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The princess was no entirely sure what it was that she had walked in on in this party, but she was quite sure that she didn't much want to be part of it. Whatever Stephanos was trying to avoid, she didn't want to be pulled into it just because he was trying to turn attention from him or prove a point. She did, however, return his smile as she approached, offering her brother her hand right before he pulled her between himself and Lord Nikolias. Her blue eyes looked the much older man up and down once, as if assessing him carefully.
Not unsual for herself, of course.
"A dance?" Xene asked delicately when her brother offered her up without asking her permission first. This wasn't out of the ordinary, but she was very sure that Stephanos would owe her later, so she tried now to scowl at him and give away her thoughts. "I love to dance," she said slowly, offering her hand to Lord Nikolias now. Giving him a brilliant smile, she nodded her head toward the dancefloor, "Though I did hear something about bets being wagered and I would like someone to explain to me whatfor before the generous lord takes me out to the floor," the princess said with a wry, playful smile.
Turning her gaze from the man pressing his lips to her hand to her brother and her cousins, Xene tilted her head a little bit, watching the three of them expectantly. "What sort of gambling debts are you to get yourself into now, Stephanos?" she teased him lightly, "And how do I also wager?" Now her grin turned wicked, her blue eyes flashing with nothing but unhidden need for revenge. If one wanted to play games, Xene could just as well and she would not be ashamed of it.
"Perhaps the dear Lord Condos can even tell me what it was if you won't," her tone was dripping with affection and sweetness, humor still settled in pretty blue eyes. "If you find it both proper and amiable for me to know," she added toward Nikolias, not truly giving him any room to deny her. With a silver tongue, she would lay it on thick and sweet to get what she wanted. Information. Besides, it was fun to mess with her brother and she wasn't going to pass up a good chance just because Stephanos had decided to pawn her off on someone else for his own benefit.
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The princess was no entirely sure what it was that she had walked in on in this party, but she was quite sure that she didn't much want to be part of it. Whatever Stephanos was trying to avoid, she didn't want to be pulled into it just because he was trying to turn attention from him or prove a point. She did, however, return his smile as she approached, offering her brother her hand right before he pulled her between himself and Lord Nikolias. Her blue eyes looked the much older man up and down once, as if assessing him carefully.
Not unsual for herself, of course.
"A dance?" Xene asked delicately when her brother offered her up without asking her permission first. This wasn't out of the ordinary, but she was very sure that Stephanos would owe her later, so she tried now to scowl at him and give away her thoughts. "I love to dance," she said slowly, offering her hand to Lord Nikolias now. Giving him a brilliant smile, she nodded her head toward the dancefloor, "Though I did hear something about bets being wagered and I would like someone to explain to me whatfor before the generous lord takes me out to the floor," the princess said with a wry, playful smile.
Turning her gaze from the man pressing his lips to her hand to her brother and her cousins, Xene tilted her head a little bit, watching the three of them expectantly. "What sort of gambling debts are you to get yourself into now, Stephanos?" she teased him lightly, "And how do I also wager?" Now her grin turned wicked, her blue eyes flashing with nothing but unhidden need for revenge. If one wanted to play games, Xene could just as well and she would not be ashamed of it.
"Perhaps the dear Lord Condos can even tell me what it was if you won't," her tone was dripping with affection and sweetness, humor still settled in pretty blue eyes. "If you find it both proper and amiable for me to know," she added toward Nikolias, not truly giving him any room to deny her. With a silver tongue, she would lay it on thick and sweet to get what she wanted. Information. Besides, it was fun to mess with her brother and she wasn't going to pass up a good chance just because Stephanos had decided to pawn her off on someone else for his own benefit.
The princess was no entirely sure what it was that she had walked in on in this party, but she was quite sure that she didn't much want to be part of it. Whatever Stephanos was trying to avoid, she didn't want to be pulled into it just because he was trying to turn attention from him or prove a point. She did, however, return his smile as she approached, offering her brother her hand right before he pulled her between himself and Lord Nikolias. Her blue eyes looked the much older man up and down once, as if assessing him carefully.
Not unsual for herself, of course.
"A dance?" Xene asked delicately when her brother offered her up without asking her permission first. This wasn't out of the ordinary, but she was very sure that Stephanos would owe her later, so she tried now to scowl at him and give away her thoughts. "I love to dance," she said slowly, offering her hand to Lord Nikolias now. Giving him a brilliant smile, she nodded her head toward the dancefloor, "Though I did hear something about bets being wagered and I would like someone to explain to me whatfor before the generous lord takes me out to the floor," the princess said with a wry, playful smile.
Turning her gaze from the man pressing his lips to her hand to her brother and her cousins, Xene tilted her head a little bit, watching the three of them expectantly. "What sort of gambling debts are you to get yourself into now, Stephanos?" she teased him lightly, "And how do I also wager?" Now her grin turned wicked, her blue eyes flashing with nothing but unhidden need for revenge. If one wanted to play games, Xene could just as well and she would not be ashamed of it.
"Perhaps the dear Lord Condos can even tell me what it was if you won't," her tone was dripping with affection and sweetness, humor still settled in pretty blue eyes. "If you find it both proper and amiable for me to know," she added toward Nikolias, not truly giving him any room to deny her. With a silver tongue, she would lay it on thick and sweet to get what she wanted. Information. Besides, it was fun to mess with her brother and she wasn't going to pass up a good chance just because Stephanos had decided to pawn her off on someone else for his own benefit.
As Nikolias kissed the princess's hand in a gesture of chivalry and began to lead her toward the dance floor, he grinned almost as wickedly as she had, his own eyes dancing with humor.
"Indeed," he whispered. "It is- most likely, anyway- proper that you should know, Princess Xene. It concerns your life too, in a way. It could affect the dynamic of family gatherings greatly depending on whom the fortunate lady is who becomes your sister-in-law." He grinned even wider as he remembered what Emilios had said.
"Lord Emilios seems certain that Stephanos will be engaged at the end of this very night, you see." Surely he couldn't hold it off forever, regardless of if his father had paid money- which Nikolias admitted was possible. Even then, as he had observed earlier, one person with eyes like a hawk happening to look at the right moment and it was likely all over for Stephanos if he were caught with a young lady. Reputations, after all, had to be preserved. Especially reputations of royals and nobility!
Nice try, Stephanos. Well played, getting your sister and myself to dance, but you can't hide what's going on forever,Nikolias thought, struggling mightily against the impulse to throw a stony glare Stephanos' way.
Lyres and lutes played a merry tune to accentuate a bard's storytelling as those on the dance floor began to move. In the steps of the dance, Nikolias was more than competent; for all his other failings and his limp from the wound received in the last war- the one which had almost killed him as much as anything else about those circumstances- he was a good dancer when his wound wasn't acting up, perhaps due to his frequent hunting trips when court was out of session. One had to be fast, if silent, in order to catch deer or rabbits, in particular. He had dogs, but occasionally despite their training, the animals would bay loudly enough to frighten prey away.
As he whirled her around when the steps required it, the rest of the time, he wondered what was going on behind those eyes of hers. Which woman would she rather have as her sister-in-law? The decision would be up to Stephanos, but perhaps his sister would urge him not to do anything stupid or rash.
Well, he amended, anything elsestupid or rash. Gods knew Stephanos could be more than reckless enough.
"The bets are, I believe, something the gentlemen have not decided whether to do. But I for one would like to see how it turns out." He couldn't resist a rather boyish smirk.
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As Nikolias kissed the princess's hand in a gesture of chivalry and began to lead her toward the dance floor, he grinned almost as wickedly as she had, his own eyes dancing with humor.
"Indeed," he whispered. "It is- most likely, anyway- proper that you should know, Princess Xene. It concerns your life too, in a way. It could affect the dynamic of family gatherings greatly depending on whom the fortunate lady is who becomes your sister-in-law." He grinned even wider as he remembered what Emilios had said.
"Lord Emilios seems certain that Stephanos will be engaged at the end of this very night, you see." Surely he couldn't hold it off forever, regardless of if his father had paid money- which Nikolias admitted was possible. Even then, as he had observed earlier, one person with eyes like a hawk happening to look at the right moment and it was likely all over for Stephanos if he were caught with a young lady. Reputations, after all, had to be preserved. Especially reputations of royals and nobility!
Nice try, Stephanos. Well played, getting your sister and myself to dance, but you can't hide what's going on forever,Nikolias thought, struggling mightily against the impulse to throw a stony glare Stephanos' way.
Lyres and lutes played a merry tune to accentuate a bard's storytelling as those on the dance floor began to move. In the steps of the dance, Nikolias was more than competent; for all his other failings and his limp from the wound received in the last war- the one which had almost killed him as much as anything else about those circumstances- he was a good dancer when his wound wasn't acting up, perhaps due to his frequent hunting trips when court was out of session. One had to be fast, if silent, in order to catch deer or rabbits, in particular. He had dogs, but occasionally despite their training, the animals would bay loudly enough to frighten prey away.
As he whirled her around when the steps required it, the rest of the time, he wondered what was going on behind those eyes of hers. Which woman would she rather have as her sister-in-law? The decision would be up to Stephanos, but perhaps his sister would urge him not to do anything stupid or rash.
Well, he amended, anything elsestupid or rash. Gods knew Stephanos could be more than reckless enough.
"The bets are, I believe, something the gentlemen have not decided whether to do. But I for one would like to see how it turns out." He couldn't resist a rather boyish smirk.
As Nikolias kissed the princess's hand in a gesture of chivalry and began to lead her toward the dance floor, he grinned almost as wickedly as she had, his own eyes dancing with humor.
"Indeed," he whispered. "It is- most likely, anyway- proper that you should know, Princess Xene. It concerns your life too, in a way. It could affect the dynamic of family gatherings greatly depending on whom the fortunate lady is who becomes your sister-in-law." He grinned even wider as he remembered what Emilios had said.
"Lord Emilios seems certain that Stephanos will be engaged at the end of this very night, you see." Surely he couldn't hold it off forever, regardless of if his father had paid money- which Nikolias admitted was possible. Even then, as he had observed earlier, one person with eyes like a hawk happening to look at the right moment and it was likely all over for Stephanos if he were caught with a young lady. Reputations, after all, had to be preserved. Especially reputations of royals and nobility!
Nice try, Stephanos. Well played, getting your sister and myself to dance, but you can't hide what's going on forever,Nikolias thought, struggling mightily against the impulse to throw a stony glare Stephanos' way.
Lyres and lutes played a merry tune to accentuate a bard's storytelling as those on the dance floor began to move. In the steps of the dance, Nikolias was more than competent; for all his other failings and his limp from the wound received in the last war- the one which had almost killed him as much as anything else about those circumstances- he was a good dancer when his wound wasn't acting up, perhaps due to his frequent hunting trips when court was out of session. One had to be fast, if silent, in order to catch deer or rabbits, in particular. He had dogs, but occasionally despite their training, the animals would bay loudly enough to frighten prey away.
As he whirled her around when the steps required it, the rest of the time, he wondered what was going on behind those eyes of hers. Which woman would she rather have as her sister-in-law? The decision would be up to Stephanos, but perhaps his sister would urge him not to do anything stupid or rash.
Well, he amended, anything elsestupid or rash. Gods knew Stephanos could be more than reckless enough.
"The bets are, I believe, something the gentlemen have not decided whether to do. But I for one would like to see how it turns out." He couldn't resist a rather boyish smirk.
The corners of her painted lips tugged as the spectre of a smile warmed its way upon Eirini's features. She would have been content to wallow in her frustrations with Dafni, but her husband's tender embrace banished such sentiments with ease. It was a testament to their relationship that although he did not utter a single word, she could hear his voice within her head, his confident tone gently prompting the importance of rational thinking and a sharp mind that was not muddled by anger.
Reaching for the hand that pressed against her hip, Eirini squeezed, relaying her silent understanding and with a steady breath, she banished her frustrations. By the time she entered their carriage, the matriarch appeared to be a new woman and she regarded both her daughters with a warm smile that had not previously been rewarded to them.
The ride to the Mikaelidas estate was a pleasant one, the night air a refreshing change from the scorching sun that had previously made any activity unbearable. Still, the air was warm and the light breeze tousled her curls as their carriage made its way along the streets, eventually stopping at the steps of the manor where Queen Elises party already appeared to be in full swing – a fact that Eirini refused to let herself become irked about.
Descending from the carriage with the help of her husband, Eirini smoothed down her gown as her feet placed firmly upon the ground. "Daughter.." She called to Melina, holding out her hand for the younger to take and as she did, Eirini gently pulled her towards her. A hand came to rest under the girls chin, her touch gentle as amber hues attentively searched the others; it was true that she was not the most maternal of women, but that did not mean she lacked affection for her children, no matter how much they might have frustrated her at times. Nor was she completely oblivious to their turmoil and she had seen just that inside Melina that night.
