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It was odd, Xene thought, to be summoned by her cousin Emilios. They did not have the relationship that she had with Achilleas. The closeness. The confidant en confidant nature. As Emilios was the new head of house, that must have meant that he wished to speak to her about something at least mildly important. Though, she couldn't get Fotios' words out of her head.
'Plans are still moving, but I shall see you safe.'
What he meant by that, clearly Emilios must have been in on it. For the two declarations to come within days of each other, that only served to trail the princess' thoughts in that direction. The direction of speculation, and dare she admit it, hope. Fotios had mentioned wanting to ensure that she had a place of her own, but surely that should have meant that included her mother and her sister. Whatever was to be said in this meeting, the princess doubted it was to be as informal as her cousin had stated in his letter to her.
Regardless, she dressed in her favored soft pink chiton, accenting it with a snow white himation for warmth. With her hair beautifully braided and curled at the ends, as was her usual practice, the princess only glanced in the mirror long enough to dab her lips with paint and line a bit of khol under her eyes. Then she was slipping into her sandals and out the doors of her room within the Palati.
With each day, it felt more and more like she was encroaching on the space that she had been born in. This was Achilleas and Theodora's home now. It was no longer hers to wander as she pleased, which made the entire space feel that much more inhospitable. Not that the King had made her feel unwelcome, but the princess was very aware that he might want the space to himself and his likely soon-to-be-growing family. The princess couldn't blame him if he did, that was why she had clung so hard to Lord Fotios' words, wondering if whatever plans in motion would solve both sides of the silent issue.
As per usual as of late, the princess rejected the use of a carriage, instead asking for her horse to be brought to her. Together, side by side, she and Heron made the quiet trek through the city of Vasiliadon and to Archontiko Mikaelidas, her gaze set firmly ahead and her thoughts swirling abuot her mind. When they arrived, Heron aided her in dismounting before guiding her up the steps of the home. To the guards at the doors, she only glanced, nodding to them as they opened the doors to her.
Inside, the young princess glanced about, noting the presence of one of the servants. "Please alert Lord Emilios of my arrival. He is expecting me, I am to think," the princess instructed, keeping the nerves out of her voice for fear of actually sounding as weak as she was feeling as of late.
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It was odd, Xene thought, to be summoned by her cousin Emilios. They did not have the relationship that she had with Achilleas. The closeness. The confidant en confidant nature. As Emilios was the new head of house, that must have meant that he wished to speak to her about something at least mildly important. Though, she couldn't get Fotios' words out of her head.
'Plans are still moving, but I shall see you safe.'
What he meant by that, clearly Emilios must have been in on it. For the two declarations to come within days of each other, that only served to trail the princess' thoughts in that direction. The direction of speculation, and dare she admit it, hope. Fotios had mentioned wanting to ensure that she had a place of her own, but surely that should have meant that included her mother and her sister. Whatever was to be said in this meeting, the princess doubted it was to be as informal as her cousin had stated in his letter to her.
Regardless, she dressed in her favored soft pink chiton, accenting it with a snow white himation for warmth. With her hair beautifully braided and curled at the ends, as was her usual practice, the princess only glanced in the mirror long enough to dab her lips with paint and line a bit of khol under her eyes. Then she was slipping into her sandals and out the doors of her room within the Palati.
With each day, it felt more and more like she was encroaching on the space that she had been born in. This was Achilleas and Theodora's home now. It was no longer hers to wander as she pleased, which made the entire space feel that much more inhospitable. Not that the King had made her feel unwelcome, but the princess was very aware that he might want the space to himself and his likely soon-to-be-growing family. The princess couldn't blame him if he did, that was why she had clung so hard to Lord Fotios' words, wondering if whatever plans in motion would solve both sides of the silent issue.
As per usual as of late, the princess rejected the use of a carriage, instead asking for her horse to be brought to her. Together, side by side, she and Heron made the quiet trek through the city of Vasiliadon and to Archontiko Mikaelidas, her gaze set firmly ahead and her thoughts swirling abuot her mind. When they arrived, Heron aided her in dismounting before guiding her up the steps of the home. To the guards at the doors, she only glanced, nodding to them as they opened the doors to her.
Inside, the young princess glanced about, noting the presence of one of the servants. "Please alert Lord Emilios of my arrival. He is expecting me, I am to think," the princess instructed, keeping the nerves out of her voice for fear of actually sounding as weak as she was feeling as of late.
It was odd, Xene thought, to be summoned by her cousin Emilios. They did not have the relationship that she had with Achilleas. The closeness. The confidant en confidant nature. As Emilios was the new head of house, that must have meant that he wished to speak to her about something at least mildly important. Though, she couldn't get Fotios' words out of her head.
'Plans are still moving, but I shall see you safe.'
What he meant by that, clearly Emilios must have been in on it. For the two declarations to come within days of each other, that only served to trail the princess' thoughts in that direction. The direction of speculation, and dare she admit it, hope. Fotios had mentioned wanting to ensure that she had a place of her own, but surely that should have meant that included her mother and her sister. Whatever was to be said in this meeting, the princess doubted it was to be as informal as her cousin had stated in his letter to her.
Regardless, she dressed in her favored soft pink chiton, accenting it with a snow white himation for warmth. With her hair beautifully braided and curled at the ends, as was her usual practice, the princess only glanced in the mirror long enough to dab her lips with paint and line a bit of khol under her eyes. Then she was slipping into her sandals and out the doors of her room within the Palati.
With each day, it felt more and more like she was encroaching on the space that she had been born in. This was Achilleas and Theodora's home now. It was no longer hers to wander as she pleased, which made the entire space feel that much more inhospitable. Not that the King had made her feel unwelcome, but the princess was very aware that he might want the space to himself and his likely soon-to-be-growing family. The princess couldn't blame him if he did, that was why she had clung so hard to Lord Fotios' words, wondering if whatever plans in motion would solve both sides of the silent issue.
As per usual as of late, the princess rejected the use of a carriage, instead asking for her horse to be brought to her. Together, side by side, she and Heron made the quiet trek through the city of Vasiliadon and to Archontiko Mikaelidas, her gaze set firmly ahead and her thoughts swirling abuot her mind. When they arrived, Heron aided her in dismounting before guiding her up the steps of the home. To the guards at the doors, she only glanced, nodding to them as they opened the doors to her.
Inside, the young princess glanced about, noting the presence of one of the servants. "Please alert Lord Emilios of my arrival. He is expecting me, I am to think," the princess instructed, keeping the nerves out of her voice for fear of actually sounding as weak as she was feeling as of late.
There was a part of him that almost didn’t do as Fotios wished, simply because the man had wanted him to do it. The need to be defiant to the man was strong. His father had done everything in his power to limit the real potential of his youngest son, and for that there was a bitterness deep within the core of Emilios. He wanted nothing more than to fight every intention of the Leventi head, regardless if the idea had merit or not. But the need to prove his loyalty to his own family, to see to the security of those who held the Mikaelidas name was far stronger.
And at the end of the day, he wanted to truly do right by his family.
So Emilios had sent word along to Xene, hoping that she would attend him so that he could simply give her land and another title. Perhaps, he had reasoned with himself, he would be able to get something from her in return-- a promise to assist in the efforts to clear Stephanos’s name. She had to know that loyalty to the family name was just as important, and had to have her own doubts as to the charges that he had been found guilty of. And in that, he would beg her help in his efforts to bring him back. Because Stephanos, even if he could not be king again, deserved to be on his home soil. The man was not a traitor, and Emilios would do what he could to make sure the kingdom agreed.
And he would do it as quietly as possible.
