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To say that Evi and Elias were... sneaking around would be unfair. They were trying to keep their carnal relations a secret, sure, but neither of them was making much of an effort to be particularly stealthy about it. They merely planned their liaisons to coincide with when they believed their respective homes to be empty. More often than not, Evi was round at Archontikó Stravos, rather than him visiting her, so it wasn’t surprising that there had been a few rumours circulating.
The first visit she had made to Elias had been the most clandestine, right around the time when he had been under house arrest, charged with treason. She had come to find out if the rumours were true - and had been provided more information than she really wanted to know. That visit had, inevitably, led to Evi spending the night with Elias, and it had meant all the more, with Elias using the word ‘love’ in front of her for the first time.
When Elias looked at Evi, it was as if every ounce of breath was taken from her lungs, floating into the air like midnight smoke. Every time he kissed her it felt like the world had stopped, leaving just the two of them to wander the earth together. Every time he held her face between his hands, it felt like he was breaking down every barrier she had put up to protect herself, holding her for eternity in the arms she had grown so accustomed to.
Despite this, Evi still didn’t know how Elias really felt about her. She knew he cared about her, and that he admired her wit and intelligence… she would like to believe that she was something more than just a passing fling, like so many other girls before her. There seemed to be an connection, something more than just sex, between the two of them. But she was young and naïve (even she could admit that much to herself) so she couldn’t be sure.
Regardless, this was what she had wanted for so long. The young girl knew that, as the third daughter of one of the Antonis families, she was unlikely to secure as good a match as that of Elias of Stravos, but that hadn’t stopped her from developing a crush on the influential heir. That crush had, over the past few months, blossomed into something much more tangible. It was a story she never, ever wanted to end. For so long she had longed for it… and now she couldn’t bare to lose it - lose this thing that made her feel so complete.
It was early morning when Evi, with a kiss for Elias to say goodbye, left the young lord’s room and padded out down the corridor and into the main receiving room of the building. She had planned to make her exit quietly so as not to disturb the rest of the house. With any luck, they would have succeeded in keeping their relationship quiet for another day.
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To say that Evi and Elias were... sneaking around would be unfair. They were trying to keep their carnal relations a secret, sure, but neither of them was making much of an effort to be particularly stealthy about it. They merely planned their liaisons to coincide with when they believed their respective homes to be empty. More often than not, Evi was round at Archontikó Stravos, rather than him visiting her, so it wasn’t surprising that there had been a few rumours circulating.
The first visit she had made to Elias had been the most clandestine, right around the time when he had been under house arrest, charged with treason. She had come to find out if the rumours were true - and had been provided more information than she really wanted to know. That visit had, inevitably, led to Evi spending the night with Elias, and it had meant all the more, with Elias using the word ‘love’ in front of her for the first time.
When Elias looked at Evi, it was as if every ounce of breath was taken from her lungs, floating into the air like midnight smoke. Every time he kissed her it felt like the world had stopped, leaving just the two of them to wander the earth together. Every time he held her face between his hands, it felt like he was breaking down every barrier she had put up to protect herself, holding her for eternity in the arms she had grown so accustomed to.
Despite this, Evi still didn’t know how Elias really felt about her. She knew he cared about her, and that he admired her wit and intelligence… she would like to believe that she was something more than just a passing fling, like so many other girls before her. There seemed to be an connection, something more than just sex, between the two of them. But she was young and naïve (even she could admit that much to herself) so she couldn’t be sure.
Regardless, this was what she had wanted for so long. The young girl knew that, as the third daughter of one of the Antonis families, she was unlikely to secure as good a match as that of Elias of Stravos, but that hadn’t stopped her from developing a crush on the influential heir. That crush had, over the past few months, blossomed into something much more tangible. It was a story she never, ever wanted to end. For so long she had longed for it… and now she couldn’t bare to lose it - lose this thing that made her feel so complete.
It was early morning when Evi, with a kiss for Elias to say goodbye, left the young lord’s room and padded out down the corridor and into the main receiving room of the building. She had planned to make her exit quietly so as not to disturb the rest of the house. With any luck, they would have succeeded in keeping their relationship quiet for another day.
To say that Evi and Elias were... sneaking around would be unfair. They were trying to keep their carnal relations a secret, sure, but neither of them was making much of an effort to be particularly stealthy about it. They merely planned their liaisons to coincide with when they believed their respective homes to be empty. More often than not, Evi was round at Archontikó Stravos, rather than him visiting her, so it wasn’t surprising that there had been a few rumours circulating.
The first visit she had made to Elias had been the most clandestine, right around the time when he had been under house arrest, charged with treason. She had come to find out if the rumours were true - and had been provided more information than she really wanted to know. That visit had, inevitably, led to Evi spending the night with Elias, and it had meant all the more, with Elias using the word ‘love’ in front of her for the first time.
When Elias looked at Evi, it was as if every ounce of breath was taken from her lungs, floating into the air like midnight smoke. Every time he kissed her it felt like the world had stopped, leaving just the two of them to wander the earth together. Every time he held her face between his hands, it felt like he was breaking down every barrier she had put up to protect herself, holding her for eternity in the arms she had grown so accustomed to.
