A Caged Bird Doesn't Cry - Chapter 6 Part II
Chapter 6 Part II
More than ten days had passed with no word from Duke Kalidnas. While there was no discomfort in their daily lives, continuing like this indefinitely would be problematic. When Theodore tried to subtly probe for updates through Laticia, she avoided even mentioning the duke. Concealing his anxiety behind an amiable smile, Theodore plucked the stem from a plump plum and offered it.
"Try this. It's very sweet."
Laticia's ears flushed red as she stared blankly at the fruit.
"I'm fine, Theo."
Though she wanted to gratefully accept anything from Theodore, this particular plum made her hesitate. Its ripe yet firm texture reminded her of that blunt, rounded tip that had relentlessly prodded the inside of her mouth.
"It's truly delicious. You'll regret it, Lati," Theodore said, biting into the returned plum before tilting his head toward Laticia without swallowing. It was a perfect moment - the garden in full bloom beneath benevolent sunlight, the young man and woman facing each other like figures in a painting.
But when Laticia abruptly turned her head just before their lips could meet, the picturesque scene shattered. Theodore wrinkled his brow as he chewed the unswallowed plum, its surprising tartness belying its appearance.
"Sorry, Theo."
"No, I'm the one who should apologize."
"Huh?"
"This plum's extremely sour. I deserve punishment for recommending it."
Though Theodore blamed his contorted expression entirely on the fruit, Laticia fully recognized his embarrassment. The tension when their cheeks nearly touched, his trembling lashes, the disappointed glimmer in his eyes when she turned away - she understood all too well what these meant. Understood so completely that it frightened her.
It wasn't rejection of Theodore. Simply fear - that he might smell Duke Kalidnas's s€men, endlessly deposited deep in her throat.
Regardless of which woman the duke took to bed, the cleanup always fell to Laticia. After she thoroughly licked his shaft coated in saliva, s€men, or female fluids, the duke would leisurely rub the remaining ejaculate against her tongue. As routine and unceremonious as conscious urination before sleep.
"Surely he's not forcing you into his bed too, Lati?"
"Of course not! That's...that's..."
Laticia's heart sank. Had Theodore already guessed? Another weight pressed on her chest - this anxiety proved she wasn't as blameless as she'd convinced herself.
Unaware of Laticia's inner turmoil, Theodore drooped his eyebrows understandingly. His room near the kitchen allowed easy eavesdropping on gossiping maids who shared breadcrumbs and, more importantly, their favor.
Like dirty sediment settling in a riverbed, filthy rumors flowed into the mansion's lowest levels. The maids came like spiders in an urn, constantly seeking prey to tear apart, while Theodore pretended to listen, keeping his ears open as he consumed their offerings.
Lately, one name surfaced frequently: Irene Arbors. Said to be an earl's daughter brought by Olivia, effectively the duke's unofficial consort. Imagining their debauchery, Theodore dreamed of his own future artistic decadence.
The silver-haired sl*ve Laticia was also mentioned - how she reportedly witnessed the duke's activities before singing him to sleep. That this seemingly ascetic, fastidious duke would enjoy relations with an audience proved him thoroughly depraved.
'F*cking bastard.'
Though inwardly cursing, Theodore felt relieved. That even the noble Duke Kalidnas was human like himself pleased him. Now if only he'd finally commission that portrait...
Theodore's deliberate sigh made Laticia's heart sink differently.
"What's wrong, Theo? Is something worrying you?"
"Nothing serious."
Nothing serious, yet still a worry. Laticia leaned closer, attentive.
"Theo, if there's anything I can help with, I want to. Please tell me?"
"Lati, how could I burden you? It's my problem to solve."
"Theo, don't say that. Unless..."
After brief hesitation, Laticia resolved herself.
"Is it something you need from Master? Then I'll try asking him."
Quick-witted Laticia. This clever girl.
Theodore inwardly cheered, but maintained a troubled expression. Yet his words remained measured:
"He said he'd call when the time comes, so I suppose he will."
Laticia recalled the drawings Theodore had made for her when they were trapped in the sl*ve market. Though he'd always dismissed them as nothing special, she had loved them—because Theodore loved painting. That alone was reason enough. His sorrow at being unable to paint became her sorrow too.
"Theo."
Even if standing before Andrea Kalidnas made her breath hitch unnaturally, the thought of doing this for Theodore summoned courage she didn’t know she had. Hadn’t she already broken her vow to never sing again—the one she’d sworn even with a blade at her throat—just to sing for him?
"Don’t worry too much. Your paintings are truly good. One day, Master will recognize that too."
And she would make sure "one day" came sooner. Steeling herself, Laticia leaned against Theodore’s shoulder. His fingers brushed her hair gently, like soothing a small dog, and her eyes fluttered shut.
"Theo, remember?" she murmured, the warm sunlight filtering through her eyelids reminding her of him.
"That time you said we’d go outside and stand in the rain together? And how we’d lie side by side, napping in the sun?"
"I remember."
"We’ve done one of those now. Lying side by side in the sunlight."
Theodore’s promises had been fleeting lights in the dark, giving her strength to endure. Now, it was her turn to pull the light closer—close enough for him to reach.
***
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