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Elias of Stravos did not want to go to the court this day.
Machinations that were not yet fully mature formed within his mind, intentions that needed to be brought into reality along with the execution of existing things. Elias needed to keep his eye on Aimias, and isolate him from the princess. He needed to press Elysia, and turn her to his intentions. He needed to turn Emilia's feelings of insecurity and inferiority into tools he could utilize in order to secure her hand. All of the ploys Elias had were outside of the Courts of Athenia, but he knew the untold expectation. Circenia, his mother and his most ardent supporter, wanted him to be there. She wanted to let Athenia see the Stravos united...
And yet, Keikelius had been absent from the proceedings. Elias' own inclusions was little more than a side show, and to top it off, rather than acting as a part to the courts, he was immediately flung into a position of leading it. If Elias was to be a king, he was not supposed to be leading the Court. At times, he could join it but leave the proceedings to the hand of a promised queen or at the competent managing of women like his mother or Chara. Anger was present within Elias at the audacity of Circenia in putting a trial for him to pass. He felt tested, but in a way that wasted the Headlord of Stravos' time.
Of course, it was perhaps fitting that he'd come, given the way he'd managed to manipulate the turn of events to his advantage. The people could see that Elias was not above listening to reason or to heeding the counsel of others. If the world was to believe that Elias of Stravos could make a good king, they did need to see his potential for lenience. For mercy. The pitiful mantras of people who did not understand the nature of power. Elias scoffed at the idea of being the benevolent king, of following in Minas' footsteps. His rise to power was an ode to his revenge against the man who denied him of everything.
And he'd perpetuate that revenge by marrying his daughter, by coaxing her into loving him... And by having her bear his heirs while kept off to the side and relegated to a facsimile of affection. His success was only a question of how long he took to reach those ambitions.
Rather than retreat to Lyncestia or make his way to some such musing with a power that be, Elias wanted to catch his mother. The Headlord of Stravos did not accompany his mother home, but they'd end up in the same place. He entered well after she did, pushing the doors aside with a sort of swagger in his step. He returned to the archontiko a victor, believing in the midst of all of the complications, he'd come with plans that suited him all the while. Even if he knew he'd had to answer to his mother on some of the means he used to do it.
Whether Elias was seen as merciful for attempting to educate his sister or a bully for doing it in the way he did, it scarcely mattered. Elias took his pickings of the wine in the Stravos cellar, finding the vintages to be below his particular tastes. The palati spoiled him, and the Stravos coffers weren't as full as they used to be. That was his fault, but already they'd worked through that. Now, he had to confront his mother about the particulars of the plan he'd made in the halls of the court...
And how it couldn't come to fruition.
"Mother?" he called out once he rose out of the cellar, bottle in hand as he moved towards the all-too-familiar kitchen to fetch two goblets for them to drink with.
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Elias of Stravos did not want to go to the court this day.
Machinations that were not yet fully mature formed within his mind, intentions that needed to be brought into reality along with the execution of existing things. Elias needed to keep his eye on Aimias, and isolate him from the princess. He needed to press Elysia, and turn her to his intentions. He needed to turn Emilia's feelings of insecurity and inferiority into tools he could utilize in order to secure her hand. All of the ploys Elias had were outside of the Courts of Athenia, but he knew the untold expectation. Circenia, his mother and his most ardent supporter, wanted him to be there. She wanted to let Athenia see the Stravos united...
And yet, Keikelius had been absent from the proceedings. Elias' own inclusions was little more than a side show, and to top it off, rather than acting as a part to the courts, he was immediately flung into a position of leading it. If Elias was to be a king, he was not supposed to be leading the Court. At times, he could join it but leave the proceedings to the hand of a promised queen or at the competent managing of women like his mother or Chara. Anger was present within Elias at the audacity of Circenia in putting a trial for him to pass. He felt tested, but in a way that wasted the Headlord of Stravos' time.
Of course, it was perhaps fitting that he'd come, given the way he'd managed to manipulate the turn of events to his advantage. The people could see that Elias was not above listening to reason or to heeding the counsel of others. If the world was to believe that Elias of Stravos could make a good king, they did need to see his potential for lenience. For mercy. The pitiful mantras of people who did not understand the nature of power. Elias scoffed at the idea of being the benevolent king, of following in Minas' footsteps. His rise to power was an ode to his revenge against the man who denied him of everything.
And he'd perpetuate that revenge by marrying his daughter, by coaxing her into loving him... And by having her bear his heirs while kept off to the side and relegated to a facsimile of affection. His success was only a question of how long he took to reach those ambitions.
Rather than retreat to Lyncestia or make his way to some such musing with a power that be, Elias wanted to catch his mother. The Headlord of Stravos did not accompany his mother home, but they'd end up in the same place. He entered well after she did, pushing the doors aside with a sort of swagger in his step. He returned to the archontiko a victor, believing in the midst of all of the complications, he'd come with plans that suited him all the while. Even if he knew he'd had to answer to his mother on some of the means he used to do it.
Whether Elias was seen as merciful for attempting to educate his sister or a bully for doing it in the way he did, it scarcely mattered. Elias took his pickings of the wine in the Stravos cellar, finding the vintages to be below his particular tastes. The palati spoiled him, and the Stravos coffers weren't as full as they used to be. That was his fault, but already they'd worked through that. Now, he had to confront his mother about the particulars of the plan he'd made in the halls of the court...
And how it couldn't come to fruition.
"Mother?" he called out once he rose out of the cellar, bottle in hand as he moved towards the all-too-familiar kitchen to fetch two goblets for them to drink with.
Elias of Stravos did not want to go to the court this day.
Machinations that were not yet fully mature formed within his mind, intentions that needed to be brought into reality along with the execution of existing things. Elias needed to keep his eye on Aimias, and isolate him from the princess. He needed to press Elysia, and turn her to his intentions. He needed to turn Emilia's feelings of insecurity and inferiority into tools he could utilize in order to secure her hand. All of the ploys Elias had were outside of the Courts of Athenia, but he knew the untold expectation. Circenia, his mother and his most ardent supporter, wanted him to be there. She wanted to let Athenia see the Stravos united...
