5.3 Theocles

It was surprisingly effortless to set your plan in motion. As soon as you mentioned the stress of the election was beginning to take its toll on you, it was quickly suggested you get out of the city. From there, it was quite easy to suggest a neighboring providence as an ideal escape. Ignoring the fact that patricians merely want you far from the city before elections, you take advantage of their assistance. Through their arrangements you're able to secure lodgings at your exact destination. It initially surprises you that they would be so willing to aid you in meeting with the very man that could secure you the majority vote. However, upon further reflection you realize they mistakenly underestimate your intelligence. Using this to your advantage, you play along acting as if your main concern is escape from the tolls of politics. Though the journey there takes a few days, they seem to pass by quite quickly. By the time you arrive, you feel as if you still have not had nearly enough time to prepare. While he is only a governor, he is exceedingly popular due to his rumored lineage. It is said that his ancestors greatly helped in a large war some century ago. This in addition to his general agreeable and understanding disposition have gained him a reputable status.

This knowledge is hardly reassuring considering you have yet to meet the man. Once you reach his residence you are quickly escorted inside and shown to your quarters. You had initially hoped to be introduced immediately in order to be done with it. However, after viewing your somewhat disheveled appearance you are glad to have time to prepare. After bathing, you feel even more assured when you are finally led to meet your host. You are brought to a moderately sized room and follow inside. While you step inside, your eyes glance around, taking in your surroundings. The room is modestly furnished, a large table takes up the majority of the space. Though there is sunlight pouring through the small windows, the area feels slightly compact and almost claustrophobic. As you're adjusting to the new environment, your attention is quickly drawn away to a man that comes up to greet you. You catch a glimpse of hazel green eyes before the man leans in to give you a customary kiss. When he pulls away, you're able to get a better look at him. Wavy blond hair coils tightly around his surprisingly pale face. His angular features are complemented by a thin, slightly hooked nose. His figure is equally long and thin but slightly muscular in spite of his stately appearance.

"Empress Kora" He greets you a little too enthusiastically. Smiling politely, you nod at the man before thanking him for his hospitality. Theocles gestures to the table, waiting until you're seated before joining you. "I am quite honored by your visit." He comments after sitting on the opposite end of the large table. Your escorts leave the room after setting out food and pouring your drinks. “Your household is not joining?” You inquire, ignoring his compliment and glancing around the now empty quarter. A quick smile spreads across his face before he answers, "The majority are already on their way to the city for the election." When this explanation causes you to frown he adds, "Despite the close distance, we do not visit it often. My wife was quite insistent on departing early." This information is slightly worrying as you were not expecting to be dealing with the man solely. Attempting to smooth the concern from your face, you try to see past the exaggerated look of cheerfulness he's wearing. The longer you think the more flimsy his explanation feels. This in addition to his seemingly disingenuous exterior causes your unease to grow. After inhaling sharply, you brusquely stand from your chair. "You must excuse me, I suddenly feel unwell."

Theocles also rises from his seat and steps to the side of the table closest to the door. "I know you must be tired from your journey." He says, moving further in your path when you try stepping forward. "However, you really should eat something. Perhaps it will help you regain some strength." Glancing at the door behind him, you're painfully aware of how cornered you've become. Pursing your mouth, you turn your gaze to the untouched plate of food to your side. Picking up a section of meat, you face the man and hold out it towards him. "Perhaps you should take your own advice." His expression falters briefly when he looks down at the offering. You raise an eyebrow questioningly, still holding the food out for him to take. "It would be improper for someone of my status to consume your food, Empress." Scoffing, you toss the meat onto the table then wipe it's juices from your fingers. "If patience is the companion to wisdom, I wonder who impatiences companion is." You remark casually, tilting your head back slightly to get a better look at the tall man's face. "I have never been one for philosophy." He counters, his once pleasant tone now somewhat hard. "Nor history I would assume." Deciding not to hold back, you show your hand. "Otherwise you would know how commonplace it is, trying to poison your guest on the first night."

Your words hang in the air, along with the slightly suffocating uneasy tension. Theocles frowns briefly before seeming to recompose himself. "It appears I may have underestimated you." He concedes as a genuine, though unsettling, smile reforms on his face. "Tell me, what was your main indicator of my intentions?" Temporarily ignoring the apprehension his expression brings you, you answer, "I do not believe you are actually married." This does not seem to be the response he had been anticipating. His brow twitches slightly as he states in a strained voice, "It is well known that I am." A sardonic smile tugs at your lips when you realize you have struck a chord. "That may be true, however, it's been several years since anyone in my court has seen her." You explain, revealing the research you had conducted before your visit. "I thought that strange, in addition to the fact your servants seem to have not assisted a woman in some time." You had initially dismissed this odd occurrence, assuming perhaps his wife did not utilize their assistance. It was also surprising there seemed to be no female presence to the decor or arrangement of the interior. All of these small details added with the convenient timing of her supposed trip can no longer be ignored.

You go on to recount these observations then await his response. Theocles straightens his back and moves to stand in front of you. "It seems I have truly underestimated you." His comment appears to be addressed to himself as he obverses you thoughtfully. A small shiver runs down your spine when he glances over your form. His eyes feel predatory but you **** yourself to match his gaze when it returns to your face. "What now, a dagger to my back I suppose?" He smirks lightly at your question and reaches a hand out towards your cheek. Flinching, you quickly draw back out of his touch. His smirk broadens as he pulls his hand back and leans down. "What would be the sport in that? Now that I am aware of your wit, I would hardly end the game so quickly." Gritting your teeth, you fight against the instinct to flee. Light green eyes bore into your skin while he continues staring down at you. The feeling of suffocation only increases as his figure looms over, making the room seem even smaller. Weighing your limited options, you know you will have to make a move soon. Outright leaving doesn't appear to be an option, given his continued effort to keep you in place. Steeling your nerves, you decide how you must proceed.