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Olympia was struggling to catch her breath, a smile on her lips that spoke of the blissful sensations settling through her limbs. Though they had been distant for almost the first month of their daughter's life, after the return of the Colchian King and the chaos of the attempted murders in the Dikastirio hall, the royal couple had made amends and once again things were beginning to feel right. It had been a testament to the love she felt for him that when they had first fallen back into bed together her body had offered little in way of resistance. Their passion burned low and hot and though it was not entirely without discomfort and some hints of pain, the care Stephanos took with her was enough to bring tears to her eyes when she thought of it.
Curling against his chest, Pia pressed her lips along the firm plane of muscle before her before tucking her nose against his collarbone. Her hair was a mess of black curls and she was still smiling even as an ache settled over her, and she hissed softly as a certain motion pulled against muscles that were perhaps not entirely healed from childbirth. It was all worth it, feeling reunited with him fully on both emotional and physical levels, and she wasn't sure how she could now let him go.
Being made a commander in the army was something he would be good at, and it was an honor to be given such a post. Stephanos had always had the ability to be a great leader, a commander of men who would undoubtedly fall in love with him as everyone else did and follow him into the fiercest battles. It was a purely selfish desire that she wished he had refused to stay with her and their daughter. No matter how much she believed in him, Pia was terrified of losing him. Without him she would have nothing. Even surrounded by her family, given support and assistance, even if in some distant future another husband, she would have lost everything if she lost him. Her heart was so firmly his.
"When you leave, what would you have us do?" Her voice was soft, still breathy as she cuddled against her husband's side. "Stay here alone, or return with mother and my sisters?"
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Mar 31, 2020 21:16:50 GMT
Posted In without you on Mar 31, 2020 21:16:50 GMT
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Olympia was struggling to catch her breath, a smile on her lips that spoke of the blissful sensations settling through her limbs. Though they had been distant for almost the first month of their daughter's life, after the return of the Colchian King and the chaos of the attempted murders in the Dikastirio hall, the royal couple had made amends and once again things were beginning to feel right. It had been a testament to the love she felt for him that when they had first fallen back into bed together her body had offered little in way of resistance. Their passion burned low and hot and though it was not entirely without discomfort and some hints of pain, the care Stephanos took with her was enough to bring tears to her eyes when she thought of it.
Curling against his chest, Pia pressed her lips along the firm plane of muscle before her before tucking her nose against his collarbone. Her hair was a mess of black curls and she was still smiling even as an ache settled over her, and she hissed softly as a certain motion pulled against muscles that were perhaps not entirely healed from childbirth. It was all worth it, feeling reunited with him fully on both emotional and physical levels, and she wasn't sure how she could now let him go.
Being made a commander in the army was something he would be good at, and it was an honor to be given such a post. Stephanos had always had the ability to be a great leader, a commander of men who would undoubtedly fall in love with him as everyone else did and follow him into the fiercest battles. It was a purely selfish desire that she wished he had refused to stay with her and their daughter. No matter how much she believed in him, Pia was terrified of losing him. Without him she would have nothing. Even surrounded by her family, given support and assistance, even if in some distant future another husband, she would have lost everything if she lost him. Her heart was so firmly his.
"When you leave, what would you have us do?" Her voice was soft, still breathy as she cuddled against her husband's side. "Stay here alone, or return with mother and my sisters?"
Olympia was struggling to catch her breath, a smile on her lips that spoke of the blissful sensations settling through her limbs. Though they had been distant for almost the first month of their daughter's life, after the return of the Colchian King and the chaos of the attempted murders in the Dikastirio hall, the royal couple had made amends and once again things were beginning to feel right. It had been a testament to the love she felt for him that when they had first fallen back into bed together her body had offered little in way of resistance. Their passion burned low and hot and though it was not entirely without discomfort and some hints of pain, the care Stephanos took with her was enough to bring tears to her eyes when she thought of it.
Curling against his chest, Pia pressed her lips along the firm plane of muscle before her before tucking her nose against his collarbone. Her hair was a mess of black curls and she was still smiling even as an ache settled over her, and she hissed softly as a certain motion pulled against muscles that were perhaps not entirely healed from childbirth. It was all worth it, feeling reunited with him fully on both emotional and physical levels, and she wasn't sure how she could now let him go.
Being made a commander in the army was something he would be good at, and it was an honor to be given such a post. Stephanos had always had the ability to be a great leader, a commander of men who would undoubtedly fall in love with him as everyone else did and follow him into the fiercest battles. It was a purely selfish desire that she wished he had refused to stay with her and their daughter. No matter how much she believed in him, Pia was terrified of losing him. Without him she would have nothing. Even surrounded by her family, given support and assistance, even if in some distant future another husband, she would have lost everything if she lost him. Her heart was so firmly his.
"When you leave, what would you have us do?" Her voice was soft, still breathy as she cuddled against her husband's side. "Stay here alone, or return with mother and my sisters?"
With Tisiphone with a nursemaid for the night, they had the small apartment of rooms to themselves. The room flickered in soft shadows, undulating from an oil lamp on a table at the far end of the room. It was comprised of a large bronze bowl, able to reflect a blinding amount of light and a testament to the Kotas wealth. Only the rich could afford such light and Stephanos had no qualms about letting the lamp burn long into the night. He’d come from a palace alive with such lights, though, if he was left to his own devices, he and Olympia would no longer have such luxuries. At least, not in the beginning.
As he lay there with Pia nestled just below his chin, his arms encircling her bare back, he fantasized about what sort of life they could feasibly have. When Vangelis had given him the post of Commander, Stephanos felt the weight of the honor and the debt; another debt. A debt he’d repaid with his interception of the king’s would-be-murderer, but who could truly repay Vangelis for the risk he’d taken to get both Pia and himself out of the palati? This post as Commander was the kind of dream gift that Stephanos knew he could do and do well, but not one he felt he actually deserved. It was a way to earn respect and honor from his fellows here in Colchis. Yes, he had overstepped the normal way of getting this rank, but he’d been higher before this and had saved the king. To his mind, whatever he felt about himself as a man personally, it wasn’t too far out of the power of the throne to grant him.
