Chapter 15
Theora
Theora tilted her head at her reflection, assessing her outfit with a shrewd eye.
Her gold halter dress was long and loose-fitting, narrow pleats stretching the length of it.
The neckline was closed at the throat, but then opened up at the clavicles, plunging down to the bottom of her sternum, with tape the only thing keeping the fabric from slipping sideways into indecency.
Simple, but elegantly fun. She did love this dress, and it was perfect for a more casual afternoon of diversions. But was it the right dress?
Argos, fully clothed and ready, sat on the bed waiting. “I thought you picked your outfits before we got here?”
She sighed at her reflection. “I did.”
But I didn’t know Apollo would be joining us.
He wasn’t supposed to be here.
She’d just been so busy with preparing Argos and calming her nerves, it hadn’t crossed her mind that the man everyone expected her to marry might come face-to-face with the man she was trying to pretend was the love of her life.
And now that she knew that Apollo truly did have romantic feelings for her, well…
she’d never had a second thought about how much skin she put on show before today, but considering the circumstances, perhaps something a little more conservative would be more appropriate.
“This is far too flirty,” she said.
But she hadn’t so much as unbuttoned the first golden button at the back of her neck before she heard Argos say, “We’re already twenty minutes behind schedule.”
She glared at his reflection in the mirror. “I’m a queen. They’ll wait.”
“You’ve tried on five dresses already.” He sighed, shoving himself up from the bed. “Just wear that.”
“It’s not the right one,” she said, walking behind her changing screen for privacy, freezing as she suddenly felt Argos’s warmth behind her.
“Right one for what?” He removed her hands, redoing the two buttons she had undone. “You look beautiful. Let’s go.”
“And if I don’t?”
“Go,” he ordered, and Theora nearly bit her tongue as her husband slapped her on the ass, hard.
“Sovereign, Argos!” She could feel herself blushing hard as she walked to the dresser and snatched up her golden clutch to gather herself. She took a breath and turned on her heel, laying a successful glare on her husband. “No antics like that in public.”
“Just keeping you on task.”
“Annoying me, more like.”
He grinned the smallest bit. “You want to even the playing field?” he asked, turning slightly to give her a view of his backside. “Go ahead, take a swing.”
Theora rolled her eyes and grabbed a fistful of his shirt, leading him out of the room. But by the time they exited their suite, they were hand in hand—the image of a loving couple.
It was so…odd wasn’t the word. Unfamiliar. But comfortable, thank the Sovereign. She had gotten use to Argos—the way he smelled, the way his skin felt. It was a deception that was becoming easier by the hour.
The tram took them to the entrance of the East Market, one of the main VIP shopping areas of Lasius.
For security reasons, regular tourists couldn’t access this market—it was designated for only the ultra-elite.
Royalty, dignitaries, the incredibly wealthy.
Here, Theora could finally breathe. Pyre’s group would be kept on the west side of the resort, with its own markets and entertainment—there was no risk of ever running into them, of being in the same shop at once.
Entering the market, Theora hardly even noticed they were still underground.
The lighting was adjusted according to the time of day to simulate the outdoors—Argos had been right that she needed sunlight, as even the idea of it made her feel a little more optimistic.
And maybe the idea of a little retail therapy helped, too.
Their scheduled shopping day wasn’t until tomorrow, but who said a queen couldn’t sneak in a bit of shopping whenever she pleased?
The East Market opened up as a large farmer’s market first, with high-end retail stores beyond it.
Here there were a variety of stalls for handmade goods, fresh produce and butchered meats, even used and rare books.
It also included street-food stalls—grilled seafood, fried dough, various curries, nearly all colonies represented.
Knowing they were about to eat, Theora didn’t allow them to linger, but seeing the fascination in Argos’s expression when they passed grilled octopus on a stick was rather…
sweet. He could be so adorable sometimes, when he wasn’t aware others were looking.
Or perhaps it was only cute because she had always expected the opposite from a Warrior.
Regardless, she would most definitely take him back here, when they had more time to wander.
A small bell rang as they entered the jewelry store, and the shop attendant emerged from a back room concealed by a curtain.
“Your Grace,” he said with a bow. “What can I help you find today?”
The man reached to take Theora’s hand in greeting, but Argos gave a small warning growl—well, small to Theora because she’d heard it before, but the shop attendant stumbled back in terror.
“Leave us,” said Theora quickly. The attendant immediately bowed and rushed through the curtain to the back room. Although she was secretly happy they had a reason to be alone, Theora frowned. “That was unnecessary.”
Argos didn’t seem sorry. “You recruited me to protect you. That means I can’t trust anyone in this colony.”
“You don’t trust anyone, period.”
“No, I don’t,” he admitted. He looked around at the displays, a bit lost. “What are we looking for here?”
“I’m just browsing.”
