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The lord knew of his own plan, and the discussion with the whole of the family had continued to train his thought process on this one action that he could take. Someone had to be the one to do the leg work on the outside, and that someone would end up being himself. For the good of the Stravos and for Elias' chances on the throne, he knew that he needed to take the most drastic of steps in keeping their enemies closest to his side rather than at such a distance he could not reach them. The plan was simple, really. Keikelius would start to distance himself from his own family. He would show his disdain for their clear and blatant favoring of his only heir and the actions that he had been taking in order to try to grap power.
Though the senate was not running, this would make him appear favorable in the faces of his peers. Because he would not be calling for the support of his own son, but the support of the queen who truly should have remained in their ranks. In short, Keikelius would fight for both Xanthos and Stravos. One publically, with disdain and irritation shown for his own family, and one privately, through letters and communications with only his wife. Everything that he would find out would be coded and sent to a brothel in the bowls of the more dangerous Athenian streets. From there, the letters would make their way to the princess, passing a multitude of different, loyal hands that would ensure that these letters and missives could not be tracked to himself or his wife.
He would burn every letter she sent to him, and she would be instructed to burn ever letter she received from him. This was the only way that they would continue to appear separate and at odds. That was the only way that this plan would work, and the only way that Keikelius could perform as the puppetmaster that he needed to be.
However, Circenia was not privy to all of the details to all of his plans. They had been briefly discussed with the family upon their last meeting in Lyncestia, but not with the depth that he would now be discussing with his wife. If Keikelius had any reservations at all about how this was to work, it was the fact that he would find himself distanced from her. For two people who loved one another so deeply, the physical distance would be the hardest. It would be easy to stroke his wife's ego via a letter, but not the heat of her core when she was feeling lonely.
The lord had been thinking of his plan the entire way through dinner, his gaze often drifting to his wife as he debated through ever avenue of what he was about to do. When dinner had been removed and they'd had a few more glasses of wine before sending the girls back up to their own rooms for the nigh, Keikelius finally rose from the table. Striding slowly around it, he reached his hand down to his wife in utter silence at first.
"I think that it is time we talk, my wife," he said calmly, softly. It was time to impart the distance that the two of them would need to keep from one another in order to be successful. For the sake of their son and their family. For the sake of the crown that they wanted to see upon the head of their only heir. Their only chance, in this generation, to take what was rightfully theirs. Bringing her hand to his lips, he kissed Circenia's knuckles and helped her up from her chair. "Lets retire to bed."
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Mar 17, 2020 16:30:32 GMT
Posted In preparedness. on Mar 17, 2020 16:30:32 GMT
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The lord knew of his own plan, and the discussion with the whole of the family had continued to train his thought process on this one action that he could take. Someone had to be the one to do the leg work on the outside, and that someone would end up being himself. For the good of the Stravos and for Elias' chances on the throne, he knew that he needed to take the most drastic of steps in keeping their enemies closest to his side rather than at such a distance he could not reach them. The plan was simple, really. Keikelius would start to distance himself from his own family. He would show his disdain for their clear and blatant favoring of his only heir and the actions that he had been taking in order to try to grap power.
Though the senate was not running, this would make him appear favorable in the faces of his peers. Because he would not be calling for the support of his own son, but the support of the queen who truly should have remained in their ranks. In short, Keikelius would fight for both Xanthos and Stravos. One publically, with disdain and irritation shown for his own family, and one privately, through letters and communications with only his wife. Everything that he would find out would be coded and sent to a brothel in the bowls of the more dangerous Athenian streets. From there, the letters would make their way to the princess, passing a multitude of different, loyal hands that would ensure that these letters and missives could not be tracked to himself or his wife.
He would burn every letter she sent to him, and she would be instructed to burn ever letter she received from him. This was the only way that they would continue to appear separate and at odds. That was the only way that this plan would work, and the only way that Keikelius could perform as the puppetmaster that he needed to be.
However, Circenia was not privy to all of the details to all of his plans. They had been briefly discussed with the family upon their last meeting in Lyncestia, but not with the depth that he would now be discussing with his wife. If Keikelius had any reservations at all about how this was to work, it was the fact that he would find himself distanced from her. For two people who loved one another so deeply, the physical distance would be the hardest. It would be easy to stroke his wife's ego via a letter, but not the heat of her core when she was feeling lonely.
The lord had been thinking of his plan the entire way through dinner, his gaze often drifting to his wife as he debated through ever avenue of what he was about to do. When dinner had been removed and they'd had a few more glasses of wine before sending the girls back up to their own rooms for the nigh, Keikelius finally rose from the table. Striding slowly around it, he reached his hand down to his wife in utter silence at first.
"I think that it is time we talk, my wife," he said calmly, softly. It was time to impart the distance that the two of them would need to keep from one another in order to be successful. For the sake of their son and their family. For the sake of the crown that they wanted to see upon the head of their only heir. Their only chance, in this generation, to take what was rightfully theirs. Bringing her hand to his lips, he kissed Circenia's knuckles and helped her up from her chair. "Lets retire to bed."
The lord knew of his own plan, and the discussion with the whole of the family had continued to train his thought process on this one action that he could take. Someone had to be the one to do the leg work on the outside, and that someone would end up being himself. For the good of the Stravos and for Elias' chances on the throne, he knew that he needed to take the most drastic of steps in keeping their enemies closest to his side rather than at such a distance he could not reach them. The plan was simple, really. Keikelius would start to distance himself from his own family. He would show his disdain for their clear and blatant favoring of his only heir and the actions that he had been taking in order to try to grap power.
Though the senate was not running, this would make him appear favorable in the faces of his peers. Because he would not be calling for the support of his own son, but the support of the queen who truly should have remained in their ranks. In short, Keikelius would fight for both Xanthos and Stravos. One publically, with disdain and irritation shown for his own family, and one privately, through letters and communications with only his wife. Everything that he would find out would be coded and sent to a brothel in the bowls of the more dangerous Athenian streets. From there, the letters would make their way to the princess, passing a multitude of different, loyal hands that would ensure that these letters and missives could not be tracked to himself or his wife.