What if...he never succeeded in raising enough funds or military to gain his throne back? What if he had to make do with staying here? He’d mapped it out several times already. With the stipend that came with his newly appointed office, he could afford a modest home for them and a few servants besides. After more time, possibly with more accolades, he could bring her back to the level of wealth she was used to in her father’s house. There was no replacing Taengea’s palati and he wouldn’t try, but this? It was more in line with the life he’d originally wanted for himself, if slightly poorer.
His wife’s wrath and his family’s blood prevented him from taking the easier path. Staying here, following orders, forgetting their old life? That would be the easier current in life’s endless river. But it was not honorable. With his uncle dead and gone, he could not give himself the satisfaction of avenging his father that way. The only road ahead was for his own line, his father’s line, not Irakles’s, to sit on the Taengean throne. That meant that whether for the asking or by force, he needed to take Achilleas out of the palati and return there himself. Aside from that, he had Pia’s own ambitions to think on. She would not suffer being second to her sisters - not when she’d had the sweet, glorious taste of being first.
His hands smoothed down her back and his daydream faded as she brought him back around to reality with her question. “When you leave, what would you have us do? Stay here alone, or return with mother and my sisters?”
“I would have you go back,” he said. It would be safer for her here, but more politically savvy to have her in the way in Taengea. She had not been drawn up for treason. She was a sentimental figure. Olympia had been the perfect queen, during her short time there. Elegant, refined, the ever present symbol of motherhood and the promise of new life. Now she would be bringing the child of her body back to Taengea - the newest girl born to the Mikaelidas line. Tisiphone, the Would-Be-Princess. Another figure to rally around.
His mind whirled with possibilities. With Irakles dead and the Creed silent, Stephanos felt there was no danger for Olympia in her father’s house. Whatever Georgios’s opinion of himself was, Stephanos trusted Georgios to take care of his daughter and grandchild. He kissed the top of his wife’s head and shifted his body against hers so that they were lying on their sides, facing each other.
“You’re safer here but alone. I want you surrounded by family and I want Vasiliadon to see their princess.” His bright eyes searched hers and he tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. “I want those barons who supported Irakles to see their queen. Make them see that you will not be forgotten.” With his thumb under her chin, he tipped her face up to give her a defiant tilt to her head. “I need your help to get that throne back, my love.” A task made infinitely more difficult in Egypt.
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With Tisiphone with a nursemaid for the night, they had the small apartment of rooms to themselves. The room flickered in soft shadows, undulating from an oil lamp on a table at the far end of the room. It was comprised of a large bronze bowl, able to reflect a blinding amount of light and a testament to the Kotas wealth. Only the rich could afford such light and Stephanos had no qualms about letting the lamp burn long into the night. He’d come from a palace alive with such lights, though, if he was left to his own devices, he and Olympia would no longer have such luxuries. At least, not in the beginning.
As he lay there with Pia nestled just below his chin, his arms encircling her bare back, he fantasized about what sort of life they could feasibly have. When Vangelis had given him the post of Commander, Stephanos felt the weight of the honor and the debt; another debt. A debt he’d repaid with his interception of the king’s would-be-murderer, but who could truly repay Vangelis for the risk he’d taken to get both Pia and himself out of the palati? This post as Commander was the kind of dream gift that Stephanos knew he could do and do well, but not one he felt he actually deserved. It was a way to earn respect and honor from his fellows here in Colchis. Yes, he had overstepped the normal way of getting this rank, but he’d been higher before this and had saved the king. To his mind, whatever he felt about himself as a man personally, it wasn’t too far out of the power of the throne to grant him.
What if...he never succeeded in raising enough funds or military to gain his throne back? What if he had to make do with staying here? He’d mapped it out several times already. With the stipend that came with his newly appointed office, he could afford a modest home for them and a few servants besides. After more time, possibly with more accolades, he could bring her back to the level of wealth she was used to in her father’s house. There was no replacing Taengea’s palati and he wouldn’t try, but this? It was more in line with the life he’d originally wanted for himself, if slightly poorer.
His wife’s wrath and his family’s blood prevented him from taking the easier path. Staying here, following orders, forgetting their old life? That would be the easier current in life’s endless river. But it was not honorable. With his uncle dead and gone, he could not give himself the satisfaction of avenging his father that way. The only road ahead was for his own line, his father’s line, not Irakles’s, to sit on the Taengean throne. That meant that whether for the asking or by force, he needed to take Achilleas out of the palati and return there himself. Aside from that, he had Pia’s own ambitions to think on. She would not suffer being second to her sisters - not when she’d had the sweet, glorious taste of being first.
His hands smoothed down her back and his daydream faded as she brought him back around to reality with her question. “When you leave, what would you have us do? Stay here alone, or return with mother and my sisters?”
“I would have you go back,” he said. It would be safer for her here, but more politically savvy to have her in the way in Taengea. She had not been drawn up for treason. She was a sentimental figure. Olympia had been the perfect queen, during her short time there. Elegant, refined, the ever present symbol of motherhood and the promise of new life. Now she would be bringing the child of her body back to Taengea - the newest girl born to the Mikaelidas line. Tisiphone, the Would-Be-Princess. Another figure to rally around.
His mind whirled with possibilities. With Irakles dead and the Creed silent, Stephanos felt there was no danger for Olympia in her father’s house. Whatever Georgios’s opinion of himself was, Stephanos trusted Georgios to take care of his daughter and grandchild. He kissed the top of his wife’s head and shifted his body against hers so that they were lying on their sides, facing each other.
