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It was a warm and beautiful day, clear-skied and sun shining as Xanthippe crossed the grounds of Archontiko Mikaelidas to head for the entrance of the manor. Lord Fotios had sent her here in an overture of a business dealing, a message tucked in her hand for Lord Achilleas about a stallion he might be interested in. The Leventi servant wasn’t even sure that there really was a horse; delivering the message wasn’t her real mission, but simply an excuse to get inside the house. Lord Fotios knew better than anyone her ability to hide and meld with the shadows, and instead had sent her to gather information, whatever she could see or overhear.
Stopped at the door by a bored-looking guard, Xan flashed a charming smile and offered the missive to show her business. “I’m here by command of Lord Fotios to deliver this to Lord Achilleas. Is he here?”
Scanning over the letter, the guard nodded and gestured for her to come inside. “I believe he came in just a bit ago. Wait here while I find him for you.”
“Of course,” she replied with a nod, politely folding her hands in front of her. “Take your time, I’m in no rush.”
As the guard left to go fetch Achilleas, Xanthippe watched him walk away until he was out of sight. Once he was gone, her smile deepened as she turned to head off in the opposite direction. This was even easier than she’d thought it would be.
Wandering the halls and doing her best to look as if she belonged, the young servant paused in the shadows of doorways to listen for any interesting tidbits she might pick up. Unfortunately, there wasn’t much being said—just the normal day-to-day chatter of any other home. Inane comments about that night’s meal, questions about the cleanliness in the servants’ wing… overall nothing interesting, and she was starting to wonder if she’d wasted her time.
That was, until she paused outside of a certain door where she heard voices raised in thinly veiled anger. Brows drawing together in interest, Xanthippe peeked past the cracked door, only to find Achilleas himself in a heated conversation with a rather… bare… woman she vaguely recognized as his father’s mistress.
Well, this ought to be worth my time.
Maybe he’s fucking her too.
Now wouldn’t that be interesting?
Carefully pressing her body against the wall while keeping an eye out for any potential passersby, Xan listened with interest to the conversation that followed. As it went on, she doubted the gods’ speculation that Achilleas was having relations with this woman. Rather, the name ‘Briseis’ caught her attention instead, and the way he spoke of her…
Fascinating.
With his engagement to her Lord’s niece, she found it interesting that he should be seeking to reassign a particular woman, and when she dared to peek inside again, his guilt might as well have been branded on his face. An affair then, she would have bet her life on it. It looked like she wouldn’t be leaving the manor empty-handed, after all.
As the conversation drew to a close, Xanthippe slunk back from the doorway to duck around a corner and wait for the lord to emerge. She knew she ought to just leave with her newfound gossip and present Lord Fotios with what she’d found, but the young woman was overcome with an impulse that was impossible to ignore. Besides, she’d gotten what she came for—didn’t she deserve to have a little fun?
Make him squirm.
Oh, I intend to.
When Achilleas left the room at last, Xan trailed leisurely behind him, making a big show of concentrating on the note in her hand. Speeding up her steps just enough to catch up to the lion, she waited for him to turn a corner before deliberately colliding with his back.
False horror filled her face as she took a step back, gazing up at him with wide blue eyes. “My lord, I’m so sorry, I should have been watching where I was going! The guard at the door left me waiting for so long that I wandered off down the hall and got lost…”
Her acting was immaculate, appearing for all the world like a lost and bewildered girl. Face soft with contrition, she went on, “Again, my apologies. Clumsiness is my curse, I’m afraid. Always stumbling over my own feet.”
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It was a warm and beautiful day, clear-skied and sun shining as Xanthippe crossed the grounds of Archontiko Mikaelidas to head for the entrance of the manor. Lord Fotios had sent her here in an overture of a business dealing, a message tucked in her hand for Lord Achilleas about a stallion he might be interested in. The Leventi servant wasn’t even sure that there really was a horse; delivering the message wasn’t her real mission, but simply an excuse to get inside the house. Lord Fotios knew better than anyone her ability to hide and meld with the shadows, and instead had sent her to gather information, whatever she could see or overhear.
Stopped at the door by a bored-looking guard, Xan flashed a charming smile and offered the missive to show her business. “I’m here by command of Lord Fotios to deliver this to Lord Achilleas. Is he here?”
Scanning over the letter, the guard nodded and gestured for her to come inside. “I believe he came in just a bit ago. Wait here while I find him for you.”
“Of course,” she replied with a nod, politely folding her hands in front of her. “Take your time, I’m in no rush.”
As the guard left to go fetch Achilleas, Xanthippe watched him walk away until he was out of sight. Once he was gone, her smile deepened as she turned to head off in the opposite direction. This was even easier than she’d thought it would be.
Wandering the halls and doing her best to look as if she belonged, the young servant paused in the shadows of doorways to listen for any interesting tidbits she might pick up. Unfortunately, there wasn’t much being said—just the normal day-to-day chatter of any other home. Inane comments about that night’s meal, questions about the cleanliness in the servants’ wing… overall nothing interesting, and she was starting to wonder if she’d wasted her time.
That was, until she paused outside of a certain door where she heard voices raised in thinly veiled anger. Brows drawing together in interest, Xanthippe peeked past the cracked door, only to find Achilleas himself in a heated conversation with a rather… bare… woman she vaguely recognized as his father’s mistress.
Well, this ought to be worth my time.
Maybe he’s fucking her too.
Now wouldn’t that be interesting?
Carefully pressing her body against the wall while keeping an eye out for any potential passersby, Xan listened with interest to the conversation that followed. As it went on, she doubted the gods’ speculation that Achilleas was having relations with this woman. Rather, the name ‘Briseis’ caught her attention instead, and the way he spoke of her…
Fascinating.
With his engagement to her Lord’s niece, she found it interesting that he should be seeking to reassign a particular woman, and when she dared to peek inside again, his guilt might as well have been branded on his face. An affair then, she would have bet her life on it. It looked like she wouldn’t be leaving the manor empty-handed, after all.
As the conversation drew to a close, Xanthippe slunk back from the doorway to duck around a corner and wait for the lord to emerge. She knew she ought to just leave with her newfound gossip and present Lord Fotios with what she’d found, but the young woman was overcome with an impulse that was impossible to ignore. Besides, she’d gotten what she came for—didn’t she deserve to have a little fun?
Make him squirm.
Oh, I intend to.
When Achilleas left the room at last, Xan trailed leisurely behind him, making a big show of concentrating on the note in her hand. Speeding up her steps just enough to catch up to the lion, she waited for him to turn a corner before deliberately colliding with his back.
False horror filled her face as she took a step back, gazing up at him with wide blue eyes. “My lord, I’m so sorry, I should have been watching where I was going! The guard at the door left me waiting for so long that I wandered off down the hall and got lost…”
Her acting was immaculate, appearing for all the world like a lost and bewildered girl. Face soft with contrition, she went on, “Again, my apologies. Clumsiness is my curse, I’m afraid. Always stumbling over my own feet.”
It was a warm and beautiful day, clear-skied and sun shining as Xanthippe crossed the grounds of Archontiko Mikaelidas to head for the entrance of the manor. Lord Fotios had sent her here in an overture of a business dealing, a message tucked in her hand for Lord Achilleas about a stallion he might be interested in. The Leventi servant wasn’t even sure that there really was a horse; delivering the message wasn’t her real mission, but simply an excuse to get inside the house. Lord Fotios knew better than anyone her ability to hide and meld with the shadows, and instead had sent her to gather information, whatever she could see or overhear.
Stopped at the door by a bored-looking guard, Xan flashed a charming smile and offered the missive to show her business. “I’m here by command of Lord Fotios to deliver this to Lord Achilleas. Is he here?”
Scanning over the letter, the guard nodded and gestured for her to come inside. “I believe he came in just a bit ago. Wait here while I find him for you.”
“Of course,” she replied with a nod, politely folding her hands in front of her. “Take your time, I’m in no rush.”
As the guard left to go fetch Achilleas, Xanthippe watched him walk away until he was out of sight. Once he was gone, her smile deepened as she turned to head off in the opposite direction. This was even easier than she’d thought it would be.
Wandering the halls and doing her best to look as if she belonged, the young servant paused in the shadows of doorways to listen for any interesting tidbits she might pick up. Unfortunately, there wasn’t much being said—just the normal day-to-day chatter of any other home. Inane comments about that night’s meal, questions about the cleanliness in the servants’ wing… overall nothing interesting, and she was starting to wonder if she’d wasted her time.
