Just as I was about to swallow the last bite of the food I had in my mouth, I suddenly felt a slight shiver and then my face became flush with red, as I blush.
A rush of exhilaration coursed through me as Briareus placed his hand on mine, I could see he was now staring at me, without realizing it he had stood up from his seats and was now standing beside me.
Although I didn't know why he was standing, but I felt it was courteous to do the same. Now holding my hand in his, Briareus gently held my hand it was almost as if he was afraid using too much strength would break my hand and not using enough strength would let my hand slip out from his.
"Mind taking a walk with me?"
My heart skipped a beat, when he said that he probably didn't know have never gone outside the castle in my entire life before.
As if he could hear my inner thoughts, he suddenly said, since he must have noticed my initial look of surprise and confusion "It won't take long."
I wanted to out right decline, beside the fact have never been outside the castle walls, I hated going out, because it was same day mother, myself and father had decided to go out that my mother suddenly died.
At the end I said nothing, as I allowed him to guide me through the enchanting garden. Each step felt like a doorway to a new world, a world I had longed to explore but had been denied.
As we strolled along the garden paths, Briareus's presence brought a comforting warmth that eased the tension within me. With every delicate bloom and intricately carved hedge we passed, I couldn't help but imagine the stories and secrets that have always seen in story books.
"My lady, do you perhaps hate going outside?" Briareus suddenly remarked, breaking the silence that had settled between us.
I nodded, a tinge of sadness accompanying the memories. "No, I dont. However, I have never gone outside after my mother died years ago, it was then father began to be strict, he left little room for personal freedom."
Briareus's grip tightened as if to offer support. "You have the freedom now, My Lady. This garden is yours to explore. And if there is anywhere you wish to go, let me know."
His words struck a chord within me, a smile graced my lips as I turned to Briareus with excitement, gratitude radiating from my eyes. "Thank you, Your Highness..Briareus."
He shook his head slightly, as if giving up on trying to correct me about calling him by his name, my face tingle with embarrassment.
After a while of walking in silence, I eventually decided now was the best time if I wanted to discuss about our wedding night consummation.
"...Briareus?"
"Yes?"
"I don't think I want to do it yet,"My heart began to quickly race against my chest, as I hastily turned my face down and looked at the floor, not only was I afraid I was also embarrassed to meet his gaze.
The knot in my stomach which had gone came out even stronger than before as I awaited his reply. Time seemed to quickly go by as I awaited an angry exclamation.
"Oh, there's no need to be so tensed," he chuckled, teasingly. "Besides, your honesty is refreshing."
I felt a mix of relief and confusion in that moment. How could he take my words so lightly? Didn't he understand the weight of the situation? But before I could question him further, his tone softened.
"I understand your reservations, truly," he said, his gaze now on me, staring at me behind the gray mask. "It's a significant step and one that should only be taken when both parties are ready and willing. I would never want to force you into anything."
His words provided some comfort, but I couldn't completely shake off my unease. It seemed as though he still viewed me as just another obligation to be fulfilled. I couldn't help but feel a twinge of resentment.
"But what about your needs?" I muttered with courage, my voice laced with frustration. "Am I just supposed to be okay with you seeking satisfaction elsewhere?"
The looks in his eyes turned serious as he reached out and gently cupped my face in his hands. "No, my lady," he said, his voice tender. "If you're not ready, then I will wait."
His touch and his words held a sincerity that began to thaw the anger within me. Maybe he did care, in his own way. Perhaps there was more to him than I initially thought.
"I appreciate your understanding," I replied softly, searching his eyes for any signs of deception. "But I don't want you to feel trapped or unfulfilled either, so I would go to one of my concubines to satisfy my need."
In that moment, where I was thinking despite our initial differences and the unconventional circumstances surrounding our union, he was willing to listen to my concerns and adapt. And that just maybe, he was different from my father.
He suddenly added, the moment those words came out the smile on my face and the butterflies in stomach died immediately
I couldn't help but glare at him angrily, if looks could kill he would already have died ten times over. But at the same time, I couldn't understand why I was so angry.
He already said he had several concubines before, and I wasn't even the first woman in his life so why was I feeling this way?
Suddenly he looked at me, for some reason I could tell he was having a smug expression which he hid behind the mask, I clenched my fist so hard I felt like punching his mask.
"Why do I feel like you're angry?" He said, leaning closer towards me.
"Am not angry."I said, fuming over how he was playing dumb again.
"Are you sure?" He repeated.
"Of course not, I am totally angry. Do you expect any wife to be happy when her husband tells her he would be going over to one of his concubines to satisfy himself?"I suddenly said, with an outburst that even shocked myself.