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Castorice leaned against the bathhouse balcony, gazing out at the holy city. A city that she could never touch. A place she could never truly call home due to the deadly curse that haunted her, flowed through her veins. Cursing everything she touched.
The wind blew past her, causing her butterfly earrings to flutter. How she wished she could fly off and be free. Fluttering from flower to flower. To be the start of a life instead of her being its end. She sighs, shifting to sit on the cold stone balcony, watching as the flowers that grew around the balcony begin to wilt. Bright pink flowers dulling to a dull husk of itself.
Castorice could almost imagine the golden threads that flowed through Ohkema. Winding through every street. Dancing at every murmured word among the citizens. All feeding back to the only one that could truly see them, the only one who could interpret each message they carried. Weaving them into every detailed plan. Threads that her distant eyes always seemed to be occupied with. Aglaea occupied Castorice’s mind, her thoughts drifting away from the city infront of her. Castorice wondered how much information the threads feed Aglaea. How much info she had to sort though.
“Please stay five steps away,” Castorice mutters automatically when she feels someone approach her from behind. Not looking away from the shining city infront of her, still lost in her own thoughts.
“Your mind wanders Castorice. Tell me what occupies your thoughts to the point you do not do as much as glance behind you.” Aglaea's graceful voice echoes in Castorice’s ear. “It is not like you my dear Castorice.”
A warm breath brushed against the pointed tips of Castorice’s ear. She froze, fear creeping through every inch of her body. Ready for the weight of another lifeless body flopping down on top of her, but instead she heard a small chuckle and the click of heels on the stone gazebo’s floors. Castorice turned around, shock frozen on her glowing face. Blush clinging to her skin.
“How?” Castorice asked breathaly. Aglaea smiled in return, the look on her face was one of satisfied curiosity. The one when one of her theories were proven right, or when of her many plans all tied together in a neat bow. Not a single loose end in sight. Castorice didn’t know what to say or how to react. Scanning the ground as if an answer would be lying on the floor. By the time she had looked up again Aglaea was being pulled away by three tiny gods. Castorice just watched her get pulled away. Staring in the direction Aglaea had been pulled off till long after the baths closed for the day. Her thoughts were whirlwind possibilities, the only thing she knew that she was not going to try and push the boundaries of her curse. Not wanting to take a gamble with something as delicate as the strings of mortality.
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Castorice was once again on the battlefield that lined the outskirts of Okhema. Battling the minions of the black tide. She was called to try to snuff out the overwhelming surge of enemies. A job that she had done thousands of times. Casually wiping the dust off the blade of her scythe as another beast tried to charge at her. Slicing it clean in half with grace, letting it crumble into the ground. Only feeling numbness as she watched the creature die. She was the Crysos Hiers reaper, carrying their enemies across the river styx.
Looking out over the waves of corpse both those of friend and foe, the sparkle of the gold off the corpses caught her eye. It reminded her of the perfect golden curls that Castorice wanted to run her fingers though. Castorice shook herself out of her thoughts, continuing on with her job but her mind wandered as she continued the practiced attacks she had done a thousand times. She noted many things. How Aglaea’s electric blue eyes put the shining skies of Okhema to shame. How the statue-esque dress mimicked the marble beast that Castorice was fighting. Unlike the cold stone her dress looked warm, less stiff. Making Aglaea seem like a statue carved by the goddess Mnestia herself.
Castorice’s thoughts wandered as her hands automatically diced the hordes of enemies that kept surging from the tide. The rubble around her pinning her in a corner as marble and gold weapons swung much closer as Casotrice was comfortable with. As a heavy weapon was raised above her head, Castroice readied her weapon to block the blow. But the weapon's fall was stopped by golden threads holding back the weapon, slicing it at the pull of Aglaea’s wrist. Before the marble warrior could react it had been impaled on Aglaea’s sword. Castorice stood in awe as Aglaea approached Castorice, her Mannequins fending off the enemies that surrounded them. A warm smile gracing Aglaea’s face.
Castorice recomposed herself, turning back to the horde of enemies that surrounded them.“I assure you Lady Aglaea I had this covered.”
“I trust that you did,” Aglaea danced around Castorice, gracefully slicing enemies along the way.
