The painting (1)

After opening all the presents, Lavinia and I are both exhausted.

We both sleep early.

In the end, the puppy and the coconuts were the most interesting among the presents. Yet, opening every single box took our time and curiosity.

I even got a cloak made of white fur.

I inquired where Alexander got the dog and the cloak, for they both come way more north than the capital. Even northern than Kyre.

He said a delegation brought presents for the Emperor, and he took what he liked before coming here.

The coconuts were a plan he conceived a long time ago. He asked Ephrah, his merchant friend, to bring them to him when he could get a few.

However, the white fur is so pretty. I can use it during winter, and I'm sure I'll feel warm in the strongest wind.

«I like it very much!» I said to Alexander. I used the same tone as Lavinia. After the fourth box, I was too tired to hide my emotions.

I ended up sitting on the floor next to my daughter, opening the box and reacting in awe at the weirdest things.

I also got a few more jewels, dresses and other pieces of clothing. Even winter boots.

In the end, I went to sleep with a smile on my lips and no wicked intention. I forgot to tease Alexander before sleeping, so we hugged each other and dreamt in peace.

The morning has started early for me. Luckily, I woke up in time.

The schedule is quite tight. More because I want to finish it time for our plans to be carried on. We need to conceive Elias, and today is one of the most crucial days. It's when Queen Theodora and her Consort had a whole night of passion.

A night that started in the afternoon, at that.

A night is nothing for Alexander. But for me... Oh, I won't be able to move tomorrow.

It's better to settle the matters with the painter today and make him come back in a few days when the heat of my returned husband calms down.

He was making a copy of Lavinia's portrait. He said he'd use the one he already drew and look there instead of at a living child.

Luckily, because my daughter doesn't like to be still for too long.

The appointment is late in the morning, so the painter walks in just in time. Alexander knocks at the door soon after.

«Please, sit, Marvin. How is your work proceeding?» I ask when the first knock interrupts us. «Oh, just a moment...»

I already know who this is, so I walk to the door and open it.

«Yes?» I murmur.

«Are you busy?» Alexander asks.

«Yes, I am.»

«I can come later if you want your privacy,» he says.

I bite my lips, confused.

His tone is sad; his expression evades my eyes.

«If you don't want me to see, I can come later.»

«What?» I say, moving to the side.

Alexander storms in without a second thought, and he nods to the painter that got up to greet him.

«I see. So this is the person you talked about,» he says out loud, in a tone that is all but insecure.

This is his new facade. The overbearing and controlling husband.

«I'd like to see some of his works. After my wife's words of praise, I can't imagine your talent but to be otherworldly.»

Yes, sure...

The painter looks at me, and I nod while pointing at the sketch with my head.

«This is Lavinia's second portrait.»

«One for you and one for me?» Alexander asks on a whim.

«I don't know,» I say. «I just wanted two.»

«Hmm,» he moans, nodding. As if he understood something that I missed. «Two copies of the same.»

«We might send one to Martia, maybe?»

«Yes, sure.»

He then turns to the painter.

«You mixed red in the shadows,» he comments.

The painter widens his eyes, and he sees Alexander for the first time.

«Yes, your highness. I mean... My Lord. I did add red, but it's not easy to spot.»

«You blended it very well, I have to say. But... why?»

«It's because of the sunset. When I was finishing the painting, the sun was low and red, but it didn't get in through the window. That's why the sunset light is not visible. Only in the shadows.»

«I understand. And the second portrait? Is it going to be exactly the same?»

«I wanted to paint the little miss in the same environment but during the morning. I'll paint in the same room but without troubling the miss. She's already withstood enough pressure for this.»

«I agree,» Alexander says. «My daughter isn't as patient as to stay sitting for long.»

«Oh, she is well-behaved, my Lord. I've never met a child so obedient, even among those a little older. It was a pleasure to paint her.»

«Lavinia knows when to behave, indeed. She's my smart daughter, after all.»

Just like that, Alexander forgets about his jealousy. I was expecting him to frighten the painter until his fingers trembled too much to draw. Yet, they became sort of friends.

Alexander spends the rest of the conversation praising Lavinia, and the painter nods at his words and sometimes adds something.

I should be offended, shouldn't I? Yesterday, I was interrogated because of this. Yet, now, his potential rival has become a friend.

I am a little disappointed. I wanted to see my jealous husband once again.

«My wife has quite the eye. I do believe in her talent for choosing the right people. As such, I'm looking forward to the painting for the Lord's hallways. We'll finally have our own, my dear, won't we?»

I nod, realising only now that Alexander is so close to me. He wasn't here a moment ago.

«Even after being married for four years, my wife and I couldn't find the perfect artist. In part, we didn't have time to search. However, not just anyone can grasp our love and imprint it on a canvas.»

«I will do my best, my Lord, my Lady.»

What is going on here? Weren't we all on good terms?

How long did I get distracted if there's this sudden change of attitude? Alexander is acting weird.

«My dear, when do you think we should pose?»

I lift my brows.

«What do you think of this afternoon?» I tease him.

He knows very well what we're supposed to do at that time. In fact, he swallows and laughs, a little nervous.

«Don't joke like this, wife.»

He grabs me by the waist and drags me on him. I fall on his chest and need a second or two to return on my feet. Yet, his arm is still holding me, so I don't have a choice but let him embrace me.

This shameless husband.

«What do you think about tomorrow?»

«Sure,» I say. Is it a trap?

Oh, it doesn't matter. Alexander just wants to show the painter how much we cherish each other. This little tantrum of his doesn't cost me anything, so I might as well let him do it.

After all, he won't overstep the boundaries. Hopefully.