And yet, Keikelius had been absent from the proceedings. Elias' own inclusions was little more than a side show, and to top it off, rather than acting as a part to the courts, he was immediately flung into a position of leading it. If Elias was to be a king, he was not supposed to be leading the Court. At times, he could join it but leave the proceedings to the hand of a promised queen or at the competent managing of women like his mother or Chara. Anger was present within Elias at the audacity of Circenia in putting a trial for him to pass. He felt tested, but in a way that wasted the Headlord of Stravos' time.
Of course, it was perhaps fitting that he'd come, given the way he'd managed to manipulate the turn of events to his advantage. The people could see that Elias was not above listening to reason or to heeding the counsel of others. If the world was to believe that Elias of Stravos could make a good king, they did need to see his potential for lenience. For mercy. The pitiful mantras of people who did not understand the nature of power. Elias scoffed at the idea of being the benevolent king, of following in Minas' footsteps. His rise to power was an ode to his revenge against the man who denied him of everything.
And he'd perpetuate that revenge by marrying his daughter, by coaxing her into loving him... And by having her bear his heirs while kept off to the side and relegated to a facsimile of affection. His success was only a question of how long he took to reach those ambitions.
Rather than retreat to Lyncestia or make his way to some such musing with a power that be, Elias wanted to catch his mother. The Headlord of Stravos did not accompany his mother home, but they'd end up in the same place. He entered well after she did, pushing the doors aside with a sort of swagger in his step. He returned to the archontiko a victor, believing in the midst of all of the complications, he'd come with plans that suited him all the while. Even if he knew he'd had to answer to his mother on some of the means he used to do it.
Whether Elias was seen as merciful for attempting to educate his sister or a bully for doing it in the way he did, it scarcely mattered. Elias took his pickings of the wine in the Stravos cellar, finding the vintages to be below his particular tastes. The palati spoiled him, and the Stravos coffers weren't as full as they used to be. That was his fault, but already they'd worked through that. Now, he had to confront his mother about the particulars of the plan he'd made in the halls of the court...
And how it couldn't come to fruition.
"Mother?" he called out once he rose out of the cellar, bottle in hand as he moved towards the all-too-familiar kitchen to fetch two goblets for them to drink with.
All in all, it had been a fruitful evening.
Circenia of Stravos was a smart woman, competent and savvy in the machinations of Court and country. As such, she’d taken on the position of opening the Athenian Court once more, after having remained closed for so long. She wanted to show that the Stravos were here for the nobility, here for the people, and that life would be the same, nay, better, under their rule. Yes, Athenia had suffered a grave loss in the absence of their Queen, but there were others here to fill that absence, others that would perform the job in a way that would see their beloved country catapulted from an uncertain present into a prosperous future.
The Court session itself had gone well, overall. The nobles gathered en masse to see what the princess had conjured up, and she liked to think she hadn’t disappointed them. Of course, there’d been a few bumps along the way—in a time like this, that much was to be expected. Discontent was rampant among the upper (and lower) echelons of society, but the Stravos matriarch was confident that could be quelled in time. A few shows of good faith, some subtle conniving, a well-placed marriage, and all would be right as rain.
So long as Elias continued to cooperate, that is.
The princess knew her son had not been pleased when she’d unexpectedly thrust him into such a prominent role that evening, but frankly, she did not care whether he was happy or not. It was a test of his leadership abilities, of his aptitude to perform under pressure, and for the most part, he’d done admirably well. When presented with difficult-to-answer questions, he’d answered intelligently and concisely, reassuring the skeptical nobles that all was well and under control. What she hadn’t been pleased about, however, was his treatment of his sister.
Admittedly, Danae could have comported herself better. Granted, she did not know that many of the beautifully woven reassurances were sparkly lies, lies that served a future purpose. After all, the girl was all of sixteen and naïve to the Court at that; how could she be expected to recognize such subtle manipulations for what they were? She’d done what she thought was best in a way that was actually quite brilliant, if tragically misguided. Given a few moments alone with her youngest child, she could have set her straight, but no, of course Elias had taken the opportunity to publicly humiliate her instead.
While Circenia adored her son, practically worshipped the ground he walked on, she could have flayed him alive for such a grievous misstep. They were a family, arguably the most powerful family in Athenia, and they were meant to appear strong and united—not like a group of bickering children. Her offspring could argue all they liked behind closed doors, but when they were out in public, at the first opening of the Court, no less, there were certain appearances that must be maintained. How often had she stressed that to her children? How much more must she continue to do so?
Sighing, the princess stepped from the carriage that ushered her home, shaking her head in annoyance. At least she could be grateful for the meeting she’d procured with the gladiator after Court had adjourned, which was quite possibly the biggest win of the night. Another spy in Stravos favor, and one keeping an eye on young Emilia, no less. The more allies they could gain to their cause, the better, especially in times like these.
Walking inside and heading straight for the kitchen where she might procure herself another glass of wine, crystalline eyes widened in surprise when she saw who already stood there. Elias, two glasses in his hand, called out for her through the quiet archontiko. Apparently, he had a few things to say to her, as well. Good. They could get everything out in the open before resentment started to fester and tear them apart again as it had already done so recently.
“Elias,” she greeted her son, plucking one of the glasses from his hand and the bottle from the other. Uncorking it and pouring for herself, she handed it back and raised her glass. “Just the man I wanted to see. Though, I admit I’m surprised to find you here instead of the palati.”
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All in all, it had been a fruitful evening.
Circenia of Stravos was a smart woman, competent and savvy in the machinations of Court and country. As such, she’d taken on the position of opening the Athenian Court once more, after having remained closed for so long. She wanted to show that the Stravos were here for the nobility, here for the people, and that life would be the same, nay, better, under their rule. Yes, Athenia had suffered a grave loss in the absence of their Queen, but there were others here to fill that absence, others that would perform the job in a way that would see their beloved country catapulted from an uncertain present into a prosperous future.
The Court session itself had gone well, overall. The nobles gathered en masse to see what the princess had conjured up, and she liked to think she hadn’t disappointed them. Of course, there’d been a few bumps along the way—in a time like this, that much was to be expected. Discontent was rampant among the upper (and lower) echelons of society, but the Stravos matriarch was confident that could be quelled in time. A few shows of good faith, some subtle conniving, a well-placed marriage, and all would be right as rain.