“Then why-?” Is all Castorice managed to say before an arrow shot by her head. Castorice turned to spot the beast that shot at her, its bow still raised in front of it. A smug expression somehow sitting on its cold unmoving face. Castorice moved to attack the beast, ready to turn it to dust. Aglaea was not far behind as she left her mannequins to deal with the other enemies focusing on the one that had just attempted to take down Castorice. Aglaea mirrored Castorice's attacks, making them look effortless. Electric shocks prickled the air as lightning shattered the marble archer to pieces. The static ticked Castorice's skin as the two danced around the battlefield, each attack landing in rhythmic blows.
As the battlefield cleared, rocky dust filled the air. Castorice’s attacks slowed, tired after hours of fighting. Exhaustion sinking deep into her bones. She stared down the seemingly endless waves of enemies. Pushing forward, calling out to Aglaea, “Aglaea, how much longer do you think this battle will last.”
Angela's eyes darted across the battlefields skies, searching for an answer. Before long she replied, “Not much longer my dear Castorice, hold out a little longer for me.”
Aglaea too was getting tired, she was much more used to guiding the battlefield from afar instead of fighting on it herself. Small scratches dotted her bare legs, a strap slipped off her shoulder, her laurel wreath askew on her head. Her normal perfect image that she upheld slipped slightly in the depths of battle. With the only ones to see it being Castorice and the enemies that were not leaving the battlefield alive.
As the last enemy fell, Aglaea swept a purple flower with a white interior covered in mud. The same flowers that were all over Castorice’s outfit. Placing it right back on the top of Castorice’s head from where it had fallen. Castorice's brain stopped, her gaze locked on the fair hand that brushed the top of her head. Her face flushing.
“The Holy City will be safe once more. We should return to Marmoreal Palace. We seem to both need a good bath.” Castorice looks down, finally noting the state of her own clothing. Her lilac hair was stained with mud. Her stockings and dress being dirtied from white to grey. Blood trickled down her cheek. Dripping onto her collar bones.
“It seems so,” Castorice replies letting out a breathy chuckle, “Let's head out then.”
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It wasn’t uncommon to see the Chrysos Heir’s entering Okhema’s bathhouse together making their way to its upper level. More often it was Mydei and Phainon trading heated banter or Tribios and Aglaea discussing the well-being of the city or more recently the outlanders going to discuss their next move with the Heirs. But it was a rare sight to see Castorice walking through the bathhouse.
Golden butterflies danced around the pair as they entered the Marmoreal Palace. The waterfall parted in front of them allowing the Heirs to enter. Quickly the crashing waterfall fades into the background as the chatter of the bathhouse over powers it. Chatter that caused dread in Castorice’s heart. Knowing that the chatter means she will have to dodge people. That she will have people shooting scared glances at her as she walks by. That Mother’s will hold their children back, staring her down as if she were some wild monster. That whispers and looks will flow more freely than the bathhouse’s waters.
Castorice pushes her increasingly intrusive thoughts aside, opting to try and focus on Aglaea instead. The gentle smile that had graced her face, the comfortable silence they had fallen into during their walk into the city. The way Aglaea strode with graceful confidence, even with the dust and blood mareing her dress. Aglaea laughs a bit, a bright elegant laugh that draws Casotrice back from the worries that were clawing through her mind. A laugh that brightened her heart, shining like the sun against the darkened horizon.
“No need to be so tense, Castorice,” Aglaea said, making her way across the side bathhouse with Castorice not short behind. Nervous guests parted for them leaving as much excess space as each could. Both out of respect and fear. A guard inched farther from Castorice as they made their way up the stairs to the elevator. The guard was trying their best not to show their fear of Castorice as she walked by him, but Castorice noticed. Only eating away at her thoughts more.
“No need to worry lady Aglaea.” Castorice returned, but nothing in her body language or tone supported a word she said. Her eyes locked on the floor, clouded over with worry. She was biting her lip slightly as they moved closer to the elevator. Aglaea stepped on the elevator while Castorice waited. She slowly stepped on to the elevator making sure to maintain the proper distance from Aglaea.
“Come closer. There is no need for you to stand on the edge of the platform,” Aglaea ushering her forward. Castorice hesitated for a moment, not stepping more than a single step forward. Anxious thoughts flooding her brain, anxious about the possibility of hurting Aglaea. Especially after walking through the crowded bathhouse.
The platform clicked, smoothly rising into the air. Settling on the top floor, the noise of the bathhouse below being drowned out by the crashing golden water that flowed down from the cracked pearl above. Lacing the water with a divine golden hue.
A flash of red hair appeared in front of the pair, crashing into Aglaea with a hug. Causing Aglaea to stagger backwards a bit due to the sudden force. Castorice quickly moved aside to give the pair room.
