*Raphael*
"What are you doing here?" she asks, her curiosity piqued rather than alarmed.
"I came to see you, of course," I reply.
She shakes her head. "My brothers are…"
"At their clubs. As is your father." I point out.
"Still, this is my father's home, and for me to allow you to stay..." she bites her lips nervously.
Her voice trails off, and I try not to reveal my joy at the possibility of her letting me stay. The past week has been hellacious, and tonight confirmed that my visits to her would not be welcomed by her family. But now, an introduction at a ball has opened doors and windows for me.
I stride over to her, cup her face in my hands, and tilt her chin up so I can gaze into her silver eyes. "Tell me to leave, and I will."
"The Goddess forgive me for my weakness," she whisp
