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Achilleas felt himself relax minutely as he stood next to Selene, surveying the room from the vantage point she had found for herself, giving a non-committal sound in response to her question. “If you are looking for it, then you are probably right” His blue gaze slanted down toward her. “Was my cousin not exciting enough for you?”
Not knowing the turn that conversation between the crown prince and Selene had taken, Achilleas was only gently teasing. He was a little curious too as to why the pair kept dancing around one another when everyone else seemed to have decided they were the perfect match. He wasn’t scrutinising her reaction though, too polite to press at something so delicate in nature. Changing the subject deftly in case he had made her uncomfortable, Stephanos was an easy target, and Achilleas laughed at Selene’s response.
“Fair...fair” he mused, as he watched his cousins spin idly around the dance floor. When the Leventi girl enquired as to his hopes for the evening, the lord gave a somewhat self-conscious smile. He wasn’t about to tell Selene he had been hoping to catch sight of her sister, and so Achilleas merely shrugged. “Oh, you know. Just showing my face really, I was in the city for the senate meet so it would hardly have been polite not to have put in an appearance. Parties are..not really my thing.”
It wasn’t as if he could ever really unwind at such events, not with his father in the room, or being cautious as to how he was presenting himself all the time. It was not as if he could spend the evening chasing pretty girls as Emilios and Stephanos would no doubt be doing, not without setting himself up to be lectured about it later. No.
So Achilleas would work the room as much as was needed in a political sense, turn down a thousand refills of wine, not speak to Theodora it would seem, and then make an early retreat so he might catch Briseis before she retired for the evening. He should have asked her if she would be able to slip away, he thought, as his gaze rested for a moment on the tawny-haired girl. Taking a small sip from his cup, he heard a low whistle and looked up to find Stephanos staring at him and then looking away towards….
He frowned at Stephanos and gave a little shake of his head before his gaze returned to the girl his cousin had indicated. Sara stood a little way off, looking entirely out of her depth and all alone, and Achilleas frowned at her too for a moment and then sighed. Because of course, he couldn’t just leave her there.
“Forgive me, Selene but I..” he turned to the blonde beauty beside him and gestured towards his half-sister “I probably ought to go and be a gentleman. If I don’t catch you again, I hope your evening is all you want it to be”
And then, setting his wine down on the tray of a passing servant, Achilleas took his leave and crossed the room to stand before Sara, clearing his throat before he stepped into the young girl’s eye line.
“Sara. Are you having a nice evening?” he asked, thinking that the Gods ought to favour him for this act of kindness and all that it cost him. He did not share the easy relationship with Sara that Emilios did, had never tried to establish it, but as he watched the girl’s face as she looked out at the dancers and stood awkwardly by herself, he could hardly not act on Stephanos’ infuriating interference. “Did you wish to dance?” he offered, standing straight-backed before her, his expression inscrutable.
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Achilleas felt himself relax minutely as he stood next to Selene, surveying the room from the vantage point she had found for herself, giving a non-committal sound in response to her question. “If you are looking for it, then you are probably right” His blue gaze slanted down toward her. “Was my cousin not exciting enough for you?”
Not knowing the turn that conversation between the crown prince and Selene had taken, Achilleas was only gently teasing. He was a little curious too as to why the pair kept dancing around one another when everyone else seemed to have decided they were the perfect match. He wasn’t scrutinising her reaction though, too polite to press at something so delicate in nature. Changing the subject deftly in case he had made her uncomfortable, Stephanos was an easy target, and Achilleas laughed at Selene’s response.
“Fair...fair” he mused, as he watched his cousins spin idly around the dance floor. When the Leventi girl enquired as to his hopes for the evening, the lord gave a somewhat self-conscious smile. He wasn’t about to tell Selene he had been hoping to catch sight of her sister, and so Achilleas merely shrugged. “Oh, you know. Just showing my face really, I was in the city for the senate meet so it would hardly have been polite not to have put in an appearance. Parties are..not really my thing.”
It wasn’t as if he could ever really unwind at such events, not with his father in the room, or being cautious as to how he was presenting himself all the time. It was not as if he could spend the evening chasing pretty girls as Emilios and Stephanos would no doubt be doing, not without setting himself up to be lectured about it later. No.
So Achilleas would work the room as much as was needed in a political sense, turn down a thousand refills of wine, not speak to Theodora it would seem, and then make an early retreat so he might catch Briseis before she retired for the evening. He should have asked her if she would be able to slip away, he thought, as his gaze rested for a moment on the tawny-haired girl. Taking a small sip from his cup, he heard a low whistle and looked up to find Stephanos staring at him and then looking away towards….
He frowned at Stephanos and gave a little shake of his head before his gaze returned to the girl his cousin had indicated. Sara stood a little way off, looking entirely out of her depth and all alone, and Achilleas frowned at her too for a moment and then sighed. Because of course, he couldn’t just leave her there.
“Forgive me, Selene but I..” he turned to the blonde beauty beside him and gestured towards his half-sister “I probably ought to go and be a gentleman. If I don’t catch you again, I hope your evening is all you want it to be”
And then, setting his wine down on the tray of a passing servant, Achilleas took his leave and crossed the room to stand before Sara, clearing his throat before he stepped into the young girl’s eye line.
“Sara. Are you having a nice evening?” he asked, thinking that the Gods ought to favour him for this act of kindness and all that it cost him. He did not share the easy relationship with Sara that Emilios did, had never tried to establish it, but as he watched the girl’s face as she looked out at the dancers and stood awkwardly by herself, he could hardly not act on Stephanos’ infuriating interference. “Did you wish to dance?” he offered, standing straight-backed before her, his expression inscrutable.
Achilleas felt himself relax minutely as he stood next to Selene, surveying the room from the vantage point she had found for herself, giving a non-committal sound in response to her question. “If you are looking for it, then you are probably right” His blue gaze slanted down toward her. “Was my cousin not exciting enough for you?”
Not knowing the turn that conversation between the crown prince and Selene had taken, Achilleas was only gently teasing. He was a little curious too as to why the pair kept dancing around one another when everyone else seemed to have decided they were the perfect match. He wasn’t scrutinising her reaction though, too polite to press at something so delicate in nature. Changing the subject deftly in case he had made her uncomfortable, Stephanos was an easy target, and Achilleas laughed at Selene’s response.
“Fair...fair” he mused, as he watched his cousins spin idly around the dance floor. When the Leventi girl enquired as to his hopes for the evening, the lord gave a somewhat self-conscious smile. He wasn’t about to tell Selene he had been hoping to catch sight of her sister, and so Achilleas merely shrugged. “Oh, you know. Just showing my face really, I was in the city for the senate meet so it would hardly have been polite not to have put in an appearance. Parties are..not really my thing.”
It wasn’t as if he could ever really unwind at such events, not with his father in the room, or being cautious as to how he was presenting himself all the time. It was not as if he could spend the evening chasing pretty girls as Emilios and Stephanos would no doubt be doing, not without setting himself up to be lectured about it later. No.
So Achilleas would work the room as much as was needed in a political sense, turn down a thousand refills of wine, not speak to Theodora it would seem, and then make an early retreat so he might catch Briseis before she retired for the evening. He should have asked her if she would be able to slip away, he thought, as his gaze rested for a moment on the tawny-haired girl. Taking a small sip from his cup, he heard a low whistle and looked up to find Stephanos staring at him and then looking away towards….
He frowned at Stephanos and gave a little shake of his head before his gaze returned to the girl his cousin had indicated. Sara stood a little way off, looking entirely out of her depth and all alone, and Achilleas frowned at her too for a moment and then sighed. Because of course, he couldn’t just leave her there.
“Forgive me, Selene but I..” he turned to the blonde beauty beside him and gestured towards his half-sister “I probably ought to go and be a gentleman. If I don’t catch you again, I hope your evening is all you want it to be”
And then, setting his wine down on the tray of a passing servant, Achilleas took his leave and crossed the room to stand before Sara, clearing his throat before he stepped into the young girl’s eye line.
“Sara. Are you having a nice evening?” he asked, thinking that the Gods ought to favour him for this act of kindness and all that it cost him. He did not share the easy relationship with Sara that Emilios did, had never tried to establish it, but as he watched the girl’s face as she looked out at the dancers and stood awkwardly by herself, he could hardly not act on Stephanos’ infuriating interference. “Did you wish to dance?” he offered, standing straight-backed before her, his expression inscrutable.
Sara had always loved the idea of the Queen’s grand event that was held every couple of years, but this year there were two exceptionally exciting things. First, the party was being held at the Mikaelidas’ archontiko which meant that she would have been able to sneak a glance into the revelry any way. Second, it was the very first year that she had been old enough to attend and somehow…somehow she had been invited to come.
Her smile was radiant as she dressed for the occasion, and for once she did not mind the extravagant nature in which her mother had wished to dress her. Swathed in the rich hues of burgundy and gold, Sara looked far beyond her fifteen short years – and surprisingly it was not difficult at all to see the beauty of the woman she was becoming. The thick dark curls had been neatly pinned and tucked into an elegant style, sweeping off of her delicate neck to reveal the pale skin there. Tiny ivory blooms dotted her hair like stars, a personal touch that she had done herself. There was no doubt that in a few years, her beauty might rival her mother and sister if she were to care to try.
When she made her appearance in the ballroom, it was hard to keep her smile a secret. Everything looks splendid, her gaze floating across the room at the decorations and the small crowd of those that were mostly her relatives in one way or another. It looked as though it was going to be quite the party, and she couldn’t help but feel a little overwhelmed. She glanced around, looking for something familiar that might anchor her a little – her concentration on finding her mother or sister. Or even her father, although she probably should not interrupt any important conversations he might be having.
The whole thing left her standing quite awkwardly near the dancing floor, so she turned her gaze to them instead – letting a soft smile find her features as she thought about how fun it might be to dance. She had taken dancing lessons so she could dance, but she’d never tried it in such a public setting. The young girl folded her hands, tucking them neatly behind her back as she watched and listened to the party. Perhaps she could just be content as she was, until she could find someone to talk to. Imma was undoubtedly somewhere nearby, as the blonde was firmly between Sara and Tasia in age. Sara just had to find her first.
She found herself looking for her mother again when someone nearby cleared their throat and her attention was drawn to them. She could not help the slight tensing of her muscles as it was Achilleas who had come up to her. Unable to keep the confusion off her face, her eyebrows angled down as he spoke pleasantries to her. She blinked, clearly caught off guard by her eldest brother, and then she remembered her manners.
”Oh…ahm…yes, Achilleas, thank you.” She said, her surprise blossoming into delight. ”This is my first time at a party like this one, there’s…so much. What about you? You must go to things like this all of the time.” She trilled, glancing away from him only to look at him again. He looked a little stiff, and she wondered for a brief moment if he’d intended to speak to her.
When he asked her if she wished to dance, she turned slightly to make sure that there was not some invisible woman behind her that he might be talking to. ”Me?” She asked, clearly surprised. Her expression closed off for a moment as she considered it. Had something happened to him? Had he lost a bet of some kind? This was behavior she would have expected out of Emilios, not the eldest Mikaelidas son. Her hesitation was only a moment before she smiled shyly at him and extended her hand. ”Of course I want to dance.”
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Sara had always loved the idea of the Queen’s grand event that was held every couple of years, but this year there were two exceptionally exciting things. First, the party was being held at the Mikaelidas’ archontiko which meant that she would have been able to sneak a glance into the revelry any way. Second, it was the very first year that she had been old enough to attend and somehow…somehow she had been invited to come.
Her smile was radiant as she dressed for the occasion, and for once she did not mind the extravagant nature in which her mother had wished to dress her. Swathed in the rich hues of burgundy and gold, Sara looked far beyond her fifteen short years – and surprisingly it was not difficult at all to see the beauty of the woman she was becoming. The thick dark curls had been neatly pinned and tucked into an elegant style, sweeping off of her delicate neck to reveal the pale skin there. Tiny ivory blooms dotted her hair like stars, a personal touch that she had done herself. There was no doubt that in a few years, her beauty might rival her mother and sister if she were to care to try.
When she made her appearance in the ballroom, it was hard to keep her smile a secret. Everything looks splendid, her gaze floating across the room at the decorations and the small crowd of those that were mostly her relatives in one way or another. It looked as though it was going to be quite the party, and she couldn’t help but feel a little overwhelmed. She glanced around, looking for something familiar that might anchor her a little – her concentration on finding her mother or sister. Or even her father, although she probably should not interrupt any important conversations he might be having.
The whole thing left her standing quite awkwardly near the dancing floor, so she turned her gaze to them instead – letting a soft smile find her features as she thought about how fun it might be to dance. She had taken dancing lessons so she could dance, but she’d never tried it in such a public setting. The young girl folded her hands, tucking them neatly behind her back as she watched and listened to the party. Perhaps she could just be content as she was, until she could find someone to talk to. Imma was undoubtedly somewhere nearby, as the blonde was firmly between Sara and Tasia in age. Sara just had to find her first.
She found herself looking for her mother again when someone nearby cleared their throat and her attention was drawn to them. She could not help the slight tensing of her muscles as it was Achilleas who had come up to her. Unable to keep the confusion off her face, her eyebrows angled down as he spoke pleasantries to her. She blinked, clearly caught off guard by her eldest brother, and then she remembered her manners.
”Oh…ahm…yes, Achilleas, thank you.” She said, her surprise blossoming into delight. ”This is my first time at a party like this one, there’s…so much. What about you? You must go to things like this all of the time.” She trilled, glancing away from him only to look at him again. He looked a little stiff, and she wondered for a brief moment if he’d intended to speak to her.