“Aggy you’re back!” Tibblie exclaimed, gripping Aglaea’s legs tightly. The two other faces of Tribios not far behind running to catch up to the fast messenger. Aglaea moved her hand to the top of Tribbie’s head, breaking the hug and kneeling down to look at the short demigod in the eyes.
“I told you I would be alright Tribbie, I had Castorice with me anyways so there was zero chance of failure,” Aglaea looked back at Castorice as she said so, Castorice could feel the warmth rising in her face. Castorice averted her gaze away from Aglaea, picking at the dried mud that painted her dress instead. Aglaea turned back to address the triplets, smiling, “We do need to clean up though. So if you wouldn’t mind leaving us to wash up, I’ll meet with you after.”
“Ok Aggy. Come find us as soon as you're done!” Tribbie said before running off again, Tibbie’s endless energy and excitement not faltering. A tired Trianne and Trinnon shooting each other exhausted looks, still catching their breaths, before chasing after Tribbie again. Aglaea chuckled as she watched the three run off. Turning back to Castorice when triplets disappeared through the marble arch that led to the rest of the bathhouse.
“I’ll have the mannequins wash our clothes while we clean up.” A mannequin quickly appeared behind Castorice holding out a bathrobe for her to change into, startling Castorice. Ready to take her torn and muddy dress. “I’ll give you space to change.” Aglaea said, making her way through the arch presumably to swap into a bathrobe herself.
Castorice quickly swapped into the robe cautiously giving the mannequin her dress. Letting her long lilac hair fall from her ponytails. Wading into the shimmering water, purple petals brushing past her legs. Feeling as the exhaustion from fighting all day sunk in as the sun set on the eternal city. Orangey gold light washing over the upper level of the bath house.
Casotrice waded over to one of the many empty tables. Sinking into the cold stone bench, letting the warm water soothe her aching muscles. Her eyes drifted shut as she waited for Aglaea to return. Letting the sound of flowing water wash away her thoughts. The background chatter of the people in the bathhouse dimmed with the sky. The grip of exhaustion took its hold of Castorice’s mind as it got quieter. Her worries inched back into the depths of her mind, being washed away by thoughts of gold and cream.
Castorice slowly opened her eyes when she heard the water around her be disturbed. Noticing Aglaea making her way towards her. The golden light shining on Aglaea’s porcelain skin, shimmering against her gilded tattoos. She truly was worthy of the Romance Titan’s Coreflame. No one could hold a candle to Aglaea’s dazzling beauty to Castorice. Golden wires appeared and disappeared in her fingertips as she waded through the pools. Her eyes studied the empty air, holding out her hand to grip thread that only appeared once her fingers grazed it. Disappearing the second her grip loosened. Her gaze shifted away from the threads and to Castorice. Well, to the best Aglaea could focus her eye’s on her. Her bluey green eyes clouded over with distance, distance that fell away when they landed on Castorice. As if pulling the sight of her pulled Aglaea out of a day dream. Almost as if everything in Aglaea’s world fell away the moment she saw Castorice. Castorice brushed that thought aside as sleep pulled her away.
Aglaea smiled, warm and gentle watching as Castorice dozed off in the golden hour’s glow, her careful statue-like demeanor fell as sleep gripped her mind. The sun almost fully set on the horizon, basking Castorice in hues of pinks and purples. Her lilac hair is still coated in mud from the battlefield. Slowly wading her way to the table trying to not disturb Castorice, not wanting to disturb one of the few times Castorice was able to rest. One of the few times she wasn’t being played as a pawn, a mindless killing machine that took out whoever stood in her leader's way. A fate seemingly much crueler than death. A fate that haunted Castorice in every corner of life, but here in the sunset light it all seemed to melt away.
“Would you like my help washing the mud out of your hair?” Aglaea asked quietly, not knowing if she would even receive a reply. A sleepy mumble and a half-awake nod came from Castorice, obviously not fully conscious. She was seemingly not as worried about the distance between them in her tired state. Not anxious about harming those around her, Aglaea pondered how long Castorice had truly been going for, how exhausted she truly was.
