Love Interest End Scenes (LIES): Dimitri - Part I

Love Interest End Scenes (LIES): Dimitri - Part I

He stood in front of the mirror and took a deep breath as he studied the man looking back at him. His dark hair was neatly combed, his face was washed and bright, despite being so nervous the night before that he barely got any sleep. His clothes were clean and pressed.

It was the first time hed attended a school without a uniform and part of him felt uncomfortable with that after four, no - five years of looking in the mirror and seeing Lyce du Soleils hunter green uniform with the gold trim.

He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. There was no need to be nervous. After all, it wasnt as if he hadnt been planning to go to this school since he learned about it. Hed worked towards studying in the empires most prestigious university his entire life. The area of study wasnt exactly what he planned on studying a few years earlier, but then again, many things didnt happen as planned.

Dimitri tugged the hems of his coat and turned around. He grabbed a new satchel that was on a table by his bedroom door and headed out.

Youre already leaving? His mother looked surprised to see him. She was still in her robe with her belly swollen as she was coming out of the room she and his father shared, and furrowed her brows. So early?

Its bound to be a bit hectic on the first day. I wanted to be prepared for any possible delays, Dimitri told her with a helpless shrug.

Unlike Lyce, Universit was an open campus that allowed for visitors in public areas, like the surrounding grounds and a few buildings. It had few dormitories and they were reserved for students who had difficulty finding lodging off campus; usually students who werent local and required financial assistance.

Most students lived off campus, renting nearby homes and flats as groups, or rooms if they were alone. If they were local, they usually just commuted from home, which is what Dimitri planned.

As such, particular times of the day had heavy traffic around the major gates of Universit. Hed heard stories of students who were late to their first classes because their carriages couldnt get to the gates on time and they had to get out and walk to campus. As a backup plan, Dimitri planned to be dropped off at Lyce and then walk to Universit, through one of the smaller gates.

His father came out of the room, yawning. He put an arm around his wife and looked his son up and down. Dimitri could see the satisfaction on his fathers face as he was given a nod. The first day of class for first year Universit students is mainly spent receiving syllabus and being told what to expect from your classes. Its not heavy, but do pay attention.

Yes, Father.

Lady Agafonova is also in your School of Governance and Public Works. You have her comcry registered, dont you? his mother asked.

Dimitri hid his grimace. He had Agafonovas comcry registered, but he never used it. Shed only registered with him in case he had any questions on the comprehensive Universit entrance exam notes he bought from her for a nominal fee. He wasnt too surprised that he never needed to call her, as she was the top student for her year in Universit for a reason.

Her notes were like a guide into scoring high on the exam.

Yes, Mother.

His father reached out and patted his shoulder. Study hard, my boy. He then helped his pregnant wife down the stairs.

Dimitri held back another sigh and followed them downstairs, going to the foyer instead of the dining room. A carriage hed arranged was waiting for him outside and he climbed in.

From his house, it was about half an hour until he reached the closest gates to Universit. He looked out the window, growing nostalgic for some reason when they passed Lyce and didnt stop.

Hed spent the last year trying to make sure his trade school would sustain itself smoothly for the next five years and then focused the rest of his remaining energy into preparing for the Universit entrance exam. He didnt have any friends. A few acquaintances, but after he declined the first few invitations to go out or study with them, they stopped inviting him.

Compared to his first few years, he was ignored and a loner.

Countess Guevera met with him several times before his exam. She reviewed his Lyce project with him monthly until he turned in the final report. Afterwards, shed follow up on his study plan and give him what advice she could whenever he was anxious about his future. Despite all of this, she could only be called more of a counselor than a friend.

In fact, she was much closer to his mother. His mother already had baby furniture built in Cosoras artisan district gifted to her from the Countess. His mother was seven months along and was looking forward to using the baby furniture. His father was equally excited and Dimitri had often seen his father lovingly caress his mothers stomach, smiling at the bump and softening his voice when talking to it.