That was, until she paused outside of a certain door where she heard voices raised in thinly veiled anger. Brows drawing together in interest, Xanthippe peeked past the cracked door, only to find Achilleas himself in a heated conversation with a rather… bare… woman she vaguely recognized as his father’s mistress.
Well, this ought to be worth my time.
Maybe he’s fucking her too.
Now wouldn’t that be interesting?
Carefully pressing her body against the wall while keeping an eye out for any potential passersby, Xan listened with interest to the conversation that followed. As it went on, she doubted the gods’ speculation that Achilleas was having relations with this woman. Rather, the name ‘Briseis’ caught her attention instead, and the way he spoke of her…
Fascinating.
With his engagement to her Lord’s niece, she found it interesting that he should be seeking to reassign a particular woman, and when she dared to peek inside again, his guilt might as well have been branded on his face. An affair then, she would have bet her life on it. It looked like she wouldn’t be leaving the manor empty-handed, after all.
As the conversation drew to a close, Xanthippe slunk back from the doorway to duck around a corner and wait for the lord to emerge. She knew she ought to just leave with her newfound gossip and present Lord Fotios with what she’d found, but the young woman was overcome with an impulse that was impossible to ignore. Besides, she’d gotten what she came for—didn’t she deserve to have a little fun?
Make him squirm.
Oh, I intend to.
When Achilleas left the room at last, Xan trailed leisurely behind him, making a big show of concentrating on the note in her hand. Speeding up her steps just enough to catch up to the lion, she waited for him to turn a corner before deliberately colliding with his back.
False horror filled her face as she took a step back, gazing up at him with wide blue eyes. “My lord, I’m so sorry, I should have been watching where I was going! The guard at the door left me waiting for so long that I wandered off down the hall and got lost…”
Her acting was immaculate, appearing for all the world like a lost and bewildered girl. Face soft with contrition, she went on, “Again, my apologies. Clumsiness is my curse, I’m afraid. Always stumbling over my own feet.”
Achilleas felt exhausted. Holding his tongue and shaping his words into coaxing and favour seeking forms with that woman had been a challenge, even for one who tended towards keeping an even temper. Oblivious to his little shadow, he strode down the hallway away from the wing of the house that his father laid claim to for his secondary family, thumb and forefinger pinching the bridge of his nose as he tried to will away the headache born on having to deal with Meena so early in the day.
He was not entirely sure that he had made the right choice in going to her. She had little reason to keep his secrets after all, and he didn’t doubt that she would go running to his father to tell of how his eldest son had asked a favour of her. A breath left him in a frustrated gust as he imagined how that conversation would go. Damn it all. But what else was he supposed to do? Have Briseis standing and alternately glaring daggers at Theodora or pretending not to cry every time she was asked to wait upon them?
Rounding the corner towards the main part of the house, and heading back to his study where he hoped to purge the vision of a very naked Meena from his mind, the Lord was less than happy when something collided with him, his glare scorching when he turned to find the culprit. He really wasn’t in the mood for...
"My lord, I’m so sorry, I should have been watching where I was going! The guard at the door left me waiting for so long that I wandered off down the hall and got lost…"
Achilleas did not recognise the blue-eyed, blonde-haired woman who now took a step backward, fretfully explaining herself. He blinked, annoyance softening slightly when presented with such a wide-eyed, apologetic response and the lord looked her up and down. A new starter, perhaps?
“It’s of no matter” he replied dismissively, not wanting to deal with some sobbing servant who thought they'd managed to offend him. He’d had quite enough of crying servants lately. And then he looked closer and realised this girl did not wear the robes of the Mikaelidas house staff, and he heard what she said and narrowed his eyes slightly.
“Who is it you’re looking for?” Making a mental note to have a word with the housekeeper, because apparently now it was acceptable for people to be admitted to roam the halls of the Mikaelidas manor freely, he looked at the young woman again. “You know you should have waited. It is not proper for you to be wandering around alone.”
The lord sighed and cast his eyes up and down the hallway so he might find someone to hand the girl off to, but as was his luck on this day, there was no-one to be seen. He would have to take her to wherever she was meant to be himself. “Well?”
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Achilleas felt exhausted. Holding his tongue and shaping his words into coaxing and favour seeking forms with that woman had been a challenge, even for one who tended towards keeping an even temper. Oblivious to his little shadow, he strode down the hallway away from the wing of the house that his father laid claim to for his secondary family, thumb and forefinger pinching the bridge of his nose as he tried to will away the headache born on having to deal with Meena so early in the day.
He was not entirely sure that he had made the right choice in going to her. She had little reason to keep his secrets after all, and he didn’t doubt that she would go running to his father to tell of how his eldest son had asked a favour of her. A breath left him in a frustrated gust as he imagined how that conversation would go. Damn it all. But what else was he supposed to do? Have Briseis standing and alternately glaring daggers at Theodora or pretending not to cry every time she was asked to wait upon them?
Rounding the corner towards the main part of the house, and heading back to his study where he hoped to purge the vision of a very naked Meena from his mind, the Lord was less than happy when something collided with him, his glare scorching when he turned to find the culprit. He really wasn’t in the mood for...
"My lord, I’m so sorry, I should have been watching where I was going! The guard at the door left me waiting for so long that I wandered off down the hall and got lost…"
Achilleas did not recognise the blue-eyed, blonde-haired woman who now took a step backward, fretfully explaining herself. He blinked, annoyance softening slightly when presented with such a wide-eyed, apologetic response and the lord looked her up and down. A new starter, perhaps?
“It’s of no matter” he replied dismissively, not wanting to deal with some sobbing servant who thought they'd managed to offend him. He’d had quite enough of crying servants lately. And then he looked closer and realised this girl did not wear the robes of the Mikaelidas house staff, and he heard what she said and narrowed his eyes slightly.
“Who is it you’re looking for?” Making a mental note to have a word with the housekeeper, because apparently now it was acceptable for people to be admitted to roam the halls of the Mikaelidas manor freely, he looked at the young woman again. “You know you should have waited. It is not proper for you to be wandering around alone.”
The lord sighed and cast his eyes up and down the hallway so he might find someone to hand the girl off to, but as was his luck on this day, there was no-one to be seen. He would have to take her to wherever she was meant to be himself. “Well?”
Achilleas felt exhausted. Holding his tongue and shaping his words into coaxing and favour seeking forms with that woman had been a challenge, even for one who tended towards keeping an even temper. Oblivious to his little shadow, he strode down the hallway away from the wing of the house that his father laid claim to for his secondary family, thumb and forefinger pinching the bridge of his nose as he tried to will away the headache born on having to deal with Meena so early in the day.
He was not entirely sure that he had made the right choice in going to her. She had little reason to keep his secrets after all, and he didn’t doubt that she would go running to his father to tell of how his eldest son had asked a favour of her. A breath left him in a frustrated gust as he imagined how that conversation would go. Damn it all. But what else was he supposed to do? Have Briseis standing and alternately glaring daggers at Theodora or pretending not to cry every time she was asked to wait upon them?
Rounding the corner towards the main part of the house, and heading back to his study where he hoped to purge the vision of a very naked Meena from his mind, the Lord was less than happy when something collided with him, his glare scorching when he turned to find the culprit. He really wasn’t in the mood for...
"My lord, I’m so sorry, I should have been watching where I was going! The guard at the door left me waiting for so long that I wandered off down the hall and got lost…"
Achilleas did not recognise the blue-eyed, blonde-haired woman who now took a step backward, fretfully explaining herself. He blinked, annoyance softening slightly when presented with such a wide-eyed, apologetic response and the lord looked her up and down. A new starter, perhaps?
“It’s of no matter” he replied dismissively, not wanting to deal with some sobbing servant who thought they'd managed to offend him. He’d had quite enough of crying servants lately. And then he looked closer and realised this girl did not wear the robes of the Mikaelidas house staff, and he heard what she said and narrowed his eyes slightly.
“Who is it you’re looking for?” Making a mental note to have a word with the housekeeper, because apparently now it was acceptable for people to be admitted to roam the halls of the Mikaelidas manor freely, he looked at the young woman again. “You know you should have waited. It is not proper for you to be wandering around alone.”
The lord sighed and cast his eyes up and down the hallway so he might find someone to hand the girl off to, but as was his luck on this day, there was no-one to be seen. He would have to take her to wherever she was meant to be himself. “Well?”
