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Dancing was one of the princess' fortes and she did not argue when Lord Nikolias took her hand, kissed it, and then lead her out onto the dancefloor. Her own steps were careful, simply because she wanted to focus as much on the dance as she did on Lord Condos' words. Admittedly, the words that he spoke were almost comical in nature and Xene had to remind herself to keep her thoughts unreadable, only in her own mind.
Though part of her desperately wanted to laugh at the entire notion that Lord Nikolias posed to her. Who her brother would marry? Honestly, Xene could not picture Stephanos ever marrying. And if he did, it certainly wouldn't be fore love. Her brother grew bored of his conquests quickly and that would be no different for whoever he married. They would be his and they would be exciting and interesting for a while, but women needed to keep his attention to keep him in their bed.
And that rarely, if ever, actually happened.
Thus, Xene simply lifted her brows as if she were surely surprised that the second prince was actually considering marriage in that moment. Her golden head turned and she fixed her elder brother with a startled look that only he would know to mean 'are you serious right now?' and would take it as the joke that it was. Unable to hide her amusement after that, she turned her attention back to Nikolias, her smile growing slowly.
"Admittedly, and with much measured respect, Lord Nikolias, I highly doubt that my brother will be engaged by the end of the night. He has his gaze set on a princess not of this land and not related to himself. He has stated so many a time and I don't think he would yield for a little wager. In fact, I think I shall counter-bet you. He won't end up engaged tonight," she declared. Only because she knew her own brother, and despite her teasing, the last person she wanted to see him engaged to was one of the Leventis. She had nothing against them, but they weren't exactly good enough for him. Xene's own standards were high and she was intent to see both of her brothers marry equal to their own stature, if only because that was the honor afforded to them as royalty.
The two danced for a while, and then Xene motioned them off of the dancefloor. She honestly wanted to mingle with people more than she wanted to dance. "Perhaps you and Lord Emilios know the prince better than I," Princess Xene teased Lord Condos, "But I also highly doubt it," her tone was lilting, "If you'll excuse me, my lord." Then she bowed and separated herself from him, making her way back toward Stephanos with the intention of attatching herself to his hip, if only to save him and ensure that he did not, in fact, find himself engaged tonight.
Coming back up behind her brother, she found herself looping her arm into Stephanos', leaning into his shoulder. "Since I was forced to dance with Lord Condos, perhaps its now time for you to dance with me, brother. Do you still have your legs, or will the wine make you clumsy?" she questioned, her tone playful, but welcoming and warm. Then she leaned closer, "Take the bait, I'm trying to save you," she whispered in his ear.
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Dancing was one of the princess' fortes and she did not argue when Lord Nikolias took her hand, kissed it, and then lead her out onto the dancefloor. Her own steps were careful, simply because she wanted to focus as much on the dance as she did on Lord Condos' words. Admittedly, the words that he spoke were almost comical in nature and Xene had to remind herself to keep her thoughts unreadable, only in her own mind.
Though part of her desperately wanted to laugh at the entire notion that Lord Nikolias posed to her. Who her brother would marry? Honestly, Xene could not picture Stephanos ever marrying. And if he did, it certainly wouldn't be fore love. Her brother grew bored of his conquests quickly and that would be no different for whoever he married. They would be his and they would be exciting and interesting for a while, but women needed to keep his attention to keep him in their bed.
And that rarely, if ever, actually happened.
Thus, Xene simply lifted her brows as if she were surely surprised that the second prince was actually considering marriage in that moment. Her golden head turned and she fixed her elder brother with a startled look that only he would know to mean 'are you serious right now?' and would take it as the joke that it was. Unable to hide her amusement after that, she turned her attention back to Nikolias, her smile growing slowly.
"Admittedly, and with much measured respect, Lord Nikolias, I highly doubt that my brother will be engaged by the end of the night. He has his gaze set on a princess not of this land and not related to himself. He has stated so many a time and I don't think he would yield for a little wager. In fact, I think I shall counter-bet you. He won't end up engaged tonight," she declared. Only because she knew her own brother, and despite her teasing, the last person she wanted to see him engaged to was one of the Leventis. She had nothing against them, but they weren't exactly good enough for him. Xene's own standards were high and she was intent to see both of her brothers marry equal to their own stature, if only because that was the honor afforded to them as royalty.
The two danced for a while, and then Xene motioned them off of the dancefloor. She honestly wanted to mingle with people more than she wanted to dance. "Perhaps you and Lord Emilios know the prince better than I," Princess Xene teased Lord Condos, "But I also highly doubt it," her tone was lilting, "If you'll excuse me, my lord." Then she bowed and separated herself from him, making her way back toward Stephanos with the intention of attatching herself to his hip, if only to save him and ensure that he did not, in fact, find himself engaged tonight.
Coming back up behind her brother, she found herself looping her arm into Stephanos', leaning into his shoulder. "Since I was forced to dance with Lord Condos, perhaps its now time for you to dance with me, brother. Do you still have your legs, or will the wine make you clumsy?" she questioned, her tone playful, but welcoming and warm. Then she leaned closer, "Take the bait, I'm trying to save you," she whispered in his ear.
Dancing was one of the princess' fortes and she did not argue when Lord Nikolias took her hand, kissed it, and then lead her out onto the dancefloor. Her own steps were careful, simply because she wanted to focus as much on the dance as she did on Lord Condos' words. Admittedly, the words that he spoke were almost comical in nature and Xene had to remind herself to keep her thoughts unreadable, only in her own mind.
Though part of her desperately wanted to laugh at the entire notion that Lord Nikolias posed to her. Who her brother would marry? Honestly, Xene could not picture Stephanos ever marrying. And if he did, it certainly wouldn't be fore love. Her brother grew bored of his conquests quickly and that would be no different for whoever he married. They would be his and they would be exciting and interesting for a while, but women needed to keep his attention to keep him in their bed.
And that rarely, if ever, actually happened.
Thus, Xene simply lifted her brows as if she were surely surprised that the second prince was actually considering marriage in that moment. Her golden head turned and she fixed her elder brother with a startled look that only he would know to mean 'are you serious right now?' and would take it as the joke that it was. Unable to hide her amusement after that, she turned her attention back to Nikolias, her smile growing slowly.
"Admittedly, and with much measured respect, Lord Nikolias, I highly doubt that my brother will be engaged by the end of the night. He has his gaze set on a princess not of this land and not related to himself. He has stated so many a time and I don't think he would yield for a little wager. In fact, I think I shall counter-bet you. He won't end up engaged tonight," she declared. Only because she knew her own brother, and despite her teasing, the last person she wanted to see him engaged to was one of the Leventis. She had nothing against them, but they weren't exactly good enough for him. Xene's own standards were high and she was intent to see both of her brothers marry equal to their own stature, if only because that was the honor afforded to them as royalty.
The two danced for a while, and then Xene motioned them off of the dancefloor. She honestly wanted to mingle with people more than she wanted to dance. "Perhaps you and Lord Emilios know the prince better than I," Princess Xene teased Lord Condos, "But I also highly doubt it," her tone was lilting, "If you'll excuse me, my lord." Then she bowed and separated herself from him, making her way back toward Stephanos with the intention of attatching herself to his hip, if only to save him and ensure that he did not, in fact, find himself engaged tonight.
Coming back up behind her brother, she found herself looping her arm into Stephanos', leaning into his shoulder. "Since I was forced to dance with Lord Condos, perhaps its now time for you to dance with me, brother. Do you still have your legs, or will the wine make you clumsy?" she questioned, her tone playful, but welcoming and warm. Then she leaned closer, "Take the bait, I'm trying to save you," she whispered in his ear.
He lived for events like this, where the gossip and banter of the nobility flowed as freely as the wine. Emilios was all about socialization and had built his reputation on his love of it, along with his cousin’s exploits among the women. His past self preferred the ones who wouldn’t make a big deal of the encounters. The brothels were usually the easiest, simply because of the professional atmosphere among the girls. There was no gossip, no sharing of past lovers with money exchanged to ensure that happened. But he hadn’t been with any other woman besides Theo in close to a year, and he had no plans of breaking that.
But that didn’t mean he dropped his pretenses around his friends. They didn’t need to know that he was currently all talk and no action.
So he laughed at their jokes, encouraged Stephanos in his desire for a royal wife (even though he was quite aware that he would never stay loyal) and joked with them about Zacharias and Selene. But his eyes were all over the room, searching for the one person he’d been anxious to see.
Where had Theo gone to?
”Selene looks rather… up to something. Think she told him that she’s after someone else? Maybe she’s heard the Kotas family as a bunch of unwed princes and told him to sod off?” Emilios doubted it, but it felt right to joke about it now, to take the focus elsewhere. When Stephanos asked about the giggling girls, Emilios couldn’t help the grin on his face. ”Looks like the perfect chance to introduce myself. If you’ll excuse me?” He said, going in the direction of the two who seemed to be focused on his cousin.
He stood and talked to them for a moment, glancing over his shoulder to see if the two had moved on to another topic. As soon as both were focused elsewhere, he disappeared from the party. The two had their arrangements, and he knew he would just have to wait until she realized that he was waiting for her in the quiet and private alcove on the other side of the garden entrance. He would find her, sneak with her out to the gardens, and tell her of his plan. Then, when he returned, they would be engaged as soon as he could make the arrangements.
He could have sworn that he’d seen her come with the rest of the Leventi clan. Where was she?
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He lived for events like this, where the gossip and banter of the nobility flowed as freely as the wine. Emilios was all about socialization and had built his reputation on his love of it, along with his cousin’s exploits among the women. His past self preferred the ones who wouldn’t make a big deal of the encounters. The brothels were usually the easiest, simply because of the professional atmosphere among the girls. There was no gossip, no sharing of past lovers with money exchanged to ensure that happened. But he hadn’t been with any other woman besides Theo in close to a year, and he had no plans of breaking that.
But that didn’t mean he dropped his pretenses around his friends. They didn’t need to know that he was currently all talk and no action.
So he laughed at their jokes, encouraged Stephanos in his desire for a royal wife (even though he was quite aware that he would never stay loyal) and joked with them about Zacharias and Selene. But his eyes were all over the room, searching for the one person he’d been anxious to see.
Where had Theo gone to?
”Selene looks rather… up to something. Think she told him that she’s after someone else? Maybe she’s heard the Kotas family as a bunch of unwed princes and told him to sod off?” Emilios doubted it, but it felt right to joke about it now, to take the focus elsewhere. When Stephanos asked about the giggling girls, Emilios couldn’t help the grin on his face. ”Looks like the perfect chance to introduce myself. If you’ll excuse me?” He said, going in the direction of the two who seemed to be focused on his cousin.
He stood and talked to them for a moment, glancing over his shoulder to see if the two had moved on to another topic. As soon as both were focused elsewhere, he disappeared from the party. The two had their arrangements, and he knew he would just have to wait until she realized that he was waiting for her in the quiet and private alcove on the other side of the garden entrance. He would find her, sneak with her out to the gardens, and tell her of his plan. Then, when he returned, they would be engaged as soon as he could make the arrangements.
He could have sworn that he’d seen her come with the rest of the Leventi clan. Where was she?
He lived for events like this, where the gossip and banter of the nobility flowed as freely as the wine. Emilios was all about socialization and had built his reputation on his love of it, along with his cousin’s exploits among the women. His past self preferred the ones who wouldn’t make a big deal of the encounters. The brothels were usually the easiest, simply because of the professional atmosphere among the girls. There was no gossip, no sharing of past lovers with money exchanged to ensure that happened. But he hadn’t been with any other woman besides Theo in close to a year, and he had no plans of breaking that.
But that didn’t mean he dropped his pretenses around his friends. They didn’t need to know that he was currently all talk and no action.
