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Nikolias was unsure just how to begin repairing whatever damage might have been done to Achilleas or those close to him that might have caused him to distrust Nikolias and House Condos itself. Lord Condos had no idea what exactly that could be. He'd been just as shocked and displeased as anyone else when he'd learned of Nikos' prank on Achilleas. He had pulled a few pranks in his day, but he wouldn't have dared to pull a prank that could really hurt someone. For that matter, if Nikos had wanted it to actually work, why not have chosen Irakles to prank back when he was still alive? Irakles with another bastard child would have been believable! At the thought, Nikolias smirked. That would have been something to see. But Nikolias' relationship with Achilleas had been different thus far than his relationship with Irakles- at least sometimes, he and Irakles had been friends, of a sort.
He schooled his features as he prepared to enter the throne room for his audience with the king. While he was relieved that the king had agreed to see him. he really had no idea what to do other than to hope the gods would cause Achilleas to believe his words. Besides this, wouldn't any bastard children belonging to Achilleas be far more likely to emerge from behind walls now that he was actually crowned?
That situation aside, it also bothered Nikolias that Achilleas seemed not to trust him because then, how was he supposed to trust him to protect Taengea? And protecting Taengea was going to be hard enough with its new king going to war so soon after his coronation. Surely anyone attacking might already know that the government was finding its feet again and try to take advantage of that.
Nikolias did have a few ideas, though he was feeling unsure that they would solve anything, but he did wonder if the young king was really aware of just how easily things could fall apart. War could bring glory in the right circumstances, but Nikolias thought unacknowledged victories might as well mean you had not gone to war in the first place. When a new king had just been crowned was perhaps the time when his country was most vulnerable, so rewards for victories won, time served, and lives lost might not be given speedily, if at all.
War at this point, therefore, didn't seem wise to Nikolias. Of course, neither was leaving the country unprotected, but would the country survive without its king, anyway?
It seemed, whether there was war or peace, that a raging fire was currently determined to destroy the country. All that remained to be seen was how long it might take. Nikolias tried not to look quite so stone-faced, lest he appear to the king to be angry with him, but it was hard when he was thinking such dismal thoughts.
As the herald announced him, Nikolias made a bow.
"Thank you, Your Majesty, for agreeing to meet with me. We have much to discuss. I have a hunch my son may have made trouble for you, but his feelings and mine are not mutual."
That was the most important thing to be understood at the moment. If Achilleas asked him to explain, he would, and perhaps Achilleas would give him the benefit of experience and might understand better what Nikolias would say when he had his own children.
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Nikolias was unsure just how to begin repairing whatever damage might have been done to Achilleas or those close to him that might have caused him to distrust Nikolias and House Condos itself. Lord Condos had no idea what exactly that could be. He'd been just as shocked and displeased as anyone else when he'd learned of Nikos' prank on Achilleas. He had pulled a few pranks in his day, but he wouldn't have dared to pull a prank that could really hurt someone. For that matter, if Nikos had wanted it to actually work, why not have chosen Irakles to prank back when he was still alive? Irakles with another bastard child would have been believable! At the thought, Nikolias smirked. That would have been something to see. But Nikolias' relationship with Achilleas had been different thus far than his relationship with Irakles- at least sometimes, he and Irakles had been friends, of a sort.
He schooled his features as he prepared to enter the throne room for his audience with the king. While he was relieved that the king had agreed to see him. he really had no idea what to do other than to hope the gods would cause Achilleas to believe his words. Besides this, wouldn't any bastard children belonging to Achilleas be far more likely to emerge from behind walls now that he was actually crowned?
That situation aside, it also bothered Nikolias that Achilleas seemed not to trust him because then, how was he supposed to trust him to protect Taengea? And protecting Taengea was going to be hard enough with its new king going to war so soon after his coronation. Surely anyone attacking might already know that the government was finding its feet again and try to take advantage of that.
Nikolias did have a few ideas, though he was feeling unsure that they would solve anything, but he did wonder if the young king was really aware of just how easily things could fall apart. War could bring glory in the right circumstances, but Nikolias thought unacknowledged victories might as well mean you had not gone to war in the first place. When a new king had just been crowned was perhaps the time when his country was most vulnerable, so rewards for victories won, time served, and lives lost might not be given speedily, if at all.
War at this point, therefore, didn't seem wise to Nikolias. Of course, neither was leaving the country unprotected, but would the country survive without its king, anyway?
It seemed, whether there was war or peace, that a raging fire was currently determined to destroy the country. All that remained to be seen was how long it might take. Nikolias tried not to look quite so stone-faced, lest he appear to the king to be angry with him, but it was hard when he was thinking such dismal thoughts.
As the herald announced him, Nikolias made a bow.
"Thank you, Your Majesty, for agreeing to meet with me. We have much to discuss. I have a hunch my son may have made trouble for you, but his feelings and mine are not mutual."
That was the most important thing to be understood at the moment. If Achilleas asked him to explain, he would, and perhaps Achilleas would give him the benefit of experience and might understand better what Nikolias would say when he had his own children.
Nikolias was unsure just how to begin repairing whatever damage might have been done to Achilleas or those close to him that might have caused him to distrust Nikolias and House Condos itself. Lord Condos had no idea what exactly that could be. He'd been just as shocked and displeased as anyone else when he'd learned of Nikos' prank on Achilleas. He had pulled a few pranks in his day, but he wouldn't have dared to pull a prank that could really hurt someone. For that matter, if Nikos had wanted it to actually work, why not have chosen Irakles to prank back when he was still alive? Irakles with another bastard child would have been believable! At the thought, Nikolias smirked. That would have been something to see. But Nikolias' relationship with Achilleas had been different thus far than his relationship with Irakles- at least sometimes, he and Irakles had been friends, of a sort.
He schooled his features as he prepared to enter the throne room for his audience with the king. While he was relieved that the king had agreed to see him. he really had no idea what to do other than to hope the gods would cause Achilleas to believe his words. Besides this, wouldn't any bastard children belonging to Achilleas be far more likely to emerge from behind walls now that he was actually crowned?
That situation aside, it also bothered Nikolias that Achilleas seemed not to trust him because then, how was he supposed to trust him to protect Taengea? And protecting Taengea was going to be hard enough with its new king going to war so soon after his coronation. Surely anyone attacking might already know that the government was finding its feet again and try to take advantage of that.
Nikolias did have a few ideas, though he was feeling unsure that they would solve anything, but he did wonder if the young king was really aware of just how easily things could fall apart. War could bring glory in the right circumstances, but Nikolias thought unacknowledged victories might as well mean you had not gone to war in the first place. When a new king had just been crowned was perhaps the time when his country was most vulnerable, so rewards for victories won, time served, and lives lost might not be given speedily, if at all.
War at this point, therefore, didn't seem wise to Nikolias. Of course, neither was leaving the country unprotected, but would the country survive without its king, anyway?
It seemed, whether there was war or peace, that a raging fire was currently determined to destroy the country. All that remained to be seen was how long it might take. Nikolias tried not to look quite so stone-faced, lest he appear to the king to be angry with him, but it was hard when he was thinking such dismal thoughts.
As the herald announced him, Nikolias made a bow.
"Thank you, Your Majesty, for agreeing to meet with me. We have much to discuss. I have a hunch my son may have made trouble for you, but his feelings and mine are not mutual."
That was the most important thing to be understood at the moment. If Achilleas asked him to explain, he would, and perhaps Achilleas would give him the benefit of experience and might understand better what Nikolias would say when he had his own children.
Achilleas had admittedly not paid much heed to his last interaction with the Head of House Condos. With his own coronation about to take place, the Mikaelidas man had been understandably a little distracted, and it had taken Theodora pointing out to him later that his attempts at cordiality had perhaps been less convincing than they ought to have been.
He had made a note then, to write to Lord Nikolias to set right any misunderstanding, because whatever misgivings he might silently hold about the man after the games he suspected Nikos of playing, he could not afford to offend a Head of House. Not with Mikaelidas already under the thumb of House Leventi in all but appearances.
But he had not had to put stylus to parchment, for before he’d had chance, a missive from the Condos Lord had arrived, requesting an audience, and so Achilleas had agreed, sending word back that the man would, of course, be received.
By the time the man’s arrival was announced two days hence, the King had been up for several hours already. It was no small task to mobilize forces for an invasion in a matter of days, nor to set the wheels in motion for local fortification and governance and a thousand other things that Achilleas wanted to ensure were done and done properly before he left Taengea’s shores to address the threat from the South. Not wanting his fitness to drop off on the eve of battle either, the man was still rising early to train before he began the day properly, and busy hours and poor rest were beginning to take its toll on the young King.
He had not stopped, not since that fateful day where joy and tragedy had struck and his own father had collapsed and died at Achilleas’ and Theodora’s wedding feast, and even for one as hearty and hale as the Mikaelidas man, such things began to wear. But he could not acknowledge it, nor slow down it would seem.