Just as she’d expected, the man’s temper faded as soon as it flared when he saw her expression. Men were such easy creatures to manipulate, especially if one had an even vaguely pretty face. Lord or no, why should Achilleas be any different? What reason would he have to expect she was anything but what she appeared? After all, she was just a woman, and a servant at that. What manner of threat could she possibly be?
Who is it you’re looking for? You know you should have waited. It is not proper for you to be wandering around alone.
A look of vague guilt passed over her features, mouth twisted in a moue of apology. “I know, I’m sorry, my lord, but the guard was just gone for so long…” Truly, Xanthippe had missed her calling in not joining a players’ troupe. “I knew my lord would be angry if I didn’t deliver his message, and I couldn’t wait around all day…”
Just bring your lord his head, and be done with it.
Interrupting herself and ignoring the voice all at once, her eyes widened as if she was really recognizing him for the first time. “The message, it’s for you, actually!” Handing over the parchment stamped with the Leventi seal, she offered a hesitant smile, a slight flush in her cheeks at a job well done. “You’re Lord Achilleas, aren’t you?” As if she didn’t know exactly who he was. “My Lord Fotios sent this, told me to make sure you got it. He has a horse, a young stallion not quite broken yet, that he thought you might be interested in. Wanted me to extend the invitation for you to come see him. At your leisure, of course.”
Xanthippe’s smile brightened slightly, features exuding nothing but polite friendliness. “Or it’s possible your father might like him? Maybe he’d even like one of the mares. A gift for his wife, perhaps?” While she fully intended it as a dig, she made no show of that on her face, playing the part of blissfully ignorant servant like she’d been born to it. As if all of Taengea didn’t know about Meena, herself included. But Achilleas didn’t need to know that.
Maybe the horse will kick off his head, and then you can offer it to your lord.
“Either way,” she continued cheerfully, not sure in that moment if she was talking to Achilleas or the whisper in her head. “The offer’s there.”
Xanthippe then looked around them as if she was confused, brows drawing together in the hint of a frown. “Do you think you might walk me back to the door? I don’t think I could find my way back out at this point.” Of course she could. She was keenly aware of what turns she’d taken to get here, but finding her own way back out didn’t sound nearly so fun. How could she get into his head if he simply let her loose or pawned her off on someone else?
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Just as she’d expected, the man’s temper faded as soon as it flared when he saw her expression. Men were such easy creatures to manipulate, especially if one had an even vaguely pretty face. Lord or no, why should Achilleas be any different? What reason would he have to expect she was anything but what she appeared? After all, she was just a woman, and a servant at that. What manner of threat could she possibly be?
Who is it you’re looking for? You know you should have waited. It is not proper for you to be wandering around alone.
A look of vague guilt passed over her features, mouth twisted in a moue of apology. “I know, I’m sorry, my lord, but the guard was just gone for so long…” Truly, Xanthippe had missed her calling in not joining a players’ troupe. “I knew my lord would be angry if I didn’t deliver his message, and I couldn’t wait around all day…”
Just bring your lord his head, and be done with it.
Interrupting herself and ignoring the voice all at once, her eyes widened as if she was really recognizing him for the first time. “The message, it’s for you, actually!” Handing over the parchment stamped with the Leventi seal, she offered a hesitant smile, a slight flush in her cheeks at a job well done. “You’re Lord Achilleas, aren’t you?” As if she didn’t know exactly who he was. “My Lord Fotios sent this, told me to make sure you got it. He has a horse, a young stallion not quite broken yet, that he thought you might be interested in. Wanted me to extend the invitation for you to come see him. At your leisure, of course.”
Xanthippe’s smile brightened slightly, features exuding nothing but polite friendliness. “Or it’s possible your father might like him? Maybe he’d even like one of the mares. A gift for his wife, perhaps?” While she fully intended it as a dig, she made no show of that on her face, playing the part of blissfully ignorant servant like she’d been born to it. As if all of Taengea didn’t know about Meena, herself included. But Achilleas didn’t need to know that.
Maybe the horse will kick off his head, and then you can offer it to your lord.
“Either way,” she continued cheerfully, not sure in that moment if she was talking to Achilleas or the whisper in her head. “The offer’s there.”
Xanthippe then looked around them as if she was confused, brows drawing together in the hint of a frown. “Do you think you might walk me back to the door? I don’t think I could find my way back out at this point.” Of course she could. She was keenly aware of what turns she’d taken to get here, but finding her own way back out didn’t sound nearly so fun. How could she get into his head if he simply let her loose or pawned her off on someone else?
Just as she’d expected, the man’s temper faded as soon as it flared when he saw her expression. Men were such easy creatures to manipulate, especially if one had an even vaguely pretty face. Lord or no, why should Achilleas be any different? What reason would he have to expect she was anything but what she appeared? After all, she was just a woman, and a servant at that. What manner of threat could she possibly be?
Who is it you’re looking for? You know you should have waited. It is not proper for you to be wandering around alone.
A look of vague guilt passed over her features, mouth twisted in a moue of apology. “I know, I’m sorry, my lord, but the guard was just gone for so long…” Truly, Xanthippe had missed her calling in not joining a players’ troupe. “I knew my lord would be angry if I didn’t deliver his message, and I couldn’t wait around all day…”
Just bring your lord his head, and be done with it.
Interrupting herself and ignoring the voice all at once, her eyes widened as if she was really recognizing him for the first time. “The message, it’s for you, actually!” Handing over the parchment stamped with the Leventi seal, she offered a hesitant smile, a slight flush in her cheeks at a job well done. “You’re Lord Achilleas, aren’t you?” As if she didn’t know exactly who he was. “My Lord Fotios sent this, told me to make sure you got it. He has a horse, a young stallion not quite broken yet, that he thought you might be interested in. Wanted me to extend the invitation for you to come see him. At your leisure, of course.”
Xanthippe’s smile brightened slightly, features exuding nothing but polite friendliness. “Or it’s possible your father might like him? Maybe he’d even like one of the mares. A gift for his wife, perhaps?” While she fully intended it as a dig, she made no show of that on her face, playing the part of blissfully ignorant servant like she’d been born to it. As if all of Taengea didn’t know about Meena, herself included. But Achilleas didn’t need to know that.
Maybe the horse will kick off his head, and then you can offer it to your lord.
“Either way,” she continued cheerfully, not sure in that moment if she was talking to Achilleas or the whisper in her head. “The offer’s there.”
Xanthippe then looked around them as if she was confused, brows drawing together in the hint of a frown. “Do you think you might walk me back to the door? I don’t think I could find my way back out at this point.” Of course she could. She was keenly aware of what turns she’d taken to get here, but finding her own way back out didn’t sound nearly so fun. How could she get into his head if he simply let her loose or pawned her off on someone else?
It was perhaps a flaw, that Achilleas liked to look for the redeeming qualities in everyone, and did not begin every acquaintance with suspicion. It meant that there was no reason for him to mistrust the passage of emotions that crossed the servant's face. Perhaps his conversation with the gate guards would also include a question as to why this girl had been kept waiting so long.
When her eyes widened and she looked at him with dawning comprehension, the Mikaelidas lord lifted one brow as she pushed the parchment towards him, his gaze dropping to the Leventi seal that it bore. But it would appear he did not need to break it and read what was within because the servant was now giving him a blow for blow account of what the message contained. Achilleas glanced up at the girl with something of a doubtful look. He wasn’t exactly looking for a new horse but then it wasn’t often Lord Fotios would single one out to recommend to him so perhaps it was worth knowing more. “I see” he mused, as he finally unfolded the parchment and scanned over the words within.
The girl seemed very keen to promote her Lord’s wares though, and Achilleas looked up sharply from the paper at the mention of his mother, a single muscle flickering in his jaw as he bit back a laugh at the idea of his father doing anything so considerate for the woman he scorned daily. Now he searched the servant’s face to see if there were some insolence hidden beneath her seemingly innocent suggestion, but he could find none, and so considered for a moment.
But the chatty servant had not finished talking at him it would seem and Achilleas held up a hand to forestall her regaling him with how terribly lost she might get if she had to find her way out by herself.
“Look, come with me” he said crisply. “As you are still here you may as well wait and you can return with my answer to your Lord, can’t you?” He didn’t wait for an answer because it wasn't really a question, but turned on his heel and began walking through the halls of the Mikaelidas manor until they reached his own quarters, the few rooms kept for his use when he stayed in the city.