He was in his study, since cleaned from his ‘fit’ as Theo had called it, when he was alerted of the arrival of his cousin. Ordering the servant to ensure that the meal was prepared in the guards, Emilios tucked in the white shirt into the brown leather pants, reattaching the burgundy himation to his shoulder with the lion broach to keep it in place before he moved to meet her. With his usual smile and light-hearted spring in his step, the dark hair manned seemed more jovial than he felt.
He was getting good at disguising himself. Perhaps he could play the game after all. ”My sweet cousin! So good of you to come.” He stepped forward, pulling her into a loving embrace. ”The weather has been so nice-- I hope you are alright with a meal in the gardens? I fear that the weather will turn at any moment and we will be stuck in doors for months.” He stepped back, grinning still as he offered her his arm. ”Shall we?”
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There was a part of him that almost didn’t do as Fotios wished, simply because the man had wanted him to do it. The need to be defiant to the man was strong. His father had done everything in his power to limit the real potential of his youngest son, and for that there was a bitterness deep within the core of Emilios. He wanted nothing more than to fight every intention of the Leventi head, regardless if the idea had merit or not. But the need to prove his loyalty to his own family, to see to the security of those who held the Mikaelidas name was far stronger.
And at the end of the day, he wanted to truly do right by his family.
So Emilios had sent word along to Xene, hoping that she would attend him so that he could simply give her land and another title. Perhaps, he had reasoned with himself, he would be able to get something from her in return-- a promise to assist in the efforts to clear Stephanos’s name. She had to know that loyalty to the family name was just as important, and had to have her own doubts as to the charges that he had been found guilty of. And in that, he would beg her help in his efforts to bring him back. Because Stephanos, even if he could not be king again, deserved to be on his home soil. The man was not a traitor, and Emilios would do what he could to make sure the kingdom agreed.
And he would do it as quietly as possible.
He was in his study, since cleaned from his ‘fit’ as Theo had called it, when he was alerted of the arrival of his cousin. Ordering the servant to ensure that the meal was prepared in the guards, Emilios tucked in the white shirt into the brown leather pants, reattaching the burgundy himation to his shoulder with the lion broach to keep it in place before he moved to meet her. With his usual smile and light-hearted spring in his step, the dark hair manned seemed more jovial than he felt.
He was getting good at disguising himself. Perhaps he could play the game after all. ”My sweet cousin! So good of you to come.” He stepped forward, pulling her into a loving embrace. ”The weather has been so nice-- I hope you are alright with a meal in the gardens? I fear that the weather will turn at any moment and we will be stuck in doors for months.” He stepped back, grinning still as he offered her his arm. ”Shall we?”
There was a part of him that almost didn’t do as Fotios wished, simply because the man had wanted him to do it. The need to be defiant to the man was strong. His father had done everything in his power to limit the real potential of his youngest son, and for that there was a bitterness deep within the core of Emilios. He wanted nothing more than to fight every intention of the Leventi head, regardless if the idea had merit or not. But the need to prove his loyalty to his own family, to see to the security of those who held the Mikaelidas name was far stronger.
And at the end of the day, he wanted to truly do right by his family.
So Emilios had sent word along to Xene, hoping that she would attend him so that he could simply give her land and another title. Perhaps, he had reasoned with himself, he would be able to get something from her in return-- a promise to assist in the efforts to clear Stephanos’s name. She had to know that loyalty to the family name was just as important, and had to have her own doubts as to the charges that he had been found guilty of. And in that, he would beg her help in his efforts to bring him back. Because Stephanos, even if he could not be king again, deserved to be on his home soil. The man was not a traitor, and Emilios would do what he could to make sure the kingdom agreed.
And he would do it as quietly as possible.
He was in his study, since cleaned from his ‘fit’ as Theo had called it, when he was alerted of the arrival of his cousin. Ordering the servant to ensure that the meal was prepared in the guards, Emilios tucked in the white shirt into the brown leather pants, reattaching the burgundy himation to his shoulder with the lion broach to keep it in place before he moved to meet her. With his usual smile and light-hearted spring in his step, the dark hair manned seemed more jovial than he felt.
He was getting good at disguising himself. Perhaps he could play the game after all. ”My sweet cousin! So good of you to come.” He stepped forward, pulling her into a loving embrace. ”The weather has been so nice-- I hope you are alright with a meal in the gardens? I fear that the weather will turn at any moment and we will be stuck in doors for months.” He stepped back, grinning still as he offered her his arm. ”Shall we?”
The princess had not been back in the Mikaelidas maner since the wedding. Where her uncle died despite her best efforts to keep him in the realm of the living. Entering this home again was enough to have that numb feeling return to her entire body. The feeling that was a desperate attempt at protecting her heart and her mind from those around her. She had never seen someone close to her die before that moment, and it still kind of haunted her even though she was not keen on her late uncle.
Not in the slightest.
Now that he was dead, she could be honest with herself.
Fuck Irakles of Mikaelidas.
She wasn't sure why she was here just yet, but there as an odd feeling in her chest. One that told her she needed to look alert and to listen. When her cousin stepped out to meet her, immediately greeting her with a warmness she was not familiar with and pulling her into an equally warm embrace, Xene selfishly couldn't help herself in leaning into him. Part of her was well aware that this was an act on his part, just as her own serene temperament was just a part to play as well.
Inside, she was boiling. She was angry. She wanted to scream. She wanted safety and security, and despite Lord Fotios' promise to her, she still had not found it. Even the tone of his voice seemed forced, but the princess would not question it. Not until they were alone where she could be much more bold with the man. Putting a delicate, tentative smile on her features, Xene nodded slowly, glancing toward the direction of the gardens. "A meal in the gardens sounds lovely, cousin," she said quietly.
Taking the man's arm, she allowed him to lead her out into the Mikaelidas gardens, breathing in the fresh scents of fruit trees that bloomed only in the autumn. "You stated that you had a manner of great importance to discuss with me?" she questioned, wondering if it would be much better to just get straight to business and speak on niceties later. Perhaps this was her being a little too straightforward, but she wasn't going to mince her words with Emilios. She had never been that person with her family and she never would be. As far as she was concerned, she could be as honest and blunt with her cousins as she could her own brothers.
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The princess had not been back in the Mikaelidas maner since the wedding. Where her uncle died despite her best efforts to keep him in the realm of the living. Entering this home again was enough to have that numb feeling return to her entire body. The feeling that was a desperate attempt at protecting her heart and her mind from those around her. She had never seen someone close to her die before that moment, and it still kind of haunted her even though she was not keen on her late uncle.
Not in the slightest.
Now that he was dead, she could be honest with herself.
Fuck Irakles of Mikaelidas.
She wasn't sure why she was here just yet, but there as an odd feeling in her chest. One that told her she needed to look alert and to listen. When her cousin stepped out to meet her, immediately greeting her with a warmness she was not familiar with and pulling her into an equally warm embrace, Xene selfishly couldn't help herself in leaning into him. Part of her was well aware that this was an act on his part, just as her own serene temperament was just a part to play as well.
Inside, she was boiling. She was angry. She wanted to scream. She wanted safety and security, and despite Lord Fotios' promise to her, she still had not found it. Even the tone of his voice seemed forced, but the princess would not question it. Not until they were alone where she could be much more bold with the man. Putting a delicate, tentative smile on her features, Xene nodded slowly, glancing toward the direction of the gardens. "A meal in the gardens sounds lovely, cousin," she said quietly.
Taking the man's arm, she allowed him to lead her out into the Mikaelidas gardens, breathing in the fresh scents of fruit trees that bloomed only in the autumn. "You stated that you had a manner of great importance to discuss with me?" she questioned, wondering if it would be much better to just get straight to business and speak on niceties later. Perhaps this was her being a little too straightforward, but she wasn't going to mince her words with Emilios. She had never been that person with her family and she never would be. As far as she was concerned, she could be as honest and blunt with her cousins as she could her own brothers.