Achilleas scrubbed a hand over his face to revive himself and waved a hand for the steward to show the Condos Lord in. He did not like receiving people in the throne room, it felt...ostentatious, but his last meetings had been in the large and imposing chamber so that was where he stayed. He did not, however, remain seated upon the throne the room was named for, instead stood and paced down the long edge of the room, so that when Lord Condos entered, the King greeted him from the side.
Hands clasped behind him, straight-backed and tall and broad as ever, Achilleas had never made for a diminutive presence. But he offered a smile a fraction warmer than the last he had managed for the Condos Head of House, inclined his head a touch as he let the older man speak. And when Nikolias did not hesitate to launch into the crux of the matter so soon, the King’s eyebrows lifted, and he jerked his head at the guards who stood either side of the doors and the steward who loitered unnecessarily.
“Leave us” Achilleas said smoothly, for he had no reason to fear Lord Nikolias, nor did he want any of that business pertaining to the child discussed in front of others. Even though he knew it to be untrue, rumours had been started over much less. When they had a least a semblance of privacy, he turned his attention back to the Lord.
“I am glad to see you, Lord Nikolias, and fear I must first apologise if I seemed offhand the other day. It has been..a trying few days, and I confess that the pomp and ceremony of things such as the coronation is not my strong suit, even though I understand the necessity of it”
Having made his nod towards an apology, he fixed the older man with a level gaze. “I don’t believe we have ever had reason to quarrel, my Lord, and I have no wish to start now. But you are right in that Nikos and I do not always see eye to eye. What is it that your hunch speaks to?”
Achilleas wanted to hear from the other man his telling of events, to see if it would differ from how he had experienced them, so he paused, gave the Condos Lord space to answer to account for the actions of his son if that was indeed what he was here to do.
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Achilleas had admittedly not paid much heed to his last interaction with the Head of House Condos. With his own coronation about to take place, the Mikaelidas man had been understandably a little distracted, and it had taken Theodora pointing out to him later that his attempts at cordiality had perhaps been less convincing than they ought to have been.
He had made a note then, to write to Lord Nikolias to set right any misunderstanding, because whatever misgivings he might silently hold about the man after the games he suspected Nikos of playing, he could not afford to offend a Head of House. Not with Mikaelidas already under the thumb of House Leventi in all but appearances.
But he had not had to put stylus to parchment, for before he’d had chance, a missive from the Condos Lord had arrived, requesting an audience, and so Achilleas had agreed, sending word back that the man would, of course, be received.
By the time the man’s arrival was announced two days hence, the King had been up for several hours already. It was no small task to mobilize forces for an invasion in a matter of days, nor to set the wheels in motion for local fortification and governance and a thousand other things that Achilleas wanted to ensure were done and done properly before he left Taengea’s shores to address the threat from the South. Not wanting his fitness to drop off on the eve of battle either, the man was still rising early to train before he began the day properly, and busy hours and poor rest were beginning to take its toll on the young King.
He had not stopped, not since that fateful day where joy and tragedy had struck and his own father had collapsed and died at Achilleas’ and Theodora’s wedding feast, and even for one as hearty and hale as the Mikaelidas man, such things began to wear. But he could not acknowledge it, nor slow down it would seem.
Achilleas scrubbed a hand over his face to revive himself and waved a hand for the steward to show the Condos Lord in. He did not like receiving people in the throne room, it felt...ostentatious, but his last meetings had been in the large and imposing chamber so that was where he stayed. He did not, however, remain seated upon the throne the room was named for, instead stood and paced down the long edge of the room, so that when Lord Condos entered, the King greeted him from the side.
Hands clasped behind him, straight-backed and tall and broad as ever, Achilleas had never made for a diminutive presence. But he offered a smile a fraction warmer than the last he had managed for the Condos Head of House, inclined his head a touch as he let the older man speak. And when Nikolias did not hesitate to launch into the crux of the matter so soon, the King’s eyebrows lifted, and he jerked his head at the guards who stood either side of the doors and the steward who loitered unnecessarily.
“Leave us” Achilleas said smoothly, for he had no reason to fear Lord Nikolias, nor did he want any of that business pertaining to the child discussed in front of others. Even though he knew it to be untrue, rumours had been started over much less. When they had a least a semblance of privacy, he turned his attention back to the Lord.
“I am glad to see you, Lord Nikolias, and fear I must first apologise if I seemed offhand the other day. It has been..a trying few days, and I confess that the pomp and ceremony of things such as the coronation is not my strong suit, even though I understand the necessity of it”
Having made his nod towards an apology, he fixed the older man with a level gaze. “I don’t believe we have ever had reason to quarrel, my Lord, and I have no wish to start now. But you are right in that Nikos and I do not always see eye to eye. What is it that your hunch speaks to?”
Achilleas wanted to hear from the other man his telling of events, to see if it would differ from how he had experienced them, so he paused, gave the Condos Lord space to answer to account for the actions of his son if that was indeed what he was here to do.
Achilleas had admittedly not paid much heed to his last interaction with the Head of House Condos. With his own coronation about to take place, the Mikaelidas man had been understandably a little distracted, and it had taken Theodora pointing out to him later that his attempts at cordiality had perhaps been less convincing than they ought to have been.
He had made a note then, to write to Lord Nikolias to set right any misunderstanding, because whatever misgivings he might silently hold about the man after the games he suspected Nikos of playing, he could not afford to offend a Head of House. Not with Mikaelidas already under the thumb of House Leventi in all but appearances.
But he had not had to put stylus to parchment, for before he’d had chance, a missive from the Condos Lord had arrived, requesting an audience, and so Achilleas had agreed, sending word back that the man would, of course, be received.
By the time the man’s arrival was announced two days hence, the King had been up for several hours already. It was no small task to mobilize forces for an invasion in a matter of days, nor to set the wheels in motion for local fortification and governance and a thousand other things that Achilleas wanted to ensure were done and done properly before he left Taengea’s shores to address the threat from the South. Not wanting his fitness to drop off on the eve of battle either, the man was still rising early to train before he began the day properly, and busy hours and poor rest were beginning to take its toll on the young King.
He had not stopped, not since that fateful day where joy and tragedy had struck and his own father had collapsed and died at Achilleas’ and Theodora’s wedding feast, and even for one as hearty and hale as the Mikaelidas man, such things began to wear. But he could not acknowledge it, nor slow down it would seem.
Achilleas scrubbed a hand over his face to revive himself and waved a hand for the steward to show the Condos Lord in. He did not like receiving people in the throne room, it felt...ostentatious, but his last meetings had been in the large and imposing chamber so that was where he stayed. He did not, however, remain seated upon the throne the room was named for, instead stood and paced down the long edge of the room, so that when Lord Condos entered, the King greeted him from the side.
Hands clasped behind him, straight-backed and tall and broad as ever, Achilleas had never made for a diminutive presence. But he offered a smile a fraction warmer than the last he had managed for the Condos Head of House, inclined his head a touch as he let the older man speak. And when Nikolias did not hesitate to launch into the crux of the matter so soon, the King’s eyebrows lifted, and he jerked his head at the guards who stood either side of the doors and the steward who loitered unnecessarily.
“Leave us” Achilleas said smoothly, for he had no reason to fear Lord Nikolias, nor did he want any of that business pertaining to the child discussed in front of others. Even though he knew it to be untrue, rumours had been started over much less. When they had a least a semblance of privacy, he turned his attention back to the Lord.
“I am glad to see you, Lord Nikolias, and fear I must first apologise if I seemed offhand the other day. It has been..a trying few days, and I confess that the pomp and ceremony of things such as the coronation is not my strong suit, even though I understand the necessity of it”
Having made his nod towards an apology, he fixed the older man with a level gaze. “I don’t believe we have ever had reason to quarrel, my Lord, and I have no wish to start now. But you are right in that Nikos and I do not always see eye to eye. What is it that your hunch speaks to?”
Achilleas wanted to hear from the other man his telling of events, to see if it would differ from how he had experienced them, so he paused, gave the Condos Lord space to answer to account for the actions of his son if that was indeed what he was here to do.
Nikolias cleared his throat. "It seems to me sometimes that my son does not often tell me of his motives. In my opinion, there is no doubt that he wanted to ruin your reputation if nothing else, Your Majesty. However, your father and I were both friends and relatives, and it seems to me that if Nikos actually wanted this prank to work well, perhaps he would have considered two things. Let us just say that I know several people who would be far more likely to have a child conceived out of wedlock than yourself." Nikolias personally thought there was probably not a soul in the kingdom of Taengea who did not know about Meena of Vasiliadon. Indeed, Irakles had kept a mistress in plain sight. "Some may even be proud of their...forbidden fruit, as it were. And in the second place, assuming that you did indeed have illegitimate children, I would think they'd be far more likely to show themselves now that you have actually been crowned. They would likely want things from you regardless, but a crowned king is more powerful than a prince. If one is going to pull a prank- on anyone- I think they should actually try to make it believable. I was just as shocked as anybody else- indeed, I did not hear of it until after the damage had already been done. And in any case, playing a prank on the king is not wise to begin with. One would think the son of a courtier would be aware of that, but Nikos and I seem to see eye to eye only very rarely."
