Chapter 15

Early the next morning Helena got a visitor. When the inn maid came in she announced that someone was outside the room waiting to see her. For just a second Helena’s heart almost stopped beating for fear that her presence was missed at Mount Kpamos and Robos had sent seekers to come and find her but as soon as the fear came it was quickly dispersed as she remembered that Robos did not care where she was or how she lived her life unless he wanted to get between her legs so she asked the maid to let the visitor in since it could either be Robos or Banjo. But it turned out to be Likia, Banjo’s wife. The tall dark woman was wearing a lightweight white tunic with and a bright smile. She looked even more beautiful than she did when Helena met her at the fishermen’s village.

“Helena,” she opened her arms wide and hugged Helena like a long-time friend. Helena leaned into the hug. She liked Likia. The woman was genuine and was indeed a good friend.

“I see you got the dresses I sent,” Likia said as she pulled back from Helena. She took in the cream-colored silk tunic she had sent to her through the innkeeper. “This color looks good on you, Helena.”

“Thank you. I don’t know what I would have done without you.”

Likia waved her gratitude aside with a smile. “You don’t need my help to look beautiful Helena, I’m just doing my bit to see that you and Ramus find happiness.”

The last statement made Helena’s breath catch. She chuckled softly to hide her true feelings from Likia’s watchful eyes as she turned away from her. “What are you talking about?”

Likia walked around and faced her. “Don’t take me for a fool Helena, even a blind man can see how you and Ramus feel about each other. You should do something about it instead of trying to hide how you feel. Maybe you should approach Ramus today and let him know how you feel.”

“Isn’t that too bold?” Helena asked, all thoughts about denying Likia’s words all but forgotten. This was the first time she ever found herself doubting her prowess and it amazed her to think that she was seeking advice from Likia, a mere mortal.

Likia laughed at her question. “Some men like bold because they are too pigheaded to approach a woman. If you desire a man I see no wrong in your approaching him yourself especially if you know he feels the same way about you.”

“And if Ramus doesn’t feel that way about me?”

Likia smiled a knowing smile. “Then you must be blind, Helena.” She moved behind Helena to the stack of scarves the maid had set aside for Helena’s hair and selected a light silk see-through scarf with gold threads around the edges. “This should enhance your beauty,” she said as she placed the veil on Helena’s head and started to work on securing it in her hair. As she worked her eyes fell on the bracelet on Helena’s wrist and her lips quirked up to one side. “Where did you get that beautiful bracelet?”

Helena’s hand automatically went to cover it. “Uh…Ramus bought it from a jeweler in the market.”

“It’s a very beautiful bracelet.” Likia secured the last pin in the veil and came to stand in front of her. “A man would not buy something so beautiful for a woman if he did not have feelings for her. We are humans Helena, we don’t know for sure how long we’ll live so why not take risks and enjoy the moment? Do something daring and don’t think about the consequences.”

As Helena went out to meet Demeus Likia’s words rang in her ears. She was daring but if she was to take a bold step with Demeus it would be the most daring thing she would have ever done. As the thoughts ran through her head she found herself avoiding his gaze as they moved through the village.

Demeus pointed out places to Helena as they walked. She made noncommittal noises in response to his words, she had been different yesterday and he found himself wondering if the change in her demeanor had something to do with what he may have done yesterday. Her head was bent low and it was a shame because the veil heightened the color of her hair and added light to her eyes making her look ethereally beautiful. She didn’t even smile at him or make scathing comments like she was wont to do.

Many times, through the course of the morning, he wanted to ask what baffled her but he held his tongue. After a while, however, he could not keep quiet any longer.

“Is something wrong Helena?”

Her head shot up immediately. Her eyes were wide in surprise.

“What do you mean?”

Demeus stopped walking and pulled her into the shelter of the street corner where they would not obstruct the traffic of people using the road and also have privacy to talk.

“You have been quiet all morning and that is unusual for you. Is something wrong?”

Helena started to stutter a reply but she stopped short and took a deep breath. “Nothing is wrong.”

“Perhaps you are tired? Do you want to go back to the inn?”

“No no I don’t. I’m not tired.”

“Have you received bad news from your father?”

“No, Ramus.” Helena crossed her arms across her chest angry that she was so tongue-tied. “Why does it matter, Ramus?”

He frowned. “Because I am concerned about you and I have come to like your sharp tongue when you want to criticize me. It’s one of your unique traits.”

“Are you saying talking is the best thing about me?” Helena asked in a sudden surge of energy. She rested her hands on her waist and looked at him askance. Demeus pressed his lips together to keep from laughing out loud. Her spirit was back and the fire in her eyes returned. “Why are you staring at me like that?” she demanded.

“Because you are a beautiful woman Helena and your fiery spirit makes you even more beautiful.”

She swallowed. He was being so forthright with her and it made her heart leap. Maybe Likia was right. The woman was under the impression that Helena was a human when she said life was too short but she was right, life was too short for Ramus and she wanted to see where her desires for him will lead. The fact that he already complimented her more than once was proof that he felt something for her too but he was leaving the ball in her court. With an inward sigh, Helena reached out and held his hand and smiled.

“Thank you, Ramus. Thank you for caring but I’m alright now that you’ve shown concern, I was only trying to get your attention…”

“But you’ve had it all along,” he said in a voice made even deeper with emotion.

“Have I ?” she smiled at him.

“Since you stumbled upon us at the sea.”

Helena laughed even though her breath caught at his words. “I am glad to hear it. I’m sorry I almost ruined your day with my mood but let’s not ruin it any longer. Show me what else Eyrotia has to offer.”