Chapter 4
True to his word the moment we are again in the palace eating supper Mikhail makes his announcement. Of course Father is glad to use any excuse to have a tournament so it’s decided that one will be held in a fortnight’s time to celebrate my engagement and eventual wedding. Despite the fact that I’m being given an easy out to having Mikhail leave now I am unsure if I want him too. I don’t spend too much time preparing myself for the tournament but I find that I am more alone as Mikhail practices.
It seems he must be fairly good since he attracts a fair amount of spectators as he practices. I do not bother to watch him though not wanting to spend my time watching for flaws. Shortly after all the events were named Mikhail announced which he would compete in and I know he expects me to compete in them as well. He is to compete in sword fighting, archery, and a horse obstacle course. I sign up for the same along with jousting.
I find that although I do spend my time watching Mikhail prepare for the tournament he does come to watch me. It is only two days before the tournament and I have not seen him practically since we came back yet the moment that I step onto the practice field he is there watching quietly. I find myself stumbling under the pressure and making more mistakes. Then Mikhail steps into the ring and makes matters worse. “Would it be all right is we had a practice round?” He asks me with a smile as I note that he is outfitted for sword fighting as well. I motion for my sparring partner to step away and look at Mikhail unsure if I should accept.
“Sure.” I tell him watching as he pulls his curved blade from it’s sheath. I wonder for a moment if he can manage with his sword or if it is just for show, he moves quickly showing me it is more than ornamental. My mind is able to focus the moment his sword is moving toward me. I move out of the way and make an attempt to counter. He grins as he easily blocks my attack and knocks me off balance at the same time. I recover and faint another attack changing mid-stride to hit low on his chest. We trade almost hits for a good amount of time with neither of us getting the upper hand.
Eventually we both pull back in mutual agreement of our stalemate. “Good match.” I tell him finding myself a bit out of breath after our fight. He grins at me and looks me right in the eyes as he responds.
“You weren’t too bad yourself. It should make for an interesting match at the competition.” He says and I know he is attempting to make me feel like he wasn’t going all out and I have something to worry about.
I grin back at him knowing exactly how to play along with his attitude. “Yes, it should be a good show.” I agree with him and we both just smile at each other for a moment. “You have an interesting technique, where did you come across a sword like that?” I ask him as I have never seen one such as his. He grins at me very widely now and takes a step toward me to show his curved blade.
“You mean my scimitar? A passing dignitary came through when I was young and it was the main weapon used by his head guard. I became interested when I saw him practicing and he offered to train me. After that I learned for a while and eventually a sword was made for me. It works better because it is built for speed rather than strength.” He explains and as he does I take the sword and feel how light it is and how it could only be used for quick slashing rather than stabbing.
“It’s very nice.” I tell him handing the sword back as he takes it and slips it into his sheath. “I haven’t seen much of you lately.” I tell him softly and the moment I do I am unsure why I say it. He grins almost managing to look a bit amused.
“I have been busy practicing, it is not often that I need to use my archery or sword. You however have not practiced at all or even came to watch me.” He says with a smile as he moves to remove the light chain mail coat that he is wearing. His manservant rushes forward to take his chain mail and I remove my armor as well. “Are you so sure of your skills that you do not feel the need to practice or do you just not care about the out come of the tournament?” He asks just as I turn from placing my plate armor down.
“From the match we just had you should be able to tell that I do not need much practice. I have been wielding a sword since I could walk and the same with horse riding. To be honest I should be practicing my archery.” I tell him and raises his eyebrows seeming even more amused now.
“Are you truly trying to say there is something you are not good at? Or are you just trying to throw me off and hoping to show me up when we arrive at the shooting range?” He asks me and I grin choosing to let him decide that for himself.
“I suppose you will have figure that out for yourself.” I tell him finding it easier now to talk with him.