When he asked her if she wished to dance, she turned slightly to make sure that there was not some invisible woman behind her that he might be talking to. ”Me?” She asked, clearly surprised. Her expression closed off for a moment as she considered it. Had something happened to him? Had he lost a bet of some kind? This was behavior she would have expected out of Emilios, not the eldest Mikaelidas son. Her hesitation was only a moment before she smiled shyly at him and extended her hand. ”Of course I want to dance.”
Sara had always loved the idea of the Queen’s grand event that was held every couple of years, but this year there were two exceptionally exciting things. First, the party was being held at the Mikaelidas’ archontiko which meant that she would have been able to sneak a glance into the revelry any way. Second, it was the very first year that she had been old enough to attend and somehow…somehow she had been invited to come.
Her smile was radiant as she dressed for the occasion, and for once she did not mind the extravagant nature in which her mother had wished to dress her. Swathed in the rich hues of burgundy and gold, Sara looked far beyond her fifteen short years – and surprisingly it was not difficult at all to see the beauty of the woman she was becoming. The thick dark curls had been neatly pinned and tucked into an elegant style, sweeping off of her delicate neck to reveal the pale skin there. Tiny ivory blooms dotted her hair like stars, a personal touch that she had done herself. There was no doubt that in a few years, her beauty might rival her mother and sister if she were to care to try.
When she made her appearance in the ballroom, it was hard to keep her smile a secret. Everything looks splendid, her gaze floating across the room at the decorations and the small crowd of those that were mostly her relatives in one way or another. It looked as though it was going to be quite the party, and she couldn’t help but feel a little overwhelmed. She glanced around, looking for something familiar that might anchor her a little – her concentration on finding her mother or sister. Or even her father, although she probably should not interrupt any important conversations he might be having.
The whole thing left her standing quite awkwardly near the dancing floor, so she turned her gaze to them instead – letting a soft smile find her features as she thought about how fun it might be to dance. She had taken dancing lessons so she could dance, but she’d never tried it in such a public setting. The young girl folded her hands, tucking them neatly behind her back as she watched and listened to the party. Perhaps she could just be content as she was, until she could find someone to talk to. Imma was undoubtedly somewhere nearby, as the blonde was firmly between Sara and Tasia in age. Sara just had to find her first.
She found herself looking for her mother again when someone nearby cleared their throat and her attention was drawn to them. She could not help the slight tensing of her muscles as it was Achilleas who had come up to her. Unable to keep the confusion off her face, her eyebrows angled down as he spoke pleasantries to her. She blinked, clearly caught off guard by her eldest brother, and then she remembered her manners.
”Oh…ahm…yes, Achilleas, thank you.” She said, her surprise blossoming into delight. ”This is my first time at a party like this one, there’s…so much. What about you? You must go to things like this all of the time.” She trilled, glancing away from him only to look at him again. He looked a little stiff, and she wondered for a brief moment if he’d intended to speak to her.
When he asked her if she wished to dance, she turned slightly to make sure that there was not some invisible woman behind her that he might be talking to. ”Me?” She asked, clearly surprised. Her expression closed off for a moment as she considered it. Had something happened to him? Had he lost a bet of some kind? This was behavior she would have expected out of Emilios, not the eldest Mikaelidas son. Her hesitation was only a moment before she smiled shyly at him and extended her hand. ”Of course I want to dance.”
It was not entirely flattering, how shocked Sara seemed at his basic courtesy, and a slight furrow appeared between his brows as he looked down at her. They were not close, perhaps, but that it was such a revelation to the young girl for him to be polite suggested that maybe he needed to thaw his manner towards her somewhat. She was eminently more tolerable than Tasia, who was far too much like her mother for Achilleas to ever be comfortable around her.
He consciously softened his expression as he answered, glancing around the gathering and giving a press-lipped smile. “ Often enough” he replied, considering all the court events he’d attended over the years. Of course, Sara was still too young for such things really, and if Achilleas had his way, would not have a presence anyway, not when it was such a slap in the face to his mother. But she looked so bright-eyed and wondrous at the event that he could not really resent Steph for having pointed him in her direction. Trust Meena to have just thrown her daughter to the wolves.
He barely suppressed the sigh that wanted to escape when Sara legitimately turned to check he wasn’t addressing someone else when he asked if she wanted to dance. Had he been that unfriendly? Instead, Achilleas merely raised his eyebrows and let his gaze fall pointedly to the hand he’d offered out to her. Her own was tiny when it slipped into his, and he was reminded how dainty she was.
“You know this one?” he asked quietly as they stepped in to join the dance, taking the lead so it didn’t matter if she knew the steps or not. Being able to dance was one of those things that it was expected a young man of good breeding be able to do, and so, of course, Achilleas could do it. He was a little stiff, perhaps, without the grace of someone truly comfortable dancing, but he made a fair enough job of steering Sara around the floor with the rest of them.
Shooting Stephanos a pointed look as they passed, Achilleas attempted to start some kind of conversation with his half-sibling. It was probably the longest amount of time he'd voluntarily spent directly in her company for a long time. Since she’d grown self-conscious enough not to inflict her presence upon him.
“Is it what you expected?” he asked, meaning the gathering. He had no idea what fantasies little girls built up in their heads of such events, but as he tilted his head down to look at Sara, Achilleas realised with a jolt that she wasn’t a child anymore. In a year...maybe less, she would be in court and fair game for conversations like the ones that passed between him and his friends. It made him oddly uncomfortable, which was stupid, given he’d barely paid enough attention to even notice that the youngest of his half-siblings was nearly grown. He hadn’t thought twice about it with Tasia - that girl was sly enough that she’d survive anywhere, but there was a sort of sweetness about Sara that even he couldn’t ignore. He hoped she wouldn’t lose it.
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It was not entirely flattering, how shocked Sara seemed at his basic courtesy, and a slight furrow appeared between his brows as he looked down at her. They were not close, perhaps, but that it was such a revelation to the young girl for him to be polite suggested that maybe he needed to thaw his manner towards her somewhat. She was eminently more tolerable than Tasia, who was far too much like her mother for Achilleas to ever be comfortable around her.
He consciously softened his expression as he answered, glancing around the gathering and giving a press-lipped smile. “ Often enough” he replied, considering all the court events he’d attended over the years. Of course, Sara was still too young for such things really, and if Achilleas had his way, would not have a presence anyway, not when it was such a slap in the face to his mother. But she looked so bright-eyed and wondrous at the event that he could not really resent Steph for having pointed him in her direction. Trust Meena to have just thrown her daughter to the wolves.
He barely suppressed the sigh that wanted to escape when Sara legitimately turned to check he wasn’t addressing someone else when he asked if she wanted to dance. Had he been that unfriendly? Instead, Achilleas merely raised his eyebrows and let his gaze fall pointedly to the hand he’d offered out to her. Her own was tiny when it slipped into his, and he was reminded how dainty she was.
“You know this one?” he asked quietly as they stepped in to join the dance, taking the lead so it didn’t matter if she knew the steps or not. Being able to dance was one of those things that it was expected a young man of good breeding be able to do, and so, of course, Achilleas could do it. He was a little stiff, perhaps, without the grace of someone truly comfortable dancing, but he made a fair enough job of steering Sara around the floor with the rest of them.
Shooting Stephanos a pointed look as they passed, Achilleas attempted to start some kind of conversation with his half-sibling. It was probably the longest amount of time he'd voluntarily spent directly in her company for a long time. Since she’d grown self-conscious enough not to inflict her presence upon him.
“Is it what you expected?” he asked, meaning the gathering. He had no idea what fantasies little girls built up in their heads of such events, but as he tilted his head down to look at Sara, Achilleas realised with a jolt that she wasn’t a child anymore. In a year...maybe less, she would be in court and fair game for conversations like the ones that passed between him and his friends. It made him oddly uncomfortable, which was stupid, given he’d barely paid enough attention to even notice that the youngest of his half-siblings was nearly grown. He hadn’t thought twice about it with Tasia - that girl was sly enough that she’d survive anywhere, but there was a sort of sweetness about Sara that even he couldn’t ignore. He hoped she wouldn’t lose it.
It was not entirely flattering, how shocked Sara seemed at his basic courtesy, and a slight furrow appeared between his brows as he looked down at her. They were not close, perhaps, but that it was such a revelation to the young girl for him to be polite suggested that maybe he needed to thaw his manner towards her somewhat. She was eminently more tolerable than Tasia, who was far too much like her mother for Achilleas to ever be comfortable around her.
He consciously softened his expression as he answered, glancing around the gathering and giving a press-lipped smile. “ Often enough” he replied, considering all the court events he’d attended over the years. Of course, Sara was still too young for such things really, and if Achilleas had his way, would not have a presence anyway, not when it was such a slap in the face to his mother. But she looked so bright-eyed and wondrous at the event that he could not really resent Steph for having pointed him in her direction. Trust Meena to have just thrown her daughter to the wolves.
He barely suppressed the sigh that wanted to escape when Sara legitimately turned to check he wasn’t addressing someone else when he asked if she wanted to dance. Had he been that unfriendly? Instead, Achilleas merely raised his eyebrows and let his gaze fall pointedly to the hand he’d offered out to her. Her own was tiny when it slipped into his, and he was reminded how dainty she was.
“You know this one?” he asked quietly as they stepped in to join the dance, taking the lead so it didn’t matter if she knew the steps or not. Being able to dance was one of those things that it was expected a young man of good breeding be able to do, and so, of course, Achilleas could do it. He was a little stiff, perhaps, without the grace of someone truly comfortable dancing, but he made a fair enough job of steering Sara around the floor with the rest of them.
Shooting Stephanos a pointed look as they passed, Achilleas attempted to start some kind of conversation with his half-sibling. It was probably the longest amount of time he'd voluntarily spent directly in her company for a long time. Since she’d grown self-conscious enough not to inflict her presence upon him.
“Is it what you expected?” he asked, meaning the gathering. He had no idea what fantasies little girls built up in their heads of such events, but as he tilted his head down to look at Sara, Achilleas realised with a jolt that she wasn’t a child anymore. In a year...maybe less, she would be in court and fair game for conversations like the ones that passed between him and his friends. It made him oddly uncomfortable, which was stupid, given he’d barely paid enough attention to even notice that the youngest of his half-siblings was nearly grown. He hadn’t thought twice about it with Tasia - that girl was sly enough that she’d survive anywhere, but there was a sort of sweetness about Sara that even he couldn’t ignore. He hoped she wouldn’t lose it.
His hand was quite warm when she took it, feeling the callouses that must have come from his training with the sword. She nodded when he asked if she knew this particular dance, and she was glad that she did. Still, he knew his way around a dance floor so that even if she hadn’t known, she would have been in able hands. It was the first time she had used her own formal training, but luckily it seemed to come to her almost naturally.
The young brunette was a tiny bit worried about a misstep, but Achilleas was a good partner -- despite his stiffness. He helped cover any mistakes she made quite well, and after a few tense moments, she began to relax which helped. She held onto him, worrying less about the fact that she felt like she barely knew her eldest brother and genuinely starting to enjoy herself.
She laughed, feeling every inch the vibrant young girl that she was -- letting it dim only a little when she looked up to meet Achilleas’ gaze. ”You’re rather good at this.” She said, lightly teasing him. She followed his lead around the dance floor, finding it easier to do with every step. ”I think it’s more than what I expected. Everything is so...grand.” She admitted. She glanced away for a moment, finding that her mother was staring at her from off the dance floor. Sara quickly turned away, knowing that she would certainly hear about it later.
Also knowing that her mother was among the things that Achilleas would not want to talk about, Sara smiled instead. ”Is it all just a party, though?” She asked, surprising herself. ”Or is it some sort of covert political statement that I don’t understand?” She raised an eyebrow, meeting his eye. Sara was coming of an age where she would be attending court soon, whether anyone liked it or not. And while she was kind, she was not daft -- and she was aware that she would have to be careful once she entered court like her sister.
”I’d also like to know if you lost a bet...to come ask me to dance?” She asked, laughing again. ”Not that I mind!” She said quickly, careful not to lose her step. ”I just didn’t...expect it.”
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His hand was quite warm when she took it, feeling the callouses that must have come from his training with the sword. She nodded when he asked if she knew this particular dance, and she was glad that she did. Still, he knew his way around a dance floor so that even if she hadn’t known, she would have been in able hands. It was the first time she had used her own formal training, but luckily it seemed to come to her almost naturally.
The young brunette was a tiny bit worried about a misstep, but Achilleas was a good partner -- despite his stiffness. He helped cover any mistakes she made quite well, and after a few tense moments, she began to relax which helped. She held onto him, worrying less about the fact that she felt like she barely knew her eldest brother and genuinely starting to enjoy herself.
She laughed, feeling every inch the vibrant young girl that she was -- letting it dim only a little when she looked up to meet Achilleas’ gaze. ”You’re rather good at this.” She said, lightly teasing him. She followed his lead around the dance floor, finding it easier to do with every step. ”I think it’s more than what I expected. Everything is so...grand.” She admitted. She glanced away for a moment, finding that her mother was staring at her from off the dance floor. Sara quickly turned away, knowing that she would certainly hear about it later.
Also knowing that her mother was among the things that Achilleas would not want to talk about, Sara smiled instead. ”Is it all just a party, though?” She asked, surprising herself. ”Or is it some sort of covert political statement that I don’t understand?” She raised an eyebrow, meeting his eye. Sara was coming of an age where she would be attending court soon, whether anyone liked it or not. And while she was kind, she was not daft -- and she was aware that she would have to be careful once she entered court like her sister.
”I’d also like to know if you lost a bet...to come ask me to dance?” She asked, laughing again. ”Not that I mind!” She said quickly, careful not to lose her step. ”I just didn’t...expect it.”