"You look beautiful. Now, straighten your posture, hold your head high and remember that you are our daughter – no one can make you feel inferior." Pressing her lips lightly to Melina's brow, she was careful not to transfer the colour from lips to flesh.
Eirini knew her words were not enough to completely eradicate Melina's woes, but given the timings and the approaching Lady Evelli, it would have to do for now. Ushering her daughter to stand beside her, Eirini greeted her sister-in-law with a small incline of her head, though watched her cautiously as she interacted with Melina.
"Good evening, Evelli. Do you not have your own daughters to fuss over this evening? I do not see them – busy making the rounds I presume?" Her smile was sharp, cutting even but her tone was civil, even if she did slip her hand into the crook of Melina's keeping her daughter by her side. As for Evelli's question, she left that up to Fotios.
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The corners of her painted lips tugged as the spectre of a smile warmed its way upon Eirini's features. She would have been content to wallow in her frustrations with Dafni, but her husband's tender embrace banished such sentiments with ease. It was a testament to their relationship that although he did not utter a single word, she could hear his voice within her head, his confident tone gently prompting the importance of rational thinking and a sharp mind that was not muddled by anger.
Reaching for the hand that pressed against her hip, Eirini squeezed, relaying her silent understanding and with a steady breath, she banished her frustrations. By the time she entered their carriage, the matriarch appeared to be a new woman and she regarded both her daughters with a warm smile that had not previously been rewarded to them.
The ride to the Mikaelidas estate was a pleasant one, the night air a refreshing change from the scorching sun that had previously made any activity unbearable. Still, the air was warm and the light breeze tousled her curls as their carriage made its way along the streets, eventually stopping at the steps of the manor where Queen Elises party already appeared to be in full swing – a fact that Eirini refused to let herself become irked about.
Descending from the carriage with the help of her husband, Eirini smoothed down her gown as her feet placed firmly upon the ground. "Daughter.." She called to Melina, holding out her hand for the younger to take and as she did, Eirini gently pulled her towards her. A hand came to rest under the girls chin, her touch gentle as amber hues attentively searched the others; it was true that she was not the most maternal of women, but that did not mean she lacked affection for her children, no matter how much they might have frustrated her at times. Nor was she completely oblivious to their turmoil and she had seen just that inside Melina that night.
"You look beautiful. Now, straighten your posture, hold your head high and remember that you are our daughter – no one can make you feel inferior." Pressing her lips lightly to Melina's brow, she was careful not to transfer the colour from lips to flesh.
Eirini knew her words were not enough to completely eradicate Melina's woes, but given the timings and the approaching Lady Evelli, it would have to do for now. Ushering her daughter to stand beside her, Eirini greeted her sister-in-law with a small incline of her head, though watched her cautiously as she interacted with Melina.
"Good evening, Evelli. Do you not have your own daughters to fuss over this evening? I do not see them – busy making the rounds I presume?" Her smile was sharp, cutting even but her tone was civil, even if she did slip her hand into the crook of Melina's keeping her daughter by her side. As for Evelli's question, she left that up to Fotios.
The corners of her painted lips tugged as the spectre of a smile warmed its way upon Eirini's features. She would have been content to wallow in her frustrations with Dafni, but her husband's tender embrace banished such sentiments with ease. It was a testament to their relationship that although he did not utter a single word, she could hear his voice within her head, his confident tone gently prompting the importance of rational thinking and a sharp mind that was not muddled by anger.
Reaching for the hand that pressed against her hip, Eirini squeezed, relaying her silent understanding and with a steady breath, she banished her frustrations. By the time she entered their carriage, the matriarch appeared to be a new woman and she regarded both her daughters with a warm smile that had not previously been rewarded to them.
The ride to the Mikaelidas estate was a pleasant one, the night air a refreshing change from the scorching sun that had previously made any activity unbearable. Still, the air was warm and the light breeze tousled her curls as their carriage made its way along the streets, eventually stopping at the steps of the manor where Queen Elises party already appeared to be in full swing – a fact that Eirini refused to let herself become irked about.
Descending from the carriage with the help of her husband, Eirini smoothed down her gown as her feet placed firmly upon the ground. "Daughter.." She called to Melina, holding out her hand for the younger to take and as she did, Eirini gently pulled her towards her. A hand came to rest under the girls chin, her touch gentle as amber hues attentively searched the others; it was true that she was not the most maternal of women, but that did not mean she lacked affection for her children, no matter how much they might have frustrated her at times. Nor was she completely oblivious to their turmoil and she had seen just that inside Melina that night.
"You look beautiful. Now, straighten your posture, hold your head high and remember that you are our daughter – no one can make you feel inferior." Pressing her lips lightly to Melina's brow, she was careful not to transfer the colour from lips to flesh.
Eirini knew her words were not enough to completely eradicate Melina's woes, but given the timings and the approaching Lady Evelli, it would have to do for now. Ushering her daughter to stand beside her, Eirini greeted her sister-in-law with a small incline of her head, though watched her cautiously as she interacted with Melina.
"Good evening, Evelli. Do you not have your own daughters to fuss over this evening? I do not see them – busy making the rounds I presume?" Her smile was sharp, cutting even but her tone was civil, even if she did slip her hand into the crook of Melina's keeping her daughter by her side. As for Evelli's question, she left that up to Fotios.
The party was in full swing, something that filled Melina with relief. No one would notice her there. It was all how it was supposed to be. Though, she wished the ride to the Mikaelidas estate was longer. Although seeing the Queen in person would be a delight, she supposed. The woman was kindly, but that was another source of intimidation for the young Leventi. She was a noble, but she felt as if she was an ugly duckling forced into clothes that would present her as a swan. A graceless swan dressed in rosy hues, showing a bit more skin than she normally would. However, she put on a brave face as she reached for her mother’s hand, stepping out of the carriage after her mother called for her. A true nymph in the flesh in shimmering gold. Much more fitting for the event than she was. Yet, she gave her mother a smile, trying her best to hide her insecurities. As her chin was lifted, she gazed into amber depths, a soft plea filling her mind that night. Forgive me, mother. I knew it was a fool’s errand to make me look presentable.
She wasn’t expecting the compliment, her mind always drowning in insecurities that even as she had been told the same thing by Fotios, her father, the words never had the same effect as they did from her mother, Eirini. Swallowing thickly, she nodded, taking comfort in the kiss to her brow. Surely, that should have been enough to make her believe in herself. Yet, it never was. Instead, all she could hope for was to not make an embarrassment out of herself. After all, if she did embarrass herself, she would be noticed. And she would prefer to not be noticed at all if that was the way she had to get attention. Still, those words were better than nothing and a soft whisper escaped her, words of gratitude. “Thanks, mother.”
It would have to do for now. Straightening her shoulders and holding her head up high, Melina inhaled as Evelli approached. Her aunt with all perfect daughters. Ones that Fotios constantly bemoaned that Dafni, Agape, and herself could never compete with. They were probably going to be matched with someone this very night. Melina tried to hold in the pain at that thought even as Evelli offered to escort her and Agape to meet the Queen. It was a kind gesture for someone that was perhaps more confident, but for Melina it was torment. Still, she didn’t say much, leaving that to her parents.
“Good evening.” Maybe she would be able to see her cousins if they weren’t occupied trying to make a match. Trying to distract herself from those thoughts, she noticed her mother’s protectiveness by keeping her close to her side. Forcing herself to speak up, in hopes of diffusing the tension that was stirring between mother and aunt, Melina gazed at the plum and pastel purple ensemble, a small smile gracing her lips. “I like your chiton, Aunt Evelli.”
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The party was in full swing, something that filled Melina with relief. No one would notice her there. It was all how it was supposed to be. Though, she wished the ride to the Mikaelidas estate was longer. Although seeing the Queen in person would be a delight, she supposed. The woman was kindly, but that was another source of intimidation for the young Leventi. She was a noble, but she felt as if she was an ugly duckling forced into clothes that would present her as a swan. A graceless swan dressed in rosy hues, showing a bit more skin than she normally would. However, she put on a brave face as she reached for her mother’s hand, stepping out of the carriage after her mother called for her. A true nymph in the flesh in shimmering gold. Much more fitting for the event than she was. Yet, she gave her mother a smile, trying her best to hide her insecurities. As her chin was lifted, she gazed into amber depths, a soft plea filling her mind that night. Forgive me, mother. I knew it was a fool’s errand to make me look presentable.
She wasn’t expecting the compliment, her mind always drowning in insecurities that even as she had been told the same thing by Fotios, her father, the words never had the same effect as they did from her mother, Eirini. Swallowing thickly, she nodded, taking comfort in the kiss to her brow. Surely, that should have been enough to make her believe in herself. Yet, it never was. Instead, all she could hope for was to not make an embarrassment out of herself. After all, if she did embarrass herself, she would be noticed. And she would prefer to not be noticed at all if that was the way she had to get attention. Still, those words were better than nothing and a soft whisper escaped her, words of gratitude. “Thanks, mother.”
It would have to do for now. Straightening her shoulders and holding her head up high, Melina inhaled as Evelli approached. Her aunt with all perfect daughters. Ones that Fotios constantly bemoaned that Dafni, Agape, and herself could never compete with. They were probably going to be matched with someone this very night. Melina tried to hold in the pain at that thought even as Evelli offered to escort her and Agape to meet the Queen. It was a kind gesture for someone that was perhaps more confident, but for Melina it was torment. Still, she didn’t say much, leaving that to her parents.
“Good evening.” Maybe she would be able to see her cousins if they weren’t occupied trying to make a match. Trying to distract herself from those thoughts, she noticed her mother’s protectiveness by keeping her close to her side. Forcing herself to speak up, in hopes of diffusing the tension that was stirring between mother and aunt, Melina gazed at the plum and pastel purple ensemble, a small smile gracing her lips. “I like your chiton, Aunt Evelli.”
The party was in full swing, something that filled Melina with relief. No one would notice her there. It was all how it was supposed to be. Though, she wished the ride to the Mikaelidas estate was longer. Although seeing the Queen in person would be a delight, she supposed. The woman was kindly, but that was another source of intimidation for the young Leventi. She was a noble, but she felt as if she was an ugly duckling forced into clothes that would present her as a swan. A graceless swan dressed in rosy hues, showing a bit more skin than she normally would. However, she put on a brave face as she reached for her mother’s hand, stepping out of the carriage after her mother called for her. A true nymph in the flesh in shimmering gold. Much more fitting for the event than she was. Yet, she gave her mother a smile, trying her best to hide her insecurities. As her chin was lifted, she gazed into amber depths, a soft plea filling her mind that night. Forgive me, mother. I knew it was a fool’s errand to make me look presentable.
She wasn’t expecting the compliment, her mind always drowning in insecurities that even as she had been told the same thing by Fotios, her father, the words never had the same effect as they did from her mother, Eirini. Swallowing thickly, she nodded, taking comfort in the kiss to her brow. Surely, that should have been enough to make her believe in herself. Yet, it never was. Instead, all she could hope for was to not make an embarrassment out of herself. After all, if she did embarrass herself, she would be noticed. And she would prefer to not be noticed at all if that was the way she had to get attention. Still, those words were better than nothing and a soft whisper escaped her, words of gratitude. “Thanks, mother.”
It would have to do for now. Straightening her shoulders and holding her head up high, Melina inhaled as Evelli approached. Her aunt with all perfect daughters. Ones that Fotios constantly bemoaned that Dafni, Agape, and herself could never compete with. They were probably going to be matched with someone this very night. Melina tried to hold in the pain at that thought even as Evelli offered to escort her and Agape to meet the Queen. It was a kind gesture for someone that was perhaps more confident, but for Melina it was torment. Still, she didn’t say much, leaving that to her parents.
“Good evening.” Maybe she would be able to see her cousins if they weren’t occupied trying to make a match. Trying to distract herself from those thoughts, she noticed her mother’s protectiveness by keeping her close to her side. Forcing herself to speak up, in hopes of diffusing the tension that was stirring between mother and aunt, Melina gazed at the plum and pastel purple ensemble, a small smile gracing her lips. “I like your chiton, Aunt Evelli.”
Evelli did not miss the way in which Melina inhaled, as if she had been warned about her - it was a weird undercurrent between the two sister in laws, quite different from the jovial way in which her husband regarded his brother. It was as if Evelli was at fault for bearing daughters all to have rumored to been blessed by Aphrodite... but wasn't it also her curse, to have borne daughter's instead of sons? Of anyone at all, Evelli would've expected Eirini to understand the most, but the women played their own game.