“Would you like to have supper with me?” He asks me after a moment and I lose my breath for a moment unsure what to say now. Mikhail seems to take my silence as rejection and he begins talking again. “I was just thinking it might be nice to have one more dinner with you before we compete just in case I do not have the opportunity again.”
“Mikhail, I would enjoy eating with you. Just perhaps we could have it in a dinning room rather than one of our rooms this time.” I tell him not sure I want to be able to allow myself to that temptation right now. He smiles at me then leans closer to me making me think he might be about to kiss me.
“If you prefer.” He tells me with his lips practically against mine but then he just pulls away. “I shall see you in a candlemark then. I need to go bathe first and I suppose you will do the same.” He smirks as he turns to leave then heading off to his rooms to bathe. I grin a bit unsurely as I start toward my own rooms. Charles follows alongside me and I turn to him.
“Once my bath water is ran please inform the chef that Mikhail and I will be dining in the small northern hall. Also please inform Mikhail of the room as well.” I tell him and he nods rather than answering before rushing off to do as I say. I take my time walking slowly back to my rooms as I still ponder what it is that I want from Mikhail.
Once I am back in my rooms I strip off my clothing and step into my bathing chamber. Charles adverts his eyes again and I do not bother to mention it since he leaves the room the moment I am in the water. I know I need to mention something to him still but I am unsure what to say to him after all the time we have known each other. I sit in the water for a time still thinking of Mikhail and Charles and all I can think of is that I am unsure of anything.
I know that if my engagement is called off even by Mikhail that Father will be unhappy with me and will likely make it worse by engaging me to someone worse. It is not for those reasons though that I find myself unwilling to have him leave. Though I am unsure what will happen if or I should mean when we do have a physical relationship I think that he will find a way to push me through it. We have already managed through almost a moon worth of our short engagement and I do not know how we cannot manage the other three.
I find myself heading to the dining room right on time though I manage to get there just before Mikhail does. I find myself caught in looking at how finely he is dressed despite the fact that we are still dinning alone. His light green tunic brings out his blue eyes making them seem even more intense as he looks right at me. I manage to look at him but I still cannot get my lips to work even after licking them yet again. “That will be all for you two, the kitchen servants can take it from here.” Mikhail says calmly to both of our manservants and despite the look toward me Charles actually does listen to him and leaves along with Mikhail’s chamber man.
“You look nice.” I say when I am finally able to clear my throat. Mikhail smiles at me almost like he knows something I do not.
“Thank you, you look good as well. Can I ask though why is it that you actually agreed to this? I haven’t exactly had the best relationship with you.” He says lightly and I find it almost funny that he is admitting to it being partially his fault when all along he has been trying to get me to have a physical relationship with him when I did not want the relationship at all.
“I might have figured out that you might not be completely wrong. I mean about our arrangement.” I tell him feeling my heart beating a bit faster in my chest at my words.
“Really? Then are you saying you want me to stay?” He asks me seeming to be serious now rather then his playful attitude that he seems to usually have. Still I don’t know exactly how to agree.
“I just mean that maybe it will not be all bad if you stay.” I say not wanting to call off his offer to leave just yet even when I know that I do not want him to go. All the same he smiles as if I have told him what he wants to hear.
“Of course. Though I do not know why it has to be bad at all.” He tells me with a bit of a lustful smile and again I wonder how he could possibly want to sleep with me. I notice that my emotion must be showing on my face because Mikhail suddenly looks concerned rather then his light joking seductive mood he seemed to have before. “Why do you get that look on your face whenever I say that we could be happy? Is it so hard to believe that we could be good together?” He asks and this time I do not know what to say at all. I sigh not speaking for a few moments as I try to think of what to say without lying or hurting him.
“I suppose I will have to tell you at some point. I just still cannot understand how you can want a physical relationship with me.” I tell him softly and then his smile appears though not quite as strong.
“Is there a specific reason that you feel this way or does it have to do with me specifically?” He asks me and I find it hard to speak again.
