“When?” he asked harshly.
“At the ball,” Eveline whispered wiping her nose with her sleeve.
“When you were both gone?” Theodore choked. Eveline nodded.
“Theodore please, don’t throw away what we have, please!” she begged him, trying to bring him back as he turned and opened the front door.
“Don’t touch me!” he barked loudly, “leave me alone!” he spat turning from her and leaving the cottage, slamming the door behind her. Eveline fell onto the wooden floor and cried loudly, calling out for help from anyone, finding none. It was her fault she screamed, she was to blame.
Theodore did not return and Eveline went to bed alone, unable to sleep without him by her side, comforting her. For some time she cried and cried until she could cry no more and fell asleep on her tear stained pillow.
Chapter XVII
Summer Solstice
Eveline sat on a log, her feet soaking in the cold lake water, giving her some ease from the hot sun. The fresh waters were almost crystalline, the sky blue and the sun’s ray’s hitting the lapping waters with admiration. Lifting her face to the sun Eveline smiled, not because she and Theodore were reconciled, because she felt relaxed, here, sitting on her old log. Many times in her life Eveline had sat on her log contemplating life or merely enjoying the space and silence. Today she was doing both. Theodore had come home after their argument, and now, three weeks on, one day before the summer solstice, they were still not talking. Theodore kept to the living room, reading and gazing out of the windows silently, taking no heed of her presence. Eveline, spent most of her own time playing the piano, walking, training, reading and gardening, filling up the silence with as much as possible. At night, she slept alone in her grandmother’s bed, mostly crying herself to sleep.
It was a perfect summer’s day thought Eveline, dipping her toes in and out of the cool water. The birds were singing, the swans were awash with their young, the trees were swaying lightly and the area was full of tourists and evacuees, having picnics and adventures. On the ground lay Eveline’s most treasured book of poems by Goethe. Picking up the book she opened it to her favourite poem and read aloud, uncaring and content in all her misery.
“I was born for seeing,” she began loudly, speaking to the nearby flock of swans, “I am employed to watch, I am bound by my oath to this tower, and I love the world. I look into the distance and see, as from nearby, the moon and the stars, the forest and the deer. And in all of them I see the eternal adornment; and as the world delights me, so I delight myself. Oh,” she waved her hands in the air dramatically, “happy eyes, whatever you have seen, let it be as it may be, it has been so beautiful!”
One of the swans snorted loudly in reply before spreading its wings and flying off, leaving behind the rest of the flock, which looked on startled. Eveline smiled at the beautiful swans, setting her book down again.
“I know you think I am mad,” she muttered to them, “but it is my favourite poem, and this may be the last time I read aloud to you.” Despite Eveline’s marital woes, she was now going through the process of grieving for the life she was to leave behind tomorrow night. She did not need to pack any suitcases, she had a rather large leather satchel packed with her books, she also had a dress made up for her in London thanks to Jophiel, a full length gown similar to the one she had worn during her dream a few months ago. Two weeks previous she had gone into town and asked the local blacksmith to make her up a habergeon chainmail garment, to wear under her dress, smiling at him awkwardly and paying him handsomely. Eveline thought it would look suspicious if she arrived at the Castlerigg stone circle with a sword, bow and arrow and decided against bringing them, hoping that her chain mail would be enough protection. Under her summer dress she wore the chainmail getting used to its weight, knowing that if her vision was to come true, she would be falling into water, which would only be a hindrance to her. That was why she was here at the lake, despite reading and relaxing she was going to try to swim wearing her chainmail and using her ever strengthening powers to help her survive.
