“Wow!” came a voice behind him. Turning Galean found Theodore, dressed also in a suit and as handsome as ever. “She is a brilliant pianist don’t you agree?”
“Certainly,” nodded Galean, drawing his eyes back to Eveline.
“Do I look alright?” Theodore asked seriously tweaking his tie about.
“No worse than I look,” smiled Galean, “are you sure this is a good idea? Were we not to bring her to Gabriel at once?” he urged.
“I don’t see why we should, she is fine, there is no bite mark,” murmured Theodore firmly, patting his old friend on the shoulder.
“But you are disobeying your orders,” Galean voiced firmly, “You will be reprimanded for such actions.”
“No more than you were,” Theodore winked.
“It’s not funny Theodore, have you lost your mind?” he replied angrily.
“Sorry I didn’t mean to offend you, listen if we see any changes in her then we can act, but she is happy.” Theodore explained. Galean closed his eyes in exasperation, was he blind? Could he not see how pale and thin Eveline had become in the last week?
“Theodore please I beg you to reconsider your actions, it is forbidden,” he spat, drawing himself up and looking down to his friend in anger.
“I wish everyone would stop telling me that, as if I were a child huffing over a toy,” replied Theodore coldly, “don’t you think I have her best interests at heart? I have been by her side since the day she was born, I am not about to ruin her life, can’t you just trust me?”
“The love you have for her has blinded you friend, it has numbed your rational senses,” Galean lectured kindly. “Eveline is the granddaughter of your King, you must not forget that.”
“I do not, why should she be forbidden to love me or I her?” whispered Theodore sharply, drawing his eyes away from Galean and gazing upon Eveline.
“Because it is forbidden by the law of Heaven, the very laws that keep us safe,” replied Galean sighing inwardly.
“She loves me Galean, she loves..,” he pointed to himself passionately. “Me, why am I not good enough for her love? Have I not served our King faithfully?”
“Gabriel told you why, your letting your pride cloud your judgement, this isn’t the Theodore that I know, the angel that commands legions, the commander that serves reason and logic,” urged Galean.
“And where has it led me?” asked Theodore in earnest, “Don’t tell me you would have left your wife alone if commanded to do so?”
“If it meant saving her life then yes I would have,” answered Galean honestly.
“I don’t believe you, you loved her with a passion I have never seen before,” moaned Theodore. Galean without thinking grabbed Theodore’s collar and dragged him out into the hallway and forced him up against the wall.
“She was not a Queen Theodore, she was an angel like you and I,” he growled deeply. “Have you stopped to ask yourself what will happen if you marry her? What will happen to her? If you loved her as you claim, then why do you lead her towards heartbreak?”
“Why are you so angered by our love?” spat Theodore.
“We have been ordered to protect her, nothing else!”
“Has it ever dawned on you that I might be what she needs? I am no shadow, I am a good man, I am not blinded by love as you claim, I am moved by it,” cried Theodore tired of the conversation.
“You have altered considerably in the last week my friend, you are driven by anger and pride. I won’t be here to help save you, I must return to my father soon,” pleaded Galean, “please Theodore be sensible, you are my oldest friend, I do not wish to see you harmed.”
“Have faith friend, it will be alright.” Theodore smiled as Galean loosened his grip and let him away from the wall.
“Keep vigilant this evening, Peter, Bram and Ada will be scouting the area for any shadows that could be lurking in the darkness, keep your head about you,” Commanded Galean firmly before turning on his feet and leaving. Theodore re adjusted his tie and hair before making his way back into the music room. Irrational? Blinded? Full of pride? Theodore shook his head in disbelief. How had such an innocent feeling bloomed into a conflict? Yes he was fully aware of the conqsuences he would face if he married Eveline but he was willing to risk all of it for her, no he wasn’t blinded by pride, no he wasn’t acting in an unreasonable way, he loved her as she loved him and he would help to guide her to Calhuni when the time arrived. Theodore had spent all his life serving those around him selflessly, he had stood by and watched his friends marry and have families, why was he being denied the same right?