Aglaea ran through the tips of Castorice’s hair slowly combing it with her fingers. Her gold painted nails stood out against the purple hues of Castorice’s hair. Aglaea held it like it was the most delicate thread she had ever worked with. Like it was the golden wool that could grant Aglaea’s any wish. Something that could disappear in a second. Knowing that it all could disappear in an instant, if the recent attacks from the black tide had shown Aglaea anything. Aglaea ran her fingers through Castorice’s hair until the mud dissolved into the water, flowing into the baths below. Algaea worked her way up until her fingers risked brushing against Castorice’s pointed ears. Her deadly curse trying to dig its greedy claws into Aglaea's soul but was dispelled by the Coreflame. The curse had long since been something Aglaea cared about, knowing that it had no way to kill her as long as she held the Coreflame. Aglaea brushes her fingers against Castorice’s cheek, gently trying to wake her.
“I’m done,” Aglaea mumbles half to herself half to Castorice, “the mannequins must be done by now. It wouldn’t be comfortable to have you sleep here either.” Aglaea looked down at the unbothered Castorice, deep in a peaceful slumber. A content smile resting on her face as she layed on her crossed arms. Letting her rest would be best as she had done much to protect Okhema, both today and many times in the past. The patrons of the bathhouse were all long gone by now as the sun disappeared across the horizon. There should be know one to worry about if Aglaea took Casotrice back to her room. She looked down at the Castoice, a deep sadness gripped her chest, one that she hadn’t felt in a long time. All from the sight of Castorice for once not filled with worries. She didn’t deserve the fear that others showed her, having protected the city over and over again; She didn’t deserve the pain of pushing herself to the point she would pass out on the battlefield having to be dragged back by her dragon companion. She didn’t deserve any of the cruelty that the citizens of Ohkema showed her. She deserved to have more peaceful moments where she didn’t have to worry at every moment and be free of the curse that had taken everything from her thus far.
Aglaea looks around, carfullying picking up Castorice, hoping that she didn’t wake up. Castorice needed all the rest she could get, and she would end up getting none if she knew Aglaea had put any risk on her life to take her back to her room.
“Let's get you to your room,” Aglaea smiles. Red hair peeked around a corner and faint childlike giggles danced in the distance. As purple and gold disappeared into the Palace.
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Castorice was back on the balcony, decidedly her spot for thinking at this point. She had been thinking about how close Aglaea was able to get. Carefully dismantling her walls, creeping further and further into her life both physically and mentally. The first time Castorice brushed it off, thinking that maybe Aglaea’s constitution allowed her to briefly get closer than most could ever get but when she woke up in her room instead of being left in the water or woken up to walk herself to her room Castorice was left to speculate. Castorice thought about the flow they had on the battlefield. She wished to truly dance with Aglaea, instead of working themselves through another battle. Letting music decide their steps instead of the clang of swords. Letting something other than death lead her forward for once in her life. Letting Aglaea guide her forward. Yearning for the feeling of being held, a feeling she had long since forgotten, if she had ever experienced it. Castorice tried to remember the time around when she fell asleep. To only be able to pull vague sleepy memories of fond words and gentle touches. Castorice threaded her fingers through her hair, noting how soft it was with not a spec of mud or a stain insight. Her pale purple hair was in pristine condition, showing no signs of battle. The great care and detail made her heart flutter.
Tribios had been acting weird around her lately as well, when any of the triplets saw Castorice they would giggle and run away leaving Castorice confused. For only a few minutes later have Aglaea, equally as confused, be pushed by Tribios to wherever they had spotted Castorice last. One of the many times this happened Castorice had been in a rush and left before the triplets had returned. Leaving Aglaea in an empty court yard with a very disappointed demigod pouting at her feet. A story Aglaea later told Castorice after Castorice helped her with an interrogation. The symbols of the titans glowing above them, symbols of the fate they both shared. Illuminating them as their shared laughs warmed their hearts.
These interactions only made Castorice long to have the bonds that she never could have. She had only ever been able to see others fall in love, find their families, and form connections. Watching as even her fellow heirs found solace in each other. Leaving her as a distant afterthought. Always pushed away, shunned from life, but with Aglaea, Castorice felt like the spotlight had been shone on her.
Castorice stared down the setting sun, knowing she had seen much brighter. It had gotten to the point every time she watched the sunset Castorice only noted how the golden hues reminded her of Aglaea. Shimmering and fading into the deep purples of the night. How the golden shining light gave into the welcoming cool night. Castorice reached out as if she could grab one of the rays of fleeting sunlight, hoping that it would be one of Aglaea’s golden threads leading her to the demigod. Disappointed when it slipped through her fingers.
Everything felt right when Aglaea was around. Like there wasn’t a part of her missing anymore. That there wasn’t the threat of ever looming destruction and the prophecy. Each moment felt like a stand still, a snapshot that Casotrice wished she could photograph. A moment that she wished could be immortalized in a mosaic.
