Personal Space

Ah, blessed sleep...

Rosamund pulled the cover over his eyes, hiding away from the morning sun that lazily crawled across his pillow. He worked til three in the night, he could afford sleeping in today. Life was cozy and good, and he was perfectly snug.

Falling in and out of sleep, he rested in a state of half-consciousness interrupted only with an occasional strange thought. There was something telling him he needed to wake up, but he had no clue why. He finished all the urgent business last night, what else could there be?

Best not think about it too hard.

The household fell into a comfortable routine by now, Adanita and her crew studying hard while still managing to make time to keep things in the Cove under control. The plans for her company were coming along well, although that weasel Sanjar was now getting stretched dangerously thin since they were helping two criminals run a new business. He should allow them a day off soon. Nivelir was keeping all of their heads above water, helping Rosamund with administrative duties, and he now finally developed a somewhat healthier work-life balance, occasionally spending some time with Teodolit. Lilac still had no updates on the devil, but with extra blessings placed into Rosamund's old room and it being renovated, he will be able to return there soon. Just in time to return this guest room to its original use, before he sends out invites for the party. There were no new updates from Dorotea, either... the radio silence was concerning... with her high social status, if she decided to turn nobles against him and Adanita, there wouldn't be much he could do... Perhaps they acted too rashly, perhaps he should permit Alberic to make her an ally and handle her later...

Nobles...

Adanita...

Bloody hells! He forgot! And she reminded him yesterday, during dinner: Baroness Mayberry was throwing a tea party for her friends, and she invited Adanita to introduce her to some of the ladies before his party. Such a clever and proper woman, ensuring she had at least some familiar faces instead of being thrown off into the deep end. Damn it, he promised he'd see her off.

Looking like a proper mess, he at least managed to find his robe to tie around his wrinkly pajamas. In his rush he could find neither his comb nor a ribbon, but he found both slippers which he decided was a success for the day. Damn it, if he could at least look a little orderly- his thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door. "Coming!" he shouted, still trying to find his comb. Ah, damn it. The clock was about to strike ten. Who knew if Adanita was still around? He gave up and just headed for the door, cursing his own decisions and poor sleeping habits. He opened the door to see what other problem needed his attention before he could see where Adanita was-

-was right in front of him.

They both took a step back, mirroring each other's surprise from seeing the other one. She rarely saw him as a mess he was now and he never saw her like this.

The braids in her vibrant hair, which she usually did herself, were now done with care by a servant. Her hair was secured away from her beautiful face, still decorated with her golden beads. She had a little bit of makeup applied, just a few details to accentuate her orange eyes and soft lips. She didn't cover her freckles, and he was so glad to see that. She was lovely.

She had a beautiful dress, perfectly made for this event. It consisted of a high collared bodice that had an opening v-cut, which stopped just above her chest showing off the ruffled fabric of the dress underneath. It was the same sky blue color as her coat, embroidered in white and gold roses, and had an overskirt attached to it. Underneath she wore a simple white dress with sleeves that were comfortable and wide, made out of semi-translucent lace and showing off her muscles. She wore a few golden rings on her bare hands, and her swords were secured around her hips in new, elegant sheaths.

"Gods, Captain. You look stunning," he said.

"I could say the same to you," she said honestly with a wide smile. She placed a hand on her chin, really taking him in from head to toe. He awkwardly ran his fingers through his hair, trying to be less of a mess.

"You just got out of bed, huh?" she asked with a smile.
"Ah, yes. I apologize, I know I promised I'll see you off-"
"Late night?" she asked.
"Yes. I am sorry."
"It's alright. I don't mind at all, I just realized what a rare sight this is. When you're not dying, at least."
"No comment," he said. It wasn't his appearance he was interested in right now. "Can I see the dress?" he asked instead, tiredly leaning on the doorframe. "I'd like to see a spin from you."
"Oh, of course, Lord Governor." She carefully picked up her dress and gave him a curtsy. The blue overskirt was clearly made with mobility in mind. The bow revealed two deep cuts in the front and cuts on the side, and a twirl revealed another one on the back. The dress underneath was wide and comfortable, raising just enough to show the new black boots she was wearing.

"Well? How is it?" she asked brightly.
"You are beautiful," he said without hesitation.
"Thank you. I also have a hat. Wide-brimmed, like the nobles like to wear. It almost makes me look like a proper lady."
"Almost? I'd say you always have been, o Queen. You look stunning. You won't even need weapons to bring them all to their knees."
"Ah... Thank you, Rosamund."
"I wish you best of-" 𝓛𝓾𝓬𝓴! Now it made sense! "One moment, Adanita. I just remembered something, please follow me to the office," he said, fetching the key.
"What time is it?" she asked.
"It won't take long," he promised, rushing down the hallway with her following after him.

He entered the office and rummaged through the drawers of his table until he finally found what he was looking for. He proudly presented her with a small jewel box. Her eyes widened when she opened it, looking at the delicate roses inside.
"Baroness Mayberry sent these pins to me," he explained. "I thought she had gone mad, but since there were no instructions with it I suppose the delivery people got confused. I am certain these are for you, they are perfectly made for this high collar. I only received them by accident."
"They are beautiful," she said.
"Not as beautiful as they are about to become," he replied. Ah, he had no mirrors in his office. "May I?" he offered.
"Please," she said.

He carefully took them out of the box and took his time attaching them to the dress. He wanted her to look perfect. She deserved to have everyone see her the way he did. Beautiful, strong, and gentle...