The princess had not been back in the Mikaelidas maner since the wedding. Where her uncle died despite her best efforts to keep him in the realm of the living. Entering this home again was enough to have that numb feeling return to her entire body. The feeling that was a desperate attempt at protecting her heart and her mind from those around her. She had never seen someone close to her die before that moment, and it still kind of haunted her even though she was not keen on her late uncle.
Not in the slightest.
Now that he was dead, she could be honest with herself.
Fuck Irakles of Mikaelidas.
She wasn't sure why she was here just yet, but there as an odd feeling in her chest. One that told her she needed to look alert and to listen. When her cousin stepped out to meet her, immediately greeting her with a warmness she was not familiar with and pulling her into an equally warm embrace, Xene selfishly couldn't help herself in leaning into him. Part of her was well aware that this was an act on his part, just as her own serene temperament was just a part to play as well.
Inside, she was boiling. She was angry. She wanted to scream. She wanted safety and security, and despite Lord Fotios' promise to her, she still had not found it. Even the tone of his voice seemed forced, but the princess would not question it. Not until they were alone where she could be much more bold with the man. Putting a delicate, tentative smile on her features, Xene nodded slowly, glancing toward the direction of the gardens. "A meal in the gardens sounds lovely, cousin," she said quietly.
Taking the man's arm, she allowed him to lead her out into the Mikaelidas gardens, breathing in the fresh scents of fruit trees that bloomed only in the autumn. "You stated that you had a manner of great importance to discuss with me?" she questioned, wondering if it would be much better to just get straight to business and speak on niceties later. Perhaps this was her being a little too straightforward, but she wasn't going to mince her words with Emilios. She had never been that person with her family and she never would be. As far as she was concerned, she could be as honest and blunt with her cousins as she could her own brothers.
He couldn’t lie-- there was a bit of pride in him when it came to Xene. Most women would have balked at the idea of trying to bring someone to life. As far as Emilios was concerned, she shouldn’t have even wished to keep him alive, unless she had been doing so to maybe get the chance to find out who was really behind the death of her father and brother. Or maybe she wanted him alive because he was the only chance of redeeming Stephanos. Whatever the reason, she had stepped up when most stepped back. And for him, regardless of his own feelings towards his father and the past few weeks, the action was telling of her character.
Although he was still struggling with why Fotios would care so much about securing her a barony.
There was a familiar, familial warmth in her embrace. Regardless of what happened between the men that were brothers, they were still cousins-- the Mikaelidas name meant more. If he’d known that she thought this was just an act, he would have corrected her. His frustration didn’t lie with her, at least not at the moment. Unless she was upset with the way he had turned out Meena and her children. Perhaps they would be able to put whatever behind them and figure out a new path. After all, they were the next generation. They would set the tone of all of this.
He wasn’t at all surprised that she had decided to cut straight to the point. This was not a social call, and she knew that. And yet, he almost wished it was. He longed for the days of simple meals with friends, no pretenses or expectation except of having a good time. How long had it been since they’d been able to do that? Would they be able to ever again?
”I have been much occupied as of late, trying to help the house recover after everything that’s happened. Just as we feel like it’s safe to breathe, the gods show they have another plan.”Still, he felt as if they were too close to the house to speak as openly as he wished. Leading her to the gardens, where a table had been set with a small meal and wine, Emilios escorted her to her seat, pushing in her chair as she sat before he took his own. ”And with the need to secure our family, I realise that you need something more than the life you’ve been given.” He offered her a smile as he poured the wine, offering her a glass. ”Perhaps a barony might be a good place to start?”
Sipping his wine, he sat back intent on watching the play of emotions on her face as best as possible.
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He couldn’t lie-- there was a bit of pride in him when it came to Xene. Most women would have balked at the idea of trying to bring someone to life. As far as Emilios was concerned, she shouldn’t have even wished to keep him alive, unless she had been doing so to maybe get the chance to find out who was really behind the death of her father and brother. Or maybe she wanted him alive because he was the only chance of redeeming Stephanos. Whatever the reason, she had stepped up when most stepped back. And for him, regardless of his own feelings towards his father and the past few weeks, the action was telling of her character.
Although he was still struggling with why Fotios would care so much about securing her a barony.
There was a familiar, familial warmth in her embrace. Regardless of what happened between the men that were brothers, they were still cousins-- the Mikaelidas name meant more. If he’d known that she thought this was just an act, he would have corrected her. His frustration didn’t lie with her, at least not at the moment. Unless she was upset with the way he had turned out Meena and her children. Perhaps they would be able to put whatever behind them and figure out a new path. After all, they were the next generation. They would set the tone of all of this.
He wasn’t at all surprised that she had decided to cut straight to the point. This was not a social call, and she knew that. And yet, he almost wished it was. He longed for the days of simple meals with friends, no pretenses or expectation except of having a good time. How long had it been since they’d been able to do that? Would they be able to ever again?
”I have been much occupied as of late, trying to help the house recover after everything that’s happened. Just as we feel like it’s safe to breathe, the gods show they have another plan.”Still, he felt as if they were too close to the house to speak as openly as he wished. Leading her to the gardens, where a table had been set with a small meal and wine, Emilios escorted her to her seat, pushing in her chair as she sat before he took his own. ”And with the need to secure our family, I realise that you need something more than the life you’ve been given.” He offered her a smile as he poured the wine, offering her a glass. ”Perhaps a barony might be a good place to start?”
Sipping his wine, he sat back intent on watching the play of emotions on her face as best as possible.
He couldn’t lie-- there was a bit of pride in him when it came to Xene. Most women would have balked at the idea of trying to bring someone to life. As far as Emilios was concerned, she shouldn’t have even wished to keep him alive, unless she had been doing so to maybe get the chance to find out who was really behind the death of her father and brother. Or maybe she wanted him alive because he was the only chance of redeeming Stephanos. Whatever the reason, she had stepped up when most stepped back. And for him, regardless of his own feelings towards his father and the past few weeks, the action was telling of her character.
Although he was still struggling with why Fotios would care so much about securing her a barony.
There was a familiar, familial warmth in her embrace. Regardless of what happened between the men that were brothers, they were still cousins-- the Mikaelidas name meant more. If he’d known that she thought this was just an act, he would have corrected her. His frustration didn’t lie with her, at least not at the moment. Unless she was upset with the way he had turned out Meena and her children. Perhaps they would be able to put whatever behind them and figure out a new path. After all, they were the next generation. They would set the tone of all of this.
He wasn’t at all surprised that she had decided to cut straight to the point. This was not a social call, and she knew that. And yet, he almost wished it was. He longed for the days of simple meals with friends, no pretenses or expectation except of having a good time. How long had it been since they’d been able to do that? Would they be able to ever again?
”I have been much occupied as of late, trying to help the house recover after everything that’s happened. Just as we feel like it’s safe to breathe, the gods show they have another plan.”Still, he felt as if they were too close to the house to speak as openly as he wished. Leading her to the gardens, where a table had been set with a small meal and wine, Emilios escorted her to her seat, pushing in her chair as she sat before he took his own. ”And with the need to secure our family, I realise that you need something more than the life you’ve been given.” He offered her a smile as he poured the wine, offering her a glass. ”Perhaps a barony might be a good place to start?”
Sipping his wine, he sat back intent on watching the play of emotions on her face as best as possible.
Xene didn't know what had really been running through her mind when she had been making her valiant attempt at saving her uncle's life. All she knew was that she hadn't actually wanted to witness one of her family members die right in front of her. No matter how much she didn't truly like her uncle nor agree with his tendencies or the withering words that he had often spoken in her direction, she hadn't wanted to see it play out that way. That had been the only thing she could think about when all was said and done. When Uncle Irakles had lay dead in the middle of Achileas' wedding, her's and Krysto's efforts fruitless in keeping the man alive.