Tears started to drip down her face. It had been a long time since she last cried. Being surrounded by loss and grief made her too numb to shed tears. But here she was staring off at the World Bearing Titan as the golden sun set on his ever looming frame. Letting the tears run down her face for the first time in forever. Letting them go from small drips to full on sobs. She let herself feel. Feel every emotion she had bottled up since the start of her journey. She always knew her fate was set in stone. Decided for her before she ever got the chance to decide for herself. But now that fate didn’t seem as cruel. For now she knew she could make each step with a beacon guiding her way. Filling Castorice with joy, relief, sadness, love. Every emotion that she had long since felt.
She couldn’t tell if it was a trick of her distraught mind or if it was real when porcelain fingers brushed the tears off her cheeks. The hand settled on Castorice’s cheek, she let herself lean into it. Warmth spread through her face, heating up the cold tracks her tears had been left behind. She let her knees give out as strong arms caught her from falling. Calming words echoing in her ears, guidinging her through each rediscovered emotion.
A small tear hit Castorice’s arm, but not her own. Even though a perfectly calm voice rang in her ears, tears pitter-pattered around her. Castorice reached out, finding wet cheeks through her teary eyes and wiping away the tears like she had done for her. Pushing away the golden curls that clung onto her tear soaked face.
Both their walls are completely down. Crying in each other's arms. Both letting themselves feel like they hadn’t in years, centuries. Letting them process the weight of the world that sat on their shoulders. Both with someone who truly knew what loomed ahead.
Eventually the tears fizzled out. Eventually both said their exhausted goodbyes. Eventually Castorice found herself back at the same balcony gazing out at Okhema thinking about its golden guardian. Letting herself feel freely, knowing golden threads would catch her fall.
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Castorice didn’t understand why she kept getting invited to these parties, or why she kept showing up. Large parties filled to the brim with people. Laughter and music filling the air as people mingled. Wine flowing freer than water. Seemingly all the heirs were invited to this gathering, all seeming a little off put by the number of guests.
Castorice had found herself a corner to tuck herself away in, staring down at the glass of wine in her hands that she hadn’t dared take a sip of yet. Hiding from the onslaught of people. Regretting coming out of politeness, again. She didn’t want to make it seem as if she was too good to be at these types of events. Not wanting to diminish someone's hard work of putting together the event and sending her the invite. Plus it was for the Harvest festival. Even if it felt like her and Mydei held bad omens for the upcoming harvest they were still invited along with all the other heirs. It would be a bad image for her not to show up.
“Hiding?” The voice started her. It was Aglaea. Her tone of voice was more casual. Recently, many of their barriers had been dismantled. Including titles and formalities, letting little jokes slip between them. It was like the way she had seen Aglaea talk to Tribios. Like she was become a part of their little family.
“More like everyone is too scared to get close to me,” Castorice replied in a joking manner. Still staring down at her undrunk wine. Trying not to notice how Aglaea was too close, how she kept letting Aglaea get too close. Even if there was always that little voice in the back of her head that was warning her to stay away. Unlike the nervousness that consumed her around everyone else Castorice was able to push it away. Focusing on Aglaea instead, whatever conversation they were having or activity they were doing. It was calming, having a breather from her worries.
The music around began to shift, faster upbeat songs meant for quick sporadic group dancing were being swapped to slower more intimate tunes. Groups on the dance floor gave way to couples. A pair that she had seen in the bathhouse on many occasions held each other as the music swayed. On the other side of the dance floor Castorice saw red and gold mixed with blue and white as Phainon dragged Mydei onto the dance floor. Phainon laughed as Mydei grumbled, knowing if it had been anyone else Mydei wouldn’t have hesitated to punch them into next week. Castorice watched the couples flock to the dance floor one after another. People she recognized from the city. Others being people that she had saved. Others who were scared at her mere presence. Aglaea watched Castorice stare longingly at the dance floor, and couples that were holding each other as the music continued.
“Have you ever danced at one of these events before?” The question caught Castorice off guard. Her face flushing at the question. She knew the answer but she felt embarrassed by the fact that she had, in fact, never danced at a party before. Let alone with anyone. “No, I haven’t.”
“Well then,” Aglaea extended her hand offering it to Castorice, “may I offer you this dance?” Castorice feels her face burning, staring at Aglaea in quiet shock. A smile gracing Aglaea’s face, diligently waiting for a response.