“You’re safer here but alone. I want you surrounded by family and I want Vasiliadon to see their princess.” His bright eyes searched hers and he tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. “I want those barons who supported Irakles to see their queen. Make them see that you will not be forgotten.” With his thumb under her chin, he tipped her face up to give her a defiant tilt to her head. “I need your help to get that throne back, my love.” A task made infinitely more difficult in Egypt.
With Tisiphone with a nursemaid for the night, they had the small apartment of rooms to themselves. The room flickered in soft shadows, undulating from an oil lamp on a table at the far end of the room. It was comprised of a large bronze bowl, able to reflect a blinding amount of light and a testament to the Kotas wealth. Only the rich could afford such light and Stephanos had no qualms about letting the lamp burn long into the night. He’d come from a palace alive with such lights, though, if he was left to his own devices, he and Olympia would no longer have such luxuries. At least, not in the beginning.
As he lay there with Pia nestled just below his chin, his arms encircling her bare back, he fantasized about what sort of life they could feasibly have. When Vangelis had given him the post of Commander, Stephanos felt the weight of the honor and the debt; another debt. A debt he’d repaid with his interception of the king’s would-be-murderer, but who could truly repay Vangelis for the risk he’d taken to get both Pia and himself out of the palati? This post as Commander was the kind of dream gift that Stephanos knew he could do and do well, but not one he felt he actually deserved. It was a way to earn respect and honor from his fellows here in Colchis. Yes, he had overstepped the normal way of getting this rank, but he’d been higher before this and had saved the king. To his mind, whatever he felt about himself as a man personally, it wasn’t too far out of the power of the throne to grant him.
What if...he never succeeded in raising enough funds or military to gain his throne back? What if he had to make do with staying here? He’d mapped it out several times already. With the stipend that came with his newly appointed office, he could afford a modest home for them and a few servants besides. After more time, possibly with more accolades, he could bring her back to the level of wealth she was used to in her father’s house. There was no replacing Taengea’s palati and he wouldn’t try, but this? It was more in line with the life he’d originally wanted for himself, if slightly poorer.
His wife’s wrath and his family’s blood prevented him from taking the easier path. Staying here, following orders, forgetting their old life? That would be the easier current in life’s endless river. But it was not honorable. With his uncle dead and gone, he could not give himself the satisfaction of avenging his father that way. The only road ahead was for his own line, his father’s line, not Irakles’s, to sit on the Taengean throne. That meant that whether for the asking or by force, he needed to take Achilleas out of the palati and return there himself. Aside from that, he had Pia’s own ambitions to think on. She would not suffer being second to her sisters - not when she’d had the sweet, glorious taste of being first.
His hands smoothed down her back and his daydream faded as she brought him back around to reality with her question. “When you leave, what would you have us do? Stay here alone, or return with mother and my sisters?”
“I would have you go back,” he said. It would be safer for her here, but more politically savvy to have her in the way in Taengea. She had not been drawn up for treason. She was a sentimental figure. Olympia had been the perfect queen, during her short time there. Elegant, refined, the ever present symbol of motherhood and the promise of new life. Now she would be bringing the child of her body back to Taengea - the newest girl born to the Mikaelidas line. Tisiphone, the Would-Be-Princess. Another figure to rally around.
His mind whirled with possibilities. With Irakles dead and the Creed silent, Stephanos felt there was no danger for Olympia in her father’s house. Whatever Georgios’s opinion of himself was, Stephanos trusted Georgios to take care of his daughter and grandchild. He kissed the top of his wife’s head and shifted his body against hers so that they were lying on their sides, facing each other.
“You’re safer here but alone. I want you surrounded by family and I want Vasiliadon to see their princess.” His bright eyes searched hers and he tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. “I want those barons who supported Irakles to see their queen. Make them see that you will not be forgotten.” With his thumb under her chin, he tipped her face up to give her a defiant tilt to her head. “I need your help to get that throne back, my love.” A task made infinitely more difficult in Egypt.
Dark eyes closed as Stephanos' hands ran down her back, his touch familiar and soothing. He was doing his best to distract her from his impending departure and had it been any other night she might have had no issue drifting off to sleep in his arms, but tonight was different. The request that she go back was a little surprising, but she was relieved to hear it from him. She'd been afraid that he would want to err on the side of caution and keep her here, alone but very much secure in Colchis, the Kotas family had been kind, but aside from Lady Thea and Princess Evras, there were few people in the court who seemed to have any desire to be associated with her.
Looking up at him as he moved, Pia shifted closer against her husband and kept her arms around him, her top leg lifting to twine with his own over his hip as he toyed with her curls. If only they could keep off the dawn for longer, linger here instead for days or weeks instead of having to say goodbye so soon. She had lost him for so long, and now she had won him back having to let go seemed impossible.
The corners of her lips turned up in a slight smile, a brow lifting at him as he spoke of a return she could only hope to pull off. Who knew if the barons would regret the change of regime at all, if she would be allowed back into the circles she had been accustomed to as lady and then queen. After all, Theodora was the perfect picture of a queen. She hadn't been already with child when she married, hadn't ascended to the throne during a bloody mess and been married to a man who hadn't considered her a proper spouse before his hand had been forced. Theo had Achilleas' love before they wed, before the chaos, before the crown. She had the support of those who had overthrown Stephanos.
Biting her tongue on the comments that could be made, Olympia drew her chin up as he directed, her smile spreading into one that was somehow affectionate and determined all at once. If he put this faith in her, she would do everything in her power to be what he believe she could be. Whatever it took to get him back in the place he belonged.
"We will do our best, Tisi and I. Surely your mother and sisters will want to meet her and hear news of you, we can remind them together what the royal family is meant to look like." Catching his hand beneath her chin, she brought the pad of his thumb to her lips before twining their fingers together at her heart. "I won't let you down. Prove yourself further in these battles, show what a true leader you are. When you come back they will be calling your name to take your rightful place my love."
