❝ I can't save us ❞
in which the Foxling and the Codfather exchange
trades, looks, and blue orchids in a world of war,
death, and political alliances.
❝ my Atlantis ❞
( male!oc x solidarity )
( empires smp...
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FORGOTTEN ORCHIDS | CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
A FULL HOUR PASSED BEFORE Atticus thought it was appropriate to fetch the Codfather for dinner. He'd thought about leaving just a minute earlier, but the idea of seeming too eager was enough to have him waiting by his door for the extra 60 seconds before he stepped into the hallway. The nerves were beginning to rise once more, having barely settled in the first place; Atticus wished they would leave him alone entirely.
He took a deep breath and exhaled slowly before raising his fist to knock on the door, reminding himself that the Codfather was definitely going to be more nervous than Atticus was. Atticus had to set a good example by remaining calm, even if his brain was buzzing with thoughts of everything that could go wrong during the dinner.
The door swung open inward, the Codfather standing in the frame with a bright smile. He was dressed in a white button-down and black slacks—hardly the pinnacle of fancy, but Atticus still found it difficult to breathe anyway. Compared to the Codfather, Atticus was dressed far more simply, in a black shirt and something that could be classified as jeans; more on the casual side. The Codfather seemed to light up at the sight of Atticus regardless, but the embarrassment of feeling underdressed was beginning to get to the younger ruler.
Atticus took another breath; it was too late to change now, so he'd have to roll with it.
"Ready for dinner?" he asked, tilting his head toward the other end of the hall.
"Yep!" the Codfather said eagerly, stepping out into the hall with Atticus. Atticus took a step back to give him space, realizing just in time that they were about to be too close for Atticus' comfort. "And, I'm sorry, I should have said this earlier, you aren't serving fish, are you?" the Codfather asked sheepishly.
Atticus smiled, shaking his head. "I don't eat fish, so we don't keep the kitchens stocked with it," Atticus told him as he began leading the Codfather to the dining room. The Codfather smiled in relief. "And I've had dinner with your sister before, so I know better than to serve fish anyway."
"You've had dinner with Lizzie?" he questioned, brows furrowing.
Atticus nodded. "She insisted on talking about a trade deal over dinner. I agreed." Atticus smiled slightly. "I believe it was my first dinner with another ruler. I was sixteen and in over my head, but Queen Lizzie granted me grace and a trade deal."
The Codfather chuckled softly. "She had to deal with me. I'm sure however you acted, I was much worse," he joked. Atticus shook his head in amusement, though he felt a pang of jealousy. He'd never had a sibling growing up, and it was clear that the Codfather and Queen Lizzie had an amazing relationship; Atticus wished he could have the same, someone who would understand him and whom he could go to at any time of day. He might have even preferred an older sibling, but knew he couldn't put the burden of ruling Vulpesterra on anyone else.
