk of him from servants and other staff, you have not laid eyes on the man for several days. Eventually, you find yourself too distracted by Nikias upcoming ceremony to maintain focus on his illusive cousin.

It is mere days from the inauguration when you find yourself alone in one of the palace's many hallways. Most of your retinue have been reassigned to assist with preparations for the joyous day. At least to the rest of the land it is a joyous occasion. To you, at this moment, it is a large obstruction in your path. Though you hold no personal grudge towards the man you are still **** to relinquish your title to him. This exact thought is at the forefront of your mind as you continue making your way down the winding corridor.

"Kora."

The unexpected voice behind you swiftly breaks you from your thoughts. Turning quickly, you're dismayed to see the future Emperor's cousin. His piercing blue eyes are already fixed on your own, sending a feeling of unease through you. His athletic frame is leaned against the open door from which he had likely exited from. Though you experience a certain level of distrust towards the man there is also a strange sense of desire.

"Aurelius." You nod somewhat warily, trying to keep your gaze on his stern face. "To what do I owe this 'pleasure'?"

A dry smirk tugs at the corner of the man's mouth upon hearing your greeting. Though his expression appears to be placid, there is something in his eyes that does not sit well with you. Trying to dismiss this, you divert your attention to his words.

"There is no need to pretend to be civil." Aurelius remarks bluntly, his sharp eyes still keenly focused on you. "You do not care for me and I must say, the feeling is mutual."

"It should be no surprise that I take fault in you." You admit freely, willing yourself to remain firm. "However, I fail to see why it is that you take fault in me."

"Is that so?" The man replies, his tone having grown suddenly sullen.

You find yourself unable to move as he silently moves forward. There is a charged feeling to the air, only exacerbated by the man's proximity. Though you feel rather uncomfortable being in his presence you still find yourself incapable of excusing yourself from it. Regardless, a small sense of defiance seems to remain.

"It is." You retort in an uncharacteristically staunch tone.

The young man takes a moment to observe your stern expression before he breaks into one of amusement. To your unease he lets out a dark laugh before leaning down to your eye level.

"That is the least of my concerns." He muses as his dark gaze rakes across your form, eliciting an unwanted stir within your form.

"And what is your concern?" You question slightly breathlessly, hoping his answer will satiate.

Before answering, the man offers a callous smirk before running a finger along the edge of your jaw. A jolt of electricity quickly spreads across the touched skin, causing you to blush visibly.

"You are."

The words cause a shiver to run down your back as you realize they are what you had hoped to hear. Remaining silent, you look up at the man guardedly while trying to see past his reprobate look. Expressionless eyes continue to bore into your own as his finger continues running down the anterior of your neck.

"I thought," You begin in a low tone while softly averting your eyes. "You said you did not see my appeal."

"I still do not." Aurelius admits freely, his finger now brushing against the fabric of your stola. "However, if Nikias sees something in you, perhaps it is worth my time."

A scowl quickly spreads across your face as you swiftly take a step back. Your gaze returns to the man in a mix of annoyance and disappointment.

"Blessedly," You snap irately while turning on your heel. "It is not worth mine."

Before you can begin your departure a hand roughly wraps around your arm, pulling you back around. Aurelius' face has gone from indifferent to equally vexed.

"You may hide beneath the veil of title and affiliation now." He states bitterly as his gaze sweeps across your body once more. "Yet, that will all soon fade and where will you be left?"

As you find yourself struggling for a rebuttal, the man brusquely releases your arm and turns away. You're left standing alone as he disappears along the winding corridor, leaving you feeling rather unsure of what may be to come.