So he laughed at their jokes, encouraged Stephanos in his desire for a royal wife (even though he was quite aware that he would never stay loyal) and joked with them about Zacharias and Selene. But his eyes were all over the room, searching for the one person he’d been anxious to see.
Where had Theo gone to?
”Selene looks rather… up to something. Think she told him that she’s after someone else? Maybe she’s heard the Kotas family as a bunch of unwed princes and told him to sod off?” Emilios doubted it, but it felt right to joke about it now, to take the focus elsewhere. When Stephanos asked about the giggling girls, Emilios couldn’t help the grin on his face. ”Looks like the perfect chance to introduce myself. If you’ll excuse me?” He said, going in the direction of the two who seemed to be focused on his cousin.
He stood and talked to them for a moment, glancing over his shoulder to see if the two had moved on to another topic. As soon as both were focused elsewhere, he disappeared from the party. The two had their arrangements, and he knew he would just have to wait until she realized that he was waiting for her in the quiet and private alcove on the other side of the garden entrance. He would find her, sneak with her out to the gardens, and tell her of his plan. Then, when he returned, they would be engaged as soon as he could make the arrangements.
He could have sworn that he’d seen her come with the rest of the Leventi clan. Where was she?
Nikolias nodded. "Quite true, Your Majesty. However, it would only take one small indiscretion in a gathering of this size at the right moment for all to notice." Your brother is not often known for being prudent,he could have added, but left implied instead. Indeed, he believed he himself and many others saw potentially catching Stephanos in an indiscretion as a challenge. Perhaps in a way, they saw it as some form of entertainment. Even the most lavish of social events could potentially become dull if there were too many of them in a row. Indeed, many people more often than not attended social functions out of a sense of duty and perhaps also patriotism.
When the dance was finished, Nikolias bit his lip to attempt to hide a smirk as he watched the princess head straight toward her brother, appearing quite determined, in his opinion. Was it possible she'd heeded to the grain of truth in his words? Or perhaps she was peeved with Nikolias himself... or maybe both of those things were the case. By the time he had returned to his seat at the table, Nikolias was considering making another sort of bet concerning Stephanos altogether. If he wasn't engaged tonight, just how long could Stephanos remain unattached? Either way, the prince's state of singlehood could not possibly last forever, and in Nikolias' opinion it would be far more likely for the prince to marry a Leventi- or get caught unaware with some other Taengean noble- than for him to be able to find the foreign princess he claimed to want when the time came.
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Nikolias nodded. "Quite true, Your Majesty. However, it would only take one small indiscretion in a gathering of this size at the right moment for all to notice." Your brother is not often known for being prudent,he could have added, but left implied instead. Indeed, he believed he himself and many others saw potentially catching Stephanos in an indiscretion as a challenge. Perhaps in a way, they saw it as some form of entertainment. Even the most lavish of social events could potentially become dull if there were too many of them in a row. Indeed, many people more often than not attended social functions out of a sense of duty and perhaps also patriotism.
When the dance was finished, Nikolias bit his lip to attempt to hide a smirk as he watched the princess head straight toward her brother, appearing quite determined, in his opinion. Was it possible she'd heeded to the grain of truth in his words? Or perhaps she was peeved with Nikolias himself... or maybe both of those things were the case. By the time he had returned to his seat at the table, Nikolias was considering making another sort of bet concerning Stephanos altogether. If he wasn't engaged tonight, just how long could Stephanos remain unattached? Either way, the prince's state of singlehood could not possibly last forever, and in Nikolias' opinion it would be far more likely for the prince to marry a Leventi- or get caught unaware with some other Taengean noble- than for him to be able to find the foreign princess he claimed to want when the time came.
Nikolias nodded. "Quite true, Your Majesty. However, it would only take one small indiscretion in a gathering of this size at the right moment for all to notice." Your brother is not often known for being prudent,he could have added, but left implied instead. Indeed, he believed he himself and many others saw potentially catching Stephanos in an indiscretion as a challenge. Perhaps in a way, they saw it as some form of entertainment. Even the most lavish of social events could potentially become dull if there were too many of them in a row. Indeed, many people more often than not attended social functions out of a sense of duty and perhaps also patriotism.
When the dance was finished, Nikolias bit his lip to attempt to hide a smirk as he watched the princess head straight toward her brother, appearing quite determined, in his opinion. Was it possible she'd heeded to the grain of truth in his words? Or perhaps she was peeved with Nikolias himself... or maybe both of those things were the case. By the time he had returned to his seat at the table, Nikolias was considering making another sort of bet concerning Stephanos altogether. If he wasn't engaged tonight, just how long could Stephanos remain unattached? Either way, the prince's state of singlehood could not possibly last forever, and in Nikolias' opinion it would be far more likely for the prince to marry a Leventi- or get caught unaware with some other Taengean noble- than for him to be able to find the foreign princess he claimed to want when the time came.
The three nieces of her husband's brother were sweet enough to look at, although they were not as varied in hue and blessed of Gods as her own daughters were. It wasn't something Evelli crowed over Eirini. The woman didn't wish for there to be bad blood within the family itself afterall, considering they've got enough going on in court. But it wasn't as if she could control what other's felt. She could only offer a helping hand once in awhile, and this was one of these times.
Smiling as Dafni and Agape came along, Evelli gave a nod to each young lady in turn, before nodding to the matriarch. "Let's." she murmured in return, falling in step with the girl's and their mother.
The Queen was not far away, but it was the crush of people within the Mikaelidas Archontiko itself that made the trek long. The whispers were heard, but they were not abnormal, neither were they unfounded. Evelli found herself giving a wry smile despite herself as she heard the gossip, but chose to withhold comment. Afterall, young Prince Stephanos was but a second prince, was he not? The crown prince held himself in a manner above reproach, and for that Evelli had little complaints. She couldn't imagine what would happen if Stephanos had been the one to inherit, but they were all lucky he wouldn't.
They were halted often for small talk and greeting, but Evelli was quick to make their excuses before they finally found their way across to the Queen herself at the refreshments, waiting till she finished with her previous greetings before stepping forward, giving an encouraging look to the three nieces of Eirini's brood. Evelli had already seen the Queen once when she brought her girl's to greet the Queen when they had arrived, but it was no harm to help with Eirini for now, before she returnned to seeking out her own offspring.
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The three nieces of her husband's brother were sweet enough to look at, although they were not as varied in hue and blessed of Gods as her own daughters were. It wasn't something Evelli crowed over Eirini. The woman didn't wish for there to be bad blood within the family itself afterall, considering they've got enough going on in court. But it wasn't as if she could control what other's felt. She could only offer a helping hand once in awhile, and this was one of these times.
Smiling as Dafni and Agape came along, Evelli gave a nod to each young lady in turn, before nodding to the matriarch. "Let's." she murmured in return, falling in step with the girl's and their mother.
The Queen was not far away, but it was the crush of people within the Mikaelidas Archontiko itself that made the trek long. The whispers were heard, but they were not abnormal, neither were they unfounded. Evelli found herself giving a wry smile despite herself as she heard the gossip, but chose to withhold comment. Afterall, young Prince Stephanos was but a second prince, was he not? The crown prince held himself in a manner above reproach, and for that Evelli had little complaints. She couldn't imagine what would happen if Stephanos had been the one to inherit, but they were all lucky he wouldn't.
They were halted often for small talk and greeting, but Evelli was quick to make their excuses before they finally found their way across to the Queen herself at the refreshments, waiting till she finished with her previous greetings before stepping forward, giving an encouraging look to the three nieces of Eirini's brood. Evelli had already seen the Queen once when she brought her girl's to greet the Queen when they had arrived, but it was no harm to help with Eirini for now, before she returnned to seeking out her own offspring.
The three nieces of her husband's brother were sweet enough to look at, although they were not as varied in hue and blessed of Gods as her own daughters were. It wasn't something Evelli crowed over Eirini. The woman didn't wish for there to be bad blood within the family itself afterall, considering they've got enough going on in court. But it wasn't as if she could control what other's felt. She could only offer a helping hand once in awhile, and this was one of these times.
Smiling as Dafni and Agape came along, Evelli gave a nod to each young lady in turn, before nodding to the matriarch. "Let's." she murmured in return, falling in step with the girl's and their mother.
The Queen was not far away, but it was the crush of people within the Mikaelidas Archontiko itself that made the trek long. The whispers were heard, but they were not abnormal, neither were they unfounded. Evelli found herself giving a wry smile despite herself as she heard the gossip, but chose to withhold comment. Afterall, young Prince Stephanos was but a second prince, was he not? The crown prince held himself in a manner above reproach, and for that Evelli had little complaints. She couldn't imagine what would happen if Stephanos had been the one to inherit, but they were all lucky he wouldn't.
They were halted often for small talk and greeting, but Evelli was quick to make their excuses before they finally found their way across to the Queen herself at the refreshments, waiting till she finished with her previous greetings before stepping forward, giving an encouraging look to the three nieces of Eirini's brood. Evelli had already seen the Queen once when she brought her girl's to greet the Queen when they had arrived, but it was no harm to help with Eirini for now, before she returnned to seeking out her own offspring.
When his brother tried to diminish the topic of conversation that Fotios had raised as idle gossip and natural jealousy, Fotios' lips curled in a smirk of acceptance. His expression read as one who had expected the answer his brother had given but was no less amused by it for his prophecy. He shook his head a little in chastisement over his brother's natural desire to defend his girls and offer envy and fiction as the reasons behind some of the whispers that accompanied their names.
"Spoken like a true, doting father." Fotios commented, his tone not hinting as to whether he classified that as a positive or a negative. Within his own mind, Fotios thought upon such a mentality with a critical approach but he was not in a position to verbalise that to Georgios. Whilst he understood the man's despite to angelicise his daughters, Fotios preferred a more realistic image of his family. One that could not be side-lined or surprised if it were broken. He was more than aware of his daughters' faults and saw no reason to hide what everyone else could see.
"And you speak of idle gossip and envy like they are insignificant if untrue, brother." He argued, placing his weight onto one leg and considering a plate of small and elegant foodstuffs that did nothing for him besides wrinkle his nose. He waved the server onwards. "Fact and fiction do not hold to their own spheres in Court, you know that." His look was pointed, as they were both aware of the illegitimacy debarkle that had circulated around Georgios in his teenaged years. Rumours that Fotios had worked with his brothers to crush as concisely and effectively as possible, before they had grown roots that were too deep.
When his wording struck Georgios as odd and the man clarified what Fotios meant by 'not all', Fotios offered that same half smile again.
"Not the subject matter." He clarified, three of his fingers peeling away from the cup and waving in a dismissive gesture. "Only the level of secrecy involved."
Sipping from the rim of his cup, Fotios ignored the merry gossip that was circulating the room, knowing that Eirini would have her ear to the ground for such things. Instead, he focused on what he was doing himself.
"Your middle girl, Olympia..." Fotios began with a side-eye glance but an open demeanour. "Rumour has her chastity long lost. I wouldn't mind such a gossip, given that all men like to think a woman they desire is desired by others, but my concerns are around the secrecy on the topic... Just who may be a lover that needs to be hidden so?"
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When his brother tried to diminish the topic of conversation that Fotios had raised as idle gossip and natural jealousy, Fotios' lips curled in a smirk of acceptance. His expression read as one who had expected the answer his brother had given but was no less amused by it for his prophecy. He shook his head a little in chastisement over his brother's natural desire to defend his girls and offer envy and fiction as the reasons behind some of the whispers that accompanied their names.
"Spoken like a true, doting father." Fotios commented, his tone not hinting as to whether he classified that as a positive or a negative. Within his own mind, Fotios thought upon such a mentality with a critical approach but he was not in a position to verbalise that to Georgios. Whilst he understood the man's despite to angelicise his daughters, Fotios preferred a more realistic image of his family. One that could not be side-lined or surprised if it were broken. He was more than aware of his daughters' faults and saw no reason to hide what everyone else could see.