Smoothly, Evelli nodded as she gestured at her daughter's scattered around the room. "Indeed. They are no longer of the age to remain by my side at all times - as long as they remain in view, I have no qualms in allowing them their slightest bit of freedom." It may be out of the norm, but Evelli also understood that keeping her offspring too much on the leash also meant that they would be less likely to attract a match, so Evelli all but pushed them towards the menfolk in attendance, her only warning was for them to not stray too far. The only one that advise did not fall to was Selene - her oldest and by far most beautiful daughter was destined for the crown prince. That, Evelli could feel in her bones.
Turning to watch as Melina made a perfect curtsy, Evelli's smile turned from tight to almost motherly as she watched her niece. Growing up with so many girls' in the family, Evelli understood the pressure of being a Leventi girl, so she always held a soft heart for any of her nieces, and looked down at her chiton when Melina spoke. "Thank you, Melina. It is made by the household seamstress, so I'm sure they could craft you one just like it, should you wish for one." Evelli kindly offered, no hint of malice in her tone as she spoke to Melina. The girl was young yet in the ways of the world, and certainly did not hold the sense of fierceness her mother owned.
"And yours, sister?" she asked in a cordial tone when her eyes flickered back to Eirini, as they awaited Fotios to tell her if he needed her assistance to bring his brood to greet the Queen. Evelli only offered out of a kind heart, for she knew the amount of people Fotios would have to greet with Eirini on his arm. She regarded her brother in law with respect, the kind her husband attributed to Fotios which Evelli simply followed suit. "Are Dafni and Agape in attendance?"
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Evelli did not miss the way in which Melina inhaled, as if she had been warned about her - it was a weird undercurrent between the two sister in laws, quite different from the jovial way in which her husband regarded his brother. It was as if Evelli was at fault for bearing daughters all to have rumored to been blessed by Aphrodite... but wasn't it also her curse, to have borne daughter's instead of sons? Of anyone at all, Evelli would've expected Eirini to understand the most, but the women played their own game.
Smoothly, Evelli nodded as she gestured at her daughter's scattered around the room. "Indeed. They are no longer of the age to remain by my side at all times - as long as they remain in view, I have no qualms in allowing them their slightest bit of freedom." It may be out of the norm, but Evelli also understood that keeping her offspring too much on the leash also meant that they would be less likely to attract a match, so Evelli all but pushed them towards the menfolk in attendance, her only warning was for them to not stray too far. The only one that advise did not fall to was Selene - her oldest and by far most beautiful daughter was destined for the crown prince. That, Evelli could feel in her bones.
Turning to watch as Melina made a perfect curtsy, Evelli's smile turned from tight to almost motherly as she watched her niece. Growing up with so many girls' in the family, Evelli understood the pressure of being a Leventi girl, so she always held a soft heart for any of her nieces, and looked down at her chiton when Melina spoke. "Thank you, Melina. It is made by the household seamstress, so I'm sure they could craft you one just like it, should you wish for one." Evelli kindly offered, no hint of malice in her tone as she spoke to Melina. The girl was young yet in the ways of the world, and certainly did not hold the sense of fierceness her mother owned.
"And yours, sister?" she asked in a cordial tone when her eyes flickered back to Eirini, as they awaited Fotios to tell her if he needed her assistance to bring his brood to greet the Queen. Evelli only offered out of a kind heart, for she knew the amount of people Fotios would have to greet with Eirini on his arm. She regarded her brother in law with respect, the kind her husband attributed to Fotios which Evelli simply followed suit. "Are Dafni and Agape in attendance?"
Evelli did not miss the way in which Melina inhaled, as if she had been warned about her - it was a weird undercurrent between the two sister in laws, quite different from the jovial way in which her husband regarded his brother. It was as if Evelli was at fault for bearing daughters all to have rumored to been blessed by Aphrodite... but wasn't it also her curse, to have borne daughter's instead of sons? Of anyone at all, Evelli would've expected Eirini to understand the most, but the women played their own game.
Smoothly, Evelli nodded as she gestured at her daughter's scattered around the room. "Indeed. They are no longer of the age to remain by my side at all times - as long as they remain in view, I have no qualms in allowing them their slightest bit of freedom." It may be out of the norm, but Evelli also understood that keeping her offspring too much on the leash also meant that they would be less likely to attract a match, so Evelli all but pushed them towards the menfolk in attendance, her only warning was for them to not stray too far. The only one that advise did not fall to was Selene - her oldest and by far most beautiful daughter was destined for the crown prince. That, Evelli could feel in her bones.
Turning to watch as Melina made a perfect curtsy, Evelli's smile turned from tight to almost motherly as she watched her niece. Growing up with so many girls' in the family, Evelli understood the pressure of being a Leventi girl, so she always held a soft heart for any of her nieces, and looked down at her chiton when Melina spoke. "Thank you, Melina. It is made by the household seamstress, so I'm sure they could craft you one just like it, should you wish for one." Evelli kindly offered, no hint of malice in her tone as she spoke to Melina. The girl was young yet in the ways of the world, and certainly did not hold the sense of fierceness her mother owned.
"And yours, sister?" she asked in a cordial tone when her eyes flickered back to Eirini, as they awaited Fotios to tell her if he needed her assistance to bring his brood to greet the Queen. Evelli only offered out of a kind heart, for she knew the amount of people Fotios would have to greet with Eirini on his arm. She regarded her brother in law with respect, the kind her husband attributed to Fotios which Evelli simply followed suit. "Are Dafni and Agape in attendance?"
At least she had the decency to color, he thought, as a deep red stained Selene’s cheeks in the semi darkness. She looked to be properly embarrassed to be caught in her plan and he was mildly satisfied that, while their life together might now be an interminable wasteland in which he’d be trapped, she appeared to possess a modicum of knowledge about what was right and what was wrong. Had this been her own plan? Or that of her parents too? He couldn’t think it of Lord Georgios but of Lady Evelli? Most definitely. He was positive there wasn’t anything short of murder that she would do to see her daughters well married.
His attention was drawn down to his own arm where Selene had placed her hand and he glanced back at her, resisting the urge to shake her off. She seemed sincere as she said that, no, he didn’t need to propose tonight. That was a relief. ”My proposal to you, Zacharias, is a marriage of mutual compromise.” Zacharias looked back down at her hand, focusing on that as she continued to tell him that she didn’t mean to put him in a bad situation and to assert that he should know better than to think she’d try to control him.
To that, he didn’t respond. Would he put it past to be able to do? No. But did he truly believe it was her first go-to-plan? No. Upon examining his knowledge of her, beneath the immediate, knee-jerk fear, he couldn’t see Selene concocting such a plan. If there was anything that he’d learned during his lifetime, it was that people could do strange things when their families were on the line. He’d fought in many battles, and had served with a great many men; every single one of them had the capability of being a cruel, base animal. Selene, for all her beauty and charm, was capable of the same.
”What I am offering to you is an alibi.” She was so close to him now that their bodies were touching and yet he didn’t move away. At the word ‘alibi’, he finally took in her meaning. If people saw them cozy together, they might naturally assume that his inclinations were towards women. While Selene spoke, Zacharias looked towards the window where Stephanos was visible and caught his younger brother’s eye. Stephanos grinned at him the way a cat grins at a bird and looked away. Perhaps this alibi was already working. Selene went on to lay out perfectly good and valid reasons for such a marriage. She’d let him continue on with his most enduring lover, would betray nothing; the only caveat was that he would definitely have to have sons with her and Zacharias was not at all sure he could actually do it. It seemed so very easy for everyone else to fall into bed and enjoy a woman’s touch. He wished he did. Wished it more than anything. To have his real, very ardent passion for men to go away and to leave him free to do his duty to his throne, to his family, and to himself. But...could he? Could he really?
His face was drawn back toward her when her hand delicately cupped the side of his cheek. Zacharias knew that even if she wasn’t blackmailing him, that he couldn’t marry someone else; not the person he truly wanted to, anyway. Selene knew his secret. He might as well go along with what she and everyone else wanted. It was safest that way. She made it clear that she didn’t need an answer and was kind enough to pretend that he could do anything other than accept. Zacharias looked down as Selene pressed an innocent kiss to his cheek and murmured that she was eager to hear his answer.
Selene’s hand dropped away and she stepped back from him, giving him a respectful bow before wandering away. Zacharias sighed once she was gone and looked out over the shadows of the garden. So there it was. All the cat and mouse games over and done with. Selene would not need to wait long. He’d do this correctly. Commission some sort of gift for her, propose, endure Stephanos’s endless teasing. And then? Then he’d live in dread of his wedding night, though, Selene might not make him until he was either drunk or high enough to perform...Not one to take altering substances, Zacharias felt that in this case, it’d be worth a try. At last, he pushed away from the railing and went to rejoin the others in the party, though he steered clear of his brother. Instead, he took up his station between his father and mother, watching the proceedings with a calm, almost stern expression.
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At least she had the decency to color, he thought, as a deep red stained Selene’s cheeks in the semi darkness. She looked to be properly embarrassed to be caught in her plan and he was mildly satisfied that, while their life together might now be an interminable wasteland in which he’d be trapped, she appeared to possess a modicum of knowledge about what was right and what was wrong. Had this been her own plan? Or that of her parents too? He couldn’t think it of Lord Georgios but of Lady Evelli? Most definitely. He was positive there wasn’t anything short of murder that she would do to see her daughters well married.
His attention was drawn down to his own arm where Selene had placed her hand and he glanced back at her, resisting the urge to shake her off. She seemed sincere as she said that, no, he didn’t need to propose tonight. That was a relief. ”My proposal to you, Zacharias, is a marriage of mutual compromise.” Zacharias looked back down at her hand, focusing on that as she continued to tell him that she didn’t mean to put him in a bad situation and to assert that he should know better than to think she’d try to control him.
To that, he didn’t respond. Would he put it past to be able to do? No. But did he truly believe it was her first go-to-plan? No. Upon examining his knowledge of her, beneath the immediate, knee-jerk fear, he couldn’t see Selene concocting such a plan. If there was anything that he’d learned during his lifetime, it was that people could do strange things when their families were on the line. He’d fought in many battles, and had served with a great many men; every single one of them had the capability of being a cruel, base animal. Selene, for all her beauty and charm, was capable of the same.
”What I am offering to you is an alibi.” She was so close to him now that their bodies were touching and yet he didn’t move away. At the word ‘alibi’, he finally took in her meaning. If people saw them cozy together, they might naturally assume that his inclinations were towards women. While Selene spoke, Zacharias looked towards the window where Stephanos was visible and caught his younger brother’s eye. Stephanos grinned at him the way a cat grins at a bird and looked away. Perhaps this alibi was already working. Selene went on to lay out perfectly good and valid reasons for such a marriage. She’d let him continue on with his most enduring lover, would betray nothing; the only caveat was that he would definitely have to have sons with her and Zacharias was not at all sure he could actually do it. It seemed so very easy for everyone else to fall into bed and enjoy a woman’s touch. He wished he did. Wished it more than anything. To have his real, very ardent passion for men to go away and to leave him free to do his duty to his throne, to his family, and to himself. But...could he? Could he really?
His face was drawn back toward her when her hand delicately cupped the side of his cheek. Zacharias knew that even if she wasn’t blackmailing him, that he couldn’t marry someone else; not the person he truly wanted to, anyway. Selene knew his secret. He might as well go along with what she and everyone else wanted. It was safest that way. She made it clear that she didn’t need an answer and was kind enough to pretend that he could do anything other than accept. Zacharias looked down as Selene pressed an innocent kiss to his cheek and murmured that she was eager to hear his answer.
Selene’s hand dropped away and she stepped back from him, giving him a respectful bow before wandering away. Zacharias sighed once she was gone and looked out over the shadows of the garden. So there it was. All the cat and mouse games over and done with. Selene would not need to wait long. He’d do this correctly. Commission some sort of gift for her, propose, endure Stephanos’s endless teasing. And then? Then he’d live in dread of his wedding night, though, Selene might not make him until he was either drunk or high enough to perform...Not one to take altering substances, Zacharias felt that in this case, it’d be worth a try. At last, he pushed away from the railing and went to rejoin the others in the party, though he steered clear of his brother. Instead, he took up his station between his father and mother, watching the proceedings with a calm, almost stern expression.