Nikolias had still worried after the ousting of Stephanos that his son might very well lose his head.
"He is my only heir, and I certainly did not teach him to behave as he has. Indeed, from a young age, I myself was taught to be content with the knowledge that I would never be king."
That didn't mean there hadn't been times when Nikolias hadn't wondered what his purpose, both in life and in the court of Taengea, was, but he had found it at last, although it had taken awhile for an idea to come to him.
"With that said, Your Majesty, what my son does is of his own accord. Never mine. Indeed, I pray to the gods almost daily for relative peace where my dwelling is concerned. Perhaps this is a sentence you will understand when you have your own children, but there are many times when I wonder how I could have sired a son so different from myself."
There was another matter- the matter of the stability of the government during a war- that concerned Nikolias as well, but he was unsure Achilleas would be willing to talk to him about anything else until the matter of Nikos' prank on him was resolved.
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Nikolias cleared his throat. "It seems to me sometimes that my son does not often tell me of his motives. In my opinion, there is no doubt that he wanted to ruin your reputation if nothing else, Your Majesty. However, your father and I were both friends and relatives, and it seems to me that if Nikos actually wanted this prank to work well, perhaps he would have considered two things. Let us just say that I know several people who would be far more likely to have a child conceived out of wedlock than yourself." Nikolias personally thought there was probably not a soul in the kingdom of Taengea who did not know about Meena of Vasiliadon. Indeed, Irakles had kept a mistress in plain sight. "Some may even be proud of their...forbidden fruit, as it were. And in the second place, assuming that you did indeed have illegitimate children, I would think they'd be far more likely to show themselves now that you have actually been crowned. They would likely want things from you regardless, but a crowned king is more powerful than a prince. If one is going to pull a prank- on anyone- I think they should actually try to make it believable. I was just as shocked as anybody else- indeed, I did not hear of it until after the damage had already been done. And in any case, playing a prank on the king is not wise to begin with. One would think the son of a courtier would be aware of that, but Nikos and I seem to see eye to eye only very rarely."
Nikolias had still worried after the ousting of Stephanos that his son might very well lose his head.
"He is my only heir, and I certainly did not teach him to behave as he has. Indeed, from a young age, I myself was taught to be content with the knowledge that I would never be king."
That didn't mean there hadn't been times when Nikolias hadn't wondered what his purpose, both in life and in the court of Taengea, was, but he had found it at last, although it had taken awhile for an idea to come to him.
"With that said, Your Majesty, what my son does is of his own accord. Never mine. Indeed, I pray to the gods almost daily for relative peace where my dwelling is concerned. Perhaps this is a sentence you will understand when you have your own children, but there are many times when I wonder how I could have sired a son so different from myself."
There was another matter- the matter of the stability of the government during a war- that concerned Nikolias as well, but he was unsure Achilleas would be willing to talk to him about anything else until the matter of Nikos' prank on him was resolved.
Nikolias cleared his throat. "It seems to me sometimes that my son does not often tell me of his motives. In my opinion, there is no doubt that he wanted to ruin your reputation if nothing else, Your Majesty. However, your father and I were both friends and relatives, and it seems to me that if Nikos actually wanted this prank to work well, perhaps he would have considered two things. Let us just say that I know several people who would be far more likely to have a child conceived out of wedlock than yourself." Nikolias personally thought there was probably not a soul in the kingdom of Taengea who did not know about Meena of Vasiliadon. Indeed, Irakles had kept a mistress in plain sight. "Some may even be proud of their...forbidden fruit, as it were. And in the second place, assuming that you did indeed have illegitimate children, I would think they'd be far more likely to show themselves now that you have actually been crowned. They would likely want things from you regardless, but a crowned king is more powerful than a prince. If one is going to pull a prank- on anyone- I think they should actually try to make it believable. I was just as shocked as anybody else- indeed, I did not hear of it until after the damage had already been done. And in any case, playing a prank on the king is not wise to begin with. One would think the son of a courtier would be aware of that, but Nikos and I seem to see eye to eye only very rarely."
Nikolias had still worried after the ousting of Stephanos that his son might very well lose his head.
"He is my only heir, and I certainly did not teach him to behave as he has. Indeed, from a young age, I myself was taught to be content with the knowledge that I would never be king."
That didn't mean there hadn't been times when Nikolias hadn't wondered what his purpose, both in life and in the court of Taengea, was, but he had found it at last, although it had taken awhile for an idea to come to him.
"With that said, Your Majesty, what my son does is of his own accord. Never mine. Indeed, I pray to the gods almost daily for relative peace where my dwelling is concerned. Perhaps this is a sentence you will understand when you have your own children, but there are many times when I wonder how I could have sired a son so different from myself."
There was another matter- the matter of the stability of the government during a war- that concerned Nikolias as well, but he was unsure Achilleas would be willing to talk to him about anything else until the matter of Nikos' prank on him was resolved.
Achilleas was mildly surprised that the Condos Lord was not attempting to defend his son, but instead stated quite bluntly that it appeared Nikos had been attempting to damage the Mikaelidas man’s reputation. There was the arch of a single brow, for that was hardly a revelation in itself. The question Achilleas has was why? It was one thing to not get along with a person, and indeed he and Nikos shared little love for one another. But to stage such a thing on the eve of the wedding? That had strayed into territory that had left a bad taste.
As the man’s father went on though, Achilleas wasn’t entirely sure what he was trying to achieve. Did he think it would mollify the victim of said prank to express how it could have been done better? With a bemused tilt of his head, the new King listened as Nikolias went on, his expression remaining mostly neutral until the man trampled across as a subject that was rather a sensitive one for the Mikaelidas monarch.
The very blue eyes of the younger man narrowed, and Achilleas cleared his throat. Indeed, his father’s second family was no secret, but it was rare that someone would make reference to it so bluntly, and for good reason. Meena’s very existence had long been a thorn in Achilleas’ side, the woman of an age to him and yet shipped into the family home when they were both just teens. That she had born his father bastard children was just further affront. With a growing irritation, he let the Condos Lord continue with his..explanation...or justification, whatever it was until the man came to a natural pause.
And then Achilleas let the pause stretch on expectantly, frowning slightly as he moved to speak.
“You have said many words, and yet none of them have approached an apology, Lord Nikolias” He began, still standing in that very rigid and martial stance. “Whilst I am glad to know that you feel Nikos’ prank could have been better executed, in your opinion, and am always delighted to have my late father’s personal conduct discussed so openly, I am not sure how either of those things are supposed to be conducive to putting this behind us.”
He was offended, if he were being honest, after having so readily offered the Condos Lord an apology for any misunderstanding the last time they had met, that the man had not offered one on behalf of his House. Lips pressed together so he did not say anything to further inflame the situation, Achilleas tried to stamp down his annoyance, remembering that the purpose of this meeting - at least from his perspective - had been to smooth things over. But he was quite certain that it was not just injured pride that saw him looking for the other man to make amends. Such a prank could have caused real damage, and if nothing else, the Mikaelidas man had been taught to protect his reputation at all costs.
“I realise you are not your son, Lord Nikolias. But surely you can see how this type of foolishness endangers a trust that stood between our houses?”
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Achilleas was mildly surprised that the Condos Lord was not attempting to defend his son, but instead stated quite bluntly that it appeared Nikos had been attempting to damage the Mikaelidas man’s reputation. There was the arch of a single brow, for that was hardly a revelation in itself. The question Achilleas has was why? It was one thing to not get along with a person, and indeed he and Nikos shared little love for one another. But to stage such a thing on the eve of the wedding? That had strayed into territory that had left a bad taste.
As the man’s father went on though, Achilleas wasn’t entirely sure what he was trying to achieve. Did he think it would mollify the victim of said prank to express how it could have been done better? With a bemused tilt of his head, the new King listened as Nikolias went on, his expression remaining mostly neutral until the man trampled across as a subject that was rather a sensitive one for the Mikaelidas monarch.
The very blue eyes of the younger man narrowed, and Achilleas cleared his throat. Indeed, his father’s second family was no secret, but it was rare that someone would make reference to it so bluntly, and for good reason. Meena’s very existence had long been a thorn in Achilleas’ side, the woman of an age to him and yet shipped into the family home when they were both just teens. That she had born his father bastard children was just further affront. With a growing irritation, he let the Condos Lord continue with his..explanation...or justification, whatever it was until the man came to a natural pause.
And then Achilleas let the pause stretch on expectantly, frowning slightly as he moved to speak.