Despite this, Evi still didn’t know how Elias really felt about her. She knew he cared about her, and that he admired her wit and intelligence… she would like to believe that she was something more than just a passing fling, like so many other girls before her. There seemed to be an connection, something more than just sex, between the two of them. But she was young and naïve (even she could admit that much to herself) so she couldn’t be sure.
Regardless, this was what she had wanted for so long. The young girl knew that, as the third daughter of one of the Antonis families, she was unlikely to secure as good a match as that of Elias of Stravos, but that hadn’t stopped her from developing a crush on the influential heir. That crush had, over the past few months, blossomed into something much more tangible. It was a story she never, ever wanted to end. For so long she had longed for it… and now she couldn’t bare to lose it - lose this thing that made her feel so complete.
It was early morning when Evi, with a kiss for Elias to say goodbye, left the young lord’s room and padded out down the corridor and into the main receiving room of the building. She had planned to make her exit quietly so as not to disturb the rest of the house. With any luck, they would have succeeded in keeping their relationship quiet for another day.
Of course, Circenia had heard the rumors about her son’s affair with Evi of Antonis, for what sort of courtier would she be if she hadn’t? Unfortunately, the opportunity to catch them in the act had not yet presented itself, and she was not about to approach Elias without concrete proof. For how could she not call him out? Did he not understand the risk he was taking? There was absolutely no way the princess would allow her son to marry one of the Antonis girls, not when Emilia was right there within their grasp. She would see Elias on the throne, and Evi was nothing more than an obstacle and a distraction to that goal. If he got her with child…
Circenia couldn’t allow that to happen.
When a slave came whispering in her ear about the presence of a young lady in her son’s room that morning, the princess’s lips curled in a sort of grim delight. At last, she would be able to see for herself whether these rumors held any merit or not. And if they did… well, she had no doubt she would make the young lady wish she had never stepped foot in this manor.
Rather than storming into Elias’s room and demanding answers, Circenia opted for a more subtle approach. Dressing herself in a scarlet chiton of finely wrought silk, the Stravos matriarch wove her hair into a simple braided coronet and slipped her feet into golden leather sandals. Her gait as immaculate as her dress, she padded on silent feet down the hall into the main receiving room of the archontiko and settled herself on one of the padded klines. Summoning a servant to fetch two breakfasts here instead of the dining hall, Circenia settled in to wait. After all, there was only one way out of the house. Her son’s paramour had to walk past her eventually.
Tearing delicately at the flatbread the servant brought her, Circenia’s gaze flicked toward the hall when she heard delicate footfalls steadily coming closer. Straightening up and pasting a false smile on her face, the princess waited until the culprit was right near the door before calling out in a deceptively friendly tone, “Lady Evi!” Just as she expected, the brunette girl was indeed the young lady of Antonis. So, the rumors were true this time…
Waiting for the younger woman to face her, her smile broadened as she indicated the second meal on the tray next to her. “My lady, surely you will not leave without joining me for breakfast first?” While it was phrased as a question, her words undoubtedly held the intonation of a command. “Come, have a seat. Let’s talk.”
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Of course, Circenia had heard the rumors about her son’s affair with Evi of Antonis, for what sort of courtier would she be if she hadn’t? Unfortunately, the opportunity to catch them in the act had not yet presented itself, and she was not about to approach Elias without concrete proof. For how could she not call him out? Did he not understand the risk he was taking? There was absolutely no way the princess would allow her son to marry one of the Antonis girls, not when Emilia was right there within their grasp. She would see Elias on the throne, and Evi was nothing more than an obstacle and a distraction to that goal. If he got her with child…
Circenia couldn’t allow that to happen.
When a slave came whispering in her ear about the presence of a young lady in her son’s room that morning, the princess’s lips curled in a sort of grim delight. At last, she would be able to see for herself whether these rumors held any merit or not. And if they did… well, she had no doubt she would make the young lady wish she had never stepped foot in this manor.
Rather than storming into Elias’s room and demanding answers, Circenia opted for a more subtle approach. Dressing herself in a scarlet chiton of finely wrought silk, the Stravos matriarch wove her hair into a simple braided coronet and slipped her feet into golden leather sandals. Her gait as immaculate as her dress, she padded on silent feet down the hall into the main receiving room of the archontiko and settled herself on one of the padded klines. Summoning a servant to fetch two breakfasts here instead of the dining hall, Circenia settled in to wait. After all, there was only one way out of the house. Her son’s paramour had to walk past her eventually.
Tearing delicately at the flatbread the servant brought her, Circenia’s gaze flicked toward the hall when she heard delicate footfalls steadily coming closer. Straightening up and pasting a false smile on her face, the princess waited until the culprit was right near the door before calling out in a deceptively friendly tone, “Lady Evi!” Just as she expected, the brunette girl was indeed the young lady of Antonis. So, the rumors were true this time…
Waiting for the younger woman to face her, her smile broadened as she indicated the second meal on the tray next to her. “My lady, surely you will not leave without joining me for breakfast first?” While it was phrased as a question, her words undoubtedly held the intonation of a command. “Come, have a seat. Let’s talk.”