Taking off her summer shoes and setting them aside, Eveline tip toed into the water and bite back at the cool temperature. Slowly and with much determination she walked deeper into the lake, the stones hurting her feet. Stopping when the water was at her waist she bent her knees and ducked into the water, her body adjusting to the temperature. Instantly she could feel the heavy weight of the chainmail pulling her down as she began to swim the breast stroke. Slowly and with strength she got into a rhythm, all be it her chest heavy and burdened by the weight, but she persevered, swimming on out, deeper. Eveline smiled as she got used to the weight, having fun for the first time in a long while. Kicking her feet she swam even further out, keeping herself at a strict pace, working her body hard, and her heart pounding against her chest and her lungs working at a faster speed. Stopping, she turned onto her back and gazed up at the blue sky, smiling and finding a friend in the warmth of the sun. Now she kicked her legs again and began to swim, gently picking up her pace, if she could do it then so could Theodore, she would not let him die.
As Eveline swam upon the lake Theodore was out in the garden, reading Marcus Aurelius’ quietly, a strand of grass in his mouth. He couldn’t deny it, he was miserable, he had been miserable in the last three weeks since their fight. Now his anger abated, his pain softened due to time, he felt empty and lonely. Still he hurt that his wife had feelings for his best friend, but it hurt even more to be parted from her. Everywhere she went, he felt her presence and against his better judgement wanted to hold her in his arms and prove to her that he was the better match, the better lover. But she was quiet and distant, spending most of her time outdoors and away from him. Theodore found it particularly hard to concentrate on his daily life, especially at night, alone in his bed, listening to her cries. Had he been too hard on her? Yes, was it for good reason? Yes, he argued to himself, shutting his book and looking up at the red roses that were dangling before him. The fact still remained that no matter how hurt her confession had made him, he loved her still and this was their second last day together in Keswick. Still, as he sat debating his marriage, he could not put her feelings for another man to the side, that would make him a fool, and he already felt foolish enough.
Theodore bounced up onto his feet and as he did so he heard a scream. Running to the wall he looked down at the lake and saw Eveline struggling in the water, her head popping up and down haphazardly. Throwing aside his book he jumped over the wall and ran down the hill towards his drowning wife, taking off his shoes along the way and his shirt.
Eveline kicked her feet wildly trying to keep her head above water, trying to concentrate so that she could use her magic to help her. Nothing was working as the chain mail pushed her downwards, her head falling under the water again, her breathe leaving her body. Splashing ferociously she opened her eyes under the water, looking about desperately, seeing only stones and weeds. Struggling she tried to remove her chainmail but couldn’t lift it. Crying out, pockets of air creating a balloon of bubbles, Eveline tried, but only began to fall deeper and deeper. Clasping her necklace she prayed reverently for a miracle.
“Galean,” she mouthed, crying out his name, her body beginning to burn, her lungs tightening; a thousand images of her life clouding her vision. Suddenly as she fell, a beam of light erupted from the jewel and she closed her eyes, until it dyed away, opening them, her throat tightening, and her hands falling. Eveline’s body began to tremor, her legs and arms becoming limp. As she fell, a figure appeared before her, stretching her vision she looked and saw Galean, he was swimming for her, his arms outstretched. Fiercely a bolt of strength arose within Eveline and she found movement in her arms once more and lifted them out before her, trying to grasp on to his hands. A beam of light hit the water and illuminated his face, causing Eveline to smile, her body thudding violently, and oxygen leaving her. Galean swam to her and took her hands in his and moved her to him, suddenly lifting her swiftly into
the air, Eveline rising up and out of the murky waters, gasping violently for air.
“Eveline!” Theodore yelled, watching as she was thrown into the air, by an unseen force. Quickly wadding his way into the cold water he swam to his wife who was now floating above water, still. Clutching at her petite body, he pulled her to him, confused as to why she felt so heavy, her chemise sticking to her body and to what looked to be some kind of vest. Swimming to the shore, Theodore dragged his wife by the arms and lay her down on the beach, kneeling down over her. “Eveline?” he shouted willing her to waken. Eveline’s body shook in trauma as she opened her eyes.
“Theodore,” she whispered, turning on her side immediately and spitting out water, coughing.
“Eveline what were you doing?” Theodore shouted, wiping away strands of wet and sticky hair from her paled face. Eveline looked up at Theodore, his face etched in concern and confusion.