“You have said many words, and yet none of them have approached an apology, Lord Nikolias” He began, still standing in that very rigid and martial stance. “Whilst I am glad to know that you feel Nikos’ prank could have been better executed, in your opinion, and am always delighted to have my late father’s personal conduct discussed so openly, I am not sure how either of those things are supposed to be conducive to putting this behind us.”
He was offended, if he were being honest, after having so readily offered the Condos Lord an apology for any misunderstanding the last time they had met, that the man had not offered one on behalf of his House. Lips pressed together so he did not say anything to further inflame the situation, Achilleas tried to stamp down his annoyance, remembering that the purpose of this meeting - at least from his perspective - had been to smooth things over. But he was quite certain that it was not just injured pride that saw him looking for the other man to make amends. Such a prank could have caused real damage, and if nothing else, the Mikaelidas man had been taught to protect his reputation at all costs.
“I realise you are not your son, Lord Nikolias. But surely you can see how this type of foolishness endangers a trust that stood between our houses?”
Achilleas was mildly surprised that the Condos Lord was not attempting to defend his son, but instead stated quite bluntly that it appeared Nikos had been attempting to damage the Mikaelidas man’s reputation. There was the arch of a single brow, for that was hardly a revelation in itself. The question Achilleas has was why? It was one thing to not get along with a person, and indeed he and Nikos shared little love for one another. But to stage such a thing on the eve of the wedding? That had strayed into territory that had left a bad taste.
As the man’s father went on though, Achilleas wasn’t entirely sure what he was trying to achieve. Did he think it would mollify the victim of said prank to express how it could have been done better? With a bemused tilt of his head, the new King listened as Nikolias went on, his expression remaining mostly neutral until the man trampled across as a subject that was rather a sensitive one for the Mikaelidas monarch.
The very blue eyes of the younger man narrowed, and Achilleas cleared his throat. Indeed, his father’s second family was no secret, but it was rare that someone would make reference to it so bluntly, and for good reason. Meena’s very existence had long been a thorn in Achilleas’ side, the woman of an age to him and yet shipped into the family home when they were both just teens. That she had born his father bastard children was just further affront. With a growing irritation, he let the Condos Lord continue with his..explanation...or justification, whatever it was until the man came to a natural pause.
And then Achilleas let the pause stretch on expectantly, frowning slightly as he moved to speak.
“You have said many words, and yet none of them have approached an apology, Lord Nikolias” He began, still standing in that very rigid and martial stance. “Whilst I am glad to know that you feel Nikos’ prank could have been better executed, in your opinion, and am always delighted to have my late father’s personal conduct discussed so openly, I am not sure how either of those things are supposed to be conducive to putting this behind us.”
He was offended, if he were being honest, after having so readily offered the Condos Lord an apology for any misunderstanding the last time they had met, that the man had not offered one on behalf of his House. Lips pressed together so he did not say anything to further inflame the situation, Achilleas tried to stamp down his annoyance, remembering that the purpose of this meeting - at least from his perspective - had been to smooth things over. But he was quite certain that it was not just injured pride that saw him looking for the other man to make amends. Such a prank could have caused real damage, and if nothing else, the Mikaelidas man had been taught to protect his reputation at all costs.
“I realise you are not your son, Lord Nikolias. But surely you can see how this type of foolishness endangers a trust that stood between our houses?”
Nikolias was not exactly unaware that Achilleas was different from his father, but that being said, he had expected Achilleas to perhaps understand what he was getting at without much more explanation. "Please forgive me, Your Majesty. I made the comment about your father only to say that his behavior is the type of thing I know you would never do, and that there was- is- such great contrast between Lord Irakles and yourself, which is exactly how I was aware that the accusation had to be false." It was true that that was how he had known. He did, however, realize now that the words had left his mouth that there might have been ways to put it that were, if only by a little bit, less scathing.
He considered the king's last point, then nodded. "I can understand how you might feel that this damages the trust between our houses. However, I can assure you that I had nothing to do with my son's involvement in this matter." He would just have to hope Achilleas believed it. Talking to Irakles had been so much easier, he thought, just barely refraining from sighing. Keeping Nikos in hand was proving to be more and more impossible almost daily, and if he were honest, he was fresh out of ideas when it came to thinking about how to do so.
"There is, however, another matter I have also come about- one that concerns the safety of the country, if I may, Your Majesty."
Was the king aware of just how fragile the state of Taengea would become if he left now? He had a feeling that he was, but it was not only the reaction of the nations they might soon be at war with that worried Nikolias. It was every nation nearby. A nation whose king had recently been crowned- and so shortly after the last king, as well- made for not only a potentially vulnerable nation, but also a nation of whose vulnerability everyone was aware and might not hesitate to take advantage of.
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Nikolias was not exactly unaware that Achilleas was different from his father, but that being said, he had expected Achilleas to perhaps understand what he was getting at without much more explanation. "Please forgive me, Your Majesty. I made the comment about your father only to say that his behavior is the type of thing I know you would never do, and that there was- is- such great contrast between Lord Irakles and yourself, which is exactly how I was aware that the accusation had to be false." It was true that that was how he had known. He did, however, realize now that the words had left his mouth that there might have been ways to put it that were, if only by a little bit, less scathing.
He considered the king's last point, then nodded. "I can understand how you might feel that this damages the trust between our houses. However, I can assure you that I had nothing to do with my son's involvement in this matter." He would just have to hope Achilleas believed it. Talking to Irakles had been so much easier, he thought, just barely refraining from sighing. Keeping Nikos in hand was proving to be more and more impossible almost daily, and if he were honest, he was fresh out of ideas when it came to thinking about how to do so.
"There is, however, another matter I have also come about- one that concerns the safety of the country, if I may, Your Majesty."
Was the king aware of just how fragile the state of Taengea would become if he left now? He had a feeling that he was, but it was not only the reaction of the nations they might soon be at war with that worried Nikolias. It was every nation nearby. A nation whose king had recently been crowned- and so shortly after the last king, as well- made for not only a potentially vulnerable nation, but also a nation of whose vulnerability everyone was aware and might not hesitate to take advantage of.
Nikolias was not exactly unaware that Achilleas was different from his father, but that being said, he had expected Achilleas to perhaps understand what he was getting at without much more explanation. "Please forgive me, Your Majesty. I made the comment about your father only to say that his behavior is the type of thing I know you would never do, and that there was- is- such great contrast between Lord Irakles and yourself, which is exactly how I was aware that the accusation had to be false." It was true that that was how he had known. He did, however, realize now that the words had left his mouth that there might have been ways to put it that were, if only by a little bit, less scathing.
He considered the king's last point, then nodded. "I can understand how you might feel that this damages the trust between our houses. However, I can assure you that I had nothing to do with my son's involvement in this matter." He would just have to hope Achilleas believed it. Talking to Irakles had been so much easier, he thought, just barely refraining from sighing. Keeping Nikos in hand was proving to be more and more impossible almost daily, and if he were honest, he was fresh out of ideas when it came to thinking about how to do so.
"There is, however, another matter I have also come about- one that concerns the safety of the country, if I may, Your Majesty."
Was the king aware of just how fragile the state of Taengea would become if he left now? He had a feeling that he was, but it was not only the reaction of the nations they might soon be at war with that worried Nikolias. It was every nation nearby. A nation whose king had recently been crowned- and so shortly after the last king, as well- made for not only a potentially vulnerable nation, but also a nation of whose vulnerability everyone was aware and might not hesitate to take advantage of.
To the new king, the Condos Lord’s words still rang empty, but the last thing he needed was internal disagreements with everything else that their Kingdom faced right then. And so Achilleas' inclined head ever so slightly as Lord Nikolias hurried to address his rather mangled words regarding the late King, and bit his tongue from saying anything further on the matter.
There was still no apology for the distasteful matter of the boy, just another statement that it was nothing to do with Nikolias himself, and at that Achilleas did not bother to hide the sigh. It was clear to him that there would be no resolution here, and he wondered at a supposed Head of House who seemed to bear no responsibility for those within its jurisdiction. Finally relenting enough from his posture to wave a dismissive hand at the Condos Lord, the King wrote the matter off as a lost cause “So you have said, my Lord, and so we shall leave the matter there. I trust that we can still count on you at least as an ally?”
Achilleas made a mental note to speak to Emilios and let him know of this little conversation. His brother needed to know the lay of the land as he stepped into the role of regent, and as the coronation had proven, it could still feel at times like quicksand beneath Achilleas’ feet.
Looking back to his visitor, the new King motioned for Nikolias to take a seat if he had reason to prolong their conversation, moving to sit himself upon one of the klines that bordered the large hall. He had thought the man’s request for an audience born of a want to set right the matter of Nikos’ poor humour, but it would seem there was more bothering the Condos Head of House that that.His expression had shifted from a slight surprise at the other man’s request to one with little humour, blue gaze settling on the older man with some weight.
“Go on, Lord Nikolias. If it is something pertaining to the safety of Taengea then I need not tell you that you have my full attention”
Achilleas wondered what, exactly, the Lord had to tell, and for a moment considered summoning the Master of War to bear witness to the telling, but he found he did not wish to delay, and so just waited for the man to get on with revealing whatever was on his mind.