He would burn every letter she sent to him, and she would be instructed to burn ever letter she received from him. This was the only way that they would continue to appear separate and at odds. That was the only way that this plan would work, and the only way that Keikelius could perform as the puppetmaster that he needed to be.
However, Circenia was not privy to all of the details to all of his plans. They had been briefly discussed with the family upon their last meeting in Lyncestia, but not with the depth that he would now be discussing with his wife. If Keikelius had any reservations at all about how this was to work, it was the fact that he would find himself distanced from her. For two people who loved one another so deeply, the physical distance would be the hardest. It would be easy to stroke his wife's ego via a letter, but not the heat of her core when she was feeling lonely.
The lord had been thinking of his plan the entire way through dinner, his gaze often drifting to his wife as he debated through ever avenue of what he was about to do. When dinner had been removed and they'd had a few more glasses of wine before sending the girls back up to their own rooms for the nigh, Keikelius finally rose from the table. Striding slowly around it, he reached his hand down to his wife in utter silence at first.
"I think that it is time we talk, my wife," he said calmly, softly. It was time to impart the distance that the two of them would need to keep from one another in order to be successful. For the sake of their son and their family. For the sake of the crown that they wanted to see upon the head of their only heir. Their only chance, in this generation, to take what was rightfully theirs. Bringing her hand to his lips, he kissed Circenia's knuckles and helped her up from her chair. "Lets retire to bed."
Keikelius had been oddly removed at dinner, even quieter than usual, and that was saying something. While the girls chattered away, her husband’s pensive gaze kept settling on her, as if to convey his thoughts through a single glance. Circenia could feel his anxiety and wondered at its cause, though after the family meeting in Lyncestia, she could guess. He had plans, that she knew, and something told her she wouldn’t be too fond of them.
His thoughtful silence kept her quiet, as well, returning his glances with questioning ones of her own. Answering the occasional inquiry posed by one of her daughters, she would smile absently and return to her meal of roasted lamb shank and smoked grape leaves. Normally, these were dishes she enjoyed, some of her favorites, but with this strange ominous aura hanging in the air, she could hardly taste them.
It was almost a relief when Chara and Danae retired to their beds, the princess watching with bright and curious crystal eyes as the Stravos lord approached her. Eyeing his outstretched hand for but a moment, she soon clasped it and rose to her feet. Interlacing her fingers with his, she gently squeezed and offered him a hesitant smile.
Another smile was directed his way when his lips brushed her knuckles, the gentle contact still sending a shiver down her spine after all these years. I think that it is time we talk, my wife. Her smile faded just slightly at that, jaw tightening. Those words rarely boded well, and combined with her husband’s behavior during their meal, she was sure she wasn’t going to like whatever conversation was about to come.
Once safely ensconced in their bedroom with the door firmly shut behind them, Circenia fixed Keikelius in an iron gaze. Fingers reaching to undo the braids that held her hair from her face, she raised a brow in his direction. “All right, then, out with it,” she said nearly at once, ever the blunt one. She knew there was something troubling him, could practically feel it in her bones, and she didn’t want to put off such a conversation any longer than necessary. “Tell me what it is you’re so hesitant to say.”
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Mar 19, 2020 21:57:19 GMT
Posted In preparedness. on Mar 19, 2020 21:57:19 GMT
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Keikelius had been oddly removed at dinner, even quieter than usual, and that was saying something. While the girls chattered away, her husband’s pensive gaze kept settling on her, as if to convey his thoughts through a single glance. Circenia could feel his anxiety and wondered at its cause, though after the family meeting in Lyncestia, she could guess. He had plans, that she knew, and something told her she wouldn’t be too fond of them.
His thoughtful silence kept her quiet, as well, returning his glances with questioning ones of her own. Answering the occasional inquiry posed by one of her daughters, she would smile absently and return to her meal of roasted lamb shank and smoked grape leaves. Normally, these were dishes she enjoyed, some of her favorites, but with this strange ominous aura hanging in the air, she could hardly taste them.
It was almost a relief when Chara and Danae retired to their beds, the princess watching with bright and curious crystal eyes as the Stravos lord approached her. Eyeing his outstretched hand for but a moment, she soon clasped it and rose to her feet. Interlacing her fingers with his, she gently squeezed and offered him a hesitant smile.
Another smile was directed his way when his lips brushed her knuckles, the gentle contact still sending a shiver down her spine after all these years. I think that it is time we talk, my wife. Her smile faded just slightly at that, jaw tightening. Those words rarely boded well, and combined with her husband’s behavior during their meal, she was sure she wasn’t going to like whatever conversation was about to come.
Once safely ensconced in their bedroom with the door firmly shut behind them, Circenia fixed Keikelius in an iron gaze. Fingers reaching to undo the braids that held her hair from her face, she raised a brow in his direction. “All right, then, out with it,” she said nearly at once, ever the blunt one. She knew there was something troubling him, could practically feel it in her bones, and she didn’t want to put off such a conversation any longer than necessary. “Tell me what it is you’re so hesitant to say.”
Keikelius had been oddly removed at dinner, even quieter than usual, and that was saying something. While the girls chattered away, her husband’s pensive gaze kept settling on her, as if to convey his thoughts through a single glance. Circenia could feel his anxiety and wondered at its cause, though after the family meeting in Lyncestia, she could guess. He had plans, that she knew, and something told her she wouldn’t be too fond of them.
His thoughtful silence kept her quiet, as well, returning his glances with questioning ones of her own. Answering the occasional inquiry posed by one of her daughters, she would smile absently and return to her meal of roasted lamb shank and smoked grape leaves. Normally, these were dishes she enjoyed, some of her favorites, but with this strange ominous aura hanging in the air, she could hardly taste them.
It was almost a relief when Chara and Danae retired to their beds, the princess watching with bright and curious crystal eyes as the Stravos lord approached her. Eyeing his outstretched hand for but a moment, she soon clasped it and rose to her feet. Interlacing her fingers with his, she gently squeezed and offered him a hesitant smile.
