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She'd always preferred to be up and active, be it horseback riding or walking about the grounds or swimming with her sisters, Olympia had never been one to sit and let her mind wander too much. Ever since the incident a few months prior when she had awakened in a pool of her own blood, afraid that her child was lost, her midwives had insisted that she she spend as much time off her feet and unstressed as possible. They told her she had perhaps three weeks left before the little prince made his entrance into the world, but even so she was not willing to give up the brief time they allowed her to wander about and breathe fresh air.
As was her way lately, Pia had discarded any trappings of royalty. She wore no jewels on her hands or neck, no sandals on her swollen feet. It was a trial to find anything that fit her properly, and so she wore a loose white chiton with a blue himation draped over her shoulders against the elements. Even her hair was unbound, the dark curls left to go where the wind chose to take them as she walked with a few maids across the palati grounds. They never let her go far, always within sight of the building and easy helping distance just in case.
Her hands rested on her stomach, as if they could help lift the weight she carried from her back and legs to little avail. It felt as if she was crawling in comparison to her usual pace, and though she had glared whenever anyone said it, there was a definite waddle to her walk at this point.
Since she was supposed to be on rest and away from any official duties, the comings and goings of the palace inhabitants and their visitors were rarely relayed to her, and so when she caught Achilleas of Mikaelidas exiting her brows raised in surprise. Her husband's cousins weren't the most frequent of visitors, even when their father had taken up residence. This one in particular was about to be related to her two times over, both as cousin and brother-in-law.
"Lord Achilleas, what a surprise to find you here. Is all well with you?"
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Being stuck on bed rest was infuriating.
She'd always preferred to be up and active, be it horseback riding or walking about the grounds or swimming with her sisters, Olympia had never been one to sit and let her mind wander too much. Ever since the incident a few months prior when she had awakened in a pool of her own blood, afraid that her child was lost, her midwives had insisted that she she spend as much time off her feet and unstressed as possible. They told her she had perhaps three weeks left before the little prince made his entrance into the world, but even so she was not willing to give up the brief time they allowed her to wander about and breathe fresh air.
As was her way lately, Pia had discarded any trappings of royalty. She wore no jewels on her hands or neck, no sandals on her swollen feet. It was a trial to find anything that fit her properly, and so she wore a loose white chiton with a blue himation draped over her shoulders against the elements. Even her hair was unbound, the dark curls left to go where the wind chose to take them as she walked with a few maids across the palati grounds. They never let her go far, always within sight of the building and easy helping distance just in case.
Her hands rested on her stomach, as if they could help lift the weight she carried from her back and legs to little avail. It felt as if she was crawling in comparison to her usual pace, and though she had glared whenever anyone said it, there was a definite waddle to her walk at this point.
Since she was supposed to be on rest and away from any official duties, the comings and goings of the palace inhabitants and their visitors were rarely relayed to her, and so when she caught Achilleas of Mikaelidas exiting her brows raised in surprise. Her husband's cousins weren't the most frequent of visitors, even when their father had taken up residence. This one in particular was about to be related to her two times over, both as cousin and brother-in-law.
"Lord Achilleas, what a surprise to find you here. Is all well with you?"
Being stuck on bed rest was infuriating.
She'd always preferred to be up and active, be it horseback riding or walking about the grounds or swimming with her sisters, Olympia had never been one to sit and let her mind wander too much. Ever since the incident a few months prior when she had awakened in a pool of her own blood, afraid that her child was lost, her midwives had insisted that she she spend as much time off her feet and unstressed as possible. They told her she had perhaps three weeks left before the little prince made his entrance into the world, but even so she was not willing to give up the brief time they allowed her to wander about and breathe fresh air.
As was her way lately, Pia had discarded any trappings of royalty. She wore no jewels on her hands or neck, no sandals on her swollen feet. It was a trial to find anything that fit her properly, and so she wore a loose white chiton with a blue himation draped over her shoulders against the elements. Even her hair was unbound, the dark curls left to go where the wind chose to take them as she walked with a few maids across the palati grounds. They never let her go far, always within sight of the building and easy helping distance just in case.
Her hands rested on her stomach, as if they could help lift the weight she carried from her back and legs to little avail. It felt as if she was crawling in comparison to her usual pace, and though she had glared whenever anyone said it, there was a definite waddle to her walk at this point.
Since she was supposed to be on rest and away from any official duties, the comings and goings of the palace inhabitants and their visitors were rarely relayed to her, and so when she caught Achilleas of Mikaelidas exiting her brows raised in surprise. Her husband's cousins weren't the most frequent of visitors, even when their father had taken up residence. This one in particular was about to be related to her two times over, both as cousin and brother-in-law.