But that was all over now, and Xene was still unsure how to take the presence of her cousin. It had been so long since they'd been so young together. Since the interests of her cousins had strayed in other directions, leading Xene to be closer to her own siblings rather than Achilleas and Emilios. Maybe, if Xene had been anything other then supremely vapid or concerned with simply making herself look good in court, she might have paid more mind to them over the years. Or maybe things still would have ended up as they had right then and there.
She did, for a moment, wish that she and Emilios had interacted more in recent years. Maybe then their walk through the gardens and seating at the table for a light lunch wouldn't have felt so awkward. Xene listened carefully when her cousin spoke, her blue gaze remaining fixed on him in a way that had her curious and realizing with each passing second that Fotios' declaration that he was working on securing her future was coming to fruition.
The princess simply hadn't expected it to be something so... massive. She had no idea how to run a barony. She hadn't shadowed neither or father or her brother in their work very often, but it all felt very over her head in terms of her skill level. That, however, didn't stop her from letting her gaze light up, interest swirling there as she considered his statement with a carefulness that she tended to show everything as of late.
Then Xene swallowed, lifting her cup of wine to her lips for just a sip of the liquid inside. She hoped that it would give her courage that would last from now to the ends of time. "That is... so generous of you," Xene finally said slowly, giving a soft, considerate smile, "I wouldn't know the first thing about running a barony but I must admit that... I do not feel at home in the Palati knowing that my home is now not truly my own. The chance to stretch my wings a little... I see no reason to deny my interest in what you offer."
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Xene didn't know what had really been running through her mind when she had been making her valiant attempt at saving her uncle's life. All she knew was that she hadn't actually wanted to witness one of her family members die right in front of her. No matter how much she didn't truly like her uncle nor agree with his tendencies or the withering words that he had often spoken in her direction, she hadn't wanted to see it play out that way. That had been the only thing she could think about when all was said and done. When Uncle Irakles had lay dead in the middle of Achileas' wedding, her's and Krysto's efforts fruitless in keeping the man alive.
But that was all over now, and Xene was still unsure how to take the presence of her cousin. It had been so long since they'd been so young together. Since the interests of her cousins had strayed in other directions, leading Xene to be closer to her own siblings rather than Achilleas and Emilios. Maybe, if Xene had been anything other then supremely vapid or concerned with simply making herself look good in court, she might have paid more mind to them over the years. Or maybe things still would have ended up as they had right then and there.
She did, for a moment, wish that she and Emilios had interacted more in recent years. Maybe then their walk through the gardens and seating at the table for a light lunch wouldn't have felt so awkward. Xene listened carefully when her cousin spoke, her blue gaze remaining fixed on him in a way that had her curious and realizing with each passing second that Fotios' declaration that he was working on securing her future was coming to fruition.
The princess simply hadn't expected it to be something so... massive. She had no idea how to run a barony. She hadn't shadowed neither or father or her brother in their work very often, but it all felt very over her head in terms of her skill level. That, however, didn't stop her from letting her gaze light up, interest swirling there as she considered his statement with a carefulness that she tended to show everything as of late.
Then Xene swallowed, lifting her cup of wine to her lips for just a sip of the liquid inside. She hoped that it would give her courage that would last from now to the ends of time. "That is... so generous of you," Xene finally said slowly, giving a soft, considerate smile, "I wouldn't know the first thing about running a barony but I must admit that... I do not feel at home in the Palati knowing that my home is now not truly my own. The chance to stretch my wings a little... I see no reason to deny my interest in what you offer."
Xene didn't know what had really been running through her mind when she had been making her valiant attempt at saving her uncle's life. All she knew was that she hadn't actually wanted to witness one of her family members die right in front of her. No matter how much she didn't truly like her uncle nor agree with his tendencies or the withering words that he had often spoken in her direction, she hadn't wanted to see it play out that way. That had been the only thing she could think about when all was said and done. When Uncle Irakles had lay dead in the middle of Achileas' wedding, her's and Krysto's efforts fruitless in keeping the man alive.
But that was all over now, and Xene was still unsure how to take the presence of her cousin. It had been so long since they'd been so young together. Since the interests of her cousins had strayed in other directions, leading Xene to be closer to her own siblings rather than Achilleas and Emilios. Maybe, if Xene had been anything other then supremely vapid or concerned with simply making herself look good in court, she might have paid more mind to them over the years. Or maybe things still would have ended up as they had right then and there.
She did, for a moment, wish that she and Emilios had interacted more in recent years. Maybe then their walk through the gardens and seating at the table for a light lunch wouldn't have felt so awkward. Xene listened carefully when her cousin spoke, her blue gaze remaining fixed on him in a way that had her curious and realizing with each passing second that Fotios' declaration that he was working on securing her future was coming to fruition.
The princess simply hadn't expected it to be something so... massive. She had no idea how to run a barony. She hadn't shadowed neither or father or her brother in their work very often, but it all felt very over her head in terms of her skill level. That, however, didn't stop her from letting her gaze light up, interest swirling there as she considered his statement with a carefulness that she tended to show everything as of late.
Then Xene swallowed, lifting her cup of wine to her lips for just a sip of the liquid inside. She hoped that it would give her courage that would last from now to the ends of time. "That is... so generous of you," Xene finally said slowly, giving a soft, considerate smile, "I wouldn't know the first thing about running a barony but I must admit that... I do not feel at home in the Palati knowing that my home is now not truly my own. The chance to stretch my wings a little... I see no reason to deny my interest in what you offer."
It was impossible not to note the way her face lit up as he made the offer. The corner of his mouth turned upward, knowing that it was a good idea after all. “The first thing you will have to learn is to guard your emotions.” He teased, knowing that she was good enough with court intrigue that she would be able to keep herself calm when need be. The girl was among friends here, so the openness she had was one that she loved. But with a gentle smile, he tossed her a wink to let her know that he was teasing her.
Putting together a small plate of food for himself, Emilios was relatively pleased with her reaction. At least she did not think him a total fool, or laugh at the idea. The princess was receptive to the idea, which made him press forward with the topic. “If you wish for it, I will make it happen. You would not be left alone to fend for yourself. I may not have any idea how to be the head of house, either. But we can learn together and support each other, I think.” He liked the idea of them relying on each other, supporting each other as a family.
Taking a few bites to allow her to process the information, Emilios wondered how long it would take for her to trust him. “You must know that my concern is for both the kingdom and for our family. I want nothing more than to make right what happened.” This was his cousin, so he felt no real reason to hide his thoughts, for the most part. “You and I both know that Stephanos did not kill your father. We know that he had no real ambition for the throne. And it will take much longer for us to prove that, I believe that it's our duty to make sure that he is able to return with friends and family on his side.”
He couldn’t imagine how she must have felt, how topsy turvy the world had gone for her. There was the ability to empathize of course, because he, too, had lost his father. But his gender had throne him into a path of privilege and security. As an unmarried woman, Xene was far more likely to end up on a negative path, should she not be protected. And for whatever reason, Fotios wanted to protect her, too.
He still needed to nail down the reason for that.
“I am sure that we can find you a good steward to help you navigate this. Perhaps I can borrow him, when need be.” He grinned, taking a long pull of his wine. “I think it best if we consider allowing you to take up this residence while in the city, before the war starts.” It was an idea he’d been sitting on for quite some time. “With Achilleas leaving, I do not think it best for me to be so far from the palati if something happens. And I cannot imagine it being easy to have your mother still in residence there. Give me a few weeks and this can be yours to occupy.” It was a sound plan, in his mind. And one that he hoped she would take. “If you wish, that is, though I am sure a barony will keep you busy.”
He grinned, “I have one in mind. But why don’t you tell me where you wish to be and we can see if our ideas are aligned.”