“Eveline are you ready?” Theodore asked setting his hands upon her shoulders, leaning down and kissing her head tenderly. Eveline looked up, her golden eyes sparkling and smiled.
“Yes, is Belle in bed?”
“Galean is bidding her goodnight as we speak,” Theodore answered as he helped Eveline to her feet, letting his eyes roam over her. “You look beautiful,” he murmured watching as her cheeks warmed. Eveline placed her hands into Theodores and leaned into him slightly.
“You look very handsome,” she whispered. Theodore released one of his hands and let his fingers fall upon her neck, tracing her veins downwards, his eyes dark with a hidden longing. Eveline closed her eyes at the intimate touch letting her head fall backwards. Gasping Eveline smiled as she felt his lips touch her softly under her ear. The room felt small as Theodore explored Eveline’s slender neck kissing her softly from under her ear down to her collar bone, his fingers gently stroking the warm skin that covered her fine collar bone.
“As much as I would like to continue, we should leave, your grandmother is on to me,” whispered Theodore, raising his lips away from Eveline and kissing her firmly on the lips. Eveline melted into the embrace, so gentle and innocent, different from her kiss with Galean despite it being a daydream. Eveline wondered as she followed Theodore towards the front door what kissing Galean would be like, would he be gentle like Theodore?
“Ah finally, we are just waiting on Galean he should be right down,” announced Estelle who was being helped into her evening coat by Hannah who smiled attentively at Eveline. “Eveline, you look beautiful child, come here till I see you properly,” enquired Estelle. Theodore released Eveline from his arm and watched as Estelle looked at her in awe, she did indeed look beautiful. Theodore fetched his coat, scarf, hat and gloves from Hannah.
Galean stood at the top of the stairs looking down at Eveline, who stood still looking up at him, her mouth open slightly. A spark of excitement ran up his spine as he held on to the invisible connection that flowed between them in that moment. Slowly he made his way down the stairs, his eyes fixed firmly on her, Theodore oblivious and making conversation with Estelle. Eveline moved away from her grandmother and Theodore who were now making their way out of the house. Galean stood in front of Eveline silently as she darted her eyes about the hallway awkwardly.
“You look beautiful.”
Eveline blushed deeply shaking her head. “Oh this, it is older than I am, I am sure it will draw too much attention,” she murmured anxiously.
“Is that such a bad thing?” Galean asked wanting to tilt her chin up so that her eyes could meet his own, but forcing himself to stand still. Eveline was not his, not yet.
“I don’t really like formal balls, I would much rather stay at home and read,” replied Eveline a small smile causing her cheeks to rise.
“Me too,” laughed Galean. “Although I think I would prefer to be playing chess with your grandmother, it is fun to tease her.” Eveline looked up a slight frown upon her forehead, her eyes confused. “Sorry if I offended you.”
“No, you didn’t offend me, it is just many of her male companions never play chess with her, she is such a sore loser,” said Eveline turning to see Hannah standing with her formal coat. “Oh Hannah I am sorry.”
“No need to be sorry dear, here,” she motioned her over and helped Eveline into her black coat. Galean took his own coat, sca
rf, gloves and hat and put them on, his eyes never leaving Eveline.
“Do you think it is safe to leave Belle here without you?” Eveline asked buttoning up her coat.
“My friends will be keeping an eye on the house whilst we are away. I will only stay at the ball for a while and then I will return, Hannah will stay vigilant for us,” answered Galean firmly giving Hannah a warm smile and holding out his arm for Eveline. Slightly nervous, Eveline let her arm entwine with Galean’s, finding it impossible to look up at him. As she was putting on her coat she observed Galean in his attire. He was very tall and broad, his thick, wild locks were neatly combed back. He wore a navy suit which seemed to highlight his intensely blue eyes. Theodore looked elegant and almost Greek like, Galean however looked like a Viking king. Theodore wore his suit with comfort and ease, Galean however looked alien in a suit, handsome but unable to portray the image of ease and comfort. He would have looked comfortable in leather and mail, a sword in his left hand and a shield in his right, with his wild hair loose and thick.