Dimitri wondered if that was how his parents appeared when they were first time parents with him. Their eldest child was now an adult and his parents didnt expect to have another baby at their age. Still, they were very excited. He was sure that they had higher expectations of his yet-to-be-born sibling than they had of him.

His mother was more encouraging than ever, but his father never did have that same glint of pride in his eyes when he looked at him. Even when Dimitri graduated at the top of his class, his father just gave him one of his satisfied nods, as if the feat were expected. Dimitri didnt know how to approach his father and compared to their past relationship, they were stiff and at times, awkward.

Dimitri found himself disappointed that his father didnt treat him the same. His father likely felt he couldnt, and Dimitri couldnt blame him.

Constantine had once told him that it may be because his father was concerned that it was his previous attitude towards Dimitri that was the cause of Dimitris thoughtless actions and question decisions. It would make sense that his father would not want the past to repeat itself, so he was more distant and formal with his son.

Dimitri really couldnt find it in himself to be upset with his father. He knew what he did. He knew what he put his parents, who had always loved and supported him, though. If he were his father, all the love hed have for his son might not have been enough to forgive him.

There were nights where Dimitri wondered what he couldve done differently. Where did it start to go wrong? Why did he do what he did?

Agafonova had literally punched it into him that he was responsible for his own actions, but he couldnt ignore that his relationship with Alessa Hart had a negative effect.

It was such an innocent friendship. He admired her and had some feelings of puppy love, as it was called.

But had he lost his mind pushing things for her sake? For some meager benefit that he could give her? Hed lost his temper with others, cut corners, and refused responsibility. That wasnt like him.

In the end, he was nearly held back a year and spent months of his life depressed and then trying to get his life together. He almost wrecked his parents marriage, as well as nearly ruined his fathers political career.

At first, he couldnt help but be upset that while he had been suspended for a year and held back, Alessa had returned to school and continued on the path to graduating on time.

Then he found out that she had been involved with a traitor.

It was his father who told him.

Alessa may have caused him some anguish, but Dimitri didnt think she could be a traitor. That was a heavy hat to wear.

In addition, his father told him not to speak of it. The exact details of her treachery and the person she colluded with were carefully guarded by the imperial family.

Then he asked Constantine if he knew what happened to Alessa Hart.

Constantine had gone quiet. He lowered his eyes and seemed to hesitate before quietly telling Dimitri that it was not his place to say, but if he really wanted to know, he should ask the Countess. So, Dimitri called her.

His heart had sunk.

Dimitri had swallowed hard and sat in his chair, in his bedroom, listening to Countess Guevera tell him that Alessa had lured the second prince out with the intention of capturing him. It was under the illusion that doing so was saving Prince Gideon from the Countess, who was believed to be the one plotting against the empire.

Alessa unknowingly assisted a foreign power to nearly kill Prince Gideon and invade the empire from within.

If that wasnt terrifying enough, Agafonova commandeered the call and told him that the Countess almost died, and at the time of the call, had still not recovered to her full crystal strength.

Dimitri wasnt sure what was more terrifying, that he had a friendly relationship with Alessa at one point and couldve easily unknowingly helped her assist in destroying the empire, or that Countess Guevera killed several thousand enemy soldiers by collapsing an entire cave system.

It was good that she didnt hate him.

Thank goodness his mother absolutely loved the Countess and that the Countess liked his mother, otherwise, who knew where hed end up. His family had dutifully served the empire for generations. Hed deserve to die if he was involved.

As for Alessa, he found out that through her fathers lobbying, they were given the choice of bloodline termination. Hed never heard of it and had assumed that Alessa would be executed, if not already dead, as he had lost track of her. Dimitri had gone to look up what bloodline termination was: an obscure, ancient punishment that made any family with significant wealth and power cold with fear.

If it were him, he wouldve advocated for death so as not to get his family involved, no matter what his family wanted.

After finding out what happened, he hadnt been able to sleep for two nights.

He had to force himself to refocus his energy on keeping up his strength and pushing forward. Fate had somehow spared him from death and destruction. He needed to take advantage of his time and do good. Only then could his lingering guilt be somewhat quelled.