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It was impossible not to note the way her face lit up as he made the offer. The corner of his mouth turned upward, knowing that it was a good idea after all. “The first thing you will have to learn is to guard your emotions.” He teased, knowing that she was good enough with court intrigue that she would be able to keep herself calm when need be. The girl was among friends here, so the openness she had was one that she loved. But with a gentle smile, he tossed her a wink to let her know that he was teasing her.
Putting together a small plate of food for himself, Emilios was relatively pleased with her reaction. At least she did not think him a total fool, or laugh at the idea. The princess was receptive to the idea, which made him press forward with the topic. “If you wish for it, I will make it happen. You would not be left alone to fend for yourself. I may not have any idea how to be the head of house, either. But we can learn together and support each other, I think.” He liked the idea of them relying on each other, supporting each other as a family.
Taking a few bites to allow her to process the information, Emilios wondered how long it would take for her to trust him. “You must know that my concern is for both the kingdom and for our family. I want nothing more than to make right what happened.” This was his cousin, so he felt no real reason to hide his thoughts, for the most part. “You and I both know that Stephanos did not kill your father. We know that he had no real ambition for the throne. And it will take much longer for us to prove that, I believe that it's our duty to make sure that he is able to return with friends and family on his side.”
He couldn’t imagine how she must have felt, how topsy turvy the world had gone for her. There was the ability to empathize of course, because he, too, had lost his father. But his gender had throne him into a path of privilege and security. As an unmarried woman, Xene was far more likely to end up on a negative path, should she not be protected. And for whatever reason, Fotios wanted to protect her, too.
He still needed to nail down the reason for that.
“I am sure that we can find you a good steward to help you navigate this. Perhaps I can borrow him, when need be.” He grinned, taking a long pull of his wine. “I think it best if we consider allowing you to take up this residence while in the city, before the war starts.” It was an idea he’d been sitting on for quite some time. “With Achilleas leaving, I do not think it best for me to be so far from the palati if something happens. And I cannot imagine it being easy to have your mother still in residence there. Give me a few weeks and this can be yours to occupy.” It was a sound plan, in his mind. And one that he hoped she would take. “If you wish, that is, though I am sure a barony will keep you busy.”
He grinned, “I have one in mind. But why don’t you tell me where you wish to be and we can see if our ideas are aligned.”
It was impossible not to note the way her face lit up as he made the offer. The corner of his mouth turned upward, knowing that it was a good idea after all. “The first thing you will have to learn is to guard your emotions.” He teased, knowing that she was good enough with court intrigue that she would be able to keep herself calm when need be. The girl was among friends here, so the openness she had was one that she loved. But with a gentle smile, he tossed her a wink to let her know that he was teasing her.
Putting together a small plate of food for himself, Emilios was relatively pleased with her reaction. At least she did not think him a total fool, or laugh at the idea. The princess was receptive to the idea, which made him press forward with the topic. “If you wish for it, I will make it happen. You would not be left alone to fend for yourself. I may not have any idea how to be the head of house, either. But we can learn together and support each other, I think.” He liked the idea of them relying on each other, supporting each other as a family.
Taking a few bites to allow her to process the information, Emilios wondered how long it would take for her to trust him. “You must know that my concern is for both the kingdom and for our family. I want nothing more than to make right what happened.” This was his cousin, so he felt no real reason to hide his thoughts, for the most part. “You and I both know that Stephanos did not kill your father. We know that he had no real ambition for the throne. And it will take much longer for us to prove that, I believe that it's our duty to make sure that he is able to return with friends and family on his side.”
He couldn’t imagine how she must have felt, how topsy turvy the world had gone for her. There was the ability to empathize of course, because he, too, had lost his father. But his gender had throne him into a path of privilege and security. As an unmarried woman, Xene was far more likely to end up on a negative path, should she not be protected. And for whatever reason, Fotios wanted to protect her, too.
He still needed to nail down the reason for that.
“I am sure that we can find you a good steward to help you navigate this. Perhaps I can borrow him, when need be.” He grinned, taking a long pull of his wine. “I think it best if we consider allowing you to take up this residence while in the city, before the war starts.” It was an idea he’d been sitting on for quite some time. “With Achilleas leaving, I do not think it best for me to be so far from the palati if something happens. And I cannot imagine it being easy to have your mother still in residence there. Give me a few weeks and this can be yours to occupy.” It was a sound plan, in his mind. And one that he hoped she would take. “If you wish, that is, though I am sure a barony will keep you busy.”
He grinned, “I have one in mind. But why don’t you tell me where you wish to be and we can see if our ideas are aligned.”
Xene took his teasing as just that, teasing. And her own smile seemed to grow the more comfortable she grew in her cousin's presence. It was not like she had anything against Emilios, quite the opposite. But she did not have the same relationship with him that she had with Achilleas. Achilleas was open and supportive with her, and this was the first time that Emilios had been so since the death of her father and brother and the exile of Stephanos. Admittedly, Xene had no reason not to trust her cousin, so she chose to trust that he had her best interests at heart.
Even though she knew that Lord Fotios was pulling the strings on this endevour from behind. That didn't bother her, because if Emilios was here with her, it meant that he was also receptive of the idea and saw the points that Lord Fotios had made. To her, Lord Fotios had made the suggestion but Emilios had made the decision. And that made her feel... better. It made her feel better that her cousins had not thought to abandon the other side of the family.
"I do wish for it, Emilios," the princess admitted, putting her own plate of food together. Her gaze remained on her food for a long while as he spoke, mostly digesting the words that fell off his lips in the easiest way she could. By focusing all of her attention on tone and intent rather than what was actually being said. Though, she did pay attention to that too. But Emilios' tone told her that he was being serious and supportive, and that was all that the princess could have asked for in the moment.
Knowing that Emilios was on her side now was refreshing. "It will be an intense learning curve, but not one that I am opposed to facing, especially with you at my side," the princess said very slowly, her brow softening which softened her entire expression all at once. And then it deepened again at the mention of her brother. The princess reached for her cup of wine and brought it to her lips, sipping from it carefully and slowly in an effort to hide the feelings that she desperately wanted to show on her own features. Because he was right. They both knew that Stephanos had not done such a thing.
Swallowing, Xene finally looked up from her plate to fix Emilios with an intense blue gaze. "I know that my brother did not commit either crime. I went through Zacharias' room once he died... there was no evidence there. Not as the trial claimed. Whatever was found was planted... because I... well... I cleaned up his room. I... I wanted it to look normal instead of dusty and unkempt. He never left his rooms like that and at the time it infuriated me that the servants had ignored it so completely. But I assure you, cousin, Stephanos is not guilty. I feel it in my very bones. My brother is not a murderer," it all came out in a rush and Xene had to bring her hand to her eyes in order to hide the rush of emotion that threatened her. The tears that sat at the corners of her eyes, making them appear glassy, though the tears themselves never fell.
The topic of conversation shifted and the princess felt a moment of relief and reprieve from her emotions, not sitting in a bit of a state of shock at the offer. Emilios, once again, made fair points. "I think that would also please me greatly, Emilios. I fear my mother's mental state if she were to remain in the Palati. She's so... eerily quiet," she murmured softly, "And I would be glad to have a space fo my own that does not encroach upon your family."
At the offer of her to choose her own barony, the princess shifted up in her seat, reaching for one fo the olives on her plate and pressing it into her mouth. She chewed thoughtfully before she answered. "Messenis," she said carefully, "I feel that... with my experience in art and culture, I could help it to flourish even more than it already does. I respect that Euttica has been in our family for so long... but I do not know the first thing about farming. I fear that it would set me up for failure."