Walking into his study and expecting the girl to follow him, he took a seat behind the wide oaken desk and reached for a piece of parchment so he might send a return message to Lord Fotios. It was a brief note, no more than a couple of lines in the man’s neat and precise script, where Achilleas accepted the man’s invitation to come see said horse, and said he would come the next day.
As he waited for the wax to soften over the candle flame, he looked up to the servant girl.
“Do you chatter so much to Lord Fotios?” he asked idly, finding it hard to imagine the Leventi Lord indulging such free speech in his servants. And nor had Achilleas himself ever made it practice to recite his written messages to the messengers who would carry them. Of course, this was a trivial matter, but still...it was odd.
“Have you been with the family long?” he went on, as he pressed the crest of the Mikaelidas ring into the soft wax, sealing his reply and signing it off in one motion. He offered the letter out to the girl expectantly.
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It was perhaps a flaw, that Achilleas liked to look for the redeeming qualities in everyone, and did not begin every acquaintance with suspicion. It meant that there was no reason for him to mistrust the passage of emotions that crossed the servant's face. Perhaps his conversation with the gate guards would also include a question as to why this girl had been kept waiting so long.
When her eyes widened and she looked at him with dawning comprehension, the Mikaelidas lord lifted one brow as she pushed the parchment towards him, his gaze dropping to the Leventi seal that it bore. But it would appear he did not need to break it and read what was within because the servant was now giving him a blow for blow account of what the message contained. Achilleas glanced up at the girl with something of a doubtful look. He wasn’t exactly looking for a new horse but then it wasn’t often Lord Fotios would single one out to recommend to him so perhaps it was worth knowing more. “I see” he mused, as he finally unfolded the parchment and scanned over the words within.
The girl seemed very keen to promote her Lord’s wares though, and Achilleas looked up sharply from the paper at the mention of his mother, a single muscle flickering in his jaw as he bit back a laugh at the idea of his father doing anything so considerate for the woman he scorned daily. Now he searched the servant’s face to see if there were some insolence hidden beneath her seemingly innocent suggestion, but he could find none, and so considered for a moment.
But the chatty servant had not finished talking at him it would seem and Achilleas held up a hand to forestall her regaling him with how terribly lost she might get if she had to find her way out by herself.
“Look, come with me” he said crisply. “As you are still here you may as well wait and you can return with my answer to your Lord, can’t you?” He didn’t wait for an answer because it wasn't really a question, but turned on his heel and began walking through the halls of the Mikaelidas manor until they reached his own quarters, the few rooms kept for his use when he stayed in the city.
Walking into his study and expecting the girl to follow him, he took a seat behind the wide oaken desk and reached for a piece of parchment so he might send a return message to Lord Fotios. It was a brief note, no more than a couple of lines in the man’s neat and precise script, where Achilleas accepted the man’s invitation to come see said horse, and said he would come the next day.
As he waited for the wax to soften over the candle flame, he looked up to the servant girl.
“Do you chatter so much to Lord Fotios?” he asked idly, finding it hard to imagine the Leventi Lord indulging such free speech in his servants. And nor had Achilleas himself ever made it practice to recite his written messages to the messengers who would carry them. Of course, this was a trivial matter, but still...it was odd.
“Have you been with the family long?” he went on, as he pressed the crest of the Mikaelidas ring into the soft wax, sealing his reply and signing it off in one motion. He offered the letter out to the girl expectantly.
It was perhaps a flaw, that Achilleas liked to look for the redeeming qualities in everyone, and did not begin every acquaintance with suspicion. It meant that there was no reason for him to mistrust the passage of emotions that crossed the servant's face. Perhaps his conversation with the gate guards would also include a question as to why this girl had been kept waiting so long.
When her eyes widened and she looked at him with dawning comprehension, the Mikaelidas lord lifted one brow as she pushed the parchment towards him, his gaze dropping to the Leventi seal that it bore. But it would appear he did not need to break it and read what was within because the servant was now giving him a blow for blow account of what the message contained. Achilleas glanced up at the girl with something of a doubtful look. He wasn’t exactly looking for a new horse but then it wasn’t often Lord Fotios would single one out to recommend to him so perhaps it was worth knowing more. “I see” he mused, as he finally unfolded the parchment and scanned over the words within.
The girl seemed very keen to promote her Lord’s wares though, and Achilleas looked up sharply from the paper at the mention of his mother, a single muscle flickering in his jaw as he bit back a laugh at the idea of his father doing anything so considerate for the woman he scorned daily. Now he searched the servant’s face to see if there were some insolence hidden beneath her seemingly innocent suggestion, but he could find none, and so considered for a moment.
But the chatty servant had not finished talking at him it would seem and Achilleas held up a hand to forestall her regaling him with how terribly lost she might get if she had to find her way out by herself.
“Look, come with me” he said crisply. “As you are still here you may as well wait and you can return with my answer to your Lord, can’t you?” He didn’t wait for an answer because it wasn't really a question, but turned on his heel and began walking through the halls of the Mikaelidas manor until they reached his own quarters, the few rooms kept for his use when he stayed in the city.
Walking into his study and expecting the girl to follow him, he took a seat behind the wide oaken desk and reached for a piece of parchment so he might send a return message to Lord Fotios. It was a brief note, no more than a couple of lines in the man’s neat and precise script, where Achilleas accepted the man’s invitation to come see said horse, and said he would come the next day.
As he waited for the wax to soften over the candle flame, he looked up to the servant girl.
“Do you chatter so much to Lord Fotios?” he asked idly, finding it hard to imagine the Leventi Lord indulging such free speech in his servants. And nor had Achilleas himself ever made it practice to recite his written messages to the messengers who would carry them. Of course, this was a trivial matter, but still...it was odd.
“Have you been with the family long?” he went on, as he pressed the crest of the Mikaelidas ring into the soft wax, sealing his reply and signing it off in one motion. He offered the letter out to the girl expectantly.
As you are still here you may as well wait and you can return with my answer to your Lord, can’t you?
Whether it was a question or an order, Xanthippe responded with a curtsy and a smile, inclining her head in agreement. “Of course, my lord. Better, too, that I don’t come back home empty-handed.”
Demurely trailing a few paces behind the Mikaelidas lord, the maid carefully examined her surroundings, noting every twist and turn it took to get there. She had a remarkable memory for one whose head was already so crowded, and she was sure if (more like when) she was back within these walls, she’d be able to find his chambers with ease. It was convenient knowledge to have, no matter how it was acquired.
Yes, my lord, show me more of where you live. At this rate, I could practically map the Mikaelidas manor.
Find the quickest way in.
And the quickest way out.
Peering curiously around his study when they reached their destination, Xanthippe remained standing with her hands folded in front of her when Achilleas sat, idly scanning the names of the books on the shelves. None of them were of particular note to her, many of which she’d seen in the possession of her own lord. The room was neatly kept, doubtless at the behest of various servants, and nothing really stood out to her that she ought to take an interest in. From what she could see, the lion was no more than what he appeared, and she was almost disappointed by that. People were usually so predictably boring… but then again, how could she make such a judgment in so short a time? Who knew what else might be lurking behind that slightly annoyed gaze?
Do you chatter so much to Lord Fotios?
Xanthippe couldn’t help but laugh, offering him a lop-sided smirk. Perhaps she’d been a bit too candid and ought to roll it back a little, but she might as well go with it now. Answering that question and his next in one beat, she replied, “My lord Fotios and my lady Eirini practically raised me from infancy. I suppose they have a softer ear to my rambling than most others. I apologize if it bothers you. I don’t get much time out of the house, and I’ll admit I get a little overexcited when I do.”
If you cut out his tongue, he won’t be able to chatter, either.
Cut out your own while you’re at it.
Ignoring that last bit, her smile widened the slightest bit as she regarded Achilleas. “I suppose that means your own servants aren’t as talkative, eh? Perhaps they’re better trained than I am.”
I wonder if he gets annoyed at this ‘Briseis’ when she chatters.
Stopping herself before she said something to that affect aloud, Xan shrugged lightly and watched the press of his seal against the wax. “Maybe it’s too bold of me to say, but I’ve found we can all learn a lot by talking now and then with those above and below our class. It’s nice to get a new perspective once in a while. At least, I think so.”
And the more people talk, the more they spill. Keep talking to me, my lord. Give me a hint of what’s behind the nobleman’s mask.
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As you are still here you may as well wait and you can return with my answer to your Lord, can’t you?