So long as Elias continued to cooperate, that is.
The princess knew her son had not been pleased when she’d unexpectedly thrust him into such a prominent role that evening, but frankly, she did not care whether he was happy or not. It was a test of his leadership abilities, of his aptitude to perform under pressure, and for the most part, he’d done admirably well. When presented with difficult-to-answer questions, he’d answered intelligently and concisely, reassuring the skeptical nobles that all was well and under control. What she hadn’t been pleased about, however, was his treatment of his sister.
Admittedly, Danae could have comported herself better. Granted, she did not know that many of the beautifully woven reassurances were sparkly lies, lies that served a future purpose. After all, the girl was all of sixteen and naïve to the Court at that; how could she be expected to recognize such subtle manipulations for what they were? She’d done what she thought was best in a way that was actually quite brilliant, if tragically misguided. Given a few moments alone with her youngest child, she could have set her straight, but no, of course Elias had taken the opportunity to publicly humiliate her instead.
While Circenia adored her son, practically worshipped the ground he walked on, she could have flayed him alive for such a grievous misstep. They were a family, arguably the most powerful family in Athenia, and they were meant to appear strong and united—not like a group of bickering children. Her offspring could argue all they liked behind closed doors, but when they were out in public, at the first opening of the Court, no less, there were certain appearances that must be maintained. How often had she stressed that to her children? How much more must she continue to do so?
Sighing, the princess stepped from the carriage that ushered her home, shaking her head in annoyance. At least she could be grateful for the meeting she’d procured with the gladiator after Court had adjourned, which was quite possibly the biggest win of the night. Another spy in Stravos favor, and one keeping an eye on young Emilia, no less. The more allies they could gain to their cause, the better, especially in times like these.
Walking inside and heading straight for the kitchen where she might procure herself another glass of wine, crystalline eyes widened in surprise when she saw who already stood there. Elias, two glasses in his hand, called out for her through the quiet archontiko. Apparently, he had a few things to say to her, as well. Good. They could get everything out in the open before resentment started to fester and tear them apart again as it had already done so recently.
“Elias,” she greeted her son, plucking one of the glasses from his hand and the bottle from the other. Uncorking it and pouring for herself, she handed it back and raised her glass. “Just the man I wanted to see. Though, I admit I’m surprised to find you here instead of the palati.”
All in all, it had been a fruitful evening.
Circenia of Stravos was a smart woman, competent and savvy in the machinations of Court and country. As such, she’d taken on the position of opening the Athenian Court once more, after having remained closed for so long. She wanted to show that the Stravos were here for the nobility, here for the people, and that life would be the same, nay, better, under their rule. Yes, Athenia had suffered a grave loss in the absence of their Queen, but there were others here to fill that absence, others that would perform the job in a way that would see their beloved country catapulted from an uncertain present into a prosperous future.
The Court session itself had gone well, overall. The nobles gathered en masse to see what the princess had conjured up, and she liked to think she hadn’t disappointed them. Of course, there’d been a few bumps along the way—in a time like this, that much was to be expected. Discontent was rampant among the upper (and lower) echelons of society, but the Stravos matriarch was confident that could be quelled in time. A few shows of good faith, some subtle conniving, a well-placed marriage, and all would be right as rain.
So long as Elias continued to cooperate, that is.
The princess knew her son had not been pleased when she’d unexpectedly thrust him into such a prominent role that evening, but frankly, she did not care whether he was happy or not. It was a test of his leadership abilities, of his aptitude to perform under pressure, and for the most part, he’d done admirably well. When presented with difficult-to-answer questions, he’d answered intelligently and concisely, reassuring the skeptical nobles that all was well and under control. What she hadn’t been pleased about, however, was his treatment of his sister.
Admittedly, Danae could have comported herself better. Granted, she did not know that many of the beautifully woven reassurances were sparkly lies, lies that served a future purpose. After all, the girl was all of sixteen and naïve to the Court at that; how could she be expected to recognize such subtle manipulations for what they were? She’d done what she thought was best in a way that was actually quite brilliant, if tragically misguided. Given a few moments alone with her youngest child, she could have set her straight, but no, of course Elias had taken the opportunity to publicly humiliate her instead.
While Circenia adored her son, practically worshipped the ground he walked on, she could have flayed him alive for such a grievous misstep. They were a family, arguably the most powerful family in Athenia, and they were meant to appear strong and united—not like a group of bickering children. Her offspring could argue all they liked behind closed doors, but when they were out in public, at the first opening of the Court, no less, there were certain appearances that must be maintained. How often had she stressed that to her children? How much more must she continue to do so?
Sighing, the princess stepped from the carriage that ushered her home, shaking her head in annoyance. At least she could be grateful for the meeting she’d procured with the gladiator after Court had adjourned, which was quite possibly the biggest win of the night. Another spy in Stravos favor, and one keeping an eye on young Emilia, no less. The more allies they could gain to their cause, the better, especially in times like these.
Walking inside and heading straight for the kitchen where she might procure herself another glass of wine, crystalline eyes widened in surprise when she saw who already stood there. Elias, two glasses in his hand, called out for her through the quiet archontiko. Apparently, he had a few things to say to her, as well. Good. They could get everything out in the open before resentment started to fester and tear them apart again as it had already done so recently.
“Elias,” she greeted her son, plucking one of the glasses from his hand and the bottle from the other. Uncorking it and pouring for herself, she handed it back and raised her glass. “Just the man I wanted to see. Though, I admit I’m surprised to find you here instead of the palati.”
Of all of the matters Elias delved into in his time bearing the mantle of a regent, none had required such carefully woven lies as his dictations to the court. There were compromises to be had, to be stated, then to be betrayed at a later date. It was so easy to simply say yes and offer placating ords, but if things were allowed to get better before Elias reached his throne, then there'd be no reason for anything to change. The change in inheritance ushered in by the dead fool Minas of Xanthos caused more problems than it ever would have solved. For who in their right minds, particularly the would-be king before the alteration, would dare keep to the status quo? No, the people were livid. The kingdom was unsettled, and it took only the right stones cast in the mud for him to cause the foundations of a great kingdom to fall to its knees.