Of course, Circenia had heard the rumors about her son’s affair with Evi of Antonis, for what sort of courtier would she be if she hadn’t? Unfortunately, the opportunity to catch them in the act had not yet presented itself, and she was not about to approach Elias without concrete proof. For how could she not call him out? Did he not understand the risk he was taking? There was absolutely no way the princess would allow her son to marry one of the Antonis girls, not when Emilia was right there within their grasp. She would see Elias on the throne, and Evi was nothing more than an obstacle and a distraction to that goal. If he got her with child…
Circenia couldn’t allow that to happen.
When a slave came whispering in her ear about the presence of a young lady in her son’s room that morning, the princess’s lips curled in a sort of grim delight. At last, she would be able to see for herself whether these rumors held any merit or not. And if they did… well, she had no doubt she would make the young lady wish she had never stepped foot in this manor.
Rather than storming into Elias’s room and demanding answers, Circenia opted for a more subtle approach. Dressing herself in a scarlet chiton of finely wrought silk, the Stravos matriarch wove her hair into a simple braided coronet and slipped her feet into golden leather sandals. Her gait as immaculate as her dress, she padded on silent feet down the hall into the main receiving room of the archontiko and settled herself on one of the padded klines. Summoning a servant to fetch two breakfasts here instead of the dining hall, Circenia settled in to wait. After all, there was only one way out of the house. Her son’s paramour had to walk past her eventually.
Tearing delicately at the flatbread the servant brought her, Circenia’s gaze flicked toward the hall when she heard delicate footfalls steadily coming closer. Straightening up and pasting a false smile on her face, the princess waited until the culprit was right near the door before calling out in a deceptively friendly tone, “Lady Evi!” Just as she expected, the brunette girl was indeed the young lady of Antonis. So, the rumors were true this time…
Waiting for the younger woman to face her, her smile broadened as she indicated the second meal on the tray next to her. “My lady, surely you will not leave without joining me for breakfast first?” While it was phrased as a question, her words undoubtedly held the intonation of a command. “Come, have a seat. Let’s talk.”
Hearing a voice call out her name had Evi’s whole body seize in fright. She had not expected anyone in the archontikó to be up this early, let alone sitting as if ready to receive company. The girl, who had been turning away to walk into the early morning light, froze. She turned slowly on her heel until he’s facing the woman who spoke, Circenia, fixing her with a piercing look even as her own heart rate rabbited up into her throat.
She had never spent any time alone with Circenia of Stravos, much less had a conversation with her beyond the few occasions where her family paraded her and her sisters around the circles of nobility within the city. Thinking back, there had been occasional polite, yet vastly disinterested, comments about how well the children held themselves. Any questions stuck to the usual discussion of whether they were enjoying whichever societal gathering was happening. But there had never been any meaningful conversation between the Stravos matriarch and herself. It couldn’t even be said that Evi knew a great deal about the woman.
But that didn’t matter, in the grand scheme of things. What did matter is that it was early morning and Evi had just been caught trying to leave archontikó Stravos undetected. There was no point in lying and pretending that she hadn’t just come from Elias’ room. The rumours, if Circenia had heard them, were now proven to be true. Were she Elias’ mother, Evi wouldn’t be too impressed by the match. She would never allow Elias to marry below his station, even if Evi herself was royal blood. And there was even evidence that Elias and Evi had been carrying on for some months now. This was no whimsical dalliance; no amorous and frisky, yet totally meaningless, liaison.
There were emotions attached to their carrying on now, especially on the part of the young woman, who had harboured a secret crush for Elias for a number of years now. She liked to think that she was not alone in feeling this way, that Elias had developed feelings beyond mere carnal infatuation. Oddly, she found it easiest to identify events, immaterial experiences that triggered positive responses.
It was too much the their perfect night could lead into a day that would also go as smoothly. Evi conjured a look of polite thanks from her facial arsenal, then lifted her chin, because she was a stubborn son of a bitch. "Your Highness,” she greeted forcing a pleasant, calm tone of voice when all her brain seemed to want to do was stutter over her words, “I would be honoured to join you for breakfast.” She was trying to give the impression of casual indifference and distraction. It probably wasn't working.
She sat primely on the chair Circenia indicated and reached forward to pour herself some water into a glass, but she said nothing more. She knew what the woman wanted to talk about and would not be the first to broach the subject. Evi opened her mouth to speak, to ask how the other woman slept, as was courtesy when breaking fast with another, but even that seemed to brush too close to a conversation Evi just didn’t want to have with Circenia. She closed her mouth again, instead turning to the food in front of her. Maybe if she was lucky - though she sincerely doubted that to be the case - she could remain as long as was polite and then leave without any difficult conversations.
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Hearing a voice call out her name had Evi’s whole body seize in fright. She had not expected anyone in the archontikó to be up this early, let alone sitting as if ready to receive company. The girl, who had been turning away to walk into the early morning light, froze. She turned slowly on her heel until he’s facing the woman who spoke, Circenia, fixing her with a piercing look even as her own heart rate rabbited up into her throat.