“I was testing out the chainmail,” she replied flatly, opening her chemise at the top and revealing the shining chainmail.
“My God, why would you do such a thing?” cried Theodore helping his wife to sit up, her body still shivering.
“You wouldn’t understand,” she cried, trying to get to her feet but failing.
“Then make me understand,” answered Theodore urgently.
“I thought that if I could learn to swim with my chainmail on, then I could save you,” she stammered, wiping her face with her right hand and looking into Theodore’s blank stare.
“Save me?” he quipped, taking her hands and pulling her up onto her feet.
“Yes, you remember the afternoon you came back from London? You found me in the throes of a nightmare?” Eveline asked, looking down at herself, her body naked under her thin chemise, the chainmail giving her some decency. Theodore nodded remembering that afternoon, Eveline had indeed been in the middle of a nightmare when he found her, and she had a dream of him dying.
“Yes I remember,” he responded quietly, looking down at the pale and drenched Eveline, his heart unable to be angry with her, her beautiful eyes drowned in fear and sorrow.
“I keep having the same dream, that you die,” she muttered, lowering her eyes. “I was trying to teach myself to swim, so that I can save you.”
“What do you mean can?” asked Theodore wanting to reach out and wrap his arms about Eveline.
“What if the dream is a vision? What if it happens?” Eveline cried, her long legs shaking even as they were being warmed by the summer’s sun.
“That is why you have been training and wearing chainmail? To protect me?” choked Theodore, he thought it silly that she thought chainmail was in any way productive in saving him from the sea.
“Yes, in the dream, you are found by a group of rebels, a woman named Mathilda who actually happens to exist, they find you dead, with a dagger in your back, but then the camp was attacked by archers so I had to leave you behind,” cried Eveline. “I know you probably do not believe me, and I understand why you wouldn’t but that is my reasoning behind this,” she motioned to the lake.
“I do believe you, despite what you may think,” whispered Theodore. “But I assure you nothing bad will happen to me.”
“How do you know?” cried Eveline, sniffing.
“I just do.”
Eveline bowed her head and turned, leaving Theodore, not wanting to hurt him anymore, and needing to get into a warm bath. Making her way up the path she heard his footsteps following.
“Eveline wait,” he yelled, running up to her side.
“I’m getting a bath, I will leave you in peace.” Eveline muttered not bothering to look behind her as she made her way through the garden gate. Opening the door to the cottage, Eveline entered making for the stairs, only to be stopped by Theodore.
“Eveline look at me,” he cried, turning her around.
“What do you want Theodore?” she whispered looking down at his soaking legs.
“Can you forgive me?” he whispered. “I am sorry for my accusations, sorry that I have ignored you and left you alone.”
“Does it make any difference, everything I said was the truth how can I expect you to trust me?” Eveline said dispassionately, her cheeks burning with shame, it had been Galean that she had seen in the water, not Theodore.
“No it won’t change your feelings for Galean, but I am your husband now, and you love me too,” pleaded Theodore, “please, can we be civil?”
“You will always hold it against me,” replied Eveline quietly. “How can I ask you to stand by me?”
“You don’t have to ask me,” cried Theodore. “I want to stand by you, I want our love to flourish whilst it can, and I want us to be happy again.”
“I need to get bathed,” Eveline whispered turning on her heel and ascending the stairs, leaving Theodore alone sighing deeply.
Eveline slide into the warm water and sighed with contentment. She had opened the bathroom window and lay listening to the outside world, closing her eyes in silence. Her marriage wold never be the same and she worried about the future of their partnership, what would happen when they found themselves at Calhuni? Eveline knew a deep and undisturbed part of her loved Galean with a fierceness, but she also knew that a large part of her adored her husband and missed his love and companionship. Theodore was trying to fix their broken mess with a simple apology and she had turned away from him, unable to answer. With each month that went by since meeting Theodore, Eveline felt a change occur within her, she had become more closed off and cynical. So much change and death had altered her character and outlook. Sitting forward she grabbed the bar of soap and began to rub it over her skin, revelling in the feel. It was true she agreed, she missed his intimacy and missed his warmth. Rubbing the soap on her neck, her long tresses pinned up on the top of her head, she sighed, remembering his touch and caresses upon her body. As she washed away the soap she heard the door open and turned round to see Theodore, in his dressing gown staring at her.