Another smile was directed his way when his lips brushed her knuckles, the gentle contact still sending a shiver down her spine after all these years. I think that it is time we talk, my wife. Her smile faded just slightly at that, jaw tightening. Those words rarely boded well, and combined with her husband’s behavior during their meal, she was sure she wasn’t going to like whatever conversation was about to come.
Once safely ensconced in their bedroom with the door firmly shut behind them, Circenia fixed Keikelius in an iron gaze. Fingers reaching to undo the braids that held her hair from her face, she raised a brow in his direction. “All right, then, out with it,” she said nearly at once, ever the blunt one. She knew there was something troubling him, could practically feel it in her bones, and she didn’t want to put off such a conversation any longer than necessary. “Tell me what it is you’re so hesitant to say.”
Keikelius knew for a fact that Circenia would not like what he had to say. She would not like the choice he was making, nor the distance that would come between them in the coming months. He could only hope for a passionate reconciliation when all was said and down. With her hand in his, he found himself observing the slightness of her fingers and how beautifully they had always settled in his palm. There were little things like this that he would find himself missing, the normally stoic lord of Stravos left lovesick and lonely by his own decision.
But it was one of the only choices he could make to ensure that all of their plans came to fruition.
She put a bit of distance between them nearly immediately and Keikelius turned to shut their bedroom door firmly behind him. At first, he stayed across the room, still watching the movements of his wife with a keen eye. The way she worked at her braids, as if she didn't want to be close to him in that moment made him actually straighten and steel himself for what it was he would have to say now.
Taking a few measured steps toward her, he breathed out a deep sigh. "I am leaving. Tonight," Keikelius said it out loud, finding no need to mince his words if Circenia felt he shouldn't. Her tone had expressed a need to get it done and over with, so he was going to rip the bandage off the festering wound all at once. Before he would let her speak, Keikelius put his hand up to instruct her to remain quiet for just a few moments longer.
"You've known that we need to get closer to the other side, if there is one. I need to make Princess Emilia trust me and I need to find out where our enemies are. There has been enough turmoil in this house for the whole of Athenia to see int he last month. It will make my distancing from the family much more believable. I voted for Persephone in the senate and I can use that to my advantage. My question is, my love, is can you feign anger toward me? Can you play the game long enough to see our son on the throne once and for all?" Keikelius asked, almost as if he were in a rush. In truth, he didn't want to argue with his princess.
Keikelius wanted her approval and then he wanted to hold her as he would not be able to do for who knew how long. However long this struggle for power and control would continue, he was sure. In an uncharacteristic motion that showed his own stress and anxiety through anything other than pensive glances, the man ran his fingers sharply back through his hair. "I don't want to argue," the words were nearly a plea, hoping that maybe she would allow him what they would both need and let her resentment and anger be known when everything was over with and done.
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Mar 28, 2020 11:51:04 GMT
Posted In preparedness. on Mar 28, 2020 11:51:04 GMT
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Keikelius knew for a fact that Circenia would not like what he had to say. She would not like the choice he was making, nor the distance that would come between them in the coming months. He could only hope for a passionate reconciliation when all was said and down. With her hand in his, he found himself observing the slightness of her fingers and how beautifully they had always settled in his palm. There were little things like this that he would find himself missing, the normally stoic lord of Stravos left lovesick and lonely by his own decision.
But it was one of the only choices he could make to ensure that all of their plans came to fruition.
She put a bit of distance between them nearly immediately and Keikelius turned to shut their bedroom door firmly behind him. At first, he stayed across the room, still watching the movements of his wife with a keen eye. The way she worked at her braids, as if she didn't want to be close to him in that moment made him actually straighten and steel himself for what it was he would have to say now.
Taking a few measured steps toward her, he breathed out a deep sigh. "I am leaving. Tonight," Keikelius said it out loud, finding no need to mince his words if Circenia felt he shouldn't. Her tone had expressed a need to get it done and over with, so he was going to rip the bandage off the festering wound all at once. Before he would let her speak, Keikelius put his hand up to instruct her to remain quiet for just a few moments longer.
"You've known that we need to get closer to the other side, if there is one. I need to make Princess Emilia trust me and I need to find out where our enemies are. There has been enough turmoil in this house for the whole of Athenia to see int he last month. It will make my distancing from the family much more believable. I voted for Persephone in the senate and I can use that to my advantage. My question is, my love, is can you feign anger toward me? Can you play the game long enough to see our son on the throne once and for all?" Keikelius asked, almost as if he were in a rush. In truth, he didn't want to argue with his princess.
Keikelius wanted her approval and then he wanted to hold her as he would not be able to do for who knew how long. However long this struggle for power and control would continue, he was sure. In an uncharacteristic motion that showed his own stress and anxiety through anything other than pensive glances, the man ran his fingers sharply back through his hair. "I don't want to argue," the words were nearly a plea, hoping that maybe she would allow him what they would both need and let her resentment and anger be known when everything was over with and done.
Keikelius knew for a fact that Circenia would not like what he had to say. She would not like the choice he was making, nor the distance that would come between them in the coming months. He could only hope for a passionate reconciliation when all was said and down. With her hand in his, he found himself observing the slightness of her fingers and how beautifully they had always settled in his palm. There were little things like this that he would find himself missing, the normally stoic lord of Stravos left lovesick and lonely by his own decision.
But it was one of the only choices he could make to ensure that all of their plans came to fruition.
She put a bit of distance between them nearly immediately and Keikelius turned to shut their bedroom door firmly behind him. At first, he stayed across the room, still watching the movements of his wife with a keen eye. The way she worked at her braids, as if she didn't want to be close to him in that moment made him actually straighten and steel himself for what it was he would have to say now.
Taking a few measured steps toward her, he breathed out a deep sigh. "I am leaving. Tonight," Keikelius said it out loud, finding no need to mince his words if Circenia felt he shouldn't. Her tone had expressed a need to get it done and over with, so he was going to rip the bandage off the festering wound all at once. Before he would let her speak, Keikelius put his hand up to instruct her to remain quiet for just a few moments longer.