Under Xanthos rule, if it is so easy to destroy this place... imagine if someone else with more malevolent intentions wanted it done, he mused.
Elias thought of this as he stole away into the archontiko he was raised in, as he called out into the void for his mother to emerge from it as the specter with which he hatched his conniving manipulations. He'd done well enough on his own, but he'd made a promise to the matriarch of the Stravos dynasteia that she'd be apprised of his intentions. More than mere informing, it was better for two great minds to check on intentions than one. Incarceration taught Elias of Stravos the cold lesson that his acute intelligence was not so experienced as to weather through the trials placed on his shoulders alone.
But, he also had questions for her. It was a curious thing how immediate her throwing of the responsibility to him was. It was as if the clever ruler of the courts hadn't the mind to follow an itinerary. Or was there none to begin with? Was Circenia of Stravos paving an unknown path or was she simply planning for his arrival? The numerous possibilities were each unsettling to their own degree, and it was necessary for his inquiries to be answered lest he lose faith in his mother's own capacity to act under the pressure that was placed upon them all. Elias let his mother take the bottle from him and waited for her to pour her drink before he did the same and let the bottle sit on a nearby table. He could remain standing and speak to his mother in a stiff and overbearing capacity, but he'd had enough of a day of that. Rather, the Stravos let himself rest on a kline, a sip of wine poured down his throat before he considered her observation.
"I made sure that the courtiers left the palati in good faith, then secured the entryways from unwanted intrusion. The princess is under watch and I'd rather not have someone like Aimias, who is slippery and looking for any reason to validate his discrediting of me, have any cause to do so. I had words for you, regardless, and it pays to come home, doesn't it?" he added, a soft chuckle escaping his lips before he decided to ask the question that burned in his chest.
"Why did you throw the court at me? Were there not questions to be had before my arrival? Matters to contend with? It isn't like you to abandon your plans merely to toy with me." Elias narrowed his eyes for but a moment before allowing himself to relax and for another sip of wine to further condition that intention.
"It was almost a waste of my time, being there. And it could even act against my interests, if that compromise reached is allowed to gain traction. I have plans for Thesnia, and the idea of opening the roads to it now doesn't fit in nicely with those intentions."
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Of all of the matters Elias delved into in his time bearing the mantle of a regent, none had required such carefully woven lies as his dictations to the court. There were compromises to be had, to be stated, then to be betrayed at a later date. It was so easy to simply say yes and offer placating ords, but if things were allowed to get better before Elias reached his throne, then there'd be no reason for anything to change. The change in inheritance ushered in by the dead fool Minas of Xanthos caused more problems than it ever would have solved. For who in their right minds, particularly the would-be king before the alteration, would dare keep to the status quo? No, the people were livid. The kingdom was unsettled, and it took only the right stones cast in the mud for him to cause the foundations of a great kingdom to fall to its knees.
Under Xanthos rule, if it is so easy to destroy this place... imagine if someone else with more malevolent intentions wanted it done, he mused.
Elias thought of this as he stole away into the archontiko he was raised in, as he called out into the void for his mother to emerge from it as the specter with which he hatched his conniving manipulations. He'd done well enough on his own, but he'd made a promise to the matriarch of the Stravos dynasteia that she'd be apprised of his intentions. More than mere informing, it was better for two great minds to check on intentions than one. Incarceration taught Elias of Stravos the cold lesson that his acute intelligence was not so experienced as to weather through the trials placed on his shoulders alone.
But, he also had questions for her. It was a curious thing how immediate her throwing of the responsibility to him was. It was as if the clever ruler of the courts hadn't the mind to follow an itinerary. Or was there none to begin with? Was Circenia of Stravos paving an unknown path or was she simply planning for his arrival? The numerous possibilities were each unsettling to their own degree, and it was necessary for his inquiries to be answered lest he lose faith in his mother's own capacity to act under the pressure that was placed upon them all. Elias let his mother take the bottle from him and waited for her to pour her drink before he did the same and let the bottle sit on a nearby table. He could remain standing and speak to his mother in a stiff and overbearing capacity, but he'd had enough of a day of that. Rather, the Stravos let himself rest on a kline, a sip of wine poured down his throat before he considered her observation.
"I made sure that the courtiers left the palati in good faith, then secured the entryways from unwanted intrusion. The princess is under watch and I'd rather not have someone like Aimias, who is slippery and looking for any reason to validate his discrediting of me, have any cause to do so. I had words for you, regardless, and it pays to come home, doesn't it?" he added, a soft chuckle escaping his lips before he decided to ask the question that burned in his chest.
"Why did you throw the court at me? Were there not questions to be had before my arrival? Matters to contend with? It isn't like you to abandon your plans merely to toy with me." Elias narrowed his eyes for but a moment before allowing himself to relax and for another sip of wine to further condition that intention.
"It was almost a waste of my time, being there. And it could even act against my interests, if that compromise reached is allowed to gain traction. I have plans for Thesnia, and the idea of opening the roads to it now doesn't fit in nicely with those intentions."
Of all of the matters Elias delved into in his time bearing the mantle of a regent, none had required such carefully woven lies as his dictations to the court. There were compromises to be had, to be stated, then to be betrayed at a later date. It was so easy to simply say yes and offer placating ords, but if things were allowed to get better before Elias reached his throne, then there'd be no reason for anything to change. The change in inheritance ushered in by the dead fool Minas of Xanthos caused more problems than it ever would have solved. For who in their right minds, particularly the would-be king before the alteration, would dare keep to the status quo? No, the people were livid. The kingdom was unsettled, and it took only the right stones cast in the mud for him to cause the foundations of a great kingdom to fall to its knees.
Under Xanthos rule, if it is so easy to destroy this place... imagine if someone else with more malevolent intentions wanted it done, he mused.
Elias thought of this as he stole away into the archontiko he was raised in, as he called out into the void for his mother to emerge from it as the specter with which he hatched his conniving manipulations. He'd done well enough on his own, but he'd made a promise to the matriarch of the Stravos dynasteia that she'd be apprised of his intentions. More than mere informing, it was better for two great minds to check on intentions than one. Incarceration taught Elias of Stravos the cold lesson that his acute intelligence was not so experienced as to weather through the trials placed on his shoulders alone.