"And you speak of idle gossip and envy like they are insignificant if untrue, brother." He argued, placing his weight onto one leg and considering a plate of small and elegant foodstuffs that did nothing for him besides wrinkle his nose. He waved the server onwards. "Fact and fiction do not hold to their own spheres in Court, you know that." His look was pointed, as they were both aware of the illegitimacy debarkle that had circulated around Georgios in his teenaged years. Rumours that Fotios had worked with his brothers to crush as concisely and effectively as possible, before they had grown roots that were too deep.
When his wording struck Georgios as odd and the man clarified what Fotios meant by 'not all', Fotios offered that same half smile again.
"Not the subject matter." He clarified, three of his fingers peeling away from the cup and waving in a dismissive gesture. "Only the level of secrecy involved."
Sipping from the rim of his cup, Fotios ignored the merry gossip that was circulating the room, knowing that Eirini would have her ear to the ground for such things. Instead, he focused on what he was doing himself.
"Your middle girl, Olympia..." Fotios began with a side-eye glance but an open demeanour. "Rumour has her chastity long lost. I wouldn't mind such a gossip, given that all men like to think a woman they desire is desired by others, but my concerns are around the secrecy on the topic... Just who may be a lover that needs to be hidden so?"
When his brother tried to diminish the topic of conversation that Fotios had raised as idle gossip and natural jealousy, Fotios' lips curled in a smirk of acceptance. His expression read as one who had expected the answer his brother had given but was no less amused by it for his prophecy. He shook his head a little in chastisement over his brother's natural desire to defend his girls and offer envy and fiction as the reasons behind some of the whispers that accompanied their names.
"Spoken like a true, doting father." Fotios commented, his tone not hinting as to whether he classified that as a positive or a negative. Within his own mind, Fotios thought upon such a mentality with a critical approach but he was not in a position to verbalise that to Georgios. Whilst he understood the man's despite to angelicise his daughters, Fotios preferred a more realistic image of his family. One that could not be side-lined or surprised if it were broken. He was more than aware of his daughters' faults and saw no reason to hide what everyone else could see.
"And you speak of idle gossip and envy like they are insignificant if untrue, brother." He argued, placing his weight onto one leg and considering a plate of small and elegant foodstuffs that did nothing for him besides wrinkle his nose. He waved the server onwards. "Fact and fiction do not hold to their own spheres in Court, you know that." His look was pointed, as they were both aware of the illegitimacy debarkle that had circulated around Georgios in his teenaged years. Rumours that Fotios had worked with his brothers to crush as concisely and effectively as possible, before they had grown roots that were too deep.
When his wording struck Georgios as odd and the man clarified what Fotios meant by 'not all', Fotios offered that same half smile again.
"Not the subject matter." He clarified, three of his fingers peeling away from the cup and waving in a dismissive gesture. "Only the level of secrecy involved."
Sipping from the rim of his cup, Fotios ignored the merry gossip that was circulating the room, knowing that Eirini would have her ear to the ground for such things. Instead, he focused on what he was doing himself.
"Your middle girl, Olympia..." Fotios began with a side-eye glance but an open demeanour. "Rumour has her chastity long lost. I wouldn't mind such a gossip, given that all men like to think a woman they desire is desired by others, but my concerns are around the secrecy on the topic... Just who may be a lover that needs to be hidden so?"
He altered his stance as he gave a glance around the room as if to hide what expression he had left to show of his own past. Fotios was always right. It did not matter whether the rumors were true or false, the gossip mill would churn it through until their were no survivors. Even if the fall could be cushioned with a modicum of grace, it would still have left scars. It was silly to think that those old enough to remember didn't still look at him with curious examination.
Georgios never wanted that for his daughters. He never wanted the stares over their features with questions of whose eyes they might be or where the slope of his nose had come from. Agonizing years of listening to people think that they knew more than they actually knew. Fotios had fixed it. Perhaps it was their parents job to handle when the boy was born, however everyone knew that they had been quarreling just the right amount of months prior. Georgios ended up growing into the model of husband and father since marrying Evelli.
"Level of secrecy? Is that your cryptic way of telling me you need to know?" His lips grinned through all of the words. Olympia was in the middle and he felt that to his core as he was also compared to an eldest, perfect leader brother and the youngest, precious baby. What could he carve out to be his own person? Sleeping with men before she was married was no the way he had hoped she would go about the attention she must have been craving.
Georgios took his wine to his lips as he used it as an excuse not to speak for a long moment. Though the cup was not endless, so he had to come back to breath when the liquid had run dry. "If there is a lover at all." He pressed his lips together trying once again to pitch the suspicion somewhere else. "I'll speak with her. Does that placate you?" He was glad for his close relationship with each of his daughters, but he rarely went prying for information. Typically, he was merely there and accepting of what they needed to say if there was anything to be said. Geogios was also good at keeping it between them... he wasn't sure if he was even ready to break that confidence to include Fotios.
The inner turmoil churning between who was more important. It was enough to make him sick, no enough for him to want more damn libation. "More." A single syllable commanded as a servant passed with just what he needed to be from the vessel and into his cup.
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He altered his stance as he gave a glance around the room as if to hide what expression he had left to show of his own past. Fotios was always right. It did not matter whether the rumors were true or false, the gossip mill would churn it through until their were no survivors. Even if the fall could be cushioned with a modicum of grace, it would still have left scars. It was silly to think that those old enough to remember didn't still look at him with curious examination.
Georgios never wanted that for his daughters. He never wanted the stares over their features with questions of whose eyes they might be or where the slope of his nose had come from. Agonizing years of listening to people think that they knew more than they actually knew. Fotios had fixed it. Perhaps it was their parents job to handle when the boy was born, however everyone knew that they had been quarreling just the right amount of months prior. Georgios ended up growing into the model of husband and father since marrying Evelli.
"Level of secrecy? Is that your cryptic way of telling me you need to know?" His lips grinned through all of the words. Olympia was in the middle and he felt that to his core as he was also compared to an eldest, perfect leader brother and the youngest, precious baby. What could he carve out to be his own person? Sleeping with men before she was married was no the way he had hoped she would go about the attention she must have been craving.
Georgios took his wine to his lips as he used it as an excuse not to speak for a long moment. Though the cup was not endless, so he had to come back to breath when the liquid had run dry. "If there is a lover at all." He pressed his lips together trying once again to pitch the suspicion somewhere else. "I'll speak with her. Does that placate you?" He was glad for his close relationship with each of his daughters, but he rarely went prying for information. Typically, he was merely there and accepting of what they needed to say if there was anything to be said. Geogios was also good at keeping it between them... he wasn't sure if he was even ready to break that confidence to include Fotios.
The inner turmoil churning between who was more important. It was enough to make him sick, no enough for him to want more damn libation. "More." A single syllable commanded as a servant passed with just what he needed to be from the vessel and into his cup.
He altered his stance as he gave a glance around the room as if to hide what expression he had left to show of his own past. Fotios was always right. It did not matter whether the rumors were true or false, the gossip mill would churn it through until their were no survivors. Even if the fall could be cushioned with a modicum of grace, it would still have left scars. It was silly to think that those old enough to remember didn't still look at him with curious examination.
Georgios never wanted that for his daughters. He never wanted the stares over their features with questions of whose eyes they might be or where the slope of his nose had come from. Agonizing years of listening to people think that they knew more than they actually knew. Fotios had fixed it. Perhaps it was their parents job to handle when the boy was born, however everyone knew that they had been quarreling just the right amount of months prior. Georgios ended up growing into the model of husband and father since marrying Evelli.
"Level of secrecy? Is that your cryptic way of telling me you need to know?" His lips grinned through all of the words. Olympia was in the middle and he felt that to his core as he was also compared to an eldest, perfect leader brother and the youngest, precious baby. What could he carve out to be his own person? Sleeping with men before she was married was no the way he had hoped she would go about the attention she must have been craving.
Georgios took his wine to his lips as he used it as an excuse not to speak for a long moment. Though the cup was not endless, so he had to come back to breath when the liquid had run dry. "If there is a lover at all." He pressed his lips together trying once again to pitch the suspicion somewhere else. "I'll speak with her. Does that placate you?" He was glad for his close relationship with each of his daughters, but he rarely went prying for information. Typically, he was merely there and accepting of what they needed to say if there was anything to be said. Geogios was also good at keeping it between them... he wasn't sure if he was even ready to break that confidence to include Fotios.
The inner turmoil churning between who was more important. It was enough to make him sick, no enough for him to want more damn libation. "More." A single syllable commanded as a servant passed with just what he needed to be from the vessel and into his cup.
Fotios watched as his brother shifted his stance and absorbed his words. To any other in the room - besides the possible exception of his wife - such a movement would be seen as a simple shift of weight. As if one of his legs had grown tired of his stance and he needed to offer it a break. To Fotios, however, he noted the discomfort in the set of Georgios' shoulders and the way he broke eye contact over a subject that was likely still a burr in his side. He said nothing more on the topic, having made his point in a manner that he did not wish to continue. Regardless of rumour and his own opinions on the man's sympathies, Georgios was his brother.
When Georgios asked if his wordings were a comment on his own need to be informed of his daughter's machinations towards men, Fotios looked over at Georgios with a raised brow and a tilt of his head that suggested the man to be an idiot - in as affectionate a way as Fotios could.
"I need to know everything, Georgios." He simply stated, open about such a weakness before his brother and a little self-flagellating in his tone. He altered this, however, by offering a following statement that held no apology for such ruthless determination for the truth. "Such an obsession has served our family well 'til now, which means you're forced to forgive such impulses." The dry humour in his words was clear but belief in the statement was also lingering beneath the surface of his sentiments.
When Georgios offered to speak with his daughter over the matter, Fotios waved those same fingers once more, the liquid in his cup shifting in a circular motion inside the chalice. Used to handling such a goblet as he spoke, there was no threat of spilling the precious wine.
"No need. Forget I mentioned it, brother." He sipped from the rim of his cup, his eyes on Georgios before he spoke again. "Your disgustingly close to your offspring. If you've not noticed a severe change in behaviour then it is fiction as you say. I shall deal with it."
His attentions turned out towards the rest of the room. His eyes following the return of Selene and Zacharias to the main chamber.
"I’m more concerned upon your eldest and her inability to secure an interest in the crown prince. Has she not made any progress in securing such a union?"
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Fotios watched as his brother shifted his stance and absorbed his words. To any other in the room - besides the possible exception of his wife - such a movement would be seen as a simple shift of weight. As if one of his legs had grown tired of his stance and he needed to offer it a break. To Fotios, however, he noted the discomfort in the set of Georgios' shoulders and the way he broke eye contact over a subject that was likely still a burr in his side. He said nothing more on the topic, having made his point in a manner that he did not wish to continue. Regardless of rumour and his own opinions on the man's sympathies, Georgios was his brother.
When Georgios asked if his wordings were a comment on his own need to be informed of his daughter's machinations towards men, Fotios looked over at Georgios with a raised brow and a tilt of his head that suggested the man to be an idiot - in as affectionate a way as Fotios could.
"I need to know everything, Georgios." He simply stated, open about such a weakness before his brother and a little self-flagellating in his tone. He altered this, however, by offering a following statement that held no apology for such ruthless determination for the truth. "Such an obsession has served our family well 'til now, which means you're forced to forgive such impulses." The dry humour in his words was clear but belief in the statement was also lingering beneath the surface of his sentiments.
When Georgios offered to speak with his daughter over the matter, Fotios waved those same fingers once more, the liquid in his cup shifting in a circular motion inside the chalice. Used to handling such a goblet as he spoke, there was no threat of spilling the precious wine.
