Nikias let her drag him to his feet and out to the dance floor. It was perfect timing on Aimilia’s part as Konstantin started escorting Hypatia over to the table where he’d set aside a plate for her. The gesture to anyone else would look simply sweet, like a loving husband should.
But Nikias knew there could be no love for that creature.
So that begged the question, why was Konstantin helping her?
What had Hypatia done that afternoon to leave her in such a state that she would even need his assistance?
The next song started, and it was a slower one. Aimilia pulled him toward her, turning them so Nikias could no longer see Hypatia. All he could see was Aimilia.
Aimilia hurriedly rushed him through the steps, but it seemed simple enough. This one was a pair dance, so Nikias only really had to focus on moving in time with Aimilia.
It involved a few spins and turns and twisting around each other, and Nikias recognized a few similarities between it and one of the popular dances amongst the court. Aimilia gestured at him and said, “See? The one time you’re modest about your skills when you really have no right to be.”
Nikias shook his head. “You just happened to choose an easy dance.”
Aimilia’s hands found him for the next move, and she squeezed them as she stepped closer. She took their hands and shifted them out so they could close the distance between themand turn in a circle. Aimilia’s hair brushed his cheek and her lips just barely avoided his ear as she whispered, “I’m not just talking about the dance.”
Nikias said, “I have no idea what else you could be referring to.”
“I saw what you did for that little girl. I had no idea your healing had improved that much.”
“Some things can change.” Nikias couldn’t help but lean his head in closer. “Some people can change.”
They finished the turn and Aimilia pulled back, looking up at him with light entering her eyes.
She’d only ever looked at him like that before in his dreams.
“I know.” As they moved into the next steps, she said, “I can’t believe you even noticed. I didn’t until you were already over there.”
Nikias said, “Well, as much as I’d like to, I can’t stare at you all night. No matter how beautiful or tempting you make the prospect.”
Her cheeks flushed a bright red, and she ducked her gaze. Nikias couldn’t help his smirk.
“It was good of you. That’s all I’m saying. It didn’t go unnoticed. Your actions as of late, healing that girl, saving my life, I just want you to know…” Aimilia looked back up at him. “It hasn’t gone unnoticed.”
There was a significant weight to her words.
What did she mean?
Dare he hope?
Was she admitting that he’d finally found his way into her heart? Did he have a hope of hearing a yes the next time he asked? Was she getting closer and closer to saying those three words Nikias was absolutely desperate to hear?
“I’m not doing it for it to be noticed.”
“That’s exactly why I have noticed.”
“I know I’ve said it already, but let me say it again, I am sorry.”
Aimilia let out a soft laugh. “For which thing are you apologizing for again?”
Nikias said, “For being the reason you didn’t get to see your grandfather one last time. I can’t express to you how much I regret not giving you that chance. But I also need you to know that I really thought your grandfather had more time and that things weren’t so dire. You don’t have to forgive me, but I need you to know I genuinely believed you would see him again. Aimilia, I would do anything you ask of me in order to make it up to you.”
Aimilia released his hands and stepped back, in accordance with the dance, but Nikias was desperate to take her hands in his again.
“I appreciate that, Nikias. I really do.” As they moved through a few more steps, Aimilia watched him, and then she said, “I know what you said when I asked last night, but… there has to be more. You don’t… You don’t endure what you have just because you thought I cared a little once. Why do you want to marry me so badly you’ll endure my multiple rejections and even take beatings in order to do so?”
Nikias’ heart jumped into his throat. He could tell her. She was swinging open the door, and Nikias could walk through it and tell her everything.