But, he also had questions for her. It was a curious thing how immediate her throwing of the responsibility to him was. It was as if the clever ruler of the courts hadn't the mind to follow an itinerary. Or was there none to begin with? Was Circenia of Stravos paving an unknown path or was she simply planning for his arrival? The numerous possibilities were each unsettling to their own degree, and it was necessary for his inquiries to be answered lest he lose faith in his mother's own capacity to act under the pressure that was placed upon them all. Elias let his mother take the bottle from him and waited for her to pour her drink before he did the same and let the bottle sit on a nearby table. He could remain standing and speak to his mother in a stiff and overbearing capacity, but he'd had enough of a day of that. Rather, the Stravos let himself rest on a kline, a sip of wine poured down his throat before he considered her observation.
"I made sure that the courtiers left the palati in good faith, then secured the entryways from unwanted intrusion. The princess is under watch and I'd rather not have someone like Aimias, who is slippery and looking for any reason to validate his discrediting of me, have any cause to do so. I had words for you, regardless, and it pays to come home, doesn't it?" he added, a soft chuckle escaping his lips before he decided to ask the question that burned in his chest.
"Why did you throw the court at me? Were there not questions to be had before my arrival? Matters to contend with? It isn't like you to abandon your plans merely to toy with me." Elias narrowed his eyes for but a moment before allowing himself to relax and for another sip of wine to further condition that intention.
"It was almost a waste of my time, being there. And it could even act against my interests, if that compromise reached is allowed to gain traction. I have plans for Thesnia, and the idea of opening the roads to it now doesn't fit in nicely with those intentions."
The princess didn’t even seem the least bit disturbed as her son started questioning her and complaining about her methods, merely raising a brow in his direction and taking a calm sip of her wine. Once he finally went quiet, she asked in a flat tone, “Are you done now?”
Cutting her gaze at him before rolling her eyes, she slowly twirled the stem of her goblet between her fingers. “You’re angry with me.” It was a statement of fact, not a question, his resentment practically rolling off of him. “Curious that you should be mad over something so trivial, especially when you did so well.”
Sympathy was not a trait that was strong in Circenia, and none could be found in the deadpan expression she showed her son. “You are a man grown, and yet you come and whine to me like a child because I gave you some responsibility. Being a king is about responsibility, Elias.” Her tone was sharp, nearly as sharp as her crystal gaze. “It is not solely for your own glory. When the time comes for you to wear that crown in earnest, flaunt your power all you like, but there are times when you have to give your lessers what they want. Yours is the voice they want to hear right now, Elias, not mine. By handing you the Court, I merely gave you the venue with which to speak.”
Still unperturbed, she simply shrugged at his assertion that it could come back to hurt him later. She went on, “And if it does, you’ll find a way out of it. It wouldn’t be the first time something you’ve done or said has worked against you, and no matter the outcome of all this, it certainly won’t be the last. Life is full of unexpected turns, boy. Get used to it.” Her words were not intended to be harsh or insulting, just the blunt truth. Elias had been coddled all his life, and he was only recently starting to learn that things would not always go his way. It was how one adapted and overcame such obstacles that defined who they were as a person. And she meant for her boy to come out of all this even stronger than before.
Even if she had to give him a few pushes to prove it.
“As I said before, you did well. The only thing I would really criticize you for is your treatment of Danae.” Eyes flashing for the first time with any sort of real emotion since they’d first started talking, her jaw was gritted as she reprimanded him, “That was unnecessarily cruel, and you know it. She is your sister, Elias, and such behavior is beyond unacceptable. You treat her like that in front of the entire Court, and then you wonder why she doesn’t trust you! It’s true that Danae can be naïve, but she’s far more intelligent than you or Chara give her credit for. While what she did tonight was misguided, even you have to admit she went about it brilliantly. After watching that…” Circenia shook her head. “When the crown is yours, you won’t want her to become your enemy.”
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The princess didn’t even seem the least bit disturbed as her son started questioning her and complaining about her methods, merely raising a brow in his direction and taking a calm sip of her wine. Once he finally went quiet, she asked in a flat tone, “Are you done now?”
Cutting her gaze at him before rolling her eyes, she slowly twirled the stem of her goblet between her fingers. “You’re angry with me.” It was a statement of fact, not a question, his resentment practically rolling off of him. “Curious that you should be mad over something so trivial, especially when you did so well.”
Sympathy was not a trait that was strong in Circenia, and none could be found in the deadpan expression she showed her son. “You are a man grown, and yet you come and whine to me like a child because I gave you some responsibility. Being a king is about responsibility, Elias.” Her tone was sharp, nearly as sharp as her crystal gaze. “It is not solely for your own glory. When the time comes for you to wear that crown in earnest, flaunt your power all you like, but there are times when you have to give your lessers what they want. Yours is the voice they want to hear right now, Elias, not mine. By handing you the Court, I merely gave you the venue with which to speak.”
Still unperturbed, she simply shrugged at his assertion that it could come back to hurt him later. She went on, “And if it does, you’ll find a way out of it. It wouldn’t be the first time something you’ve done or said has worked against you, and no matter the outcome of all this, it certainly won’t be the last. Life is full of unexpected turns, boy. Get used to it.” Her words were not intended to be harsh or insulting, just the blunt truth. Elias had been coddled all his life, and he was only recently starting to learn that things would not always go his way. It was how one adapted and overcame such obstacles that defined who they were as a person. And she meant for her boy to come out of all this even stronger than before.
Even if she had to give him a few pushes to prove it.
“As I said before, you did well. The only thing I would really criticize you for is your treatment of Danae.” Eyes flashing for the first time with any sort of real emotion since they’d first started talking, her jaw was gritted as she reprimanded him, “That was unnecessarily cruel, and you know it. She is your sister, Elias, and such behavior is beyond unacceptable. You treat her like that in front of the entire Court, and then you wonder why she doesn’t trust you! It’s true that Danae can be naïve, but she’s far more intelligent than you or Chara give her credit for. While what she did tonight was misguided, even you have to admit she went about it brilliantly. After watching that…” Circenia shook her head. “When the crown is yours, you won’t want her to become your enemy.”