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May 31, 2020 20:59:33 GMT
Posted In without you on May 31, 2020 20:59:33 GMT
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Dark eyes closed as Stephanos' hands ran down her back, his touch familiar and soothing. He was doing his best to distract her from his impending departure and had it been any other night she might have had no issue drifting off to sleep in his arms, but tonight was different. The request that she go back was a little surprising, but she was relieved to hear it from him. She'd been afraid that he would want to err on the side of caution and keep her here, alone but very much secure in Colchis, the Kotas family had been kind, but aside from Lady Thea and Princess Evras, there were few people in the court who seemed to have any desire to be associated with her.
Looking up at him as he moved, Pia shifted closer against her husband and kept her arms around him, her top leg lifting to twine with his own over his hip as he toyed with her curls. If only they could keep off the dawn for longer, linger here instead for days or weeks instead of having to say goodbye so soon. She had lost him for so long, and now she had won him back having to let go seemed impossible.
The corners of her lips turned up in a slight smile, a brow lifting at him as he spoke of a return she could only hope to pull off. Who knew if the barons would regret the change of regime at all, if she would be allowed back into the circles she had been accustomed to as lady and then queen. After all, Theodora was the perfect picture of a queen. She hadn't been already with child when she married, hadn't ascended to the throne during a bloody mess and been married to a man who hadn't considered her a proper spouse before his hand had been forced. Theo had Achilleas' love before they wed, before the chaos, before the crown. She had the support of those who had overthrown Stephanos.
Biting her tongue on the comments that could be made, Olympia drew her chin up as he directed, her smile spreading into one that was somehow affectionate and determined all at once. If he put this faith in her, she would do everything in her power to be what he believe she could be. Whatever it took to get him back in the place he belonged.
"We will do our best, Tisi and I. Surely your mother and sisters will want to meet her and hear news of you, we can remind them together what the royal family is meant to look like." Catching his hand beneath her chin, she brought the pad of his thumb to her lips before twining their fingers together at her heart. "I won't let you down. Prove yourself further in these battles, show what a true leader you are. When you come back they will be calling your name to take your rightful place my love."
Dark eyes closed as Stephanos' hands ran down her back, his touch familiar and soothing. He was doing his best to distract her from his impending departure and had it been any other night she might have had no issue drifting off to sleep in his arms, but tonight was different. The request that she go back was a little surprising, but she was relieved to hear it from him. She'd been afraid that he would want to err on the side of caution and keep her here, alone but very much secure in Colchis, the Kotas family had been kind, but aside from Lady Thea and Princess Evras, there were few people in the court who seemed to have any desire to be associated with her.
Looking up at him as he moved, Pia shifted closer against her husband and kept her arms around him, her top leg lifting to twine with his own over his hip as he toyed with her curls. If only they could keep off the dawn for longer, linger here instead for days or weeks instead of having to say goodbye so soon. She had lost him for so long, and now she had won him back having to let go seemed impossible.
The corners of her lips turned up in a slight smile, a brow lifting at him as he spoke of a return she could only hope to pull off. Who knew if the barons would regret the change of regime at all, if she would be allowed back into the circles she had been accustomed to as lady and then queen. After all, Theodora was the perfect picture of a queen. She hadn't been already with child when she married, hadn't ascended to the throne during a bloody mess and been married to a man who hadn't considered her a proper spouse before his hand had been forced. Theo had Achilleas' love before they wed, before the chaos, before the crown. She had the support of those who had overthrown Stephanos.
Biting her tongue on the comments that could be made, Olympia drew her chin up as he directed, her smile spreading into one that was somehow affectionate and determined all at once. If he put this faith in her, she would do everything in her power to be what he believe she could be. Whatever it took to get him back in the place he belonged.
"We will do our best, Tisi and I. Surely your mother and sisters will want to meet her and hear news of you, we can remind them together what the royal family is meant to look like." Catching his hand beneath her chin, she brought the pad of his thumb to her lips before twining their fingers together at her heart. "I won't let you down. Prove yourself further in these battles, show what a true leader you are. When you come back they will be calling your name to take your rightful place my love."
“My mother.” The word tasted like acid and came out just as asinine. He sighed and took one of his arms from around her to pillow it behind his head as he raised his eyes to the ceiling. His attention came back when she pressed her lips against the pad of his thumb before lacing their hands together over her chest. He didn’t interrupt as her words washed over him with tender reassurances and he wanted to believe them. Her promise that if he did well in Egypt, for Colchis, it would somehow translate to success for a successful reintegration into Taengea. Who knew? Perhaps it would. Perhaps if he was brave enough, daring enough, bold enough...rendered enough aid, perhaps Tython and Vangelis could be persuaded to lend international pressure to the current government…
“I need to see Achilleas,” he murmured after a few minutes of silence. His eyes had wandered upward again and his fingertips gently grazed along the perfectly smooth sides of her fingers, along her palm, down her soft wrist, caressing her arm down to the hollow of her elbow and back up until the tips of their fingers met again. His thoughts were far from here. They rested on distant shores of golden sand and sun glinting off blinding armor. Somewhere along the line, he was bound to run into his cousin. Vangelis didn’t think there would be a true war but Stephanos was hoping for one. He didn’t want to leave his wife and newborn daughter for two pointless months and come back. If the gods were kind, this would be worth his time and lend him glory besides.
“Maybe we can sort of...talk it out.” That was optimistic, even for him. Sure. They’d talk out a decision made by the Senate and restore his place on the throne, while Perfect Achilleas and his Perfect Queen simply stepped down, waving and smiling, and everyone would come together for a family meal. He’d like it to go that smoothly, but to actually expect that was idiotic.
Shifting the two of them onto their sides, he rested his head on his arm and searched her face. “Are you alright with going back?” He still had hold of her hand and he gave it a squeeze now. “Don’t let Theodora get to you. Just..smile at her and remember we’ve got a plan. She’s not permanent.”