At least she had the decency to color, he thought, as a deep red stained Selene’s cheeks in the semi darkness. She looked to be properly embarrassed to be caught in her plan and he was mildly satisfied that, while their life together might now be an interminable wasteland in which he’d be trapped, she appeared to possess a modicum of knowledge about what was right and what was wrong. Had this been her own plan? Or that of her parents too? He couldn’t think it of Lord Georgios but of Lady Evelli? Most definitely. He was positive there wasn’t anything short of murder that she would do to see her daughters well married.
His attention was drawn down to his own arm where Selene had placed her hand and he glanced back at her, resisting the urge to shake her off. She seemed sincere as she said that, no, he didn’t need to propose tonight. That was a relief. ”My proposal to you, Zacharias, is a marriage of mutual compromise.” Zacharias looked back down at her hand, focusing on that as she continued to tell him that she didn’t mean to put him in a bad situation and to assert that he should know better than to think she’d try to control him.
To that, he didn’t respond. Would he put it past to be able to do? No. But did he truly believe it was her first go-to-plan? No. Upon examining his knowledge of her, beneath the immediate, knee-jerk fear, he couldn’t see Selene concocting such a plan. If there was anything that he’d learned during his lifetime, it was that people could do strange things when their families were on the line. He’d fought in many battles, and had served with a great many men; every single one of them had the capability of being a cruel, base animal. Selene, for all her beauty and charm, was capable of the same.
”What I am offering to you is an alibi.” She was so close to him now that their bodies were touching and yet he didn’t move away. At the word ‘alibi’, he finally took in her meaning. If people saw them cozy together, they might naturally assume that his inclinations were towards women. While Selene spoke, Zacharias looked towards the window where Stephanos was visible and caught his younger brother’s eye. Stephanos grinned at him the way a cat grins at a bird and looked away. Perhaps this alibi was already working. Selene went on to lay out perfectly good and valid reasons for such a marriage. She’d let him continue on with his most enduring lover, would betray nothing; the only caveat was that he would definitely have to have sons with her and Zacharias was not at all sure he could actually do it. It seemed so very easy for everyone else to fall into bed and enjoy a woman’s touch. He wished he did. Wished it more than anything. To have his real, very ardent passion for men to go away and to leave him free to do his duty to his throne, to his family, and to himself. But...could he? Could he really?
His face was drawn back toward her when her hand delicately cupped the side of his cheek. Zacharias knew that even if she wasn’t blackmailing him, that he couldn’t marry someone else; not the person he truly wanted to, anyway. Selene knew his secret. He might as well go along with what she and everyone else wanted. It was safest that way. She made it clear that she didn’t need an answer and was kind enough to pretend that he could do anything other than accept. Zacharias looked down as Selene pressed an innocent kiss to his cheek and murmured that she was eager to hear his answer.
Selene’s hand dropped away and she stepped back from him, giving him a respectful bow before wandering away. Zacharias sighed once she was gone and looked out over the shadows of the garden. So there it was. All the cat and mouse games over and done with. Selene would not need to wait long. He’d do this correctly. Commission some sort of gift for her, propose, endure Stephanos’s endless teasing. And then? Then he’d live in dread of his wedding night, though, Selene might not make him until he was either drunk or high enough to perform...Not one to take altering substances, Zacharias felt that in this case, it’d be worth a try. At last, he pushed away from the railing and went to rejoin the others in the party, though he steered clear of his brother. Instead, he took up his station between his father and mother, watching the proceedings with a calm, almost stern expression.
Achilleas cast a sideways look towards Stephanos at the Condos Lord’s suggestion of a bet, as if to check his cousin was still taking the jesting in good spirit before he refocused on the older lord and canted his head to the side.
“It seems unsporting, my lord. For my cousin has an uncanny ability to turn most any girl’s head. He could play us all for fools just to see us out of coin. Even he pretends he’s holding out for a princess”
As Stephanos’ attention drifted to where his older brother was being held hostage on the balcony, Achilleas’ focus turned to his own brother, who managed to arrive with the same amount of insouciance as he practiced in all walks of life. He didn’t know how he managed it but tried to at least impress upon Emilios how not everything he did went unnoticed and that he might need to put some time into being more visible at these sorts of events. Their Father, for all that he appeared to be engrossed in conversation with his niece, missed nothing.
Leaving the man to quiet that storm before it started, and now armed with the bowl of popped corn that Emilios had somehow arrived with, he turned a smile to the Princess Xene as she arrived to join them, eyebrows lifting when Stephanos gracelessly passed her off to Lord Nikolias. Perhaps his cousin was tiring of the humour at his expense.
“Good evening, Xene. You look lovely” were the words he offered as the Princess’ cool blue gaze drifted over their gathering, no doubt drawing her own conclusions about what they would be betting on.
He wasn’t about to invite Xene into the joke if Steph was growing tetchy about it,, and so gave a minute shrug when she asked after the nature of the wager he had already declined. Yes, Let Lord Nikolias explain whilst he whisked the Princess around in a dance.
And when the pair had moved off and Emilios had drifted over to speak with their father, Achilleas spoke low enough only for Stephanos to hear. “You are certain you aren’t becoming more enamored with local offerings, cousin?” he asked, whilst casually picking at the popcorn in his hand. Whilst Achilleas could fully understand Stephanos’ words regarding marriage - he too knew that any match of his own would be for political reasons rather than anything stemming from affection - he also did not play with fire like his cousin was want to do. He’d flirted with a little some years back when his attraction to Theodora had been too difficult to ignore, but he’d shut it down for the same reason. One didn’t toy with Leventi girls, and yet, if rumours were to be believed, here was Stephanos doing just that.
Achilleas would say no more, Steph was a grown man, but he couldn’t help thinking his cousin might have been better with one of the pretty but dim girls of slightly lesser names. Or he should just follow in Achilleas’ footsteps and find himself a sweet and obliging servant girl who would warm his bed and ask no more of him. Briseis had been a stroke of genius in that regard.
“Your brother has escaped Selene again” he remarked in some surprise a moment later as his gaze alighted upon the crown prince. Zacharias had somehow given the eldest Leventi daughter the slip and rejoined his parents, though he looked a little grim-faced. Still, Achilleas wasn’t sure whether to be puzzled or impressed. There were not many men who would walk away from such an offering.
He decided the latter was more appropriate. “Are there no limits to that man’s powers of evasion?”
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Achilleas cast a sideways look towards Stephanos at the Condos Lord’s suggestion of a bet, as if to check his cousin was still taking the jesting in good spirit before he refocused on the older lord and canted his head to the side.
“It seems unsporting, my lord. For my cousin has an uncanny ability to turn most any girl’s head. He could play us all for fools just to see us out of coin. Even he pretends he’s holding out for a princess”
As Stephanos’ attention drifted to where his older brother was being held hostage on the balcony, Achilleas’ focus turned to his own brother, who managed to arrive with the same amount of insouciance as he practiced in all walks of life. He didn’t know how he managed it but tried to at least impress upon Emilios how not everything he did went unnoticed and that he might need to put some time into being more visible at these sorts of events. Their Father, for all that he appeared to be engrossed in conversation with his niece, missed nothing.
Leaving the man to quiet that storm before it started, and now armed with the bowl of popped corn that Emilios had somehow arrived with, he turned a smile to the Princess Xene as she arrived to join them, eyebrows lifting when Stephanos gracelessly passed her off to Lord Nikolias. Perhaps his cousin was tiring of the humour at his expense.
“Good evening, Xene. You look lovely” were the words he offered as the Princess’ cool blue gaze drifted over their gathering, no doubt drawing her own conclusions about what they would be betting on.
He wasn’t about to invite Xene into the joke if Steph was growing tetchy about it,, and so gave a minute shrug when she asked after the nature of the wager he had already declined. Yes, Let Lord Nikolias explain whilst he whisked the Princess around in a dance.
And when the pair had moved off and Emilios had drifted over to speak with their father, Achilleas spoke low enough only for Stephanos to hear. “You are certain you aren’t becoming more enamored with local offerings, cousin?” he asked, whilst casually picking at the popcorn in his hand. Whilst Achilleas could fully understand Stephanos’ words regarding marriage - he too knew that any match of his own would be for political reasons rather than anything stemming from affection - he also did not play with fire like his cousin was want to do. He’d flirted with a little some years back when his attraction to Theodora had been too difficult to ignore, but he’d shut it down for the same reason. One didn’t toy with Leventi girls, and yet, if rumours were to be believed, here was Stephanos doing just that.
Achilleas would say no more, Steph was a grown man, but he couldn’t help thinking his cousin might have been better with one of the pretty but dim girls of slightly lesser names. Or he should just follow in Achilleas’ footsteps and find himself a sweet and obliging servant girl who would warm his bed and ask no more of him. Briseis had been a stroke of genius in that regard.
“Your brother has escaped Selene again” he remarked in some surprise a moment later as his gaze alighted upon the crown prince. Zacharias had somehow given the eldest Leventi daughter the slip and rejoined his parents, though he looked a little grim-faced. Still, Achilleas wasn’t sure whether to be puzzled or impressed. There were not many men who would walk away from such an offering.
He decided the latter was more appropriate. “Are there no limits to that man’s powers of evasion?”
Achilleas cast a sideways look towards Stephanos at the Condos Lord’s suggestion of a bet, as if to check his cousin was still taking the jesting in good spirit before he refocused on the older lord and canted his head to the side.
“It seems unsporting, my lord. For my cousin has an uncanny ability to turn most any girl’s head. He could play us all for fools just to see us out of coin. Even he pretends he’s holding out for a princess”
As Stephanos’ attention drifted to where his older brother was being held hostage on the balcony, Achilleas’ focus turned to his own brother, who managed to arrive with the same amount of insouciance as he practiced in all walks of life. He didn’t know how he managed it but tried to at least impress upon Emilios how not everything he did went unnoticed and that he might need to put some time into being more visible at these sorts of events. Their Father, for all that he appeared to be engrossed in conversation with his niece, missed nothing.
Leaving the man to quiet that storm before it started, and now armed with the bowl of popped corn that Emilios had somehow arrived with, he turned a smile to the Princess Xene as she arrived to join them, eyebrows lifting when Stephanos gracelessly passed her off to Lord Nikolias. Perhaps his cousin was tiring of the humour at his expense.
“Good evening, Xene. You look lovely” were the words he offered as the Princess’ cool blue gaze drifted over their gathering, no doubt drawing her own conclusions about what they would be betting on.
He wasn’t about to invite Xene into the joke if Steph was growing tetchy about it,, and so gave a minute shrug when she asked after the nature of the wager he had already declined. Yes, Let Lord Nikolias explain whilst he whisked the Princess around in a dance.
And when the pair had moved off and Emilios had drifted over to speak with their father, Achilleas spoke low enough only for Stephanos to hear. “You are certain you aren’t becoming more enamored with local offerings, cousin?” he asked, whilst casually picking at the popcorn in his hand. Whilst Achilleas could fully understand Stephanos’ words regarding marriage - he too knew that any match of his own would be for political reasons rather than anything stemming from affection - he also did not play with fire like his cousin was want to do. He’d flirted with a little some years back when his attraction to Theodora had been too difficult to ignore, but he’d shut it down for the same reason. One didn’t toy with Leventi girls, and yet, if rumours were to be believed, here was Stephanos doing just that.
Achilleas would say no more, Steph was a grown man, but he couldn’t help thinking his cousin might have been better with one of the pretty but dim girls of slightly lesser names. Or he should just follow in Achilleas’ footsteps and find himself a sweet and obliging servant girl who would warm his bed and ask no more of him. Briseis had been a stroke of genius in that regard.
“Your brother has escaped Selene again” he remarked in some surprise a moment later as his gaze alighted upon the crown prince. Zacharias had somehow given the eldest Leventi daughter the slip and rejoined his parents, though he looked a little grim-faced. Still, Achilleas wasn’t sure whether to be puzzled or impressed. There were not many men who would walk away from such an offering.
He decided the latter was more appropriate. “Are there no limits to that man’s powers of evasion?”
There was good sense in Georgios to stand and be silent when he attended functions such as this. He had a habit of being more casual than what should have been discussed or arguing with the idea that any of his daughters had to try and get themselves a husband this instant. Evelli insisted... and considering the Mikaelidas clan had no shortage for boys as the Leventis had no shortage of girls that it would just be a matter of time before each of his daughters would be lined up to bolster the Taengean pride.
He tried his best to keep his eye roll hidden when Selene went immediately to catch the attention of the crown prince. It wasn't that he didn't think his daughter should end up with him... he just thought that perhaps the man should have noticed what a great catch his daughter was and should have been doing the pursuing. No matter what traditions or what alignment needed to happen. His daughters were important gems - a treasure to be had.