"Lord Achilleas, what a surprise to find you here. Is all well with you?"
Achilleas was not in the best of dispositions. He oft felt so after a ‘conversation’ with his father: it generally took him a little while to decompress, to find his way back to a more even keel, and coming straight from seeing the man, that process had not yet begun. Dark brows were drawn low, giving his face a more severe cast than it usually wore, and he was not expecting to hear his name, so when he he did, he looked up, a little startled. There was a brief flash of surprise that smoothed away the frown, and then a more congenial expression slid smoothly into place.
“Your Majesty” He bowed his head, standing straight again before answering “I come from seeing my father” Achilleas explained, trying not to think on the subject of conversation, given who he was now addressing. “ You look radiant, my Queen. I hope you have been keeping well?” His gaze took the rather..unpolished attire that his cousin’s wife wore, from the loose curls to the bare feet, and he wondered if that were the norm or if it was just because she had not been expecting to see anyone. Then he decided he did not much care.
The Queen. His cousin’s wife. Soon to be his sister-in-law. As he looked upon her, Achilleas thought he could pick out the featuress she shared with his betrothed. Of course, all the Leventi women seemed blessed with beauty, so he should not be surprised. They had all grown and changed so from the girls he remembered, and here was Olympia, Queen of Taengea and soon to be mother to a babe of royal blood. He could not remember exactly when the child was expected, but guessed it could not be long, judging by the swell of the stomach that the Queen cradled protectively.
Achilleas smiled, even as he wondered how much Stephanos confided in the woman before him. The King was not best pleased with his father’s ongoing presence in the Palati, both men seemingly goading the other. Perhaps to those who did not pay attention it would appear just friendly counsel and countering, but Achilleas had seen the venom begin to creep in, and it placed him in a fairly untenable position. And he had not considered the additional complexity of Olympia possibly being party to it all until now.
“ I plan to ride out to see your sister tomorrow if time allows, my father is fretting about the wedding preparations being underway.” He gave a half shrug. “ I admit I have not been close to them”
There had been other things demanding his time after all. What with Irakles having moved into the Palati, there were some of the House responsibilities that had fallen upon Achilleas shoulders too, as well as trying to keep atop of things in his own barony. “ I suppose you have been kept busy preparing for..” he glanced at the very pregnant belly and then looked back up quickly. “Preparing for things?”
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Achilleas was not in the best of dispositions. He oft felt so after a ‘conversation’ with his father: it generally took him a little while to decompress, to find his way back to a more even keel, and coming straight from seeing the man, that process had not yet begun. Dark brows were drawn low, giving his face a more severe cast than it usually wore, and he was not expecting to hear his name, so when he he did, he looked up, a little startled. There was a brief flash of surprise that smoothed away the frown, and then a more congenial expression slid smoothly into place.
“Your Majesty” He bowed his head, standing straight again before answering “I come from seeing my father” Achilleas explained, trying not to think on the subject of conversation, given who he was now addressing. “ You look radiant, my Queen. I hope you have been keeping well?” His gaze took the rather..unpolished attire that his cousin’s wife wore, from the loose curls to the bare feet, and he wondered if that were the norm or if it was just because she had not been expecting to see anyone. Then he decided he did not much care.
The Queen. His cousin’s wife. Soon to be his sister-in-law. As he looked upon her, Achilleas thought he could pick out the featuress she shared with his betrothed. Of course, all the Leventi women seemed blessed with beauty, so he should not be surprised. They had all grown and changed so from the girls he remembered, and here was Olympia, Queen of Taengea and soon to be mother to a babe of royal blood. He could not remember exactly when the child was expected, but guessed it could not be long, judging by the swell of the stomach that the Queen cradled protectively.
Achilleas smiled, even as he wondered how much Stephanos confided in the woman before him. The King was not best pleased with his father’s ongoing presence in the Palati, both men seemingly goading the other. Perhaps to those who did not pay attention it would appear just friendly counsel and countering, but Achilleas had seen the venom begin to creep in, and it placed him in a fairly untenable position. And he had not considered the additional complexity of Olympia possibly being party to it all until now.
“ I plan to ride out to see your sister tomorrow if time allows, my father is fretting about the wedding preparations being underway.” He gave a half shrug. “ I admit I have not been close to them”
There had been other things demanding his time after all. What with Irakles having moved into the Palati, there were some of the House responsibilities that had fallen upon Achilleas shoulders too, as well as trying to keep atop of things in his own barony. “ I suppose you have been kept busy preparing for..” he glanced at the very pregnant belly and then looked back up quickly. “Preparing for things?”
