#taupe

Kigosi (2)

“ Speaking just between us, don’t be discouraged. “ Tybalt remarked matter-of-factly. “ There is more than one way to ascend to the throne. The right wife will help. And it looks like you may have found her. “

Akachi said nothing and continued to enjoy his drink. He would not admit it at the time, but he suspected the Grand Duke was right.

So he squared his shoulders and returned to her; this time, a little warmer.

“ As you know, I am looking for a wife. I do not have time for dalliances. “ He said. “ I find you suitable. “

“ Hm. “ Kigosi said into her champagne.

“ Did I offend you? “ He asked.

Kigosi put her glass down with the measured patients a lady is instilled with.

“ I have never once in my life been suitable. “ she said softly. “ I don’t plan on starting now, with all due respect.“

For a brief moment, Akachi felt his throat close and the power dynamic shift. He was not about to lose a woman he had not yet acquired.

“ I misspoke. “ He said. “ Forgive me, Miss Moya. Perhaps – perhaps we could start again? “

Kigosi (1)

Count Akachi gathered what was left of his pride and headed to Cuidad Enamorada - no better time, considering the engagement festivities were underway.

After he was settled in, he sent Ms. Moiwa a message and asked where she would like to meet. She selected a local spot. A bar. She’d selected a bar.

He suspected she picked it because she did not want him to see where she lived. Practical. Still doesn’t mean he liked it. She could sense that.

She told him this bar is quieter than the others; she figured he’d prefer a little privacy.

She wasn’t wrong. 

Not the best start, but here we are.

Once the dust settled, he assessed her:

👑 attractive

👑 poised

👑 unintimidated

“ Thank you for agreeing to meet with me, Ms. Moiwa. “ he said in a clipped tone.

“ The pleasure is mine, Count Akachi. “ She replied generously. “ You can call me Kigosi if it pleases you. “

Just then, the Count spotted the Grand Duke Tybalt Capp appear in his peripheral. So much for privacy.

“ Pardon me for a moment . “ He said as he rose from his chair to meet him.

After the royal niceties, the Grand Duke wasted no time.

“ Good choice coming here. “ Tybalt replied. “ Given the all the engagement festivities in the Dambele. I’d have done the same. Condolences, mate. I’m sure you’ll be overrun with new candidates. “

Akashi glanced over at Kigosi waiting patient and smiling sweetly. Suddenly, he saw her in a whole new light.



Lynch pin (4)

The Duke gazed at Ameena with fascination. She did not fear him. She had a softness that required no effort. He found himself entranced. 

“ If it’s too much for you, you can choose me day by day - my hope is in time, you’ll decide you want to stay. “

“ You promised you’d let me sleep on it. “

“ I will. Afterwards. “

As sleep pulled her under, Ameena quietly hoped she hadn’t overplayed her hand. But given the way he just touched her; the promises he whispered in her ear, she decided she was in just the right place.

The Duke slipped out of the room to try a little of the dish he’d been too full to sample before - her father’s chicken congee recipe.

As the flavors exploded on his pallet, he knew - he’ll be releasing the Baroness.

It wasn’t a decision he came too lightly; to him, she was promised. And he doesn’t like giving up what belonged to him.

But he also decided he would not let his stubbornness cause him to miss out on something this important.

Lynch pin (3)

After dinner, Amina got up to clear the dishes. Much to her surprise, the Duke followed her into the kitchen.

“ Thank you for the feast. ” He said, plainly, standing closer than the compliment required.

“ You’re very welcome. So glad you enjoyed it. “ She replied.

“ I’m not good at this.” the Duke said without preamble. “ So if I say something out of line, promise to let me know. “

“ What is it? “

“ Have you ever considered having anything serious again after your husband died? “

“ I suppose that depends on what you mean by serious. “ She answered as she tried to regulate her heartbeat.

“ I haven’t had a real companion in years. “ The Duke said. “ What if I wanted it to be you? Would you be agreeable to something like that? “

This was it.