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To the new king, the Condos Lord’s words still rang empty, but the last thing he needed was internal disagreements with everything else that their Kingdom faced right then. And so Achilleas' inclined head ever so slightly as Lord Nikolias hurried to address his rather mangled words regarding the late King, and bit his tongue from saying anything further on the matter.
There was still no apology for the distasteful matter of the boy, just another statement that it was nothing to do with Nikolias himself, and at that Achilleas did not bother to hide the sigh. It was clear to him that there would be no resolution here, and he wondered at a supposed Head of House who seemed to bear no responsibility for those within its jurisdiction. Finally relenting enough from his posture to wave a dismissive hand at the Condos Lord, the King wrote the matter off as a lost cause “So you have said, my Lord, and so we shall leave the matter there. I trust that we can still count on you at least as an ally?”
Achilleas made a mental note to speak to Emilios and let him know of this little conversation. His brother needed to know the lay of the land as he stepped into the role of regent, and as the coronation had proven, it could still feel at times like quicksand beneath Achilleas’ feet.
Looking back to his visitor, the new King motioned for Nikolias to take a seat if he had reason to prolong their conversation, moving to sit himself upon one of the klines that bordered the large hall. He had thought the man’s request for an audience born of a want to set right the matter of Nikos’ poor humour, but it would seem there was more bothering the Condos Head of House that that.His expression had shifted from a slight surprise at the other man’s request to one with little humour, blue gaze settling on the older man with some weight.
“Go on, Lord Nikolias. If it is something pertaining to the safety of Taengea then I need not tell you that you have my full attention”
Achilleas wondered what, exactly, the Lord had to tell, and for a moment considered summoning the Master of War to bear witness to the telling, but he found he did not wish to delay, and so just waited for the man to get on with revealing whatever was on his mind.
To the new king, the Condos Lord’s words still rang empty, but the last thing he needed was internal disagreements with everything else that their Kingdom faced right then. And so Achilleas' inclined head ever so slightly as Lord Nikolias hurried to address his rather mangled words regarding the late King, and bit his tongue from saying anything further on the matter.
There was still no apology for the distasteful matter of the boy, just another statement that it was nothing to do with Nikolias himself, and at that Achilleas did not bother to hide the sigh. It was clear to him that there would be no resolution here, and he wondered at a supposed Head of House who seemed to bear no responsibility for those within its jurisdiction. Finally relenting enough from his posture to wave a dismissive hand at the Condos Lord, the King wrote the matter off as a lost cause “So you have said, my Lord, and so we shall leave the matter there. I trust that we can still count on you at least as an ally?”
Achilleas made a mental note to speak to Emilios and let him know of this little conversation. His brother needed to know the lay of the land as he stepped into the role of regent, and as the coronation had proven, it could still feel at times like quicksand beneath Achilleas’ feet.
Looking back to his visitor, the new King motioned for Nikolias to take a seat if he had reason to prolong their conversation, moving to sit himself upon one of the klines that bordered the large hall. He had thought the man’s request for an audience born of a want to set right the matter of Nikos’ poor humour, but it would seem there was more bothering the Condos Head of House that that.His expression had shifted from a slight surprise at the other man’s request to one with little humour, blue gaze settling on the older man with some weight.
“Go on, Lord Nikolias. If it is something pertaining to the safety of Taengea then I need not tell you that you have my full attention”
Achilleas wondered what, exactly, the Lord had to tell, and for a moment considered summoning the Master of War to bear witness to the telling, but he found he did not wish to delay, and so just waited for the man to get on with revealing whatever was on his mind.
Nikolias nodded. "Yes, Your Majesty, I understand, and yes, you may still count on me as an ally." Considering how Achilleas had seemed to react, though, Nikolias decided to slightly alter his approach as he took the offered seat. While the king was a good deal younger than Lord Condos, Nikolias didn't want him to potentially think that he considered the king to be insignificant, either in rank or in intelligence, despite his youth. Lack of experience did not mean one was unaware of how things stood. And yet...there was still a good deal of concern on Nikolias' part.
"Perhaps, Your Majesty, concerning the other matter, I should begin by saying that I say this only as one concerned with the political state of our country as well as the physical. As such, there are perhaps two different issues at hand here- physical defense and political repercussions. It is the second of these issues I have come about, however." Nikolias cleared his throat before continuing. He knew the young king was well aware of his own position, particularly as the Mikaelidas family had been through so much already, but with that said, war at this time would only add more fuel to the fire that seemed determined at the moment to ravage the whole of Taebgea, inevitable though it probably was.
"War is in some ways inconvenient at the best of times, I am sure, having to leave one's country in other hands than the king's own at any time, regardless of the glory it brings to Greece. But I do feel that now is not the time to be searching for glory, Your Majesty. While I understand you might want to bring some...reputation, if you will, back to the family name, you have been only recently crowned, and as such, the Egyptians are not our only threat at present- even if they may be our biggest one. Suppose not only the Egyptians, but everyone in the known world learned of...not only your absence, but also of your status being only recently attained. Therefore, we are in danger, perhaps, on every side." Not to mention, perhaps from within, if Stephanos should make a return appearance, Nikolias added in his thoughts.
"It is only a concern I've noticed, King Achilleas. Perhaps there is nothing to be done, and yet some people- not only myself- might wonder why you would go off to seek your glory in war now. Perhaps the glory would be only a bonus in addition to the eventual victory over the Egyptians, but...I just want to be sure that is indeed the case. Is it really necessary to put our country in perhaps more danger than it has been in in recent memory?"
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Nikolias nodded. "Yes, Your Majesty, I understand, and yes, you may still count on me as an ally." Considering how Achilleas had seemed to react, though, Nikolias decided to slightly alter his approach as he took the offered seat. While the king was a good deal younger than Lord Condos, Nikolias didn't want him to potentially think that he considered the king to be insignificant, either in rank or in intelligence, despite his youth. Lack of experience did not mean one was unaware of how things stood. And yet...there was still a good deal of concern on Nikolias' part.
"Perhaps, Your Majesty, concerning the other matter, I should begin by saying that I say this only as one concerned with the political state of our country as well as the physical. As such, there are perhaps two different issues at hand here- physical defense and political repercussions. It is the second of these issues I have come about, however." Nikolias cleared his throat before continuing. He knew the young king was well aware of his own position, particularly as the Mikaelidas family had been through so much already, but with that said, war at this time would only add more fuel to the fire that seemed determined at the moment to ravage the whole of Taebgea, inevitable though it probably was.
"War is in some ways inconvenient at the best of times, I am sure, having to leave one's country in other hands than the king's own at any time, regardless of the glory it brings to Greece. But I do feel that now is not the time to be searching for glory, Your Majesty. While I understand you might want to bring some...reputation, if you will, back to the family name, you have been only recently crowned, and as such, the Egyptians are not our only threat at present- even if they may be our biggest one. Suppose not only the Egyptians, but everyone in the known world learned of...not only your absence, but also of your status being only recently attained. Therefore, we are in danger, perhaps, on every side." Not to mention, perhaps from within, if Stephanos should make a return appearance, Nikolias added in his thoughts.
"It is only a concern I've noticed, King Achilleas. Perhaps there is nothing to be done, and yet some people- not only myself- might wonder why you would go off to seek your glory in war now. Perhaps the glory would be only a bonus in addition to the eventual victory over the Egyptians, but...I just want to be sure that is indeed the case. Is it really necessary to put our country in perhaps more danger than it has been in in recent memory?"
Nikolias nodded. "Yes, Your Majesty, I understand, and yes, you may still count on me as an ally." Considering how Achilleas had seemed to react, though, Nikolias decided to slightly alter his approach as he took the offered seat. While the king was a good deal younger than Lord Condos, Nikolias didn't want him to potentially think that he considered the king to be insignificant, either in rank or in intelligence, despite his youth. Lack of experience did not mean one was unaware of how things stood. And yet...there was still a good deal of concern on Nikolias' part.
"Perhaps, Your Majesty, concerning the other matter, I should begin by saying that I say this only as one concerned with the political state of our country as well as the physical. As such, there are perhaps two different issues at hand here- physical defense and political repercussions. It is the second of these issues I have come about, however." Nikolias cleared his throat before continuing. He knew the young king was well aware of his own position, particularly as the Mikaelidas family had been through so much already, but with that said, war at this time would only add more fuel to the fire that seemed determined at the moment to ravage the whole of Taebgea, inevitable though it probably was.
"War is in some ways inconvenient at the best of times, I am sure, having to leave one's country in other hands than the king's own at any time, regardless of the glory it brings to Greece. But I do feel that now is not the time to be searching for glory, Your Majesty. While I understand you might want to bring some...reputation, if you will, back to the family name, you have been only recently crowned, and as such, the Egyptians are not our only threat at present- even if they may be our biggest one. Suppose not only the Egyptians, but everyone in the known world learned of...not only your absence, but also of your status being only recently attained. Therefore, we are in danger, perhaps, on every side." Not to mention, perhaps from within, if Stephanos should make a return appearance, Nikolias added in his thoughts.