Achilleas was not in the best of dispositions. He oft felt so after a ‘conversation’ with his father: it generally took him a little while to decompress, to find his way back to a more even keel, and coming straight from seeing the man, that process had not yet begun. Dark brows were drawn low, giving his face a more severe cast than it usually wore, and he was not expecting to hear his name, so when he he did, he looked up, a little startled. There was a brief flash of surprise that smoothed away the frown, and then a more congenial expression slid smoothly into place.
“Your Majesty” He bowed his head, standing straight again before answering “I come from seeing my father” Achilleas explained, trying not to think on the subject of conversation, given who he was now addressing. “ You look radiant, my Queen. I hope you have been keeping well?” His gaze took the rather..unpolished attire that his cousin’s wife wore, from the loose curls to the bare feet, and he wondered if that were the norm or if it was just because she had not been expecting to see anyone. Then he decided he did not much care.
The Queen. His cousin’s wife. Soon to be his sister-in-law. As he looked upon her, Achilleas thought he could pick out the featuress she shared with his betrothed. Of course, all the Leventi women seemed blessed with beauty, so he should not be surprised. They had all grown and changed so from the girls he remembered, and here was Olympia, Queen of Taengea and soon to be mother to a babe of royal blood. He could not remember exactly when the child was expected, but guessed it could not be long, judging by the swell of the stomach that the Queen cradled protectively.
Achilleas smiled, even as he wondered how much Stephanos confided in the woman before him. The King was not best pleased with his father’s ongoing presence in the Palati, both men seemingly goading the other. Perhaps to those who did not pay attention it would appear just friendly counsel and countering, but Achilleas had seen the venom begin to creep in, and it placed him in a fairly untenable position. And he had not considered the additional complexity of Olympia possibly being party to it all until now.
“ I plan to ride out to see your sister tomorrow if time allows, my father is fretting about the wedding preparations being underway.” He gave a half shrug. “ I admit I have not been close to them”
There had been other things demanding his time after all. What with Irakles having moved into the Palati, there were some of the House responsibilities that had fallen upon Achilleas shoulders too, as well as trying to keep atop of things in his own barony. “ I suppose you have been kept busy preparing for..” he glanced at the very pregnant belly and then looked back up quickly. “Preparing for things?”
”Ah, that would explain why you look troubled. Parents do have that way don’t they?”
Her expression was one of sympathy, no malice or any obvious distaste for the man’s father showing. Even though he was an interloper who’d moved himself into her home and was constantly irritating and goading her husband into self destruction and fits of rage. There was no need for her to appear to know anything other than the common trials of an adult child seeking an audience with their parent. She’d certainly had similar expressions coming out of chats with them when she’d been younger.
Pia beamed as he told her she was radiant, the comparison between his response and her cousin Dafni’s blunt assertion that she’d grown fat showing the difference in age and experience in polite manners. Even if it was all just political posturing, she couldn’t stop smiling in excitement. Every day brought them closer and closer to the moment where she could hold her babe properly, would be able to see how it took after the Leventi and Mikaelidas sides. And hopefully it would give Stephanos some peace of mind.
”Thank you, my lord. I think we’re all very eager for him to be out.”
As if for emphasis, the little one kicked at her bladder and she winced, giving her stomach a slight swat to remind him to behave in polite company. The news that Achilleas would soon see her sister brightened her expression once again, though she hadn’t seen Theodora herself in weeks.
”I’m sure she will be thrilled. I know how greatly she cares for you, it’s clear to see. I only hope I will be able to attend your wedding! I suppose that would be up to this one.”
The wedding had been shifted and moved and readjusted so many times it was hard to see how there could be any planning left. Supposed to be soon after the circus event, it was postponed after the old king’s death, and perhaps her mind was exaggerating but Pia was quite sure things had been changed even since then. Whatever they were waiting on made little sense to her.
”Whatever preparations I have left to do are very little. They tell me I have to take to bed and stay there until he is born, but every day I try to beg at least a short walk or something. I fear I’d go mad if I did as they said and did nothing.”
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”Ah, that would explain why you look troubled. Parents do have that way don’t they?”