That was part of the reason his chosen area of study was public works and policy. Not necessarily on a grand scale, like the Chamber, but more community-based, focusing on improvement driven by the people most in need and affected by policy and change. When he told his parents, his mother was supportive, as always, but his father had looked surprised.

His father had given him another satisfied nod, but Dimitri had caught the redness in his eyes, as if he were relieved.

It just so happened that Agafonova was studying something similar. She was studying two things: business and public works. It was a hefty task to focus on one area of study, but Agafonova was apparently excelling in both.

At least, thats what his mother claimed. Dimitri couldnt help but be envious.

Excelling in such a way shouldve come naturally to him. Now, he felt as if he were constantly trying to catch up.

A part of him didnt think he ever would, but that didnt mean he couldnt try.

Countess Guevera was right: there were plenty of ways for him to do good for the people of Soleil without becoming a Prime Minister.

The carriage he was on came to a stop. Dimitri peered out the window and saw the iron fence that went around the main campus of Universit.

Sir, Im afraid there is a line of carriages and it will take some time before we reach the gate, the drivers voice came from a light blue crystal embedded into the wall across from him. His mother got a discount having it installed in the delta.

Dimitri moved to the bench across from his seat and touched the crystal. How long will it take until we get to the gate?

He heard the driver let out a small hiss. Id say another fifteen minutes. There are quite a few carriages in line.

Dimitri furrowed his brows and thought for a moment. Im not far from campus, Ill get off here. My father still needs the carriage for work.

Yes, sir, the driver said.

Dimitri collected his satchel, slinging it over his body, as the footman jumped from his seat to open the door while they were still stopped.

What time should we come to retrieve you, young sir? the man asked.

I am not sure. I will go to the plaza to hire a carriage to bring me home when I am done for today.

The footman nodded and Dimitri headed towards campus, walking along the raised pavement beside the road. It seemed that many other students had this idea, as a few were also coming out of their carriages to walk to the gates.

Just as he entered the massive double iron gates that had metal seals of the school on them along with the long marble slab to one said that said Universit du Soleil, a voice called out to him.

Dimitri! Good luck on your first day here!Visit no(v)eLb(i)n.com for the best novel reading experience

Dimitri turned around at the sound of the mans voice and felt an unexpected surge of relief. Constantine, good morning. Do you have morning classes?

Yes, but Im going in early to do some work. There are numerous pieces that need identification and mild restoration done at the museum and were short on staff, Constantine said with a friendly smile. He reached Dimitris side and walked through the gates with him. Im going to sort some pieces so I can focus on the simple identification and restoration. Montan can focus on the translations on any of the pieces when he arrives.

Dimitri tilted his head to the side. Montan Alvere also works at the museum?

Its not paid work...at least not monetary, Constantine replied. Its for experience and credits. Montans brother made him quit working as a game master at Duel so he could focus on his preparation for studying abroad next year.

Hell study abroad? Dimitri looked surprised. Only students in specific areas of study could do that, as there was a large benefit to exposure elsewhere. What is he studying?

Ancient languages, but he specializes in Old Sulfae, Constantine told him. He and I will be going to Nazaria next year.

Dimitris brows shot up, impressed. Youre going, too? He shouldnt have been surprised. He knew that Constantine was studying antiquities, and Nazaria was brimming with them.

Constantine smiled and nodded. Yes, Ill get hands-on experience. If I do well, Ill be able to stay with the research team for another year afterwards.

I see...well...congratulations.

Constantine laughed. I havent done so yet. He checked his time piece and gave Dimitri a nod. I go in that direction.

Dimitri nodded in return. My class is this way. I hope to see you around campus.

Not just campus! We often have dinner nearby and study. If you find studying on campus boring, join us.

Us being not only him, but the Countess and the rest of her little circle, Dimitri was sure. He forced a polite smile and nodded, though had no intention of taking him up on the invitation. Thank you, I may just do that. He would not.