"You've known that we need to get closer to the other side, if there is one. I need to make Princess Emilia trust me and I need to find out where our enemies are. There has been enough turmoil in this house for the whole of Athenia to see int he last month. It will make my distancing from the family much more believable. I voted for Persephone in the senate and I can use that to my advantage. My question is, my love, is can you feign anger toward me? Can you play the game long enough to see our son on the throne once and for all?" Keikelius asked, almost as if he were in a rush. In truth, he didn't want to argue with his princess.
Keikelius wanted her approval and then he wanted to hold her as he would not be able to do for who knew how long. However long this struggle for power and control would continue, he was sure. In an uncharacteristic motion that showed his own stress and anxiety through anything other than pensive glances, the man ran his fingers sharply back through his hair. "I don't want to argue," the words were nearly a plea, hoping that maybe she would allow him what they would both need and let her resentment and anger be known when everything was over with and done.
It was exactly as she feared, Circenia’s face falling as his words hit her like a punch to the gut. He was leaving already? Tonight? After his announcement in Lyncestia, she’d known this was coming, but now that the day had arrived…
The princess was silent as he spoke, her hands falling back to her sides as she all but forgot about the braids still woven in her hair. Her husband was leaving her. No longer would he lay beside her at night, no longer would she hear his voice drifting down the hall. Tonight, he would be gone, and she’d be left behind, for the first time in nearly thirty years.
Circenia was a strong woman. She always had been. She carried this family just as much as her husband did, and her position was not an inconsiderable one. Willful, intelligent, crafty, and observant, her position in the Court was vital to the success of the Stravos line. But it had been nearly a lifetime since she’d had to do any of it alone. No matter what machinations she made, no matter what path she walked, Keikelius was always there. By her side, supporting her every step of the way.
That this was temporary made little difference to her. Their bond was strong, stronger than most marriages among the Athenian nobility, she’d stake her life on it. While many matches were made from convenience, theirs was one of true and abiding love, a partnership where both gave as much as they received. There was no one’s counsel that she valued above her husband’s, no one she trusted more. She couldn’t imagine her life without his quiet and stalwart presence at her side, and now that this was becoming reality…
She wanted to rage. She wanted to shout, to rip the sheets from their marital bed and tear them to shreds. She wanted to break every piece of pottery in her sight, smash every looking glass that showed her despondent reflection. How could he do this to her? How could he turn his back on his family and flock to their enemies’ side, all for the sake of maintaining appearances? She wanted to curse at him, to spew fire and vitriol, to condemn him for making such a choice when everything hung so precariously in the balance.
But he was right, and she knew it. However passionate and tempestuous the princess was, Circenia was a smart woman. What he did made sense, and no matter the appearance, he did it for his family. To make sure they came out the victors in the end. To ensure their legacy lived on. She knew it made sense, but that didn’t make her like it.
No matter her strength, Princess Circenia of Stravos did not want to face the coming weeks alone.
A silence hung between them, a silence so long and protracted that it almost seemed like she hadn’t heard him. Clear blue eyes lingered on her husband, teeth worrying at her lower lip. Of course, she would support him. Of course, she would do what she needed to do to play her part where no suspicion would linger on them. But would that make any of this easy? No. She wished there was some other way.
After several long moments, Circenia finally stepped forward, hesitant in a way she had rarely been in her life. Instead of speaking, she simply flung herself into Keikelius’s arms, wrapping her own around him tightly enough to feel his heartbeat against her own. Burying her face in his shoulder to hide the tears that sparkled in her eyes, she simply held him, her breath ragged enough to betray the emotions she fought so desperately to hide.
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It was exactly as she feared, Circenia’s face falling as his words hit her like a punch to the gut. He was leaving already? Tonight? After his announcement in Lyncestia, she’d known this was coming, but now that the day had arrived…
The princess was silent as he spoke, her hands falling back to her sides as she all but forgot about the braids still woven in her hair. Her husband was leaving her. No longer would he lay beside her at night, no longer would she hear his voice drifting down the hall. Tonight, he would be gone, and she’d be left behind, for the first time in nearly thirty years.
Circenia was a strong woman. She always had been. She carried this family just as much as her husband did, and her position was not an inconsiderable one. Willful, intelligent, crafty, and observant, her position in the Court was vital to the success of the Stravos line. But it had been nearly a lifetime since she’d had to do any of it alone. No matter what machinations she made, no matter what path she walked, Keikelius was always there. By her side, supporting her every step of the way.
That this was temporary made little difference to her. Their bond was strong, stronger than most marriages among the Athenian nobility, she’d stake her life on it. While many matches were made from convenience, theirs was one of true and abiding love, a partnership where both gave as much as they received. There was no one’s counsel that she valued above her husband’s, no one she trusted more. She couldn’t imagine her life without his quiet and stalwart presence at her side, and now that this was becoming reality…
She wanted to rage. She wanted to shout, to rip the sheets from their marital bed and tear them to shreds. She wanted to break every piece of pottery in her sight, smash every looking glass that showed her despondent reflection. How could he do this to her? How could he turn his back on his family and flock to their enemies’ side, all for the sake of maintaining appearances? She wanted to curse at him, to spew fire and vitriol, to condemn him for making such a choice when everything hung so precariously in the balance.
But he was right, and she knew it. However passionate and tempestuous the princess was, Circenia was a smart woman. What he did made sense, and no matter the appearance, he did it for his family. To make sure they came out the victors in the end. To ensure their legacy lived on. She knew it made sense, but that didn’t make her like it.
No matter her strength, Princess Circenia of Stravos did not want to face the coming weeks alone.
A silence hung between them, a silence so long and protracted that it almost seemed like she hadn’t heard him. Clear blue eyes lingered on her husband, teeth worrying at her lower lip. Of course, she would support him. Of course, she would do what she needed to do to play her part where no suspicion would linger on them. But would that make any of this easy? No. She wished there was some other way.
After several long moments, Circenia finally stepped forward, hesitant in a way she had rarely been in her life. Instead of speaking, she simply flung herself into Keikelius’s arms, wrapping her own around him tightly enough to feel his heartbeat against her own. Burying her face in his shoulder to hide the tears that sparkled in her eyes, she simply held him, her breath ragged enough to betray the emotions she fought so desperately to hide.