“It is not you. It is being physical. I know that you say it does not hurt and that you liked it even, but I can not think of how that is possible.” I say lightly even though I am almost sure that he will think me silly for my reasoning.
“I know that you do not trust me enough to be intimate with me or at least that you do not like me that much. Right now, however if you can learn to trust me and keep an open mind then I swear that you will not be disappointed.” He tells me and he seems to be smiling wider now.
“Then I guess I’ll have to wait and see then.” I tell him softly and he chuckles a bit in return. “That is if you are still here after the tournament.” I say with a grin of my own.
“I do not think that will be an issue.” He says easily with a smile of his own.
“Oh? Are you so sure of your skills then?” I ask him with a smile as I repeat his words back to him.
“Perhaps.” He returns seeming rather confident of himself. We do not continue to speak of engagement after that. When we are finished eating we part on good terms and walk back to our rooms. When I think that I am getting to Mikhail he always seems to surprise me. Just as he about to depart into his rooms he moves closer to me and quickly kisses my cheek. “I will see you again after the tournament and maybe then I can convince you.” He tells me with a grin before entering his rooms.
I do not go to the practice fields again on the next day. I know that it seems childish, yet I find I want to avoid seeing Mikhail again. I spend the day instead taking care of court matters and yet all the work keeps only my body busy not my mind. I keep thinking about Mikhail and kissing amongst other things. I have to admit if only to myself that I wonder about being intimate with Mikhail. I know that if he stays we will have to be when we are wed in three moons and I am unsure whether that is too long of a wait or not long enough.
I am still a bit jumpy when the tournament is due to start. My first event is archery, which is to start in less than a candlemark, and I find that I am unable to concentrate. Opening ceremonies are commencing right now by the King and I cannot concentrate on his words at all. I only pay attention when my name is mentioned along with Mikhail’s in congratulating our engagement to all attending. I find myself too close to Mikhail to think at all and then I find that the competition is starting.
I take a deep breath attempting to calm myself and then take my bow from Charles’ grip before aligning my grip and grabbing an arrow as well. I aim for the target at the end, inhale deeply as I draw back the string to my ear then I exhale right as I release my grip. My arrow flies forward at the same time as all twenty or so of the other opponents and for a moment I lose track of which arrow is mine. Then all movement stops and I see my arrow firmly planted in the bull’s-eye with five others. The crowd applauds and the target is moved back several paces before we are able to shoot again. I find that Mikhail is still in the running as well. The target keeps getting moved back after that until it is down to just Mikhail and myself.
Mikhail smiles at me and then draws back his bows before firing off. The target is so far now that I cannot tell if he hit the center or not. All the same I aim for the red mark in the middle as best that I can and loose my arrow as well. Then the judges call out that there is a winner. I watch as they call Mikhail’s name and he steps forward to be named the archery champion. “Congratulations.” I tell him and he just smiles back at me seeming sure of himself just as he was before when we ate together.
“Well that’s one. Just one more.” He tells me keeping his voice very light and I shiver a bit at the tone of his voice. All the same it manages to make me concentrate again. I look him back in the eye.
“You haven’t won yet.” I tell him back with a grin of my own. When our eyes meet this time all I can think of is the clear challenge that passes in our stare.
“Well my victory will have to wait until I finish beating you tomorrow. Tonight maybe you will sit with me at the banquet and we can share a drink over my win today.” He tells me with a smile and even though I have to go to the meal and sit next to him no doubt so it does not really make a difference if I agree or not.
“Sure but right now, I have another event. I hope you will watch.” I tell him finding my voice confident but soft again as I head to put on my armor for jousting. Mikhail follows beside me as I get to the tent set up by the jousting field. He stays and watches as Charles helps me into my armor then Mikhail follows me to the stable as well. He stops me just before I am about to mount my horse though.