Her expression was one of sympathy, no malice or any obvious distaste for the man’s father showing. Even though he was an interloper who’d moved himself into her home and was constantly irritating and goading her husband into self destruction and fits of rage. There was no need for her to appear to know anything other than the common trials of an adult child seeking an audience with their parent. She’d certainly had similar expressions coming out of chats with them when she’d been younger.
Pia beamed as he told her she was radiant, the comparison between his response and her cousin Dafni’s blunt assertion that she’d grown fat showing the difference in age and experience in polite manners. Even if it was all just political posturing, she couldn’t stop smiling in excitement. Every day brought them closer and closer to the moment where she could hold her babe properly, would be able to see how it took after the Leventi and Mikaelidas sides. And hopefully it would give Stephanos some peace of mind.
”Thank you, my lord. I think we’re all very eager for him to be out.”
As if for emphasis, the little one kicked at her bladder and she winced, giving her stomach a slight swat to remind him to behave in polite company. The news that Achilleas would soon see her sister brightened her expression once again, though she hadn’t seen Theodora herself in weeks.
”I’m sure she will be thrilled. I know how greatly she cares for you, it’s clear to see. I only hope I will be able to attend your wedding! I suppose that would be up to this one.”
The wedding had been shifted and moved and readjusted so many times it was hard to see how there could be any planning left. Supposed to be soon after the circus event, it was postponed after the old king’s death, and perhaps her mind was exaggerating but Pia was quite sure things had been changed even since then. Whatever they were waiting on made little sense to her.
”Whatever preparations I have left to do are very little. They tell me I have to take to bed and stay there until he is born, but every day I try to beg at least a short walk or something. I fear I’d go mad if I did as they said and did nothing.”
”Ah, that would explain why you look troubled. Parents do have that way don’t they?”
Her expression was one of sympathy, no malice or any obvious distaste for the man’s father showing. Even though he was an interloper who’d moved himself into her home and was constantly irritating and goading her husband into self destruction and fits of rage. There was no need for her to appear to know anything other than the common trials of an adult child seeking an audience with their parent. She’d certainly had similar expressions coming out of chats with them when she’d been younger.
Pia beamed as he told her she was radiant, the comparison between his response and her cousin Dafni’s blunt assertion that she’d grown fat showing the difference in age and experience in polite manners. Even if it was all just political posturing, she couldn’t stop smiling in excitement. Every day brought them closer and closer to the moment where she could hold her babe properly, would be able to see how it took after the Leventi and Mikaelidas sides. And hopefully it would give Stephanos some peace of mind.
”Thank you, my lord. I think we’re all very eager for him to be out.”
As if for emphasis, the little one kicked at her bladder and she winced, giving her stomach a slight swat to remind him to behave in polite company. The news that Achilleas would soon see her sister brightened her expression once again, though she hadn’t seen Theodora herself in weeks.
”I’m sure she will be thrilled. I know how greatly she cares for you, it’s clear to see. I only hope I will be able to attend your wedding! I suppose that would be up to this one.”
The wedding had been shifted and moved and readjusted so many times it was hard to see how there could be any planning left. Supposed to be soon after the circus event, it was postponed after the old king’s death, and perhaps her mind was exaggerating but Pia was quite sure things had been changed even since then. Whatever they were waiting on made little sense to her.
”Whatever preparations I have left to do are very little. They tell me I have to take to bed and stay there until he is born, but every day I try to beg at least a short walk or something. I fear I’d go mad if I did as they said and did nothing.”
Achilleas’ face betrayed him for a moment, a resignedly worn expression that conveyed much before the General snatched it back again and placed something more impassive in its place. His relationship with his father had never been an easy one: indeed, he was not sure it was possible for anything to do with the man to be described such. Irakles grew no easier to please as Achilleas grew older, and in spite of all the things he could claim to have mastered, there was always something else that he had not. And it was always pointed out.
He was glad to take the focus off himself and place it upon the Queen, her smile seeming genuine, as did the expression of a wish that the babe might arrive soon. He gave a hesitant smile, for he could not imagine it was very comfortable to be carrying such a load, a thought only punctuated by the wince Olympia gave. Achilleas reached out in concern, his hand settling on her elbow a moment. “ Your Majesty?" Only when he was certain she was well - he did not understand the vaguaries of pregnancy - did the baron step back and clasp his hands behind his back, standing tall over his future sister-in-law.
Achilleas smiled broadly at Pia’s declaration of Theodora’s regard for him, he did not think she would speak falsely of such a thing. This wedding had been so long delayed and had so many false starts that it had begun to feel almost as if the betrothal were not a real thing, as if it were something he had conjured for himself in a flight of fancy. But it was close enough now that he thought they might get it done , this time. He glanced down at the bump again.