"It is only a concern I've noticed, King Achilleas. Perhaps there is nothing to be done, and yet some people- not only myself- might wonder why you would go off to seek your glory in war now. Perhaps the glory would be only a bonus in addition to the eventual victory over the Egyptians, but...I just want to be sure that is indeed the case. Is it really necessary to put our country in perhaps more danger than it has been in in recent memory?"
Achilleas nodded, reassured by the man’s words. He might have been young to find himself upon the throne, but he was no fool, he knew that he could scarce afford bad blood between he and the Head of the Condos house. Nikos was never going to find himself counted amongst Achilleas’ friends, but his father? Well Achilleas would have the man’s goodwill if he could.
Which was a thing he had to remind himself of in the next, when Nikolias went on to express his other concerns. The King’s expression remained unchanging as he heard the older man out, his head canting to the side a little as he were truly weighing the mans words. To some degree, Achilleas was. He was not so prideful as to discount the counsel of a man better seasoned than he, indeed he had sought it out from those other than Nikolias before beginning to make his plans. The Mikaelidas man was nothing if not thorough, meticulous even in his preparations.
That the Condos Head of House seemed to think Achilleas would not have considered the implications of his leaving Taengea was somewhat insulting,but the King told himself that it was not meant that way, and he was doing quite well at it until Nikolias told him that now was not the best time to be ‘searching for glory’. There was a slight sharpening to the younger man’s features, a solitary muscle flickering in the squared off jaw as Achilleas’ brows lifted in a show of surprise.
Reputation? Is that what Nikolias thought this was about? Like Achilleas felt he needed to prove himself in that arena? Like the Mikaelidas had []anything[/i] to do to suggest their military capabilities? Not only had Irakles been one Greece’s finest generals, but Stephanos too, and Achilleas and Emilios Commanders. It was laughable to think the family had anything to prove in that arena.
Nevertheless, the new King made certain to let that initial spark of outrage dull and extinguish before he made any move to respond, clearing his throat and speaking carefully to the older man. “ I am grateful that you have brought your concerns to me, my lord. But please, you judge me harshly if you think this response to the threat from the south is anything to do with seeking glory. What I look to do is put a swift end to the threat of war at a time where we can scarce afford such a conflict. I am well aware of the instability we have weathered as a Kingdom, and I have no desire to bring anymore upon us. But the threat from Egypt is real and we cannot ignore it.” He broke off and shook his head slightly. “ Would you have us not act, and instead let the enemy bring the fight to our own shores? I will not see such a thing happen if I can prevent it?!”
It was unbearable to think of, so soon on the heels of the Creeds rampage that more blood would be shed on the streets of Vasiliadon. Achilleas shot the Condos Lord a hard look as he went on. “And to hear you speak of threats from all sides is of concern to me, Lord Nikolias. If you have grounding for such fears then I pray you share them, because otherwise to be so untrusting of our allies in Colchis and Athenia reflects poorly upon you.”
Indeed one of the first things he had done as new King was to write to their fellow Grecian kingdoms to invoke the treaty they shared. He was expecting their support if it became full fledged war with Egypt. If Nikolias had reason to think otherwise then they had problems. Big problems.
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Achilleas nodded, reassured by the man’s words. He might have been young to find himself upon the throne, but he was no fool, he knew that he could scarce afford bad blood between he and the Head of the Condos house. Nikos was never going to find himself counted amongst Achilleas’ friends, but his father? Well Achilleas would have the man’s goodwill if he could.
Which was a thing he had to remind himself of in the next, when Nikolias went on to express his other concerns. The King’s expression remained unchanging as he heard the older man out, his head canting to the side a little as he were truly weighing the mans words. To some degree, Achilleas was. He was not so prideful as to discount the counsel of a man better seasoned than he, indeed he had sought it out from those other than Nikolias before beginning to make his plans. The Mikaelidas man was nothing if not thorough, meticulous even in his preparations.
That the Condos Head of House seemed to think Achilleas would not have considered the implications of his leaving Taengea was somewhat insulting,but the King told himself that it was not meant that way, and he was doing quite well at it until Nikolias told him that now was not the best time to be ‘searching for glory’. There was a slight sharpening to the younger man’s features, a solitary muscle flickering in the squared off jaw as Achilleas’ brows lifted in a show of surprise.
Reputation? Is that what Nikolias thought this was about? Like Achilleas felt he needed to prove himself in that arena? Like the Mikaelidas had []anything[/i] to do to suggest their military capabilities? Not only had Irakles been one Greece’s finest generals, but Stephanos too, and Achilleas and Emilios Commanders. It was laughable to think the family had anything to prove in that arena.
Nevertheless, the new King made certain to let that initial spark of outrage dull and extinguish before he made any move to respond, clearing his throat and speaking carefully to the older man. “ I am grateful that you have brought your concerns to me, my lord. But please, you judge me harshly if you think this response to the threat from the south is anything to do with seeking glory. What I look to do is put a swift end to the threat of war at a time where we can scarce afford such a conflict. I am well aware of the instability we have weathered as a Kingdom, and I have no desire to bring anymore upon us. But the threat from Egypt is real and we cannot ignore it.” He broke off and shook his head slightly. “ Would you have us not act, and instead let the enemy bring the fight to our own shores? I will not see such a thing happen if I can prevent it?!”
It was unbearable to think of, so soon on the heels of the Creeds rampage that more blood would be shed on the streets of Vasiliadon. Achilleas shot the Condos Lord a hard look as he went on. “And to hear you speak of threats from all sides is of concern to me, Lord Nikolias. If you have grounding for such fears then I pray you share them, because otherwise to be so untrusting of our allies in Colchis and Athenia reflects poorly upon you.”
Indeed one of the first things he had done as new King was to write to their fellow Grecian kingdoms to invoke the treaty they shared. He was expecting their support if it became full fledged war with Egypt. If Nikolias had reason to think otherwise then they had problems. Big problems.
Achilleas nodded, reassured by the man’s words. He might have been young to find himself upon the throne, but he was no fool, he knew that he could scarce afford bad blood between he and the Head of the Condos house. Nikos was never going to find himself counted amongst Achilleas’ friends, but his father? Well Achilleas would have the man’s goodwill if he could.
Which was a thing he had to remind himself of in the next, when Nikolias went on to express his other concerns. The King’s expression remained unchanging as he heard the older man out, his head canting to the side a little as he were truly weighing the mans words. To some degree, Achilleas was. He was not so prideful as to discount the counsel of a man better seasoned than he, indeed he had sought it out from those other than Nikolias before beginning to make his plans. The Mikaelidas man was nothing if not thorough, meticulous even in his preparations.
That the Condos Head of House seemed to think Achilleas would not have considered the implications of his leaving Taengea was somewhat insulting,but the King told himself that it was not meant that way, and he was doing quite well at it until Nikolias told him that now was not the best time to be ‘searching for glory’. There was a slight sharpening to the younger man’s features, a solitary muscle flickering in the squared off jaw as Achilleas’ brows lifted in a show of surprise.
Reputation? Is that what Nikolias thought this was about? Like Achilleas felt he needed to prove himself in that arena? Like the Mikaelidas had []anything[/i] to do to suggest their military capabilities? Not only had Irakles been one Greece’s finest generals, but Stephanos too, and Achilleas and Emilios Commanders. It was laughable to think the family had anything to prove in that arena.
Nevertheless, the new King made certain to let that initial spark of outrage dull and extinguish before he made any move to respond, clearing his throat and speaking carefully to the older man. “ I am grateful that you have brought your concerns to me, my lord. But please, you judge me harshly if you think this response to the threat from the south is anything to do with seeking glory. What I look to do is put a swift end to the threat of war at a time where we can scarce afford such a conflict. I am well aware of the instability we have weathered as a Kingdom, and I have no desire to bring anymore upon us. But the threat from Egypt is real and we cannot ignore it.” He broke off and shook his head slightly. “ Would you have us not act, and instead let the enemy bring the fight to our own shores? I will not see such a thing happen if I can prevent it?!”
It was unbearable to think of, so soon on the heels of the Creeds rampage that more blood would be shed on the streets of Vasiliadon. Achilleas shot the Condos Lord a hard look as he went on. “And to hear you speak of threats from all sides is of concern to me, Lord Nikolias. If you have grounding for such fears then I pray you share them, because otherwise to be so untrusting of our allies in Colchis and Athenia reflects poorly upon you.”
Indeed one of the first things he had done as new King was to write to their fellow Grecian kingdoms to invoke the treaty they shared. He was expecting their support if it became full fledged war with Egypt. If Nikolias had reason to think otherwise then they had problems. Big problems.