"No need. Forget I mentioned it, brother." He sipped from the rim of his cup, his eyes on Georgios before he spoke again. "Your disgustingly close to your offspring. If you've not noticed a severe change in behaviour then it is fiction as you say. I shall deal with it."
His attentions turned out towards the rest of the room. His eyes following the return of Selene and Zacharias to the main chamber.
"I’m more concerned upon your eldest and her inability to secure an interest in the crown prince. Has she not made any progress in securing such a union?"
Fotios watched as his brother shifted his stance and absorbed his words. To any other in the room - besides the possible exception of his wife - such a movement would be seen as a simple shift of weight. As if one of his legs had grown tired of his stance and he needed to offer it a break. To Fotios, however, he noted the discomfort in the set of Georgios' shoulders and the way he broke eye contact over a subject that was likely still a burr in his side. He said nothing more on the topic, having made his point in a manner that he did not wish to continue. Regardless of rumour and his own opinions on the man's sympathies, Georgios was his brother.
When Georgios asked if his wordings were a comment on his own need to be informed of his daughter's machinations towards men, Fotios looked over at Georgios with a raised brow and a tilt of his head that suggested the man to be an idiot - in as affectionate a way as Fotios could.
"I need to know everything, Georgios." He simply stated, open about such a weakness before his brother and a little self-flagellating in his tone. He altered this, however, by offering a following statement that held no apology for such ruthless determination for the truth. "Such an obsession has served our family well 'til now, which means you're forced to forgive such impulses." The dry humour in his words was clear but belief in the statement was also lingering beneath the surface of his sentiments.
When Georgios offered to speak with his daughter over the matter, Fotios waved those same fingers once more, the liquid in his cup shifting in a circular motion inside the chalice. Used to handling such a goblet as he spoke, there was no threat of spilling the precious wine.
"No need. Forget I mentioned it, brother." He sipped from the rim of his cup, his eyes on Georgios before he spoke again. "Your disgustingly close to your offspring. If you've not noticed a severe change in behaviour then it is fiction as you say. I shall deal with it."
His attentions turned out towards the rest of the room. His eyes following the return of Selene and Zacharias to the main chamber.
"I’m more concerned upon your eldest and her inability to secure an interest in the crown prince. Has she not made any progress in securing such a union?"
Sometimes, Achilleas found himself envious of the easy confidence his cousin had: the effortless wit and flirtation that he employed almost without noticing whenever there was a reasonably attractive female within stone’s throw. He thought it must in some part come from the fact that Stephanos did not seem to care a jot about what anyone thought about his goings on. Emilios was the same, and it appeared from his perspective as if it must make life a lot easier. Glancing towards his father on the other side of the room, he sighed a little and tried to imagine what that would be like.
As Stephanos made his answer, Achilleas rolled his eyes at the man’s bragging. He might have flicked a bit of popcorn at his head had he not that very moment just been pondering the importance of other’s perceptions. Throwing food at a courtly gathering was not the image of himself that he wanted to project right now, no matter how smug his cousin sounded.
If Achilleas took note of the vagueness of Stephanos’ answer to his rather pointed question, and paid heed to the way the man grew a little rigid, he knew better than to continue down that line of discussion right there and then and so let it drop. Maybe he’d learn more as the evening went on, for as he eyed the rate that the prince was drinking, he couldn’t help but think he would become less discreet fairly rapidly.
They could agree at least about how odd Zacharias was being in relation to the beauty that was Selene of Leventi. A man would have to be half blind not to see her appeal. “Have you ever asked him about it?” Achilleas asked idly as he watched the crown prince rejoin his parents. Half-listening to his cousin, Achilleas turned to look at Steph before finding himself in receipt of another full glass to replace the one that he’d barely touched. “I don’t need anot-” he began, but it was too late and so he was left awkwardly holding both as well as the pilfered popcorn. Marvellous. Making a note that he was not going to let his cousin pour wine down his throat and let him make an idiot of himself, Achilleas discreetly passed one off again to the same servant who passed by on his other side.
With that skillfully executed, he returned his attention to Stephanos just in time for the other to note the less than subtle behaviour of a couple of young women standing a little way off. Following the man’s gaze, Achilleas tried and failed to place the girls, who certainly seemed to be having a giggle about something.
“ A lot less often than you do, I’m sure” he retorted, lifting an eyebrow at his cousin. “ Friends of yours are they?” If not, it appeared they would soon be friends of Emilios, for the younger of Irakles’ sons was already heading in that direction and Achilleas could only shake his head in wonderment. “I swear there must be a thousand little Emilios bastards running round Vasiliadon by now” he observed in an undertone to his cousin. “I don’t know where he’s been spending all his time but I’ve barely seen him, so it isn’t here”
Having no wish to witness his brother’s mating dance, Achilleas let his gaze move on to where he noticed Lord Fotios talking with his brother, Lord Georgios and Achilleas offered both men a nod from where he stood with his cousin. It wasn’t long though before Stephanos was stolen by his sister for a dance, and Achilleas left to amuse himself.
Seeing the Lady Selene left similarly unoccupied, he wandered over, touching a hand to her elbow as he stopped by her side. “And how does the evening treat you my lady?” he asked, with a smile down at the fair-haired woman. Whilst indisputably a beauty, Achilleas was rather fond of Selene because she was also very easy to talk to. Knowing that she was intended for his cousin made it simpler, there would be no misunderstandings or awkward expectations to come out of an innocent conversation, and so the Mikaelidas Lord relaxed a little in her company. “We have been taking bets as to the likelihood of Stephanos ending up betrothed by the end of the night, but he’s currently dancing with his sister so that seems more unlikely by the minute”
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Sometimes, Achilleas found himself envious of the easy confidence his cousin had: the effortless wit and flirtation that he employed almost without noticing whenever there was a reasonably attractive female within stone’s throw. He thought it must in some part come from the fact that Stephanos did not seem to care a jot about what anyone thought about his goings on. Emilios was the same, and it appeared from his perspective as if it must make life a lot easier. Glancing towards his father on the other side of the room, he sighed a little and tried to imagine what that would be like.
As Stephanos made his answer, Achilleas rolled his eyes at the man’s bragging. He might have flicked a bit of popcorn at his head had he not that very moment just been pondering the importance of other’s perceptions. Throwing food at a courtly gathering was not the image of himself that he wanted to project right now, no matter how smug his cousin sounded.
If Achilleas took note of the vagueness of Stephanos’ answer to his rather pointed question, and paid heed to the way the man grew a little rigid, he knew better than to continue down that line of discussion right there and then and so let it drop. Maybe he’d learn more as the evening went on, for as he eyed the rate that the prince was drinking, he couldn’t help but think he would become less discreet fairly rapidly.
They could agree at least about how odd Zacharias was being in relation to the beauty that was Selene of Leventi. A man would have to be half blind not to see her appeal. “Have you ever asked him about it?” Achilleas asked idly as he watched the crown prince rejoin his parents. Half-listening to his cousin, Achilleas turned to look at Steph before finding himself in receipt of another full glass to replace the one that he’d barely touched. “I don’t need anot-” he began, but it was too late and so he was left awkwardly holding both as well as the pilfered popcorn. Marvellous. Making a note that he was not going to let his cousin pour wine down his throat and let him make an idiot of himself, Achilleas discreetly passed one off again to the same servant who passed by on his other side.
With that skillfully executed, he returned his attention to Stephanos just in time for the other to note the less than subtle behaviour of a couple of young women standing a little way off. Following the man’s gaze, Achilleas tried and failed to place the girls, who certainly seemed to be having a giggle about something.
“ A lot less often than you do, I’m sure” he retorted, lifting an eyebrow at his cousin. “ Friends of yours are they?” If not, it appeared they would soon be friends of Emilios, for the younger of Irakles’ sons was already heading in that direction and Achilleas could only shake his head in wonderment. “I swear there must be a thousand little Emilios bastards running round Vasiliadon by now” he observed in an undertone to his cousin. “I don’t know where he’s been spending all his time but I’ve barely seen him, so it isn’t here”
Having no wish to witness his brother’s mating dance, Achilleas let his gaze move on to where he noticed Lord Fotios talking with his brother, Lord Georgios and Achilleas offered both men a nod from where he stood with his cousin. It wasn’t long though before Stephanos was stolen by his sister for a dance, and Achilleas left to amuse himself.
Seeing the Lady Selene left similarly unoccupied, he wandered over, touching a hand to her elbow as he stopped by her side. “And how does the evening treat you my lady?” he asked, with a smile down at the fair-haired woman. Whilst indisputably a beauty, Achilleas was rather fond of Selene because she was also very easy to talk to. Knowing that she was intended for his cousin made it simpler, there would be no misunderstandings or awkward expectations to come out of an innocent conversation, and so the Mikaelidas Lord relaxed a little in her company. “We have been taking bets as to the likelihood of Stephanos ending up betrothed by the end of the night, but he’s currently dancing with his sister so that seems more unlikely by the minute”
Sometimes, Achilleas found himself envious of the easy confidence his cousin had: the effortless wit and flirtation that he employed almost without noticing whenever there was a reasonably attractive female within stone’s throw. He thought it must in some part come from the fact that Stephanos did not seem to care a jot about what anyone thought about his goings on. Emilios was the same, and it appeared from his perspective as if it must make life a lot easier. Glancing towards his father on the other side of the room, he sighed a little and tried to imagine what that would be like.
As Stephanos made his answer, Achilleas rolled his eyes at the man’s bragging. He might have flicked a bit of popcorn at his head had he not that very moment just been pondering the importance of other’s perceptions. Throwing food at a courtly gathering was not the image of himself that he wanted to project right now, no matter how smug his cousin sounded.
If Achilleas took note of the vagueness of Stephanos’ answer to his rather pointed question, and paid heed to the way the man grew a little rigid, he knew better than to continue down that line of discussion right there and then and so let it drop. Maybe he’d learn more as the evening went on, for as he eyed the rate that the prince was drinking, he couldn’t help but think he would become less discreet fairly rapidly.
They could agree at least about how odd Zacharias was being in relation to the beauty that was Selene of Leventi. A man would have to be half blind not to see her appeal. “Have you ever asked him about it?” Achilleas asked idly as he watched the crown prince rejoin his parents. Half-listening to his cousin, Achilleas turned to look at Steph before finding himself in receipt of another full glass to replace the one that he’d barely touched. “I don’t need anot-” he began, but it was too late and so he was left awkwardly holding both as well as the pilfered popcorn. Marvellous. Making a note that he was not going to let his cousin pour wine down his throat and let him make an idiot of himself, Achilleas discreetly passed one off again to the same servant who passed by on his other side.
With that skillfully executed, he returned his attention to Stephanos just in time for the other to note the less than subtle behaviour of a couple of young women standing a little way off. Following the man’s gaze, Achilleas tried and failed to place the girls, who certainly seemed to be having a giggle about something.
“ A lot less often than you do, I’m sure” he retorted, lifting an eyebrow at his cousin. “ Friends of yours are they?” If not, it appeared they would soon be friends of Emilios, for the younger of Irakles’ sons was already heading in that direction and Achilleas could only shake his head in wonderment. “I swear there must be a thousand little Emilios bastards running round Vasiliadon by now” he observed in an undertone to his cousin. “I don’t know where he’s been spending all his time but I’ve barely seen him, so it isn’t here”
Having no wish to witness his brother’s mating dance, Achilleas let his gaze move on to where he noticed Lord Fotios talking with his brother, Lord Georgios and Achilleas offered both men a nod from where he stood with his cousin. It wasn’t long though before Stephanos was stolen by his sister for a dance, and Achilleas left to amuse himself.