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Xene took his teasing as just that, teasing. And her own smile seemed to grow the more comfortable she grew in her cousin's presence. It was not like she had anything against Emilios, quite the opposite. But she did not have the same relationship with him that she had with Achilleas. Achilleas was open and supportive with her, and this was the first time that Emilios had been so since the death of her father and brother and the exile of Stephanos. Admittedly, Xene had no reason not to trust her cousin, so she chose to trust that he had her best interests at heart.
Even though she knew that Lord Fotios was pulling the strings on this endevour from behind. That didn't bother her, because if Emilios was here with her, it meant that he was also receptive of the idea and saw the points that Lord Fotios had made. To her, Lord Fotios had made the suggestion but Emilios had made the decision. And that made her feel... better. It made her feel better that her cousins had not thought to abandon the other side of the family.
"I do wish for it, Emilios," the princess admitted, putting her own plate of food together. Her gaze remained on her food for a long while as he spoke, mostly digesting the words that fell off his lips in the easiest way she could. By focusing all of her attention on tone and intent rather than what was actually being said. Though, she did pay attention to that too. But Emilios' tone told her that he was being serious and supportive, and that was all that the princess could have asked for in the moment.
Knowing that Emilios was on her side now was refreshing. "It will be an intense learning curve, but not one that I am opposed to facing, especially with you at my side," the princess said very slowly, her brow softening which softened her entire expression all at once. And then it deepened again at the mention of her brother. The princess reached for her cup of wine and brought it to her lips, sipping from it carefully and slowly in an effort to hide the feelings that she desperately wanted to show on her own features. Because he was right. They both knew that Stephanos had not done such a thing.
Swallowing, Xene finally looked up from her plate to fix Emilios with an intense blue gaze. "I know that my brother did not commit either crime. I went through Zacharias' room once he died... there was no evidence there. Not as the trial claimed. Whatever was found was planted... because I... well... I cleaned up his room. I... I wanted it to look normal instead of dusty and unkempt. He never left his rooms like that and at the time it infuriated me that the servants had ignored it so completely. But I assure you, cousin, Stephanos is not guilty. I feel it in my very bones. My brother is not a murderer," it all came out in a rush and Xene had to bring her hand to her eyes in order to hide the rush of emotion that threatened her. The tears that sat at the corners of her eyes, making them appear glassy, though the tears themselves never fell.
The topic of conversation shifted and the princess felt a moment of relief and reprieve from her emotions, not sitting in a bit of a state of shock at the offer. Emilios, once again, made fair points. "I think that would also please me greatly, Emilios. I fear my mother's mental state if she were to remain in the Palati. She's so... eerily quiet," she murmured softly, "And I would be glad to have a space fo my own that does not encroach upon your family."
At the offer of her to choose her own barony, the princess shifted up in her seat, reaching for one fo the olives on her plate and pressing it into her mouth. She chewed thoughtfully before she answered. "Messenis," she said carefully, "I feel that... with my experience in art and culture, I could help it to flourish even more than it already does. I respect that Euttica has been in our family for so long... but I do not know the first thing about farming. I fear that it would set me up for failure."
Xene took his teasing as just that, teasing. And her own smile seemed to grow the more comfortable she grew in her cousin's presence. It was not like she had anything against Emilios, quite the opposite. But she did not have the same relationship with him that she had with Achilleas. Achilleas was open and supportive with her, and this was the first time that Emilios had been so since the death of her father and brother and the exile of Stephanos. Admittedly, Xene had no reason not to trust her cousin, so she chose to trust that he had her best interests at heart.
Even though she knew that Lord Fotios was pulling the strings on this endevour from behind. That didn't bother her, because if Emilios was here with her, it meant that he was also receptive of the idea and saw the points that Lord Fotios had made. To her, Lord Fotios had made the suggestion but Emilios had made the decision. And that made her feel... better. It made her feel better that her cousins had not thought to abandon the other side of the family.
"I do wish for it, Emilios," the princess admitted, putting her own plate of food together. Her gaze remained on her food for a long while as he spoke, mostly digesting the words that fell off his lips in the easiest way she could. By focusing all of her attention on tone and intent rather than what was actually being said. Though, she did pay attention to that too. But Emilios' tone told her that he was being serious and supportive, and that was all that the princess could have asked for in the moment.
Knowing that Emilios was on her side now was refreshing. "It will be an intense learning curve, but not one that I am opposed to facing, especially with you at my side," the princess said very slowly, her brow softening which softened her entire expression all at once. And then it deepened again at the mention of her brother. The princess reached for her cup of wine and brought it to her lips, sipping from it carefully and slowly in an effort to hide the feelings that she desperately wanted to show on her own features. Because he was right. They both knew that Stephanos had not done such a thing.
Swallowing, Xene finally looked up from her plate to fix Emilios with an intense blue gaze. "I know that my brother did not commit either crime. I went through Zacharias' room once he died... there was no evidence there. Not as the trial claimed. Whatever was found was planted... because I... well... I cleaned up his room. I... I wanted it to look normal instead of dusty and unkempt. He never left his rooms like that and at the time it infuriated me that the servants had ignored it so completely. But I assure you, cousin, Stephanos is not guilty. I feel it in my very bones. My brother is not a murderer," it all came out in a rush and Xene had to bring her hand to her eyes in order to hide the rush of emotion that threatened her. The tears that sat at the corners of her eyes, making them appear glassy, though the tears themselves never fell.
The topic of conversation shifted and the princess felt a moment of relief and reprieve from her emotions, not sitting in a bit of a state of shock at the offer. Emilios, once again, made fair points. "I think that would also please me greatly, Emilios. I fear my mother's mental state if she were to remain in the Palati. She's so... eerily quiet," she murmured softly, "And I would be glad to have a space fo my own that does not encroach upon your family."
At the offer of her to choose her own barony, the princess shifted up in her seat, reaching for one fo the olives on her plate and pressing it into her mouth. She chewed thoughtfully before she answered. "Messenis," she said carefully, "I feel that... with my experience in art and culture, I could help it to flourish even more than it already does. I respect that Euttica has been in our family for so long... but I do not know the first thing about farming. I fear that it would set me up for failure."
Her gender had made her all but off limits, simply because they seemed to focus in different circles. She was a woman-- a princess, no less-- so her role in life was far more delicate than his had ever been. As a military man, he tended to keep to his own men, save for those rare occasions when he got to socialize. And even then, he wouldn’t have spent a whole lot of time with her specifically.
He wasn’t one to sleep with direct family like that.
It had always been limited to family events, where conversation had been forced before now. Stephanos had usually been the one he had found for company during those events. It wasn’t that he didn’t like Xene, it was just that they were so different that it was hard for him to find common ground with her. But time had taken so much family from them already that it seemed silly to push people away. They need to band together, and perhaps she would think of him as a friend as well. It seemed beneficial for him, too.
“Good!” He said with enthusiasm, happy to know that she was just as interested in it as Fotios had made it seem like she would be. He didn’t focus on how she filled her plate, instead lazily eating his food as she gathered her own lunch. “It may have to wait until the war ends, but as soon as I can make the arrangements, I will. But I will start the paperwork.” He wondered just how long it would really take to make it happen. It was not a process he was familiar with, nor did he really understand where to start. Emilios wanted to kick himself, because it was becoming more and more apparent that he would need to lean on Lord Fotios for the procedures.
Damn, it didn’t make it easy to cut him out, did it?
But there was a reassurance from her words, that she would be able to do it with him at her side. They were aligned in this, and that was more important than anything else. It was everything they could do together, as a family. And they would rise above. “I will probably rely on you more than you will rely on me, but no matter when-- we are together in this.”