“Are you sure?” Castorice moved her hands closer to her chest, gripping her glass harder. Trying to stop her hands from reaching for Aglaea’s. Reaching for an offer that she had never gotten before, a hand.
Looking at Aglaea with worry in her eyes, whispering just loud enough for only Aglaea to hear, “I’m not going to hurt you, am I?”
“You haven’t hurt me yet.” It was a small and simple reassurance, one that anyone else may have been brushed off. The small reassurance held so much weight to Castorice. It was as if a mountain of worry was lifted from her shoulders with those five small words.To Castroice it was an open door leading her out of the suffocating what-ifs. Knowing for once she wasn’t hurting someone by just getting near them for once. Knowing that, through their encounters over the past few weeks, Castorice now knew that there was at least one person she could dare try to get close to. That through everything she could maybe have a chance at connection. Of closing the distance.
It made her feel slightly giddy, excitement flowed through her veins. Freeing her hands, setting down the glass of wine on a nearby table, Castorice reaches out gently. Testing the touch of her hand against Aglaea’s and oh she never wanted to go back, never let go.
The world fell away for once. Her subconscious worries died as her brain became overwhelmed from the new feelings she was experiencing. Chatter that filled her with anxiety fell away. Leaving only the music as the thing to pierce through the noise of her heart pounding heavily in her ears. The electric feeling of Aglaea’s hand in her own as Aglaea whisked her away. The proximity of others didn’t matter to her at this moment, only caring about how she was finally close to someone, touching someone. She wasn’t going to hide away at this moment, letting others keep their distance instead.
Aglaea guided Castorice’s other hand to her shoulder, keeping their right hands interlocked. The warmth of Aglaea’s skin against Castorice’s palm felt searing. It was unlike anything else she had known before. Only knowing the fading warmth of a dead body or the cold hard stone of crumbling monsters. The warmth of something living was comforting and new. Aglaea’s hand drifted its way to Castorice’s waist, firmly settling on it. Pulling her closer slightly.
“Just try and follow my lead.” Aglaea whispered into Castorice’s ear before she started moving. She started with simple steps and sways. Guiding Castorice in slow circles. Testing the waters of their movements. She made sure Castorice seemed comfortable with the movements and when she saw no signs of hesitation or discomfort she started picking up the pace. Rotating as they moved in circles, holding onto each other like a lifeline. Castorice didn't dare look away from Aglaea, too scared that this moment could be another dream that could slip through her fingers in an instant.
Each of their steps was punctuated by a beat in the music. As if the music was shaping itself around their dance and not the other way around. Aglaea spun her around at the peak of the chorus, using the arm on Castorice’s waist to dip her when she returned to facing Aglaea. Her grip strong and steady. Castorice pulled herself forward out of the dip. The bit of initiative earned Castorice a small gasp from Aglaea. Surprised as Castorice had taken a passive role in the dancing thus far. It was more than welcomed though, freeing Aglaea from any worry or restraint in her dance moves. Knowing that Castorice was loosening up and having fun. The two began to pick up the pace as the music did, punctuating their dance with spins, dips, and kicks. Their hands never left the others during the dance, both not wanting the contact to break. Both not wanting the moment to end and letting the other slip from their grasp.
During the final moments of the song Aglaea extended her arm leaving her and Castorice in a line before pulling her back in and wrapping her arms around her. Resting their foreheads together as the music hit its final notes.
They stood there like that for almost a minute. Having what, to both of them, had felt like an eon pass by in an instant. Heavy breathes filling the silence that the gap between songs had provided. Neither wanted to be the first to let go. They both wished that they could have lived in that moment forever.
Eventually, they slowly pulled away when they realized that they were being aggressively stared at. Everyone was standing around them in shock. Frozen in place like statues. Even the other heirs were in shock. They only noise being the giggles of the Tribbie as she rushed out to spread the news.
As soon as they broke apart murmurs began to work their way through the crowd. Whispers questioning how Aglaea got so close to Castorice without dropping dead. How the much admired Aglaea had seemed to finally taken a liking to someone, and how some were upset it wasn’t them. Castorice knew that the story of what happened would rip through the holy city like a wildfire but this time she didn’t care about how the city spun their dance. It hadn’t been for them. It was for her.
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Castorice was pacing around the bathhouse. After the dance they had shared Castorice had laid awake in her bed staring at her ceiling for hours. For once she felt bothered by her loneliness, having just been given a taste of what could be. That's all she could think about as she had laid awake staring at her ceiling. The what-ifs. What if their touches weren’t sustainable. What if she hurt Aglaea like everyone else. What if Aglaea was just pitying her…
What if there was something more. What if she had a chance?