“I want to wish you good luck with your event.” He tells me with a smile but then he takes a step closer to me and without saying anything else he leans in and kisses me on the lips in front of everyone in the area. I do not want to make a scene so I let Mikhail kiss me for a moment or two but then just as I am a little unsure about stopping him he pulls away all on his own. “Go win.” He tells me with a smile as I can tell he tries not to chuckle. I mount up then my eyes follow Mikhail as he leaves the field; it’s only after he walks out of my view that I look to Charles and notice that he won’t look at me at all.
I focus my attention on the competition and after five rounds I take second place in the joust. The first place winner is one of the palace guards so I do not feel particularly less for losing to him. The rest of the events that Mikhail and I are competing in take place tomorrow, so I take my spot with Father and Mikhail in the stands to watch the remaining events for the day.
When I sit next to Mikhail he discreetly smiles at me and I know that he isn’t done touching me at this point. Or at least he isn’t going to give up until he has a reason to. He does not give me reason to worry though until we are at the banquet. I start to remember how Mikhail reacted his first night here when he drank too much and I wonder if he will do so again. Rather I wonder if he will again try to enter my room and kiss me.
I do not drink very much but everyone around me seems to be drinking heavily. Of course that includes Mikhail who seems to be having quite a bit of fun with the crowd that seems to have gathered around him. I try to stay away from Mikhail since I am unsure if he will kiss me again if I am near him. I stay for a while but as things start getting louder I sneak out of the hall and head to my rooms.
Right as I am about to open my door, I hear a loud noise behind me and turn to see Mikhail heading down the hall towards our rooms. He seems to have lost his crowd, as he is alone now. I know that I should go into my room while I have the chance but instead I head toward Mikhail. “Are you okay?” I ask him as I approach him and his eyes move to lock onto me as he stumbles my way. He smiles at me as he trips over himself right into me and I catch him barely able to keep both of us up. “Mikhail.” I say his name trying to get him to pay attention enough to get back on his own feet.
“I’m fine.” He says his words slurred together a bit. Then Mikhail pushes back on me to steady himself and I am glad that I didn’t drink more because I would have fallen now if I had. He sways for a moment but manages to stay on his own feet for now. “Were you avoiding me all night?” He asks me and his voice only stutters a little. I look him right in the eye wondering if he really is drunk or not.
“No.” I tell him even though I was. He smiles at me then leans forward and presses his lips to mine again. At first I move to push him away but then I notice that he does not taste like drink. I barely taste any ale on his breath at all. I wouldn’t say I really kiss him back though, when I pull back Mikhail stands completely steady and looks me right in the eye.
“Yes, you were avoiding me.” He tells me his voice completely smooth now that he is no longer pretending. Then he walks easily right to his room and closes the door on me. I sigh for a moment then go to knock on his door.
“Mikhail, wait.” I say loudly as I knock again. He opens his door just a little and looks at me through it.
“Why? You were avoiding me, then you lied.” He says calmly. I look right at him and then sigh again.
“I apologize, for lying. I was avoiding you because I did not want you to kiss me again in front of everyone.” I tell him feeling my heart beating fast again at the thought of it all. He smiles at me then and opens his door a bit wider before placing himself right between me and his room.
“All right. So is that all?” He asks me softly. I move toward him a little.
“Please just do not kiss me in public. It makes me have to kiss you or make a scene and you know that I do not want to.” I tell him even though I can read into my words enough to figure that I am not telling him not to kiss me just not to kiss me in public. He smiles at me despite my words and I am half sure he notices the distinction as well.
“So then I can kiss you now?” He asks me his voice turning sweeter as he takes another step toward me. I don’t answer him and he takes another step forward then places his hands on my shoulders. “Gael, may I kiss you?” He asks again and this time I find myself nodding slowly. He takes another step so his body is right up against mine; then he moves his head in and kisses my lips. This time I move my lips with his caressing him as much he does me. When he opens his lips I find myself moving to slide my tongue into his mouth. He allows the movement easily and moves his tongue to meet mine as well. We keep moving our mouths for a few moments until he softly pulls back.
