❝ 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
THE ONLY REASON ATTICUS PEREGRINE attended that winter's House Blossom meeting was to keep up appearances; it definitely wasn't because he desperately wanted to see the Codfather. No, the eagerness he felt could be explained away by wanting to know if the corruption was continuing to spread in other empires; he simply wanted to know more, certainly not wanting to see the Codfather for the first time in weeks.
Despite the winter's chill forcing him to leave early so as to not be caught in the snow, Atticus was still happy to arrive at House Blosson; even once he found himself sitting beside King Sausage of Mythland, whom he hadn't seen or heard from in the weeks following his panic attack.
If Atticus were to be honest with himself, he did not hate Lord Sausage. He did not even fear the man; if Sausage had wanted to take advantage of Atticus, he could have easily done so while Atticus was panicking. But his indifference toward Sausage did not mean he felt comfortable sitting beside him. It was a relief when Sausage pointedly turned away from him, looking toward Katherine instead, as if to give Atticus some semblance of peace after their confrontation.
Atticus turned his gaze forward, sitting up straighter when he noticed the Codfather was already seated. Hesitantly, he nodded at the man, almost holding his breath; he exhaled when the Codfather shot him that familiar smile, nothing in his expression showing distaste toward Atticus. The only thing that spoiled the moment was Lady Katherine calling the meeting to order, as even Count fWhip knew better than to take the Codfather's attention off of Atticus.
"I'm so glad we were all able to make it to this meeting," Lady Katherine began, clapping her hands excitedly. "This is the first time in months that we've been able to see everyone at this table!" A few people gave scattered claps in response. Katherine smiled at them. "Now, we have a few things to discuss today, so I hope everyone is feeling patient. There's a lot to go over."
She picked up her agenda from the table, eyes lighting up. "I'll start with a happy one. Queen Lizzie and King Joel will be celebrating their fifth anniversary this coming month. They've extended invitations to all of us to attend a gathering to celebrate, but showing up is not required," she explained. Lizzie beamed at Joel, who returned her smile shyly.
Atticus hadn't been able to attend their wedding; he had been invited, but it had felt too forced, as though he had been invited only to keep up appearances, which he knew he had been. He still felt bad, years later, about missing the ceremony and decided he would at least try to attend the anniversary party.
"Congratulations, you two. If I can't show up, I'll make sure to send a gift," Katherine told them.
Lizzie waved her hand. "That's not needed. We hope you can all show up, but don't feel like you have to. It'll be a more intimate gathering anyway, so we understand if you're not comfortable showing up." Her words were general, but Atticus couldn't help but feel they were directed at him, given he was sure he was the only ruler who hadn't shown up to the wedding.