It was exactly as she feared, Circenia’s face falling as his words hit her like a punch to the gut. He was leaving already? Tonight? After his announcement in Lyncestia, she’d known this was coming, but now that the day had arrived…
The princess was silent as he spoke, her hands falling back to her sides as she all but forgot about the braids still woven in her hair. Her husband was leaving her. No longer would he lay beside her at night, no longer would she hear his voice drifting down the hall. Tonight, he would be gone, and she’d be left behind, for the first time in nearly thirty years.
Circenia was a strong woman. She always had been. She carried this family just as much as her husband did, and her position was not an inconsiderable one. Willful, intelligent, crafty, and observant, her position in the Court was vital to the success of the Stravos line. But it had been nearly a lifetime since she’d had to do any of it alone. No matter what machinations she made, no matter what path she walked, Keikelius was always there. By her side, supporting her every step of the way.
That this was temporary made little difference to her. Their bond was strong, stronger than most marriages among the Athenian nobility, she’d stake her life on it. While many matches were made from convenience, theirs was one of true and abiding love, a partnership where both gave as much as they received. There was no one’s counsel that she valued above her husband’s, no one she trusted more. She couldn’t imagine her life without his quiet and stalwart presence at her side, and now that this was becoming reality…
She wanted to rage. She wanted to shout, to rip the sheets from their marital bed and tear them to shreds. She wanted to break every piece of pottery in her sight, smash every looking glass that showed her despondent reflection. How could he do this to her? How could he turn his back on his family and flock to their enemies’ side, all for the sake of maintaining appearances? She wanted to curse at him, to spew fire and vitriol, to condemn him for making such a choice when everything hung so precariously in the balance.
But he was right, and she knew it. However passionate and tempestuous the princess was, Circenia was a smart woman. What he did made sense, and no matter the appearance, he did it for his family. To make sure they came out the victors in the end. To ensure their legacy lived on. She knew it made sense, but that didn’t make her like it.
No matter her strength, Princess Circenia of Stravos did not want to face the coming weeks alone.
A silence hung between them, a silence so long and protracted that it almost seemed like she hadn’t heard him. Clear blue eyes lingered on her husband, teeth worrying at her lower lip. Of course, she would support him. Of course, she would do what she needed to do to play her part where no suspicion would linger on them. But would that make any of this easy? No. She wished there was some other way.
After several long moments, Circenia finally stepped forward, hesitant in a way she had rarely been in her life. Instead of speaking, she simply flung herself into Keikelius’s arms, wrapping her own around him tightly enough to feel his heartbeat against her own. Burying her face in his shoulder to hide the tears that sparkled in her eyes, she simply held him, her breath ragged enough to betray the emotions she fought so desperately to hide.
If he did not think that this would be an action that would help their family, then Keikelius would not be standing there at that moment. He would not have admitted his need to leave, now of all times, and he would not have chosen to leave his wife. It was a choice, there was no doubt in that sentiment, but it was a choice that one of them had to make. As well as Circenia could charm a crowd, Keikelius was well aware that playing the other side was neither something she could do, nor would do with very much grace.
He stood here because he still had a duty to Athenia and his family, and that meant the appearance of distance. Though the look on his wife's face told him that this was perhaps one of the worst choices he had ever made in his life, every single decision he had made up to this point in his life had been with his wife in mind. Not his children. His wife. Keikelius made choices that were centered around the happiness of and the duty to Princess Circenia.
And Circenia wanted their son on the throne.
So that was what Keikelius would give her.
To say that he felt relief when she seemed to listen to his plea not to fight was an understatement. I severe understatement. Because he wanted nothing more than to love his wife in these moments. These moments that would be their last together for some indeterminal amount of time. No, for now, he simply wished to gaze down into her face with dark, stormy eyes filled with nothing but love and devotion to this woman that he had dedicated everything to. Naturally ambitious as a young man, Circenia had been that stepping stone into the life that he had created for them. If he had married anyone else, Keikelius was sure that he would not have gotten so far in his life as he had here.
One of their children was on the cusp of being a monarch. Had King Minas had male heirs, they would have long attempted to marry Chara off to the crown prince. But it would be so much better to have the Stravos name upon the throne, Circenia's loyalty to Xanthos long shattered and scattered to the wind.
The silence that hung dangerously between himself and his wife had Keikelius tense. That was until she threw herself into his arms. He gathered her to him, wanting to gaze down into her beautiful eyes that he had spent years waking to. He would not have such a blessing now. Making her tip her head back away from his shoulder so that he could gaze down into her eyes, Keikelius smiled a little weakly. "I owe you a life I never would have had without you. Everything I do here and now is still for you," he said softly, "And coming home to you will be the sweetest bliss." Keikelius pressed his lips to her forehead, letting his lips linger there for a few long moments, his own eyes closing.
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May 16, 2020 12:51:35 GMT
Posted In preparedness. on May 16, 2020 12:51:35 GMT
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If he did not think that this would be an action that would help their family, then Keikelius would not be standing there at that moment. He would not have admitted his need to leave, now of all times, and he would not have chosen to leave his wife. It was a choice, there was no doubt in that sentiment, but it was a choice that one of them had to make. As well as Circenia could charm a crowd, Keikelius was well aware that playing the other side was neither something she could do, nor would do with very much grace.
He stood here because he still had a duty to Athenia and his family, and that meant the appearance of distance. Though the look on his wife's face told him that this was perhaps one of the worst choices he had ever made in his life, every single decision he had made up to this point in his life had been with his wife in mind. Not his children. His wife. Keikelius made choices that were centered around the happiness of and the duty to Princess Circenia.
And Circenia wanted their son on the throne.
So that was what Keikelius would give her.