We stay looking at each other for a few moments with neither of us talking. “Thank you, for letting me kiss you. I won’t kiss you again in public unless you start it.” He tells me and I just nod knowing that he isn’t agreeing not to kiss me at all just not in front of other people.
It seems he must be fairly good since he attracts a fair amount of spectators as he practices. I do not bother to watch him though not wanting to spend my time watching for flaws. Shortly after all the events were named Mikhail announced which he would compete in and I know he expects me to compete in them as well. He is to compete in sword fighting, archery, and a horse obstacle course. I sign up for the same along with jousting.
I find that although I do spend my time watching Mikhail prepare for the tournament he does come to watch me. It is only two days before the tournament and I have not seen him practically since we came back yet the moment that I step onto the practice field he is there watching quietly. I find myself stumbling under the pressure and making more mistakes. Then Mikhail steps into the ring and makes matters worse. “Would it be all right is we had a practice round?” He asks me with a smile as I note that he is outfitted for sword fighting as well. I motion for my sparring partner to step away and look at Mikhail unsure if I should accept.
“Sure.” I tell him watching as he pulls his curved blade from it’s sheath. I wonder for a moment if he can manage with his sword or if it is just for show, he moves quickly showing me it is more than ornamental. My mind is able to focus the moment his sword is moving toward me. I move out of the way and make an attempt to counter. He grins as he easily blocks my attack and knocks me off balance at the same time. I recover and faint another attack changing mid-stride to hit low on his chest. We trade almost hits for a good amount of time with neither of us getting the upper hand.
Eventually we both pull back in mutual agreement of our stalemate. “Good match.” I tell him finding myself a bit out of breath after our fight. He grins at me and looks me right in the eyes as he responds.
“You weren’t too bad yourself. It should make for an interesting match at the competition.” He says and I know he is attempting to make me feel like he wasn’t going all out and I have something to worry about.
I grin back at him knowing exactly how to play along with his attitude. “Yes, it should be a good show.” I agree with him and we both just smile at each other for a moment. “You have an interesting technique, where did you come across a sword like that?” I ask him as I have never seen one such as his. He grins at me very widely now and takes a step toward me to show his curved blade.
“You mean my scimitar? A passing dignitary came through when I was young and it was the main weapon used by his head guard. I became interested when I saw him practicing and he offered to train me. After that I learned for a while and eventually a sword was made for me. It works better because it is built for speed rather than strength.” He explains and as he does I take the sword and feel how light it is and how it could only be used for quick slashing rather than stabbing.
“It’s very nice.” I tell him handing the sword back as he takes it and slips it into his sheath. “I haven’t seen much of you lately.” I tell him softly and the moment I do I am unsure why I say it. He grins almost managing to look a bit amused.
“I have been busy practicing, it is not often that I need to use my archery or sword. You however have not practiced at all or even came to watch me.” He says with a smile as he moves to remove the light chain mail coat that he is wearing. His manservant rushes forward to take his chain mail and I remove my armor as well. “Are you so sure of your skills that you do not feel the need to practice or do you just not care about the out come of the tournament?” He asks just as I turn from placing my plate armor down.
“From the match we just had you should be able to tell that I do not need much practice. I have been wielding a sword since I could walk and the same with horse riding. To be honest I should be practicing my archery.” I tell him and raises his eyebrows seeming even more amused now.
“Are you truly trying to say there is something you are not good at? Or are you just trying to throw me off and hoping to show me up when we arrive at the shooting range?” He asks me and I grin choosing to let him decide that for himself.
“I suppose you will have figure that out for yourself.” I tell him finding it easier now to talk with him.
“Would you like to have supper with me?” He asks me after a moment and I lose my breath for a moment unsure what to say now. Mikhail seems to take my silence as rejection and he begins talking again. “I was just thinking it might be nice to have one more dinner with you before we compete just in case I do not have the opportunity again.”