Seeing the Lady Selene left similarly unoccupied, he wandered over, touching a hand to her elbow as he stopped by her side. “And how does the evening treat you my lady?” he asked, with a smile down at the fair-haired woman. Whilst indisputably a beauty, Achilleas was rather fond of Selene because she was also very easy to talk to. Knowing that she was intended for his cousin made it simpler, there would be no misunderstandings or awkward expectations to come out of an innocent conversation, and so the Mikaelidas Lord relaxed a little in her company. “We have been taking bets as to the likelihood of Stephanos ending up betrothed by the end of the night, but he’s currently dancing with his sister so that seems more unlikely by the minute”
Imma dutifully trailed behind her sisters as they left the carriage, entered the Mikaelidas Archontiko, and were introduced to Queen Elise by their mother. As usual, she felt like an afterthought. Her sisters were so beautiful and poised, while she felt childish and awkward. Their curtsies were perfect, while hers left much to be desired. She couldn’t even think of anything to say to the Queen. In truth, she found the woman a bit frightening. So she just flashed a sweet demure smile and let her sisters shine, which was what they did best.
As soon as the girls went their separate ways, Imma headed to the refreshment table and piled her plate high with food. Finding a quiet corner to sit in, she watched the activity around her while she ate, mindful not to spill anything on her pretty mauve chiton. She had bought it for this very occasion and the hue suited her fair skin and accented her pale golden curls. It was heavily embroidered along each edge with flowers made of tiny sparkling pearls and was fastened at her shoulders with pearl and diamond fibulae. Belted just beneath her bosom with a rope made of pale yellow fabric braided with strings of pearls, it fell to her feet in soft silken folds.
Around her neck, upper arms, wrists, and in her earlobes, she wore jewelry made of diamonds separated with pearls. At the front and sides, Imma’s long tresses had been pulled up and arranged atop her head in a artful cascade of ringlets and curled mauve ribbons accented with diamond and pearl combs. The rest of it flowed down her back and to her hips. A wreath of yellow summer roses adorned her head and matching roses were tucked into her belt and into her armbands and bracelets. She had thought she looked stunning in front of her mirror but when she had joined her sisters, they overshadowed her as they always did.
She watched the dancers twirling around the dance floor, wishing she could join them but knowing that, yet again, her efforts would be inadequate. If everyone turned one way, she would inevitably turn the other. If only she wasn’t cursed with no sense of direction, she thought, biting into a flaky pastry filled with shrimp. Imma doubted that any man would want to dance with her when they could dance with her gorgeous sisters, but if one did, she would have to turn him down. Or would she dance with him anyway and try her best to pay attention to which way the couples were moving?
The young blonde longed to dance like everyone else, and she knew her mother would approve if she attracted a handsome young nobleman, even though her four older sisters would marry before her. But would she dare to try, assuming she was asked?
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Imma dutifully trailed behind her sisters as they left the carriage, entered the Mikaelidas Archontiko, and were introduced to Queen Elise by their mother. As usual, she felt like an afterthought. Her sisters were so beautiful and poised, while she felt childish and awkward. Their curtsies were perfect, while hers left much to be desired. She couldn’t even think of anything to say to the Queen. In truth, she found the woman a bit frightening. So she just flashed a sweet demure smile and let her sisters shine, which was what they did best.
As soon as the girls went their separate ways, Imma headed to the refreshment table and piled her plate high with food. Finding a quiet corner to sit in, she watched the activity around her while she ate, mindful not to spill anything on her pretty mauve chiton. She had bought it for this very occasion and the hue suited her fair skin and accented her pale golden curls. It was heavily embroidered along each edge with flowers made of tiny sparkling pearls and was fastened at her shoulders with pearl and diamond fibulae. Belted just beneath her bosom with a rope made of pale yellow fabric braided with strings of pearls, it fell to her feet in soft silken folds.
Around her neck, upper arms, wrists, and in her earlobes, she wore jewelry made of diamonds separated with pearls. At the front and sides, Imma’s long tresses had been pulled up and arranged atop her head in a artful cascade of ringlets and curled mauve ribbons accented with diamond and pearl combs. The rest of it flowed down her back and to her hips. A wreath of yellow summer roses adorned her head and matching roses were tucked into her belt and into her armbands and bracelets. She had thought she looked stunning in front of her mirror but when she had joined her sisters, they overshadowed her as they always did.
She watched the dancers twirling around the dance floor, wishing she could join them but knowing that, yet again, her efforts would be inadequate. If everyone turned one way, she would inevitably turn the other. If only she wasn’t cursed with no sense of direction, she thought, biting into a flaky pastry filled with shrimp. Imma doubted that any man would want to dance with her when they could dance with her gorgeous sisters, but if one did, she would have to turn him down. Or would she dance with him anyway and try her best to pay attention to which way the couples were moving?
The young blonde longed to dance like everyone else, and she knew her mother would approve if she attracted a handsome young nobleman, even though her four older sisters would marry before her. But would she dare to try, assuming she was asked?
Imma dutifully trailed behind her sisters as they left the carriage, entered the Mikaelidas Archontiko, and were introduced to Queen Elise by their mother. As usual, she felt like an afterthought. Her sisters were so beautiful and poised, while she felt childish and awkward. Their curtsies were perfect, while hers left much to be desired. She couldn’t even think of anything to say to the Queen. In truth, she found the woman a bit frightening. So she just flashed a sweet demure smile and let her sisters shine, which was what they did best.
As soon as the girls went their separate ways, Imma headed to the refreshment table and piled her plate high with food. Finding a quiet corner to sit in, she watched the activity around her while she ate, mindful not to spill anything on her pretty mauve chiton. She had bought it for this very occasion and the hue suited her fair skin and accented her pale golden curls. It was heavily embroidered along each edge with flowers made of tiny sparkling pearls and was fastened at her shoulders with pearl and diamond fibulae. Belted just beneath her bosom with a rope made of pale yellow fabric braided with strings of pearls, it fell to her feet in soft silken folds.
Around her neck, upper arms, wrists, and in her earlobes, she wore jewelry made of diamonds separated with pearls. At the front and sides, Imma’s long tresses had been pulled up and arranged atop her head in a artful cascade of ringlets and curled mauve ribbons accented with diamond and pearl combs. The rest of it flowed down her back and to her hips. A wreath of yellow summer roses adorned her head and matching roses were tucked into her belt and into her armbands and bracelets. She had thought she looked stunning in front of her mirror but when she had joined her sisters, they overshadowed her as they always did.
She watched the dancers twirling around the dance floor, wishing she could join them but knowing that, yet again, her efforts would be inadequate. If everyone turned one way, she would inevitably turn the other. If only she wasn’t cursed with no sense of direction, she thought, biting into a flaky pastry filled with shrimp. Imma doubted that any man would want to dance with her when they could dance with her gorgeous sisters, but if one did, she would have to turn him down. Or would she dance with him anyway and try her best to pay attention to which way the couples were moving?
The young blonde longed to dance like everyone else, and she knew her mother would approve if she attracted a handsome young nobleman, even though her four older sisters would marry before her. But would she dare to try, assuming she was asked?
The queen had positioned herself strategically in a way that she could watch anyone and everyone that was attending her party. This was one of her favorite times of year. It was not often that any of the nobility threw a party for the express purpose of socializing with everyone. Politicians and courtiers both were invited and expected to attend. After all, when the Queen called, you came. That was the expectation of being part of the court. You didn't disappoint your monarchs, even if you only showed up to a party for a few minutes. The point was that people showed their faces.
Having spent considerable time already greeting her guests as they came in, it was the second arrival of Lady Evelli of Leventi with a second brood of children, this time Lord Fotios' and Lady Eirini's daughters, that had Queen Elise smiling a little passionately. "Welcome, ladies," she said just as warmly as she had greeted Evelli's own daughters. And just as quickly as they had greeted her, they had all scattered, leaving Lady Evelli standing before her. Giving a soft smile, Queen Elise offered her hand to Lady Evelli, "It seems you have had the job of introducing your entire family tonight," she commented lightly.
Sure that she had now greeted the rest of her guests properly, the queen turned slightly to search the floor for her own children, wondering what trouble the four of them were up to. Xene had stolen Stephanos' attention, Zacharias had been accosted by Lady Selene, and Gianna seemed content to socialize with other ladies. Things were running smoothly and that pleased the queen beyond anything. "Perhaps you would join me for refreshments, Lady Leventi?" the queen asked softly, making a slight motion to the tables laden with wine, water, and every food one could imagine. She was particular to some of the pastries that they had found.
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The queen had positioned herself strategically in a way that she could watch anyone and everyone that was attending her party. This was one of her favorite times of year. It was not often that any of the nobility threw a party for the express purpose of socializing with everyone. Politicians and courtiers both were invited and expected to attend. After all, when the Queen called, you came. That was the expectation of being part of the court. You didn't disappoint your monarchs, even if you only showed up to a party for a few minutes. The point was that people showed their faces.
Having spent considerable time already greeting her guests as they came in, it was the second arrival of Lady Evelli of Leventi with a second brood of children, this time Lord Fotios' and Lady Eirini's daughters, that had Queen Elise smiling a little passionately. "Welcome, ladies," she said just as warmly as she had greeted Evelli's own daughters. And just as quickly as they had greeted her, they had all scattered, leaving Lady Evelli standing before her. Giving a soft smile, Queen Elise offered her hand to Lady Evelli, "It seems you have had the job of introducing your entire family tonight," she commented lightly.
Sure that she had now greeted the rest of her guests properly, the queen turned slightly to search the floor for her own children, wondering what trouble the four of them were up to. Xene had stolen Stephanos' attention, Zacharias had been accosted by Lady Selene, and Gianna seemed content to socialize with other ladies. Things were running smoothly and that pleased the queen beyond anything. "Perhaps you would join me for refreshments, Lady Leventi?" the queen asked softly, making a slight motion to the tables laden with wine, water, and every food one could imagine. She was particular to some of the pastries that they had found.
The queen had positioned herself strategically in a way that she could watch anyone and everyone that was attending her party. This was one of her favorite times of year. It was not often that any of the nobility threw a party for the express purpose of socializing with everyone. Politicians and courtiers both were invited and expected to attend. After all, when the Queen called, you came. That was the expectation of being part of the court. You didn't disappoint your monarchs, even if you only showed up to a party for a few minutes. The point was that people showed their faces.
Having spent considerable time already greeting her guests as they came in, it was the second arrival of Lady Evelli of Leventi with a second brood of children, this time Lord Fotios' and Lady Eirini's daughters, that had Queen Elise smiling a little passionately. "Welcome, ladies," she said just as warmly as she had greeted Evelli's own daughters. And just as quickly as they had greeted her, they had all scattered, leaving Lady Evelli standing before her. Giving a soft smile, Queen Elise offered her hand to Lady Evelli, "It seems you have had the job of introducing your entire family tonight," she commented lightly.
Sure that she had now greeted the rest of her guests properly, the queen turned slightly to search the floor for her own children, wondering what trouble the four of them were up to. Xene had stolen Stephanos' attention, Zacharias had been accosted by Lady Selene, and Gianna seemed content to socialize with other ladies. Things were running smoothly and that pleased the queen beyond anything. "Perhaps you would join me for refreshments, Lady Leventi?" the queen asked softly, making a slight motion to the tables laden with wine, water, and every food one could imagine. She was particular to some of the pastries that they had found.
It was nice to be given a moment to ponder exactly what she had done. The words had come easy, but she certainly hadn’t expected them to be so blunt. That had never been her way, as she was used to more of the court intrigue and games that were played. Many knew her distaste for gossip, but that didn’t mean that she wasn’t well versed on what to believe and what to ignore. Most of it was ignored in favor of seeking out the truth, as most gossip had a foundation in truth.
Hence the reason she had confronted the prince that night.
