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Callisto is not one to hide his affection. Penelope knows that he smothers her with love that she can never even think of the word lonely again.
While Penelope thinks (wishes) she wouldn’t like to be spoiled with such fondness, she can’t help but long for it every time he leaves.
The kisses placed upon her fair skin, the warmth even the touch of his finger brings to her heart. Without it, she doesn’t know what she would do.
So, when she is informed that after such a peaceful time together, that he is leaving for battle, she is not happy. She knows it’s inevitable, because a war is breaking out with no sign of stopping.
But to go so long without his warmth. His gifts she stubbornly refuses but secretly accepts. His embrace at her hips which catches her by surprise. His sarcastic tone when they bicker lovingly. To go so long without those, she feels is something she’s can’t prepare for.
He too agrees with her thoughts. To not be able to see his lovers beautiful flustered face. Her smile that appears on her lips more frequently than it used to. Stubborn remarks and words that perfectly harmonizes with his. To not be able to kiss her beautiful skin and not hear her little sounds of surprise.
Penelope fears she made a wrong choice by encouraging him to continue his dream to become the perfect emperor. Now the responsibility’s of such a job are affecting her.
On the day he departs, he makes sure to cover her skin head to toe in kisses. Not a single part of her body doesn’t make her face flush remembering each kiss.
Judith keeps her company. Her cute but chaotic antics bring her face to a smile.
Her appearance reminding her of the man she adores.
The cold air breezes against his skin, contrasting the warmth he’s used to. Callisto makes a simple fire to warm his body but it doesn’t bring the warmth he gets from her. This one gives an uncomfortable heat while hers gives a passionate warmth.
Days turn into months. The war is lasting longer than expected. Penelope starts writing letters to Callisto. Receiving a letter reassures her he’s fine, and makes her heart skip a beat.
Exchanging letters isn’t bad, but in comparison to talking to the real person, it’s bland. Gives warmth to her heart with each word he writes but wishes he’s here to say those words to her and not stroke them with a pen.
It’s when she doesn’t receive a letter back at the time she usually does that makes her heart race in an unpleasant way.
She’s bitten her nails down till it bleeds. Scratching her skin to ease the pain in her heart. Tears threaten to drip at the scenarios racing in her mind.
All is relieved when he shows back at the palace. Surprising his empress with his sudden arrival. She has squeezed him till he can barely breathe. Redness appears on her hands that he would have to question later.
United with his beloved and their beautiful daughter. The warmth is brought back into his heart. The cold nights were bearable because he knew that he could get back to them if he went through it.
He hugs both his wife and daughter in overbearing arms. Tight around both of their body’s to ensure that he’s finally home. Back where mountains of paperwork reside, never ending duty’s appear, but most importantly where the two most important people to him are near.
When they both are alone she’s quick to draw him into a kiss. Lips she hasn’t touched in what feels like an eternity. Hands that she hasn’t felt on her skin in forever. She was extremely impatient all this time for him to come back, and now here he is so suddenly. It’s like a reward for her waiting.
He vows to never leave her again. He can’t entirely keep that promise, but it’s worth the thought. She wishes he could though. That he could stay stuck to her side for the rest of their lives. Love each other unconditionally till their dying breathes. Making this hell bare able to live in.
Maybe as soon as Judith is of age he can drop his duties. They both able to live together out in the country side. Never having to leave each others side, glued to the hip.
He loves the idea. She thinks she would get annoyed of him too fast.
He mentions something about her already being annoyed of him. She agrees. He hums. She falls asleep.
He watches her, glad to be back to his home. Where she is.