Somehow, even with the tense banter that went between Eirini and Evelli, Georgios stayed silent while rubbing a hand to his jawline to keep from the need to say anything at all. Evelli had enough wit to handle it himself, instead he gave a glance to his brother with a pleasant nod. "Let's leave the ladies to their conversation and find..." He gave a glance around - anything else to go do or someone else to talk with. Georgios gave a smile in Evelli's direction before departing from her side for the first time of the evening.
It was not going to be his job to track down the daughters that were missing - no matter how much he wanted to be sure that they were alright. Behind closed doors he was caring and wanted their every dream to come true, but right now in front of all of the upper echelon of Taengea he put his serious face on and waited for direction from Fotios. It was not hard to just follow his older brother... he was sure that Fotios liked it that way.
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There was good sense in Georgios to stand and be silent when he attended functions such as this. He had a habit of being more casual than what should have been discussed or arguing with the idea that any of his daughters had to try and get themselves a husband this instant. Evelli insisted... and considering the Mikaelidas clan had no shortage for boys as the Leventis had no shortage of girls that it would just be a matter of time before each of his daughters would be lined up to bolster the Taengean pride.
He tried his best to keep his eye roll hidden when Selene went immediately to catch the attention of the crown prince. It wasn't that he didn't think his daughter should end up with him... he just thought that perhaps the man should have noticed what a great catch his daughter was and should have been doing the pursuing. No matter what traditions or what alignment needed to happen. His daughters were important gems - a treasure to be had.
Somehow, even with the tense banter that went between Eirini and Evelli, Georgios stayed silent while rubbing a hand to his jawline to keep from the need to say anything at all. Evelli had enough wit to handle it himself, instead he gave a glance to his brother with a pleasant nod. "Let's leave the ladies to their conversation and find..." He gave a glance around - anything else to go do or someone else to talk with. Georgios gave a smile in Evelli's direction before departing from her side for the first time of the evening.
It was not going to be his job to track down the daughters that were missing - no matter how much he wanted to be sure that they were alright. Behind closed doors he was caring and wanted their every dream to come true, but right now in front of all of the upper echelon of Taengea he put his serious face on and waited for direction from Fotios. It was not hard to just follow his older brother... he was sure that Fotios liked it that way.
There was good sense in Georgios to stand and be silent when he attended functions such as this. He had a habit of being more casual than what should have been discussed or arguing with the idea that any of his daughters had to try and get themselves a husband this instant. Evelli insisted... and considering the Mikaelidas clan had no shortage for boys as the Leventis had no shortage of girls that it would just be a matter of time before each of his daughters would be lined up to bolster the Taengean pride.
He tried his best to keep his eye roll hidden when Selene went immediately to catch the attention of the crown prince. It wasn't that he didn't think his daughter should end up with him... he just thought that perhaps the man should have noticed what a great catch his daughter was and should have been doing the pursuing. No matter what traditions or what alignment needed to happen. His daughters were important gems - a treasure to be had.
Somehow, even with the tense banter that went between Eirini and Evelli, Georgios stayed silent while rubbing a hand to his jawline to keep from the need to say anything at all. Evelli had enough wit to handle it himself, instead he gave a glance to his brother with a pleasant nod. "Let's leave the ladies to their conversation and find..." He gave a glance around - anything else to go do or someone else to talk with. Georgios gave a smile in Evelli's direction before departing from her side for the first time of the evening.
It was not going to be his job to track down the daughters that were missing - no matter how much he wanted to be sure that they were alright. Behind closed doors he was caring and wanted their every dream to come true, but right now in front of all of the upper echelon of Taengea he put his serious face on and waited for direction from Fotios. It was not hard to just follow his older brother... he was sure that Fotios liked it that way.
Fotios spoke little in the carriage ride on route to the festivities. Partially because he was already frustrated at their delayed departure and therefore delayed entry into the event, but also because he was a man who could not abide chatter for chatter's sake. His wife was more skilled at the social niceties and the personal side of discourse that he simply refused to engage in through personal preference rather than an inability to do so, so he allowed his daughters and wife to occupy themselves on the way to the Archontiko Mikaelidas.
When they arrived, his played his past as husband and father by helping each of the ladies down from the carriage and then straightening his own raiment to ensure that his appearance as the Head of the House was not lacking. He then followed Eirini into the estate, knowing that here, she was the Queen and he was the servant. For whilst he was male, her husband and the leader of the noble class to which she belonged, social congregations and celebrations were far more Eirini's forte... and he allowed her the space she needed to step into the room like a huntress in her hunting grounds.
Instead, he stepped in a few steps behind, perfectly content with appearing distracted by his daughters and holding no qualms on who might suspect the differing in social rank.
When Eirini took his arm and walked with his towards the Lady Evelli, Fotios was quick to follow in her lead, permitting himself to become her accessory to do with what she wished. This was her world and he was perfectly content to let her own it as the social queen that she was. He noted with amusement that she had pinned their middle daughter to her other side so that she was flanked in all her glory.
When they reached Fotios' sister-in-law, he spoke when directed and answered her question easily enough.
"I think it wise to do so." He stated with simplicity, for it was custom for all female guests to introduce themselves to the female host and vice versa for the men. The King was otherwise occupied with his eldest son but Elise was open to appearance and greetings of new guests.
This tied in nicely with his brother suggesting an alternative occupation for themselves and Fotios nodded. With a rare moment of affection in which he unlocked his arm from his wife's and then pressed a kiss to the back of her hand in apology for his leaving of her company, Fotios nodded first towards the nearest server that sported goblets of wine as he circulated the room. Selecting one for them each, plucking them with an easy and elegant hand, Fotios handed Georgios' to him and immediately felt better than his lips took in the crimson beverage.
"I hear ample gossip concerning your daughters, Georgios..." He commented, in a voice that was not loud enough for others to hear, but also not a muttering that people might turn to try and eavesdrop upon. "I do hope not all of it is true...?"
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Fotios spoke little in the carriage ride on route to the festivities. Partially because he was already frustrated at their delayed departure and therefore delayed entry into the event, but also because he was a man who could not abide chatter for chatter's sake. His wife was more skilled at the social niceties and the personal side of discourse that he simply refused to engage in through personal preference rather than an inability to do so, so he allowed his daughters and wife to occupy themselves on the way to the Archontiko Mikaelidas.
When they arrived, his played his past as husband and father by helping each of the ladies down from the carriage and then straightening his own raiment to ensure that his appearance as the Head of the House was not lacking. He then followed Eirini into the estate, knowing that here, she was the Queen and he was the servant. For whilst he was male, her husband and the leader of the noble class to which she belonged, social congregations and celebrations were far more Eirini's forte... and he allowed her the space she needed to step into the room like a huntress in her hunting grounds.
Instead, he stepped in a few steps behind, perfectly content with appearing distracted by his daughters and holding no qualms on who might suspect the differing in social rank.
When Eirini took his arm and walked with his towards the Lady Evelli, Fotios was quick to follow in her lead, permitting himself to become her accessory to do with what she wished. This was her world and he was perfectly content to let her own it as the social queen that she was. He noted with amusement that she had pinned their middle daughter to her other side so that she was flanked in all her glory.
When they reached Fotios' sister-in-law, he spoke when directed and answered her question easily enough.
"I think it wise to do so." He stated with simplicity, for it was custom for all female guests to introduce themselves to the female host and vice versa for the men. The King was otherwise occupied with his eldest son but Elise was open to appearance and greetings of new guests.
This tied in nicely with his brother suggesting an alternative occupation for themselves and Fotios nodded. With a rare moment of affection in which he unlocked his arm from his wife's and then pressed a kiss to the back of her hand in apology for his leaving of her company, Fotios nodded first towards the nearest server that sported goblets of wine as he circulated the room. Selecting one for them each, plucking them with an easy and elegant hand, Fotios handed Georgios' to him and immediately felt better than his lips took in the crimson beverage.
"I hear ample gossip concerning your daughters, Georgios..." He commented, in a voice that was not loud enough for others to hear, but also not a muttering that people might turn to try and eavesdrop upon. "I do hope not all of it is true...?"
Fotios spoke little in the carriage ride on route to the festivities. Partially because he was already frustrated at their delayed departure and therefore delayed entry into the event, but also because he was a man who could not abide chatter for chatter's sake. His wife was more skilled at the social niceties and the personal side of discourse that he simply refused to engage in through personal preference rather than an inability to do so, so he allowed his daughters and wife to occupy themselves on the way to the Archontiko Mikaelidas.
When they arrived, his played his past as husband and father by helping each of the ladies down from the carriage and then straightening his own raiment to ensure that his appearance as the Head of the House was not lacking. He then followed Eirini into the estate, knowing that here, she was the Queen and he was the servant. For whilst he was male, her husband and the leader of the noble class to which she belonged, social congregations and celebrations were far more Eirini's forte... and he allowed her the space she needed to step into the room like a huntress in her hunting grounds.
Instead, he stepped in a few steps behind, perfectly content with appearing distracted by his daughters and holding no qualms on who might suspect the differing in social rank.
When Eirini took his arm and walked with his towards the Lady Evelli, Fotios was quick to follow in her lead, permitting himself to become her accessory to do with what she wished. This was her world and he was perfectly content to let her own it as the social queen that she was. He noted with amusement that she had pinned their middle daughter to her other side so that she was flanked in all her glory.
When they reached Fotios' sister-in-law, he spoke when directed and answered her question easily enough.
"I think it wise to do so." He stated with simplicity, for it was custom for all female guests to introduce themselves to the female host and vice versa for the men. The King was otherwise occupied with his eldest son but Elise was open to appearance and greetings of new guests.
This tied in nicely with his brother suggesting an alternative occupation for themselves and Fotios nodded. With a rare moment of affection in which he unlocked his arm from his wife's and then pressed a kiss to the back of her hand in apology for his leaving of her company, Fotios nodded first towards the nearest server that sported goblets of wine as he circulated the room. Selecting one for them each, plucking them with an easy and elegant hand, Fotios handed Georgios' to him and immediately felt better than his lips took in the crimson beverage.
"I hear ample gossip concerning your daughters, Georgios..." He commented, in a voice that was not loud enough for others to hear, but also not a muttering that people might turn to try and eavesdrop upon. "I do hope not all of it is true...?"
Her brother in law's confirmation was all Evelli need, although she did not wish to spend an extended time within the presence of her sister in law, it would seem that was necessary as the men drifted away. Evelli had intended to relieve Eirini of her duties, and perhaps catch up with her nieces as well, for the three girls went through an immense amount of scrutiny purely from being the daughters to the Head of the Leventi household, and being a family which lacked sons. Evelli was empathetic to them, and wished to allay some of that pressure tonight as she introduced them to the Queen, yet as she watched her husband and his brother drift away, Evelli resigned herself to the fate she had signed up for, and instead flashed Eirini a hopeful, cordial smile before a warmer one was directed to the nieces at their mother's side.
"Shall we collect Dafni and Agape and be on our way then?" Evelli suggested airily, knowing that like her own daughters, the eldest and youngest of Eirini's brood had likely drifted away to find their own sources of audience for the night. They were both of marriageable age, Agape more so then ever at this point. Perhaps Evelli really shouldn't comment however, for her own daughter was older then their cousin, yet Selene still scrambled to catch Zacharias in the ropes of marriage. In a way, Evelli knew she too pushed for such a marriage, but Selene herself knew of her duty as the eldest and supposed goddess blessed child of the Leventi brood. Her eldest blonde daughter was also the most beautiful, of that no one would be in denial, and therefore the task fell to her to marry the crown prince and be the Queen that Taengea deserved.
A place she deserved.
Determined to do her mother's memory proud, for Evelli was sure Nomiki had intended that in itself before she passed on, Evelli followed her sister in law's trek as they collected the other two daughter's of her brood, falling in step next to Melina as she flashed her niece a soft, friendly smile. "Forgive me for not mentioning this earlier, but you look beautiful yourself tonight, Melina. Perhaps I could introduce you to a few of the lords in attendance tonight?" Evelli suggested with a light twinkle in her eye suggesting a hint of mischief in who exactly she wanted to introduce to Melina. Afterall, marriage was on all of their cards.
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Her brother in law's confirmation was all Evelli need, although she did not wish to spend an extended time within the presence of her sister in law, it would seem that was necessary as the men drifted away. Evelli had intended to relieve Eirini of her duties, and perhaps catch up with her nieces as well, for the three girls went through an immense amount of scrutiny purely from being the daughters to the Head of the Leventi household, and being a family which lacked sons. Evelli was empathetic to them, and wished to allay some of that pressure tonight as she introduced them to the Queen, yet as she watched her husband and his brother drift away, Evelli resigned herself to the fate she had signed up for, and instead flashed Eirini a hopeful, cordial smile before a warmer one was directed to the nieces at their mother's side.