Most dare not speak of rumors. But her appeal was well-known, and men wanted her. If he did not, if he was not willing to accept her as the perfect match as Queen, then there must have been something else. She was observant, and she was not stupid. She had taken a chance with him tonight, offering a solution to both their problems. And there had been no lie on her lips when she said that the choice was his. She would not share what had been confirmed. She would not force his hand. But, as she had said, it was a viable option for him. Keep his secret, regardless of his intentions. There truly was no reason for her to out him. They had been friends, even with the pressures of marriage standing between them.
Just as much as she hated rumors, Selene could not stand those who couldn’t not keep their word.
She had found a quiet place off to the side of the gathering, watching those around her enjoy the food and wine. There was little chance of being alone for long, and her peace was interrupted soon after. The touch was firm, as was the voice that accompanied it. With a bright smile, she turned to face Achilleas. He was a man she always respected, simply because he had always seen her as a lady. He respected her, didn’t try to step outside his bounds with her. The eldest was a fine dancing partner and always good for conversation. “Well, Lord Achilleas, I thank you for asking. The night is young, however. There is still a chance for excitement.”
Her eyes were sparkling, her hand dropping on top of his. “Stephanos? Engaged? Sounds like someone is interested in losing money, then. I have my doubts that he will ever find a match. Too busy searching for the answers that cannot be found where he tends to focus.” She would have made mention of his preference of worshipping between the legs of a woman but kept the thought to herself. He would know what she meant.
“What of you, Achilleas? What are your hopes for this evening?”
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It was nice to be given a moment to ponder exactly what she had done. The words had come easy, but she certainly hadn’t expected them to be so blunt. That had never been her way, as she was used to more of the court intrigue and games that were played. Many knew her distaste for gossip, but that didn’t mean that she wasn’t well versed on what to believe and what to ignore. Most of it was ignored in favor of seeking out the truth, as most gossip had a foundation in truth.
Hence the reason she had confronted the prince that night.
Most dare not speak of rumors. But her appeal was well-known, and men wanted her. If he did not, if he was not willing to accept her as the perfect match as Queen, then there must have been something else. She was observant, and she was not stupid. She had taken a chance with him tonight, offering a solution to both their problems. And there had been no lie on her lips when she said that the choice was his. She would not share what had been confirmed. She would not force his hand. But, as she had said, it was a viable option for him. Keep his secret, regardless of his intentions. There truly was no reason for her to out him. They had been friends, even with the pressures of marriage standing between them.
Just as much as she hated rumors, Selene could not stand those who couldn’t not keep their word.
She had found a quiet place off to the side of the gathering, watching those around her enjoy the food and wine. There was little chance of being alone for long, and her peace was interrupted soon after. The touch was firm, as was the voice that accompanied it. With a bright smile, she turned to face Achilleas. He was a man she always respected, simply because he had always seen her as a lady. He respected her, didn’t try to step outside his bounds with her. The eldest was a fine dancing partner and always good for conversation. “Well, Lord Achilleas, I thank you for asking. The night is young, however. There is still a chance for excitement.”
Her eyes were sparkling, her hand dropping on top of his. “Stephanos? Engaged? Sounds like someone is interested in losing money, then. I have my doubts that he will ever find a match. Too busy searching for the answers that cannot be found where he tends to focus.” She would have made mention of his preference of worshipping between the legs of a woman but kept the thought to herself. He would know what she meant.
“What of you, Achilleas? What are your hopes for this evening?”
It was nice to be given a moment to ponder exactly what she had done. The words had come easy, but she certainly hadn’t expected them to be so blunt. That had never been her way, as she was used to more of the court intrigue and games that were played. Many knew her distaste for gossip, but that didn’t mean that she wasn’t well versed on what to believe and what to ignore. Most of it was ignored in favor of seeking out the truth, as most gossip had a foundation in truth.
Hence the reason she had confronted the prince that night.
Most dare not speak of rumors. But her appeal was well-known, and men wanted her. If he did not, if he was not willing to accept her as the perfect match as Queen, then there must have been something else. She was observant, and she was not stupid. She had taken a chance with him tonight, offering a solution to both their problems. And there had been no lie on her lips when she said that the choice was his. She would not share what had been confirmed. She would not force his hand. But, as she had said, it was a viable option for him. Keep his secret, regardless of his intentions. There truly was no reason for her to out him. They had been friends, even with the pressures of marriage standing between them.
Just as much as she hated rumors, Selene could not stand those who couldn’t not keep their word.
She had found a quiet place off to the side of the gathering, watching those around her enjoy the food and wine. There was little chance of being alone for long, and her peace was interrupted soon after. The touch was firm, as was the voice that accompanied it. With a bright smile, she turned to face Achilleas. He was a man she always respected, simply because he had always seen her as a lady. He respected her, didn’t try to step outside his bounds with her. The eldest was a fine dancing partner and always good for conversation. “Well, Lord Achilleas, I thank you for asking. The night is young, however. There is still a chance for excitement.”
Her eyes were sparkling, her hand dropping on top of his. “Stephanos? Engaged? Sounds like someone is interested in losing money, then. I have my doubts that he will ever find a match. Too busy searching for the answers that cannot be found where he tends to focus.” She would have made mention of his preference of worshipping between the legs of a woman but kept the thought to herself. He would know what she meant.
“What of you, Achilleas? What are your hopes for this evening?”
At least Fotios was not lying about his need to know everything. Georgios had always known that it was best to let his big brother know as soon as possible when it came to practically anything, even if it seemed minute. It was better than the wrath that could follow if something slipped through the cracks. Not that Georgios was victim to this ire often, but the middle Leventi was not perfect. They each are forced to forgive the other of their faults for the sake of the family. It was better that the brothers were all unique or fights would have been far more often.
He wouldn’t forget so easily. Georgios still planned to investigate it all carefully when this event was all said and done. Over the years he had his ways to encourage his daughters to speak, but whether that information would go further in a way that was as detailed only mattered depending on the information. He never wanted to hurt his daughters, but he also understood what Fotios meant by protecting the family.
His attention trailed towards Selene and Zacharias as he watched for a moment over the top of his cup. Georgios was less inclined to make it so obvious that they were currently interested in knowing what they were saying. He had wondered the same… but he had less urgency. It was Evelli who worried about the five daughters and what advantageous marriages they would be able to secure. “Maybe it is time that they had a nudge from the previous generation.” He admitted. If this was what Fotios truly wanted, then he assumed there were other ways to make it happen besides hoping for some sort of spark.
Georgios hated the idea. He had come to love his wife more than anything in the world, but it had been scary to marry someone the same day they had met. Arranged marriages could still be the way to go… if both sides could be properly convinced it was best for everyone while Georgios could groan silently in his mind. His feelings rarely mattered when it came to what was best for the Leventi Family. He knew it was more important that his daughters were used for keeping power.
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At least Fotios was not lying about his need to know everything. Georgios had always known that it was best to let his big brother know as soon as possible when it came to practically anything, even if it seemed minute. It was better than the wrath that could follow if something slipped through the cracks. Not that Georgios was victim to this ire often, but the middle Leventi was not perfect. They each are forced to forgive the other of their faults for the sake of the family. It was better that the brothers were all unique or fights would have been far more often.
He wouldn’t forget so easily. Georgios still planned to investigate it all carefully when this event was all said and done. Over the years he had his ways to encourage his daughters to speak, but whether that information would go further in a way that was as detailed only mattered depending on the information. He never wanted to hurt his daughters, but he also understood what Fotios meant by protecting the family.
His attention trailed towards Selene and Zacharias as he watched for a moment over the top of his cup. Georgios was less inclined to make it so obvious that they were currently interested in knowing what they were saying. He had wondered the same… but he had less urgency. It was Evelli who worried about the five daughters and what advantageous marriages they would be able to secure. “Maybe it is time that they had a nudge from the previous generation.” He admitted. If this was what Fotios truly wanted, then he assumed there were other ways to make it happen besides hoping for some sort of spark.
Georgios hated the idea. He had come to love his wife more than anything in the world, but it had been scary to marry someone the same day they had met. Arranged marriages could still be the way to go… if both sides could be properly convinced it was best for everyone while Georgios could groan silently in his mind. His feelings rarely mattered when it came to what was best for the Leventi Family. He knew it was more important that his daughters were used for keeping power.
At least Fotios was not lying about his need to know everything. Georgios had always known that it was best to let his big brother know as soon as possible when it came to practically anything, even if it seemed minute. It was better than the wrath that could follow if something slipped through the cracks. Not that Georgios was victim to this ire often, but the middle Leventi was not perfect. They each are forced to forgive the other of their faults for the sake of the family. It was better that the brothers were all unique or fights would have been far more often.
He wouldn’t forget so easily. Georgios still planned to investigate it all carefully when this event was all said and done. Over the years he had his ways to encourage his daughters to speak, but whether that information would go further in a way that was as detailed only mattered depending on the information. He never wanted to hurt his daughters, but he also understood what Fotios meant by protecting the family.
His attention trailed towards Selene and Zacharias as he watched for a moment over the top of his cup. Georgios was less inclined to make it so obvious that they were currently interested in knowing what they were saying. He had wondered the same… but he had less urgency. It was Evelli who worried about the five daughters and what advantageous marriages they would be able to secure. “Maybe it is time that they had a nudge from the previous generation.” He admitted. If this was what Fotios truly wanted, then he assumed there were other ways to make it happen besides hoping for some sort of spark.
Georgios hated the idea. He had come to love his wife more than anything in the world, but it had been scary to marry someone the same day they had met. Arranged marriages could still be the way to go… if both sides could be properly convinced it was best for everyone while Georgios could groan silently in his mind. His feelings rarely mattered when it came to what was best for the Leventi Family. He knew it was more important that his daughters were used for keeping power.
Fotios watched Georgios' expressions. A man who was used to reading people and noting the differing ways and mannerisms of the people in the Court and Senate, it could be claimed that Fotios was almost a mind-reader when it came to the inner concerns of others. But he would have been able to read the underlying machinations of his brother even if he hadn't once been Master Informer to the nation. Georgios was firstly his brother - a man he had witnessed grow, change and form into the man he would one day become - a man that Fotios knew well. But was also an emotional sort. He was loving and compassionate and whilst not womanly or weak in such natural propensities, he wasn't the stone wall that others within the Senate had become. He held not the solid mask in place that hid his thoughts so completely. At least not from those who knew him well. His brothers could read him. And so could his daughters when it suited their needs to manipulate their caring and doting father. Even if they were not aware that they were doing so.
Fotios rolled his eyes as Georgios looked towards his daughter and the first-born prince of the kingdom. Such a gesture was hidden away by his cup and the fact that he stood upon the other side of his brother. It was clear to him that Georgios had always... not disliked the concept of his daughters being married via arrangement... but he had - so to say - dragged his feet over it. He wasn't a man who would outwardly encourage, just as he would not attempt to sabotage.
So, his comments that an outside nudge in the union between Selene and Zacharias surprised the eldest of the Leventis. Pleased for a moment that his brother was taking such a union seriously, Fotios sensed an opening of opportunity. Like a hunting dog with a scent.
He had never pushed upon the union between Selene and the Mikaelidas prince. He had not yet nudged or speculated or dictated that the eldest of his nieces was to marry Zenon's son. He had only mentioned the chances and potentials to Evelli enough that she had taken up the cause for him. As for his own direct implications, he had stayed clear. The Leventi clan was a large one and its business vast. And Georgios was a secure, dependable and skilled manager of large portions of that business. There was more to risk in alienating his brother by forcing the separation between him and the daughters he loved so much, than there was to gain from the union to a prince. Fotios was a skilled and intelligent man but he was not a God. There was simply not the time to exist on the planet in which he could manage the Leventi assets by himself. Georgios was of more value to him than Zacharias.
But if his younger brother was on board with the notion of such a marriage now...