Constantine likely only said it to be polite.

No, look up Imperial Local Ordinances, volume 103, under the central region, Albert Martin said in a firm, convinced voice as he slapped his hand on the large table. It says taxes from the local area should have 10% set aside for local infrastructure.

Its talking about roads and public waterway maintenance to prevent flooding and such! Agafonova sounded equally convinced. Plumbing is considered private, so taxes paid to the empire cant be used for it.

Dimitri sat at the far end of the table, his eyes going from Albert to Agafonova in silence, finding the entire situation surreal. Hed come at Constantines insistence after rejecting the offer to study and have dinner with them so many times. What made him agree this time? Was it a lapse in judgment? Did he really need a place to study for the upcoming exams? He couldve waited until he got home, couldnt he?

Yet, there he was, to one side of a dinner table with company he least expected. Albert was studying imperial policy, both empire-wide and local. He argued with such determination that Dimitri couldnt question him, even knowing that his opponent was Agafonova.

There is only one way to settle this, Albert said with narrowed eyes.

Henrik let out a tired breath and rubbed his forehead. Please dont call- Call Piers du Soleil! Albert almost shouted into his comcry. Agafonova didnt stop him, but rather looked haughty, as if shed already won.

Dimitri watched Alberts comcry glow and pulse once...twice....

As soon as he made contact with his sons eyes, his brows shot up and he was making steps towards him.

Dimitri, youre home! Good!

Yes, I was called shortly after you. How is she? Is the birth imminent? Since the midwives were all still running out around with clean cloth and water, it was likely that she didnt have the baby yet.

The midwives say shes fine, but she must be watched carefully. So many things could go wrong at her age. His fathers voice trembled as he reached his son and put his hand on his shoulder. Dont be nervous; everything will be fine.

As he said that, Dimitri could feel his father trembling. The other mans eyes were red and he kept looking over Dimitris shoulder, towards the other side of the hall.

Father, have you been pacing this entire time? Dimitri lifted his hand and carefully pried his fathers hand off his shoulder and tried to steer him towards the seats. Its not good for you to pace like this. If Mother knew you were in such a state, it would only add to her worries.

His father gave a vague nod of his head. Yes...yes, youre right. His father lifted a hand and ran it through his tousled hair once more. I shouldnt worry your mother. She is working so hard....

Dimitri stayed by his fathers side, making sure he was steady before helping him take a seat. His father kept a firm grip on his forearm. Ill be right back. Im going to bring something to Mother.

Dont stay too long. We dont want to get in the way of the midwives.

I understand. Dimitri stepped back, trying to pry his fathers nervous grip from his arm before rushing out of the parlor. He wove through the hall to get to the birthing room, but was stopped by the maid.

Im sorry, young master, but there are too many people and only those necessary should be inside, the maid said.

Dimitris face tightened. He reached into his pocket and fished out the crystal hed been given. Then, please give this to my mother. It is from Countess Guevera for safety in childbirth.

A thoughtful look crossed the old maids face before she took the crystal and nodded. I will give it to her, young master. Dont worry. Your mother will be fine.

Dimitri really hoped so. He lingered outside the door for a bit longer until the maid came out and confirmed that shed given the crystal to his mother. He let out a low, relieved breath, as if a weight had been lifted from him.

Mother will be all right.... He thought this to himself over and over as he returned to the parlor to wait. His shaken father remained seated on the armchair. Father.

His father raised his head. Im worried about your mother.

I know. I am as well. Were all doing what we can, Dimitri said as he sat across on the sofa. Mother is stronger than she looks.

His father shook his head. It is because she is so strong that I worry. Worry that she will push herself too far. He drew his lips inward. I dont know what Id do without Miriam.... His voice was faint and trembled. If the gods are merciful, they will not take her from me yet.

Dimitri didnt know what else to say. The labor could take hours and neither he nor his father could focus on anything else. Outside, the sun had already set, and if the maid hadnt come to turn on the light crystals, the father and son wouldve remained sitting in the dark.