He leaned forward as she spoke, taking note of exactly what she said. So she had cleaned his room, and had found proof? Why hadn’t she told them sooner? “Would you be willing to testify to that, Xene?” The word of a sister would not have meant much, but maybe the word of a baroness would have had much more weight. “Do you still have that proof? That may be all we need to clear his name to bring him back. He deserves to be home, at least.” Emilios wondered what it was, wondered just what would have cleared his name, and if they could still use it. Why hadn’t she said anything sooner? “Does anyone else know what you know?”
Emilios would come back to the rest of the conversation later. Right now, all he wanted to know was if it was possible to get his back as soon as the end of the war.
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Her gender had made her all but off limits, simply because they seemed to focus in different circles. She was a woman-- a princess, no less-- so her role in life was far more delicate than his had ever been. As a military man, he tended to keep to his own men, save for those rare occasions when he got to socialize. And even then, he wouldn’t have spent a whole lot of time with her specifically.
He wasn’t one to sleep with direct family like that.
It had always been limited to family events, where conversation had been forced before now. Stephanos had usually been the one he had found for company during those events. It wasn’t that he didn’t like Xene, it was just that they were so different that it was hard for him to find common ground with her. But time had taken so much family from them already that it seemed silly to push people away. They need to band together, and perhaps she would think of him as a friend as well. It seemed beneficial for him, too.
“Good!” He said with enthusiasm, happy to know that she was just as interested in it as Fotios had made it seem like she would be. He didn’t focus on how she filled her plate, instead lazily eating his food as she gathered her own lunch. “It may have to wait until the war ends, but as soon as I can make the arrangements, I will. But I will start the paperwork.” He wondered just how long it would really take to make it happen. It was not a process he was familiar with, nor did he really understand where to start. Emilios wanted to kick himself, because it was becoming more and more apparent that he would need to lean on Lord Fotios for the procedures.
Damn, it didn’t make it easy to cut him out, did it?
But there was a reassurance from her words, that she would be able to do it with him at her side. They were aligned in this, and that was more important than anything else. It was everything they could do together, as a family. And they would rise above. “I will probably rely on you more than you will rely on me, but no matter when-- we are together in this.”
He leaned forward as she spoke, taking note of exactly what she said. So she had cleaned his room, and had found proof? Why hadn’t she told them sooner? “Would you be willing to testify to that, Xene?” The word of a sister would not have meant much, but maybe the word of a baroness would have had much more weight. “Do you still have that proof? That may be all we need to clear his name to bring him back. He deserves to be home, at least.” Emilios wondered what it was, wondered just what would have cleared his name, and if they could still use it. Why hadn’t she said anything sooner? “Does anyone else know what you know?”
Emilios would come back to the rest of the conversation later. Right now, all he wanted to know was if it was possible to get his back as soon as the end of the war.
Her gender had made her all but off limits, simply because they seemed to focus in different circles. She was a woman-- a princess, no less-- so her role in life was far more delicate than his had ever been. As a military man, he tended to keep to his own men, save for those rare occasions when he got to socialize. And even then, he wouldn’t have spent a whole lot of time with her specifically.
He wasn’t one to sleep with direct family like that.
It had always been limited to family events, where conversation had been forced before now. Stephanos had usually been the one he had found for company during those events. It wasn’t that he didn’t like Xene, it was just that they were so different that it was hard for him to find common ground with her. But time had taken so much family from them already that it seemed silly to push people away. They need to band together, and perhaps she would think of him as a friend as well. It seemed beneficial for him, too.
“Good!” He said with enthusiasm, happy to know that she was just as interested in it as Fotios had made it seem like she would be. He didn’t focus on how she filled her plate, instead lazily eating his food as she gathered her own lunch. “It may have to wait until the war ends, but as soon as I can make the arrangements, I will. But I will start the paperwork.” He wondered just how long it would really take to make it happen. It was not a process he was familiar with, nor did he really understand where to start. Emilios wanted to kick himself, because it was becoming more and more apparent that he would need to lean on Lord Fotios for the procedures.
Damn, it didn’t make it easy to cut him out, did it?
But there was a reassurance from her words, that she would be able to do it with him at her side. They were aligned in this, and that was more important than anything else. It was everything they could do together, as a family. And they would rise above. “I will probably rely on you more than you will rely on me, but no matter when-- we are together in this.”
He leaned forward as she spoke, taking note of exactly what she said. So she had cleaned his room, and had found proof? Why hadn’t she told them sooner? “Would you be willing to testify to that, Xene?” The word of a sister would not have meant much, but maybe the word of a baroness would have had much more weight. “Do you still have that proof? That may be all we need to clear his name to bring him back. He deserves to be home, at least.” Emilios wondered what it was, wondered just what would have cleared his name, and if they could still use it. Why hadn’t she said anything sooner? “Does anyone else know what you know?”
Emilios would come back to the rest of the conversation later. Right now, all he wanted to know was if it was possible to get his back as soon as the end of the war.
Xene wasn't concerned with how long she might have to wait. She knew Fotios, and if he was content to get something done quickly, then she knew it would all be sorted and situated before the war ended. Or at least she hoped that was true. She didn't like feeling as if she was living in a weird state of limbo. It was frustrating and it left her feeling lost. But still, for all of the excitement that now trailed through her veins at the prospect of being able to shape her own future from here on out, she still felt a sense of trepidation. Even with Emilios at her side, she wasn't entirely sure how the coming months as a new baroness would figure out.
"I look forward to seeing the fruits of your labor, cousin," Xene noted quietly, giving him a small smile as she tucked quietly into her meal. She ate slowly, not wanting to give an improper impression, her mind on the new developments rather than the old. But his admission that he would be leaning upon her for help was a welcome one. It would make her feel useful now that both Stephanos and Achilleas had left Taengean shores. She had been her brother's sounding board for nearly everything. "Good. It pleases me that you would place such trust in me," she noted, and then looked down to her food for just a few moments.
When Emilios asked Xene if she would be willing to testify, she shifted slightly and turned her gaze away. "I fear for my own safety in doing that. If someone is out here trying to frame Mikaelidas family members, then whats to say that I won't be next? I have already agreed with Achilleas to speak if needed, but my voice is not one that people look to. I fear many would not trust my judgement, but I am telling you that there was no blood in his room. Nothing there to paint Stephanos as a murderer," she said slowly, not really wanting to yield more information than that until she really knew what side of the game Emilios was on. His brothers? Or their unseen foe?
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This character is currently a work in progress.
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Xene wasn't concerned with how long she might have to wait. She knew Fotios, and if he was content to get something done quickly, then she knew it would all be sorted and situated before the war ended. Or at least she hoped that was true. She didn't like feeling as if she was living in a weird state of limbo. It was frustrating and it left her feeling lost. But still, for all of the excitement that now trailed through her veins at the prospect of being able to shape her own future from here on out, she still felt a sense of trepidation. Even with Emilios at her side, she wasn't entirely sure how the coming months as a new baroness would figure out.
"I look forward to seeing the fruits of your labor, cousin," Xene noted quietly, giving him a small smile as she tucked quietly into her meal. She ate slowly, not wanting to give an improper impression, her mind on the new developments rather than the old. But his admission that he would be leaning upon her for help was a welcome one. It would make her feel useful now that both Stephanos and Achilleas had left Taengean shores. She had been her brother's sounding board for nearly everything. "Good. It pleases me that you would place such trust in me," she noted, and then looked down to her food for just a few moments.
When Emilios asked Xene if she would be willing to testify, she shifted slightly and turned her gaze away. "I fear for my own safety in doing that. If someone is out here trying to frame Mikaelidas family members, then whats to say that I won't be next? I have already agreed with Achilleas to speak if needed, but my voice is not one that people look to. I fear many would not trust my judgement, but I am telling you that there was no blood in his room. Nothing there to paint Stephanos as a murderer," she said slowly, not really wanting to yield more information than that until she really knew what side of the game Emilios was on. His brothers? Or their unseen foe?