His hand was quite warm when she took it, feeling the callouses that must have come from his training with the sword. She nodded when he asked if she knew this particular dance, and she was glad that she did. Still, he knew his way around a dance floor so that even if she hadn’t known, she would have been in able hands. It was the first time she had used her own formal training, but luckily it seemed to come to her almost naturally.
The young brunette was a tiny bit worried about a misstep, but Achilleas was a good partner -- despite his stiffness. He helped cover any mistakes she made quite well, and after a few tense moments, she began to relax which helped. She held onto him, worrying less about the fact that she felt like she barely knew her eldest brother and genuinely starting to enjoy herself.
She laughed, feeling every inch the vibrant young girl that she was -- letting it dim only a little when she looked up to meet Achilleas’ gaze. ”You’re rather good at this.” She said, lightly teasing him. She followed his lead around the dance floor, finding it easier to do with every step. ”I think it’s more than what I expected. Everything is so...grand.” She admitted. She glanced away for a moment, finding that her mother was staring at her from off the dance floor. Sara quickly turned away, knowing that she would certainly hear about it later.
Also knowing that her mother was among the things that Achilleas would not want to talk about, Sara smiled instead. ”Is it all just a party, though?” She asked, surprising herself. ”Or is it some sort of covert political statement that I don’t understand?” She raised an eyebrow, meeting his eye. Sara was coming of an age where she would be attending court soon, whether anyone liked it or not. And while she was kind, she was not daft -- and she was aware that she would have to be careful once she entered court like her sister.
”I’d also like to know if you lost a bet...to come ask me to dance?” She asked, laughing again. ”Not that I mind!” She said quickly, careful not to lose her step. ”I just didn’t...expect it.”
Sara was by no means the worst partner Achilleas had ever had on the dance floor. Had he known she had not debuted the results of her lessons before, he might have told her so, but he didn’t, so instead the Lord was just quietly grateful for the fact that she did not step on his toes. The conversing part of it felt perhaps a little more stilted, Achilleas dismissing her compliment a little clumsily before realising how it sounded. “I can assure anyone with any expertise in the arena would think otherwise”. He frowned when he heard himself because that sounded as if he were criticising her abilities but that wasn’t what he had meant at all. “ Not to say that your opinion isn’t...or, well...thank you” he ended lamely with what he should have just said in the first place.
This was painful. He was going to kill Stephanos.
Filling the silence with another question and an attempt to gloss over that awkwardness, Achilleas smiled briefly at the wonder in Sara’s voice. If she thought this was grand, she was going to be in for a treat at her first court event in the grand gallery. Deciding not to elaborate on that, he did, however, raise an eyebrow at the girl’s subsequent question. Pondering a moment how to answer and spinning her in a small circle as the dance demanded, Achilleas’ tone was measured as he spoke. “It is never just a party,” the man said, letting his eyes sweep once around the room. “Here, now, it is a show of wealth and solidarity from the Mikaelidas House. And an opportunity to strengthen alliances between individuals and families both.” He nearly added on some snide remark about being surprised Meena hadn’t already furnished Sara with some agenda but bit it back because it was unkind. And he was double glad he had when in the next moment, the girl asked a rather pointed question that stunned him a little.
”I’d also like to know if you lost a bet...to come ask me to dance?”
“Pardon me?” Achilleas asked, looking down at Sara to see if she was being serious. How she laughed and hastily appended the question with an ‘I don’t mind’ made him think she was, and if that didn’t make him feel like a wretched human being. Embarrassed that his conduct would lead her -his half-sister - to have such a low opinion of him, Achilleas lost his concentration on the dance and came to a halt, catching Sara’s arm to draw her away from the floor. He moved so they were a little way from any others before turning to face her, brow knitted.
“I would never do that,” he said after a moment. “I’m sorry that you think I would.” It was true that he had never really made much of an effort with either Sara or her older sister, and he actively disliked their mother. But still, it didn’t sit well with Achilleas that Sara would think him the sort to be cruel that way. “Stephanos noticed you were alone” he admitted, looking over her head to where he could still see his cousin. And then after a moments pause, his gaze flickered back down to Sara’s face and he added: “ I should have noticed.”
Unsure if he was regretting the whole thing, or perhaps should be grateful to at least know how he came across to the young girl, Achilleas saw a safe exit and took it. “Isn’t that Imma of Leventi over there? She’s alone too, you and she can be company for one another and have much more to talk about I’m sure” He’d taken Sara’s arm as he was speaking and steered her toward the blonde, depositing her neatly by Imma’s side and smiling at the Leventi girl.
“Lady Imma, good evening to you. I hope you don’t mind but I think Sara is in dire need of better conversation than I have to offer. Enjoy yourselves, girls.” And with that, he gave a small nod and turned on his heel, intent on finding Steph and pointing out what a marvellous idea that had been. Or not.
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Sara was by no means the worst partner Achilleas had ever had on the dance floor. Had he known she had not debuted the results of her lessons before, he might have told her so, but he didn’t, so instead the Lord was just quietly grateful for the fact that she did not step on his toes. The conversing part of it felt perhaps a little more stilted, Achilleas dismissing her compliment a little clumsily before realising how it sounded. “I can assure anyone with any expertise in the arena would think otherwise”. He frowned when he heard himself because that sounded as if he were criticising her abilities but that wasn’t what he had meant at all. “ Not to say that your opinion isn’t...or, well...thank you” he ended lamely with what he should have just said in the first place.
This was painful. He was going to kill Stephanos.
Filling the silence with another question and an attempt to gloss over that awkwardness, Achilleas smiled briefly at the wonder in Sara’s voice. If she thought this was grand, she was going to be in for a treat at her first court event in the grand gallery. Deciding not to elaborate on that, he did, however, raise an eyebrow at the girl’s subsequent question. Pondering a moment how to answer and spinning her in a small circle as the dance demanded, Achilleas’ tone was measured as he spoke. “It is never just a party,” the man said, letting his eyes sweep once around the room. “Here, now, it is a show of wealth and solidarity from the Mikaelidas House. And an opportunity to strengthen alliances between individuals and families both.” He nearly added on some snide remark about being surprised Meena hadn’t already furnished Sara with some agenda but bit it back because it was unkind. And he was double glad he had when in the next moment, the girl asked a rather pointed question that stunned him a little.
”I’d also like to know if you lost a bet...to come ask me to dance?”
“Pardon me?” Achilleas asked, looking down at Sara to see if she was being serious. How she laughed and hastily appended the question with an ‘I don’t mind’ made him think she was, and if that didn’t make him feel like a wretched human being. Embarrassed that his conduct would lead her -his half-sister - to have such a low opinion of him, Achilleas lost his concentration on the dance and came to a halt, catching Sara’s arm to draw her away from the floor. He moved so they were a little way from any others before turning to face her, brow knitted.
“I would never do that,” he said after a moment. “I’m sorry that you think I would.” It was true that he had never really made much of an effort with either Sara or her older sister, and he actively disliked their mother. But still, it didn’t sit well with Achilleas that Sara would think him the sort to be cruel that way. “Stephanos noticed you were alone” he admitted, looking over her head to where he could still see his cousin. And then after a moments pause, his gaze flickered back down to Sara’s face and he added: “ I should have noticed.”
Unsure if he was regretting the whole thing, or perhaps should be grateful to at least know how he came across to the young girl, Achilleas saw a safe exit and took it. “Isn’t that Imma of Leventi over there? She’s alone too, you and she can be company for one another and have much more to talk about I’m sure” He’d taken Sara’s arm as he was speaking and steered her toward the blonde, depositing her neatly by Imma’s side and smiling at the Leventi girl.
“Lady Imma, good evening to you. I hope you don’t mind but I think Sara is in dire need of better conversation than I have to offer. Enjoy yourselves, girls.” And with that, he gave a small nod and turned on his heel, intent on finding Steph and pointing out what a marvellous idea that had been. Or not.
Sara was by no means the worst partner Achilleas had ever had on the dance floor. Had he known she had not debuted the results of her lessons before, he might have told her so, but he didn’t, so instead the Lord was just quietly grateful for the fact that she did not step on his toes. The conversing part of it felt perhaps a little more stilted, Achilleas dismissing her compliment a little clumsily before realising how it sounded. “I can assure anyone with any expertise in the arena would think otherwise”. He frowned when he heard himself because that sounded as if he were criticising her abilities but that wasn’t what he had meant at all. “ Not to say that your opinion isn’t...or, well...thank you” he ended lamely with what he should have just said in the first place.
This was painful. He was going to kill Stephanos.
Filling the silence with another question and an attempt to gloss over that awkwardness, Achilleas smiled briefly at the wonder in Sara’s voice. If she thought this was grand, she was going to be in for a treat at her first court event in the grand gallery. Deciding not to elaborate on that, he did, however, raise an eyebrow at the girl’s subsequent question. Pondering a moment how to answer and spinning her in a small circle as the dance demanded, Achilleas’ tone was measured as he spoke. “It is never just a party,” the man said, letting his eyes sweep once around the room. “Here, now, it is a show of wealth and solidarity from the Mikaelidas House. And an opportunity to strengthen alliances between individuals and families both.” He nearly added on some snide remark about being surprised Meena hadn’t already furnished Sara with some agenda but bit it back because it was unkind. And he was double glad he had when in the next moment, the girl asked a rather pointed question that stunned him a little.
”I’d also like to know if you lost a bet...to come ask me to dance?”
“Pardon me?” Achilleas asked, looking down at Sara to see if she was being serious. How she laughed and hastily appended the question with an ‘I don’t mind’ made him think she was, and if that didn’t make him feel like a wretched human being. Embarrassed that his conduct would lead her -his half-sister - to have such a low opinion of him, Achilleas lost his concentration on the dance and came to a halt, catching Sara’s arm to draw her away from the floor. He moved so they were a little way from any others before turning to face her, brow knitted.
“I would never do that,” he said after a moment. “I’m sorry that you think I would.” It was true that he had never really made much of an effort with either Sara or her older sister, and he actively disliked their mother. But still, it didn’t sit well with Achilleas that Sara would think him the sort to be cruel that way. “Stephanos noticed you were alone” he admitted, looking over her head to where he could still see his cousin. And then after a moments pause, his gaze flickered back down to Sara’s face and he added: “ I should have noticed.”
Unsure if he was regretting the whole thing, or perhaps should be grateful to at least know how he came across to the young girl, Achilleas saw a safe exit and took it. “Isn’t that Imma of Leventi over there? She’s alone too, you and she can be company for one another and have much more to talk about I’m sure” He’d taken Sara’s arm as he was speaking and steered her toward the blonde, depositing her neatly by Imma’s side and smiling at the Leventi girl.
“Lady Imma, good evening to you. I hope you don’t mind but I think Sara is in dire need of better conversation than I have to offer. Enjoy yourselves, girls.” And with that, he gave a small nod and turned on his heel, intent on finding Steph and pointing out what a marvellous idea that had been. Or not.
The Queen’s parties were not always the most exciting, but they were certainly important, as well as a grand opportunity to speak with many of the other nobles of Taengea who either was hardly at court, or whom the baron Nikos of Condos did not often have the pleasure of conversing with outside of court proceedings. Not to mention nearly every available young noble woman would be there, in the hopes of finding favor in the eyes of the eligible noble men. While Nikos had no interest in a marriage match at this time, he certainly enjoyed the thought of flirting with the girls and possibly finding a new mistress for a short time. Although, while pleasurable it may be, nothing would come of such a coupling, for his deeper thoughts and feelings were with another back in Doralis. But no one need know that.
Nikos had carefully chosen his attire for the evening days before, as he had travelled from Doralis the day before the party to reside for a few nights at the Condos estate in Vasiliadon. So, he’d chosen the clothing and the jewelry he’d be wearing for the eventful evening and taken it with him. He spent most of that day in minor seclusion with just his personal retainers tending to him, not wishing to hear any of his father’s possible lectures on proper behavior at such an event. He knew how to act, knew to say hello to the hosts and any of the higher standing nobles. But his father would likely, too, lecture him against his tendency to flirt with the unmarried women and his boisterous attitude at such events. His father just didn’t understand him, could not relate to Nik’s ambitious mind. He loved his father dearly. But there were some days… Nik shook his head to banish the thoughts as the hour drew close for him to get ready. Time to put on a show. For no matter his feelings towards the Mikaelidas family, the young Condos heir needed to keep up appearances.
The two servants in the room with him helped to make sure everything was fitted perfectly and that the gold pieces he wore were polished and shining. A Condos blue chiton made of fine imported linen that reached to the mid-section of his muscled calves and a red belt clasped around his midsection, pins of the Condos rose holding it in place at the shoulders – leaving his tones and sun kissed arms exposed. A gold band on his upper right arm, bracelets on both wrists inlaid with red gems, his ring with his House’s insignia on its face rested on the fourth finger of his right hand. He chose a pair of leather sandals to adorn his feet. Upon his head was a simple gold circlet to denote his nobility, etched with images of the rose his house was known for – though he deliberately chose one that was not so lavish as to outshine anything that the ruling family would be wearing tonight. As much as he would have loved to see the looks on their faces, he would not so purposely do anything to upset his father like that. Not tonight at least. But even so… Nikos wanted – needed – his presence to be known at this party.
He arrived at the Mikaelidas mansion not long after his mother and father, he was certain. He sauntered through the door, cocky and confident as ever. But he took great care to greet the hosts, the King and Queen, being sure to elaborate with flourishing words how grand the place looked and how wonderful the night would be. Then he’d started his rounds. Never really staying in one place too long, wanting to be sure that he briefly spoke to as many of the prominent nobles as possible. He spotted the Crown Prince and his brother. Zacharius was headed for Prince Irakles, probably to speak of military tactics. He narrowed his eyes, his despise for the two, particularly Stephanos, slipping through for the briefest of moments before he plastered a charmingly bright smile on his face and approached them. ”Pardon me, Prince Stephanos.” He bowed in greeting, ever the showman. ”Your mother has outdone herself yet again. I have been looking forward to this event for weeks. Are you enjoying yourselves?”
