I stayed longer than usual that day, my elation dissipating my discomfort around him. By the time I stood up and left, the sun was already setting in the sky.
I quickly wound my way past the imperial gardens. It looked beautiful in the golden sunlight, but the palace was unnerving enough for me to still feel anxious.
As I made my way around the last rose garden, a figure stood in my path. I flinched back, just as the light hit his golden hair.
Ieuan Winters de Aenon. He looked younger as compared to his appearance five years into the future, but his face still held that alarming, telltale intensity. Sure - he was as beautiful as they came; glistening golden hair, emerald green eyes, and an attractive face and figure - but like a silken spider web interlaid with nectar, one touch and you'd be caught in his trap. Like everything else, he used his appearance to its maximum advantage.
I watched him warily. If Roman was guarded, then Ieuan was calculative. He was one of those men that always thought of how to use anything and anyone. Perhaps it was actually a good thing that Roman became the next Emperor, even if it was by means of a bloodbath.
The wind rushed behind him, scattering his hair in all different directions and making his eyes sparkle. I clenched my fists.
"Valerie Aedile?" He smiled, walking closer. His hand softly cupped a rose, and it might have been a beautiful sight, if not for the chills that ran down my back.
"Ieuan Winters de Aenon." I curtsied deeply. "I grant my blessings to the sun of the Empire."
"There's no need for such formalities," he said, but his smile grew wider.
"I'm honored to be in your presence," I continued.
"You're stealing the words right out of my mouth," he murmured. "Valerie Aedile, the most brilliant and beautiful woman in the kingdom?" He stepped forward and picked up a lock of my hair, before pressing a kiss to it. "For what deed in my past life have I deserved this honor?"
To think of it, this guy had always been a shitbag. Roman told me stories of how Ieuan abused him - verbally, emotionally, physically. Through the cruelest pranks and gimmicks, Ieuan tormented Roman even more than Medea.
In the process of Roman's rise to power, it had also been uncovered how corrupt Ieuan was. Despite having the qualifications and appearance as a prince, he had poisoned his late father and forged succession documents. He had smuggled in goods from other countries and committed fraud at the expense of others. When impoverished parts of the country begged him for help, he forced them to work long hours and cared little for their lives.
All in all, a terrible person.
"It is not an honor to meet me," I replied.
"You're very refined and graceful," Ieuan smiled. "Unlike your brother, Ethan. He's more of the cheerful are careless type."
I stiffened.
"I look forwards to working with him in the upcoming mission." Ieuan continued.
At this point in time, he and Ethan weren't friends. Their connection went no farther than school acquaintances. He probably did this to get under my skin.
"I wish you return in safe health." I bowed my head.
"I'm very pleased you wish that." Ieuan said, fiddling with my hair still in his hands. "And," his eyes glinted. "I shall take good care of your brother."
"Then I am relieved, if he's in your hands." I nodded. "I would love to chat further, but my brother leaves soon and my family hopes to dine together this last week. I will see you again when the troops depart."
Ieuan stepped to the side, giving me the room to pass him by. "I dearly hope so, Miss Aedile. Until then."
I continued walking without once looking back at him, stopping briefly around the corner to breathe. The pressure was immense. I could still feel his unblinking gaze on me even now.
---
It was a lie. He did trust her, he trusted her with his life, his soul, his heart, for some strange reason. He felt just at ease with her as he did with the woman in his dreams. When he closed his eyes, her words echoed in his head.
"Roman."
He was older here, taller. His hands were weathered from using his sword.
"Roman, I love you."
Those three simple words made him want to crumble to his knees. He bit his lip, unnerved by how weak he was.
"I don't know how it happened, but it's true."
Her skirts danced in the wind, around her.
"And as long as you don't push me away first, I'll always be by your side."
His eyes snapped open, and after wiping them quickly, he headed into the dark wisteria forest to continue swinging his sword.