The princess didn’t even seem the least bit disturbed as her son started questioning her and complaining about her methods, merely raising a brow in his direction and taking a calm sip of her wine. Once he finally went quiet, she asked in a flat tone, “Are you done now?”
Cutting her gaze at him before rolling her eyes, she slowly twirled the stem of her goblet between her fingers. “You’re angry with me.” It was a statement of fact, not a question, his resentment practically rolling off of him. “Curious that you should be mad over something so trivial, especially when you did so well.”
Sympathy was not a trait that was strong in Circenia, and none could be found in the deadpan expression she showed her son. “You are a man grown, and yet you come and whine to me like a child because I gave you some responsibility. Being a king is about responsibility, Elias.” Her tone was sharp, nearly as sharp as her crystal gaze. “It is not solely for your own glory. When the time comes for you to wear that crown in earnest, flaunt your power all you like, but there are times when you have to give your lessers what they want. Yours is the voice they want to hear right now, Elias, not mine. By handing you the Court, I merely gave you the venue with which to speak.”
Still unperturbed, she simply shrugged at his assertion that it could come back to hurt him later. She went on, “And if it does, you’ll find a way out of it. It wouldn’t be the first time something you’ve done or said has worked against you, and no matter the outcome of all this, it certainly won’t be the last. Life is full of unexpected turns, boy. Get used to it.” Her words were not intended to be harsh or insulting, just the blunt truth. Elias had been coddled all his life, and he was only recently starting to learn that things would not always go his way. It was how one adapted and overcame such obstacles that defined who they were as a person. And she meant for her boy to come out of all this even stronger than before.
Even if she had to give him a few pushes to prove it.
“As I said before, you did well. The only thing I would really criticize you for is your treatment of Danae.” Eyes flashing for the first time with any sort of real emotion since they’d first started talking, her jaw was gritted as she reprimanded him, “That was unnecessarily cruel, and you know it. She is your sister, Elias, and such behavior is beyond unacceptable. You treat her like that in front of the entire Court, and then you wonder why she doesn’t trust you! It’s true that Danae can be naïve, but she’s far more intelligent than you or Chara give her credit for. While what she did tonight was misguided, even you have to admit she went about it brilliantly. After watching that…” Circenia shook her head. “When the crown is yours, you won’t want her to become your enemy.”
Are you done now?
The question was condescending, as if the will of Circenia stood above all else. While Elias of Stravos sought to bring pride to his mother's heart, the means through which she 'tested' him was deplorable at best, and dangerous at worst. She was so casual in her meanderings, so flippant as she stated the obvious. Of course he was angry. In a time when the Stravos were meant to be a united front more than any other, throwing him under the carriage was utterly counterintuitive. To Elias, it wasn't about whether or not he did well, whether or not he met the woman's expectations. It was a matter of trust, and though he'd recovered hers, she was testing his own.
Then, she berated him and undermined his understanding of what it was to have power. Elias had, after all, put his understanding of rule to test, already! Certainly, kingship was a step beyond the rule he was accustomed to, but nonetheless, he was no stranger to being beholden to his constituency. Clientele, his workers, he'd brought satisfaction and perfection in all of his actions. It was only recently, when he needed for the rule of the fledgling princess to be put into question that he pulled away from responsibility and went to flaunting his power instead.
"I am a man grown, but you throw your little tests and trivial trials at me at a risk grander than the small reward of your faith," he seethed. His thoughts gathered, for he listened to his mother in full before he dared respond to her, stalling only when she told him to 'get used to it'. There was, of course, valid points in her little ploy, but nonetheless, the part of him that flared with distaste at it all was stronger than his willingness to accept the fact of it. He narrowed his eyes at her before he said,
"I might have taken the initiative on my own, if the need arose. I entered the court in good faith, to show the royals of Athenia that while Emilia of Xanthos languished in her perceived illness and lack of action, that the Stravoses are present."
The words seemed to hang over them as she went on to criticize his impeccable performance in the court room. She spoke of the treatment of her sister, but in his eyes, his handling of the situation with her was more than fair.
"Cruel? It was nothing of the sort. I was all smiles and positive reinforcement. Danae is weak and unable to adapt, the very thing that you tested my capacity in! Her trust or lack thereof isn't so relevant as her own efforts to undermine me. When both of the woman of my family actively seek to throw me to the fires, what else am I to do? She got a slap on the wrist at worst. Cruelty is not what it was and any attempt to call it so is your eagerness to protect her."
It was unfair. But more than that, it was asinine that she dare go against him. Elias of Stravos was the victor, the one who handled the courts with ease. While it was Chara who sought to rule over them, it was always his ability to seamlessly capture the attention of the people, with both beauty and guile, that he had over any of the other members of the family.
"I'll admit nothing of the sort. I can, however reluctantly, admit to the anger at you for your actions is null and unnecessary. You did as you thought was right to prove my capacity to a court that was initially hostile against me. What Danae did was to actively undermine my words and call into question what both you and I knew was a farce intent on appeasing the very fools you want me to impress."
Laughter spilled from his lips at the idea of Danae being made into his enemy. She was young, naive, and however intelligent mother made her out to be, she disintegrated any sort of praise he could have for her ability to manipulate the idiot Markarios by being unable to see past the words he spoke for what they were.
"How can you call her intelligent and brilliant when her actions are motivated entirely through misunderstanding? She can feel as resentful as she likes for what transpired, but when even you and father move past it for the sake of the future, who does she think she is to question her Head of House? It's disgusting," he completed, hissing at the thought before he shook his head.
"Whatever. This isn't what I came here for. I need your help and whatever Danae is or isn't hasn't the slightest bit of relevance. Her outburst brought an obstacle to the forefront that needs to be brought to heel, as I mentioned earlier."
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Are you done now?
The question was condescending, as if the will of Circenia stood above all else. While Elias of Stravos sought to bring pride to his mother's heart, the means through which she 'tested' him was deplorable at best, and dangerous at worst. She was so casual in her meanderings, so flippant as she stated the obvious. Of course he was angry. In a time when the Stravos were meant to be a united front more than any other, throwing him under the carriage was utterly counterintuitive. To Elias, it wasn't about whether or not he did well, whether or not he met the woman's expectations. It was a matter of trust, and though he'd recovered hers, she was testing his own.