Master, Young Master, someone has delivered a meal, the old maid looked hopeful as she carried a heating container the size of a picnic basket.

Dimitri furrowed his brows and his father frowned. We didnt order any food.

Dimitri was fairly certain eating was the last thing on both their minds.

It is from Crescent Sky sent over by Countess Guevera, the old maid said. According to the delivery man, there are boxed dinners for everyone and nourishing soup for the madam.

Quickly! His father sat up straight. Take the soup to my wife- A pained scream, muffled as it was, pierced the silence of the house and Dimitri watched his father pale. Miriam-

Before he could shoot out of his seat, Dimitri grasped his arm and pulled him back down. Father, it may be time. We cant get in the way.

I will see to the madam! Frantic, the old maid placed the heating container on the coffee table and abandoned it without another thought.

Dimitris father lowered his head, his hands gripping the arms of his seat. Gods, let her be safe. Gods, let her safe....

Dimitri could only pray in his mind. His mothers screaming chilled him and all the voices of the midwives and doctor could not drown out her cries.

After an unknown amount of time, the screaming seemed to fade. Dimitri lifted his head and looked towards the door, his heart hanging.

Master! Young master! The old maid rushed out, red faced with tears in her eyes. The madam has a healthy son!

Both Dimitri and his father let out their breaths. Dimitri slumped back against the sofa, but his father still seemed to want to get up and race to his wife.

And Miriam? How is she?

The old man laughed through her smile. She is exhausted, but well. The doctor is checking her right now.

Sarah! One of the midwives came out, carrying a basin carrying red water. The madam is very weak! Quickly, you must prepare something for her to eat.

Dimitri sat up. He eyed the heating container. Is soup all right? We were sent nourishing soup from the Countess!

Yes, soup is easy to drink and digest, the midwife said before she carried the basin to the kitchen.

The maids hands were quick and she opened the heating container and removed metal pot of sorts. It was still warm and the maid went to get a spoon. A bowl would only waste time; the madam wouldnt care about eating from the pot directly. After all, the food was from Crescent Sky.

As the midwife passed with a basin of clean hot water, Dimitris father stood up. Can I see my wife?

In a moment, sir. We are still cleaning her and the baby. Someone will call you when they are ready.

Dimitri watched his father begin to pace once more. Hed used up all his patience already waiting for his wife.

Dimitri was fidgeting in his seat as well. Time seemed to pass painfully slow and every time he checked his time piece only a few seconds had passed. He frowned. How was this possible?

At last, one of the midwives came out.

The sirs may visit the madam.

They nearly ran past her. Dimitris heart was racing. His father was faster than he thought and entered the birthing room before he could.

The light crystals were on and the windows were open just a bit to air out the room. There was a scent of blood and herbs in the air. It seemed that the midwives had cleaned up the area and his mother.

The woman with a pale face and shadows beneath her eyes was leaning back against a stack of pillows on the bed, smiling as she held a tiny red ball wrapped in soft cotton blankets in her arms. Sarah was dutifully seated by her bed, feeding her spoonful after spoonful of nourishing soup. His mother was distracted, though, and had to be called when being fed.

Dimitris father had slowed as he entered, his eyes fixed on mother and child.

Miriam....

Charles. The woman looked up and a brilliant smile filled her face. A son. We have another son. She lifted the bundle in her arms just a bit. Come and see him.

Dimitri stood back so that his father could take up the other side of the bed and see his new son. The older man was careful and extended his hand to touch the childs head, but hesitated, afraid that hed hurt him.

He is tiny....

Hes a newborn, his mother chuckled. She looked down at the child fondly. I think he looks like you.

His father let out a laugh, his eyes crinkled with mirth. A bit too soon to decide on that when hes as wrinkled as a prune, isnt it?

The couple chuckled.

We should decide on a name to register the baby.

Dimitri wondered what his new sibling would be named. Hed heard his parents discussing it over and over. Theyd discussed names of various scholars and what names were currently popular, as when the child entered school, they didnt want their child to share their name with a dozen other children.