Before he could further the conversation could really continue, Nikos caught sight of his mother across the room. ”Oh, excuse me. I promised my mother a dance, and I have just spotted her.” He flashed that grin again, bowed, and left the conversing nobles just before Nikolias of Condos approached to join the conversation. On his way across the room, Nik noticed Achilleas speaking with the Lady Selene. He paused and smirked; the Leventi family were ever persistent in their pursuits for worthy matches for their daughters. Had the girl moved on from the prince? Not that Achilleas was a worthy match, in Nik’s opinion. He shook his head and continued on his way to greet his mother.
Sometimes later, Nik was drinking a glass of wine and watching the crowd. He watched Achillieas approach his half-sister. Watched them dance, and then Achillieas redeposit her on the sidelines with Imma of Leventi. The noticed too, the sour look on the oldest son of Irakles as he turned to walk away, and Nik could not resist the bait. He set his half drank glass on the tray of a passing servant and swiftly caught up to Achilleas. ”What is it, Lord Achilleas? Was your youngest sister not the dancer you thought she would be? Perhaps it was the partner she was paired with?” His tone was polite, but the verbal stab to the older man was clear. All knew of the mistress that Prince Irakles kept. The man didn’t try to hide it. Even if no one spoke of it openly. And Nikos was observant enough to know that Achilleas did not have particularly close relationships with his half-siblings. As he spoke, Nikos fell in step with the Mikaelidas lord he had feuded with for as long as he could remember.
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The Queen’s parties were not always the most exciting, but they were certainly important, as well as a grand opportunity to speak with many of the other nobles of Taengea who either was hardly at court, or whom the baron Nikos of Condos did not often have the pleasure of conversing with outside of court proceedings. Not to mention nearly every available young noble woman would be there, in the hopes of finding favor in the eyes of the eligible noble men. While Nikos had no interest in a marriage match at this time, he certainly enjoyed the thought of flirting with the girls and possibly finding a new mistress for a short time. Although, while pleasurable it may be, nothing would come of such a coupling, for his deeper thoughts and feelings were with another back in Doralis. But no one need know that.
Nikos had carefully chosen his attire for the evening days before, as he had travelled from Doralis the day before the party to reside for a few nights at the Condos estate in Vasiliadon. So, he’d chosen the clothing and the jewelry he’d be wearing for the eventful evening and taken it with him. He spent most of that day in minor seclusion with just his personal retainers tending to him, not wishing to hear any of his father’s possible lectures on proper behavior at such an event. He knew how to act, knew to say hello to the hosts and any of the higher standing nobles. But his father would likely, too, lecture him against his tendency to flirt with the unmarried women and his boisterous attitude at such events. His father just didn’t understand him, could not relate to Nik’s ambitious mind. He loved his father dearly. But there were some days… Nik shook his head to banish the thoughts as the hour drew close for him to get ready. Time to put on a show. For no matter his feelings towards the Mikaelidas family, the young Condos heir needed to keep up appearances.
The two servants in the room with him helped to make sure everything was fitted perfectly and that the gold pieces he wore were polished and shining. A Condos blue chiton made of fine imported linen that reached to the mid-section of his muscled calves and a red belt clasped around his midsection, pins of the Condos rose holding it in place at the shoulders – leaving his tones and sun kissed arms exposed. A gold band on his upper right arm, bracelets on both wrists inlaid with red gems, his ring with his House’s insignia on its face rested on the fourth finger of his right hand. He chose a pair of leather sandals to adorn his feet. Upon his head was a simple gold circlet to denote his nobility, etched with images of the rose his house was known for – though he deliberately chose one that was not so lavish as to outshine anything that the ruling family would be wearing tonight. As much as he would have loved to see the looks on their faces, he would not so purposely do anything to upset his father like that. Not tonight at least. But even so… Nikos wanted – needed – his presence to be known at this party.
He arrived at the Mikaelidas mansion not long after his mother and father, he was certain. He sauntered through the door, cocky and confident as ever. But he took great care to greet the hosts, the King and Queen, being sure to elaborate with flourishing words how grand the place looked and how wonderful the night would be. Then he’d started his rounds. Never really staying in one place too long, wanting to be sure that he briefly spoke to as many of the prominent nobles as possible. He spotted the Crown Prince and his brother. Zacharius was headed for Prince Irakles, probably to speak of military tactics. He narrowed his eyes, his despise for the two, particularly Stephanos, slipping through for the briefest of moments before he plastered a charmingly bright smile on his face and approached them. ”Pardon me, Prince Stephanos.” He bowed in greeting, ever the showman. ”Your mother has outdone herself yet again. I have been looking forward to this event for weeks. Are you enjoying yourselves?”
Before he could further the conversation could really continue, Nikos caught sight of his mother across the room. ”Oh, excuse me. I promised my mother a dance, and I have just spotted her.” He flashed that grin again, bowed, and left the conversing nobles just before Nikolias of Condos approached to join the conversation. On his way across the room, Nik noticed Achilleas speaking with the Lady Selene. He paused and smirked; the Leventi family were ever persistent in their pursuits for worthy matches for their daughters. Had the girl moved on from the prince? Not that Achilleas was a worthy match, in Nik’s opinion. He shook his head and continued on his way to greet his mother.
Sometimes later, Nik was drinking a glass of wine and watching the crowd. He watched Achillieas approach his half-sister. Watched them dance, and then Achillieas redeposit her on the sidelines with Imma of Leventi. The noticed too, the sour look on the oldest son of Irakles as he turned to walk away, and Nik could not resist the bait. He set his half drank glass on the tray of a passing servant and swiftly caught up to Achilleas. ”What is it, Lord Achilleas? Was your youngest sister not the dancer you thought she would be? Perhaps it was the partner she was paired with?” His tone was polite, but the verbal stab to the older man was clear. All knew of the mistress that Prince Irakles kept. The man didn’t try to hide it. Even if no one spoke of it openly. And Nikos was observant enough to know that Achilleas did not have particularly close relationships with his half-siblings. As he spoke, Nikos fell in step with the Mikaelidas lord he had feuded with for as long as he could remember.
The Queen’s parties were not always the most exciting, but they were certainly important, as well as a grand opportunity to speak with many of the other nobles of Taengea who either was hardly at court, or whom the baron Nikos of Condos did not often have the pleasure of conversing with outside of court proceedings. Not to mention nearly every available young noble woman would be there, in the hopes of finding favor in the eyes of the eligible noble men. While Nikos had no interest in a marriage match at this time, he certainly enjoyed the thought of flirting with the girls and possibly finding a new mistress for a short time. Although, while pleasurable it may be, nothing would come of such a coupling, for his deeper thoughts and feelings were with another back in Doralis. But no one need know that.
Nikos had carefully chosen his attire for the evening days before, as he had travelled from Doralis the day before the party to reside for a few nights at the Condos estate in Vasiliadon. So, he’d chosen the clothing and the jewelry he’d be wearing for the eventful evening and taken it with him. He spent most of that day in minor seclusion with just his personal retainers tending to him, not wishing to hear any of his father’s possible lectures on proper behavior at such an event. He knew how to act, knew to say hello to the hosts and any of the higher standing nobles. But his father would likely, too, lecture him against his tendency to flirt with the unmarried women and his boisterous attitude at such events. His father just didn’t understand him, could not relate to Nik’s ambitious mind. He loved his father dearly. But there were some days… Nik shook his head to banish the thoughts as the hour drew close for him to get ready. Time to put on a show. For no matter his feelings towards the Mikaelidas family, the young Condos heir needed to keep up appearances.
The two servants in the room with him helped to make sure everything was fitted perfectly and that the gold pieces he wore were polished and shining. A Condos blue chiton made of fine imported linen that reached to the mid-section of his muscled calves and a red belt clasped around his midsection, pins of the Condos rose holding it in place at the shoulders – leaving his tones and sun kissed arms exposed. A gold band on his upper right arm, bracelets on both wrists inlaid with red gems, his ring with his House’s insignia on its face rested on the fourth finger of his right hand. He chose a pair of leather sandals to adorn his feet. Upon his head was a simple gold circlet to denote his nobility, etched with images of the rose his house was known for – though he deliberately chose one that was not so lavish as to outshine anything that the ruling family would be wearing tonight. As much as he would have loved to see the looks on their faces, he would not so purposely do anything to upset his father like that. Not tonight at least. But even so… Nikos wanted – needed – his presence to be known at this party.
He arrived at the Mikaelidas mansion not long after his mother and father, he was certain. He sauntered through the door, cocky and confident as ever. But he took great care to greet the hosts, the King and Queen, being sure to elaborate with flourishing words how grand the place looked and how wonderful the night would be. Then he’d started his rounds. Never really staying in one place too long, wanting to be sure that he briefly spoke to as many of the prominent nobles as possible. He spotted the Crown Prince and his brother. Zacharius was headed for Prince Irakles, probably to speak of military tactics. He narrowed his eyes, his despise for the two, particularly Stephanos, slipping through for the briefest of moments before he plastered a charmingly bright smile on his face and approached them. ”Pardon me, Prince Stephanos.” He bowed in greeting, ever the showman. ”Your mother has outdone herself yet again. I have been looking forward to this event for weeks. Are you enjoying yourselves?”
Before he could further the conversation could really continue, Nikos caught sight of his mother across the room. ”Oh, excuse me. I promised my mother a dance, and I have just spotted her.” He flashed that grin again, bowed, and left the conversing nobles just before Nikolias of Condos approached to join the conversation. On his way across the room, Nik noticed Achilleas speaking with the Lady Selene. He paused and smirked; the Leventi family were ever persistent in their pursuits for worthy matches for their daughters. Had the girl moved on from the prince? Not that Achilleas was a worthy match, in Nik’s opinion. He shook his head and continued on his way to greet his mother.
Sometimes later, Nik was drinking a glass of wine and watching the crowd. He watched Achillieas approach his half-sister. Watched them dance, and then Achillieas redeposit her on the sidelines with Imma of Leventi. The noticed too, the sour look on the oldest son of Irakles as he turned to walk away, and Nik could not resist the bait. He set his half drank glass on the tray of a passing servant and swiftly caught up to Achilleas. ”What is it, Lord Achilleas? Was your youngest sister not the dancer you thought she would be? Perhaps it was the partner she was paired with?” His tone was polite, but the verbal stab to the older man was clear. All knew of the mistress that Prince Irakles kept. The man didn’t try to hide it. Even if no one spoke of it openly. And Nikos was observant enough to know that Achilleas did not have particularly close relationships with his half-siblings. As he spoke, Nikos fell in step with the Mikaelidas lord he had feuded with for as long as he could remember.
Other than the betting game he'd suggested- which as of yet seemed to attract few actual takers- Nikolias mainly stayed in the background. though he did also greet the young Sara kindly. When Nikos arrived, he felt a little more at ease, though he did not really notice him until he danced with Olivia. He could empathize with his son feeling like there might be better parties in Doralis, whether it was in part because there might be more young people at such parties or something else. In truth, if there was one thing they agreed on, it was that some parties were an obligation, and he gave his son a smile in appreciation and acknowledgement of his being here. He was aware that Nikos at least mostly knew his duty, however, knowing a duty existed often did not make it any more appealing, only more pressing that it be over and done with.
He had never quite understood what Nikos had seemed to have against his own cousin, though he was somewhat aware that at least on Nikos' part, there was tension between him and Achilleas. He often wondered if Nikos paid attention to any fatherly advice he gave, especially since he seemed to be so focused on potentially getting the crown for himself- something that Nikolias had never taught him to desire or even hope that he would get. But today, other than raising an eyebrow at Nikos' question to Achilleas- finding it less than complimentary to young Sara, who could not help her illegitimate origins- he chose to focus on the fact that both of them were doing their best to complete the social duty required of them.
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Other than the betting game he'd suggested- which as of yet seemed to attract few actual takers- Nikolias mainly stayed in the background. though he did also greet the young Sara kindly. When Nikos arrived, he felt a little more at ease, though he did not really notice him until he danced with Olivia. He could empathize with his son feeling like there might be better parties in Doralis, whether it was in part because there might be more young people at such parties or something else. In truth, if there was one thing they agreed on, it was that some parties were an obligation, and he gave his son a smile in appreciation and acknowledgement of his being here. He was aware that Nikos at least mostly knew his duty, however, knowing a duty existed often did not make it any more appealing, only more pressing that it be over and done with.
He had never quite understood what Nikos had seemed to have against his own cousin, though he was somewhat aware that at least on Nikos' part, there was tension between him and Achilleas. He often wondered if Nikos paid attention to any fatherly advice he gave, especially since he seemed to be so focused on potentially getting the crown for himself- something that Nikolias had never taught him to desire or even hope that he would get. But today, other than raising an eyebrow at Nikos' question to Achilleas- finding it less than complimentary to young Sara, who could not help her illegitimate origins- he chose to focus on the fact that both of them were doing their best to complete the social duty required of them.
Other than the betting game he'd suggested- which as of yet seemed to attract few actual takers- Nikolias mainly stayed in the background. though he did also greet the young Sara kindly. When Nikos arrived, he felt a little more at ease, though he did not really notice him until he danced with Olivia. He could empathize with his son feeling like there might be better parties in Doralis, whether it was in part because there might be more young people at such parties or something else. In truth, if there was one thing they agreed on, it was that some parties were an obligation, and he gave his son a smile in appreciation and acknowledgement of his being here. He was aware that Nikos at least mostly knew his duty, however, knowing a duty existed often did not make it any more appealing, only more pressing that it be over and done with.