To say that he felt relief when she seemed to listen to his plea not to fight was an understatement. I severe understatement. Because he wanted nothing more than to love his wife in these moments. These moments that would be their last together for some indeterminal amount of time. No, for now, he simply wished to gaze down into her face with dark, stormy eyes filled with nothing but love and devotion to this woman that he had dedicated everything to. Naturally ambitious as a young man, Circenia had been that stepping stone into the life that he had created for them. If he had married anyone else, Keikelius was sure that he would not have gotten so far in his life as he had here.
One of their children was on the cusp of being a monarch. Had King Minas had male heirs, they would have long attempted to marry Chara off to the crown prince. But it would be so much better to have the Stravos name upon the throne, Circenia's loyalty to Xanthos long shattered and scattered to the wind.
The silence that hung dangerously between himself and his wife had Keikelius tense. That was until she threw herself into his arms. He gathered her to him, wanting to gaze down into her beautiful eyes that he had spent years waking to. He would not have such a blessing now. Making her tip her head back away from his shoulder so that he could gaze down into her eyes, Keikelius smiled a little weakly. "I owe you a life I never would have had without you. Everything I do here and now is still for you," he said softly, "And coming home to you will be the sweetest bliss." Keikelius pressed his lips to her forehead, letting his lips linger there for a few long moments, his own eyes closing.
If he did not think that this would be an action that would help their family, then Keikelius would not be standing there at that moment. He would not have admitted his need to leave, now of all times, and he would not have chosen to leave his wife. It was a choice, there was no doubt in that sentiment, but it was a choice that one of them had to make. As well as Circenia could charm a crowd, Keikelius was well aware that playing the other side was neither something she could do, nor would do with very much grace.
He stood here because he still had a duty to Athenia and his family, and that meant the appearance of distance. Though the look on his wife's face told him that this was perhaps one of the worst choices he had ever made in his life, every single decision he had made up to this point in his life had been with his wife in mind. Not his children. His wife. Keikelius made choices that were centered around the happiness of and the duty to Princess Circenia.
And Circenia wanted their son on the throne.
So that was what Keikelius would give her.
To say that he felt relief when she seemed to listen to his plea not to fight was an understatement. I severe understatement. Because he wanted nothing more than to love his wife in these moments. These moments that would be their last together for some indeterminal amount of time. No, for now, he simply wished to gaze down into her face with dark, stormy eyes filled with nothing but love and devotion to this woman that he had dedicated everything to. Naturally ambitious as a young man, Circenia had been that stepping stone into the life that he had created for them. If he had married anyone else, Keikelius was sure that he would not have gotten so far in his life as he had here.
One of their children was on the cusp of being a monarch. Had King Minas had male heirs, they would have long attempted to marry Chara off to the crown prince. But it would be so much better to have the Stravos name upon the throne, Circenia's loyalty to Xanthos long shattered and scattered to the wind.
The silence that hung dangerously between himself and his wife had Keikelius tense. That was until she threw herself into his arms. He gathered her to him, wanting to gaze down into her beautiful eyes that he had spent years waking to. He would not have such a blessing now. Making her tip her head back away from his shoulder so that he could gaze down into her eyes, Keikelius smiled a little weakly. "I owe you a life I never would have had without you. Everything I do here and now is still for you," he said softly, "And coming home to you will be the sweetest bliss." Keikelius pressed his lips to her forehead, letting his lips linger there for a few long moments, his own eyes closing.
Circenia blinked the tears from her gaze as Keikelius tilted her head back, but her eyes remained glassy, all the same. It was hard to believe this was really happening and not just some dream sent to torment her. Gods knew she’d had plenty of such dreams recently, nightmares where all she loved was ripped from her and torn to shreds. No matter how much it felt like it, she knew this wasn’t the end. Elias would sit the throne, and her husband would come home. All would be well.
In time, anyway. All was certainly not well now.
An extraordinarily tall woman, the princess did not have to look up very far to meet her husband’s gaze, a slim-fingered hand resting against the side of his face. “To see you walk through the door again will be the single greatest moment of my life,” she said, voice hoarse with unshed tears. “I love you, Keikelius. Truly, deeply, madly. No matter how my heart breaks to watch you leave me.”
Drawing in a shuddering breath, Circenia attempted a smile—she managed with nominal success, but it was a weak and paltry thing. She couldn’t find much to smile about in that moment, not when the love of her life meant to leave her behind. The Stravos matriarch would give anything for their circumstances to be different, but they had made their bed. Now was the time to lie in it.
Her other hand raised to join the first, cupping her lover’s face between her palms. Icy eyes sought the storm in his, thumbs stroking lightly against his cheekbones. She meant to memorize every line of his features, to commit them to the deepest recesses of her mind that she might visit when loneliness consumed her. If she had nothing else, she could cherish this memory. Gods willing, that’s not all it would become.
“Hold me, Keikelius,” she whispered, a rare plea in her voice and expression alike. A woman who so rarely allowed herself to be vulnerable, her husband was the only one she would allow to see it. “Love me, caress me, kiss me like you’ll never see me again.”
Pressing in closer, Circenia captured his lips in a deep kiss, the hands on his face reaching to twine into his hair instead. Pulling back for only the space of a breath, the princess allowed a single tear to fall before meeting his lips again, letting the world outside fall away. All that mattered now was this moment, this kiss. If they had only this one night, they would make it count.
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Circenia blinked the tears from her gaze as Keikelius tilted her head back, but her eyes remained glassy, all the same. It was hard to believe this was really happening and not just some dream sent to torment her. Gods knew she’d had plenty of such dreams recently, nightmares where all she loved was ripped from her and torn to shreds. No matter how much it felt like it, she knew this wasn’t the end. Elias would sit the throne, and her husband would come home. All would be well.
In time, anyway. All was certainly not well now.
An extraordinarily tall woman, the princess did not have to look up very far to meet her husband’s gaze, a slim-fingered hand resting against the side of his face. “To see you walk through the door again will be the single greatest moment of my life,” she said, voice hoarse with unshed tears. “I love you, Keikelius. Truly, deeply, madly. No matter how my heart breaks to watch you leave me.”
Drawing in a shuddering breath, Circenia attempted a smile—she managed with nominal success, but it was a weak and paltry thing. She couldn’t find much to smile about in that moment, not when the love of her life meant to leave her behind. The Stravos matriarch would give anything for their circumstances to be different, but they had made their bed. Now was the time to lie in it.
