Author's Note: Okay, so this is a different pairing. Just trying it out, because I actually think they might make a cute couple, well a distinguished one as well. So, I hope you enjoy because I really don't have much to say for myself on this one other than I thoguht about it all day and it would not leave me alone, so here it is.
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters of Trinity Blood.
Beauty and Power
Chapter 01: See Me?
The Duchess of Milan sighed as her hand held the curtain open to her large office window. She had taken her headdress off because of the headache it seemed to be causing her.
Or was it the man in the courtyard below that she was gazing upon?
It wasn't that he had upset her or anything. It was that she was thinking about him again. She could see him standing among the snow drifts, speaking with Abel, the smoke from his pipe obvious.
She sighed as she rested her aching head to the cool glass. What was she thinking about him for? It had been happening more than usual.
She was Cardinal Caterina Sforza, Duchess of Milan and head of the Department of Ecclesiastical Affairs. He was one of her employees, one of her most trusted and older friends. Why on earth was she thinking about him as she was?
She shook her head to quiet the thoughts, but still, his sparkling green eyes flashed behind her tightly shut lids. She thought about his perfect smile and the way he parted his dark brown hair. Even as much as she hated to admit it, she liked the smell of his pipe too.
As she stood before the window, her headdress missing, and some of her makeup wiped off, she had dropped her titles for the time being. Instead of "Lady" or "Your Grace" or "Duchess", she was just Caterina.
She crossed her arms and tried to look away from the window, but just as she turned, she saw his head tilt back as he laughed at Abel. She could almost hear it. She longed to hear it.
What I am doing? He's so much older than me, though. Is it one of those mental break-downs? Is my health really going now? Caterina, what is wrong with you? Too much stress? A crush?
No, it wasn't stress or a crush. She watched him wave to Abel as he headed back for her building. She was tempted to call him to her, just to hear about one of his inventions.
He was so cultured and smart. She sighed again as she touched her fingertips to her forehead. Was it really a crush? She felt like a teenager again. This was something that actually confused her.
Since she was younger, she had always looked up to him. He was always concerned for her health and business affairs. He knew how to plan things so that they did not crumble apart. And even as dry as his sense of humor was, she loved hearing his jokes anyway.
No one really saw her this way; so informal, so human. She sat on the window sill, letting her back rest against the glass. The chill of winter always had a negative effect on her health.
Could it be love? But, I don't know. He is one of my employees after all. But, that wouldn't matter to love. I can't talk to anyone about this. I can't let anyone see me this way.
She wanted him just to come and visit so they could talk about something. Anything really, it didn't even have to be one of his inventions. Just anything really, so that he was speaking. He was such a gentleman. He was just out of reach it seemed.
A single, human tear slipped down her cheek. Why was she crying?
I'm lonely. But not just lonely for human company. I'm lonely for his company. Oh my God, I am in love with him, aren't I?
She wiped it away with a delicate hand, but another replaced it, until they seemed to flow.
"Your grace?" she heard someone ask through the door, accompanied by a knock.
"Yes?" William opened the door. Caterina had no time to dress herself back up and so he saw her out of character. He noticed the wet spots on her cheeks and her slightly red nose. He also observed the missing headdress and her lack of usual class.
"Caterina, my dear, what is wrong?" he asked quickly as he shut the door and headed for her. She gasped and looked around for the headdress. It was too far away. She noticed that he had dropped any formality with her as well.
"Nothing," she tried to explain. He could see through her powerful exterior to the lonely woman inside. The lonely woman that she tried to hide.
"Are you ill? Do I need to call someone?" He stood in front of her and took a hand in his, holding his cane on his arm, and touching his other hand to her forehead. "You do not feel feverish. Why on earth are you crying? Did something happen?" He handed her one of his handkerchiefs.
"No, I am fine William. I just needed a moment to compose myself." He was still holding her hand in a gentle fashion. Her stomach had butterflies filling it.
"Just take all the time you need, my dear." He patted her head and took her chair. "You know, you look stunning today, your grace. But, you do everyday. Winter really suits you."
"Thank you," she smiled weakly. She felt light, like dancing. Her tears had stopped and still she clutched onto the handkerchief. It smelled like him. "Professor, you really are a blessing to me."
"I am glad, your grace." He pulled his pipe out of his robes and started to light it. She could smell it again, and that was a comfort. She adjusted her monocle then folded her hands in her lap. "Is there anything bothering you Caterina? You still seem upset about something."
What was she going to say? That she was thinking about him? That she was lonely for his delightful company? That she may be in love with him?
"Just the way Francesco treats little Alec and a whole slew of other things. The usual, you know." She touched the curtain again.
"Of course. You must have a lot on your mind. Is there anything I can do to ease it?"
"Of course. Can we speak about something unrelated, as we always do?"
"Yes, your grace. How about I tell you one of my stories from my days in the university?"
"That would be lovely," Caterina told him. "As long as you surrender my chair back."
"Yes, of course." He moved across her desk as she took her seat back and prepared to listen.
She could hardly remember any of the story later, but she could remember what his voice sounded like as he grew excited one minute, then nostalgic another; how he would throw his head back and laugh at something in the story, how his eyes glinted off her faint lights, and how he would smile at her as he spoke.
She wondered just what he thought of her, really. Was she just his superior? Was she more than just a friend? It was driving her mad. She wished to know, but it would not have been proper. How she longed to tell him just how she felt for him.
"Well your grace, I must be leaving now. Reports to catch up on and papers to be graded you know." He tipped his cane to her.
"Oh, yes of course." He startled her out of her thoughts. Soon she would have to return to her own affairs, or more like lose herself in them. "Thank you for stopping by, it is always a pleasure."
"No, the pleasure was all mine. Glad I could be of service, your grace. Just let me know." He bowed and headed for the door. "And by the way, you really look wonderful, Caterina." He grinned and exited her office.
She blushed as she remained seated behind her desk. Was it possible that William Walter Wordsworth could feel something for her? Or was he just being a gentleman?
Professor, just what are you thinking? Could it be that I'm thinking about love? Could you have read my mind? You already see me as no one else does. Oh William, I wish I knew.
She folder her hands under her chin, out of habit, as she waited for answer in the lonely office that she knew would never come of it's own accord.
Author's End Note: Hope I didn't step on any toes with this one. Reviews are helpful, of course.