He had never quite understood what Nikos had seemed to have against his own cousin, though he was somewhat aware that at least on Nikos' part, there was tension between him and Achilleas. He often wondered if Nikos paid attention to any fatherly advice he gave, especially since he seemed to be so focused on potentially getting the crown for himself- something that Nikolias had never taught him to desire or even hope that he would get. But today, other than raising an eyebrow at Nikos' question to Achilleas- finding it less than complimentary to young Sara, who could not help her illegitimate origins- he chose to focus on the fact that both of them were doing their best to complete the social duty required of them.
Achilleas had sighed a small sigh of relief as he had left Sara with Imma of Leventi. He’d done his duty by her, and the girl had managed to make him feel bad for not having done more. He didn’t owe her anything - her very existence was an insult to his mother, and yet somehow he felt like he had wronged Sara somehow. Shockingly, he found himself wondering if he should try and follow Emilios’ lead. His brother seemed to have fostered a more cordial relationship with Sara at least. Maybe he had been too remote? It needled at him, and Achilleas picked up a cup of wine from a passing servant and took a sip, frowning slightly.
The expression settled more comfortably when the recognisable voice of Nikos of Condos sounded beside him, The man was an idiot and a persistent thorn in Achilleas’ side. That he was trying to bait him was hardly subtle, and the Mikaelidas man took a slow inhale when the other fell into step beside him. It appeared he was not going to escape a conversation with the fool.
There was a low-level dislike that Achilleas held for the son of Nikolias, and one that he was almost sure was mutual. Even since they were boys there was just something about Nikos that irked him: his arrogance perhaps. His face. Nikos was smarmy and devious and everything Achilleas didn’t like about court. Despite, as far as Achilleas was concerned, doing little of note, and possessing little in the way of martial skill, the Condos Lord seemed to ingratiate himself with people and convince them he deserved some merit. Which in anyone else he might have begrudgingly admired, but somehow with Nikos, it was just irritating.
Though polished enough to keep his feelings from his face in most cases, he didn’t bother trying to mimic any affection for his fellow lord. When the other had finished speaking Achilleas stopped, rounded so he was facing the shorter man and raised his eyebrows as he looked down on him. “What do you want Condos?”
He absolutely wasn’t about to discuss anything to do with his half-sister with the man and so just ignored the comments levelled in that direction. If Nikos thought to score points there he would find himself walking a dangerous line. However publicly his father chose to scorn his wife, Achilleas would not bear it from any other. And though he certainly wasn’t about to cause a scene at such an event, the expression on his face was hard enough to leave Nikos in no doubt that he was pushing the boundaries of acceptable conduct.
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Achilleas had sighed a small sigh of relief as he had left Sara with Imma of Leventi. He’d done his duty by her, and the girl had managed to make him feel bad for not having done more. He didn’t owe her anything - her very existence was an insult to his mother, and yet somehow he felt like he had wronged Sara somehow. Shockingly, he found himself wondering if he should try and follow Emilios’ lead. His brother seemed to have fostered a more cordial relationship with Sara at least. Maybe he had been too remote? It needled at him, and Achilleas picked up a cup of wine from a passing servant and took a sip, frowning slightly.
The expression settled more comfortably when the recognisable voice of Nikos of Condos sounded beside him, The man was an idiot and a persistent thorn in Achilleas’ side. That he was trying to bait him was hardly subtle, and the Mikaelidas man took a slow inhale when the other fell into step beside him. It appeared he was not going to escape a conversation with the fool.
There was a low-level dislike that Achilleas held for the son of Nikolias, and one that he was almost sure was mutual. Even since they were boys there was just something about Nikos that irked him: his arrogance perhaps. His face. Nikos was smarmy and devious and everything Achilleas didn’t like about court. Despite, as far as Achilleas was concerned, doing little of note, and possessing little in the way of martial skill, the Condos Lord seemed to ingratiate himself with people and convince them he deserved some merit. Which in anyone else he might have begrudgingly admired, but somehow with Nikos, it was just irritating.
Though polished enough to keep his feelings from his face in most cases, he didn’t bother trying to mimic any affection for his fellow lord. When the other had finished speaking Achilleas stopped, rounded so he was facing the shorter man and raised his eyebrows as he looked down on him. “What do you want Condos?”
He absolutely wasn’t about to discuss anything to do with his half-sister with the man and so just ignored the comments levelled in that direction. If Nikos thought to score points there he would find himself walking a dangerous line. However publicly his father chose to scorn his wife, Achilleas would not bear it from any other. And though he certainly wasn’t about to cause a scene at such an event, the expression on his face was hard enough to leave Nikos in no doubt that he was pushing the boundaries of acceptable conduct.
Achilleas had sighed a small sigh of relief as he had left Sara with Imma of Leventi. He’d done his duty by her, and the girl had managed to make him feel bad for not having done more. He didn’t owe her anything - her very existence was an insult to his mother, and yet somehow he felt like he had wronged Sara somehow. Shockingly, he found himself wondering if he should try and follow Emilios’ lead. His brother seemed to have fostered a more cordial relationship with Sara at least. Maybe he had been too remote? It needled at him, and Achilleas picked up a cup of wine from a passing servant and took a sip, frowning slightly.
The expression settled more comfortably when the recognisable voice of Nikos of Condos sounded beside him, The man was an idiot and a persistent thorn in Achilleas’ side. That he was trying to bait him was hardly subtle, and the Mikaelidas man took a slow inhale when the other fell into step beside him. It appeared he was not going to escape a conversation with the fool.
There was a low-level dislike that Achilleas held for the son of Nikolias, and one that he was almost sure was mutual. Even since they were boys there was just something about Nikos that irked him: his arrogance perhaps. His face. Nikos was smarmy and devious and everything Achilleas didn’t like about court. Despite, as far as Achilleas was concerned, doing little of note, and possessing little in the way of martial skill, the Condos Lord seemed to ingratiate himself with people and convince them he deserved some merit. Which in anyone else he might have begrudgingly admired, but somehow with Nikos, it was just irritating.
Though polished enough to keep his feelings from his face in most cases, he didn’t bother trying to mimic any affection for his fellow lord. When the other had finished speaking Achilleas stopped, rounded so he was facing the shorter man and raised his eyebrows as he looked down on him. “What do you want Condos?”
He absolutely wasn’t about to discuss anything to do with his half-sister with the man and so just ignored the comments levelled in that direction. If Nikos thought to score points there he would find himself walking a dangerous line. However publicly his father chose to scorn his wife, Achilleas would not bear it from any other. And though he certainly wasn’t about to cause a scene at such an event, the expression on his face was hard enough to leave Nikos in no doubt that he was pushing the boundaries of acceptable conduct.
Stephanos spun his sister around maybe twice too often to check if Achilleas was dancing with Sara, but once he saw his cousin being his gallant self, Stephanos was a little kinder to Xene and possibly Xene’s stomach. Turning too fast and too often could make anyone queasy. Satisfied that the evening was now saved and no girl, no matter whose daughter she was, was going to be left in a corner, Stephanos turned his attention back to Xene, asking her idle questions on such benign topics ranging from how she felt about the decor to mentioning Nikos of Condos looking very much like a preening peacock, to how well she looked. He was having such a nice time dancing with Xene that he beamed at Achilleas when they locked eyes across the dancefloor. Everything was going smoothly.
Until, it wasn’t.
He and Xene took two more turns around the floor and that was when Stephanos realized that Achilleas and Sara were no longer in the dance at all. His cousin had taken Sara to Imma Leventi and was now locked in conversation with Nikos of Condos who had the smarmiest, smuggest look on his face. From this distance, he couldn’t hear what Nikos was saying, but he knew that it was something snide. “Come on, Xene,” Stephanos led his sister off the dance floor. “I need some fresh air.”
Fresh air, it turned out, meant leading Xene off the dance floor and straight towards Nikos and Achilleas, where they stood on the far side of the room. To their back was a balcony and off that balcony spilled a marble stairway, spiraling down into the gardens below. There was a very specific place of fresh air that Stephanos wanted to get to. And, what was a party without company? Sweeping up to his cousin and the Condos lord, he stopped, smiled tightly at Nikos, eyes running Nikos from the crown of his head to his toes. “Lord Condos, you’re looking paler than usual. Join me and my sister in the gardens, won’t you?” He gave Achilleas a look that clearly ordered him to come as well.
Stephanos did not wait for Nikos to say ‘yes, my prince’ or ‘of course, your highness’. He simply kept walking, fully and rightly expecting the others to follow. As prince of the realm, he was not to be disobeyed, even if the order was frivolous. Keeping his back to Nikos, Stephanos’s face split into the most malevolent grin and he asked Xene to make sure she had Nikos’s arm.
“Just down here,” he told the three of them as they stepped out into the night onto the balcony. Servants were fleeing ahead of them to light torches down in the garden below so that it would not be so dark and fire flickered to life like magic as Stephanos swept his arm out for the others to descend the stairs first. Following behind them, he pointed to the center of the garden where a large fountain stood. “Nikos, I’d like you to go with us to the fountain. They say if you lean over, Apollo might reveal your future.” He beamed at Nikos, arms still affixed behind his back, ready to follow after the man who had little enough choice in this adventure.
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Stephanos spun his sister around maybe twice too often to check if Achilleas was dancing with Sara, but once he saw his cousin being his gallant self, Stephanos was a little kinder to Xene and possibly Xene’s stomach. Turning too fast and too often could make anyone queasy. Satisfied that the evening was now saved and no girl, no matter whose daughter she was, was going to be left in a corner, Stephanos turned his attention back to Xene, asking her idle questions on such benign topics ranging from how she felt about the decor to mentioning Nikos of Condos looking very much like a preening peacock, to how well she looked. He was having such a nice time dancing with Xene that he beamed at Achilleas when they locked eyes across the dancefloor. Everything was going smoothly.
Until, it wasn’t.
He and Xene took two more turns around the floor and that was when Stephanos realized that Achilleas and Sara were no longer in the dance at all. His cousin had taken Sara to Imma Leventi and was now locked in conversation with Nikos of Condos who had the smarmiest, smuggest look on his face. From this distance, he couldn’t hear what Nikos was saying, but he knew that it was something snide. “Come on, Xene,” Stephanos led his sister off the dance floor. “I need some fresh air.”
Fresh air, it turned out, meant leading Xene off the dance floor and straight towards Nikos and Achilleas, where they stood on the far side of the room. To their back was a balcony and off that balcony spilled a marble stairway, spiraling down into the gardens below. There was a very specific place of fresh air that Stephanos wanted to get to. And, what was a party without company? Sweeping up to his cousin and the Condos lord, he stopped, smiled tightly at Nikos, eyes running Nikos from the crown of his head to his toes. “Lord Condos, you’re looking paler than usual. Join me and my sister in the gardens, won’t you?” He gave Achilleas a look that clearly ordered him to come as well.
Stephanos did not wait for Nikos to say ‘yes, my prince’ or ‘of course, your highness’. He simply kept walking, fully and rightly expecting the others to follow. As prince of the realm, he was not to be disobeyed, even if the order was frivolous. Keeping his back to Nikos, Stephanos’s face split into the most malevolent grin and he asked Xene to make sure she had Nikos’s arm.
“Just down here,” he told the three of them as they stepped out into the night onto the balcony. Servants were fleeing ahead of them to light torches down in the garden below so that it would not be so dark and fire flickered to life like magic as Stephanos swept his arm out for the others to descend the stairs first. Following behind them, he pointed to the center of the garden where a large fountain stood. “Nikos, I’d like you to go with us to the fountain. They say if you lean over, Apollo might reveal your future.” He beamed at Nikos, arms still affixed behind his back, ready to follow after the man who had little enough choice in this adventure.
Stephanos spun his sister around maybe twice too often to check if Achilleas was dancing with Sara, but once he saw his cousin being his gallant self, Stephanos was a little kinder to Xene and possibly Xene’s stomach. Turning too fast and too often could make anyone queasy. Satisfied that the evening was now saved and no girl, no matter whose daughter she was, was going to be left in a corner, Stephanos turned his attention back to Xene, asking her idle questions on such benign topics ranging from how she felt about the decor to mentioning Nikos of Condos looking very much like a preening peacock, to how well she looked. He was having such a nice time dancing with Xene that he beamed at Achilleas when they locked eyes across the dancefloor. Everything was going smoothly.
Until, it wasn’t.
He and Xene took two more turns around the floor and that was when Stephanos realized that Achilleas and Sara were no longer in the dance at all. His cousin had taken Sara to Imma Leventi and was now locked in conversation with Nikos of Condos who had the smarmiest, smuggest look on his face. From this distance, he couldn’t hear what Nikos was saying, but he knew that it was something snide. “Come on, Xene,” Stephanos led his sister off the dance floor. “I need some fresh air.”
Fresh air, it turned out, meant leading Xene off the dance floor and straight towards Nikos and Achilleas, where they stood on the far side of the room. To their back was a balcony and off that balcony spilled a marble stairway, spiraling down into the gardens below. There was a very specific place of fresh air that Stephanos wanted to get to. And, what was a party without company? Sweeping up to his cousin and the Condos lord, he stopped, smiled tightly at Nikos, eyes running Nikos from the crown of his head to his toes. “Lord Condos, you’re looking paler than usual. Join me and my sister in the gardens, won’t you?” He gave Achilleas a look that clearly ordered him to come as well.
Stephanos did not wait for Nikos to say ‘yes, my prince’ or ‘of course, your highness’. He simply kept walking, fully and rightly expecting the others to follow. As prince of the realm, he was not to be disobeyed, even if the order was frivolous. Keeping his back to Nikos, Stephanos’s face split into the most malevolent grin and he asked Xene to make sure she had Nikos’s arm.