Her other hand raised to join the first, cupping her lover’s face between her palms. Icy eyes sought the storm in his, thumbs stroking lightly against his cheekbones. She meant to memorize every line of his features, to commit them to the deepest recesses of her mind that she might visit when loneliness consumed her. If she had nothing else, she could cherish this memory. Gods willing, that’s not all it would become.
“Hold me, Keikelius,” she whispered, a rare plea in her voice and expression alike. A woman who so rarely allowed herself to be vulnerable, her husband was the only one she would allow to see it. “Love me, caress me, kiss me like you’ll never see me again.”
Pressing in closer, Circenia captured his lips in a deep kiss, the hands on his face reaching to twine into his hair instead. Pulling back for only the space of a breath, the princess allowed a single tear to fall before meeting his lips again, letting the world outside fall away. All that mattered now was this moment, this kiss. If they had only this one night, they would make it count.
Circenia blinked the tears from her gaze as Keikelius tilted her head back, but her eyes remained glassy, all the same. It was hard to believe this was really happening and not just some dream sent to torment her. Gods knew she’d had plenty of such dreams recently, nightmares where all she loved was ripped from her and torn to shreds. No matter how much it felt like it, she knew this wasn’t the end. Elias would sit the throne, and her husband would come home. All would be well.
In time, anyway. All was certainly not well now.
An extraordinarily tall woman, the princess did not have to look up very far to meet her husband’s gaze, a slim-fingered hand resting against the side of his face. “To see you walk through the door again will be the single greatest moment of my life,” she said, voice hoarse with unshed tears. “I love you, Keikelius. Truly, deeply, madly. No matter how my heart breaks to watch you leave me.”
Drawing in a shuddering breath, Circenia attempted a smile—she managed with nominal success, but it was a weak and paltry thing. She couldn’t find much to smile about in that moment, not when the love of her life meant to leave her behind. The Stravos matriarch would give anything for their circumstances to be different, but they had made their bed. Now was the time to lie in it.
Her other hand raised to join the first, cupping her lover’s face between her palms. Icy eyes sought the storm in his, thumbs stroking lightly against his cheekbones. She meant to memorize every line of his features, to commit them to the deepest recesses of her mind that she might visit when loneliness consumed her. If she had nothing else, she could cherish this memory. Gods willing, that’s not all it would become.
“Hold me, Keikelius,” she whispered, a rare plea in her voice and expression alike. A woman who so rarely allowed herself to be vulnerable, her husband was the only one she would allow to see it. “Love me, caress me, kiss me like you’ll never see me again.”
Pressing in closer, Circenia captured his lips in a deep kiss, the hands on his face reaching to twine into his hair instead. Pulling back for only the space of a breath, the princess allowed a single tear to fall before meeting his lips again, letting the world outside fall away. All that mattered now was this moment, this kiss. If they had only this one night, they would make it count.
Keikelius couldn't remember the last time that he had seen anything even close to tears in his wife's eyes. At least not true tears like joy or fear or sadness. Perhaps when her brother had died, but he had always wondered if those were anything but crocodile tears. The last time he could recall Circenia crying was the birth of their children. All three of them had brought tears to his eyes, and he had seen his own emotions mirrored in her features.
But this was different. The man, so very in love with this woman in his arms, had never seen his wife cry for sadness. Sadness because he was hurting her by doing this. For once in his life, his heart squeezed in his chest for fear of what this would actually do to the two of them. They had never parted for this reason. They had never parted when there were two sides about to split into sides of complete opposition. Absolutely, the lord had left to sail, often for weeks at a time, but here, there was not a definitive answer to when he would return.
If he returned at all, for their enemies were numerous and it was likely that he could end up with a knife in his back without ever seeing it coming. Keikelius was cunning. He liked to play games of logic and political maneuvering. But there would always be someone one step ahead of him, just as he would always be steps ahead of someone else.
It wasn't until her sweet declaration, the words that they rarely shared out loud but knew in their hearts, that Keikelius really looked at his wife. Instead of just the hurt and the pain, he bore witness to the love and devotion that she held for him. Keikelius did not pretend that he was a poetic man, but he could try. Here and now, to reassure her, he could try. Because this was where it would count. After years of marriage, this was finally where their bond would be tested to its breaking point. And if they came out of this unscathed and stronger than before? He wanted her to know why that was.
Because he loved her. Beyond his own ambition, his own want for their son on the throne, he had married this woman because he had fallen in love with her the very moment he officially met her. He had fallen for her, all of her, in a matter of seconds, and marrying her hadn't all been for the purpose of grabbing power. Keikelius of Stravos had married Princess Circenia of Xanthos because he hadn't been able to bear the thought that anyone else might get to love her the way he did in a single instant.
And that love had only grown. Day by day. Breath by breath. More and more with each fleeting moment and passionate kiss. His love for Circenia had never faltered, and it never would. Not until his dying breath and even after. If there were ever two people so matched to one another, it was them.
Keikelius and Circenia.
"To know that my actions will cause you such pain wounds me," he said quietly, his face drifting closer to hers as he took his turn to speak, "But you must know that my heart will always bring me back to you. To the end of days, I have and always will be, yours," he saw fit to assure his wife, his stormy eyes concerned that she seemed to think somewhat ill of his actions. "I am not me if you are not mine," the man said quietly, vulnerable in the moment now that he had finally admitted it out loud. Years of marriage and he'd never been able to say it until now. "I love you, Circenia, but I will return."
And then he did as she had asked of him, kissing her slowly, warmly. And as it always did, those soft, slow kisses brought them to their marriage bed where he coupled with his wife one last time before they would have to part for such a long time. When they were finished, he whispered sweet words into her ear until she had drifted off and he waited a reasonable amount of time before he pulled himself out of bed.
The Stravos lord took his leave from his own home in the dead of night, leaving no trace of his location and leaving coins in the hands of anyone who saw him to keep their silence.