And that was the truth. Because she needed something to take her mind off the disaster of a peace talk session that had happened earlier today.
But at the same time, a gift for Apollo wouldn’t hurt.
Something to help smooth things over until next week, when she would tell him the truth—that this marriage to Argos was only temporary, and that she still had every intention of marrying him.
Because…she didn’t really have a choice, did she?
Venita was right. If she wanted to continue to protect her secret, she knew Apollo was the best person to help.
But that didn’t mean Argos had to know what she was shopping for.
“I think Apollo would prefer a flowerpot,” said Argos, jolting her from her thoughts.
“You’re such a brat.” Theora shifted her annoyed gaze from him to a display of tie clips.
“Does he like watches?”
“Who?”
“Apollo.” He raised a brow. “Be honest, that’s who you’re shopping for.”
Theora blushed. She joined him at the display case.
“They’re just timepieces to him. I don’t think he’s particular.
” She studied Argos perusing the case of watches.
The longer she looked, the more she became aware that she was grinning.
“He’s not a collector, like you are. Boada gave me a small glimpse of your collection. You have sophisticated taste.”
Argos shrugged, as if the word didn’t mean much to him.
“You should pick out a watch.”
He sighed heavily. “I can’t accept gifts from you, remember?”
“Don’t call it a gift, then. Call it a necessity.”
“I have plenty of watches.”
Theora ignored him, ringing the small bell on the counter, and the attendant entered again, though with a little less confidence. “I’d like a closer look at these,” she said, pointing at the watches.
Argos took a deep, slow breath, but she knew he wouldn’t dare argue with her in front of the attendant.
“Those tie clips, as well,” she told the attendant, then turned to watch Argos examine the watches. She couldn’t help but grin. “What made you start collecting?”
Argos glanced at her. “It’s a very random story.”
Theora raised her brows. “Try me.”
Argos paused midway through strapping on a leather band. “I was out on patrol one day—I think I was seventeen, maybe? Anyway, I ended up saving a worker from falling off some scaffolding.”
She felt herself grin, and she wasn’t even sure why—after all, protecting Aranea was a Warrior’s job.
“He gifted me his watch as thanks. He wasn’t even…afraid.” His expression was warm, as if that small detail was the best part of the story. “I’ve been collecting ever since.”
“That’s incredible.”
“Our people are incredible. As odd as I find Docile practices, I know there are plenty of them who love and value Warriors for what we do. And that makes our purpose all the more rewarding.”
Theora felt herself blushing. “You’re so passionate about the welfare of Aranea. It’s so…”
Fucking sexy.
Shit.
She quickly grabbed a brochure from the counter, using it to fan herself.
This was the last thing she needed—the man she was going to divorce in less than a week caring desperately for a cause she held so dear. She had to focus until the peace terms were signed, but when she got home…perhaps they would see each other when this was over, after all.
She watched him pass over a diamond-studded watch for one with a midnight face and silver hands, a grin creeping to her lips. Impeccable taste.
“For Apollo?” he suggested.
For you. It was clear he was never going to accept it.
But…when they were no longer married, she could simply call it a parting gift.
Something to thank him for his services.
She waved the salesman over. “This one. And that chain bracelet. And this tie clip.” She could feel Argos looking at her, and when she met his gaze, it was dubious.
“I’m buying gifts ahead of time for other occasions. Just in case.”
“Mm-hmm,” he said, but didn’t look convinced.
Theora found herself watching Argos as he leaned his forearms on the counter while they waited. Those powerful, thick forearms—“You catch me off guard,” she said.
“Why?”
“I don’t know. I guess I never imagined a Warrior having a personality, or liking things, or…caring. I just pictured you all as ruthless killers.”
“That’s strange. I don’t imagine Dociles at all.”
“Hey!” Theora took a business card from a nearby stand and threw it at him, holding back a grin.
The card barely made it to its target, fluttering uselessly behind the counter.
She glanced at the salesman, then cleared her throat.
It was Argos’s influence, undoubtedly, that was making her behave so foolishly in public.
“I suppose I deserve that for judging you.”
Argos grinned the slightest bit. “Judging is your favorite hobby.”
“I know, it’s a horrible trait.” Theora huffed. “I have twelve princes courting me, and none of them seem good enough.”
“What about Apollo?”
“He’s…the closest thing to happiness I’m going to get.”
She loved him…and even if she wasn’t sure she could ever get to the place where she was in love with him, she knew they’d enjoy each other’s companionship.
But Theora didn’t need to give Argos another reason to dislike him.
Anyway, Apollo was interesting, and stable, and compassionate.
He was a good man. They liked each other, enjoyed each other’s company immensely.
Perhaps, after this was all over, they’d even share a laugh over this week of deception.
Besides…love didn’t matter in a political marriage.
“Send these to my room,” she said to the salesman quickly. “We’ve kept everyone waiting long enough.”