"Shall we collect Dafni and Agape and be on our way then?" Evelli suggested airily, knowing that like her own daughters, the eldest and youngest of Eirini's brood had likely drifted away to find their own sources of audience for the night. They were both of marriageable age, Agape more so then ever at this point. Perhaps Evelli really shouldn't comment however, for her own daughter was older then their cousin, yet Selene still scrambled to catch Zacharias in the ropes of marriage. In a way, Evelli knew she too pushed for such a marriage, but Selene herself knew of her duty as the eldest and supposed goddess blessed child of the Leventi brood. Her eldest blonde daughter was also the most beautiful, of that no one would be in denial, and therefore the task fell to her to marry the crown prince and be the Queen that Taengea deserved.
A place she deserved.
Determined to do her mother's memory proud, for Evelli was sure Nomiki had intended that in itself before she passed on, Evelli followed her sister in law's trek as they collected the other two daughter's of her brood, falling in step next to Melina as she flashed her niece a soft, friendly smile. "Forgive me for not mentioning this earlier, but you look beautiful yourself tonight, Melina. Perhaps I could introduce you to a few of the lords in attendance tonight?" Evelli suggested with a light twinkle in her eye suggesting a hint of mischief in who exactly she wanted to introduce to Melina. Afterall, marriage was on all of their cards.
Her brother in law's confirmation was all Evelli need, although she did not wish to spend an extended time within the presence of her sister in law, it would seem that was necessary as the men drifted away. Evelli had intended to relieve Eirini of her duties, and perhaps catch up with her nieces as well, for the three girls went through an immense amount of scrutiny purely from being the daughters to the Head of the Leventi household, and being a family which lacked sons. Evelli was empathetic to them, and wished to allay some of that pressure tonight as she introduced them to the Queen, yet as she watched her husband and his brother drift away, Evelli resigned herself to the fate she had signed up for, and instead flashed Eirini a hopeful, cordial smile before a warmer one was directed to the nieces at their mother's side.
"Shall we collect Dafni and Agape and be on our way then?" Evelli suggested airily, knowing that like her own daughters, the eldest and youngest of Eirini's brood had likely drifted away to find their own sources of audience for the night. They were both of marriageable age, Agape more so then ever at this point. Perhaps Evelli really shouldn't comment however, for her own daughter was older then their cousin, yet Selene still scrambled to catch Zacharias in the ropes of marriage. In a way, Evelli knew she too pushed for such a marriage, but Selene herself knew of her duty as the eldest and supposed goddess blessed child of the Leventi brood. Her eldest blonde daughter was also the most beautiful, of that no one would be in denial, and therefore the task fell to her to marry the crown prince and be the Queen that Taengea deserved.
A place she deserved.
Determined to do her mother's memory proud, for Evelli was sure Nomiki had intended that in itself before she passed on, Evelli followed her sister in law's trek as they collected the other two daughter's of her brood, falling in step next to Melina as she flashed her niece a soft, friendly smile. "Forgive me for not mentioning this earlier, but you look beautiful yourself tonight, Melina. Perhaps I could introduce you to a few of the lords in attendance tonight?" Evelli suggested with a light twinkle in her eye suggesting a hint of mischief in who exactly she wanted to introduce to Melina. Afterall, marriage was on all of their cards.
Gossip A Lion's Pride
"Did you hear...? About the prince...?"
"Oh please, I'm not sure there's anyone in Court who doesn't! Honestly, I have no idea how such a man could do it... three at once?"
"*chuckles*- Do not underestimate the male of the species, Lady Ella. Nor the abilities of Prince Stephanos... Are there any within the Court who have yet to succumb?"
"Besides myself?"
"*laughs*- And that's not for lack of trying, surely?"
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"Oh please, I'm not sure there's anyone in Court who doesn't! Honestly, I have no idea how such a man could do it... three at once?"
"*chuckles*- Do not underestimate the male of the species, Lady Ella. Nor the abilities of Prince Stephanos... Are there any within the Court who have yet to succumb?"
"Besides myself?"
"*laughs*- And that's not for lack of trying, surely?"
Gossip A Lion's Pride
"Did you hear...? About the prince...?"
"Oh please, I'm not sure there's anyone in Court who doesn't! Honestly, I have no idea how such a man could do it... three at once?"
"*chuckles*- Do not underestimate the male of the species, Lady Ella. Nor the abilities of Prince Stephanos... Are there any within the Court who have yet to succumb?"
"Besides myself?"
"*laughs*- And that's not for lack of trying, surely?"
A slow nod to his wife as he gave a warm smile in her direction. She had their best interests in mind. Georgios knew that. He always knew that. It just happened that the older the girls got, the more uneasy he was about all of this. There were times when he felt like they were just worth a bag of coin or like a cow to be traded. To many that was all they saw from the moment a daughter was announced and claimed in this world. However, they were not Georgios of Leventi. He would keep them all cloistered if he had the chance. But, that would not satiate their needs. He was not a foolish man.
Georgios had plenty of rumors about himself when he was in those tender teenage years. There had been those who turned his head and wanted to marry him without knowing how hard it would be when his father already knew the truth. Georgios and Evelli would be put together to further secure any line of Leventi bloodlines. To perfection in the quick succession of five lovely daughters. Most of which he knew were out to find husbands tonight.
There was almost a groan emitted from his throat as he heard his brother prod at him over idle gossip. Had he been too easy on the girls? Had he taught them too much about finding happiness and love or was it Evelli's lessons in reaching for the top that had them prowling tonight. The gossip could have easily been a mixture of both. He buried his ire in the cup while he could come up with something far more appropriate for the company.
"You shouldn't believe all that you hear. Beauty breeds jealousy and many would do anything to try and ruin the chances of someone more attractive." Would that burn? Georgios didn't mean it too... but he had been attractive at seventeen, eighteen, and beyond. There was no telling that rumors were there to damage him when they could not mar his appearance. His daughters, he could only hope, must deal with the same jealousy. It bred everywhere and in every station of court. "What part would you like to be true, brother?" Not all. The words twisted as if there was something in the gossip that he was supposed to be promoting.
He took a deep sip of his drink as he could plainly hear the whispers through and they weren't about his daughters. Well, he hoped it wasn't about his own girls getting in bed with Stephanos. It also made him worry for any sort of silly idea that his daughters bother with either of the princes. They would not be faithful. There would not be happiness. "Seems the people have something fair better to speak of tonight." He smirked and then laughed lightly.
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A slow nod to his wife as he gave a warm smile in her direction. She had their best interests in mind. Georgios knew that. He always knew that. It just happened that the older the girls got, the more uneasy he was about all of this. There were times when he felt like they were just worth a bag of coin or like a cow to be traded. To many that was all they saw from the moment a daughter was announced and claimed in this world. However, they were not Georgios of Leventi. He would keep them all cloistered if he had the chance. But, that would not satiate their needs. He was not a foolish man.
Georgios had plenty of rumors about himself when he was in those tender teenage years. There had been those who turned his head and wanted to marry him without knowing how hard it would be when his father already knew the truth. Georgios and Evelli would be put together to further secure any line of Leventi bloodlines. To perfection in the quick succession of five lovely daughters. Most of which he knew were out to find husbands tonight.
There was almost a groan emitted from his throat as he heard his brother prod at him over idle gossip. Had he been too easy on the girls? Had he taught them too much about finding happiness and love or was it Evelli's lessons in reaching for the top that had them prowling tonight. The gossip could have easily been a mixture of both. He buried his ire in the cup while he could come up with something far more appropriate for the company.
"You shouldn't believe all that you hear. Beauty breeds jealousy and many would do anything to try and ruin the chances of someone more attractive." Would that burn? Georgios didn't mean it too... but he had been attractive at seventeen, eighteen, and beyond. There was no telling that rumors were there to damage him when they could not mar his appearance. His daughters, he could only hope, must deal with the same jealousy. It bred everywhere and in every station of court. "What part would you like to be true, brother?" Not all. The words twisted as if there was something in the gossip that he was supposed to be promoting.
He took a deep sip of his drink as he could plainly hear the whispers through and they weren't about his daughters. Well, he hoped it wasn't about his own girls getting in bed with Stephanos. It also made him worry for any sort of silly idea that his daughters bother with either of the princes. They would not be faithful. There would not be happiness. "Seems the people have something fair better to speak of tonight." He smirked and then laughed lightly.
A slow nod to his wife as he gave a warm smile in her direction. She had their best interests in mind. Georgios knew that. He always knew that. It just happened that the older the girls got, the more uneasy he was about all of this. There were times when he felt like they were just worth a bag of coin or like a cow to be traded. To many that was all they saw from the moment a daughter was announced and claimed in this world. However, they were not Georgios of Leventi. He would keep them all cloistered if he had the chance. But, that would not satiate their needs. He was not a foolish man.
Georgios had plenty of rumors about himself when he was in those tender teenage years. There had been those who turned his head and wanted to marry him without knowing how hard it would be when his father already knew the truth. Georgios and Evelli would be put together to further secure any line of Leventi bloodlines. To perfection in the quick succession of five lovely daughters. Most of which he knew were out to find husbands tonight.
There was almost a groan emitted from his throat as he heard his brother prod at him over idle gossip. Had he been too easy on the girls? Had he taught them too much about finding happiness and love or was it Evelli's lessons in reaching for the top that had them prowling tonight. The gossip could have easily been a mixture of both. He buried his ire in the cup while he could come up with something far more appropriate for the company.
"You shouldn't believe all that you hear. Beauty breeds jealousy and many would do anything to try and ruin the chances of someone more attractive." Would that burn? Georgios didn't mean it too... but he had been attractive at seventeen, eighteen, and beyond. There was no telling that rumors were there to damage him when they could not mar his appearance. His daughters, he could only hope, must deal with the same jealousy. It bred everywhere and in every station of court. "What part would you like to be true, brother?" Not all. The words twisted as if there was something in the gossip that he was supposed to be promoting.
He took a deep sip of his drink as he could plainly hear the whispers through and they weren't about his daughters. Well, he hoped it wasn't about his own girls getting in bed with Stephanos. It also made him worry for any sort of silly idea that his daughters bother with either of the princes. They would not be faithful. There would not be happiness. "Seems the people have something fair better to speak of tonight." He smirked and then laughed lightly.
Stephanos grinned as his sister took his intended joke in stride. He knew for a fact that she’d had no intention of dancing when she came over here and if she’d tried to put up some sort of resistance, he’d have given some kind of smooth line about how pretty she was when she danced, or how Lord Nikolias could always use lessons from someone so renowned for her artistic talents. Something along that line. Anything to get Lord Nikolias onto the dance floor and into the way of gossip.
He’d expected Lord Nikolias to lead Xene immediately out into the twirling bodies draped in gorgeous colors, but Xene didn’t move. Instead, she glanced at him especially and asked, "What sort of gambling debts are you to get yourself into now, Stephanos?"
“Nothing I can’t get out of,” he said smoothly, not quite understanding what she was getting at, having already forgotten whatever snippet of conversation she’d happened upon.
"And how do I also wager?" Xene continued. Stephanos gave her a look that wasn’t nearly as fakey sweet as the one she was giving him. Sisters. Instead of answering her, Stephanos turned and traded out his wine for a fresher glass as a servant passed him, and drank deeply from the new cup. Xene turned to Lord Condos, then, trying to rope the poor man into her game, but Stephanos did not believe that Lord Nikolias would quite catch Xene’s tone. Of all the people in the room, Lord Nikolias had to be one of the least conniving.
However, Stephanos found himself mistaken, because Lord Nikolias rose easily to the challenge, giving a mock whisper. Rolling his eyes toward Achilleas, Stephanos took yet another drink. So it was going to be this kind of night. He looked over his shoulder to where Zacharias and Selene were on the balcony and thought about how he’d have paid almost anything to listen to that conversation. It wasn’t like his brother would be overly forthcoming with details later. And just to tick him off, Stephanos made an exaggerated sign of encouragement, meant to embarrass Zacharias more than anything else.
"Lord Emilios seems certain that Stephanos will be engaged at the end of this very night, you see."
That brought Stephanos back to the present. “What?” he twisted back around, eyes wide. “Ah, no. Not unless the lucky woman has the title ‘Princess’ before her name and isn’t related to me.” He thought of Olympia, which was supposed to be a secret. Well...an open secret. Stephanos didn’t usually flaunt who it was he was sleeping with except to those closest to him.
