Post Masque: Sergei & Mercedes

[Sergei Romanov]

Short and sweet; there were definite benefits to living close to the palace, and a chilly carriage ride that was half as short as many others was one of them.

Exiting the carriage, I held my hand out to help Mercedes down, a smile on my face. I knew she was nervous, and I wanted to do what I could to help her relax.

[Mercedes de las Aragonia]

Sergei seemed to know how difficult this was for me, and did his very best not to make me any more nervous on the carriage ride to his home. I took his hand and stepped down, smiling back at him shyly. I could do this, I could be alone with him. I think.

[Sergei Romanov]

Helping her down from the carriage, I wrapped her hand in my arm and led her to the door, not making any grand gestures, holding her hand intimately. Inwardly, I was torn between sighing and singing; I was more than just happy she was here, but I had to keep my happiness tapered, not feeling the freedom to just turn and kiss her, or to wrap my arms around her. Forever careful was our life.

"My lady," I smiled as I opened the door and held it for her, allowing her to enter ahead of me.

[Mercedes de las Aragonia]

I entered, and then turned back to wait for him. I was being very wrapped up in myself, I realized. Sergei had barely spoken a word since we left the palace, and I hadn't noticed until now. "What are you thinking mi amor?" I asked him with a soft smile.

[Sergei Romanov]

"That I'm glad you're here," I responded with a smile as I shrugged out of my coat and mask. I was glad to be rid of that, at least; I hated wearing the damn thing. Running a hand through my hair, I held out my free hand to take her things, a silent offer to help her take her wrap off. "I'm not sure what exactly there is to eat, though, at this late hour... but I'm fairy certain we could come up with something that you'll enjoy."

[Mercedes de las Aragonia]

I let him take my wrap, and then smiled to him. "Would you help me with my mask?" I asked him. I will not be awkward about this. We are courting, and courting here allows for a lot more than just being alone with him.

[Sergei Romanov]

"Of course."

I turned to do just that, picking the few pins out of her hair that held her mask in place. Holding them in the palm of my hand, I carefully lifted the mask from her face, not wanting to accidentally poke her in the eye or some such with it.

[Mercedes de las Aragonia]

He took such care with me, his large fingers moving slowly and gently. The mask cleared my face and I opened my eyes again and smiled up at him. "Thank you mi cielo," I whispered, going up on tiptoes to lay a soft kiss on his lips, my hands on his chest. It was a bold move, but there was a part of me, deep inside, that wanted the Sergei who kissed me in the middle of a crowded faire. Who jested with me in a quiet carriage. Who pushed me out of my comfort zone, knowing that I would get mad and then he would win me over again.

Tonight there was none of that recklessness in him. And I loved that about him.