He knew Pia could do what he was asking, but it was more of a ‘would she’ sort of question. The rivalry was intense, even if it wasn’t necessarily out in the open. He didn’t think that Pia and Theodora went around ripping out each other’s hair but then, he and his sisters never had the same jealousies. Even his relationship with his elder brother had been more friend than sibling. Until his scrabble with Irakles, Stephanos had never known what it was like not to feel completely confident in his place. Now it was all he thought about. The uncertainty and the confusion that dogged him because of it.
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“My mother.” The word tasted like acid and came out just as asinine. He sighed and took one of his arms from around her to pillow it behind his head as he raised his eyes to the ceiling. His attention came back when she pressed her lips against the pad of his thumb before lacing their hands together over her chest. He didn’t interrupt as her words washed over him with tender reassurances and he wanted to believe them. Her promise that if he did well in Egypt, for Colchis, it would somehow translate to success for a successful reintegration into Taengea. Who knew? Perhaps it would. Perhaps if he was brave enough, daring enough, bold enough...rendered enough aid, perhaps Tython and Vangelis could be persuaded to lend international pressure to the current government…
“I need to see Achilleas,” he murmured after a few minutes of silence. His eyes had wandered upward again and his fingertips gently grazed along the perfectly smooth sides of her fingers, along her palm, down her soft wrist, caressing her arm down to the hollow of her elbow and back up until the tips of their fingers met again. His thoughts were far from here. They rested on distant shores of golden sand and sun glinting off blinding armor. Somewhere along the line, he was bound to run into his cousin. Vangelis didn’t think there would be a true war but Stephanos was hoping for one. He didn’t want to leave his wife and newborn daughter for two pointless months and come back. If the gods were kind, this would be worth his time and lend him glory besides.
“Maybe we can sort of...talk it out.” That was optimistic, even for him. Sure. They’d talk out a decision made by the Senate and restore his place on the throne, while Perfect Achilleas and his Perfect Queen simply stepped down, waving and smiling, and everyone would come together for a family meal. He’d like it to go that smoothly, but to actually expect that was idiotic.
Shifting the two of them onto their sides, he rested his head on his arm and searched her face. “Are you alright with going back?” He still had hold of her hand and he gave it a squeeze now. “Don’t let Theodora get to you. Just..smile at her and remember we’ve got a plan. She’s not permanent.”
He knew Pia could do what he was asking, but it was more of a ‘would she’ sort of question. The rivalry was intense, even if it wasn’t necessarily out in the open. He didn’t think that Pia and Theodora went around ripping out each other’s hair but then, he and his sisters never had the same jealousies. Even his relationship with his elder brother had been more friend than sibling. Until his scrabble with Irakles, Stephanos had never known what it was like not to feel completely confident in his place. Now it was all he thought about. The uncertainty and the confusion that dogged him because of it.
“My mother.” The word tasted like acid and came out just as asinine. He sighed and took one of his arms from around her to pillow it behind his head as he raised his eyes to the ceiling. His attention came back when she pressed her lips against the pad of his thumb before lacing their hands together over her chest. He didn’t interrupt as her words washed over him with tender reassurances and he wanted to believe them. Her promise that if he did well in Egypt, for Colchis, it would somehow translate to success for a successful reintegration into Taengea. Who knew? Perhaps it would. Perhaps if he was brave enough, daring enough, bold enough...rendered enough aid, perhaps Tython and Vangelis could be persuaded to lend international pressure to the current government…
“I need to see Achilleas,” he murmured after a few minutes of silence. His eyes had wandered upward again and his fingertips gently grazed along the perfectly smooth sides of her fingers, along her palm, down her soft wrist, caressing her arm down to the hollow of her elbow and back up until the tips of their fingers met again. His thoughts were far from here. They rested on distant shores of golden sand and sun glinting off blinding armor. Somewhere along the line, he was bound to run into his cousin. Vangelis didn’t think there would be a true war but Stephanos was hoping for one. He didn’t want to leave his wife and newborn daughter for two pointless months and come back. If the gods were kind, this would be worth his time and lend him glory besides.
“Maybe we can sort of...talk it out.” That was optimistic, even for him. Sure. They’d talk out a decision made by the Senate and restore his place on the throne, while Perfect Achilleas and his Perfect Queen simply stepped down, waving and smiling, and everyone would come together for a family meal. He’d like it to go that smoothly, but to actually expect that was idiotic.
Shifting the two of them onto their sides, he rested his head on his arm and searched her face. “Are you alright with going back?” He still had hold of her hand and he gave it a squeeze now. “Don’t let Theodora get to you. Just..smile at her and remember we’ve got a plan. She’s not permanent.”
He knew Pia could do what he was asking, but it was more of a ‘would she’ sort of question. The rivalry was intense, even if it wasn’t necessarily out in the open. He didn’t think that Pia and Theodora went around ripping out each other’s hair but then, he and his sisters never had the same jealousies. Even his relationship with his elder brother had been more friend than sibling. Until his scrabble with Irakles, Stephanos had never known what it was like not to feel completely confident in his place. Now it was all he thought about. The uncertainty and the confusion that dogged him because of it.
"If you are correct, Achilleas will be our biggest ally in taking back your throne. Do you truly believe he will help clear your name and then step aside?"
Her husband had more faith in his family than she did. Theodora would just as easily throw her down a flight of stairs as far as she knew than give up the throne she had been angling for. Perhaps it was the fault of their upbringing where it had been well known that Selene was destined to be their queen, seeing that set aside now had put two other sisters who had never considered the opportunity within reach. And because she was the younger of the two, one who had not been considered goddess blessed like the others, the one who got lost in the middle, had managed to take it first, her sister would be all the more determined to keep hold.