“Mikhail, I would enjoy eating with you. Just perhaps we could have it in a dinning room rather than one of our rooms this time.” I tell him not sure I want to be able to allow myself to that temptation right now. He smiles at me then leans closer to me making me think he might be about to kiss me.
“If you prefer.” He tells me with his lips practically against mine but then he just pulls away. “I shall see you in a candlemark then. I need to go bathe first and I suppose you will do the same.” He smirks as he turns to leave then heading off to his rooms to bathe. I grin a bit unsurely as I start toward my own rooms. Charles follows alongside me and I turn to him.
“Once my bath water is ran please inform the chef that Mikhail and I will be dining in the small northern hall. Also please inform Mikhail of the room as well.” I tell him and he nods rather than answering before rushing off to do as I say. I take my time walking slowly back to my rooms as I still ponder what it is that I want from Mikhail.
Once I am back in my rooms I strip off my clothing and step into my bathing chamber. Charles adverts his eyes again and I do not bother to mention it since he leaves the room the moment I am in the water. I know I need to mention something to him still but I am unsure what to say to him after all the time we have known each other. I sit in the water for a time still thinking of Mikhail and Charles and all I can think of is that I am unsure of anything.
I know that if my engagement is called off even by Mikhail that Father will be unhappy with me and will likely make it worse by engaging me to someone worse. It is not for those reasons though that I find myself unwilling to have him leave. Though I am unsure what will happen if or I should mean when we do have a physical relationship I think that he will find a way to push me through it. We have already managed through almost a moon worth of our short engagement and I do not know how we cannot manage the other three.
I find myself heading to the dining room right on time though I manage to get there just before Mikhail does. I find myself caught in looking at how finely he is dressed despite the fact that we are still dinning alone. His light green tunic brings out his blue eyes making them seem even more intense as he looks right at me. I manage to look at him but I still cannot get my lips to work even after licking them yet again. “That will be all for you two, the kitchen servants can take it from here.” Mikhail says calmly to both of our manservants and despite the look toward me Charles actually does listen to him and leaves along with Mikhail’s chamber man.
“You look nice.” I say when I am finally able to clear my throat. Mikhail smiles at me almost like he knows something I do not.
“Thank you, you look good as well. Can I ask though why is it that you actually agreed to this? I haven’t exactly had the best relationship with you.” He says lightly and I find it almost funny that he is admitting to it being partially his fault when all along he has been trying to get me to have a physical relationship with him when I did not want the relationship at all.
“I might have figured out that you might not be completely wrong. I mean about our arrangement.” I tell him feeling my heart beating a bit faster in my chest at my words.
“Really? Then are you saying you want me to stay?” He asks me seeming to be serious now rather then his playful attitude that he seems to usually have. Still I don’t know exactly how to agree.
“I just mean that maybe it will not be all bad if you stay.” I say not wanting to call off his offer to leave just yet even when I know that I do not want him to go. All the same he smiles as if I have told him what he wants to hear.
“Of course. Though I do not know why it has to be bad at all.” He tells me with a bit of a lustful smile and again I wonder how he could possibly want to sleep with me. I notice that my emotion must be showing on my face because Mikhail suddenly looks concerned rather then his light joking seductive mood he seemed to have before. “Why do you get that look on your face whenever I say that we could be happy? Is it so hard to believe that we could be good together?” He asks and this time I do not know what to say at all. I sigh not speaking for a few moments as I try to think of what to say without lying or hurting him.
“I suppose I will have to tell you at some point. I just still cannot understand how you can want a physical relationship with me.” I tell him softly and then his smile appears though not quite as strong.
“Is there a specific reason that you feel this way or does it have to do with me specifically?” He asks me and I find it hard to speak again.
“It is not you. It is being physical. I know that you say it does not hurt and that you liked it even, but I can not think of how that is possible.” I say lightly even though I am almost sure that he will think me silly for my reasoning.