“Shall we?”
“Off course, grandmamma and Theodore will be worrying,” stammered Eveline following Galean out of the house and toward the waiting car.
*
The assembly rooms were filled with the very best of Bath society Eveline noticed as she entered on Theodores arm. The crowd was mostly filled with women and elderly men, many of the younger women gasped in excitement as they clapped their eyes on Theodore and Galean, making Eveline feel especially jealous. Estelle quickly left them making her way towards a group of old ladies. In the far corner a band was playing A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square. In the centre of the room couples danced together, holding close to one another as the female singer sang on. Eveline looked over her shoulder to see if Galean was close, but found he was gone.
“Do you want to dance?” Theodore asked as he watched the couples, some of the men in their uniforms. Eveline was aware of the gazes she earned, women looking a little startled at her golden eyes.
“Everyone is looking at my eyes,” she whispered into his ear.
“Not everybody dear, only jealous ladies who were unfortunately only blessed with dreary eyes,” teased Theodore swinging Eveline onto the dance floor and taking her into his arms.
“I’m not a great dancer,” blushed Eveline.
“I will teach you then,” smiled Theodore taking her waist and pulling her close. Eveline let her right hand rest on Theodore’s shoulder as her left hand rested in his own. The music filled the room with love and romance, the light of the lamps and candles adding to the romantic atmosphere. Eveline let her cheek rest against Theodore’s as he spun them around and smiled deeply as Theodore guided her around the floor in between a dozen couples. A beautiful warmth spread up her spine as she felt Theodores hand on her bare skin.
“I don’t see many young men,” Eveline remarked as her eyes drifted from couple to couple.
“Hmm,” sighed Theodore, “many of them are away fighting, I have seen a few soldiers amongst the crowd, but they are most likely on leave or recovering from an injury.”
“I almost forgot you are in Bath to recover,” Eveline replied hastily.
“I think I am very well recovered,” laughed Theodore tracing circles on her skin with his fingers.
“A lot has happened in the last two weeks,” Eveline began her mind drifting, “I wonder you haven’t been ill with stress.”
“Oh no, I assure you I am better, despite as you say all the stress,” Theodore answered gently. “I have met you and it seems that whatever problems come my way, they are cast to the side when I am with you.”
“Theodore you shouldn’t say such things,” Eveline muttered seriously, “we are friends remember?”
“I think we both know that we are unable to be friends at this point in time,” Theodore replied firmly, “do you agree?”
“It is very bad of me to have gone and fallen in love with another man when I am engaged to a perfectly respectable and kind man,” Eveline replied guilty, what about William? She had wasted none of her time wondering where he was or if he was alive and she felt ashamed of herself.
“I am sure he will understand,” Theodore answered softly.
“It’s not that, he went away happy at the thought of returning to me, he is fighting for freedom whilst his fiancé is dancing and embracing another man, I can’t help but feel dirty and ashamed,” Eveline moaned sadly.
“It is unfortunate I grant you, but you can explain to him when he returns surely?” Theodore pressed.
“If he returns,” muttered Eveline closing her eyes briefly and praying for William’s safety and return.
“He will,” Theodore reassured her firmly before they stopped dancing, the song finishing on a tender note and the couples sighing softly. Eveline stood back from Theodore, her eyes sad and smiled quietly. Theodore took her hand and guided them back into the crowd searching for a table. Everywhere Eveline looked she could not find Galean, she had spent the whole of the evening thus far looking for him, even throughout the dance. “Ah here we go,” announced Theodore bringing Eveline to a table that was situated near to the band. Eveline politely sat down happy that her feet could rest for a while. “Would you like a drink?” Theodore enquired still standing.
“Oh yes please,” Eveline replied, she was very thirsty and she felt very weak, the dance must have tired her out more than she had thought.