So here she was pacing around the Marmoreal Palace gardens waitting for Aglaea to get out of the political meetings she had been locked up in all day. The grass below her heels was long dead, crunching as she walked over the same path for what had to be the hundredth time. Her thoughts preoccupied with what she would say to Aglaea. The things that could happen. The door that could open or close. All while Tribbie watched Castorice pace to the point where she was surprised she hadn’t started digging herself into the ground.
“What’s got you so worried, Cas?” Tribbie said hopping off the bench she had been watching Castorice from, walking over to her fellow heir. Castroice was snapped away from her thoughts. Quickly looking away from Tribbie, embarrassed by being caught so lost in thought. Especially when those thoughts were solely about Aglaea. Who was practically Tribbie’s older sister, or at least that's how they acted.
“It’s nothing much. Just been thinking.” She has stopped pacing, instead fidgeting with her dress. Not daring to make eye contact with Tribbie instead intensely staring at the dead grass at her feet. Staring at it as if the grass below her feet proved her worries true. Tribbie, frustrated, gave Castorice a look, as if to say ‘That’s obviously not true and we both know it.’
Castorice sighs, giving into Tribblie’s silent demands to just tell her what's wrong. “Well, I guess I’ve just been thinking a lot about the recent interactions me and Aglaea have had.” Tribbie noted how she had dropped the title of Lady for Aglaea. “You saw the dance, it was unlike anything I have experienced. Everything over the past few weeks. It's all been occupying my thoughts.” Castorice hesitated for a moment, her face flushing a bright red before covering it with her hands mumbling into them, “She has been all I’ve been able to think about, and…” Her voice caught, too embarrassed to say another word. Her face burning at the thought of what she had been feeling. Her legs buckled, causing her to flop to the dead, yellowed grass below her. Yet another reminder of the shining gold that occupied her mind.
Tribbie’s eyes just glittered at what she had been told. Excitement brewing in every fiber of her little body. “You have a crush on Aggy?”
Castorice moved her hands from her face, sheepishly looking up at Tribbie.“Yeah that’s one way you could put it.”
“That’s wonderful! You two are so perfect for each other. Oo-oo-oo I should get Trinnon to see if she can get a prophecy for you two. You think that would work?” Castorice giggled at the naive excitement. Lifting her spirits to see someone so close to Aglaea was so eager and supportive. “No need for that, your excitement is already enough.”
“I really do mean it! I don’t think I’ve seen Aggy look at someone the way she looks at you.” Tribbie was practically bouncing in place at this point. Excitedly telling Casotrice about all the ways she thought how her and Aglaea were perfect together. It warmed her heart. Hoping that all the things that Tribbie was talking about could be a possibility. She could fill the role of older sister as well.
Eventually the excited rambles turned into small games that they played while they waited. Tribbie proposed the idea during a tangent where she noticed Castorice unintentionally zoning out. Offering to play games to get her mind off of Aglaea until her meetings were over. They tried many little games, all lying in Casotrice’s comfort zone. Eventually they landed in an endless loop of tic tac toe games with a board made of sticks sitting on the grass with flowers and pebbles as pieces. All excitedly gathered by Tribbie when the last game they were playing didn’t serve as a good enough distraction anymore. Most of their games ended in a tie but the few games that tilted to one side were one by Tribbie when Castorice made a misplay due to her drifting thoughts, only to be pulled right back by the excited gasp of Tribbie seeing that she had won and the chant of “Again, Again Again”. It was endearing and so they kept playing.
It went on like this until the click of the elevator could be heard from behind Castorice with Tribbie looking up from their game to see a very exhausted Aglaea rubbing her temples. Having not noticed the pair playing games yet. “AGGY!” Tribbie yelled, running over hugging Aglaea’s legs. Not unlike when Aglaea and Castorice had returned after the battle on the outskirts to the Marmoreal Palace. Aglaea looked down at Tribbie placing her hand on the shorter’s head as Tribbie looked up to her.
“How did the meetings go?” Tribbie asked. Earning a strained chuckle from Aglaea. Her stress and annoyance seeped through her normally calm calculated tone, “As well as they could have. How was your day Tribbie? Do anything fun?”