She had never spent any time alone with Circenia of Stravos, much less had a conversation with her beyond the few occasions where her family paraded her and her sisters around the circles of nobility within the city. Thinking back, there had been occasional polite, yet vastly disinterested, comments about how well the children held themselves. Any questions stuck to the usual discussion of whether they were enjoying whichever societal gathering was happening. But there had never been any meaningful conversation between the Stravos matriarch and herself. It couldn’t even be said that Evi knew a great deal about the woman.
But that didn’t matter, in the grand scheme of things. What did matter is that it was early morning and Evi had just been caught trying to leave archontikó Stravos undetected. There was no point in lying and pretending that she hadn’t just come from Elias’ room. The rumours, if Circenia had heard them, were now proven to be true. Were she Elias’ mother, Evi wouldn’t be too impressed by the match. She would never allow Elias to marry below his station, even if Evi herself was royal blood. And there was even evidence that Elias and Evi had been carrying on for some months now. This was no whimsical dalliance; no amorous and frisky, yet totally meaningless, liaison.
There were emotions attached to their carrying on now, especially on the part of the young woman, who had harboured a secret crush for Elias for a number of years now. She liked to think that she was not alone in feeling this way, that Elias had developed feelings beyond mere carnal infatuation. Oddly, she found it easiest to identify events, immaterial experiences that triggered positive responses.
It was too much the their perfect night could lead into a day that would also go as smoothly. Evi conjured a look of polite thanks from her facial arsenal, then lifted her chin, because she was a stubborn son of a bitch. "Your Highness,” she greeted forcing a pleasant, calm tone of voice when all her brain seemed to want to do was stutter over her words, “I would be honoured to join you for breakfast.” She was trying to give the impression of casual indifference and distraction. It probably wasn't working.
She sat primely on the chair Circenia indicated and reached forward to pour herself some water into a glass, but she said nothing more. She knew what the woman wanted to talk about and would not be the first to broach the subject. Evi opened her mouth to speak, to ask how the other woman slept, as was courtesy when breaking fast with another, but even that seemed to brush too close to a conversation Evi just didn’t want to have with Circenia. She closed her mouth again, instead turning to the food in front of her. Maybe if she was lucky - though she sincerely doubted that to be the case - she could remain as long as was polite and then leave without any difficult conversations.
Hearing a voice call out her name had Evi’s whole body seize in fright. She had not expected anyone in the archontikó to be up this early, let alone sitting as if ready to receive company. The girl, who had been turning away to walk into the early morning light, froze. She turned slowly on her heel until he’s facing the woman who spoke, Circenia, fixing her with a piercing look even as her own heart rate rabbited up into her throat.
She had never spent any time alone with Circenia of Stravos, much less had a conversation with her beyond the few occasions where her family paraded her and her sisters around the circles of nobility within the city. Thinking back, there had been occasional polite, yet vastly disinterested, comments about how well the children held themselves. Any questions stuck to the usual discussion of whether they were enjoying whichever societal gathering was happening. But there had never been any meaningful conversation between the Stravos matriarch and herself. It couldn’t even be said that Evi knew a great deal about the woman.
But that didn’t matter, in the grand scheme of things. What did matter is that it was early morning and Evi had just been caught trying to leave archontikó Stravos undetected. There was no point in lying and pretending that she hadn’t just come from Elias’ room. The rumours, if Circenia had heard them, were now proven to be true. Were she Elias’ mother, Evi wouldn’t be too impressed by the match. She would never allow Elias to marry below his station, even if Evi herself was royal blood. And there was even evidence that Elias and Evi had been carrying on for some months now. This was no whimsical dalliance; no amorous and frisky, yet totally meaningless, liaison.
There were emotions attached to their carrying on now, especially on the part of the young woman, who had harboured a secret crush for Elias for a number of years now. She liked to think that she was not alone in feeling this way, that Elias had developed feelings beyond mere carnal infatuation. Oddly, she found it easiest to identify events, immaterial experiences that triggered positive responses.
It was too much the their perfect night could lead into a day that would also go as smoothly. Evi conjured a look of polite thanks from her facial arsenal, then lifted her chin, because she was a stubborn son of a bitch. "Your Highness,” she greeted forcing a pleasant, calm tone of voice when all her brain seemed to want to do was stutter over her words, “I would be honoured to join you for breakfast.” She was trying to give the impression of casual indifference and distraction. It probably wasn't working.
She sat primely on the chair Circenia indicated and reached forward to pour herself some water into a glass, but she said nothing more. She knew what the woman wanted to talk about and would not be the first to broach the subject. Evi opened her mouth to speak, to ask how the other woman slept, as was courtesy when breaking fast with another, but even that seemed to brush too close to a conversation Evi just didn’t want to have with Circenia. She closed her mouth again, instead turning to the food in front of her. Maybe if she was lucky - though she sincerely doubted that to be the case - she could remain as long as was polite and then leave without any difficult conversations.