“I will be back shortly,” smiled Theodore walking away into the crowd again. Eveline relished sitting back and resting. Couples were now on the dance floor again whilst mama’s watched on. Eveline spotted Estelle who was flirting outrageously with a young soldier who looked very uncomfortable. Smoothing out her silk dress Eveline yawned quietly, the heat of the room making her feel drowsy. In no time at all Theodore returned with drinks and handed her some wine before sitting down opposite her.
“It is very crowded tonight,” he mentioned taking a sip of wine and letting his eyes roam around the room lazily. Eveline watched as he relaxed into his chair, folding one leg over the other, his face happy and content. Theodore really was beautiful and Eveline found herself unable to control the urge to bend over and kiss him. Just as she was about to lean over Theodore laughed loudly. “Look its Galean, flirting with a rather pretty brunette.” Eveline stopped herself from leaning over and turned her eyes to the crowd instantly eyeing Galean, tall and warrior like dancing with a very beautiful young lady. Eveline’s body stopped still her back becoming rigid. She put down her glass sharply and fought the urge to get up and run away. “It’s about time he found someone you know?” Theodore asked his eyes sparkling and merry.
“Well it is a bit soon since his wife,” Eveline retorted bluntly tearing her gaze away from Galean who had quickly found her eyes, bowing his head. Stupid she thought, she was stupid, stupid to let him make her feel this way, she was in love with Theodore, Theodore! She shouted inwardly, anger rising and weakness diminishing. It did not matter who Galean danced with, it did not matter at all she argued inwardly hoping that Theodore did not recognise her sudden change in behaviour. I just wish he would go away and leave me alone, she begged.
“It has been some time since his wife and daughter died, I think it is only right that he settle down again,” Theodore went on, “ he is despite appearances a very gentle man.”
“To be sure,” whispered Eveline who was now day dreaming about running through a dark forest crying like an animal.
“Anyway I think he finds it hard watching us,” Theodore replied gazing into Eveline’s eyes with a frown, “are you alright?” he asked anxiously.
“Me?” stammered Eveline quickly, “I am grand just a little tired that is all,” she lied, relaxing her body back into the chair and refusing to look at Galean ever again. She wasn’t alright, and yes a major part of her being not alright was jealousy, a feeling that was wrong, because to put it bluntly she thought to herself, she was an engaged women who had fallen in love with another man an
d who wished to be in the arms of that man’s best friend, she was truly a terrible person, wicked person who deserved to be alone the rest of her life. On the other hand Eveline had been feeling increasingly unwell over the last week, she felt weak and sick and had found her emotions were becoming irrational, that would be the only explanation that could shed some light as to her present state of mind.
“We can leave early if you want?” Theodore asked, placing his hand upon her own.
“No, we have only arrived, I am fine really,” smiled Eveline. The song at long last ended and Theodore waved Galean and his partner over. Eveline found herself eyeing the beautiful, young woman who stood beside Galean. The young woman was petite and smaller in stature than Eveline, most young women were shorter than Eveline. Annie as was her name, had lovely chestnut hair and brown eyes. Annie’s brown eyes were nestled under her beautifully defined eyebrows and between a neat little nose that complimented her full, red lips. Eveline’s own face was sculpted, long and fine, her lips were thinner and paler her eyes larger and her eyebrows thicker. Annie had a round face and her cheeks plump whereas Eveline’s own cheeks were high. Theodore still held Eveline’s hand in his own as he talked to Annie. Eveline looked at Galean whose own eyes were upon her hand which was nestled in between Theodore’s. Galean’s eyes turned to meet her own, a frown upon his face. Eveline found it impossible to speak, why did he look at her with such distain? He had been kind and attentive when they made their way to the assembly rooms, what had changed?
“Are you feeling alright?” Galean asked flatly, his eyes still on her hand. Eveline, embarrassed and confused gently withdrew her hand from Theodore noticing Galean’s reaction immediately, his face became softer and his tone kinder.
One Crown & Two Thrones: The Guardians Page 21