“I know that you do not trust me enough to be intimate with me or at least that you do not like me that much. Right now, however if you can learn to trust me and keep an open mind then I swear that you will not be disappointed.” He tells me and he seems to be smiling wider now.
“Then I guess I’ll have to wait and see then.” I tell him softly and he chuckles a bit in return. “That is if you are still here after the tournament.” I say with a grin of my own.
“I do not think that will be an issue.” He says easily with a smile of his own.
“Oh? Are you so sure of your skills then?” I ask him with a smile as I repeat his words back to him.
“Perhaps.” He returns seeming rather confident of himself. We do not continue to speak of engagement after that. When we are finished eating we part on good terms and walk back to our rooms. When I think that I am getting to Mikhail he always seems to surprise me. Just as he about to depart into his rooms he moves closer to me and quickly kisses my cheek. “I will see you again after the tournament and maybe then I can convince you.” He tells me with a grin before entering his rooms.
I do not go to the practice fields again on the next day. I know that it seems childish, yet I find I want to avoid seeing Mikhail again. I spend the day instead taking care of court matters and yet all the work keeps only my body busy not my mind. I keep thinking about Mikhail and kissing amongst other things. I have to admit if only to myself that I wonder about being intimate with Mikhail. I know that if he stays we will have to be when we are wed in three moons and I am unsure whether that is too long of a wait or not long enough.
I am still a bit jumpy when the tournament is due to start. My first event is archery, which is to start in less than a candlemark, and I find that I am unable to concentrate. Opening ceremonies are commencing right now by the King and I cannot concentrate on his words at all. I only pay attention when my name is mentioned along with Mikhail’s in congratulating our engagement to all attending. I find myself too close to Mikhail to think at all and then I find that the competition is starting.
I take a deep breath attempting to calm myself and then take my bow from Charles’ grip before aligning my grip and grabbing an arrow as well. I aim for the target at the end, inhale deeply as I draw back the string to my ear then I exhale right as I release my grip. My arrow flies forward at the same time as all twenty or so of the other opponents and for a moment I lose track of which arrow is mine. Then all movement stops and I see my arrow firmly planted in the bull’s-eye with five others. The crowd applauds and the target is moved back several paces before we are able to shoot again. I find that Mikhail is still in the running as well. The target keeps getting moved back after that until it is down to just Mikhail and myself.
Mikhail smiles at me and then draws back his bows before firing off. The target is so far now that I cannot tell if he hit the center or not. All the same I aim for the red mark in the middle as best that I can and loose my arrow as well. Then the judges call out that there is a winner. I watch as they call Mikhail’s name and he steps forward to be named the archery champion. “Congratulations.” I tell him and he just smiles back at me seeming sure of himself just as he was before when we ate together.
“Well that’s one. Just one more.” He tells me keeping his voice very light and I shiver a bit at the tone of his voice. All the same it manages to make me concentrate again. I look him back in the eye.
“You haven’t won yet.” I tell him back with a grin of my own. When our eyes meet this time all I can think of is the clear challenge that passes in our stare.
“Well my victory will have to wait until I finish beating you tomorrow. Tonight maybe you will sit with me at the banquet and we can share a drink over my win today.” He tells me with a smile and even though I have to go to the meal and sit next to him no doubt so it does not really make a difference if I agree or not.
“Sure but right now, I have another event. I hope you will watch.” I tell him finding my voice confident but soft again as I head to put on my armor for jousting. Mikhail follows beside me as I get to the tent set up by the jousting field. He stays and watches as Charles helps me into my armor then Mikhail follows me to the stable as well. He stops me just before I am about to mount my horse though.
“I want to wish you good luck with your event.” He tells me with a smile but then he takes a step closer to me and without saying anything else he leans in and kisses me on the lips in front of everyone in the area. I do not want to make a scene so I let Mikhail kiss me for a moment or two but then just as I am a little unsure about stopping him he pulls away all on his own. “Go win.” He tells me with a smile as I can tell he tries not to chuckle. I mount up then my eyes follow Mikhail as he leaves the field; it’s only after he walks out of my view that I look to Charles and notice that he won’t look at me at all.