Whether it was a question or an order, Xanthippe responded with a curtsy and a smile, inclining her head in agreement. “Of course, my lord. Better, too, that I don’t come back home empty-handed.”
Demurely trailing a few paces behind the Mikaelidas lord, the maid carefully examined her surroundings, noting every twist and turn it took to get there. She had a remarkable memory for one whose head was already so crowded, and she was sure if (more like when) she was back within these walls, she’d be able to find his chambers with ease. It was convenient knowledge to have, no matter how it was acquired.
Yes, my lord, show me more of where you live. At this rate, I could practically map the Mikaelidas manor.
Find the quickest way in.
And the quickest way out.
Peering curiously around his study when they reached their destination, Xanthippe remained standing with her hands folded in front of her when Achilleas sat, idly scanning the names of the books on the shelves. None of them were of particular note to her, many of which she’d seen in the possession of her own lord. The room was neatly kept, doubtless at the behest of various servants, and nothing really stood out to her that she ought to take an interest in. From what she could see, the lion was no more than what he appeared, and she was almost disappointed by that. People were usually so predictably boring… but then again, how could she make such a judgment in so short a time? Who knew what else might be lurking behind that slightly annoyed gaze?
Do you chatter so much to Lord Fotios?
Xanthippe couldn’t help but laugh, offering him a lop-sided smirk. Perhaps she’d been a bit too candid and ought to roll it back a little, but she might as well go with it now. Answering that question and his next in one beat, she replied, “My lord Fotios and my lady Eirini practically raised me from infancy. I suppose they have a softer ear to my rambling than most others. I apologize if it bothers you. I don’t get much time out of the house, and I’ll admit I get a little overexcited when I do.”
If you cut out his tongue, he won’t be able to chatter, either.
Cut out your own while you’re at it.
Ignoring that last bit, her smile widened the slightest bit as she regarded Achilleas. “I suppose that means your own servants aren’t as talkative, eh? Perhaps they’re better trained than I am.”
I wonder if he gets annoyed at this ‘Briseis’ when she chatters.
Stopping herself before she said something to that affect aloud, Xan shrugged lightly and watched the press of his seal against the wax. “Maybe it’s too bold of me to say, but I’ve found we can all learn a lot by talking now and then with those above and below our class. It’s nice to get a new perspective once in a while. At least, I think so.”
And the more people talk, the more they spill. Keep talking to me, my lord. Give me a hint of what’s behind the nobleman’s mask.
As you are still here you may as well wait and you can return with my answer to your Lord, can’t you?
Whether it was a question or an order, Xanthippe responded with a curtsy and a smile, inclining her head in agreement. “Of course, my lord. Better, too, that I don’t come back home empty-handed.”
Demurely trailing a few paces behind the Mikaelidas lord, the maid carefully examined her surroundings, noting every twist and turn it took to get there. She had a remarkable memory for one whose head was already so crowded, and she was sure if (more like when) she was back within these walls, she’d be able to find his chambers with ease. It was convenient knowledge to have, no matter how it was acquired.
Yes, my lord, show me more of where you live. At this rate, I could practically map the Mikaelidas manor.
Find the quickest way in.
And the quickest way out.
Peering curiously around his study when they reached their destination, Xanthippe remained standing with her hands folded in front of her when Achilleas sat, idly scanning the names of the books on the shelves. None of them were of particular note to her, many of which she’d seen in the possession of her own lord. The room was neatly kept, doubtless at the behest of various servants, and nothing really stood out to her that she ought to take an interest in. From what she could see, the lion was no more than what he appeared, and she was almost disappointed by that. People were usually so predictably boring… but then again, how could she make such a judgment in so short a time? Who knew what else might be lurking behind that slightly annoyed gaze?
Do you chatter so much to Lord Fotios?
Xanthippe couldn’t help but laugh, offering him a lop-sided smirk. Perhaps she’d been a bit too candid and ought to roll it back a little, but she might as well go with it now. Answering that question and his next in one beat, she replied, “My lord Fotios and my lady Eirini practically raised me from infancy. I suppose they have a softer ear to my rambling than most others. I apologize if it bothers you. I don’t get much time out of the house, and I’ll admit I get a little overexcited when I do.”
If you cut out his tongue, he won’t be able to chatter, either.
Cut out your own while you’re at it.
Ignoring that last bit, her smile widened the slightest bit as she regarded Achilleas. “I suppose that means your own servants aren’t as talkative, eh? Perhaps they’re better trained than I am.”
I wonder if he gets annoyed at this ‘Briseis’ when she chatters.
Stopping herself before she said something to that affect aloud, Xan shrugged lightly and watched the press of his seal against the wax. “Maybe it’s too bold of me to say, but I’ve found we can all learn a lot by talking now and then with those above and below our class. It’s nice to get a new perspective once in a while. At least, I think so.”
And the more people talk, the more they spill. Keep talking to me, my lord. Give me a hint of what’s behind the nobleman’s mask.
The expectation was of course that she would follow him as bid. Anything else would have been highly discourteous, for though not her own Lord, there were..etiquettes that should be observed. And, with one very notable exception, Achilleas was not usually one to blur the lines of distinction between servant and master.
He was not thinking about what attention the girl might be paying to where they walked - why would he?- but instead wondered idly if he might take the opportunity to see Theodora if he were to take the Leventi Lord up on his invitation. He should write to her also if that was the case, having learnt that unscheduled visits seemed to throw a household into disarray.
Having set such words to parchment, he lifted a brow at the knowledge that the servant before him was such an established part of the Leventi staff. Perhaps that explained how forward she was. Keeping his expression neutral as the girl apologised again, smiling faintly at the idea of her being over excited. The lord tilted his head to the side a little at her question, observing silently than even acknowledging her own propensity for chatter did not seem to prevent her continuing it.
“On the contrary, those more familiar with me have leave to speak freely” he replied, before caveating with a quick “Within reason and with respect of course”.
Briseis had rather flouted that, but then Achilleas had crossed boundaries too, more than he cared to count and that was making life difficult, now. She had not behaved inappropriately in front of others yet, but he was finding it hard to trust that it would remain so. He knew first hand her temper, and it seemed a risk to continue to place her and Theodora in the same place. He’d had to do something. Hadn’t he?
Distracted momentarily, he frowned a little at the next remark from the Leventi servant, because it seemed just a little too pertinent to his train of thought, and Achilleas blew out a breath before he answered, not wanting to be rude but equally not enjoying the subject of conversation over much. He supposed she wished to delay returning to her duties, and who could blame her. He could indulge her desire for conversation a few moments.
“You are right of course” he said, sitting back and letting his fingers drum lightly against his thigh. “ But there are those who would not look so kindly upon one as outspoken as yourself- it certainly pays to be careful when you are speaking to those you don’t know” the lord suggested gently. In fact, Achilleas was surprised she had not been advised so by her own lord already, if she had been in service to them for so long. “What function do you provide to the Lord Leventi then…..” the pause left a space for her to offer her name before the Mikaelidas man continued. “I do not think you are his usual messenger?”
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The expectation was of course that she would follow him as bid. Anything else would have been highly discourteous, for though not her own Lord, there were..etiquettes that should be observed. And, with one very notable exception, Achilleas was not usually one to blur the lines of distinction between servant and master.
He was not thinking about what attention the girl might be paying to where they walked - why would he?- but instead wondered idly if he might take the opportunity to see Theodora if he were to take the Leventi Lord up on his invitation. He should write to her also if that was the case, having learnt that unscheduled visits seemed to throw a household into disarray.
Having set such words to parchment, he lifted a brow at the knowledge that the servant before him was such an established part of the Leventi staff. Perhaps that explained how forward she was. Keeping his expression neutral as the girl apologised again, smiling faintly at the idea of her being over excited. The lord tilted his head to the side a little at her question, observing silently than even acknowledging her own propensity for chatter did not seem to prevent her continuing it.
“On the contrary, those more familiar with me have leave to speak freely” he replied, before caveating with a quick “Within reason and with respect of course”.
Briseis had rather flouted that, but then Achilleas had crossed boundaries too, more than he cared to count and that was making life difficult, now. She had not behaved inappropriately in front of others yet, but he was finding it hard to trust that it would remain so. He knew first hand her temper, and it seemed a risk to continue to place her and Theodora in the same place. He’d had to do something. Hadn’t he?