"It seems unsporting, my lord. For my cousin has an uncanny ability to turn most any girl’s head. He could play us all for fools just to see us out of coin. Even he pretends he’s holding out for a princess" Achilleas interjected, at which point Stephanos gave him a grin.
“There’s no pretending,” he countered. “I will marry a princess. The rest are dear, sweet girls who will find someone more suited to them as a life partner. And I’ll occupy them until then.” Mutually beneficial.
At last, Nikolias and Xene wandered off to dance and Stephanos breathed a sigh of relief. By that point, Achilleas seemed more interested in telling off Emilios and Stephanos took another deep draft of wine. This party was supposed to be fun but family dynamics being what they were, this was going to more than likely be some sort of display of how ‘not’ to do an event. Possibly that was why his mother only did this every few years or so.
"You are certain you aren’t becoming more enamored with local offerings, cousin?" Achilleas asked and Stephanos stiffened.
“No more than I usually like them,” he hedged, glancing at Achilleas stealing popped corn from Emilios. That was a good idea and he did the same.
"Your brother has escaped Selene again". Achilleas’s topic was a breath of fresh air and Stephanos turned in time to watch Zacharias slipping along the side of the room and standing near their mother. He looked...tense. Stephanos rolled his eyes.
“If I had Selene of Leventi chasing me that ardently, I’d let her catch me. Repeatedly,” he said dryly, eyes seeking out Selene.
"Are there no limits to that man’s powers of evasion?"
“Zacharias is as perfect as any man can be,” Stephanos frowned into the empty bottom of his cup, wondering how that had happened. His tone was absent and he glanced around for a servant, wiggling his cup as he did so, like calling faithful dogs to him. “He’s saving himself, or some nonsense. You!” he pointed at a servant who hadn’t noticed him yet. “More. Yes, come, good lad. Thaaaaank you. Ah, here, another.” He handed off another goblet to Achilleas. “Here, you look like you can use this.”
Stephanos saw a pair of girls looking at him from across the room. They giggled, looked, turned red, giggled again. He squinted and frowned, then glanced at Achilleas. “Ever get the feeling you’re being discussed?” he asked.
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Stephanos grinned as his sister took his intended joke in stride. He knew for a fact that she’d had no intention of dancing when she came over here and if she’d tried to put up some sort of resistance, he’d have given some kind of smooth line about how pretty she was when she danced, or how Lord Nikolias could always use lessons from someone so renowned for her artistic talents. Something along that line. Anything to get Lord Nikolias onto the dance floor and into the way of gossip.
He’d expected Lord Nikolias to lead Xene immediately out into the twirling bodies draped in gorgeous colors, but Xene didn’t move. Instead, she glanced at him especially and asked, "What sort of gambling debts are you to get yourself into now, Stephanos?"
“Nothing I can’t get out of,” he said smoothly, not quite understanding what she was getting at, having already forgotten whatever snippet of conversation she’d happened upon.
"And how do I also wager?" Xene continued. Stephanos gave her a look that wasn’t nearly as fakey sweet as the one she was giving him. Sisters. Instead of answering her, Stephanos turned and traded out his wine for a fresher glass as a servant passed him, and drank deeply from the new cup. Xene turned to Lord Condos, then, trying to rope the poor man into her game, but Stephanos did not believe that Lord Nikolias would quite catch Xene’s tone. Of all the people in the room, Lord Nikolias had to be one of the least conniving.
However, Stephanos found himself mistaken, because Lord Nikolias rose easily to the challenge, giving a mock whisper. Rolling his eyes toward Achilleas, Stephanos took yet another drink. So it was going to be this kind of night. He looked over his shoulder to where Zacharias and Selene were on the balcony and thought about how he’d have paid almost anything to listen to that conversation. It wasn’t like his brother would be overly forthcoming with details later. And just to tick him off, Stephanos made an exaggerated sign of encouragement, meant to embarrass Zacharias more than anything else.
"Lord Emilios seems certain that Stephanos will be engaged at the end of this very night, you see."
That brought Stephanos back to the present. “What?” he twisted back around, eyes wide. “Ah, no. Not unless the lucky woman has the title ‘Princess’ before her name and isn’t related to me.” He thought of Olympia, which was supposed to be a secret. Well...an open secret. Stephanos didn’t usually flaunt who it was he was sleeping with except to those closest to him.
"It seems unsporting, my lord. For my cousin has an uncanny ability to turn most any girl’s head. He could play us all for fools just to see us out of coin. Even he pretends he’s holding out for a princess" Achilleas interjected, at which point Stephanos gave him a grin.
“There’s no pretending,” he countered. “I will marry a princess. The rest are dear, sweet girls who will find someone more suited to them as a life partner. And I’ll occupy them until then.” Mutually beneficial.
At last, Nikolias and Xene wandered off to dance and Stephanos breathed a sigh of relief. By that point, Achilleas seemed more interested in telling off Emilios and Stephanos took another deep draft of wine. This party was supposed to be fun but family dynamics being what they were, this was going to more than likely be some sort of display of how ‘not’ to do an event. Possibly that was why his mother only did this every few years or so.
"You are certain you aren’t becoming more enamored with local offerings, cousin?" Achilleas asked and Stephanos stiffened.
“No more than I usually like them,” he hedged, glancing at Achilleas stealing popped corn from Emilios. That was a good idea and he did the same.
"Your brother has escaped Selene again". Achilleas’s topic was a breath of fresh air and Stephanos turned in time to watch Zacharias slipping along the side of the room and standing near their mother. He looked...tense. Stephanos rolled his eyes.
“If I had Selene of Leventi chasing me that ardently, I’d let her catch me. Repeatedly,” he said dryly, eyes seeking out Selene.
"Are there no limits to that man’s powers of evasion?"
“Zacharias is as perfect as any man can be,” Stephanos frowned into the empty bottom of his cup, wondering how that had happened. His tone was absent and he glanced around for a servant, wiggling his cup as he did so, like calling faithful dogs to him. “He’s saving himself, or some nonsense. You!” he pointed at a servant who hadn’t noticed him yet. “More. Yes, come, good lad. Thaaaaank you. Ah, here, another.” He handed off another goblet to Achilleas. “Here, you look like you can use this.”
Stephanos saw a pair of girls looking at him from across the room. They giggled, looked, turned red, giggled again. He squinted and frowned, then glanced at Achilleas. “Ever get the feeling you’re being discussed?” he asked.
Stephanos grinned as his sister took his intended joke in stride. He knew for a fact that she’d had no intention of dancing when she came over here and if she’d tried to put up some sort of resistance, he’d have given some kind of smooth line about how pretty she was when she danced, or how Lord Nikolias could always use lessons from someone so renowned for her artistic talents. Something along that line. Anything to get Lord Nikolias onto the dance floor and into the way of gossip.
He’d expected Lord Nikolias to lead Xene immediately out into the twirling bodies draped in gorgeous colors, but Xene didn’t move. Instead, she glanced at him especially and asked, "What sort of gambling debts are you to get yourself into now, Stephanos?"
“Nothing I can’t get out of,” he said smoothly, not quite understanding what she was getting at, having already forgotten whatever snippet of conversation she’d happened upon.
"And how do I also wager?" Xene continued. Stephanos gave her a look that wasn’t nearly as fakey sweet as the one she was giving him. Sisters. Instead of answering her, Stephanos turned and traded out his wine for a fresher glass as a servant passed him, and drank deeply from the new cup. Xene turned to Lord Condos, then, trying to rope the poor man into her game, but Stephanos did not believe that Lord Nikolias would quite catch Xene’s tone. Of all the people in the room, Lord Nikolias had to be one of the least conniving.
However, Stephanos found himself mistaken, because Lord Nikolias rose easily to the challenge, giving a mock whisper. Rolling his eyes toward Achilleas, Stephanos took yet another drink. So it was going to be this kind of night. He looked over his shoulder to where Zacharias and Selene were on the balcony and thought about how he’d have paid almost anything to listen to that conversation. It wasn’t like his brother would be overly forthcoming with details later. And just to tick him off, Stephanos made an exaggerated sign of encouragement, meant to embarrass Zacharias more than anything else.
"Lord Emilios seems certain that Stephanos will be engaged at the end of this very night, you see."
That brought Stephanos back to the present. “What?” he twisted back around, eyes wide. “Ah, no. Not unless the lucky woman has the title ‘Princess’ before her name and isn’t related to me.” He thought of Olympia, which was supposed to be a secret. Well...an open secret. Stephanos didn’t usually flaunt who it was he was sleeping with except to those closest to him.
"It seems unsporting, my lord. For my cousin has an uncanny ability to turn most any girl’s head. He could play us all for fools just to see us out of coin. Even he pretends he’s holding out for a princess" Achilleas interjected, at which point Stephanos gave him a grin.
“There’s no pretending,” he countered. “I will marry a princess. The rest are dear, sweet girls who will find someone more suited to them as a life partner. And I’ll occupy them until then.” Mutually beneficial.
At last, Nikolias and Xene wandered off to dance and Stephanos breathed a sigh of relief. By that point, Achilleas seemed more interested in telling off Emilios and Stephanos took another deep draft of wine. This party was supposed to be fun but family dynamics being what they were, this was going to more than likely be some sort of display of how ‘not’ to do an event. Possibly that was why his mother only did this every few years or so.
"You are certain you aren’t becoming more enamored with local offerings, cousin?" Achilleas asked and Stephanos stiffened.
“No more than I usually like them,” he hedged, glancing at Achilleas stealing popped corn from Emilios. That was a good idea and he did the same.
"Your brother has escaped Selene again". Achilleas’s topic was a breath of fresh air and Stephanos turned in time to watch Zacharias slipping along the side of the room and standing near their mother. He looked...tense. Stephanos rolled his eyes.
“If I had Selene of Leventi chasing me that ardently, I’d let her catch me. Repeatedly,” he said dryly, eyes seeking out Selene.
"Are there no limits to that man’s powers of evasion?"
“Zacharias is as perfect as any man can be,” Stephanos frowned into the empty bottom of his cup, wondering how that had happened. His tone was absent and he glanced around for a servant, wiggling his cup as he did so, like calling faithful dogs to him. “He’s saving himself, or some nonsense. You!” he pointed at a servant who hadn’t noticed him yet. “More. Yes, come, good lad. Thaaaaank you. Ah, here, another.” He handed off another goblet to Achilleas. “Here, you look like you can use this.”
Stephanos saw a pair of girls looking at him from across the room. They giggled, looked, turned red, giggled again. He squinted and frowned, then glanced at Achilleas. “Ever get the feeling you’re being discussed?” he asked.
Melina had indeed been warned about her aunt, but Evelli wasn’t a bad person, at least not in her mind. Perhaps someone at times she wished she was closer to, especially since all of her daughters shown so brightly in comparison to Melina and her sisters. Melina was also a peacemaker, so while Georgios and Fotios, her uncle and father, went along their own way to make social gatherings, Melina was stuck with Eirini, her mother.
Had the middle Leventi been less introverted and reserved, she would have been filled with dismay at her situation, however, she knew that no one was truly looking for her tonight. No one had their eyes on snatching the middle Leventi, and she wasn’t of the same beauteous stock as her cousins, no matter what her parents thought.
Evelli seemed to much less protective of her daughters in comparison to Eirini’s protectiveness with Melina. It was just a fact of life, as Melina knew that she was much more soft-hearted, more vulnerable towards any at the party, prone to heartbreak without making a single confession. Perhaps that was why her mother kept her close, noticing the vulnerabilities of her middle child and longing to keep her out of harm’s way.
However, despite that, Melina was relieved that she was under this leash, the protectiveness allowing her anxieties to lessen just enough that she could breathe without hyperventilating in the eyes of the crowd. So, she gazed upon the violet finery that her aunt wore and gave her a genuine smile, listening to her words about how her household seamstress had crafted such a garment. “You are most welcome, Aunt Evelli. I will keep that in mind for certain.” In fact, Melina was certain she would, fidgeting at night over acquiring a perfect ensemble, yet never having the guts to wear such apparel.
As for the mention of her sisters, Melina felt sheepish on how she followed her mother while the two, both younger and older than she was, were simply independent. A frown graced her lips for a moment, as she tried to determine where they would be. “Sure, let’s do that. Mother, you don’t mind if I check on Dafni, do you?” Dafni was bound to get into mischief, and celebrations were no exception. Of course, Melina had a feeling that wasn’t the only reason why her aunt wanted her to come along. She had seen that twinkle in her eye.
Celebrations such as these were often the places where mothers would try to find a match for their daughters. Melina was a bit frightened at the prospect, but she knew that marriage would have to be her fate sooner or later. Her parents wouldn’t allow her to collect dust on a shelf, would they?