As if he could read her thoughts Stephanos reminded her not to let Theo get to her. He was right, if she behaved herself, acted like the perfect queen that ought to be in her rightful place, it would make it all the easier to get Stephanos home and clear his name. It would be all she did in his absence, as soon as she got home her mission was to try to make way for their return to victory. With a daughter that was clearly as blessedly beautiful as her father, healthy and charming to boot, they had proof that they could provide the next generation of the ruling family. If she played her cards right and kept her wits about her, sh could turn the country to their favor once more.
"I'm alright, going home won't be bad with my family. As for Theodora...I'll try. She's always been so good at being...good." Her nose wrinkled in disgust. "In any case, unless she's thrown it all out, she still has my things, and Tisi's. I'll have to be cordial enough to get that back. Else I'll be wearing Princess Evras' clothes in Taengea as well."
With a sigh, she reached out to trace his features. Her fingers brushed gently along his brow, down the arch of his cheekbones and along the strong line of his jaw. He was so perfectly the image of a prince, a king, and the more she had gotten to know him and see eye to eye, he would be one of the better rulers Greece had seen if only given the chance. If their plan worked, it would be the perfect story. The brave king framed by a betraying uncle, returning in victory from war with his wife and child, praised by the people and lauded by the nobles.
"I wish you wouldn't go. This war, it doesn't feel right to me. Like something horrible will happen." Horrors happened in every war, but there was a feeling in her heart that she couldn't shake, a fear that something beyond their nightmares might come to pass, and she didn't want him anywhere near the front lines.
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Jun 19, 2020 16:49:17 GMT
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"If you are correct, Achilleas will be our biggest ally in taking back your throne. Do you truly believe he will help clear your name and then step aside?"
Her husband had more faith in his family than she did. Theodora would just as easily throw her down a flight of stairs as far as she knew than give up the throne she had been angling for. Perhaps it was the fault of their upbringing where it had been well known that Selene was destined to be their queen, seeing that set aside now had put two other sisters who had never considered the opportunity within reach. And because she was the younger of the two, one who had not been considered goddess blessed like the others, the one who got lost in the middle, had managed to take it first, her sister would be all the more determined to keep hold.
As if he could read her thoughts Stephanos reminded her not to let Theo get to her. He was right, if she behaved herself, acted like the perfect queen that ought to be in her rightful place, it would make it all the easier to get Stephanos home and clear his name. It would be all she did in his absence, as soon as she got home her mission was to try to make way for their return to victory. With a daughter that was clearly as blessedly beautiful as her father, healthy and charming to boot, they had proof that they could provide the next generation of the ruling family. If she played her cards right and kept her wits about her, sh could turn the country to their favor once more.
"I'm alright, going home won't be bad with my family. As for Theodora...I'll try. She's always been so good at being...good." Her nose wrinkled in disgust. "In any case, unless she's thrown it all out, she still has my things, and Tisi's. I'll have to be cordial enough to get that back. Else I'll be wearing Princess Evras' clothes in Taengea as well."
With a sigh, she reached out to trace his features. Her fingers brushed gently along his brow, down the arch of his cheekbones and along the strong line of his jaw. He was so perfectly the image of a prince, a king, and the more she had gotten to know him and see eye to eye, he would be one of the better rulers Greece had seen if only given the chance. If their plan worked, it would be the perfect story. The brave king framed by a betraying uncle, returning in victory from war with his wife and child, praised by the people and lauded by the nobles.
"I wish you wouldn't go. This war, it doesn't feel right to me. Like something horrible will happen." Horrors happened in every war, but there was a feeling in her heart that she couldn't shake, a fear that something beyond their nightmares might come to pass, and she didn't want him anywhere near the front lines.
"If you are correct, Achilleas will be our biggest ally in taking back your throne. Do you truly believe he will help clear your name and then step aside?"
Her husband had more faith in his family than she did. Theodora would just as easily throw her down a flight of stairs as far as she knew than give up the throne she had been angling for. Perhaps it was the fault of their upbringing where it had been well known that Selene was destined to be their queen, seeing that set aside now had put two other sisters who had never considered the opportunity within reach. And because she was the younger of the two, one who had not been considered goddess blessed like the others, the one who got lost in the middle, had managed to take it first, her sister would be all the more determined to keep hold.
As if he could read her thoughts Stephanos reminded her not to let Theo get to her. He was right, if she behaved herself, acted like the perfect queen that ought to be in her rightful place, it would make it all the easier to get Stephanos home and clear his name. It would be all she did in his absence, as soon as she got home her mission was to try to make way for their return to victory. With a daughter that was clearly as blessedly beautiful as her father, healthy and charming to boot, they had proof that they could provide the next generation of the ruling family. If she played her cards right and kept her wits about her, sh could turn the country to their favor once more.
"I'm alright, going home won't be bad with my family. As for Theodora...I'll try. She's always been so good at being...good." Her nose wrinkled in disgust. "In any case, unless she's thrown it all out, she still has my things, and Tisi's. I'll have to be cordial enough to get that back. Else I'll be wearing Princess Evras' clothes in Taengea as well."
With a sigh, she reached out to trace his features. Her fingers brushed gently along his brow, down the arch of his cheekbones and along the strong line of his jaw. He was so perfectly the image of a prince, a king, and the more she had gotten to know him and see eye to eye, he would be one of the better rulers Greece had seen if only given the chance. If their plan worked, it would be the perfect story. The brave king framed by a betraying uncle, returning in victory from war with his wife and child, praised by the people and lauded by the nobles.
"I wish you wouldn't go. This war, it doesn't feel right to me. Like something horrible will happen." Horrors happened in every war, but there was a feeling in her heart that she couldn't shake, a fear that something beyond their nightmares might come to pass, and she didn't want him anywhere near the front lines.
