Eirene believed the moment of their kiss a blessed one. Chaste in its expression, but harboring deep, hidden feelings within, the gesture itself was like a small victory upon society’s everwatchful gaze.  It was their secret, shared and not quite revealed in all its beauty at the edge of the fountain, in the middle of a bustling crowd. For Eirene it felt as intimate as any of their nights spent alone behind closed doors. However, someone had to dissipate the magic, it seemed.<br/><br/>She took Orion’s rose, surprised both by his sudden appearance, the gift itself and Daphne’s rushed explanation. Eirene never heard of such a suitor, why did the blonde nymph kept such an important fact to herself until now? The Greek woman believed her heart to be shattering. Was it on purpose? Did Daphne fear her that much? As the young woman took her rose and sought her mistress’ eyes, she found them unreadable. Eirene kept her emotions under a veil of cold politeness. She would forever hate the man who’d take Daphne away from her. Be it husband, be it father or any other one, she would despise him, use all her wealth and all her influence to discourage his love or interest for her lover.<br/><br/>Ah, had she known sooner! How far where they into negotiations? Did Daphne already agree? She would surely tell that by now. They probably just met a few times, Eirene concluded.<br/><br/>“Of course” the woman finally replied, placing the rose on her lap. Her gazed was fixed on his, scrutinizing.<br/><br/>“Glad to meet you, Orion” she continued tilting her head and closing her eyes briefly to greet him. “I wouldn’t have sought for a more handsome suitor myself, your father chose wisely.” Eirene addressed Daphne next and they both heard the slight  irony behind her words.<br/><br/>She didn’t ask anything about his intentions. It would have been rude to inquire if their union had already been settled between him and Daphne’s father, which was probably the case since it rarely happened for things not to go in the direction once a wealthy man set his eyes on a suitor for his daughter. On the other hand, if things didn’t go that far yet, why would she encourage it? Perhaps there was a way in which Eirene could make Orion change his mind.  Daphne was gorgeous, she was well spoken, came from a very good family and her mind was as sharp as a razor – under Eirene’s tutoring both her mind and body blossomed, not because of  her teachings, but because Daphne had that potential within her all along. It would have whitered and died if she remained in the confines of her parent’s house and as sure as Dike, the goddess of justice, Daphne would suffer under the ‘care’ of a husband. The girl was born to be free just as Eirene was, yet the woman didn’t want a solitary life for her pupil. One day she’ll have to marry. Yet if things will go as she planned, Daphne will not only marry someone truly worthy of her, but she will also learn how to rule over her husband by then. Perhaps Eirene herself will find that man, one who will allow Daphne to continue her lessons even after marriage. The thought of having to share her lover chilled Eirene to the bone. Yet it was a thousand times better than losing her for good.<br/><br/>Therefore she asked a different kind of question instead:<br/><br/>“Will you join tonight’s celebration? I will host a small, yet lively party at my house, it’s just a pēchys away from here. Ask for Eirene.” She had no last name and gave none. The mere fact that she mentioned “her” house and  “her” party only meant that Eirene was unwed. Peculiar for her age, he would probably assume.