“Just down here,” he told the three of them as they stepped out into the night onto the balcony. Servants were fleeing ahead of them to light torches down in the garden below so that it would not be so dark and fire flickered to life like magic as Stephanos swept his arm out for the others to descend the stairs first. Following behind them, he pointed to the center of the garden where a large fountain stood. “Nikos, I’d like you to go with us to the fountain. They say if you lean over, Apollo might reveal your future.” He beamed at Nikos, arms still affixed behind his back, ready to follow after the man who had little enough choice in this adventure.
She really did not get an opportunity to apologize before he had stopped, her heart dropping to the pit of her stomach as she realized what a mistake she had made. ”Achilleas, I....” She said, all the humor dropping from her expression. She grew concerned, her brows furrowing as he apologized to her. It made her feel awful as he pulled her with him off of the dancing floor -- quickly and effectively ending their dance. And she had been having such fun too, but she’d just had to ruin it with teasing him. He wasn’t Emilios, and he couldn’t tell that was all that she was doing.
”Hold on.” She tried, but he didn’t seem to be listening. ”Let me…” But she trailed off because before she could think of what to say in response -- he’d abandoned her with Imma. He was quick about it, speaking a few pleasantries before turning away and quickly hurrying off. Blinking as she tried to comprehend what had just happened, she reflexively turned to the pretty blonde girl with a smile. ”Sorry.” She said breathlessly, looking as flustered as she felt. ”I think I just offended him.” She admitted, still looking troubled. But he was gone, and she did not have the courage to go after him. She would try to make amends later, watching as he quickly disappeared into the crowd. What a disaster! How in the world was she ever going to be able to face him again?
Her blue gaze flickered back to Imma, offering her a more genuine smile. ”Quite the party. Are you enjoying it? It’s my first one, and I’ve already made quite the mess.” She laughed timidly, her hands twisting nervously in front of her. She could feel the anxiousness in her belly, like a pit that she could not fill. ”You look really pretty.” She complimented. ”That color really suits you.” She took a seat next to the other young girl. They had known each other for quite a long time, through their families’ many encounters over the years. Sara felt quite comfortable holding a conversation with her.
The brunette reached up to touch her hair, the elegant sweep of it combined with the small amount of makeup she’d been permitted to wear making her look much older than her fifteen years. ”I was actually looking for you, before my brother decided to ask me to dance. I’m glad you’re here, I was hoping you would be.” She said, angling to settle in for a conversation. ”Tell me, is there anything new?”
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She really did not get an opportunity to apologize before he had stopped, her heart dropping to the pit of her stomach as she realized what a mistake she had made. ”Achilleas, I....” She said, all the humor dropping from her expression. She grew concerned, her brows furrowing as he apologized to her. It made her feel awful as he pulled her with him off of the dancing floor -- quickly and effectively ending their dance. And she had been having such fun too, but she’d just had to ruin it with teasing him. He wasn’t Emilios, and he couldn’t tell that was all that she was doing.
”Hold on.” She tried, but he didn’t seem to be listening. ”Let me…” But she trailed off because before she could think of what to say in response -- he’d abandoned her with Imma. He was quick about it, speaking a few pleasantries before turning away and quickly hurrying off. Blinking as she tried to comprehend what had just happened, she reflexively turned to the pretty blonde girl with a smile. ”Sorry.” She said breathlessly, looking as flustered as she felt. ”I think I just offended him.” She admitted, still looking troubled. But he was gone, and she did not have the courage to go after him. She would try to make amends later, watching as he quickly disappeared into the crowd. What a disaster! How in the world was she ever going to be able to face him again?
Her blue gaze flickered back to Imma, offering her a more genuine smile. ”Quite the party. Are you enjoying it? It’s my first one, and I’ve already made quite the mess.” She laughed timidly, her hands twisting nervously in front of her. She could feel the anxiousness in her belly, like a pit that she could not fill. ”You look really pretty.” She complimented. ”That color really suits you.” She took a seat next to the other young girl. They had known each other for quite a long time, through their families’ many encounters over the years. Sara felt quite comfortable holding a conversation with her.
The brunette reached up to touch her hair, the elegant sweep of it combined with the small amount of makeup she’d been permitted to wear making her look much older than her fifteen years. ”I was actually looking for you, before my brother decided to ask me to dance. I’m glad you’re here, I was hoping you would be.” She said, angling to settle in for a conversation. ”Tell me, is there anything new?”
She really did not get an opportunity to apologize before he had stopped, her heart dropping to the pit of her stomach as she realized what a mistake she had made. ”Achilleas, I....” She said, all the humor dropping from her expression. She grew concerned, her brows furrowing as he apologized to her. It made her feel awful as he pulled her with him off of the dancing floor -- quickly and effectively ending their dance. And she had been having such fun too, but she’d just had to ruin it with teasing him. He wasn’t Emilios, and he couldn’t tell that was all that she was doing.
”Hold on.” She tried, but he didn’t seem to be listening. ”Let me…” But she trailed off because before she could think of what to say in response -- he’d abandoned her with Imma. He was quick about it, speaking a few pleasantries before turning away and quickly hurrying off. Blinking as she tried to comprehend what had just happened, she reflexively turned to the pretty blonde girl with a smile. ”Sorry.” She said breathlessly, looking as flustered as she felt. ”I think I just offended him.” She admitted, still looking troubled. But he was gone, and she did not have the courage to go after him. She would try to make amends later, watching as he quickly disappeared into the crowd. What a disaster! How in the world was she ever going to be able to face him again?
Her blue gaze flickered back to Imma, offering her a more genuine smile. ”Quite the party. Are you enjoying it? It’s my first one, and I’ve already made quite the mess.” She laughed timidly, her hands twisting nervously in front of her. She could feel the anxiousness in her belly, like a pit that she could not fill. ”You look really pretty.” She complimented. ”That color really suits you.” She took a seat next to the other young girl. They had known each other for quite a long time, through their families’ many encounters over the years. Sara felt quite comfortable holding a conversation with her.
The brunette reached up to touch her hair, the elegant sweep of it combined with the small amount of makeup she’d been permitted to wear making her look much older than her fifteen years. ”I was actually looking for you, before my brother decided to ask me to dance. I’m glad you’re here, I was hoping you would be.” She said, angling to settle in for a conversation. ”Tell me, is there anything new?”
The next dance began, and no gallant young man asked her to take a turn with him around the floor. Imma didn’t know whether to be relieved or disappointed. A bit of both, perhaps. Turning her gaze away from the dancers, she looked down at her plate. Lifting an oyster on half a shell to her lips, she sighed in pleasure as she bit into the succulent mollusc. The food was excellent. Maybe she should be glad that she was ignored in her little corner so that she could enjoy her delicious repast.
Still, the concern remained that she was simply not interesting enough to approach. Why should anyone want to pay attention to her when she had so many beautiful sisters who were already popular around court? This was her first event. Though everyone probably knew who she was, there was nothing remarkable about her. She was just one young lady in a sea of many. Imma didn’t want to stand out; she didn’t like being the center of attention. All she wished was to fit in.
I should have brought my sketchbook, she thought. Maybe she would have attracted a few courtiers who were curious as to what she was drawing. She would be praised then, for she knew that she was talented at sketching and painting. The young blonde was said to have a gift for art and was already making a name for herself at the Scholeio, both with her painting and her sculpting. Her artistry was the only area of her life in which she was confident. I will take it with me from now on, she determined as she carefully slid a row of grilled scallops from their skewer and popped one into her mouth.
Closing her eyes, Imma savored the delectable taste until she was startled by a male voice greeting her by name. Her eyes flew open and she looked up at Prince Achilleas with a hopeful expression on her face. He was so handsome. Would he ask her to dance or wish to talk with her? Her heart leapt in her chest, only to fall to the pit of her stomach when he told her that he was leaving his half-sister with her because she was a better conversationalist than he was. That was a compliment, she supposed, but not the kind she had hoped for.
Focused on Achilleas, she had not noticed Sara standing beside him. The prince left before she could say anything. She was disappointed, yes, but the presence of the girl whom she considered her best friend cheered her up. It seemed like Sara was having trouble tonight too. “He’s your brother,” Imma reassured her. “He’ll forgive you. I can’t even count the number of times I offended my sisters. They never stay mad at me for long.”
The young blonde smiled back. “It’s my first party too.” She noticed her friend’s nervousness. Sara had always been timid and anxious, traits that Imma didn’t share. She had her own insecurities, particularly about her appearance. “I think the first time is always awkward. I would have messed up too if I hadn’t been ignored all night.” She shrugged her delicate shoulders and sighed. “Being overlooked is the story of my life.”
Her smile broadened at Sara’s compliment. “Thanks. You look quite lovely too.” She was pleased when Sara sat down beside her and set her plate on the table next to the kline. “I was hoping that you would be here as well.” Reaching over, she squeezed the brunette’s hand. “We should stick together, since we’re both new to court.”
Was there anything new to regale her friend with? “Not really. My art studies are progressing nicely, as is my garden.” Her sky-blue eyes lit up. “You should come and see it, Sara. The flowers are all blooming now and the fragrance in the air is divine. Maybe you can visit me and stay for awhile if your parents will allow it. We can go riding together too.”
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The next dance began, and no gallant young man asked her to take a turn with him around the floor. Imma didn’t know whether to be relieved or disappointed. A bit of both, perhaps. Turning her gaze away from the dancers, she looked down at her plate. Lifting an oyster on half a shell to her lips, she sighed in pleasure as she bit into the succulent mollusc. The food was excellent. Maybe she should be glad that she was ignored in her little corner so that she could enjoy her delicious repast.
Still, the concern remained that she was simply not interesting enough to approach. Why should anyone want to pay attention to her when she had so many beautiful sisters who were already popular around court? This was her first event. Though everyone probably knew who she was, there was nothing remarkable about her. She was just one young lady in a sea of many. Imma didn’t want to stand out; she didn’t like being the center of attention. All she wished was to fit in.
I should have brought my sketchbook, she thought. Maybe she would have attracted a few courtiers who were curious as to what she was drawing. She would be praised then, for she knew that she was talented at sketching and painting. The young blonde was said to have a gift for art and was already making a name for herself at the Scholeio, both with her painting and her sculpting. Her artistry was the only area of her life in which she was confident. I will take it with me from now on, she determined as she carefully slid a row of grilled scallops from their skewer and popped one into her mouth.
Closing her eyes, Imma savored the delectable taste until she was startled by a male voice greeting her by name. Her eyes flew open and she looked up at Prince Achilleas with a hopeful expression on her face. He was so handsome. Would he ask her to dance or wish to talk with her? Her heart leapt in her chest, only to fall to the pit of her stomach when he told her that he was leaving his half-sister with her because she was a better conversationalist than he was. That was a compliment, she supposed, but not the kind she had hoped for.
Focused on Achilleas, she had not noticed Sara standing beside him. The prince left before she could say anything. She was disappointed, yes, but the presence of the girl whom she considered her best friend cheered her up. It seemed like Sara was having trouble tonight too. “He’s your brother,” Imma reassured her. “He’ll forgive you. I can’t even count the number of times I offended my sisters. They never stay mad at me for long.”
The young blonde smiled back. “It’s my first party too.” She noticed her friend’s nervousness. Sara had always been timid and anxious, traits that Imma didn’t share. She had her own insecurities, particularly about her appearance. “I think the first time is always awkward. I would have messed up too if I hadn’t been ignored all night.” She shrugged her delicate shoulders and sighed. “Being overlooked is the story of my life.”
Her smile broadened at Sara’s compliment. “Thanks. You look quite lovely too.” She was pleased when Sara sat down beside her and set her plate on the table next to the kline. “I was hoping that you would be here as well.” Reaching over, she squeezed the brunette’s hand. “We should stick together, since we’re both new to court.”
Was there anything new to regale her friend with? “Not really. My art studies are progressing nicely, as is my garden.” Her sky-blue eyes lit up. “You should come and see it, Sara. The flowers are all blooming now and the fragrance in the air is divine. Maybe you can visit me and stay for awhile if your parents will allow it. We can go riding together too.”
The next dance began, and no gallant young man asked her to take a turn with him around the floor. Imma didn’t know whether to be relieved or disappointed. A bit of both, perhaps. Turning her gaze away from the dancers, she looked down at her plate. Lifting an oyster on half a shell to her lips, she sighed in pleasure as she bit into the succulent mollusc. The food was excellent. Maybe she should be glad that she was ignored in her little corner so that she could enjoy her delicious repast.
Still, the concern remained that she was simply not interesting enough to approach. Why should anyone want to pay attention to her when she had so many beautiful sisters who were already popular around court? This was her first event. Though everyone probably knew who she was, there was nothing remarkable about her. She was just one young lady in a sea of many. Imma didn’t want to stand out; she didn’t like being the center of attention. All she wished was to fit in.
I should have brought my sketchbook, she thought. Maybe she would have attracted a few courtiers who were curious as to what she was drawing. She would be praised then, for she knew that she was talented at sketching and painting. The young blonde was said to have a gift for art and was already making a name for herself at the Scholeio, both with her painting and her sculpting. Her artistry was the only area of her life in which she was confident. I will take it with me from now on, she determined as she carefully slid a row of grilled scallops from their skewer and popped one into her mouth.
Closing her eyes, Imma savored the delectable taste until she was startled by a male voice greeting her by name. Her eyes flew open and she looked up at Prince Achilleas with a hopeful expression on her face. He was so handsome. Would he ask her to dance or wish to talk with her? Her heart leapt in her chest, only to fall to the pit of her stomach when he told her that he was leaving his half-sister with her because she was a better conversationalist than he was. That was a compliment, she supposed, but not the kind she had hoped for.
