Chapter Text
VENICE — ITALY, ??? (SOMEWHERE ELSE)
Iago left, his teeth clenching out of suppressed anger. He leaned his hand against the wall of the restaurant, nearly scratching it, his fingers going down into a fist. He pulled it away with aggression and began to head home, a place where he didn't have to pretend. On his way, he heard a beeping noise come out of somewhere, but he didn't have his phone, so he checked around.
The television showed a warning regarding one of the colonies, Cyprus, the one where the wedding was meant to take place. It was being invaded, the news made Iago rub his chin and lean back. An international danger, invasion, maybe he could take advantage of it, oh he definitely will...
He turned his hips and ran back as fast as he could. He elbowed the front exit, imitating fear as he approached the couple, who was already discussing what to do while the rest of the guests were panicking.
Othello put his head in his hands. "I know I will be told to join the fight, I'm sorry Desdemona, I must prepare myself and go as soon as I can." He mumbled out, then tilted his head back. "I will try to come back whenever I'll be able to."
She trembled. "Please, don't! You've been through so much, the wars, kidnappings; Othello, they made you a slave!" She cried out, getting off her seat defensively. It was clear she thought he couldn't take anymore, no matter what he believed.
"Don't worry about me, it will only concern me more." He got up and pulled her hand into a kiss. When he opened his eyes again, he saw Iago by her side. He let out a sigh of relief. "Iago, promise to come with me."
"I promise, sir." He stood tall and mature, to show he was, for once, scared and was aware of the danger of the situation, ready to fight, how out of character from him. "I promise to protect the land and stay by your side to my death."
"Wait!" Desdemona yelled out at the men, fear in her eyes, her skin pale. "Let me come with you, I'm begging. I couldn't live anymore if I was told the outcome by a bystander, I want to see you fight yourself, mighty Othello, please, let me come with you!"
"You must keep yourself safe, we won't be able to protect you. I can teach you how to defend yourself on the way there." Othello warned, but didn't argue. He peeked at the TV one more time before taking her hand. "Let's proceed, both of you." He said and with Desdemona, he left.
Iago kept up, not too far behind her. His expression was now stoic, his hands behind his back. He wondered if Roderigo was going to join them, he truly wondered. But first, he had to go get his wife. "I must go get Emilia so she can come too." He said, then broke out of the tracks.
Othello let go after Desdemona's hand after a few more minutes, turning towards her. "I will take an earlier boat. Please, pack our things and arrive with Iago, his friend and his wife. Tell Cassio to follow mine and help me discuss our stay in Cyprus with Montano. I'll see you soon, Desdemona." His eyes met hers, they were both terrified, but they knew they had to be determined. Othello bowed down to her, then left.
Desdemona's concern was worsening; she didn't know anything about fighting, war, weapons, nothing. Though, she figured Emilia might, her and Iago have always risked each other's life, making everyone question why they still lived together. Desdemona grasped her scarf with roses, which she was gifted to by Othello, worried for him.
As she reached the shore, she was unsure about the whole thing. She prayed inside that something would happen, something which would turn the events and make everyone feel safe once more, just a small, peaceful change.
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