Six Are Bathed in Morning Light

Tiberius is momentarily disjointed when he nexts wake up especially because he remembers a little bird falling asleep in his arms and now said bird is not there. He wants to growl at the prospect of her having slipped out and escaped from him, but Tiberius tempers his rage to think clearly. If Delphine had run then one of his pack members would’ve awoken him the moment they couldn’t find her. Tiberius takes a deep breath to scent the air and calm himself before getting up and going downstairs.

He finds Delphine there, sitting at the kitchen island with a mug of tea in her hands. The maid, Pollonia, must already be out and about with the cleaning, cooking, and other things Tiberius doesn’t have the energy for. Grey eyes cut over to him and he beams at the fact Delphine hasn’t tried to run again. He slides an arm around her shoulders pulling her closer to his chest before placing a chaste kiss on the top of her head.

“You didn’t try to run and you’ve met Pollonia,” Tiberius sits in the chair next to her as he relaxes. “I’m so happy you’re getting used to your role already.”

Delphine scowls at him as she glances away, “I did, actually, from the bathroom window but your guards took me right back inside.”

Tiberius sighs but nods, “At least they brought you back quickly and unharmed.”

She doesn’t answer him this time and he purses his lips at the blatant refusal to engage with him. Tiberius almost wants to assert himself over her again, but he holds off as Pollonia comes back. She’s an elderly Beta with a plethora of experience dealing with less than savory situations. Tiberius doesn’t consider this situation lass than savory, but he’s sure to more delicate types it is.

Regardless, Pollonia gets started on breakfast as Delphine continues to ignore him, sipping her tea as if it’s the most interesting thing in the world. Tiberius hates it, but he drinks his offered coffee without a word more. She will warm up to him. She will love him, one way or another. Breakfast is served without much fanfare until Tiberius notices Delphine picking all the meat off her plate.

He smiles in amusement despite himself, “Never thought I’d see the day a wolf doesn’t eat meat.”

“Too much of it is bad for your health,” Delphine huffs as she continues her work. “Besides, too much fats and sugars can mess up my vocals.”

“What of meat is fat and sugary?”

“The fat, for one, and I wasn’t saying meat is sugary, but just about sugars in general.”

Pollonia politely cuts into the conversation, “Miss Delphine would you like something else to eat then? I can make you some granola with yogurt?”

Delphine waves her hand with a soft, polite smile, “That’s quite alright, I can have a bit of a cheat day today. Besides, crepes are my weakness.”

This causes both women to laugh and Tiberius relaxes once more. If Delphine can still find cheer and humor in all of this, then surely they will be okay. He runs his fingers gingerly through her hair and while she tenses briefly, she doesn’t pull away either. Tiberius considers that a great leap in their budding relationship.

“Has your name always been Tiberius,” her soft chime of a voice pulls his attention from his mind. “I don’t know of any Apollion family.”

Tiberius chuckles, “I have always been Tiberius, but the last name is one I gave myself after rising to power. No one would take me seriously unless I observe the archaic tradition of Latin/Roman names. Which reminds me, why did you never bother to change your name if you were hiding?”

“I didn’t know what to change it to,” Delphine sounds bashful about it. “I’ve always been Delphine and people around here never asked much about last names. Not until last night, at least.”

“Societal norms demand you give your full title when given someone else’s. You’re far too polite and constrained for a runaway,” his smile is teasing as he leans in towards her.

Delphine scoffs, “I’m an adult, not some teen who hates her parents. Can’t be a runaway adult.”

“Well, now that we have that settled, let us get ready for the day! I have quite a few ideas for remodeling the Austerus Luscinia I want your opinion on,” Tiberius stands and offers his hand to her. She eyes it warily, but clearly decides it’s better to simply take it- which she does.

Tiberius pulls her along back to their room where he opens the wardrobe to her eyes. It’s stocked full of clothing he knows she would wear, he’s been very careful on making sure she would like the clothes he picks. Delphine bites her lip and it’s clear she doesn’t know quite how to react. He plucks a light green midi dress with small doves embroidered on the hem and hands it to her.

Delphine hesitates before taking the dress and he beckons her to the changing screen. Her head peaks out for a moment just as Tiberius hands her undergarments. She blushes but takes them with a small thank you and when she steps out fully changed he nearly falls weak to his knees.

“Put on some sandals my bird,” Tiberius grabs his clothes to change next. “We’ll be going to the opera house so you can visual my plans. I know you understand better when it’s visual.”

“How do you know that?”

“Because we’re mates, I know everything about you.”