Nikolias nodded. "I understand the position now quite well, Your Highness. I simply assumed that...well... all that your family has been through recently...may have...complicated matters, to say nothing of a war." The Mikaelidas' were Nikolias' cousins as well as the ruling family. All that they had suffered bothered him as well. Although Nikolias had every reason to believe Achilleas was different than his brother, that was exactly why he had figured Achilleas was searching for glory- to prove the country ought to have faith in him. "If they were my birth house, I'd want to fix things if I could," he said gently, allowing time for the words to hopefully sink in. Anything Achilleas might have taken as an insult had not been meant that way, only in concern and commiseration. "And what better way to bring credit to one's house- and one's personal name- than to obtain glory in battle? I hope you can understand how it seemed to me." But then, perhaps, was Nikolias really all thatincorrect? The gods could have orchestrated this specifically for Achilleas' benefit.
As for the other matter... Nikolias paused. How to put this delicately?
"You, Your Majesty, I have faith in- as well as the rest of Greece. The other countries I was speaking of who might use your absence as an opportunity for sabotage are mostly those of Lands Afar. And while I know that Taengea has had a presence in Judea, we are leaving them, as we must, to fight this war against Egypt. I am willing to admit that I may have gotten ahead of myself a fair bit, but do those things not concern you?"
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Nikolias nodded. "I understand the position now quite well, Your Highness. I simply assumed that...well... all that your family has been through recently...may have...complicated matters, to say nothing of a war." The Mikaelidas' were Nikolias' cousins as well as the ruling family. All that they had suffered bothered him as well. Although Nikolias had every reason to believe Achilleas was different than his brother, that was exactly why he had figured Achilleas was searching for glory- to prove the country ought to have faith in him. "If they were my birth house, I'd want to fix things if I could," he said gently, allowing time for the words to hopefully sink in. Anything Achilleas might have taken as an insult had not been meant that way, only in concern and commiseration. "And what better way to bring credit to one's house- and one's personal name- than to obtain glory in battle? I hope you can understand how it seemed to me." But then, perhaps, was Nikolias really all thatincorrect? The gods could have orchestrated this specifically for Achilleas' benefit.
As for the other matter... Nikolias paused. How to put this delicately?
"You, Your Majesty, I have faith in- as well as the rest of Greece. The other countries I was speaking of who might use your absence as an opportunity for sabotage are mostly those of Lands Afar. And while I know that Taengea has had a presence in Judea, we are leaving them, as we must, to fight this war against Egypt. I am willing to admit that I may have gotten ahead of myself a fair bit, but do those things not concern you?"
Nikolias nodded. "I understand the position now quite well, Your Highness. I simply assumed that...well... all that your family has been through recently...may have...complicated matters, to say nothing of a war." The Mikaelidas' were Nikolias' cousins as well as the ruling family. All that they had suffered bothered him as well. Although Nikolias had every reason to believe Achilleas was different than his brother, that was exactly why he had figured Achilleas was searching for glory- to prove the country ought to have faith in him. "If they were my birth house, I'd want to fix things if I could," he said gently, allowing time for the words to hopefully sink in. Anything Achilleas might have taken as an insult had not been meant that way, only in concern and commiseration. "And what better way to bring credit to one's house- and one's personal name- than to obtain glory in battle? I hope you can understand how it seemed to me." But then, perhaps, was Nikolias really all thatincorrect? The gods could have orchestrated this specifically for Achilleas' benefit.
As for the other matter... Nikolias paused. How to put this delicately?
"You, Your Majesty, I have faith in- as well as the rest of Greece. The other countries I was speaking of who might use your absence as an opportunity for sabotage are mostly those of Lands Afar. And while I know that Taengea has had a presence in Judea, we are leaving them, as we must, to fight this war against Egypt. I am willing to admit that I may have gotten ahead of myself a fair bit, but do those things not concern you?"
All that his family had been through. Achilleas might have winced at that, were he not making such a concerted effort to keep his thoughts off of his face. He barely needed reminding of the calamities that had befallen his kin, and he wouldn’t deny that he wanted to lead them through that as much as anything. In time, he would certainly look to ensure that the Mikaelidas name was once again uttered only in reverence instead of as a result of scandal or loss. But Taengea came first, over and above all. Was that not what his father had preached at him for so long?
He blinked, refocused on the man before him, and perhaps a little of the king’s careful formality had fallen away under such a subject so that Achilleas swallowed and paused before he made answer. Could he understand the man’s reasoning? Yes. Did he enjoy the implication that he would base decisions upon something so selfish? No.
“As I said, Lord Nikolias, I am glad you voiced your concerns so I can at least set them to rest. My duty as King is to Taengea, and far outstrips any ambitions for House or personal glory.” He did not need to affect the earnest tone or the conviction in his words, for both were as real and solid as the man himself. One of the flaws Irakles had often berated his elder child for was a seeming lack of personal ambition. He wanted to please, had pushed himself in his attempts to live up to his father’s expectation, but Achilleas did not covet power, despite being gifted it by means of birth. And whilst it would have been a lie to say he did not crave success, didn’t want to be the best, that meant doing the best that he could for the Kingdom, now.
That brief vulnerability disappeared almost as quickly as it had appeared when Nikolias expanded upon his second question. Achilleas frowned as if in confusion before attempting to allay what he thought were far-fetched fears.
“Unless you are partial to better intelligence than I” the Mikaelidas man began, knowing that such a thing would be highly unlikely “then I think baseless speculation on a threat from lands we know nothing of should not be a concern we trouble ourselves with right now, my lord. And as for Judea, we have had a military presence there for years. They are not a martial nation, and I have no reason to believe they would make an aggressive move against us. Whilst I appreciate your..thorough consideration of the current situation, I think you are perhaps seeing shadows where there are none, and ignoring the very real danger which is the one we move to address.” Here, Achilleas paused and levelled a probing gaze at the Condos man. “ Unless you do have some information to share?”
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All that his family had been through. Achilleas might have winced at that, were he not making such a concerted effort to keep his thoughts off of his face. He barely needed reminding of the calamities that had befallen his kin, and he wouldn’t deny that he wanted to lead them through that as much as anything. In time, he would certainly look to ensure that the Mikaelidas name was once again uttered only in reverence instead of as a result of scandal or loss. But Taengea came first, over and above all. Was that not what his father had preached at him for so long?
He blinked, refocused on the man before him, and perhaps a little of the king’s careful formality had fallen away under such a subject so that Achilleas swallowed and paused before he made answer. Could he understand the man’s reasoning? Yes. Did he enjoy the implication that he would base decisions upon something so selfish? No.
“As I said, Lord Nikolias, I am glad you voiced your concerns so I can at least set them to rest. My duty as King is to Taengea, and far outstrips any ambitions for House or personal glory.” He did not need to affect the earnest tone or the conviction in his words, for both were as real and solid as the man himself. One of the flaws Irakles had often berated his elder child for was a seeming lack of personal ambition. He wanted to please, had pushed himself in his attempts to live up to his father’s expectation, but Achilleas did not covet power, despite being gifted it by means of birth. And whilst it would have been a lie to say he did not crave success, didn’t want to be the best, that meant doing the best that he could for the Kingdom, now.
That brief vulnerability disappeared almost as quickly as it had appeared when Nikolias expanded upon his second question. Achilleas frowned as if in confusion before attempting to allay what he thought were far-fetched fears.
“Unless you are partial to better intelligence than I” the Mikaelidas man began, knowing that such a thing would be highly unlikely “then I think baseless speculation on a threat from lands we know nothing of should not be a concern we trouble ourselves with right now, my lord. And as for Judea, we have had a military presence there for years. They are not a martial nation, and I have no reason to believe they would make an aggressive move against us. Whilst I appreciate your..thorough consideration of the current situation, I think you are perhaps seeing shadows where there are none, and ignoring the very real danger which is the one we move to address.” Here, Achilleas paused and levelled a probing gaze at the Condos man. “ Unless you do have some information to share?”
All that his family had been through. Achilleas might have winced at that, were he not making such a concerted effort to keep his thoughts off of his face. He barely needed reminding of the calamities that had befallen his kin, and he wouldn’t deny that he wanted to lead them through that as much as anything. In time, he would certainly look to ensure that the Mikaelidas name was once again uttered only in reverence instead of as a result of scandal or loss. But Taengea came first, over and above all. Was that not what his father had preached at him for so long?
He blinked, refocused on the man before him, and perhaps a little of the king’s careful formality had fallen away under such a subject so that Achilleas swallowed and paused before he made answer. Could he understand the man’s reasoning? Yes. Did he enjoy the implication that he would base decisions upon something so selfish? No.