The girl put on a brave face as she sat down, but it was not enough to fool a woman like Circenia. She could feel the girl’s anxiety like little sparks of lightning across her skin, and it was all the princess could do not to smile. Good. Evi should be nervous. The archontiko Stravos was not a place for a creature like her, and she needed to learn that—by whatever means necessary.
Circenia let the silence stretch between them for an uncomfortable length of time, the unbroachable subject lingering heavily in the air. There was no doubt as to what the young Antonis lady was here for, and to her credit, at least she wasn’t blubbering and denying it. She could admire Evi’s tentative bravery in actually sitting down to break her fast with her, even if there wasn’t much else to admire. However, she had a feeling that reluctant admiration wouldn’t last very long.
Reclining easily on the beautifully upholstered kline, the princess brought a piece of mango to her lips as she locked her uneasy companion in an icy gaze. How long would it take for her to start squirming, or better yet, run for the hills? If Circenia had her way, Evi would have no desire to ever step foot in this house again by the time their meal was through.
“If you think you are getting out of here without a word, you are wrong,” the Stravos matriarch finally said, her tone light to cover the subtle malice beneath. Washing the fruit down with a few sips of chilled water, her lips curled in a mirthless smile. “I knew you were here, Lady Evi, and I did not invite you to dine with me out of polite courtesy. While I would love to sit here and dance around the subject with you all day, I am far too busy to waste my time on something so… insignificant.”
Her gaze was remorseless, setting down her glass and folding her hands in her lap. “So, I will be direct, and please bear in mind that I am not a patient woman. I do not tolerate lies and excuses, so do not even think of attempting them.” Her tone never changed from detached politeness, but each word still held the sting of a whip.
“My lady, do you know who my son is?” Of course, it was a rhetorical question, and so Circenia did not wait for a response. “He is going to be king, and as such, must attend to certain… duties and responsibilities. One of those duties includes associating himself with women who are worthy of a monarch’s attention. Women who will elevate him, rather than drag him down. Now, Lady Evi, do you really believe you are among those worthy few? If so, ‘delusional’ is perhaps too kind a word.”
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The girl put on a brave face as she sat down, but it was not enough to fool a woman like Circenia. She could feel the girl’s anxiety like little sparks of lightning across her skin, and it was all the princess could do not to smile. Good. Evi should be nervous. The archontiko Stravos was not a place for a creature like her, and she needed to learn that—by whatever means necessary.
Circenia let the silence stretch between them for an uncomfortable length of time, the unbroachable subject lingering heavily in the air. There was no doubt as to what the young Antonis lady was here for, and to her credit, at least she wasn’t blubbering and denying it. She could admire Evi’s tentative bravery in actually sitting down to break her fast with her, even if there wasn’t much else to admire. However, she had a feeling that reluctant admiration wouldn’t last very long.
Reclining easily on the beautifully upholstered kline, the princess brought a piece of mango to her lips as she locked her uneasy companion in an icy gaze. How long would it take for her to start squirming, or better yet, run for the hills? If Circenia had her way, Evi would have no desire to ever step foot in this house again by the time their meal was through.
“If you think you are getting out of here without a word, you are wrong,” the Stravos matriarch finally said, her tone light to cover the subtle malice beneath. Washing the fruit down with a few sips of chilled water, her lips curled in a mirthless smile. “I knew you were here, Lady Evi, and I did not invite you to dine with me out of polite courtesy. While I would love to sit here and dance around the subject with you all day, I am far too busy to waste my time on something so… insignificant.”
Her gaze was remorseless, setting down her glass and folding her hands in her lap. “So, I will be direct, and please bear in mind that I am not a patient woman. I do not tolerate lies and excuses, so do not even think of attempting them.” Her tone never changed from detached politeness, but each word still held the sting of a whip.
“My lady, do you know who my son is?” Of course, it was a rhetorical question, and so Circenia did not wait for a response. “He is going to be king, and as such, must attend to certain… duties and responsibilities. One of those duties includes associating himself with women who are worthy of a monarch’s attention. Women who will elevate him, rather than drag him down. Now, Lady Evi, do you really believe you are among those worthy few? If so, ‘delusional’ is perhaps too kind a word.”
The girl put on a brave face as she sat down, but it was not enough to fool a woman like Circenia. She could feel the girl’s anxiety like little sparks of lightning across her skin, and it was all the princess could do not to smile. Good. Evi should be nervous. The archontiko Stravos was not a place for a creature like her, and she needed to learn that—by whatever means necessary.
Circenia let the silence stretch between them for an uncomfortable length of time, the unbroachable subject lingering heavily in the air. There was no doubt as to what the young Antonis lady was here for, and to her credit, at least she wasn’t blubbering and denying it. She could admire Evi’s tentative bravery in actually sitting down to break her fast with her, even if there wasn’t much else to admire. However, she had a feeling that reluctant admiration wouldn’t last very long.
Reclining easily on the beautifully upholstered kline, the princess brought a piece of mango to her lips as she locked her uneasy companion in an icy gaze. How long would it take for her to start squirming, or better yet, run for the hills? If Circenia had her way, Evi would have no desire to ever step foot in this house again by the time their meal was through.