"Rosamund, I'll be late..." she quietly said, bringing him out of his thoughts.
"Ah, right. I apologize," he said. He quite invaded her personal space with this, didn't he?
"Don't worry, I'm enjoying the view."
The- gods damn it, his pajamas. The shirt wasn't properly buttoned, he was too sleepy when he was going to bed. With the way he was standing, he revealed his chest all the way down to his waist, where his robe was tied. "I apologize for my inappropriate attire," he firmly said, stepping away.
"Nothing to apologize for. I quite like this look on you."
"If you want to see more of it, I guess you'll just have to come and wake me up every morning," he replied.

"Is that an invitation?"

His heart skipped a beat as she leaned closer to ask him that. Was- oh gods, he- they were joking around, weren't they? He didn't have a chance to respond to her properly, she stepped away from him with a strange smile.

"I didn't mean it," she said. "I was out of line, I'm sorry."
Damn it, he wasn't about to allow her to apologize for something like this. "Frankly, I am shocked," he said with a neutral face. "I thought you already knew you are always welcome to visit me. Or did you think you were breaking in every evening when I practiced?"
She needed a moment before letting out a laugh, her wide smile brightening up the whole room. Warm, like the setting sun. He gave her a smile in return.

"So? How do I look?" she asked, carefully touching the golden chain that connected her collar pins.
"You are beautiful, Adanita. Stay confident and stay fearless. You've been through a thousand battles, you have strength, a sharp tongue, and a clever mind. Don't let yourself get trampled by them," he said, offering her a hand. "You are the Pirate Queen. Don't back down." She gave him a smile and placed her hand in his. He gave her his finest, most dramatic bow.

"I eagerly await your victory, Captain."


She left. He wasn't presentable enough to see her to her carriage, but he watched her leave through his office window. He had no doubts she would be able to handle it, but he couldn't help but worry. If they manage to trigger something from her past, if they manage to get under her skin- no. He took a deep breath.

If such a thing happened, it will happen in a safe place. Baroness Mayberry was a competent woman, after all. She will surely keep Adanita safe. This was fine.

He looked at the empty box, gently tracing its decorations with his fingers. Did he bother her? He should've let her take the roses and put them on herself. There was a certain sadness to her he had begun to notice, one he couldn't exactly place, and for a moment he saw it again just as she stepped away from him. Was she afraid of him, then? Did he pressure her in some way, did he make her uncomfortable? Good gods, he hoped she didn't take it as a serious invitation to bed. He just- well, fine. Some jokes shouldn't be said, he understood that much. Perhaps he should breach the subject, even though he wasn't sure how. How do you ask a woman if she felt as if she needed to act a certain way in your presence? And if she also simply wanted to joke around, how would she react to the insinuation? What was he supposed to do?

Wait and see, he decided. If it ever happened to escalate beyond simple words poking fun at each other, he will know for sure he took it too far. And he shouldn't offer his hand anymore, or ask for physical contact of any kind. He shouldn't ask if he may touch her hair, or allow hugs or anything of the sort. She could take it the wrong way. He just wanted to spend time with her... he trusted her with his whole life, and not just in the literal sense.

She knew who he was.

But just because he honestly enjoyed her presence and wanted to spend time with her didn't mean he could ask for it. He needed to keep his position in mind. What if she starts thinking that she needs to- to do whatever he'd like- and that he'd otherwise not help her?

Even the thought made him ill. He didn't want that. He simply wanted her to decide that she'd like to see him from time to time, like how she regularly visited him when he practiced. He wanted her to see him as someone worthy of her smile, not harass her into thinking she needed to behave a certain way.

Like a caged bird, alone among golden bars.

He shivered, reminded of the devil's offer.

Perhaps there was a way to breach such an awful topic, but he couldn't see it now. Perhaps in the future... when their work is finished, and before she returns to the Cove to live there for the rest of her life, perhaps then would be the time to ask her if it would be alright to call her a friend. To visit her from time to time, for no other reason than to see her again. With no fear that his intentions could be seen as something they were not, with her knowing that that was all he wanted. Just to spend some time with her. To listen to her worries and share his, with no demands or trades or politics getting in the way.

He sighed, leaving the box on his table. He went to dress up in his room, thinking about her. He spent the uneventful day working, wondering how the tea party was going. The present he ordered for her from Lady Elodie, as well as her new reading glasses, arrived during the day. He wondered how she'd like them. He assumed she'd be home by four o' clock, and wondered where she was after he clock chimed the time. He went to terrorize Nivelir in his office, until the man threw him out to stop him from pacing up and down and imagining the possibilities as to what made her late. The time was crawling, every second making him more and more concerned. What if they insulted her? What if she returns home shattered in a thousand pieces? What if she was attacked by bandits on her way back? What if, what if, what if-?

He felt his heart fluttering when he finally heard the carriage. It was only six, damn it, his own mind made him get stuck in time again. He rushed downstairs to see her, and there she was. Her hair was a bit ruffled, her hat tilted, and she carried several sheets of paper in her hands, marching towards him at full speed, accompanied by a small man that needed to run to keep up with her pace.

"Captain Vervain-" he tried to greet her, deeply confused with what he was seeing.
"Please excuse me! I have a lot of work to do," she shouted as politely as she could, walking past him.
He tried to keep up, too, worried out of his mind. "What happened? Is it the tea party?" Did he need to execute someone?
She flashed him another smile as the strange trio walked to the library.


"I have been challenged to a duel!"