“As I said, Lord Nikolias, I am glad you voiced your concerns so I can at least set them to rest. My duty as King is to Taengea, and far outstrips any ambitions for House or personal glory.” He did not need to affect the earnest tone or the conviction in his words, for both were as real and solid as the man himself. One of the flaws Irakles had often berated his elder child for was a seeming lack of personal ambition. He wanted to please, had pushed himself in his attempts to live up to his father’s expectation, but Achilleas did not covet power, despite being gifted it by means of birth. And whilst it would have been a lie to say he did not crave success, didn’t want to be the best, that meant doing the best that he could for the Kingdom, now.
That brief vulnerability disappeared almost as quickly as it had appeared when Nikolias expanded upon his second question. Achilleas frowned as if in confusion before attempting to allay what he thought were far-fetched fears.
“Unless you are partial to better intelligence than I” the Mikaelidas man began, knowing that such a thing would be highly unlikely “then I think baseless speculation on a threat from lands we know nothing of should not be a concern we trouble ourselves with right now, my lord. And as for Judea, we have had a military presence there for years. They are not a martial nation, and I have no reason to believe they would make an aggressive move against us. Whilst I appreciate your..thorough consideration of the current situation, I think you are perhaps seeing shadows where there are none, and ignoring the very real danger which is the one we move to address.” Here, Achilleas paused and levelled a probing gaze at the Condos man. “ Unless you do have some information to share?”
Nikolias perceived that perhaps Achilleas did not quite understand that he had not meant anything he said to be offensive, only, perhaps, cautionary at worst. Nonetheless the threat of potential sabotage by other countries still existed in Nikolias' mind if nowhere else. He had to admit, though, that it seemed no one at least should be more informed than the king.
"I am not aware of any other threats than you also know, Your Majesty- I simply wondered if you thought those of Lands Afar might see an opportunity in this situation- unless, that is, they've been spurred to war with the Egyptians as well. I only said all this to say that it is always possible something like this could happen, and to say that if possible, it is always better that the government of the country remain in the king's own hands." Whatever their differences, Nikolias did not doubt his king. Doubting himself, however, was another matter. "It can only seem to me at times like this that if one cannot keep a king on the throne, the government as a whole is not doing a very good job, either." He had nothing, good, bad, or indifferent, to say concerning his own performance, but even the best men available could only do so much.And Taengea only had so many men, regardless.
"Long live the king- may you be the last for years to come, until a son of your own should reach maturity," He said sincerely.
Nikos' own ambitions or no, in times like this, Nikolias especially did not envy the young king his position. He wondered if it was even now beginning to wear on him.
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Nikolias perceived that perhaps Achilleas did not quite understand that he had not meant anything he said to be offensive, only, perhaps, cautionary at worst. Nonetheless the threat of potential sabotage by other countries still existed in Nikolias' mind if nowhere else. He had to admit, though, that it seemed no one at least should be more informed than the king.
"I am not aware of any other threats than you also know, Your Majesty- I simply wondered if you thought those of Lands Afar might see an opportunity in this situation- unless, that is, they've been spurred to war with the Egyptians as well. I only said all this to say that it is always possible something like this could happen, and to say that if possible, it is always better that the government of the country remain in the king's own hands." Whatever their differences, Nikolias did not doubt his king. Doubting himself, however, was another matter. "It can only seem to me at times like this that if one cannot keep a king on the throne, the government as a whole is not doing a very good job, either." He had nothing, good, bad, or indifferent, to say concerning his own performance, but even the best men available could only do so much.And Taengea only had so many men, regardless.
"Long live the king- may you be the last for years to come, until a son of your own should reach maturity," He said sincerely.
Nikos' own ambitions or no, in times like this, Nikolias especially did not envy the young king his position. He wondered if it was even now beginning to wear on him.
Nikolias perceived that perhaps Achilleas did not quite understand that he had not meant anything he said to be offensive, only, perhaps, cautionary at worst. Nonetheless the threat of potential sabotage by other countries still existed in Nikolias' mind if nowhere else. He had to admit, though, that it seemed no one at least should be more informed than the king.
"I am not aware of any other threats than you also know, Your Majesty- I simply wondered if you thought those of Lands Afar might see an opportunity in this situation- unless, that is, they've been spurred to war with the Egyptians as well. I only said all this to say that it is always possible something like this could happen, and to say that if possible, it is always better that the government of the country remain in the king's own hands." Whatever their differences, Nikolias did not doubt his king. Doubting himself, however, was another matter. "It can only seem to me at times like this that if one cannot keep a king on the throne, the government as a whole is not doing a very good job, either." He had nothing, good, bad, or indifferent, to say concerning his own performance, but even the best men available could only do so much.And Taengea only had so many men, regardless.
"Long live the king- may you be the last for years to come, until a son of your own should reach maturity," He said sincerely.
Nikos' own ambitions or no, in times like this, Nikolias especially did not envy the young king his position. He wondered if it was even now beginning to wear on him.
When the Condos Lord offered assurances that he was not, in fact, in possession of some intelligence that Achilleas himself was not, the younger man breathed a small sigh of relief. It was more than enough: the trouble they faced both with domestic issues and the threat from Egypt. Already having to sideline his efforts to aid Stephanos because of this war, Achilleas could not afford for his attention to be further divided.
What he did understand was that the man before him believed in some external threat, and clearly did not feel confident in Achilleas stepping away and leaving Taengea to be temporarily governed by his brother. Which was...unsatisfactory in itself.
“My Lord Condos. I think we can both agree that were the situation different I would not be making the choice to leave so soon after everything we have weathered. But, please rest assured, I have the utmost faith in those I leave in my stead. My brother, the senate council, yourself included. What matters is that we are confident, Lord Condos, and then the people will be confident.”
It was a technique Achilleas was well-practised in, but that perhaps the older man was not. With a hand rested briefly upon Nikolias’ shoulder, the King pushed to his feet, pausing a moment at the man’s next words. There was something a little disconcerting about hearing them, but he smiled anyway, inclined his head when the Condos Lord stood and bowed.
“I meant what I said, my Lord, in that I appreciate you bringing your concerns to me. I hope you will continue to do so in my absence. I can promise you Prince Emilios will be glad to hear them out.”
And with that groundwork laid for what he hoped would be an amicable relationship with the Head of House Condos Achilleas watched the man go before turning his attention back to more pressing matters.
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When the Condos Lord offered assurances that he was not, in fact, in possession of some intelligence that Achilleas himself was not, the younger man breathed a small sigh of relief. It was more than enough: the trouble they faced both with domestic issues and the threat from Egypt. Already having to sideline his efforts to aid Stephanos because of this war, Achilleas could not afford for his attention to be further divided.
What he did understand was that the man before him believed in some external threat, and clearly did not feel confident in Achilleas stepping away and leaving Taengea to be temporarily governed by his brother. Which was...unsatisfactory in itself.
“My Lord Condos. I think we can both agree that were the situation different I would not be making the choice to leave so soon after everything we have weathered. But, please rest assured, I have the utmost faith in those I leave in my stead. My brother, the senate council, yourself included. What matters is that we are confident, Lord Condos, and then the people will be confident.”
It was a technique Achilleas was well-practised in, but that perhaps the older man was not. With a hand rested briefly upon Nikolias’ shoulder, the King pushed to his feet, pausing a moment at the man’s next words. There was something a little disconcerting about hearing them, but he smiled anyway, inclined his head when the Condos Lord stood and bowed.
“I meant what I said, my Lord, in that I appreciate you bringing your concerns to me. I hope you will continue to do so in my absence. I can promise you Prince Emilios will be glad to hear them out.”
And with that groundwork laid for what he hoped would be an amicable relationship with the Head of House Condos Achilleas watched the man go before turning his attention back to more pressing matters.
When the Condos Lord offered assurances that he was not, in fact, in possession of some intelligence that Achilleas himself was not, the younger man breathed a small sigh of relief. It was more than enough: the trouble they faced both with domestic issues and the threat from Egypt. Already having to sideline his efforts to aid Stephanos because of this war, Achilleas could not afford for his attention to be further divided.
What he did understand was that the man before him believed in some external threat, and clearly did not feel confident in Achilleas stepping away and leaving Taengea to be temporarily governed by his brother. Which was...unsatisfactory in itself.
“My Lord Condos. I think we can both agree that were the situation different I would not be making the choice to leave so soon after everything we have weathered. But, please rest assured, I have the utmost faith in those I leave in my stead. My brother, the senate council, yourself included. What matters is that we are confident, Lord Condos, and then the people will be confident.”
It was a technique Achilleas was well-practised in, but that perhaps the older man was not. With a hand rested briefly upon Nikolias’ shoulder, the King pushed to his feet, pausing a moment at the man’s next words. There was something a little disconcerting about hearing them, but he smiled anyway, inclined his head when the Condos Lord stood and bowed.
“I meant what I said, my Lord, in that I appreciate you bringing your concerns to me. I hope you will continue to do so in my absence. I can promise you Prince Emilios will be glad to hear them out.”
And with that groundwork laid for what he hoped would be an amicable relationship with the Head of House Condos Achilleas watched the man go before turning his attention back to more pressing matters.