“ I hope so too, it would feel incomplete without you there, i am certain. You will just have to instruct his Royal Highness to be considerate when planning his arrival”
A Prince of Taengea. Or Princess, because these things were never certain. Still, it was a new generation of royal blood, and Achilleas could not help but think it was needed. New Life to wash away the grief of those that had been taken from them. It might not have been Stephanos’ intention to wed the Leventi girl originally, but surely this child was a blessing for him now.
And perhaps it would be a blessing for its Mother when it arrived, for Achilleas grimaced at the idea of bed rest, the look of sympathy he shot Olympia not in any way contrived. He had been fortunate enough not to have been seriously injured, but those few times he had need to rest up, he had been a terrible patient, for the very reason the Queen spoke of.
“Ahh, that is a cruel instruction indeed” he said, with some feeling “ Is this your moment of escape for the day then? Must you stay indoors or do they allow you to the gardens at least?”
He could understand his cousin being overprotective, and wondered how much of the physician’s advice was supplemented by the desires of the King. The King who had so recently lost his father and brother to assassination. His lips pressed together as he thought on it.
“If you wish for an escort on your illicit wanderings then it would be my honour” Achilleas said after a moments consideration, offering his arm. Even in the palati itself, surrounded by guards there was something...vulnerable about Queen Olympia with her unbound hair and bare feet.
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Achilleas’ face betrayed him for a moment, a resignedly worn expression that conveyed much before the General snatched it back again and placed something more impassive in its place. His relationship with his father had never been an easy one: indeed, he was not sure it was possible for anything to do with the man to be described such. Irakles grew no easier to please as Achilleas grew older, and in spite of all the things he could claim to have mastered, there was always something else that he had not. And it was always pointed out.
He was glad to take the focus off himself and place it upon the Queen, her smile seeming genuine, as did the expression of a wish that the babe might arrive soon. He gave a hesitant smile, for he could not imagine it was very comfortable to be carrying such a load, a thought only punctuated by the wince Olympia gave. Achilleas reached out in concern, his hand settling on her elbow a moment. “ Your Majesty?" Only when he was certain she was well - he did not understand the vaguaries of pregnancy - did the baron step back and clasp his hands behind his back, standing tall over his future sister-in-law.
Achilleas smiled broadly at Pia’s declaration of Theodora’s regard for him, he did not think she would speak falsely of such a thing. This wedding had been so long delayed and had so many false starts that it had begun to feel almost as if the betrothal were not a real thing, as if it were something he had conjured for himself in a flight of fancy. But it was close enough now that he thought they might get it done , this time. He glanced down at the bump again.
“ I hope so too, it would feel incomplete without you there, i am certain. You will just have to instruct his Royal Highness to be considerate when planning his arrival”
A Prince of Taengea. Or Princess, because these things were never certain. Still, it was a new generation of royal blood, and Achilleas could not help but think it was needed. New Life to wash away the grief of those that had been taken from them. It might not have been Stephanos’ intention to wed the Leventi girl originally, but surely this child was a blessing for him now.
And perhaps it would be a blessing for its Mother when it arrived, for Achilleas grimaced at the idea of bed rest, the look of sympathy he shot Olympia not in any way contrived. He had been fortunate enough not to have been seriously injured, but those few times he had need to rest up, he had been a terrible patient, for the very reason the Queen spoke of.
“Ahh, that is a cruel instruction indeed” he said, with some feeling “ Is this your moment of escape for the day then? Must you stay indoors or do they allow you to the gardens at least?”
He could understand his cousin being overprotective, and wondered how much of the physician’s advice was supplemented by the desires of the King. The King who had so recently lost his father and brother to assassination. His lips pressed together as he thought on it.
“If you wish for an escort on your illicit wanderings then it would be my honour” Achilleas said after a moments consideration, offering his arm. Even in the palati itself, surrounded by guards there was something...vulnerable about Queen Olympia with her unbound hair and bare feet.
Achilleas’ face betrayed him for a moment, a resignedly worn expression that conveyed much before the General snatched it back again and placed something more impassive in its place. His relationship with his father had never been an easy one: indeed, he was not sure it was possible for anything to do with the man to be described such. Irakles grew no easier to please as Achilleas grew older, and in spite of all the things he could claim to have mastered, there was always something else that he had not. And it was always pointed out.