Distracted momentarily, he frowned a little at the next remark from the Leventi servant, because it seemed just a little too pertinent to his train of thought, and Achilleas blew out a breath before he answered, not wanting to be rude but equally not enjoying the subject of conversation over much. He supposed she wished to delay returning to her duties, and who could blame her. He could indulge her desire for conversation a few moments.
“You are right of course” he said, sitting back and letting his fingers drum lightly against his thigh. “ But there are those who would not look so kindly upon one as outspoken as yourself- it certainly pays to be careful when you are speaking to those you don’t know” the lord suggested gently. In fact, Achilleas was surprised she had not been advised so by her own lord already, if she had been in service to them for so long. “What function do you provide to the Lord Leventi then…..” the pause left a space for her to offer her name before the Mikaelidas man continued. “I do not think you are his usual messenger?”
The expectation was of course that she would follow him as bid. Anything else would have been highly discourteous, for though not her own Lord, there were..etiquettes that should be observed. And, with one very notable exception, Achilleas was not usually one to blur the lines of distinction between servant and master.
He was not thinking about what attention the girl might be paying to where they walked - why would he?- but instead wondered idly if he might take the opportunity to see Theodora if he were to take the Leventi Lord up on his invitation. He should write to her also if that was the case, having learnt that unscheduled visits seemed to throw a household into disarray.
Having set such words to parchment, he lifted a brow at the knowledge that the servant before him was such an established part of the Leventi staff. Perhaps that explained how forward she was. Keeping his expression neutral as the girl apologised again, smiling faintly at the idea of her being over excited. The lord tilted his head to the side a little at her question, observing silently than even acknowledging her own propensity for chatter did not seem to prevent her continuing it.
“On the contrary, those more familiar with me have leave to speak freely” he replied, before caveating with a quick “Within reason and with respect of course”.
Briseis had rather flouted that, but then Achilleas had crossed boundaries too, more than he cared to count and that was making life difficult, now. She had not behaved inappropriately in front of others yet, but he was finding it hard to trust that it would remain so. He knew first hand her temper, and it seemed a risk to continue to place her and Theodora in the same place. He’d had to do something. Hadn’t he?
Distracted momentarily, he frowned a little at the next remark from the Leventi servant, because it seemed just a little too pertinent to his train of thought, and Achilleas blew out a breath before he answered, not wanting to be rude but equally not enjoying the subject of conversation over much. He supposed she wished to delay returning to her duties, and who could blame her. He could indulge her desire for conversation a few moments.
“You are right of course” he said, sitting back and letting his fingers drum lightly against his thigh. “ But there are those who would not look so kindly upon one as outspoken as yourself- it certainly pays to be careful when you are speaking to those you don’t know” the lord suggested gently. In fact, Achilleas was surprised she had not been advised so by her own lord already, if she had been in service to them for so long. “What function do you provide to the Lord Leventi then…..” the pause left a space for her to offer her name before the Mikaelidas man continued. “I do not think you are his usual messenger?”
His words served as a gentle remonstration, but Xanthippe didn’t much care. Typically, the handmaid was a bit more reticent in her speech, taking on the appearance of a demure servant as if putting on a cloak. But there were times when she let herself go a little overboard, her desire to have fun outweighing the need for discretion. Of course, she wouldn’t reveal anything about her true purpose or intentions, but the woman was like a caged cat—sometimes she just liked to toy with her prey.
I’m often right, my lord.
Rather than say anything aloud, the handmaid simply smiled and inclined her head, watching him through veiled lashes as he leaned back away and away from the letter. Was he uncomfortable or annoyed with her? It was hard to tell. He seemed willing enough to speak with her, in spite of his assertions about her being chatty. An overabundance of politeness, perhaps? Or maybe he wasn’t as keen on decorum as some of his countrymen.
“I am not his usual messenger, you are correct,” she affirmed with a nod. Lying smoothly, she added, “His typical courier is sick, and I wasn’t horribly busy, so he sent me instead.”
She shrugged as if it meant little to her. Truthfully, she was just more observant than the man he usually sent to conduct this type of business, so he’d asked if she’d go. There was little that wouldn’t pass under her notice, and Fotios knew he could trust her to report back on anything of note.
“Typically, I tend one of his daughters, occasionally the others or his wife,” she explained, and this time she did not lie. Xanthippe was most often in the company of Lady Melina when she was not with Lord Fotios, a protective shadow always on alert. It was menial work for a creature of her particular… talents, but she didn’t mind. There was little she wouldn’t do for them both. “But they’re out for the day, and I had little to do, so here I am.”
Her eyes briefly roamed over the contents of his desk, peering for a moment at the lion seal on the letter. Was Achilleas as fierce as his family’s sigil? As strong and brave? Or was he more like a mewling little kitten? After the things she’d overhead today… Xanthippe was determined to find out, especially if he was to be married to one of the clan she strove so hard to protect.
Perhaps she ought to track down this Briseis and find out more…
Track her down and serve his lordship her head on a plate.
Ignoring the gods yet again, she offered Achilleas a pleasant smile. “How is Lady Theodora doing, my lord, if you don’t mind my asking?” she asked, as if it was but a passing thought. “I don’t spend much time in the other manor, and I haven’t really seen her in a while. We often seem to just miss each other. I’ve always quite liked her.”
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His words served as a gentle remonstration, but Xanthippe didn’t much care. Typically, the handmaid was a bit more reticent in her speech, taking on the appearance of a demure servant as if putting on a cloak. But there were times when she let herself go a little overboard, her desire to have fun outweighing the need for discretion. Of course, she wouldn’t reveal anything about her true purpose or intentions, but the woman was like a caged cat—sometimes she just liked to toy with her prey.
I’m often right, my lord.
Rather than say anything aloud, the handmaid simply smiled and inclined her head, watching him through veiled lashes as he leaned back away and away from the letter. Was he uncomfortable or annoyed with her? It was hard to tell. He seemed willing enough to speak with her, in spite of his assertions about her being chatty. An overabundance of politeness, perhaps? Or maybe he wasn’t as keen on decorum as some of his countrymen.
“I am not his usual messenger, you are correct,” she affirmed with a nod. Lying smoothly, she added, “His typical courier is sick, and I wasn’t horribly busy, so he sent me instead.”
She shrugged as if it meant little to her. Truthfully, she was just more observant than the man he usually sent to conduct this type of business, so he’d asked if she’d go. There was little that wouldn’t pass under her notice, and Fotios knew he could trust her to report back on anything of note.
“Typically, I tend one of his daughters, occasionally the others or his wife,” she explained, and this time she did not lie. Xanthippe was most often in the company of Lady Melina when she was not with Lord Fotios, a protective shadow always on alert. It was menial work for a creature of her particular… talents, but she didn’t mind. There was little she wouldn’t do for them both. “But they’re out for the day, and I had little to do, so here I am.”
Her eyes briefly roamed over the contents of his desk, peering for a moment at the lion seal on the letter. Was Achilleas as fierce as his family’s sigil? As strong and brave? Or was he more like a mewling little kitten? After the things she’d overhead today… Xanthippe was determined to find out, especially if he was to be married to one of the clan she strove so hard to protect.
Perhaps she ought to track down this Briseis and find out more…
Track her down and serve his lordship her head on a plate.
Ignoring the gods yet again, she offered Achilleas a pleasant smile. “How is Lady Theodora doing, my lord, if you don’t mind my asking?” she asked, as if it was but a passing thought. “I don’t spend much time in the other manor, and I haven’t really seen her in a while. We often seem to just miss each other. I’ve always quite liked her.”
His words served as a gentle remonstration, but Xanthippe didn’t much care. Typically, the handmaid was a bit more reticent in her speech, taking on the appearance of a demure servant as if putting on a cloak. But there were times when she let herself go a little overboard, her desire to have fun outweighing the need for discretion. Of course, she wouldn’t reveal anything about her true purpose or intentions, but the woman was like a caged cat—sometimes she just liked to toy with her prey.
I’m often right, my lord.
Rather than say anything aloud, the handmaid simply smiled and inclined her head, watching him through veiled lashes as he leaned back away and away from the letter. Was he uncomfortable or annoyed with her? It was hard to tell. He seemed willing enough to speak with her, in spite of his assertions about her being chatty. An overabundance of politeness, perhaps? Or maybe he wasn’t as keen on decorum as some of his countrymen.
“I am not his usual messenger, you are correct,” she affirmed with a nod. Lying smoothly, she added, “His typical courier is sick, and I wasn’t horribly busy, so he sent me instead.”