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Keikelius couldn't remember the last time that he had seen anything even close to tears in his wife's eyes. At least not true tears like joy or fear or sadness. Perhaps when her brother had died, but he had always wondered if those were anything but crocodile tears. The last time he could recall Circenia crying was the birth of their children. All three of them had brought tears to his eyes, and he had seen his own emotions mirrored in her features.
But this was different. The man, so very in love with this woman in his arms, had never seen his wife cry for sadness. Sadness because he was hurting her by doing this. For once in his life, his heart squeezed in his chest for fear of what this would actually do to the two of them. They had never parted for this reason. They had never parted when there were two sides about to split into sides of complete opposition. Absolutely, the lord had left to sail, often for weeks at a time, but here, there was not a definitive answer to when he would return.
If he returned at all, for their enemies were numerous and it was likely that he could end up with a knife in his back without ever seeing it coming. Keikelius was cunning. He liked to play games of logic and political maneuvering. But there would always be someone one step ahead of him, just as he would always be steps ahead of someone else.
It wasn't until her sweet declaration, the words that they rarely shared out loud but knew in their hearts, that Keikelius really looked at his wife. Instead of just the hurt and the pain, he bore witness to the love and devotion that she held for him. Keikelius did not pretend that he was a poetic man, but he could try. Here and now, to reassure her, he could try. Because this was where it would count. After years of marriage, this was finally where their bond would be tested to its breaking point. And if they came out of this unscathed and stronger than before? He wanted her to know why that was.
Because he loved her. Beyond his own ambition, his own want for their son on the throne, he had married this woman because he had fallen in love with her the very moment he officially met her. He had fallen for her, all of her, in a matter of seconds, and marrying her hadn't all been for the purpose of grabbing power. Keikelius of Stravos had married Princess Circenia of Xanthos because he hadn't been able to bear the thought that anyone else might get to love her the way he did in a single instant.
And that love had only grown. Day by day. Breath by breath. More and more with each fleeting moment and passionate kiss. His love for Circenia had never faltered, and it never would. Not until his dying breath and even after. If there were ever two people so matched to one another, it was them.
Keikelius and Circenia.
"To know that my actions will cause you such pain wounds me," he said quietly, his face drifting closer to hers as he took his turn to speak, "But you must know that my heart will always bring me back to you. To the end of days, I have and always will be, yours," he saw fit to assure his wife, his stormy eyes concerned that she seemed to think somewhat ill of his actions. "I am not me if you are not mine," the man said quietly, vulnerable in the moment now that he had finally admitted it out loud. Years of marriage and he'd never been able to say it until now. "I love you, Circenia, but I will return."
And then he did as she had asked of him, kissing her slowly, warmly. And as it always did, those soft, slow kisses brought them to their marriage bed where he coupled with his wife one last time before they would have to part for such a long time. When they were finished, he whispered sweet words into her ear until she had drifted off and he waited a reasonable amount of time before he pulled himself out of bed.
The Stravos lord took his leave from his own home in the dead of night, leaving no trace of his location and leaving coins in the hands of anyone who saw him to keep their silence.
Keikelius couldn't remember the last time that he had seen anything even close to tears in his wife's eyes. At least not true tears like joy or fear or sadness. Perhaps when her brother had died, but he had always wondered if those were anything but crocodile tears. The last time he could recall Circenia crying was the birth of their children. All three of them had brought tears to his eyes, and he had seen his own emotions mirrored in her features.
But this was different. The man, so very in love with this woman in his arms, had never seen his wife cry for sadness. Sadness because he was hurting her by doing this. For once in his life, his heart squeezed in his chest for fear of what this would actually do to the two of them. They had never parted for this reason. They had never parted when there were two sides about to split into sides of complete opposition. Absolutely, the lord had left to sail, often for weeks at a time, but here, there was not a definitive answer to when he would return.
If he returned at all, for their enemies were numerous and it was likely that he could end up with a knife in his back without ever seeing it coming. Keikelius was cunning. He liked to play games of logic and political maneuvering. But there would always be someone one step ahead of him, just as he would always be steps ahead of someone else.
It wasn't until her sweet declaration, the words that they rarely shared out loud but knew in their hearts, that Keikelius really looked at his wife. Instead of just the hurt and the pain, he bore witness to the love and devotion that she held for him. Keikelius did not pretend that he was a poetic man, but he could try. Here and now, to reassure her, he could try. Because this was where it would count. After years of marriage, this was finally where their bond would be tested to its breaking point. And if they came out of this unscathed and stronger than before? He wanted her to know why that was.
Because he loved her. Beyond his own ambition, his own want for their son on the throne, he had married this woman because he had fallen in love with her the very moment he officially met her. He had fallen for her, all of her, in a matter of seconds, and marrying her hadn't all been for the purpose of grabbing power. Keikelius of Stravos had married Princess Circenia of Xanthos because he hadn't been able to bear the thought that anyone else might get to love her the way he did in a single instant.
And that love had only grown. Day by day. Breath by breath. More and more with each fleeting moment and passionate kiss. His love for Circenia had never faltered, and it never would. Not until his dying breath and even after. If there were ever two people so matched to one another, it was them.
Keikelius and Circenia.
"To know that my actions will cause you such pain wounds me," he said quietly, his face drifting closer to hers as he took his turn to speak, "But you must know that my heart will always bring me back to you. To the end of days, I have and always will be, yours," he saw fit to assure his wife, his stormy eyes concerned that she seemed to think somewhat ill of his actions. "I am not me if you are not mine," the man said quietly, vulnerable in the moment now that he had finally admitted it out loud. Years of marriage and he'd never been able to say it until now. "I love you, Circenia, but I will return."
And then he did as she had asked of him, kissing her slowly, warmly. And as it always did, those soft, slow kisses brought them to their marriage bed where he coupled with his wife one last time before they would have to part for such a long time. When they were finished, he whispered sweet words into her ear until she had drifted off and he waited a reasonable amount of time before he pulled himself out of bed.
The Stravos lord took his leave from his own home in the dead of night, leaving no trace of his location and leaving coins in the hands of anyone who saw him to keep their silence.