Post by Elena Sandoval on Oct 25, 2014 10:16:52 GMT -5
The mists gave a sense of isolation and distance as they swirled around the riders, painting the morning light a silvery-grey. Elena was intrigued, a hand reaching out to run her fingers through the droplet-laden air as the horses continued to climb the path with ease. Her mare was accustomed to the thinner air of mountain life, in no way struggling to follow his horse. Glancing over, she saw the smile but did not ruin the moment with a question. They were still strangers to each other in many ways; she would discover the mysteries soon enough.
His words made her brows furrow for a moment's surprise, turning her gaze back to the mountains so as not to reveal the confusion and other emotions swirling in those eyes. How had he read her so well on such limited acquaintance? Elena did not think she'd lowered her guard that much, yet Niccolo's pause had her turning her head back to study him, words emerging that soothed the dread in her heart for knowing how tradition-laden the Montefiore could be. To hear that he wished her to stand beside him relieved her immeasurably. "Then I will do so, Niccolo, in every way that I am able." She wanted to be more than wife and mother; she wanted to prove herself capable as Duchess as well.
He spoke earnestly on his hopes and intentions as Duke, surprisingly her with his altered perspective. Niccolo sounded more confident now, more accepting of his role as Duke. "It may not be, but why not stand as an example to them? Perhaps you may inspire those Dukes to follow your lead and craft better lives for those in their duchies, making life in Archades itself better overall. There would be less suffering and greater advancement, though I must caution you," Elena's tone was somber, "that will neither be easily nor swiftly accomplished. Still, it might serve well to strengthen your ties with the other duchies, no?"
Relieved that he did not comment further on his sisters, her face eased into a more open expression. "She is the best of us," avowed easily and openly, her pride in her sister shone through.
Niccolo Montefiore