She shrugged as if it meant little to her. Truthfully, she was just more observant than the man he usually sent to conduct this type of business, so he’d asked if she’d go. There was little that wouldn’t pass under her notice, and Fotios knew he could trust her to report back on anything of note.
“Typically, I tend one of his daughters, occasionally the others or his wife,” she explained, and this time she did not lie. Xanthippe was most often in the company of Lady Melina when she was not with Lord Fotios, a protective shadow always on alert. It was menial work for a creature of her particular… talents, but she didn’t mind. There was little she wouldn’t do for them both. “But they’re out for the day, and I had little to do, so here I am.”
Her eyes briefly roamed over the contents of his desk, peering for a moment at the lion seal on the letter. Was Achilleas as fierce as his family’s sigil? As strong and brave? Or was he more like a mewling little kitten? After the things she’d overhead today… Xanthippe was determined to find out, especially if he was to be married to one of the clan she strove so hard to protect.
Perhaps she ought to track down this Briseis and find out more…
Track her down and serve his lordship her head on a plate.
Ignoring the gods yet again, she offered Achilleas a pleasant smile. “How is Lady Theodora doing, my lord, if you don’t mind my asking?” she asked, as if it was but a passing thought. “I don’t spend much time in the other manor, and I haven’t really seen her in a while. We often seem to just miss each other. I’ve always quite liked her.”
Achilleas noted that she did not offer a name though he left space for her to do so, and his brows lifted a little but he made no comment. The girl’s perusal of his features did not glean her much, only that the Lord seemed somewhat distracted, that perhaps she did not have his full attention even though he made gestures towards small talk.
In truth he was still feeling a little disconcerted about how his morning had progressed, and second guessing his decision to expect Meena to be in any way useful to him. Upon reflection, sending Briseis to serve under her seemed like asking for trouble.
Realising that the Leventi servant was speaking and answering the question he had put to her, Achilleas attempted to look engaged. He gave a nod at her explanation as to her role as messenger and her usual duties, having no reason to doubt her. He also was not terribly interested in the ins and outs of how the Lady Eirini ran her staff. It had just struck him that she seemed an odd choice of courier. Pressing his lips together and nodding once more, Achilleas moved to return the stick of wax to its place in the small dish upon the desk.
The Lord’s study was orderly, neat. Missives requiring his attention were neatly stacked to one side, those he had already addressed sat sealed and ready to be dispatched upon the other. Even the contents of the shelves that lined one side of the room were meticulously arranged. There was a touch of the compulsive about the Mikaelidas Lord, who found disorder to be distracting. Not that he would admit to such a thing or that it was any business of the woman sitting before him.
Nor, for that matter, was the question she asked next, and Achilleas frowned a little at the temerity of it. “The Lady Theodora is well as far as I know” he answered, eyeing the blonde servant. “She was here for dinner last evening” And it had been mostly bearable, aside from his father’s terrible mood and the crying servant. Absolutely brilliant. He was still more than a little uncomfortable at the whatever conversation might have transpired between Briseis and Theodora on their little ‘walk’. He had not been able to glean much from his betrothed afterwards, but it had certainly influenced his decision to speak to Meena that morning.
He had a brief moment of totally unfounded panic that perhaps the question had been loaded, that maybe Theodora was displeased with him and this girl knew somehow. Surely not. He could hardly be held to account for a dalliance that had existed before the betrothal. Could he? It was not a pleasant thought. Nor a fair one either, Achilleas considered, given that he was quite certain Theodora had been untruthful with him regarding her previous experiences.
Clearing his throat, he sat up straight, motioned towards the reply that the girl held. Suddenly he did not feel quite so amenable to her presence. “Do not let me keep you. I wouldn’t want you to fall into disfavour on my accord”
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Achilleas noted that she did not offer a name though he left space for her to do so, and his brows lifted a little but he made no comment. The girl’s perusal of his features did not glean her much, only that the Lord seemed somewhat distracted, that perhaps she did not have his full attention even though he made gestures towards small talk.
In truth he was still feeling a little disconcerted about how his morning had progressed, and second guessing his decision to expect Meena to be in any way useful to him. Upon reflection, sending Briseis to serve under her seemed like asking for trouble.
Realising that the Leventi servant was speaking and answering the question he had put to her, Achilleas attempted to look engaged. He gave a nod at her explanation as to her role as messenger and her usual duties, having no reason to doubt her. He also was not terribly interested in the ins and outs of how the Lady Eirini ran her staff. It had just struck him that she seemed an odd choice of courier. Pressing his lips together and nodding once more, Achilleas moved to return the stick of wax to its place in the small dish upon the desk.
The Lord’s study was orderly, neat. Missives requiring his attention were neatly stacked to one side, those he had already addressed sat sealed and ready to be dispatched upon the other. Even the contents of the shelves that lined one side of the room were meticulously arranged. There was a touch of the compulsive about the Mikaelidas Lord, who found disorder to be distracting. Not that he would admit to such a thing or that it was any business of the woman sitting before him.
Nor, for that matter, was the question she asked next, and Achilleas frowned a little at the temerity of it. “The Lady Theodora is well as far as I know” he answered, eyeing the blonde servant. “She was here for dinner last evening” And it had been mostly bearable, aside from his father’s terrible mood and the crying servant. Absolutely brilliant. He was still more than a little uncomfortable at the whatever conversation might have transpired between Briseis and Theodora on their little ‘walk’. He had not been able to glean much from his betrothed afterwards, but it had certainly influenced his decision to speak to Meena that morning.
He had a brief moment of totally unfounded panic that perhaps the question had been loaded, that maybe Theodora was displeased with him and this girl knew somehow. Surely not. He could hardly be held to account for a dalliance that had existed before the betrothal. Could he? It was not a pleasant thought. Nor a fair one either, Achilleas considered, given that he was quite certain Theodora had been untruthful with him regarding her previous experiences.
Clearing his throat, he sat up straight, motioned towards the reply that the girl held. Suddenly he did not feel quite so amenable to her presence. “Do not let me keep you. I wouldn’t want you to fall into disfavour on my accord”
Achilleas noted that she did not offer a name though he left space for her to do so, and his brows lifted a little but he made no comment. The girl’s perusal of his features did not glean her much, only that the Lord seemed somewhat distracted, that perhaps she did not have his full attention even though he made gestures towards small talk.
In truth he was still feeling a little disconcerted about how his morning had progressed, and second guessing his decision to expect Meena to be in any way useful to him. Upon reflection, sending Briseis to serve under her seemed like asking for trouble.
Realising that the Leventi servant was speaking and answering the question he had put to her, Achilleas attempted to look engaged. He gave a nod at her explanation as to her role as messenger and her usual duties, having no reason to doubt her. He also was not terribly interested in the ins and outs of how the Lady Eirini ran her staff. It had just struck him that she seemed an odd choice of courier. Pressing his lips together and nodding once more, Achilleas moved to return the stick of wax to its place in the small dish upon the desk.
The Lord’s study was orderly, neat. Missives requiring his attention were neatly stacked to one side, those he had already addressed sat sealed and ready to be dispatched upon the other. Even the contents of the shelves that lined one side of the room were meticulously arranged. There was a touch of the compulsive about the Mikaelidas Lord, who found disorder to be distracting. Not that he would admit to such a thing or that it was any business of the woman sitting before him.
Nor, for that matter, was the question she asked next, and Achilleas frowned a little at the temerity of it. “The Lady Theodora is well as far as I know” he answered, eyeing the blonde servant. “She was here for dinner last evening” And it had been mostly bearable, aside from his father’s terrible mood and the crying servant. Absolutely brilliant. He was still more than a little uncomfortable at the whatever conversation might have transpired between Briseis and Theodora on their little ‘walk’. He had not been able to glean much from his betrothed afterwards, but it had certainly influenced his decision to speak to Meena that morning.
He had a brief moment of totally unfounded panic that perhaps the question had been loaded, that maybe Theodora was displeased with him and this girl knew somehow. Surely not. He could hardly be held to account for a dalliance that had existed before the betrothal. Could he? It was not a pleasant thought. Nor a fair one either, Achilleas considered, given that he was quite certain Theodora had been untruthful with him regarding her previous experiences.