I focus my attention on the competition and after five rounds I take second place in the joust. The first place winner is one of the palace guards so I do not feel particularly less for losing to him. The rest of the events that Mikhail and I are competing in take place tomorrow, so I take my spot with Father and Mikhail in the stands to watch the remaining events for the day.
When I sit next to Mikhail he discreetly smiles at me and I know that he isn’t done touching me at this point. Or at least he isn’t going to give up until he has a reason to. He does not give me reason to worry though until we are at the banquet. I start to remember how Mikhail reacted his first night here when he drank too much and I wonder if he will do so again. Rather I wonder if he will again try to enter my room and kiss me.
I do not drink very much but everyone around me seems to be drinking heavily. Of course that includes Mikhail who seems to be having quite a bit of fun with the crowd that seems to have gathered around him. I try to stay away from Mikhail since I am unsure if he will kiss me again if I am near him. I stay for a while but as things start getting louder I sneak out of the hall and head to my rooms.
Right as I am about to open my door, I hear a loud noise behind me and turn to see Mikhail heading down the hall towards our rooms. He seems to have lost his crowd, as he is alone now. I know that I should go into my room while I have the chance but instead I head toward Mikhail. “Are you okay?” I ask him as I approach him and his eyes move to lock onto me as he stumbles my way. He smiles at me as he trips over himself right into me and I catch him barely able to keep both of us up. “Mikhail.” I say his name trying to get him to pay attention enough to get back on his own feet.
“I’m fine.” He says his words slurred together a bit. Then Mikhail pushes back on me to steady himself and I am glad that I didn’t drink more because I would have fallen now if I had. He sways for a moment but manages to stay on his own feet for now. “Were you avoiding me all night?” He asks me and his voice only stutters a little. I look him right in the eye wondering if he really is drunk or not.
“No.” I tell him even though I was. He smiles at me then leans forward and presses his lips to mine again. At first I move to push him away but then I notice that he does not taste like drink. I barely taste any ale on his breath at all. I wouldn’t say I really kiss him back though, when I pull back Mikhail stands completely steady and looks me right in the eye.
“Yes, you were avoiding me.” He tells me his voice completely smooth now that he is no longer pretending. Then he walks easily right to his room and closes the door on me. I sigh for a moment then go to knock on his door.
“Mikhail, wait.” I say loudly as I knock again. He opens his door just a little and looks at me through it.
“Why? You were avoiding me, then you lied.” He says calmly. I look right at him and then sigh again.
“I apologize, for lying. I was avoiding you because I did not want you to kiss me again in front of everyone.” I tell him feeling my heart beating fast again at the thought of it all. He smiles at me then and opens his door a bit wider before placing himself right between me and his room.
“All right. So is that all?” He asks me softly. I move toward him a little.
“Please just do not kiss me in public. It makes me have to kiss you or make a scene and you know that I do not want to.” I tell him even though I can read into my words enough to figure that I am not telling him not to kiss me just not to kiss me in public. He smiles at me despite my words and I am half sure he notices the distinction as well.
“So then I can kiss you now?” He asks me his voice turning sweeter as he takes another step toward me. I don’t answer him and he takes another step forward then places his hands on my shoulders. “Gael, may I kiss you?” He asks again and this time I find myself nodding slowly. He takes another step so his body is right up against mine; then he moves his head in and kisses my lips. This time I move my lips with his caressing him as much he does me. When he opens his lips I find myself moving to slide my tongue into his mouth. He allows the movement easily and moves his tongue to meet mine as well. We keep moving our mouths for a few moments until he softly pulls back.
We stay looking at each other for a few moments with neither of us talking. “Thank you, for letting me kiss you. I won’t kiss you again in public unless you start it.” He tells me and I just nod knowing that he isn’t agreeing not to kiss me at all just not in front of other people.