“If you think you are getting out of here without a word, you are wrong,” the Stravos matriarch finally said, her tone light to cover the subtle malice beneath. Washing the fruit down with a few sips of chilled water, her lips curled in a mirthless smile. “I knew you were here, Lady Evi, and I did not invite you to dine with me out of polite courtesy. While I would love to sit here and dance around the subject with you all day, I am far too busy to waste my time on something so… insignificant.”
Her gaze was remorseless, setting down her glass and folding her hands in her lap. “So, I will be direct, and please bear in mind that I am not a patient woman. I do not tolerate lies and excuses, so do not even think of attempting them.” Her tone never changed from detached politeness, but each word still held the sting of a whip.
“My lady, do you know who my son is?” Of course, it was a rhetorical question, and so Circenia did not wait for a response. “He is going to be king, and as such, must attend to certain… duties and responsibilities. One of those duties includes associating himself with women who are worthy of a monarch’s attention. Women who will elevate him, rather than drag him down. Now, Lady Evi, do you really believe you are among those worthy few? If so, ‘delusional’ is perhaps too kind a word.”
Evi sipped at her water and reached for a piece of sliced bread, then she cut herself a pice of cheese, which she placed on top of the bread. She ate slowly, hating the silence that hung between them and thinking of nothing more than a way to get out of there before she had to have the conversation she really didn’t want to happen. It was suffocating, really, the silence. Normally, Evi would know exactly what ti fill the void with, but with Circenia, she was clueless. Instead, she focused on each bit, each chew, each swallow, allowing the silence to drag on was a tactic to make Evi feel uncomfortable, she knew this, and she wasn’t going to bite.
Circenia glanced toward her with a smile Evi would have called indulgent except for the slightly dangerous edge Evi was coming to associate with one that looked so detached from her eyes. She carried on eating, only changing up between taking more sips from her glass of water.
When Circenia did speak, it was exactly what Evi had expected, though it didn’t make it any easier to hear it. She reached over the table again, this time selecting a few grapes which she nibbled on, ruminating over what to say in response to the princess. Circenia was using a most vicious tone: the one that promised severe retribution under a veneer of bored, bureaucratic disinterest. There was a talent to the murder-face, making a simple statement sound something along the lines of move along, if you value your limbs all being intact. She knew she had to tread lightly. “No, I do not see myself as such a woman…” she replied slowly.
She knew Elias thought of women as disposable pleasures rather than meaningful pursuits, though she didn’t quite know where she sat on the spectrum. She had always hoped that she meant something more to Elias than a frisky, yet meaningless, liaison. They had been at this for some months, and they did more than just share a bed: they talked about things of import, Elias sharing information with her, being honest, like he had been when he had admitted to being the backer behind the pirate attacks in Athenian waters.
But she didn’t like being backed into a corner, even by someone as intimidating as the woman sitting across from her. “All evidence to the contrary, I am not some simpleton.” Evi can’t quite find the words for what she wants to say. Maybe they do not exist, or perhaps she herself is too cowardly to speak them. It had taken Evi a long time to realise just how much she craved other people’s respect and approval. It was actually one of Evi’s sisters who had pointed it out to her, after one too many fights between the siblings had her losing her temper. And, while Evi would never admit it, it was killing her to be told that she wouldn’t live up to Elias’ standards.
“But the fact of the matter is, with the laws changed, your son isn’t King. Regardless, I would be inclined to trust his judgement with regards to me. I didn’t accidentally fall on top of him last night - there have been efforts on both sides. Perhaps you should find Elias and have this conversation with him. Though I have it on good authority that he struggles with being told ‘no’.”
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Evi sipped at her water and reached for a piece of sliced bread, then she cut herself a pice of cheese, which she placed on top of the bread. She ate slowly, hating the silence that hung between them and thinking of nothing more than a way to get out of there before she had to have the conversation she really didn’t want to happen. It was suffocating, really, the silence. Normally, Evi would know exactly what ti fill the void with, but with Circenia, she was clueless. Instead, she focused on each bit, each chew, each swallow, allowing the silence to drag on was a tactic to make Evi feel uncomfortable, she knew this, and she wasn’t going to bite.
Circenia glanced toward her with a smile Evi would have called indulgent except for the slightly dangerous edge Evi was coming to associate with one that looked so detached from her eyes. She carried on eating, only changing up between taking more sips from her glass of water.
When Circenia did speak, it was exactly what Evi had expected, though it didn’t make it any easier to hear it. She reached over the table again, this time selecting a few grapes which she nibbled on, ruminating over what to say in response to the princess. Circenia was using a most vicious tone: the one that promised severe retribution under a veneer of bored, bureaucratic disinterest. There was a talent to the murder-face, making a simple statement sound something along the lines of move along, if you value your limbs all being intact. She knew she had to tread lightly. “No, I do not see myself as such a woman…” she replied slowly.