Clearing his throat, he sat up straight, motioned towards the reply that the girl held. Suddenly he did not feel quite so amenable to her presence. “Do not let me keep you. I wouldn’t want you to fall into disfavour on my accord”
That, at least, seemed to get a reaction out of him, however subtle. Xanthippe did her best to keep her inner smirk from her actual face, looking down at the floor in a seemingly demure fashion in order to hide her expression. It wasn’t hard to find someone’s weak spots if one kept prodding enough. And the handmaid was fairly certain she’d found at least two…
Weaknesses are to be exploited. Weakness is how you destroy a man.
Again, she and the gods were in agreement, and she was proud she had so much to bring back to Lord Fotios. He was bound to be pleased with her, and Xantippe briefly basked in the pleasure of a job well done. She was always grateful for the opportunity to serve her beloved family in a way that didn’t involve picking out clothes or emptying chamber pots. Not that those things really bothered her, but spying was certainly preferable.
His next words were all but a dismissal, Xanthippe inclining her head as she dipped into a curtsy. She’d done enough to make him squirm, and anything further would probably just make him suspicious. Better she go now, anyway, lest she be tempted to needle him more. “Of course, my lord. My masters will likely be wondering where I am by now.”
Glancing out the door of the study, she feigned a sigh. “Might you direct me on how to get back to the front door?” she asked, turning back to him with bright, innocent eyes. Of course, she was more than capable of finding her way out, but she didn’t want him thinking that. It’d be odd if she didn’t ask how to get back out. “I’m afraid I’ve gotten myself all turned around in here.” Hands folded neatly in front of her, she offered a tentative smile, one that said, ‘Look at me, I’m more harmless than a fly.’
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That, at least, seemed to get a reaction out of him, however subtle. Xanthippe did her best to keep her inner smirk from her actual face, looking down at the floor in a seemingly demure fashion in order to hide her expression. It wasn’t hard to find someone’s weak spots if one kept prodding enough. And the handmaid was fairly certain she’d found at least two…
Weaknesses are to be exploited. Weakness is how you destroy a man.
Again, she and the gods were in agreement, and she was proud she had so much to bring back to Lord Fotios. He was bound to be pleased with her, and Xantippe briefly basked in the pleasure of a job well done. She was always grateful for the opportunity to serve her beloved family in a way that didn’t involve picking out clothes or emptying chamber pots. Not that those things really bothered her, but spying was certainly preferable.
His next words were all but a dismissal, Xanthippe inclining her head as she dipped into a curtsy. She’d done enough to make him squirm, and anything further would probably just make him suspicious. Better she go now, anyway, lest she be tempted to needle him more. “Of course, my lord. My masters will likely be wondering where I am by now.”
Glancing out the door of the study, she feigned a sigh. “Might you direct me on how to get back to the front door?” she asked, turning back to him with bright, innocent eyes. Of course, she was more than capable of finding her way out, but she didn’t want him thinking that. It’d be odd if she didn’t ask how to get back out. “I’m afraid I’ve gotten myself all turned around in here.” Hands folded neatly in front of her, she offered a tentative smile, one that said, ‘Look at me, I’m more harmless than a fly.’
That, at least, seemed to get a reaction out of him, however subtle. Xanthippe did her best to keep her inner smirk from her actual face, looking down at the floor in a seemingly demure fashion in order to hide her expression. It wasn’t hard to find someone’s weak spots if one kept prodding enough. And the handmaid was fairly certain she’d found at least two…
Weaknesses are to be exploited. Weakness is how you destroy a man.
Again, she and the gods were in agreement, and she was proud she had so much to bring back to Lord Fotios. He was bound to be pleased with her, and Xantippe briefly basked in the pleasure of a job well done. She was always grateful for the opportunity to serve her beloved family in a way that didn’t involve picking out clothes or emptying chamber pots. Not that those things really bothered her, but spying was certainly preferable.
His next words were all but a dismissal, Xanthippe inclining her head as she dipped into a curtsy. She’d done enough to make him squirm, and anything further would probably just make him suspicious. Better she go now, anyway, lest she be tempted to needle him more. “Of course, my lord. My masters will likely be wondering where I am by now.”
Glancing out the door of the study, she feigned a sigh. “Might you direct me on how to get back to the front door?” she asked, turning back to him with bright, innocent eyes. Of course, she was more than capable of finding her way out, but she didn’t want him thinking that. It’d be odd if she didn’t ask how to get back out. “I’m afraid I’ve gotten myself all turned around in here.” Hands folded neatly in front of her, she offered a tentative smile, one that said, ‘Look at me, I’m more harmless than a fly.’
“Please pass my regards to Lord Fotios and Lady Eirini” he said, as the girl dipped into a curtsey. He made a point of picking up one of the letters from the as yet unread pile and giving it his full attention, having no desire to prolong their conversation any further. He was sure it was just the hangover of his conversation with Meena but there was definitely a less than pleasant mood setting in. He just needed to do something else and put it from his mind. What was done was done, and it was for the benefit of everyone.
But Achilleas was not yet to be granted the pleasure of distraction, and glanced up when the girl paused at the door, brow furrowed as he wondered what else she could possibly be asking of him, the briefest sigh escaping his lips at her request. Where in Hades were the household staff?
“Left and follow the hallway down and then..” The man paused, gave a small shake of his head and pushed to his feet. “ Never mind, I’ll take you” And then he would find the housekeeper and make it known how really this whole situation was unacceptable. Leaving visitor to wander around the house and then it falling to him to receive her and then show her out. He frowned as he moved past the girl, whose name he still didn’t know, and led her towards the front entrance. Achilleas walked briskly, making no allowances for the greater length in his stride, or any further efforts toward conversation and soon enough had returned them both to the large and airy foyer into the Mikaelidas manor.
“I trust you’ll manage from here” he remarked with the briefest smile imaginable as he gestured towards the heavy wooden doors. With a nod, the Lord spun on his heel and left the Leventi servant to return to her own masters.
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“Please pass my regards to Lord Fotios and Lady Eirini” he said, as the girl dipped into a curtsey. He made a point of picking up one of the letters from the as yet unread pile and giving it his full attention, having no desire to prolong their conversation any further. He was sure it was just the hangover of his conversation with Meena but there was definitely a less than pleasant mood setting in. He just needed to do something else and put it from his mind. What was done was done, and it was for the benefit of everyone.
But Achilleas was not yet to be granted the pleasure of distraction, and glanced up when the girl paused at the door, brow furrowed as he wondered what else she could possibly be asking of him, the briefest sigh escaping his lips at her request. Where in Hades were the household staff?
“Left and follow the hallway down and then..” The man paused, gave a small shake of his head and pushed to his feet. “ Never mind, I’ll take you” And then he would find the housekeeper and make it known how really this whole situation was unacceptable. Leaving visitor to wander around the house and then it falling to him to receive her and then show her out. He frowned as he moved past the girl, whose name he still didn’t know, and led her towards the front entrance. Achilleas walked briskly, making no allowances for the greater length in his stride, or any further efforts toward conversation and soon enough had returned them both to the large and airy foyer into the Mikaelidas manor.
“I trust you’ll manage from here” he remarked with the briefest smile imaginable as he gestured towards the heavy wooden doors. With a nod, the Lord spun on his heel and left the Leventi servant to return to her own masters.
“Please pass my regards to Lord Fotios and Lady Eirini” he said, as the girl dipped into a curtsey. He made a point of picking up one of the letters from the as yet unread pile and giving it his full attention, having no desire to prolong their conversation any further. He was sure it was just the hangover of his conversation with Meena but there was definitely a less than pleasant mood setting in. He just needed to do something else and put it from his mind. What was done was done, and it was for the benefit of everyone.
But Achilleas was not yet to be granted the pleasure of distraction, and glanced up when the girl paused at the door, brow furrowed as he wondered what else she could possibly be asking of him, the briefest sigh escaping his lips at her request. Where in Hades were the household staff?
“Left and follow the hallway down and then..” The man paused, gave a small shake of his head and pushed to his feet. “ Never mind, I’ll take you” And then he would find the housekeeper and make it known how really this whole situation was unacceptable. Leaving visitor to wander around the house and then it falling to him to receive her and then show her out. He frowned as he moved past the girl, whose name he still didn’t know, and led her towards the front entrance. Achilleas walked briskly, making no allowances for the greater length in his stride, or any further efforts toward conversation and soon enough had returned them both to the large and airy foyer into the Mikaelidas manor.
“I trust you’ll manage from here” he remarked with the briefest smile imaginable as he gestured towards the heavy wooden doors. With a nod, the Lord spun on his heel and left the Leventi servant to return to her own masters.