“Yeah! I played games with Cas and it was so much fun. Speaking of Cas,” Tribbie took Aglaea’s hand off her head and dragged her over to Catorice pushing her so Aglaea and Casotrice were face to face. “She wanted to tell you something.” Running off while laughing. Leaving a very stunned, very red Castorice to stand there stuttering. As well as a very surprised Aglaea at the forceful shove from Tribbie.
“What bothers you Cas?” Her words were gentle, filled with warmth. A gentle smile rested on her face as she looked towards Castorice. It was evidently clear to Castroice that Aglaea was all ears. Ready to listen to anything she says. Ready to take on any problem with her. That Castorice could tell her anything as if the world didn’t rest on their shoulders. Castorice looked away before combusting. Only to have a hand placed on her cheek slowly tilting Castorice’s head to look back up at Aglaea. “You can tell me anything, I will be right here.”
Castorice short circuited, instinctually leaning into the touch. Smiling lightly at the gesture. “My mind has been plagued by thoughts of you.” She mumbles, staring intently at the ground. Not wanting to see Aglaea’s reactions to her words just yet. Too scared of a look of disgust or rejection. But with Aglaea’s hand still planted on her cheek when Castorice continued after a few agonizing seconds, “Not once have I thought I would be able to get this close to someone. Feel so safe with someone. But now- you stand in front of me proving all my worries wrong.” Small tears drip from Castorice’s eyes, carefully being wiped away by Aglaea’s thumb. Her touch was still ever present, grounding Castorice as she continued rambling, saying the thoughts that had been looping in her head all day. “I know the future is uncertain, but I would rather face the world with you standing at my side. Have you to fall into after a rough day. Have you to hold me in the way no one else can.” Castorice felt her words catch in her throat, her brain searching for what to say next. Castorice took the opportunity to finally look up to see Aglaea’s expression. It was full of pure love. Every plastered on expression Aglaea wore melted away into pure compassion. It was dazzling, like the cold winter snow giving way to the most beautiful spring flower.
“Cas, you are what ties me down to humanity. Hold me close to the world that my divinity tries to tear me away from. I wish to hold you close, after a long battle. To let our fates intertwine past what the prophecy has ordained. I see no future where you are not the one by my side and I have no doubt that any oracle would agree. Seeing you in my arms I do not see the maiden of death that everyone fears, but a warm soul shining like the stars that dance in the night sky.” Castorice’s eyes shone in Aglaea's words. Aglaea’s gaze was soft and warm against her face. Slowly Castorice moved her hands on either side of Aglaea’s face. Golden curls brushing the back of her hands. Aglaea’s hands moved from her face to Castorice’s waist, gently pulling her forward. Closing any last distance between them. Warm breaths dusted Castorice’s lips. Warmth she was going to be glad to get used to.
Their lips met. Feeling like fire flowing through their veins. Their hands wandered as they kissed. Castorice’s fingers locking into Aglaea’s golden bob. Aglaea’s hands running along Castorice’s back. They faded into each other like the setting sun meeting the night sky. No clear line where one of them ended and the other started. Neither wanted to pull back for breath.
Castorice could feel Aglaea gently guiding Castorice backwards until her back hit a pillar. Aglaea pulled back seeing how disheveled Castorice had become. Aglaea’s head was back lit by the afternoon sun, causing her golden hair to truly glow. The sight caused Castorice’s knees to buckle. With the only thing holding her up was Aglaea. Holding her in her arms. Aglaea chuckled, pulling Castorice back in by the chin for another kiss. Pinning Castorice’s hands against the marble post with one of her own hands.
They kissed until the afternoon sun started to fade. They had ended up lying on the grass. Castorice felt the crunchy dead blades of grass against her burning skin. Aglaea above her, a knee between her legs. Both of their outfits were a mess at this point. Castorice’s spiked crown was discarded on the ground and hair ties pulled out. Hair splayed against the ground. The ties on the front of her dress showed signs of an attempt to pull them loose. Light lipstick was dotted across her neck. One of Aglaea’s dress straps had slipped off her shoulder, allowing the gilded tattoo on her chest to fully shine in the light. Her collarbones decorated with small purple bruises contrasting her gold palate beautifully. Golden eye shadow smudged across her face and onto Castorice’s.
Butterflies fluttered by, and the buds of flowers bloomed on bushes once withered.
The two returned to a room falling in bed together Castorice not wanting to let the moment end. To never let this dream fade. Whatever fate lay ahead. Whatever pains the Flame-Chase journey had in store. They would be prepared to have each other by their sides. Having someone to hold and love, like never before.