Fotios sipped from his cup again, as he sensed the tone of hesitation and natural resistance in Georgios' words - even if they were in support of Fotios' ambitions.
"You are too worrisome, brother." Fotios commented softly, a tone that was not common for him. "You and I both know that successful marriage does not stem from great love."
They had each, in their own way, found the reverse to be true - that a successful marriage brought about true affection. Whilst Fotios was a skilled user of desire and the sexual repressions or promiscuities of others he was not foolish enough to believe that they were the basis of good connections. They were the gateways to manipulations and highly useful. But one should not follow their loins to the temple. A successful marriage relied upon the right person. A person chosen with care, consideration and calculating knowledge. The more objective one could be about their potential partners, the more successful they would become in the long run. The heart was fallible. The head was not.
"Your daughters will find greater joy in the end if they are guided by the wisdom of their father instead of their temporal emotions."
He watched for his brother's reaction to his words. If the man agreed then he had a number of plans he might suggest that could help to secure a more official engagement between the prince and his eldest niece.
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Fotios watched Georgios' expressions. A man who was used to reading people and noting the differing ways and mannerisms of the people in the Court and Senate, it could be claimed that Fotios was almost a mind-reader when it came to the inner concerns of others. But he would have been able to read the underlying machinations of his brother even if he hadn't once been Master Informer to the nation. Georgios was firstly his brother - a man he had witnessed grow, change and form into the man he would one day become - a man that Fotios knew well. But was also an emotional sort. He was loving and compassionate and whilst not womanly or weak in such natural propensities, he wasn't the stone wall that others within the Senate had become. He held not the solid mask in place that hid his thoughts so completely. At least not from those who knew him well. His brothers could read him. And so could his daughters when it suited their needs to manipulate their caring and doting father. Even if they were not aware that they were doing so.
Fotios rolled his eyes as Georgios looked towards his daughter and the first-born prince of the kingdom. Such a gesture was hidden away by his cup and the fact that he stood upon the other side of his brother. It was clear to him that Georgios had always... not disliked the concept of his daughters being married via arrangement... but he had - so to say - dragged his feet over it. He wasn't a man who would outwardly encourage, just as he would not attempt to sabotage.
So, his comments that an outside nudge in the union between Selene and Zacharias surprised the eldest of the Leventis. Pleased for a moment that his brother was taking such a union seriously, Fotios sensed an opening of opportunity. Like a hunting dog with a scent.
He had never pushed upon the union between Selene and the Mikaelidas prince. He had not yet nudged or speculated or dictated that the eldest of his nieces was to marry Zenon's son. He had only mentioned the chances and potentials to Evelli enough that she had taken up the cause for him. As for his own direct implications, he had stayed clear. The Leventi clan was a large one and its business vast. And Georgios was a secure, dependable and skilled manager of large portions of that business. There was more to risk in alienating his brother by forcing the separation between him and the daughters he loved so much, than there was to gain from the union to a prince. Fotios was a skilled and intelligent man but he was not a God. There was simply not the time to exist on the planet in which he could manage the Leventi assets by himself. Georgios was of more value to him than Zacharias.
But if his younger brother was on board with the notion of such a marriage now...
Fotios sipped from his cup again, as he sensed the tone of hesitation and natural resistance in Georgios' words - even if they were in support of Fotios' ambitions.
"You are too worrisome, brother." Fotios commented softly, a tone that was not common for him. "You and I both know that successful marriage does not stem from great love."
They had each, in their own way, found the reverse to be true - that a successful marriage brought about true affection. Whilst Fotios was a skilled user of desire and the sexual repressions or promiscuities of others he was not foolish enough to believe that they were the basis of good connections. They were the gateways to manipulations and highly useful. But one should not follow their loins to the temple. A successful marriage relied upon the right person. A person chosen with care, consideration and calculating knowledge. The more objective one could be about their potential partners, the more successful they would become in the long run. The heart was fallible. The head was not.
"Your daughters will find greater joy in the end if they are guided by the wisdom of their father instead of their temporal emotions."
He watched for his brother's reaction to his words. If the man agreed then he had a number of plans he might suggest that could help to secure a more official engagement between the prince and his eldest niece.
Fotios watched Georgios' expressions. A man who was used to reading people and noting the differing ways and mannerisms of the people in the Court and Senate, it could be claimed that Fotios was almost a mind-reader when it came to the inner concerns of others. But he would have been able to read the underlying machinations of his brother even if he hadn't once been Master Informer to the nation. Georgios was firstly his brother - a man he had witnessed grow, change and form into the man he would one day become - a man that Fotios knew well. But was also an emotional sort. He was loving and compassionate and whilst not womanly or weak in such natural propensities, he wasn't the stone wall that others within the Senate had become. He held not the solid mask in place that hid his thoughts so completely. At least not from those who knew him well. His brothers could read him. And so could his daughters when it suited their needs to manipulate their caring and doting father. Even if they were not aware that they were doing so.
Fotios rolled his eyes as Georgios looked towards his daughter and the first-born prince of the kingdom. Such a gesture was hidden away by his cup and the fact that he stood upon the other side of his brother. It was clear to him that Georgios had always... not disliked the concept of his daughters being married via arrangement... but he had - so to say - dragged his feet over it. He wasn't a man who would outwardly encourage, just as he would not attempt to sabotage.
So, his comments that an outside nudge in the union between Selene and Zacharias surprised the eldest of the Leventis. Pleased for a moment that his brother was taking such a union seriously, Fotios sensed an opening of opportunity. Like a hunting dog with a scent.
He had never pushed upon the union between Selene and the Mikaelidas prince. He had not yet nudged or speculated or dictated that the eldest of his nieces was to marry Zenon's son. He had only mentioned the chances and potentials to Evelli enough that she had taken up the cause for him. As for his own direct implications, he had stayed clear. The Leventi clan was a large one and its business vast. And Georgios was a secure, dependable and skilled manager of large portions of that business. There was more to risk in alienating his brother by forcing the separation between him and the daughters he loved so much, than there was to gain from the union to a prince. Fotios was a skilled and intelligent man but he was not a God. There was simply not the time to exist on the planet in which he could manage the Leventi assets by himself. Georgios was of more value to him than Zacharias.
But if his younger brother was on board with the notion of such a marriage now...
Fotios sipped from his cup again, as he sensed the tone of hesitation and natural resistance in Georgios' words - even if they were in support of Fotios' ambitions.
"You are too worrisome, brother." Fotios commented softly, a tone that was not common for him. "You and I both know that successful marriage does not stem from great love."
They had each, in their own way, found the reverse to be true - that a successful marriage brought about true affection. Whilst Fotios was a skilled user of desire and the sexual repressions or promiscuities of others he was not foolish enough to believe that they were the basis of good connections. They were the gateways to manipulations and highly useful. But one should not follow their loins to the temple. A successful marriage relied upon the right person. A person chosen with care, consideration and calculating knowledge. The more objective one could be about their potential partners, the more successful they would become in the long run. The heart was fallible. The head was not.
"Your daughters will find greater joy in the end if they are guided by the wisdom of their father instead of their temporal emotions."
He watched for his brother's reaction to his words. If the man agreed then he had a number of plans he might suggest that could help to secure a more official engagement between the prince and his eldest niece.
Smiling to the Queen politely (or more like, the exact same smile she had been wearing the whole night, the one she usually whipped out for social events), Evelli waited till the girls had greeted the Queen one by one, and then were quickly whisked off to do their social responsibilities (which consisted on only one task really: find a husband), only then did she give a small chuckle att he Queen's light comment, but made no reply. Evelli had never made it a secret that she enjoyed herding the large amount of children she had however, and with five girl's now out for husband hunting, she was likely the matriarch with the largest brood she had to keep an eye on simultaneously now.
Following the Queen's gaze when the elder lady seemed distracted, the brunette had been expecting to see Zacharias still occupied with Selene as she had instructed her eldest - but frowned when she saw the blonde instead off in a quiet corner, seemingly in conversation with the lord Achilleas, son to the prince Irakles. It wasn't that he was a bad prospect for marriage, and in fact Lord Achilleas was highly respectable and quite alright for a husband - but Zacharias was crown prince, and Selene could only be suited for a future King, as she's been told repeatedly by Evelli ever since her first day in court. Lord Achilleas could perhaps be singled out when she needed to find a husband for Theodora, or Nana. But Selene and Olympia were both meant for King's, and Evelli will see it happen. Of course, she would've preferred it if all of her daughter's snagged princes and king's, but one only had that many to go around in Greece. It was a pity Athenia's royal family had a lack of sons.
She wouldn't lie, the woman loved her husband - but it was purely by chance and perhaps the combined blessings of Aphrodite and Hera. But Evelli had not balked when her father had arranged for her marriage to Georgios. It was her luck that Georgios had turned out as responsible and loving as he was, a perfect father to their daughter's in everyway. But even if Georgios wanted love for them, Evelli knew it was duty, and that an advantageous marriage was the only way to protect her girls due to her inability to have a son. So she now used every ploy Nomiki had ever taught her in snaring the best prospects as husbands.
Turning back in a slightly startled manner when the Queen addressed her, Evelli turned slightly to check with Eirini, before nodding and following at a pace slightly behind the Queen towards the refreshment table.
Upon arrival, Evelli was quick to pick up some of the pastries, offering to the Queen what she remembered the elder lady preferred from past court sessions. Evelli herself refrained, and instead picked up a flute of honeyed cider, sipping the slightly tart liquid before speaking up. "Prince Zacharias approaches the age of marriage soon, if I remember correctly, Your Majesty. Have you and King Zenon been thinking of any... prospects?"
Nothing said a mother couldn't help her daughter along.
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Smiling to the Queen politely (or more like, the exact same smile she had been wearing the whole night, the one she usually whipped out for social events), Evelli waited till the girls had greeted the Queen one by one, and then were quickly whisked off to do their social responsibilities (which consisted on only one task really: find a husband), only then did she give a small chuckle att he Queen's light comment, but made no reply. Evelli had never made it a secret that she enjoyed herding the large amount of children she had however, and with five girl's now out for husband hunting, she was likely the matriarch with the largest brood she had to keep an eye on simultaneously now.
Following the Queen's gaze when the elder lady seemed distracted, the brunette had been expecting to see Zacharias still occupied with Selene as she had instructed her eldest - but frowned when she saw the blonde instead off in a quiet corner, seemingly in conversation with the lord Achilleas, son to the prince Irakles. It wasn't that he was a bad prospect for marriage, and in fact Lord Achilleas was highly respectable and quite alright for a husband - but Zacharias was crown prince, and Selene could only be suited for a future King, as she's been told repeatedly by Evelli ever since her first day in court. Lord Achilleas could perhaps be singled out when she needed to find a husband for Theodora, or Nana. But Selene and Olympia were both meant for King's, and Evelli will see it happen. Of course, she would've preferred it if all of her daughter's snagged princes and king's, but one only had that many to go around in Greece. It was a pity Athenia's royal family had a lack of sons.
She wouldn't lie, the woman loved her husband - but it was purely by chance and perhaps the combined blessings of Aphrodite and Hera. But Evelli had not balked when her father had arranged for her marriage to Georgios. It was her luck that Georgios had turned out as responsible and loving as he was, a perfect father to their daughter's in everyway. But even if Georgios wanted love for them, Evelli knew it was duty, and that an advantageous marriage was the only way to protect her girls due to her inability to have a son. So she now used every ploy Nomiki had ever taught her in snaring the best prospects as husbands.
Turning back in a slightly startled manner when the Queen addressed her, Evelli turned slightly to check with Eirini, before nodding and following at a pace slightly behind the Queen towards the refreshment table.