“Theodore?” she asked confused, “has something happened?”
“No,” he uttered coming in and closing the door behind him and kneeling down behind her. Eveline trembled, what was he doing? Embarrassed she covered her breasts with her hands and looked out of the window, unable to process any words. Theodore rolled up his sleeves and found the bar of soap, taking it into his hands. “Sit forward,” he ordered. Eveline bent her back forwards a bit, shaking. Eveline felt the bar of soap dance upon her skin once again and sighed deeply at the touch, which felt so utterly different. Taking the soap away Theodore used his hands to rub the soap around her back, gently, teasing her senses.
“Theodore why are you doing this?” Eveline moaned, the touch of his hands upon her sending a wave of warmth through her body.
“You are my wife and I love you,” he replied frankly, “despite everything else, you love me too and I will not spend another hour without you by my side, understood?”
“But, but how can you love me still?” cried Eveline, bending her knees to her chin.
“Because you nearly died trying to protect me,” Theodore said, leaning forward and kissing her back softly, burning her skin.
“I didn’t do a very good job,” Eveline replied flatly, because she hadn’t, she had one day left in order to create a plan that would save her husband if the dream was to be believed.
“Still, that proves your love for me, putting Galean aside,” Theodore replied, kissing her shoulder blades and causing a pool of butterflies to form inside Eveline’s stomach.
“I love you,” she whispered. “I’m sorry.”
“I know you are,” smiled Theodore taking off his robe and dropping it on the floor. “Move forward,” he commanded, getting into the tub behind her, letting his legs encase her, pushing her back against his chest with his hands. Eveline sighed at the intimacy and leaned her head back against Theodore’s shoulder, baring her naked body to his gaze.
“You are and always will be my husband,” she whispered, gazing up into his ey
es, blue and warm. It was the first time she had seen him smile at her in weeks and it filled her with immense joy, causing her to forget Galean and all her woes.
“And you my wife,” he purred, bending down and kissing her firmly on the mouth. Eveline felt herself ease into her husband’s long and agile body, letting her hands settle upon his thighs, stroking him lightly. Eveline saw the reaction in his face as she laid her hands upon his thighs and felt his sudden arousal. Theodore, felt his blood warm as she stared down at his naked wife, beautiful and flushed, her fingers stroking his thighs softly, causing him to become erect. Theodore let his hands fall onto her breasts, cupping them lightly, feeling her body react immediately to the sensitive touch. Eveline sighed in suspense as Theodore’s hands massaged her full breasts, causing sensations to heighten and her nipples to tighten, erect. Lifting one hand away, Theodore let his fingers explore her taunt stomach and her beautifully curved waist, stopping just above her intimate area, watching as she looked up at him in hope and desperation. Smiling wickedly he let his fingers find the sensitive spot, watching as Eveline closed her eyes in ecstasy, crying deeply at the sensations that washed through her. Dipping his fingers into her, he traced the inside of her wall, feeling her legs shake; he then began to create a rhythm, feeling her muscles contract around his fingers. Eveline cried out loud at the spiralling sensations, causing her to lose herself, forgetting about the world and yearning for the climax she so desperately needed and yearned for.
“I need you,” she cried out loud, her eyes bursting open, her golden gaze hot and liquid. Theodore stopped his thrusting and watched as her breathing evened out.
“Touch me,” he whispered intensely knowing how selfish he sounded. Eveline looked at him, licking her lips, her eyes dark with lust. Getting up from him, she turned herself around in the bath tub, watching as he moved forward, letting her wedge her legs around him, anchoring them together, face to face.
One Crown & Two Thrones: The Guardians Page 39