Ameena thought about the things Aloisio told her:

🏴‍☠️ do not appear overeager

🏴‍☠️ never close the door entirely

🏴‍☠️ always have an exit strategy

🏴‍☠️ give him just enough to keep him interested

“ I suppose that depends on the parameters. “ she said.

“ Like? “

“ Like - are you looking for a companion? Or a wife? “

“ I would very much like a wife to live out my days with. But if you’re not ready for that, I suppose I could be happy with you as a companion. “

Ameena could see the sadness behind his eyes. This man has lost his wife, his love, and the one woman he wanted to replace them refused.

She will have to be gentle with him.

“ Can I sleep on it? “

“ If you wish. “

Lynch pin (2)

Ameena noticed the Duke’s fork hovering over his plate.

“ Not hungry?” she asked. “ I could pack it up for you to take with you.”

“ It looks delicious.” he replied. “ Haven’t had a beautiful woman cook for me in a long time. “

✏️ Ironic – the last beautiful woman who cooked for him has a daughter who lives right across the hall.

He finally scooped up a forkfull and paused.

“Well?” Ameena asked, waiting for the verdict.

“ Incredible. The spice blend is different – where did you get them? “

“ The spice merchant has a pop up stall - it was packed. I think we all bought her out. “

The Duke bragged and told her he has a direct line; he’d be happy to get her refills anytime she likes - an amazing cook like her should never go without.

“ Your husband was a very lucky man. “

Ameena blushed and thanked him.

“ Thank you again for putting me up in this lovely place. “ she said. “ The first time I saw it. It looked like some place I would’ve decorated myself. “

“ That was the point. “ The Duke answered. “ I wanted you to feel at home. I hired a team to look at your social media for inspiration so you’d be no rush to leave. “ 

“ All of this for me? But why? “

“ If you don’t know, I suppose I’ll have to work harder. “

Lynch pin (1)

Ameena greeted the Duke warmly and let the warmth of the room and the smell of the oxtails speak for her.

“ I hope you’re hungry. “ She said sweetly. 

The Duke watched her walk over to the table and couldn’t believe his luck. What a refreshing difference; a beautiful woman with a bright smile who actually looked happy to be in the same room as him. Not desperate, like some the old widows who bought their eyelashes when they see him around the village. Confident. Well put together.

He felt something shift in him .

Across the way, Alim and Juniper sat together quietly, present in the possibility that their lives were finally about to change.

Amina smiled and served him, then sat down. She was poised, just like the years of working in hospitality taught her to be. The Duke watched her in wonder.

He didn’t eat right away; possibly because he was afraid that if the food was half as good as her presentation, he might propose on the spot.

Duty (2)

Juniper took a slow sip and thought about her long game. All about the years she moved from world to world to avoid the Duke. Her schemes. Her misdirection.

She looked at the only man she loved, the only man she’d ever given all of herself to and asked:

“ What if your trap doesn’t work? “

“ Then I will draw my sword, hold it up to that old man and demand to fight for your honor. I will declare my love for you to all of Dambale - if we must leave, we must leave. But you will be my wife. “

Alim did not break eye contact with her. She knew he spoke to truth.

Then, a small smile broke across his face.

“ What if I told you he was joining her for dinner tonight? “

“ What?? “ Juniper shrieked in disbelief. It’s not that she hadn’t believed him before, she just didn’t realize things had moved along this far.

She is here?

They’re having dinner? Tonight??

They’re probably getting started as they speak.

Juniper looked at him with wonder. Looked at the man who waited for her; sustained himself on small visits and stolen moments. It was no small task for her either, but surely a warrior like him had needs far beyond what she could provide under the circumstances. 

He felt the heat from her stare.

“ what is it? “

“ Nothing. “ She replied, nervously; snapping her head forward.

“Juniper. “ he said, sternly. “ I wasn’t aware we had secrets between us. “

“ I have no place to ask about the parts of your love life that don’t include me, but – “

“ No others after the first time we made love. “ He said, plainly and absolute.

“ I wouldn’t have blamed you. “ She said softly, quietly embarrassed. “ I’m sure you had needs. “

“ You are my need. “