Then, she berated him and undermined his understanding of what it was to have power. Elias had, after all, put his understanding of rule to test, already! Certainly, kingship was a step beyond the rule he was accustomed to, but nonetheless, he was no stranger to being beholden to his constituency. Clientele, his workers, he'd brought satisfaction and perfection in all of his actions. It was only recently, when he needed for the rule of the fledgling princess to be put into question that he pulled away from responsibility and went to flaunting his power instead.
"I am a man grown, but you throw your little tests and trivial trials at me at a risk grander than the small reward of your faith," he seethed. His thoughts gathered, for he listened to his mother in full before he dared respond to her, stalling only when she told him to 'get used to it'. There was, of course, valid points in her little ploy, but nonetheless, the part of him that flared with distaste at it all was stronger than his willingness to accept the fact of it. He narrowed his eyes at her before he said,
"I might have taken the initiative on my own, if the need arose. I entered the court in good faith, to show the royals of Athenia that while Emilia of Xanthos languished in her perceived illness and lack of action, that the Stravoses are present."
The words seemed to hang over them as she went on to criticize his impeccable performance in the court room. She spoke of the treatment of her sister, but in his eyes, his handling of the situation with her was more than fair.
"Cruel? It was nothing of the sort. I was all smiles and positive reinforcement. Danae is weak and unable to adapt, the very thing that you tested my capacity in! Her trust or lack thereof isn't so relevant as her own efforts to undermine me. When both of the woman of my family actively seek to throw me to the fires, what else am I to do? She got a slap on the wrist at worst. Cruelty is not what it was and any attempt to call it so is your eagerness to protect her."
It was unfair. But more than that, it was asinine that she dare go against him. Elias of Stravos was the victor, the one who handled the courts with ease. While it was Chara who sought to rule over them, it was always his ability to seamlessly capture the attention of the people, with both beauty and guile, that he had over any of the other members of the family.
"I'll admit nothing of the sort. I can, however reluctantly, admit to the anger at you for your actions is null and unnecessary. You did as you thought was right to prove my capacity to a court that was initially hostile against me. What Danae did was to actively undermine my words and call into question what both you and I knew was a farce intent on appeasing the very fools you want me to impress."
Laughter spilled from his lips at the idea of Danae being made into his enemy. She was young, naive, and however intelligent mother made her out to be, she disintegrated any sort of praise he could have for her ability to manipulate the idiot Markarios by being unable to see past the words he spoke for what they were.
"How can you call her intelligent and brilliant when her actions are motivated entirely through misunderstanding? She can feel as resentful as she likes for what transpired, but when even you and father move past it for the sake of the future, who does she think she is to question her Head of House? It's disgusting," he completed, hissing at the thought before he shook his head.
"Whatever. This isn't what I came here for. I need your help and whatever Danae is or isn't hasn't the slightest bit of relevance. Her outburst brought an obstacle to the forefront that needs to be brought to heel, as I mentioned earlier."
Are you done now?
The question was condescending, as if the will of Circenia stood above all else. While Elias of Stravos sought to bring pride to his mother's heart, the means through which she 'tested' him was deplorable at best, and dangerous at worst. She was so casual in her meanderings, so flippant as she stated the obvious. Of course he was angry. In a time when the Stravos were meant to be a united front more than any other, throwing him under the carriage was utterly counterintuitive. To Elias, it wasn't about whether or not he did well, whether or not he met the woman's expectations. It was a matter of trust, and though he'd recovered hers, she was testing his own.
Then, she berated him and undermined his understanding of what it was to have power. Elias had, after all, put his understanding of rule to test, already! Certainly, kingship was a step beyond the rule he was accustomed to, but nonetheless, he was no stranger to being beholden to his constituency. Clientele, his workers, he'd brought satisfaction and perfection in all of his actions. It was only recently, when he needed for the rule of the fledgling princess to be put into question that he pulled away from responsibility and went to flaunting his power instead.
"I am a man grown, but you throw your little tests and trivial trials at me at a risk grander than the small reward of your faith," he seethed. His thoughts gathered, for he listened to his mother in full before he dared respond to her, stalling only when she told him to 'get used to it'. There was, of course, valid points in her little ploy, but nonetheless, the part of him that flared with distaste at it all was stronger than his willingness to accept the fact of it. He narrowed his eyes at her before he said,
"I might have taken the initiative on my own, if the need arose. I entered the court in good faith, to show the royals of Athenia that while Emilia of Xanthos languished in her perceived illness and lack of action, that the Stravoses are present."
The words seemed to hang over them as she went on to criticize his impeccable performance in the court room. She spoke of the treatment of her sister, but in his eyes, his handling of the situation with her was more than fair.
"Cruel? It was nothing of the sort. I was all smiles and positive reinforcement. Danae is weak and unable to adapt, the very thing that you tested my capacity in! Her trust or lack thereof isn't so relevant as her own efforts to undermine me. When both of the woman of my family actively seek to throw me to the fires, what else am I to do? She got a slap on the wrist at worst. Cruelty is not what it was and any attempt to call it so is your eagerness to protect her."
It was unfair. But more than that, it was asinine that she dare go against him. Elias of Stravos was the victor, the one who handled the courts with ease. While it was Chara who sought to rule over them, it was always his ability to seamlessly capture the attention of the people, with both beauty and guile, that he had over any of the other members of the family.
"I'll admit nothing of the sort. I can, however reluctantly, admit to the anger at you for your actions is null and unnecessary. You did as you thought was right to prove my capacity to a court that was initially hostile against me. What Danae did was to actively undermine my words and call into question what both you and I knew was a farce intent on appeasing the very fools you want me to impress."
Laughter spilled from his lips at the idea of Danae being made into his enemy. She was young, naive, and however intelligent mother made her out to be, she disintegrated any sort of praise he could have for her ability to manipulate the idiot Markarios by being unable to see past the words he spoke for what they were.
