Instert standard disclaimer here. Everyone should know that I don't own these characters. Except, of course, the original ones. Also chopped the story up into chapters. Sorry if the transitions are rough. If you want to read it without chapters, head over to vejiitasei.com.
Absolution- Part 1, Chapter 12
by the Prime Minister
As Xellos returned to his mistress he reflected on how strangely he had been treated while in Dolphin's domain. Dolphin herself had been chilly but respectful, obviously aware of the station he still held. Her minions were considerably less polite, making veiled threats left and right. Naiyad was correct; he really would have to watch his back, as well as those of his family.
His musings vanished from his head as he realized the sun was rising. Lecia would awaken soon and need to be fed, and he wasn't certain when Lina would wake up. Best not to let that one go hungry for too long. He took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and teleported back to his family.
He reappeared at the foot of Lina's bed and removed his shoes, quietly discarding his cape. Before he could do anything else, however, Lina's voice stopped him. Today's her birthday, she said, speaking in low tones.
It is? he asked gently, walking around to the other side of the bed so that he could see her face.
Yeah. She's a year old today. A whole year has passed.
My goodness, it's hard to believe.
Lina's ruby gaze slid over to his face, expression unreadable. I guess a year doesn't mean much to someone like you, she said flatly.
It didn't in the past, he replied softly, But things change, Miss Lina.
Whether we want them to or not.
He stood in silence, quietly examining her. She lay perfectly still, gazing out the window at the ocean. Carefully he sampled her emotions, but he got nothing. Lina was being carefully neutral. Eh, should I draw a bath for you? he asked as gently as possible.
Do what you like, she murmured, and rolled over, facing away from him once again. Again he sampled her emotions, searching for anger or sadness, and encountered nothing but confusion. Well, if she didn't even understand what was going on with her, there was certainly no way he would.
He sighed and glanced around the room. I can't do what I'd like to, he mumbled to himself, taking in the sight of her smooth, flawless skin and wishing he felt anything more than aesthetic appreciation for her body. He could remember so many mornings with her, watching her awake slowly and then making love to her until breakfast. Such desire and joy was far beyond him at the moment, however, and most likely would never be within his grasp again.
Lina said, propping herself up on her elbows as a slight crease formed between her eyebrows.
Xellos resisted the urge to lie to her, to tell her that he loved her and wanted her with all his heart and soul, to give into the vain hope that saying the words would make them a reality. Nothing, nothing at all, he replied brightly, moving around the room and tidying up the mess she always seemed to leave behind.
Lina scowled slightly and he felt her eyes upon him. Are you okay? she asked, turning in the bed to look at him.
Of course, he lied, shoving away the near-constant frustration he felt. I was wondering, though, what human birthday tradition entails.
Oh, right, Lina said, her gaze focusing far away as he quietly folded her clothes. Well, there should be cake, lots of cake, and we sing. Sometimes we play games.
So it's sort of a feast day? Xellos asked, putting away clean clothes and piling her dirty outfits in a basket. Oh, what some of the other Monsters would think, to see him acting like a human servant. They would find a way to destroy him for certain, if they knew.
I guess so, Lina said with a shrug. Lecia's a bit young to play games, though, and you'd probably just cheat anyway.
Miss Lina, he protested, hefting the basket of laundry and clicking his tongue at her.
We both know you'd try something tricky the second the game started, she said with a smile. I don't think you could help it.
Well, I suppose you do have a point, he said, voice resigned. It really is much more fun that way.
For you! Lina added with a snort.
Xellos feigned surprise. Of course! Isn't that all that matters?
Lina replied, smile widening. I need to have my fun, too!
Oh? And what would that be?
Making you pay for playing dirty.
A slow smile crossed his face and he gave into his whims, setting the basket of laundry on the floor. If you want to punish me you'll have to catch me first, he said softly, disappearing and rematerializing right next to her. She gasped in shock and he poked her in the ribs, making her squeal. She turned to face him and he teleported behind her, poking her again. She squealed one more time and whirled on him.
Lina cried. You're doing it already!
Xellos' smile broadened. And you are doing an exceedingly poor job of stopping me, he replied, holding up and index finger and wagging it in her direction.
Only because you cheat! she protested, clambering out of the bed and flexing her hands. It looked for all the world as if she was actually going to try to catch him.
He laughed softly at the idea that she though she could even slow him down, then teleported again. It's not cheating, he explained. I'm simply utilizing a natural ability that you, by chance, do not happen to possess.
I still call that cheating!
He stepped to the side and dodged as she tried to tackle him, watching with amusement as her arms closed around empty air. Miss Lina, your efforts, while admirable, are useless, he said with a smile, then dodged her again.
After a few more repetitions, Lina stood panting in the middle of the room, legs parted and fists clenched. Cheaters never win, she growled.
Oh no? Xellos replied with a grin, and began to teleport again. As he did so, however, he heard Lina mutter something under her breath and quickly make some gestures in the air. His eyes opened wide with surprise as he froze in midair, unable to move as a spell wrapped around him. Straining against it did him no good, and as he tried to find a hole in her casting Lina let loose a shout and hurled herself at him.
she cried, grunting as she barreled into his chest and knocked him backwards. He landed in a pile in the laundry basket, Lina tumbling on top of him and coming to rest there.
I see I have underestimated you, he said softly, then saw a strange expression settle on Lina's face. Her cheeks turned a dark pink and her hands tensed where they were pressed flat against his chest. He lay perfectly still as her breathing quickened slightly, her face mere inches from his. The soft puffs of wind created by her breath gently touched his lips, and the room fell utterly silent around them. Time seemed to slow, then stop altogether as he felt the fluttering beating of her heart, her eyes closing halfway as she haltingly leaned forward.
The spell was shattered by a child's cry, piercing his head like a siren. Lina blushed deeply and pushed herself away from his chest violently, standing and throwing a summer robe around her shoulders and flimsy nightgown. You going to see to that? she asked sharply.
Xellos extricated himself from the laundry basket and stood with a sigh. What had just happened? Of course, he murmured, picking up the basket. Then I shall draw your bath. Perhaps later I will see what I can do about getting a cake. It is a feast day, after all.
Lina seemed to relax a little and glanced at him over her shoulder. That would be great, she replied, smiling softly.
As you wish, he said with a bow, then set about tending to his daughter.