The way he was lying in the bed was usually the position he took just before drifting off to sleep. The urge tugged at him now. With the soft warmth of her body still against his, their legs tangled together, the blankets askew over them, he was fairly content. His eyes remained on hers as she spoke, saying that home would be a good thing for her. He smiled as she wrinkled her nose when she mentioned her sister. Though the words coming out of her mouth were entirely pessimistic, her face was too adorable for him to take the venom seriously. He tapped the tip of her nose, then let his finger glide down, tracing her lips, then wandering down her chin and along the silk of her throat.
“They won’t have thrown our things away,” he said confidently. Irakles might have, but the man hadn’t had the time, more than likely. For Stephanos, the most probable scenario was that his rooms and hers were left alone. Zacharias’s was in possible danger, though, and that was a little painful to think on. Though, the ones whose rooms were probably being converted, if not already had been, were those of his parents. Theirs were the largest compartments and the ones most fit for monarchs. Stephanos had not moved into them because he hadn’t wanted to touch his father’s things and his mother had still been living at the palace. Again, there hadn’t been much time. He’d been too busy fighting his uncle for control that the change of rooms had been so far at the bottom of his list for necessary arrangements that he’d never even thought of it for more than a second or two before dismissing it.
Even then, it wasn’t as though their things would be discarded. They would probably either be kept right where they were or distributed for the current household’s use. He couldn’t imagine his mother or his sisters allowing his and Pia’s things to be wasted or even moved. And as for Achilleas, Stephanos did not think the man so cold hearted. No. Stephanos was quite confident that all of his things, his weapons, his armor, his clothes, his trinkets were all still safely in his room, right where he’d left them. Pia’s was the same.
His gaze had slipped away from her as he thought but the soft touch of her fingertips along his cheekbones brought his attention back to her. “I wish you wouldn't go. This war, it doesn't feel right to me. Like something horrible will happen.” The urge to tell her that horrible things would happen was on the tip of his tongue but he bit it back. That wasn’t the sort of thing a wife wanted to hear and besides, he knew that she understood that horrors happened during battle. War wasn’t some clean, sterile thing. It was messy and violent and he had to live with things he’d order and men he would send to their deaths for the rest of his life. However long that might be.
“To do otherwise would shred the last of my honor,” he said through a sigh. His lips parted as he watched his thumb smoothing along her bottom lip. “Pray for our return. If I do die without true justice and in shame, then you may curse the gods. They would not deserve our worship.” Drawing in a deep breath, he pulled her against him and kissed the top of her head. “Sleep, Pia. Fate will do as it will.”
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Jul 19, 2020 13:10:15 GMT
Posted In without you on Jul 19, 2020 13:10:15 GMT
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The way he was lying in the bed was usually the position he took just before drifting off to sleep. The urge tugged at him now. With the soft warmth of her body still against his, their legs tangled together, the blankets askew over them, he was fairly content. His eyes remained on hers as she spoke, saying that home would be a good thing for her. He smiled as she wrinkled her nose when she mentioned her sister. Though the words coming out of her mouth were entirely pessimistic, her face was too adorable for him to take the venom seriously. He tapped the tip of her nose, then let his finger glide down, tracing her lips, then wandering down her chin and along the silk of her throat.
“They won’t have thrown our things away,” he said confidently. Irakles might have, but the man hadn’t had the time, more than likely. For Stephanos, the most probable scenario was that his rooms and hers were left alone. Zacharias’s was in possible danger, though, and that was a little painful to think on. Though, the ones whose rooms were probably being converted, if not already had been, were those of his parents. Theirs were the largest compartments and the ones most fit for monarchs. Stephanos had not moved into them because he hadn’t wanted to touch his father’s things and his mother had still been living at the palace. Again, there hadn’t been much time. He’d been too busy fighting his uncle for control that the change of rooms had been so far at the bottom of his list for necessary arrangements that he’d never even thought of it for more than a second or two before dismissing it.
Even then, it wasn’t as though their things would be discarded. They would probably either be kept right where they were or distributed for the current household’s use. He couldn’t imagine his mother or his sisters allowing his and Pia’s things to be wasted or even moved. And as for Achilleas, Stephanos did not think the man so cold hearted. No. Stephanos was quite confident that all of his things, his weapons, his armor, his clothes, his trinkets were all still safely in his room, right where he’d left them. Pia’s was the same.
His gaze had slipped away from her as he thought but the soft touch of her fingertips along his cheekbones brought his attention back to her. “I wish you wouldn't go. This war, it doesn't feel right to me. Like something horrible will happen.” The urge to tell her that horrible things would happen was on the tip of his tongue but he bit it back. That wasn’t the sort of thing a wife wanted to hear and besides, he knew that she understood that horrors happened during battle. War wasn’t some clean, sterile thing. It was messy and violent and he had to live with things he’d order and men he would send to their deaths for the rest of his life. However long that might be.
“To do otherwise would shred the last of my honor,” he said through a sigh. His lips parted as he watched his thumb smoothing along her bottom lip. “Pray for our return. If I do die without true justice and in shame, then you may curse the gods. They would not deserve our worship.” Drawing in a deep breath, he pulled her against him and kissed the top of her head. “Sleep, Pia. Fate will do as it will.”
The way he was lying in the bed was usually the position he took just before drifting off to sleep. The urge tugged at him now. With the soft warmth of her body still against his, their legs tangled together, the blankets askew over them, he was fairly content. His eyes remained on hers as she spoke, saying that home would be a good thing for her. He smiled as she wrinkled her nose when she mentioned her sister. Though the words coming out of her mouth were entirely pessimistic, her face was too adorable for him to take the venom seriously. He tapped the tip of her nose, then let his finger glide down, tracing her lips, then wandering down her chin and along the silk of her throat.
“They won’t have thrown our things away,” he said confidently. Irakles might have, but the man hadn’t had the time, more than likely. For Stephanos, the most probable scenario was that his rooms and hers were left alone. Zacharias’s was in possible danger, though, and that was a little painful to think on. Though, the ones whose rooms were probably being converted, if not already had been, were those of his parents. Theirs were the largest compartments and the ones most fit for monarchs. Stephanos had not moved into them because he hadn’t wanted to touch his father’s things and his mother had still been living at the palace. Again, there hadn’t been much time. He’d been too busy fighting his uncle for control that the change of rooms had been so far at the bottom of his list for necessary arrangements that he’d never even thought of it for more than a second or two before dismissing it.
