After the Showing

[Medousa Asterius (H)]

I was quiet , feeling horribly awkward and still tingling with mixed desire and disgust. Delaunay said little, just kept his fingers twined with mine, and leading me through the halls. The carriage was brought round and again, he silently helped me in, those beautiful hands of his polite, but little else.

I wanted to die from embarrassment. I had behaved foolishly and let my sensibilities and gifts run rampant. I didn't know what to say to him. So I sat silently, biting my lip and worrying.

[Prince Delaunay de la Courcel]

I noticed the look on Medousa's face, I had to admit I was slightly disapointed but not at her and more from my physical frustrations.

"Please don't do that, its not necessary." I said lifting my hand to her lower lip and running my finger over it.
"I rushed you." My voice filled with understanding and sympathy. "Unless, the thoughts that run through your head are a distaste of me." I said cautiously wondering.

[Medousa Asterius (H)]

I looked at him, a bit helplessly, but clasped his hand in mine. It was still difficult to meet his eyes, so I settled my gaze on his mouth.

"No, just with myself. You must think me so gauche and unworldly. I'm sorry for ruining our night."

[Prince Delaunay de la Courcel]

I chuckled.
"Of course not, I knew that you were not experienced in that world. I should not have pushed so things. Please do not worry." I said leaning over and kissing her lips softly.

[Medousa Asterius (H)]

I let him kiss me and sighed into his mouth. Even with my unraveled nerves I felt his kisses stealing over me like an opium cloud, soothing me and sinking under my skin. I pulled back from him for a moment, just stared into the endless blue of his midnight eyes and marveled. How did he do this too me? What kind of drug was he?

Uncaring I brought my lips back to his and kissed him again. Let him think me naive.

[Prince Delaunay de la Courcel]

I smiled and pressed my lips back against Medousa's, my hand curving around her waist and pulling her to me.

[Medousa Asterius (H)]

He pulled me close and returned my kisses. A flood of relief swept through me. He wasn't turned off by my squeamishness. I tunneled my hands into his dark hair and sighed into his mouth.

[Prince Delaunay de la Courcel]

I pulled back softly but kept my lips against hers.

"What next?" I asked seriously.

[Medousa Asterius (H)]

"I'm not sure. This night has been so... good and new, but unsettling. Mayhap I should just rest, wrap my thoughts around it all. Your Midwinter Masque is approaching, yes? The Solstice?" He sounded so serious and grave. And I felt tired, emotionally drained.

[Prince Delaunay de la Courcel]

I nodded.
"Yes." I whispered as I cupped her face. "Will you be going?"

[Medousa Asterius (H)]

Solstice, the dreams. I still had to speak with Pharinet. And Janyx. So much to do and accomplish. And yet I was tempted to ignore my duties and just spend the time with him.

"Maybe for a very short while. I have to consult the Oracle at midnight, but until then, I have a little time before I must prepare. Afterward... I am near dead from exhaustion and won't be able to leave my bed for a day or so."

[Prince Delaunay de la Courcel]

I nodded again.
"I don't want to scare you away." I said with a soft smile. "If you don't want to see me I'll understand though."