Dimitri wondered if his parents agonized over his name, as well, before he was born.

If he were a girl, I wanted to name her after the Countess, his mother sighed. Dimitri held back a small laugh.

Somehow, he expected that after what Countess Guevera did for him and his family.

Dont let him hear you be disappointed, his father said with an amused smile. He lifted his hand and gently stroked back his wifes hair, which was still damp with sweat. What about Viktor?

Hmm...do you think that name will be too popular in the coming years? There was a wave of Matthews and Philips when the Emperor was married.

I think it should be fine. His father looked up towards their son. Dimitri, what do you think of the name?

Dimitri chewed on his lower lip for a moment. He furrowed his brows. Whatever name you pick will be good.

His mother giggled. Then, come here and see your brother - Viktor.

Dimitri smiled. First finish your soup and then Ill get closer. Youve worked hard, Mother. You need to replenish your strength to take care of Viktor.

His mothers loving gaze only softened more so.

Dimitri stood at the foot of the bed, waiting for his mother to finish at least half of the soup provided. They could reheat the rest, but he didnt know when she last ate, and childbirth was a draining experience from what hed heard and seen.

He watched his family in front of him. His father was seated on the edge of the bed beside his mother, his large hand touching the faint dark hairs on the babys head. His mother alternated from staring affectionately at her newborn to turning her head to take another sip of soup from the spoon.

They looked like such an ideal family.

Nothing like the strained trio that they were a few years prior.

Dimitri felt his hands grow cold. Perhaps this was his parents chance at a fresh start.

His heart began to tighten and he resisted the urge to raise his hand and rub against it. Was he jealous? How could he be jealous?

He held back a frown, but his brows couldnt be stopped from creasing.

He was a grown man; it wasnt as if he were a child who was losing his parents attention or didnt want to share it with a new sibling. That was ridiculous.

Dimitri swallowed hard.

It was ridiculous...but as he watched his parents pour their affection and attention on to the latest addition to their family, he suddenly felt as if that was all he was doing, watching. An unexpected distance appeared between them and it had nothing to do with being a few paces away, at the foot of the bed.

The child in his mothers arms was his baby brother. He carried the same blood. As the older brother, he shouldve felt protective.

Hah! Look how strong he is! Hes already trying to grasp my finger, this little brat, his father said with a hearty laugh.

Maybe he knows youre his father and wants to get close to you, his mother said with a thoughtful smile.

His father beamed and a proud glint appeared in his eyes that Dimitri hadnt seen for some time.

Despite himself, despite the logic, a sourness swept over him as his chest ached.

All the baby had done so far was be born, and it wasnt even up to him. It was their mother who did all the work.

And yet, his father looked at his new brother with such hope and pride.

Hope and pride that hed once given to Dimitri.

He lowered his eyes and let his dark bangs fall over his face to hide any semblance of disapproval or irritation. No matter what he felt, he knew if his parents saw a negative expression on him, it would lower the mood of the happy event and possibly upset his parents.

His mother was exhausted. His father was happy. They didnt need him to depress them.

Dimitri, switch places with me and see your brother, his father said, cutting through his pained thoughts.

Dimitri swallowed once more. How could he feel like this? This was his family. He loved his family. He loved his brother. Since he found out his mother was pregnant, hed been looking forward to the birth. Hed been the one to tell the Countess, and went out of his way to learn as much as possible so he could support his mother who had supported him.

Just minutes ago, his heart was hanging, hoping for the best; that both mother and baby were healthy and safe. He didnt understand where that feeling went now that he saw his parents with the baby. Having Viktor was a blessing, wasnt it? At least now, his parents could have a child who didnt ruin their own future. A child who didnt implicate the family and had been close to a traitor. Wasnt that a good thing?

He took a deep breath and forced a smile on his face as he lifted his eyes.

Sure, he said, hoping that his parents didnt notice that his smile didnt reach his eyes. Ive waited so long to meet him.