Even then, it wasn’t as though their things would be discarded. They would probably either be kept right where they were or distributed for the current household’s use. He couldn’t imagine his mother or his sisters allowing his and Pia’s things to be wasted or even moved. And as for Achilleas, Stephanos did not think the man so cold hearted. No. Stephanos was quite confident that all of his things, his weapons, his armor, his clothes, his trinkets were all still safely in his room, right where he’d left them. Pia’s was the same.
His gaze had slipped away from her as he thought but the soft touch of her fingertips along his cheekbones brought his attention back to her. “I wish you wouldn't go. This war, it doesn't feel right to me. Like something horrible will happen.” The urge to tell her that horrible things would happen was on the tip of his tongue but he bit it back. That wasn’t the sort of thing a wife wanted to hear and besides, he knew that she understood that horrors happened during battle. War wasn’t some clean, sterile thing. It was messy and violent and he had to live with things he’d order and men he would send to their deaths for the rest of his life. However long that might be.
“To do otherwise would shred the last of my honor,” he said through a sigh. His lips parted as he watched his thumb smoothing along her bottom lip. “Pray for our return. If I do die without true justice and in shame, then you may curse the gods. They would not deserve our worship.” Drawing in a deep breath, he pulled her against him and kissed the top of her head. “Sleep, Pia. Fate will do as it will.”
The finger on her nose was almost infuriating, the temptation to bite at it strong until it traced down along her lips and she tipped her head back as he brushed along her throat. As strong as her distaste was for returning home to the sister who had seemingly betrayed her, and the history that she had with Stephanos in regards to their tempers flaring, his presence was too calming right now and his touch was too comforting. Instead she sighed and looked back at him, dark eyes searching his light for some kind of additional reassurance. She was looking for a promise she knew she could never extract from him, one that would be a lie if she could get him to say the words.
"Come home to me. To us. I don't care how, just come home."
If he lost a limb or an eye, was scarred beyond recognition, or entirely untouched it didn't matter. The vain wishes she might have held in the beginning had changed drastically after everything they had been through together and it didn't make a difference any more. He could lose everything all over again and she knew she would stay by his side even now knowing what she did. It was worth it, as foolish as it sounded even to herself, being with Stephanos was worth the pain and fear they'd gone through and would be worth further pain of separation. As long as she could be in his arms once more after this war ended, she would find a way to be content.
Closing her eyes with a sigh, she pressed a kiss to his chest before curling in against him and wrapping her arms around him tightly. Until dawn he was hers to keep close and she was desperate for every moment they had left. If it was to possibly be the end of it all, everything they'd done in vain, she wanted to only remember this night where they were happy, no fires to put out, no family to run from or to, no risk of death until dawn.
"I love you."
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Jul 29, 2020 21:03:47 GMT
Posted In without you on Jul 29, 2020 21:03:47 GMT
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The finger on her nose was almost infuriating, the temptation to bite at it strong until it traced down along her lips and she tipped her head back as he brushed along her throat. As strong as her distaste was for returning home to the sister who had seemingly betrayed her, and the history that she had with Stephanos in regards to their tempers flaring, his presence was too calming right now and his touch was too comforting. Instead she sighed and looked back at him, dark eyes searching his light for some kind of additional reassurance. She was looking for a promise she knew she could never extract from him, one that would be a lie if she could get him to say the words.
"Come home to me. To us. I don't care how, just come home."
If he lost a limb or an eye, was scarred beyond recognition, or entirely untouched it didn't matter. The vain wishes she might have held in the beginning had changed drastically after everything they had been through together and it didn't make a difference any more. He could lose everything all over again and she knew she would stay by his side even now knowing what she did. It was worth it, as foolish as it sounded even to herself, being with Stephanos was worth the pain and fear they'd gone through and would be worth further pain of separation. As long as she could be in his arms once more after this war ended, she would find a way to be content.
Closing her eyes with a sigh, she pressed a kiss to his chest before curling in against him and wrapping her arms around him tightly. Until dawn he was hers to keep close and she was desperate for every moment they had left. If it was to possibly be the end of it all, everything they'd done in vain, she wanted to only remember this night where they were happy, no fires to put out, no family to run from or to, no risk of death until dawn.
"I love you."
The finger on her nose was almost infuriating, the temptation to bite at it strong until it traced down along her lips and she tipped her head back as he brushed along her throat. As strong as her distaste was for returning home to the sister who had seemingly betrayed her, and the history that she had with Stephanos in regards to their tempers flaring, his presence was too calming right now and his touch was too comforting. Instead she sighed and looked back at him, dark eyes searching his light for some kind of additional reassurance. She was looking for a promise she knew she could never extract from him, one that would be a lie if she could get him to say the words.
"Come home to me. To us. I don't care how, just come home."
If he lost a limb or an eye, was scarred beyond recognition, or entirely untouched it didn't matter. The vain wishes she might have held in the beginning had changed drastically after everything they had been through together and it didn't make a difference any more. He could lose everything all over again and she knew she would stay by his side even now knowing what she did. It was worth it, as foolish as it sounded even to herself, being with Stephanos was worth the pain and fear they'd gone through and would be worth further pain of separation. As long as she could be in his arms once more after this war ended, she would find a way to be content.
Closing her eyes with a sigh, she pressed a kiss to his chest before curling in against him and wrapping her arms around him tightly. Until dawn he was hers to keep close and she was desperate for every moment they had left. If it was to possibly be the end of it all, everything they'd done in vain, she wanted to only remember this night where they were happy, no fires to put out, no family to run from or to, no risk of death until dawn.