She knew Elias thought of women as disposable pleasures rather than meaningful pursuits, though she didn’t quite know where she sat on the spectrum. She had always hoped that she meant something more to Elias than a frisky, yet meaningless, liaison. They had been at this for some months, and they did more than just share a bed: they talked about things of import, Elias sharing information with her, being honest, like he had been when he had admitted to being the backer behind the pirate attacks in Athenian waters.
But she didn’t like being backed into a corner, even by someone as intimidating as the woman sitting across from her. “All evidence to the contrary, I am not some simpleton.” Evi can’t quite find the words for what she wants to say. Maybe they do not exist, or perhaps she herself is too cowardly to speak them. It had taken Evi a long time to realise just how much she craved other people’s respect and approval. It was actually one of Evi’s sisters who had pointed it out to her, after one too many fights between the siblings had her losing her temper. And, while Evi would never admit it, it was killing her to be told that she wouldn’t live up to Elias’ standards.
“But the fact of the matter is, with the laws changed, your son isn’t King. Regardless, I would be inclined to trust his judgement with regards to me. I didn’t accidentally fall on top of him last night - there have been efforts on both sides. Perhaps you should find Elias and have this conversation with him. Though I have it on good authority that he struggles with being told ‘no’.”
Evi sipped at her water and reached for a piece of sliced bread, then she cut herself a pice of cheese, which she placed on top of the bread. She ate slowly, hating the silence that hung between them and thinking of nothing more than a way to get out of there before she had to have the conversation she really didn’t want to happen. It was suffocating, really, the silence. Normally, Evi would know exactly what ti fill the void with, but with Circenia, she was clueless. Instead, she focused on each bit, each chew, each swallow, allowing the silence to drag on was a tactic to make Evi feel uncomfortable, she knew this, and she wasn’t going to bite.
Circenia glanced toward her with a smile Evi would have called indulgent except for the slightly dangerous edge Evi was coming to associate with one that looked so detached from her eyes. She carried on eating, only changing up between taking more sips from her glass of water.
When Circenia did speak, it was exactly what Evi had expected, though it didn’t make it any easier to hear it. She reached over the table again, this time selecting a few grapes which she nibbled on, ruminating over what to say in response to the princess. Circenia was using a most vicious tone: the one that promised severe retribution under a veneer of bored, bureaucratic disinterest. There was a talent to the murder-face, making a simple statement sound something along the lines of move along, if you value your limbs all being intact. She knew she had to tread lightly. “No, I do not see myself as such a woman…” she replied slowly.
She knew Elias thought of women as disposable pleasures rather than meaningful pursuits, though she didn’t quite know where she sat on the spectrum. She had always hoped that she meant something more to Elias than a frisky, yet meaningless, liaison. They had been at this for some months, and they did more than just share a bed: they talked about things of import, Elias sharing information with her, being honest, like he had been when he had admitted to being the backer behind the pirate attacks in Athenian waters.
But she didn’t like being backed into a corner, even by someone as intimidating as the woman sitting across from her. “All evidence to the contrary, I am not some simpleton.” Evi can’t quite find the words for what she wants to say. Maybe they do not exist, or perhaps she herself is too cowardly to speak them. It had taken Evi a long time to realise just how much she craved other people’s respect and approval. It was actually one of Evi’s sisters who had pointed it out to her, after one too many fights between the siblings had her losing her temper. And, while Evi would never admit it, it was killing her to be told that she wouldn’t live up to Elias’ standards.
“But the fact of the matter is, with the laws changed, your son isn’t King. Regardless, I would be inclined to trust his judgement with regards to me. I didn’t accidentally fall on top of him last night - there have been efforts on both sides. Perhaps you should find Elias and have this conversation with him. Though I have it on good authority that he struggles with being told ‘no’.”
So, she had a little bite in her, did she? Circenia was almost impressed—or would have been, had it been a different subject they were discussing. However, as matters stood, Lady Evi of Antonis was a pest and a hindrance. Both of which the princess was not inclined to tolerate for long.
“Simpleton or not, you are still just a seventeen-year-old girl,” was the Stravos matriarch’s flat response, setting her finished food off to the side so that she could regard the girl more completely. There was no more need for such distractions. Her purpose by now was quite clear.
“My son is nearly a decade your senior, with trials and responsibilities you could scarce comprehend. I do not care what he has told you, what sweet little nothings he has whispered in your ears at night.” Her cold gaze flashed with a bit of fire, but otherwise Circenia’s expression never changed from detached politeness. “And whether he is king or not now hardly matters. He will be, Lady Evi. One way or another.”
The princess even laughed when Evi dared to snap back with a retort of her own, suggesting she ought to have this conversation with her son, as well. Did the Antonis girl really think Circenia would not be thorough? Yes, Elias was the defiant sort, but she was his mother. She knew him better than anyone, had brought him into the world squalling and furious. Did Evi not think she did not have ways of making him come around?