Xene wasn't concerned with how long she might have to wait. She knew Fotios, and if he was content to get something done quickly, then she knew it would all be sorted and situated before the war ended. Or at least she hoped that was true. She didn't like feeling as if she was living in a weird state of limbo. It was frustrating and it left her feeling lost. But still, for all of the excitement that now trailed through her veins at the prospect of being able to shape her own future from here on out, she still felt a sense of trepidation. Even with Emilios at her side, she wasn't entirely sure how the coming months as a new baroness would figure out.
"I look forward to seeing the fruits of your labor, cousin," Xene noted quietly, giving him a small smile as she tucked quietly into her meal. She ate slowly, not wanting to give an improper impression, her mind on the new developments rather than the old. But his admission that he would be leaning upon her for help was a welcome one. It would make her feel useful now that both Stephanos and Achilleas had left Taengean shores. She had been her brother's sounding board for nearly everything. "Good. It pleases me that you would place such trust in me," she noted, and then looked down to her food for just a few moments.
When Emilios asked Xene if she would be willing to testify, she shifted slightly and turned her gaze away. "I fear for my own safety in doing that. If someone is out here trying to frame Mikaelidas family members, then whats to say that I won't be next? I have already agreed with Achilleas to speak if needed, but my voice is not one that people look to. I fear many would not trust my judgement, but I am telling you that there was no blood in his room. Nothing there to paint Stephanos as a murderer," she said slowly, not really wanting to yield more information than that until she really knew what side of the game Emilios was on. His brothers? Or their unseen foe?
Emilios took a slow sip from his cup,thinking how he would be happy to see the fruits of his laborts too, once he knew where to start. He hated the fact that there were so many gaps in his knowledge, and he’d rather choke on his own spit than have to ask Fotios of Leventi for guidance. No, he’d have to find support elsewhere. Maybe his brother’s steward or one of the other lords. It was unfortunate that Iason was still so far away in Athenia.. Either way, he would install Xene in Messensis and would feel he’d done right by her and Gianna, at least for now.
Glancing at his cousin, Emilios tilted his head as he surveyed her, his thoughts drifting back to why precisely, Lord Fotios was so intent on having her given a barony. He did it trust the man’s motives - he knew well enough what a belly to the earth snake the Leventi lord could be - and he didn’t even know that Xene was particularly well acquainted with the man that she would have spoken of her desire for such a thing. Never mind that her reaction didn’t speak of one primed to receive the offer.
“ I’m afraid I can’t take all the credit” he said lightly as he spread golden butter on an slice of fresh baked bread. “ It was Lord Fotios of Leventi that suggested such a thing. I thought maybe it was something you had spoken of with him, but now I’m not sure.” The lord took a bite out of the bread, chewed and swallowed before he went on. “I wonder what his game is..”
Her words pertaining to Steph were interesting, to say the least, and Emilios nodded. He could understand her being afraid after everything she’d seen. “If we could make your voice one among many we might stand more ground” he said, but again, his own absences from court were a hobble here. He didn’t pay enough attention to know which lords were their’s through and through and which might be bought off with a handful of gold.
“There will be time over the next few weeks when we can try and find more to speak on his behalf” he said, certain in his conviction even if the how and why might need thought. “In the meantime, I will arrange my affairs so you, Gianna and your mother might take residence here. I can be closer to the Queen then, and provide my support more readily”
He had his end of a bargain to keep up, after all, and much as Emilios despised Fotios, he could not pretend that to be closer to Theo again, to have her within his reach wasn’t something he wanted too. He could only hope she had not closed her heart to him altogether. Coming second to his brother in that would be too much for him to bear.
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This character is currently a work in progress.
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Emilios took a slow sip from his cup,thinking how he would be happy to see the fruits of his laborts too, once he knew where to start. He hated the fact that there were so many gaps in his knowledge, and he’d rather choke on his own spit than have to ask Fotios of Leventi for guidance. No, he’d have to find support elsewhere. Maybe his brother’s steward or one of the other lords. It was unfortunate that Iason was still so far away in Athenia.. Either way, he would install Xene in Messensis and would feel he’d done right by her and Gianna, at least for now.
Glancing at his cousin, Emilios tilted his head as he surveyed her, his thoughts drifting back to why precisely, Lord Fotios was so intent on having her given a barony. He did it trust the man’s motives - he knew well enough what a belly to the earth snake the Leventi lord could be - and he didn’t even know that Xene was particularly well acquainted with the man that she would have spoken of her desire for such a thing. Never mind that her reaction didn’t speak of one primed to receive the offer.
“ I’m afraid I can’t take all the credit” he said lightly as he spread golden butter on an slice of fresh baked bread. “ It was Lord Fotios of Leventi that suggested such a thing. I thought maybe it was something you had spoken of with him, but now I’m not sure.” The lord took a bite out of the bread, chewed and swallowed before he went on. “I wonder what his game is..”
Her words pertaining to Steph were interesting, to say the least, and Emilios nodded. He could understand her being afraid after everything she’d seen. “If we could make your voice one among many we might stand more ground” he said, but again, his own absences from court were a hobble here. He didn’t pay enough attention to know which lords were their’s through and through and which might be bought off with a handful of gold.
“There will be time over the next few weeks when we can try and find more to speak on his behalf” he said, certain in his conviction even if the how and why might need thought. “In the meantime, I will arrange my affairs so you, Gianna and your mother might take residence here. I can be closer to the Queen then, and provide my support more readily”
He had his end of a bargain to keep up, after all, and much as Emilios despised Fotios, he could not pretend that to be closer to Theo again, to have her within his reach wasn’t something he wanted too. He could only hope she had not closed her heart to him altogether. Coming second to his brother in that would be too much for him to bear.
Emilios took a slow sip from his cup,thinking how he would be happy to see the fruits of his laborts too, once he knew where to start. He hated the fact that there were so many gaps in his knowledge, and he’d rather choke on his own spit than have to ask Fotios of Leventi for guidance. No, he’d have to find support elsewhere. Maybe his brother’s steward or one of the other lords. It was unfortunate that Iason was still so far away in Athenia.. Either way, he would install Xene in Messensis and would feel he’d done right by her and Gianna, at least for now.
Glancing at his cousin, Emilios tilted his head as he surveyed her, his thoughts drifting back to why precisely, Lord Fotios was so intent on having her given a barony. He did it trust the man’s motives - he knew well enough what a belly to the earth snake the Leventi lord could be - and he didn’t even know that Xene was particularly well acquainted with the man that she would have spoken of her desire for such a thing. Never mind that her reaction didn’t speak of one primed to receive the offer.
“ I’m afraid I can’t take all the credit” he said lightly as he spread golden butter on an slice of fresh baked bread. “ It was Lord Fotios of Leventi that suggested such a thing. I thought maybe it was something you had spoken of with him, but now I’m not sure.” The lord took a bite out of the bread, chewed and swallowed before he went on. “I wonder what his game is..”
Her words pertaining to Steph were interesting, to say the least, and Emilios nodded. He could understand her being afraid after everything she’d seen. “If we could make your voice one among many we might stand more ground” he said, but again, his own absences from court were a hobble here. He didn’t pay enough attention to know which lords were their’s through and through and which might be bought off with a handful of gold.
“There will be time over the next few weeks when we can try and find more to speak on his behalf” he said, certain in his conviction even if the how and why might need thought. “In the meantime, I will arrange my affairs so you, Gianna and your mother might take residence here. I can be closer to the Queen then, and provide my support more readily”
He had his end of a bargain to keep up, after all, and much as Emilios despised Fotios, he could not pretend that to be closer to Theo again, to have her within his reach wasn’t something he wanted too. He could only hope she had not closed her heart to him altogether. Coming second to his brother in that would be too much for him to bear.