Focused on Achilleas, she had not noticed Sara standing beside him. The prince left before she could say anything. She was disappointed, yes, but the presence of the girl whom she considered her best friend cheered her up. It seemed like Sara was having trouble tonight too. “He’s your brother,” Imma reassured her. “He’ll forgive you. I can’t even count the number of times I offended my sisters. They never stay mad at me for long.”
The young blonde smiled back. “It’s my first party too.” She noticed her friend’s nervousness. Sara had always been timid and anxious, traits that Imma didn’t share. She had her own insecurities, particularly about her appearance. “I think the first time is always awkward. I would have messed up too if I hadn’t been ignored all night.” She shrugged her delicate shoulders and sighed. “Being overlooked is the story of my life.”
Her smile broadened at Sara’s compliment. “Thanks. You look quite lovely too.” She was pleased when Sara sat down beside her and set her plate on the table next to the kline. “I was hoping that you would be here as well.” Reaching over, she squeezed the brunette’s hand. “We should stick together, since we’re both new to court.”
Was there anything new to regale her friend with? “Not really. My art studies are progressing nicely, as is my garden.” Her sky-blue eyes lit up. “You should come and see it, Sara. The flowers are all blooming now and the fragrance in the air is divine. Maybe you can visit me and stay for awhile if your parents will allow it. We can go riding together too.”
She smiled, but it was sadder somehow. ”Maybe.” She said wistfully, as if she were not entirely sure that her blonde friend was right. ”Achilleas is…different.” It was not a secret that there were odd rifts in the Mikaledias household. Irakles was holding them together by the force of his will, but what would happen if that were to change? Sara shook her head violently, banishing the thought entirely. Nothing was going to happen to her father, he was going to live a long life -- she told herself firmly. She scanned the room, wondering where the older man was. She had yet to run into him.
The young woman scooted closer to her dear friend, laying a friendly hand on her shoulder. Sara was quite a shy, awkward girl but Imma had been her friend for as long as she could remember. She laughed quietly, knowing the struggles that Imma faced as the youngest Leventi daughter. They shared that too, being the youngest of their respective families. ”It won’t be forever.” She teased, grinning. ”I am willing to bet that you’ll be the most beautiful Leventi girl of them all. All the men will fawn over you once we make it to court for the first time.” She was laughing, but she meant what she said. ”Should we make a bet about how many marriage offers you’ll have on your first day?”
The pair of them sat together for a while, the chatter between them as easy as wine being poured into a cup. It had always been so, and Sara found herself relaxing a little despite the rather awkward encounter with her brother. Her cheeks flushed red as she thought of it again. Gods, would she ever live that embarrassment down? Would she have a chance sooner rather than later to apologize for being so cruel to him when he’d genuinely been trying to be kind?
Sara smiled as Imma’s hand rested over hers, returning the squeeze gratefully. Imma’s mention of her garden had piqued her interest. ”Yes, I would love that. Maybe I can bring you some cuttings from my garden, if you’d like them? I’ll ask my mother if we can.” The young brunette got to her feet then, reaching for Imma’s plate to set it aside for servants to pick up later. Achilleas and his friends were no longer in sight, but the dancing was still in full swing. ”Come on.” She said, taking both of Imma’s hands. ”You said that you wished to dance, yes? Let’s dance together.” She laughed, the sound loud and girlish.
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She smiled, but it was sadder somehow. ”Maybe.” She said wistfully, as if she were not entirely sure that her blonde friend was right. ”Achilleas is…different.” It was not a secret that there were odd rifts in the Mikaledias household. Irakles was holding them together by the force of his will, but what would happen if that were to change? Sara shook her head violently, banishing the thought entirely. Nothing was going to happen to her father, he was going to live a long life -- she told herself firmly. She scanned the room, wondering where the older man was. She had yet to run into him.
The young woman scooted closer to her dear friend, laying a friendly hand on her shoulder. Sara was quite a shy, awkward girl but Imma had been her friend for as long as she could remember. She laughed quietly, knowing the struggles that Imma faced as the youngest Leventi daughter. They shared that too, being the youngest of their respective families. ”It won’t be forever.” She teased, grinning. ”I am willing to bet that you’ll be the most beautiful Leventi girl of them all. All the men will fawn over you once we make it to court for the first time.” She was laughing, but she meant what she said. ”Should we make a bet about how many marriage offers you’ll have on your first day?”
The pair of them sat together for a while, the chatter between them as easy as wine being poured into a cup. It had always been so, and Sara found herself relaxing a little despite the rather awkward encounter with her brother. Her cheeks flushed red as she thought of it again. Gods, would she ever live that embarrassment down? Would she have a chance sooner rather than later to apologize for being so cruel to him when he’d genuinely been trying to be kind?
Sara smiled as Imma’s hand rested over hers, returning the squeeze gratefully. Imma’s mention of her garden had piqued her interest. ”Yes, I would love that. Maybe I can bring you some cuttings from my garden, if you’d like them? I’ll ask my mother if we can.” The young brunette got to her feet then, reaching for Imma’s plate to set it aside for servants to pick up later. Achilleas and his friends were no longer in sight, but the dancing was still in full swing. ”Come on.” She said, taking both of Imma’s hands. ”You said that you wished to dance, yes? Let’s dance together.” She laughed, the sound loud and girlish.
She smiled, but it was sadder somehow. ”Maybe.” She said wistfully, as if she were not entirely sure that her blonde friend was right. ”Achilleas is…different.” It was not a secret that there were odd rifts in the Mikaledias household. Irakles was holding them together by the force of his will, but what would happen if that were to change? Sara shook her head violently, banishing the thought entirely. Nothing was going to happen to her father, he was going to live a long life -- she told herself firmly. She scanned the room, wondering where the older man was. She had yet to run into him.
The young woman scooted closer to her dear friend, laying a friendly hand on her shoulder. Sara was quite a shy, awkward girl but Imma had been her friend for as long as she could remember. She laughed quietly, knowing the struggles that Imma faced as the youngest Leventi daughter. They shared that too, being the youngest of their respective families. ”It won’t be forever.” She teased, grinning. ”I am willing to bet that you’ll be the most beautiful Leventi girl of them all. All the men will fawn over you once we make it to court for the first time.” She was laughing, but she meant what she said. ”Should we make a bet about how many marriage offers you’ll have on your first day?”
The pair of them sat together for a while, the chatter between them as easy as wine being poured into a cup. It had always been so, and Sara found herself relaxing a little despite the rather awkward encounter with her brother. Her cheeks flushed red as she thought of it again. Gods, would she ever live that embarrassment down? Would she have a chance sooner rather than later to apologize for being so cruel to him when he’d genuinely been trying to be kind?
Sara smiled as Imma’s hand rested over hers, returning the squeeze gratefully. Imma’s mention of her garden had piqued her interest. ”Yes, I would love that. Maybe I can bring you some cuttings from my garden, if you’d like them? I’ll ask my mother if we can.” The young brunette got to her feet then, reaching for Imma’s plate to set it aside for servants to pick up later. Achilleas and his friends were no longer in sight, but the dancing was still in full swing. ”Come on.” She said, taking both of Imma’s hands. ”You said that you wished to dance, yes? Let’s dance together.” She laughed, the sound loud and girlish.
'What do you want Condos?'
The look on Achilleas' face let Nikos know that he'd hit a nerve. The look in his own blue eyes indicated that he'd meant to do just that. Ni held up his hands in surrender, "Can't I greet my cousin without the need for a reason?" His tone was innocent, giving a connotation that he may have been slightly offended. He wasn't, of course. Nik was about to continue the conversation, when the prince arrived with his sister in tow.
'Lord Condos, you're looking paler than usual. Join me and my sister in the gardens, won't you?"
Nikos' smile remained on his face, but the glint in his eyes dimmed considerably. It always seemed to never end well for him when Stephanos joined in on the feud between Achilleas and himself. "Gladly, Your Highness," he said, even as the other man started for the balcony without waiting for a response. The Condos lord narrowed his eyes on Achilleas, and a tic started in his clenched jaw. But he wiped it away and replaced it with his signature charming grin when Princess Xene stepped forward. He offered his arm and fell in step behind the prince.
The fountain? Nik peered over the railing to the fountain in the garden. He looked to Stephanos, to Achilleas, and back to the prince. He considered declining, making some excuse and dodging back inside. But the prince was... well, the prince. Declining an invitation, however insidious Nikos thought it to surely be, would not reflect well on House Condos. Nikos bit his tongue, as much in frustration as to fight back the more rude retorts flashing through his mind. "I have no desire to have my fortune told, my prince. But it would be my pleasure to accompany you and Princess Xene to the fountain all the same." He gave a disarming smile and began to lead the way down the stairs with the princess. That tic started pulsing in his jaw again. This was not going to end well, he just knew it. No matter. He would find a way to get them back for whatever that had planned. Ever the opportunist, Nikos always found a way.
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'What do you want Condos?'
The look on Achilleas' face let Nikos know that he'd hit a nerve. The look in his own blue eyes indicated that he'd meant to do just that. Ni held up his hands in surrender, "Can't I greet my cousin without the need for a reason?" His tone was innocent, giving a connotation that he may have been slightly offended. He wasn't, of course. Nik was about to continue the conversation, when the prince arrived with his sister in tow.
'Lord Condos, you're looking paler than usual. Join me and my sister in the gardens, won't you?"
Nikos' smile remained on his face, but the glint in his eyes dimmed considerably. It always seemed to never end well for him when Stephanos joined in on the feud between Achilleas and himself. "Gladly, Your Highness," he said, even as the other man started for the balcony without waiting for a response. The Condos lord narrowed his eyes on Achilleas, and a tic started in his clenched jaw. But he wiped it away and replaced it with his signature charming grin when Princess Xene stepped forward. He offered his arm and fell in step behind the prince.
The fountain? Nik peered over the railing to the fountain in the garden. He looked to Stephanos, to Achilleas, and back to the prince. He considered declining, making some excuse and dodging back inside. But the prince was... well, the prince. Declining an invitation, however insidious Nikos thought it to surely be, would not reflect well on House Condos. Nikos bit his tongue, as much in frustration as to fight back the more rude retorts flashing through his mind. "I have no desire to have my fortune told, my prince. But it would be my pleasure to accompany you and Princess Xene to the fountain all the same." He gave a disarming smile and began to lead the way down the stairs with the princess. That tic started pulsing in his jaw again. This was not going to end well, he just knew it. No matter. He would find a way to get them back for whatever that had planned. Ever the opportunist, Nikos always found a way.
'What do you want Condos?'
The look on Achilleas' face let Nikos know that he'd hit a nerve. The look in his own blue eyes indicated that he'd meant to do just that. Ni held up his hands in surrender, "Can't I greet my cousin without the need for a reason?" His tone was innocent, giving a connotation that he may have been slightly offended. He wasn't, of course. Nik was about to continue the conversation, when the prince arrived with his sister in tow.
'Lord Condos, you're looking paler than usual. Join me and my sister in the gardens, won't you?"
Nikos' smile remained on his face, but the glint in his eyes dimmed considerably. It always seemed to never end well for him when Stephanos joined in on the feud between Achilleas and himself. "Gladly, Your Highness," he said, even as the other man started for the balcony without waiting for a response. The Condos lord narrowed his eyes on Achilleas, and a tic started in his clenched jaw. But he wiped it away and replaced it with his signature charming grin when Princess Xene stepped forward. He offered his arm and fell in step behind the prince.
The fountain? Nik peered over the railing to the fountain in the garden. He looked to Stephanos, to Achilleas, and back to the prince. He considered declining, making some excuse and dodging back inside. But the prince was... well, the prince. Declining an invitation, however insidious Nikos thought it to surely be, would not reflect well on House Condos. Nikos bit his tongue, as much in frustration as to fight back the more rude retorts flashing through his mind. "I have no desire to have my fortune told, my prince. But it would be my pleasure to accompany you and Princess Xene to the fountain all the same." He gave a disarming smile and began to lead the way down the stairs with the princess. That tic started pulsing in his jaw again. This was not going to end well, he just knew it. No matter. He would find a way to get them back for whatever that had planned. Ever the opportunist, Nikos always found a way.
Achilleas highly doubtedNikos of Condos did anything without a reason. He was a manipulative little weasel and was not be to trusted as far as he could be thrown. And right at that moment, it was a tempting proposition to find out exactly how far that was. He smiled tightly. “Oh was that a greeting? Forgive me, I must have lost it amongst the implied insult”
Whatever mild unpleasantries they might have traded beyond that were lost in the interruption from Stephanos and Xene, and Achilleas felt a little of his annoyance melt away in their arrival. And when Stephanos bid the Condos Lord accompany them outside, Achilleas shot a questioning look at Xene before catching the one sent to him by the Prince. Oh. They were all going then, were they?
Stephanos had been closest in age to him growing up, indeed they had been close when they were younger, had come up through the ranks together, served in the order together. But friends, cousins, whatever else, it didn’t change the fact that sometimes Stephanos played the Prince card and Achilleas just had to go along with it. Indeed, his Mikaelidas cousins had swept on ahead and he trailed after them, wondering what exactly Stephanos had in mind. It was revealed soon enough when they got outside and wandered down the stone staircase ahead of the prince, and here Achilleas turned a glance upon his cousin that was trying to be disapproving because really, one couldn’t go around tipping barons into fountains. Only it was really very hard to summon righteous indignation on behalf of such a fool as Nikos of Condos, and so Achilleas didn’t try too hard. That and he was walking down steps, and it was difficult to do whilst looking backwards.
When that hazard was safely navigated, he glanced to Condos, watched as the man tried and failed to disguise his irritation, simply lifted his eyebrows when Nikos’s gaze met his own as if daring the man to defy his Prince. Of course, he didn’t but instead attempted to politely decline the opportunity to look into the fountain.