Upon arrival, Evelli was quick to pick up some of the pastries, offering to the Queen what she remembered the elder lady preferred from past court sessions. Evelli herself refrained, and instead picked up a flute of honeyed cider, sipping the slightly tart liquid before speaking up. "Prince Zacharias approaches the age of marriage soon, if I remember correctly, Your Majesty. Have you and King Zenon been thinking of any... prospects?"
Nothing said a mother couldn't help her daughter along.
Smiling to the Queen politely (or more like, the exact same smile she had been wearing the whole night, the one she usually whipped out for social events), Evelli waited till the girls had greeted the Queen one by one, and then were quickly whisked off to do their social responsibilities (which consisted on only one task really: find a husband), only then did she give a small chuckle att he Queen's light comment, but made no reply. Evelli had never made it a secret that she enjoyed herding the large amount of children she had however, and with five girl's now out for husband hunting, she was likely the matriarch with the largest brood she had to keep an eye on simultaneously now.
Following the Queen's gaze when the elder lady seemed distracted, the brunette had been expecting to see Zacharias still occupied with Selene as she had instructed her eldest - but frowned when she saw the blonde instead off in a quiet corner, seemingly in conversation with the lord Achilleas, son to the prince Irakles. It wasn't that he was a bad prospect for marriage, and in fact Lord Achilleas was highly respectable and quite alright for a husband - but Zacharias was crown prince, and Selene could only be suited for a future King, as she's been told repeatedly by Evelli ever since her first day in court. Lord Achilleas could perhaps be singled out when she needed to find a husband for Theodora, or Nana. But Selene and Olympia were both meant for King's, and Evelli will see it happen. Of course, she would've preferred it if all of her daughter's snagged princes and king's, but one only had that many to go around in Greece. It was a pity Athenia's royal family had a lack of sons.
She wouldn't lie, the woman loved her husband - but it was purely by chance and perhaps the combined blessings of Aphrodite and Hera. But Evelli had not balked when her father had arranged for her marriage to Georgios. It was her luck that Georgios had turned out as responsible and loving as he was, a perfect father to their daughter's in everyway. But even if Georgios wanted love for them, Evelli knew it was duty, and that an advantageous marriage was the only way to protect her girls due to her inability to have a son. So she now used every ploy Nomiki had ever taught her in snaring the best prospects as husbands.
Turning back in a slightly startled manner when the Queen addressed her, Evelli turned slightly to check with Eirini, before nodding and following at a pace slightly behind the Queen towards the refreshment table.
Upon arrival, Evelli was quick to pick up some of the pastries, offering to the Queen what she remembered the elder lady preferred from past court sessions. Evelli herself refrained, and instead picked up a flute of honeyed cider, sipping the slightly tart liquid before speaking up. "Prince Zacharias approaches the age of marriage soon, if I remember correctly, Your Majesty. Have you and King Zenon been thinking of any... prospects?"
Nothing said a mother couldn't help her daughter along.
He’d been watching Xene dancing for a little while but his attention was soon back on Achilleas. Their conversation was brief, mostly with Stephanos hedging or only answering questions in the vaguest sense, until Achilleas asked if the girls giggling and looking in their direction were ‘friends’. “I don’t know,” Stephanos peered at them. Sometimes it was hard to remember. Sometimes, depending on the kind of party, impossible to remember. Drugs tended to dull the memory. “Possibly.” It was that ‘possibly’ that seemingly had Emilios trotting over for a closer look, which Stephanos found infinitely funny. He was about to turn to Achilleas and place a wager on Emilios losing both women at once with such a suggestion but Xene was then slipping her arm through his and distracting him.
“Sister, mine?” he asked, glancing down at her and setting his half finished wine cup on a passing servant’s tray when Xene rudely pointed out he’d already been drinking a little too much. His cheeks were flushed and his eyes bright, but he grinned anyway, not actually answering that accusation.
“Since I was forced to dance with Lord Condos, perhaps its now time for you to dance with me, brother. Do you still have your legs, or will the wine make you clumsy?” She looked up at him and he was half inclined to tell her to dance with Achilleas instead, since he’d seen Pia across the way but Xene was whispering to him now. “Take the bait, I'm trying to save you.” Stephanos stared at her but the grin came back and he glanced at his cousin.
“Excuse me, Achilleas. Xene needs a real challenge for a dance partner.” And with that he took his sister’s hand, twirled her in front of him, and swept her onto the dancefloor in a flourish that suggested he wasn’t nearly as drunk as she’d insinuated. “I can hold my alcohol better than you can,” he said with a languid ease. He was neither angry nor offended about what people thought of him. It was impossible not to hear the whispers of his escapades and conquests, but he didn’t actually care. It was his life and his time - no one else’s business how he spent it.
Turning the conversation towards something a little more interesting than his ability to drink more than a fish swimming in Dionysius’s wine pool could handle, he spun Xene away from him before twirling her back to him. “Achilleas was just asking me how many bastards Emilios has running around. Personally, I think he’s got at least five. At least.”
He kept the conversation with his sister light for the time being, content enough to dance with her until he could somehow dance with Olympia without suspicion. Their little fling hadn’t lost its flare for him yet and he’d been thinking of her constantly, as he tended to do with the affairs he carried on long term. The court tended to focus on his more salacious hobbies because they were more interesting, but he was fully capable of carrying on an informal relationship as long as he found it enjoyable. Sometimes the women he slept with were just plain stupid. Pretty, but stupid, and Stephanos could only handle vapid for so long. Olympia was clever and found ways to keep his attention. He was content with what they had for the time being, but he also liked it being secret. It added to the allure.
As he and Xene danced, moving in time with the rest of the room’s more active guests, he spotted Sara standing all alone and, to him, looking a bit lost. His eyes sought out Achilleas and flattened when he saw the man chatting up Selene. With a discreet whistle to get his cousin’s attention, Stephanos looked meaningfully at Sara, back to Achilleas, and Sara again in a clear Dance with your little sister!
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This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
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He’d been watching Xene dancing for a little while but his attention was soon back on Achilleas. Their conversation was brief, mostly with Stephanos hedging or only answering questions in the vaguest sense, until Achilleas asked if the girls giggling and looking in their direction were ‘friends’. “I don’t know,” Stephanos peered at them. Sometimes it was hard to remember. Sometimes, depending on the kind of party, impossible to remember. Drugs tended to dull the memory. “Possibly.” It was that ‘possibly’ that seemingly had Emilios trotting over for a closer look, which Stephanos found infinitely funny. He was about to turn to Achilleas and place a wager on Emilios losing both women at once with such a suggestion but Xene was then slipping her arm through his and distracting him.
“Sister, mine?” he asked, glancing down at her and setting his half finished wine cup on a passing servant’s tray when Xene rudely pointed out he’d already been drinking a little too much. His cheeks were flushed and his eyes bright, but he grinned anyway, not actually answering that accusation.
“Since I was forced to dance with Lord Condos, perhaps its now time for you to dance with me, brother. Do you still have your legs, or will the wine make you clumsy?” She looked up at him and he was half inclined to tell her to dance with Achilleas instead, since he’d seen Pia across the way but Xene was whispering to him now. “Take the bait, I'm trying to save you.” Stephanos stared at her but the grin came back and he glanced at his cousin.
“Excuse me, Achilleas. Xene needs a real challenge for a dance partner.” And with that he took his sister’s hand, twirled her in front of him, and swept her onto the dancefloor in a flourish that suggested he wasn’t nearly as drunk as she’d insinuated. “I can hold my alcohol better than you can,” he said with a languid ease. He was neither angry nor offended about what people thought of him. It was impossible not to hear the whispers of his escapades and conquests, but he didn’t actually care. It was his life and his time - no one else’s business how he spent it.
Turning the conversation towards something a little more interesting than his ability to drink more than a fish swimming in Dionysius’s wine pool could handle, he spun Xene away from him before twirling her back to him. “Achilleas was just asking me how many bastards Emilios has running around. Personally, I think he’s got at least five. At least.”
He kept the conversation with his sister light for the time being, content enough to dance with her until he could somehow dance with Olympia without suspicion. Their little fling hadn’t lost its flare for him yet and he’d been thinking of her constantly, as he tended to do with the affairs he carried on long term. The court tended to focus on his more salacious hobbies because they were more interesting, but he was fully capable of carrying on an informal relationship as long as he found it enjoyable. Sometimes the women he slept with were just plain stupid. Pretty, but stupid, and Stephanos could only handle vapid for so long. Olympia was clever and found ways to keep his attention. He was content with what they had for the time being, but he also liked it being secret. It added to the allure.
As he and Xene danced, moving in time with the rest of the room’s more active guests, he spotted Sara standing all alone and, to him, looking a bit lost. His eyes sought out Achilleas and flattened when he saw the man chatting up Selene. With a discreet whistle to get his cousin’s attention, Stephanos looked meaningfully at Sara, back to Achilleas, and Sara again in a clear Dance with your little sister!
He’d been watching Xene dancing for a little while but his attention was soon back on Achilleas. Their conversation was brief, mostly with Stephanos hedging or only answering questions in the vaguest sense, until Achilleas asked if the girls giggling and looking in their direction were ‘friends’. “I don’t know,” Stephanos peered at them. Sometimes it was hard to remember. Sometimes, depending on the kind of party, impossible to remember. Drugs tended to dull the memory. “Possibly.” It was that ‘possibly’ that seemingly had Emilios trotting over for a closer look, which Stephanos found infinitely funny. He was about to turn to Achilleas and place a wager on Emilios losing both women at once with such a suggestion but Xene was then slipping her arm through his and distracting him.
“Sister, mine?” he asked, glancing down at her and setting his half finished wine cup on a passing servant’s tray when Xene rudely pointed out he’d already been drinking a little too much. His cheeks were flushed and his eyes bright, but he grinned anyway, not actually answering that accusation.
“Since I was forced to dance with Lord Condos, perhaps its now time for you to dance with me, brother. Do you still have your legs, or will the wine make you clumsy?” She looked up at him and he was half inclined to tell her to dance with Achilleas instead, since he’d seen Pia across the way but Xene was whispering to him now. “Take the bait, I'm trying to save you.” Stephanos stared at her but the grin came back and he glanced at his cousin.
“Excuse me, Achilleas. Xene needs a real challenge for a dance partner.” And with that he took his sister’s hand, twirled her in front of him, and swept her onto the dancefloor in a flourish that suggested he wasn’t nearly as drunk as she’d insinuated. “I can hold my alcohol better than you can,” he said with a languid ease. He was neither angry nor offended about what people thought of him. It was impossible not to hear the whispers of his escapades and conquests, but he didn’t actually care. It was his life and his time - no one else’s business how he spent it.
Turning the conversation towards something a little more interesting than his ability to drink more than a fish swimming in Dionysius’s wine pool could handle, he spun Xene away from him before twirling her back to him. “Achilleas was just asking me how many bastards Emilios has running around. Personally, I think he’s got at least five. At least.”
He kept the conversation with his sister light for the time being, content enough to dance with her until he could somehow dance with Olympia without suspicion. Their little fling hadn’t lost its flare for him yet and he’d been thinking of her constantly, as he tended to do with the affairs he carried on long term. The court tended to focus on his more salacious hobbies because they were more interesting, but he was fully capable of carrying on an informal relationship as long as he found it enjoyable. Sometimes the women he slept with were just plain stupid. Pretty, but stupid, and Stephanos could only handle vapid for so long. Olympia was clever and found ways to keep his attention. He was content with what they had for the time being, but he also liked it being secret. It added to the allure.
As he and Xene danced, moving in time with the rest of the room’s more active guests, he spotted Sara standing all alone and, to him, looking a bit lost. His eyes sought out Achilleas and flattened when he saw the man chatting up Selene. With a discreet whistle to get his cousin’s attention, Stephanos looked meaningfully at Sara, back to Achilleas, and Sara again in a clear Dance with your little sister!