Cyrelas
I smiled in the backseat of my carriage, the rhythmic clatter of hooves against cobblestones soothing yet unyielding.
Beside me, Vittorio stole glances in the rearview mirror, curious about my uncharacteristic decision.
"Your Highness," he ventured cautiously, "if I may ask, why reschedule the meeting with the Lady Ludovica's family? It is quite important especially after what you've done."
I sighed, running a hand through my tousled hair
"This chance doesn't come a lot . Especially after how things left off between me and Sybil. I can't throw it away just like that ."
"So Ludovica is not important."
"She is...but I can always talk to her anytime with no effort. But Sybil...I have to work for her time , it's limited. Do you understand?."
"Well...I hope you don't risk the other two ladies seeing you two."
"That's why you're here ."
I look at him with a smirk before looking out the window.
......
Sybil
After what seemed like an eternity they finally arrived . It was advisable to collect us along the way and not in the town .
"Your highness."
"Your highness."
The ladies greet him and I just sigh climbing on the carriage .
He gives me his hand and I just look at it . He knows I can't refuse it infront of these two.
I put my hand in his and I breathe in the weird pleasure I'm feeling just from his touch.
I sit down and wait for the journey.
......
The carriage slows down outside a vine yard. I get out looking at the beautiful view before me .
I guess one good thing came out of today .
........
"Wow your highness, this place is marvelous. It's calm."
"Mmm! It's one of the reasons why I love it . It's the most famous wine making company and only the royal family can come for tasting . I guess it's your lucky day ladies."
"I've always wanted to taste these expensive wines but I never had the privilege to. "
"Oh, I forgot to ask. Are you two siblings?"
"Yes. And Leyla there is our cousin."
"Wow, Leyla is a nice name . Is she mute ?"
I look at Cyrelas bored. Is he serious?
"Uh no. She's just fierce . I told you didn't I ?"
Athena says picking up grapes.
"Ok then."
......
"What game are you two playing with each other Sybil?"
I look at Vittorio confused . I look at Cyrelas with the ladies way ahead of us.
"Me? He's the one playing games. What does he think is going to happen? "
"He's just trying to talk to you?"
"By using these poor ladies."
"No Sybil. The ladies are not going to get hurt or anything. And , the ladies are living every girl's dream today , so are they in any disadvantage.? I don't think so."
I look at the two . They're so happy .
"Knowing you , you wouldn't have come here ? Why?"
"As much as I hate to admit it, I have to talk to him. About Ludo though ."
"She came to you?"
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Nothing."
"Why does he do this ? Ludovica has always been loving towards him. "
"You said you're going to talk to him , please don't ask me questions I don't have answers to. Just enjoy the day and when you two are ready I'll take the ladies away."
.....
The sun is setting and the ladies are drunk . So this is his plan . The wine tasting?
"They're rigged."
I turn to Vittorio who's getting his horse ready.
"Well, that's all. "
He picks up each lady from the floor into the carriage.
"Do you know where they live?"
"No, we'll sleep in the carriage. In the morning they can leave and go back to their normal lives."
"Won't they tarnish-"
"No. I'll talk to them in the morning ."
"Are you really going to sleep in this thing ?"
"Of course not Sybil. Down there there's a gardener's cottage. It'll be more than enough. Guessing how hot it was today , it might rain. Te skies are heavy with clouds, promising rain . Just wait here , he'll come get you. Bye , good luck."
He climbs in and takes off.
I look around me and there's no one .
After a short while a horse stops in front of me and I look to find Cyrelas. A horse?
"Are you going to climb or not? We don't have time."
"Where are you taking me?"
"Somewhere safe. We can't be seen , come on."
I sigh as I climb on the back.
.....
Moments later, the sky darkened, and a torrential downpour erupted.
"Don't worry , we're here."
He says as the gates open for him. I look around and it seems like a farm .
The farmhouse appeared through the mist, a beacon against the storm, its wooden beams glistening with rain.
We dismounted quickly.
The farmhouse was rustic yet charming, with a crackling fire in the hearth that cast a warm glow across the room.
I shook the droplets from my hair, mh cheeks flushed with excitement. I love rain so much . I look through the window with a smile.
"Let us dry off," he suggested, moving toward the fire.
I nodded, my heart racing not just from the chill of the rain but from the warmth of his presence.
.....
Cyrelas
As we sat together, the storm raged outside, a symphony of nature that filled the atmosphere of the farmhouse.
"Do you think the rain washes away the world's expectations?" I mused softly, my eyes locked onto hers. Just talk to me Sybil.
"I need to go back soon. I told Genevieve to skip her day off for me . I-"
"I already talked to Sarah . Everything will be handled . Vittorio will come fetch you tomorrow night. As for me... I earned myself a few days."
"Wow, seems like you have been prepared."
"I'll do anything to even spend a mere second with you Sybil."
"I hope you really just brought me here to talk . I also needed to talk you about something."
"Is it Ludo?"
She nods and I just look down. There's nothing more of a heartache than seeing the look of disappointment in the eyes of someone you love .