About to answer, Aunt Evelli’s question, she paused as she heard the latest form of gossip. The prince with three women at once? Well, that could indeed be a possibility. Depending on which prince they were talking about. Stephanos seemed like the sort who would do such a thing. Zacharias did not.
A cough escaped her, almost a laugh, as she nodded, putting on a brave face for her mother. She would rather not think of marriage yet, but she was getting older, so it would be inevitable that Aunt Evelli would notice she was unattached. Plus, it would at least help her sisters out if she managed to catch someone’s eyes. She certainly wasn’t doing this for herself. She wasn’t pretty enough, even if Aunt Evelli liked her ensemble, that’s just what aunts said to their nieces, wasn’t it? “If that would be okay with mother.” Melina wasn’t sure if she wanted the answer to be a yes or a no, but she simply didn’t want a crowd of men to ogle her.
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Melina had indeed been warned about her aunt, but Evelli wasn’t a bad person, at least not in her mind. Perhaps someone at times she wished she was closer to, especially since all of her daughters shown so brightly in comparison to Melina and her sisters. Melina was also a peacemaker, so while Georgios and Fotios, her uncle and father, went along their own way to make social gatherings, Melina was stuck with Eirini, her mother.
Had the middle Leventi been less introverted and reserved, she would have been filled with dismay at her situation, however, she knew that no one was truly looking for her tonight. No one had their eyes on snatching the middle Leventi, and she wasn’t of the same beauteous stock as her cousins, no matter what her parents thought.
Evelli seemed to much less protective of her daughters in comparison to Eirini’s protectiveness with Melina. It was just a fact of life, as Melina knew that she was much more soft-hearted, more vulnerable towards any at the party, prone to heartbreak without making a single confession. Perhaps that was why her mother kept her close, noticing the vulnerabilities of her middle child and longing to keep her out of harm’s way.
However, despite that, Melina was relieved that she was under this leash, the protectiveness allowing her anxieties to lessen just enough that she could breathe without hyperventilating in the eyes of the crowd. So, she gazed upon the violet finery that her aunt wore and gave her a genuine smile, listening to her words about how her household seamstress had crafted such a garment. “You are most welcome, Aunt Evelli. I will keep that in mind for certain.” In fact, Melina was certain she would, fidgeting at night over acquiring a perfect ensemble, yet never having the guts to wear such apparel.
As for the mention of her sisters, Melina felt sheepish on how she followed her mother while the two, both younger and older than she was, were simply independent. A frown graced her lips for a moment, as she tried to determine where they would be. “Sure, let’s do that. Mother, you don’t mind if I check on Dafni, do you?” Dafni was bound to get into mischief, and celebrations were no exception. Of course, Melina had a feeling that wasn’t the only reason why her aunt wanted her to come along. She had seen that twinkle in her eye.
Celebrations such as these were often the places where mothers would try to find a match for their daughters. Melina was a bit frightened at the prospect, but she knew that marriage would have to be her fate sooner or later. Her parents wouldn’t allow her to collect dust on a shelf, would they?
About to answer, Aunt Evelli’s question, she paused as she heard the latest form of gossip. The prince with three women at once? Well, that could indeed be a possibility. Depending on which prince they were talking about. Stephanos seemed like the sort who would do such a thing. Zacharias did not.
A cough escaped her, almost a laugh, as she nodded, putting on a brave face for her mother. She would rather not think of marriage yet, but she was getting older, so it would be inevitable that Aunt Evelli would notice she was unattached. Plus, it would at least help her sisters out if she managed to catch someone’s eyes. She certainly wasn’t doing this for herself. She wasn’t pretty enough, even if Aunt Evelli liked her ensemble, that’s just what aunts said to their nieces, wasn’t it? “If that would be okay with mother.” Melina wasn’t sure if she wanted the answer to be a yes or a no, but she simply didn’t want a crowd of men to ogle her.
Melina had indeed been warned about her aunt, but Evelli wasn’t a bad person, at least not in her mind. Perhaps someone at times she wished she was closer to, especially since all of her daughters shown so brightly in comparison to Melina and her sisters. Melina was also a peacemaker, so while Georgios and Fotios, her uncle and father, went along their own way to make social gatherings, Melina was stuck with Eirini, her mother.
Had the middle Leventi been less introverted and reserved, she would have been filled with dismay at her situation, however, she knew that no one was truly looking for her tonight. No one had their eyes on snatching the middle Leventi, and she wasn’t of the same beauteous stock as her cousins, no matter what her parents thought.
Evelli seemed to much less protective of her daughters in comparison to Eirini’s protectiveness with Melina. It was just a fact of life, as Melina knew that she was much more soft-hearted, more vulnerable towards any at the party, prone to heartbreak without making a single confession. Perhaps that was why her mother kept her close, noticing the vulnerabilities of her middle child and longing to keep her out of harm’s way.
However, despite that, Melina was relieved that she was under this leash, the protectiveness allowing her anxieties to lessen just enough that she could breathe without hyperventilating in the eyes of the crowd. So, she gazed upon the violet finery that her aunt wore and gave her a genuine smile, listening to her words about how her household seamstress had crafted such a garment. “You are most welcome, Aunt Evelli. I will keep that in mind for certain.” In fact, Melina was certain she would, fidgeting at night over acquiring a perfect ensemble, yet never having the guts to wear such apparel.
As for the mention of her sisters, Melina felt sheepish on how she followed her mother while the two, both younger and older than she was, were simply independent. A frown graced her lips for a moment, as she tried to determine where they would be. “Sure, let’s do that. Mother, you don’t mind if I check on Dafni, do you?” Dafni was bound to get into mischief, and celebrations were no exception. Of course, Melina had a feeling that wasn’t the only reason why her aunt wanted her to come along. She had seen that twinkle in her eye.
Celebrations such as these were often the places where mothers would try to find a match for their daughters. Melina was a bit frightened at the prospect, but she knew that marriage would have to be her fate sooner or later. Her parents wouldn’t allow her to collect dust on a shelf, would they?
About to answer, Aunt Evelli’s question, she paused as she heard the latest form of gossip. The prince with three women at once? Well, that could indeed be a possibility. Depending on which prince they were talking about. Stephanos seemed like the sort who would do such a thing. Zacharias did not.
A cough escaped her, almost a laugh, as she nodded, putting on a brave face for her mother. She would rather not think of marriage yet, but she was getting older, so it would be inevitable that Aunt Evelli would notice she was unattached. Plus, it would at least help her sisters out if she managed to catch someone’s eyes. She certainly wasn’t doing this for herself. She wasn’t pretty enough, even if Aunt Evelli liked her ensemble, that’s just what aunts said to their nieces, wasn’t it? “If that would be okay with mother.” Melina wasn’t sure if she wanted the answer to be a yes or a no, but she simply didn’t want a crowd of men to ogle her.
A tender warmth flickered within Eirini's hues as Fotios pressed a kiss upon her hand, the parting gesture apologetic and affectionate and her own lips curled upwards in reciprocal adoration. She watched her husband part with Georgios and once their attentions were thoroughly engaged with one another, Eirini turned back to Evelli and Melina. She was insatiably curious about how Fostios' brother would respond to the rumours regarding his daughters, though was sated in the knowledge that all would be relayed later and there was little doubt in Eirini's mind that Evelli would also recieve a similar debriefing.
With such a thought in mind, Eirini returned her sisters smile, "yes... lets." With a gentle and encouraging squeeze to Melina's arm, the matriarch of the Leventi family walked a few steps in front of the others, her eyes roaming the bustling hall in search of her daughters. Fortunately she spotted them soon enough, young Dafni pinned to Agape's side, undoubtedly informing her elder sister of all the misery that had befallen her that morning in preparation of the event.
Their names were on the tip of her tongue as the voices of two passing ladies caught her attention and her daughters briefly fell from thought. Not nearly as hushed as they probably thought they were, Eirini was able to catch the tail end of the latest gossip. A muted chuckle rose in her chest; she had of course already marvelled and humoured at such a little gem of whispers, but that was not to say she didn't still find it all incredibly entertaining. A desire to engage with the prince about his escapades rose suddenly, and she found herself searching for him ... alas, as her gaze fell once more unto her daughters, Eirini recalled her duty.
First she would present her girls to the queen and then she could seek the day's amusement.
"Agape, Dafni, come." She beckoned them over, greeting her eldest daughter with warmth as she pressed a kiss upon her cheek. "You look lovely, Agape, this is a good colour on you." Came her compliment and besides from Dafni's little tantrum this morning, Eirini found herself pleased by her daughters behaviour thus far. "We are to make our greetings to the queen, remember what I've taught you." Glancing behind her, she checked that Melina was near and contented that all was well, she gave a nod.
"Shall we, Evelli?"
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A tender warmth flickered within Eirini's hues as Fotios pressed a kiss upon her hand, the parting gesture apologetic and affectionate and her own lips curled upwards in reciprocal adoration. She watched her husband part with Georgios and once their attentions were thoroughly engaged with one another, Eirini turned back to Evelli and Melina. She was insatiably curious about how Fostios' brother would respond to the rumours regarding his daughters, though was sated in the knowledge that all would be relayed later and there was little doubt in Eirini's mind that Evelli would also recieve a similar debriefing.
With such a thought in mind, Eirini returned her sisters smile, "yes... lets." With a gentle and encouraging squeeze to Melina's arm, the matriarch of the Leventi family walked a few steps in front of the others, her eyes roaming the bustling hall in search of her daughters. Fortunately she spotted them soon enough, young Dafni pinned to Agape's side, undoubtedly informing her elder sister of all the misery that had befallen her that morning in preparation of the event.
Their names were on the tip of her tongue as the voices of two passing ladies caught her attention and her daughters briefly fell from thought. Not nearly as hushed as they probably thought they were, Eirini was able to catch the tail end of the latest gossip. A muted chuckle rose in her chest; she had of course already marvelled and humoured at such a little gem of whispers, but that was not to say she didn't still find it all incredibly entertaining. A desire to engage with the prince about his escapades rose suddenly, and she found herself searching for him ... alas, as her gaze fell once more unto her daughters, Eirini recalled her duty.
First she would present her girls to the queen and then she could seek the day's amusement.
"Agape, Dafni, come." She beckoned them over, greeting her eldest daughter with warmth as she pressed a kiss upon her cheek. "You look lovely, Agape, this is a good colour on you." Came her compliment and besides from Dafni's little tantrum this morning, Eirini found herself pleased by her daughters behaviour thus far. "We are to make our greetings to the queen, remember what I've taught you." Glancing behind her, she checked that Melina was near and contented that all was well, she gave a nod.
"Shall we, Evelli?"
A tender warmth flickered within Eirini's hues as Fotios pressed a kiss upon her hand, the parting gesture apologetic and affectionate and her own lips curled upwards in reciprocal adoration. She watched her husband part with Georgios and once their attentions were thoroughly engaged with one another, Eirini turned back to Evelli and Melina. She was insatiably curious about how Fostios' brother would respond to the rumours regarding his daughters, though was sated in the knowledge that all would be relayed later and there was little doubt in Eirini's mind that Evelli would also recieve a similar debriefing.
With such a thought in mind, Eirini returned her sisters smile, "yes... lets." With a gentle and encouraging squeeze to Melina's arm, the matriarch of the Leventi family walked a few steps in front of the others, her eyes roaming the bustling hall in search of her daughters. Fortunately she spotted them soon enough, young Dafni pinned to Agape's side, undoubtedly informing her elder sister of all the misery that had befallen her that morning in preparation of the event.
Their names were on the tip of her tongue as the voices of two passing ladies caught her attention and her daughters briefly fell from thought. Not nearly as hushed as they probably thought they were, Eirini was able to catch the tail end of the latest gossip. A muted chuckle rose in her chest; she had of course already marvelled and humoured at such a little gem of whispers, but that was not to say she didn't still find it all incredibly entertaining. A desire to engage with the prince about his escapades rose suddenly, and she found herself searching for him ... alas, as her gaze fell once more unto her daughters, Eirini recalled her duty.
First she would present her girls to the queen and then she could seek the day's amusement.
"Agape, Dafni, come." She beckoned them over, greeting her eldest daughter with warmth as she pressed a kiss upon her cheek. "You look lovely, Agape, this is a good colour on you." Came her compliment and besides from Dafni's little tantrum this morning, Eirini found herself pleased by her daughters behaviour thus far. "We are to make our greetings to the queen, remember what I've taught you." Glancing behind her, she checked that Melina was near and contented that all was well, she gave a nod.