“You are bold, my lady, I will give you that. Though I would expect nothing less from a woman Elias did not immediately discard.” One shoulder lifted in a shrug, as if the whole conversation was inconsequential. “But he will discard you.” Her face was almost sympathetic, in the way a cat lured its prey before pouncing. “Has he told he loves you? Have you told him you love him? How very sweet.” Her smile was brittle as years-old parchment. “But do you really think love will trump the promise of a kingdom? In a lesser man, perhaps, but not my son. Elias was born to rule, to make the world shake and shatter at the wave of his hand. And he has long known it.”
Her eyes searched Evi’s face, tracing the tender lines of youth with a tight-lipped smirk. A pretty thing with some intelligence behind the fair façade. It was nearly a shame the same could not be said of the woman Circenia intended for her son to wed, even if it was in all their best interests that she was not so cunning.
“His infatuation with you will fade when his grasp on Athenia tightens. Truly, my lady, I offer you a kindness in telling you to step away now, before the decision is made for you in the future.”
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So, she had a little bite in her, did she? Circenia was almost impressed—or would have been, had it been a different subject they were discussing. However, as matters stood, Lady Evi of Antonis was a pest and a hindrance. Both of which the princess was not inclined to tolerate for long.
“Simpleton or not, you are still just a seventeen-year-old girl,” was the Stravos matriarch’s flat response, setting her finished food off to the side so that she could regard the girl more completely. There was no more need for such distractions. Her purpose by now was quite clear.
“My son is nearly a decade your senior, with trials and responsibilities you could scarce comprehend. I do not care what he has told you, what sweet little nothings he has whispered in your ears at night.” Her cold gaze flashed with a bit of fire, but otherwise Circenia’s expression never changed from detached politeness. “And whether he is king or not now hardly matters. He will be, Lady Evi. One way or another.”
The princess even laughed when Evi dared to snap back with a retort of her own, suggesting she ought to have this conversation with her son, as well. Did the Antonis girl really think Circenia would not be thorough? Yes, Elias was the defiant sort, but she was his mother. She knew him better than anyone, had brought him into the world squalling and furious. Did Evi not think she did not have ways of making him come around?
“You are bold, my lady, I will give you that. Though I would expect nothing less from a woman Elias did not immediately discard.” One shoulder lifted in a shrug, as if the whole conversation was inconsequential. “But he will discard you.” Her face was almost sympathetic, in the way a cat lured its prey before pouncing. “Has he told he loves you? Have you told him you love him? How very sweet.” Her smile was brittle as years-old parchment. “But do you really think love will trump the promise of a kingdom? In a lesser man, perhaps, but not my son. Elias was born to rule, to make the world shake and shatter at the wave of his hand. And he has long known it.”
Her eyes searched Evi’s face, tracing the tender lines of youth with a tight-lipped smirk. A pretty thing with some intelligence behind the fair façade. It was nearly a shame the same could not be said of the woman Circenia intended for her son to wed, even if it was in all their best interests that she was not so cunning.
“His infatuation with you will fade when his grasp on Athenia tightens. Truly, my lady, I offer you a kindness in telling you to step away now, before the decision is made for you in the future.”
So, she had a little bite in her, did she? Circenia was almost impressed—or would have been, had it been a different subject they were discussing. However, as matters stood, Lady Evi of Antonis was a pest and a hindrance. Both of which the princess was not inclined to tolerate for long.
“Simpleton or not, you are still just a seventeen-year-old girl,” was the Stravos matriarch’s flat response, setting her finished food off to the side so that she could regard the girl more completely. There was no more need for such distractions. Her purpose by now was quite clear.
“My son is nearly a decade your senior, with trials and responsibilities you could scarce comprehend. I do not care what he has told you, what sweet little nothings he has whispered in your ears at night.” Her cold gaze flashed with a bit of fire, but otherwise Circenia’s expression never changed from detached politeness. “And whether he is king or not now hardly matters. He will be, Lady Evi. One way or another.”
The princess even laughed when Evi dared to snap back with a retort of her own, suggesting she ought to have this conversation with her son, as well. Did the Antonis girl really think Circenia would not be thorough? Yes, Elias was the defiant sort, but she was his mother. She knew him better than anyone, had brought him into the world squalling and furious. Did Evi not think she did not have ways of making him come around?
“You are bold, my lady, I will give you that. Though I would expect nothing less from a woman Elias did not immediately discard.” One shoulder lifted in a shrug, as if the whole conversation was inconsequential. “But he will discard you.” Her face was almost sympathetic, in the way a cat lured its prey before pouncing. “Has he told he loves you? Have you told him you love him? How very sweet.” Her smile was brittle as years-old parchment. “But do you really think love will trump the promise of a kingdom? In a lesser man, perhaps, but not my son. Elias was born to rule, to make the world shake and shatter at the wave of his hand. And he has long known it.”
Her eyes searched Evi’s face, tracing the tender lines of youth with a tight-lipped smirk. A pretty thing with some intelligence behind the fair façade. It was nearly a shame the same could not be said of the woman Circenia intended for her son to wed, even if it was in all their best interests that she was not so cunning.
“His infatuation with you will fade when his grasp on Athenia tightens. Truly, my lady, I offer you a kindness in telling you to step away now, before the decision is made for you in the future.”