As they made their way toward it, Achilleas could not help but think his cousin would not be so easily thwarted. He had a good idea how this little misadventure was going to end, and more to the point he was quite sure Nikos had figured it out too, but the man was trapped, with no way out, and no one here predisposed to help him. Unless Princess Xene were to take pity on the man, though Achilleas could think why she would. Or, and he adjusted that thought because he knew why she would and the rational part of him knew this to be a poor idea as well, but he hoped she wouldn’t.
Still, Achilleas kept a neutral expression upon his face as the foursome drew close to the fabled fountain, the carved stone face of the God of Light looking down upon them benignly. Perhaps they would have to pray for forgiveness later. He glanced at Stephanos, guilelessly asking.
“What is the story behind the fountain, your highness?”
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Achilleas highly doubtedNikos of Condos did anything without a reason. He was a manipulative little weasel and was not be to trusted as far as he could be thrown. And right at that moment, it was a tempting proposition to find out exactly how far that was. He smiled tightly. “Oh was that a greeting? Forgive me, I must have lost it amongst the implied insult”
Whatever mild unpleasantries they might have traded beyond that were lost in the interruption from Stephanos and Xene, and Achilleas felt a little of his annoyance melt away in their arrival. And when Stephanos bid the Condos Lord accompany them outside, Achilleas shot a questioning look at Xene before catching the one sent to him by the Prince. Oh. They were all going then, were they?
Stephanos had been closest in age to him growing up, indeed they had been close when they were younger, had come up through the ranks together, served in the order together. But friends, cousins, whatever else, it didn’t change the fact that sometimes Stephanos played the Prince card and Achilleas just had to go along with it. Indeed, his Mikaelidas cousins had swept on ahead and he trailed after them, wondering what exactly Stephanos had in mind. It was revealed soon enough when they got outside and wandered down the stone staircase ahead of the prince, and here Achilleas turned a glance upon his cousin that was trying to be disapproving because really, one couldn’t go around tipping barons into fountains. Only it was really very hard to summon righteous indignation on behalf of such a fool as Nikos of Condos, and so Achilleas didn’t try too hard. That and he was walking down steps, and it was difficult to do whilst looking backwards.
When that hazard was safely navigated, he glanced to Condos, watched as the man tried and failed to disguise his irritation, simply lifted his eyebrows when Nikos’s gaze met his own as if daring the man to defy his Prince. Of course, he didn’t but instead attempted to politely decline the opportunity to look into the fountain.
As they made their way toward it, Achilleas could not help but think his cousin would not be so easily thwarted. He had a good idea how this little misadventure was going to end, and more to the point he was quite sure Nikos had figured it out too, but the man was trapped, with no way out, and no one here predisposed to help him. Unless Princess Xene were to take pity on the man, though Achilleas could think why she would. Or, and he adjusted that thought because he knew why she would and the rational part of him knew this to be a poor idea as well, but he hoped she wouldn’t.
Still, Achilleas kept a neutral expression upon his face as the foursome drew close to the fabled fountain, the carved stone face of the God of Light looking down upon them benignly. Perhaps they would have to pray for forgiveness later. He glanced at Stephanos, guilelessly asking.
“What is the story behind the fountain, your highness?”
Achilleas highly doubtedNikos of Condos did anything without a reason. He was a manipulative little weasel and was not be to trusted as far as he could be thrown. And right at that moment, it was a tempting proposition to find out exactly how far that was. He smiled tightly. “Oh was that a greeting? Forgive me, I must have lost it amongst the implied insult”
Whatever mild unpleasantries they might have traded beyond that were lost in the interruption from Stephanos and Xene, and Achilleas felt a little of his annoyance melt away in their arrival. And when Stephanos bid the Condos Lord accompany them outside, Achilleas shot a questioning look at Xene before catching the one sent to him by the Prince. Oh. They were all going then, were they?
Stephanos had been closest in age to him growing up, indeed they had been close when they were younger, had come up through the ranks together, served in the order together. But friends, cousins, whatever else, it didn’t change the fact that sometimes Stephanos played the Prince card and Achilleas just had to go along with it. Indeed, his Mikaelidas cousins had swept on ahead and he trailed after them, wondering what exactly Stephanos had in mind. It was revealed soon enough when they got outside and wandered down the stone staircase ahead of the prince, and here Achilleas turned a glance upon his cousin that was trying to be disapproving because really, one couldn’t go around tipping barons into fountains. Only it was really very hard to summon righteous indignation on behalf of such a fool as Nikos of Condos, and so Achilleas didn’t try too hard. That and he was walking down steps, and it was difficult to do whilst looking backwards.
When that hazard was safely navigated, he glanced to Condos, watched as the man tried and failed to disguise his irritation, simply lifted his eyebrows when Nikos’s gaze met his own as if daring the man to defy his Prince. Of course, he didn’t but instead attempted to politely decline the opportunity to look into the fountain.
As they made their way toward it, Achilleas could not help but think his cousin would not be so easily thwarted. He had a good idea how this little misadventure was going to end, and more to the point he was quite sure Nikos had figured it out too, but the man was trapped, with no way out, and no one here predisposed to help him. Unless Princess Xene were to take pity on the man, though Achilleas could think why she would. Or, and he adjusted that thought because he knew why she would and the rational part of him knew this to be a poor idea as well, but he hoped she wouldn’t.
Still, Achilleas kept a neutral expression upon his face as the foursome drew close to the fabled fountain, the carved stone face of the God of Light looking down upon them benignly. Perhaps they would have to pray for forgiveness later. He glanced at Stephanos, guilelessly asking.
“What is the story behind the fountain, your highness?”
Xene was more than content to dance with her brother, enduring his sweet teasing that she honestly never found herself tired of. She could dish it out and take it, and the princess found herself grinning at her brother then Stephanos pointed out that he could hold his alcohol better than she could. That was probably and very incredibly true, but did she want to give him the satisfaction of knowing he was right? Not really. Did she? Absolutely. Her brother was charming, even to her, and she wouldn't mince words with him.
She never had and she would never be able to, she was sure.
"I think that's actually a rather true statement. Wine makes me improper and I don't think anyone wants to see that," she explained as Stephanos twirled her around on the dancefloor for the last time. "Though, you've seen me drunk and I'm not sure how I feel about that," the princess added, smiling widely and very content to go along with Stephanos' jabbing. Before long, however, Stephanos had spotted Lord Nikos of Condos and the princess had to sigh deeply through her nose when Stephanos said he wanted air.
Knowing her brother as she knew her own mind, she knew that this was going to end up in somewhat of a disaster for Nikos. And she took absolute delight in that fact as she and Stephanos moved back to the group that was Nikos and Achilleas.
Nikos was asked to join them and Xene offered the Lord her arm, her smile simpering and inviting in a way that she had long mastered over the years. Was she interested in Lord Nikos? Absolutely not. But then again, she'd never really been interested in the interests of any man that wasn't her brothers or her cousins, her father or her uncle. Maybe Lord Iason, too. That brought her smile a little more firmly to her features, using it to her advantage as the group of them moved together.
The princess absently thought about the fact that just the slightest movement of her own foot or her gown in the path of Lord Condos would mean that the man would take a tumble down the stone stairs into the garden. It would be royally embarrassing, wouldn't it? And as he had not properly greeted herself and greeted her brother incorrectly, Xene found it all too fitting for the man. Petty, but fitting.
Whatever Stephanos had planned? That was certainly even pettier in nature, but probably far more hilarious than watching a noble lord fall down some stairs as he'd never learned to walk at all. Or like a newborn calf who still didn't have steady footing. Her brother mentioned the fountain and the princess had to look at Achilleas with a smile that said all of her thoughts at once: this was going to be so overwhelmingly entertaining, but if anyone got her dress wet, they would have to ply her with alcohol to make her feel better.
"I have to express to you, Lord Nikos, that having your fortune told is a rather pointed delight. In another lifetime, I think I could have been one," Xene sniffed lightly, her blue gaze set forward as they walked, mostly so she could keep her thoughts to herself.
Lord Achilleas spoke about the fountain itself and Xene's features lit into something akin to curiosity, "Oh. Yes. I want to hear a story," Xene hummed lightly, watching her brother's back. She could just picture the smile on his features. One of cunning and outright elation that they'd gotten Nikos this far with them.
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Xene was more than content to dance with her brother, enduring his sweet teasing that she honestly never found herself tired of. She could dish it out and take it, and the princess found herself grinning at her brother then Stephanos pointed out that he could hold his alcohol better than she could. That was probably and very incredibly true, but did she want to give him the satisfaction of knowing he was right? Not really. Did she? Absolutely. Her brother was charming, even to her, and she wouldn't mince words with him.
She never had and she would never be able to, she was sure.
"I think that's actually a rather true statement. Wine makes me improper and I don't think anyone wants to see that," she explained as Stephanos twirled her around on the dancefloor for the last time. "Though, you've seen me drunk and I'm not sure how I feel about that," the princess added, smiling widely and very content to go along with Stephanos' jabbing. Before long, however, Stephanos had spotted Lord Nikos of Condos and the princess had to sigh deeply through her nose when Stephanos said he wanted air.
Knowing her brother as she knew her own mind, she knew that this was going to end up in somewhat of a disaster for Nikos. And she took absolute delight in that fact as she and Stephanos moved back to the group that was Nikos and Achilleas.
Nikos was asked to join them and Xene offered the Lord her arm, her smile simpering and inviting in a way that she had long mastered over the years. Was she interested in Lord Nikos? Absolutely not. But then again, she'd never really been interested in the interests of any man that wasn't her brothers or her cousins, her father or her uncle. Maybe Lord Iason, too. That brought her smile a little more firmly to her features, using it to her advantage as the group of them moved together.
The princess absently thought about the fact that just the slightest movement of her own foot or her gown in the path of Lord Condos would mean that the man would take a tumble down the stone stairs into the garden. It would be royally embarrassing, wouldn't it? And as he had not properly greeted herself and greeted her brother incorrectly, Xene found it all too fitting for the man. Petty, but fitting.
Whatever Stephanos had planned? That was certainly even pettier in nature, but probably far more hilarious than watching a noble lord fall down some stairs as he'd never learned to walk at all. Or like a newborn calf who still didn't have steady footing. Her brother mentioned the fountain and the princess had to look at Achilleas with a smile that said all of her thoughts at once: this was going to be so overwhelmingly entertaining, but if anyone got her dress wet, they would have to ply her with alcohol to make her feel better.
"I have to express to you, Lord Nikos, that having your fortune told is a rather pointed delight. In another lifetime, I think I could have been one," Xene sniffed lightly, her blue gaze set forward as they walked, mostly so she could keep her thoughts to herself.
Lord Achilleas spoke about the fountain itself and Xene's features lit into something akin to curiosity, "Oh. Yes. I want to hear a story," Xene hummed lightly, watching her brother's back. She could just picture the smile on his features. One of cunning and outright elation that they'd gotten Nikos this far with them.
Xene was more than content to dance with her brother, enduring his sweet teasing that she honestly never found herself tired of. She could dish it out and take it, and the princess found herself grinning at her brother then Stephanos pointed out that he could hold his alcohol better than she could. That was probably and very incredibly true, but did she want to give him the satisfaction of knowing he was right? Not really. Did she? Absolutely. Her brother was charming, even to her, and she wouldn't mince words with him.
She never had and she would never be able to, she was sure.
"I think that's actually a rather true statement. Wine makes me improper and I don't think anyone wants to see that," she explained as Stephanos twirled her around on the dancefloor for the last time. "Though, you've seen me drunk and I'm not sure how I feel about that," the princess added, smiling widely and very content to go along with Stephanos' jabbing. Before long, however, Stephanos had spotted Lord Nikos of Condos and the princess had to sigh deeply through her nose when Stephanos said he wanted air.
Knowing her brother as she knew her own mind, she knew that this was going to end up in somewhat of a disaster for Nikos. And she took absolute delight in that fact as she and Stephanos moved back to the group that was Nikos and Achilleas.
Nikos was asked to join them and Xene offered the Lord her arm, her smile simpering and inviting in a way that she had long mastered over the years. Was she interested in Lord Nikos? Absolutely not. But then again, she'd never really been interested in the interests of any man that wasn't her brothers or her cousins, her father or her uncle. Maybe Lord Iason, too. That brought her smile a little more firmly to her features, using it to her advantage as the group of them moved together.
The princess absently thought about the fact that just the slightest movement of her own foot or her gown in the path of Lord Condos would mean that the man would take a tumble down the stone stairs into the garden. It would be royally embarrassing, wouldn't it? And as he had not properly greeted herself and greeted her brother incorrectly, Xene found it all too fitting for the man. Petty, but fitting.
Whatever Stephanos had planned? That was certainly even pettier in nature, but probably far more hilarious than watching a noble lord fall down some stairs as he'd never learned to walk at all. Or like a newborn calf who still didn't have steady footing. Her brother mentioned the fountain and the princess had to look at Achilleas with a smile that said all of her thoughts at once: this was going to be so overwhelmingly entertaining, but if anyone got her dress wet, they would have to ply her with alcohol to make her feel better.
"I have to express to you, Lord Nikos, that having your fortune told is a rather pointed delight. In another lifetime, I think I could have been one," Xene sniffed lightly, her blue gaze set forward as they walked, mostly so she could keep her thoughts to herself.
Lord Achilleas spoke about the fountain itself and Xene's features lit into something akin to curiosity, "Oh. Yes. I want to hear a story," Xene hummed lightly, watching her brother's back. She could just picture the smile on his features. One of cunning and outright elation that they'd gotten Nikos this far with them.