"How can you call her intelligent and brilliant when her actions are motivated entirely through misunderstanding? She can feel as resentful as she likes for what transpired, but when even you and father move past it for the sake of the future, who does she think she is to question her Head of House? It's disgusting," he completed, hissing at the thought before he shook his head.
"Whatever. This isn't what I came here for. I need your help and whatever Danae is or isn't hasn't the slightest bit of relevance. Her outburst brought an obstacle to the forefront that needs to be brought to heel, as I mentioned earlier."
Elias responded in much the way she expected him to, insisting that his own methods were the proper course, just as he always did. Perhaps it was a trait he inherited from her; in fact, she knew it was. After all, was she not the one who taught him to always trust his instincts? That he was so far exalted above others? She could really only blame herself for his petulant and selfish behavior, but just like her son, Circenia of Stravos was rarely one to admit her own wrongdoing. Fire would freeze before such heresy would ever leave her mouth.
Danae is weak and unable to adapt, the very thing that you tested my capacity in!
“Danae is sixteen, and she is not the one on the cusp of wearing a crown!” Circenia countered in a hiss, jaw clenched as he continued his tirade. “You and your sister are not the same, neither in personality nor in status, and to make the comparison is a false equivalency at best and a foolish excuse for your immature behavior at worst!” She shook her head, her disbelief at having to explain this palpable. “She is barely out of girlhood and naïve to the ways of the Court, at that. Did you truly expect her to just know your ruse for what it was without hint or explanation given beforehand? Again, you compare her to me and your father as if there is a comparison to be had. Keikelius and I have nearly fifty years of experience in matters of crown and kingdom—do you really think Danae has the same knowledge and instinct we do?” She scoffed. “You expect too much of her. Remember that you were not perfect at sixteen, either. Nor are you perfect now.”
All that said, the princess let some of her anger vent when Elias commented that his own anger with her was unnecessary. Of course it was. When had she ever led him astray? Whether he liked her approach or not, the things she did were always with him in mind. As selfish as she was, Circenia would give anything for her children, especially Elias. She knew deep down that he was aware of this. How could he not be? Look where he was now; could he have done it without her guidance and support? One only had to look at his actions where he left her out of the equation to know the answer.
Draining her first glass, she grabbed the bottle to refill it before setting it back down between them. “Regardless of all of this, you are right. It will serve us no good to sit here and argue when there are larger issues to be dealt with. Tell me how I can help you, and you know I will do what I can.”
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Elias responded in much the way she expected him to, insisting that his own methods were the proper course, just as he always did. Perhaps it was a trait he inherited from her; in fact, she knew it was. After all, was she not the one who taught him to always trust his instincts? That he was so far exalted above others? She could really only blame herself for his petulant and selfish behavior, but just like her son, Circenia of Stravos was rarely one to admit her own wrongdoing. Fire would freeze before such heresy would ever leave her mouth.
Danae is weak and unable to adapt, the very thing that you tested my capacity in!
“Danae is sixteen, and she is not the one on the cusp of wearing a crown!” Circenia countered in a hiss, jaw clenched as he continued his tirade. “You and your sister are not the same, neither in personality nor in status, and to make the comparison is a false equivalency at best and a foolish excuse for your immature behavior at worst!” She shook her head, her disbelief at having to explain this palpable. “She is barely out of girlhood and naïve to the ways of the Court, at that. Did you truly expect her to just know your ruse for what it was without hint or explanation given beforehand? Again, you compare her to me and your father as if there is a comparison to be had. Keikelius and I have nearly fifty years of experience in matters of crown and kingdom—do you really think Danae has the same knowledge and instinct we do?” She scoffed. “You expect too much of her. Remember that you were not perfect at sixteen, either. Nor are you perfect now.”
All that said, the princess let some of her anger vent when Elias commented that his own anger with her was unnecessary. Of course it was. When had she ever led him astray? Whether he liked her approach or not, the things she did were always with him in mind. As selfish as she was, Circenia would give anything for her children, especially Elias. She knew deep down that he was aware of this. How could he not be? Look where he was now; could he have done it without her guidance and support? One only had to look at his actions where he left her out of the equation to know the answer.
Draining her first glass, she grabbed the bottle to refill it before setting it back down between them. “Regardless of all of this, you are right. It will serve us no good to sit here and argue when there are larger issues to be dealt with. Tell me how I can help you, and you know I will do what I can.”
Elias responded in much the way she expected him to, insisting that his own methods were the proper course, just as he always did. Perhaps it was a trait he inherited from her; in fact, she knew it was. After all, was she not the one who taught him to always trust his instincts? That he was so far exalted above others? She could really only blame herself for his petulant and selfish behavior, but just like her son, Circenia of Stravos was rarely one to admit her own wrongdoing. Fire would freeze before such heresy would ever leave her mouth.
Danae is weak and unable to adapt, the very thing that you tested my capacity in!
“Danae is sixteen, and she is not the one on the cusp of wearing a crown!” Circenia countered in a hiss, jaw clenched as he continued his tirade. “You and your sister are not the same, neither in personality nor in status, and to make the comparison is a false equivalency at best and a foolish excuse for your immature behavior at worst!” She shook her head, her disbelief at having to explain this palpable. “She is barely out of girlhood and naïve to the ways of the Court, at that. Did you truly expect her to just know your ruse for what it was without hint or explanation given beforehand? Again, you compare her to me and your father as if there is a comparison to be had. Keikelius and I have nearly fifty years of experience in matters of crown and kingdom—do you really think Danae has the same knowledge and instinct we do?” She scoffed. “You expect too much of her. Remember that you were not perfect at sixteen, either. Nor are you perfect now.”
All that said, the princess let some of her anger vent when Elias commented that his own anger with her was unnecessary. Of course it was. When had she ever led him astray? Whether he liked her approach or not, the things she did were always with him in mind. As selfish as she was, Circenia would give anything for her children, especially Elias. She knew deep down that he was aware of this. How could he not be? Look where he was now; could he have done it without her guidance and support? One only had to look at his actions where he left her out of the equation to know the answer.
Draining her first glass, she grabbed the bottle to refill it before setting it back down between them. “Regardless of all of this, you are right. It will serve us no good to sit here and argue when there are larger issues to be dealt with. Tell me how I can help you, and you know I will do what I can.”