He was glad to take the focus off himself and place it upon the Queen, her smile seeming genuine, as did the expression of a wish that the babe might arrive soon. He gave a hesitant smile, for he could not imagine it was very comfortable to be carrying such a load, a thought only punctuated by the wince Olympia gave. Achilleas reached out in concern, his hand settling on her elbow a moment. “ Your Majesty?" Only when he was certain she was well - he did not understand the vaguaries of pregnancy - did the baron step back and clasp his hands behind his back, standing tall over his future sister-in-law.
Achilleas smiled broadly at Pia’s declaration of Theodora’s regard for him, he did not think she would speak falsely of such a thing. This wedding had been so long delayed and had so many false starts that it had begun to feel almost as if the betrothal were not a real thing, as if it were something he had conjured for himself in a flight of fancy. But it was close enough now that he thought they might get it done , this time. He glanced down at the bump again.
“ I hope so too, it would feel incomplete without you there, i am certain. You will just have to instruct his Royal Highness to be considerate when planning his arrival”
A Prince of Taengea. Or Princess, because these things were never certain. Still, it was a new generation of royal blood, and Achilleas could not help but think it was needed. New Life to wash away the grief of those that had been taken from them. It might not have been Stephanos’ intention to wed the Leventi girl originally, but surely this child was a blessing for him now.
And perhaps it would be a blessing for its Mother when it arrived, for Achilleas grimaced at the idea of bed rest, the look of sympathy he shot Olympia not in any way contrived. He had been fortunate enough not to have been seriously injured, but those few times he had need to rest up, he had been a terrible patient, for the very reason the Queen spoke of.
“Ahh, that is a cruel instruction indeed” he said, with some feeling “ Is this your moment of escape for the day then? Must you stay indoors or do they allow you to the gardens at least?”
He could understand his cousin being overprotective, and wondered how much of the physician’s advice was supplemented by the desires of the King. The King who had so recently lost his father and brother to assassination. His lips pressed together as he thought on it.
“If you wish for an escort on your illicit wanderings then it would be my honour” Achilleas said after a moments consideration, offering his arm. Even in the palati itself, surrounded by guards there was something...vulnerable about Queen Olympia with her unbound hair and bare feet.
His concern for her was touching, and she leaned readily into his support at her elbow, taking any chance to lift some of this weight off of her feet that was offered. It was clear he wasn't familiar with the symptoms of pregnancy, something that Stephanos had taken in shocking stride and now simply chuckled at if it occurred in his presence. On more than one occasion he had scolded their son to behave when his kicking fits and shifting became too uncomfortable for her, and she believed very much that the little one listened to his father and settled after the order.
"I'm quite alright, my lord. The babe shifts sometimes, more often now than ever, and sometimes kicks me. His father can make him behave sometimes, but not always." A wry smile touched her lips as she straightened up as fully as the weight of her stomach would allow. "Very much a Mikaelidas in spirit."
The expression on his face at the mention of her sister's feelings for him was heartwarming indeed, and she was truly glad that Theodora would have a husband who would love her as much as she now felt loved by her own. They had been through their times, the arguments and ups and downs, but now they had united in such a way that she had not known possible. Stephanos was her greatest support now, and had truly become her family.
"If you wouldn't mind escorting me, I don't suppose anyone could argue that I lacked protection with you by my side. Just a short walk in the gardens so I can be among flowers instead of stone walls for once."
It was no secret Achilleas was one of the greatest generals and swordsmen in Taengea, and as her cousin-in-law and soon to be brother, she felt safe enough with him in spite of his parentage. Irakles may be trying to kill her, but she had no sense now that his eldest son had any ill wish toward her. And if they stayed in sight of the guards, than nothing could harm her while they walked, as much as she hated the paranoia. He was very tall, and obviously strong, if he wanted to hurt her he could, but she could not bring herself to fear him, and Stephanos had offered no warning in regard to him. She looped her arm through his and lifted the hem of her chiton slightly so there was no risk of her tripping on it, hand holding the material resting again on the swell of her stomach.
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His concern for her was touching, and she leaned readily into his support at her elbow, taking any chance to lift some of this weight off of her feet that was offered. It was clear he wasn't familiar with the symptoms of pregnancy, something that Stephanos had taken in shocking stride and now simply chuckled at if it occurred in his presence. On more than one occasion he had scolded their son to behave when his kicking fits and shifting became too uncomfortable for her, and she believed very much that the little one listened to his father and settled after the order.
"I'm quite alright, my lord. The babe shifts sometimes, more often now than ever, and sometimes kicks me. His father can make him behave sometimes, but not always." A wry smile touched her lips as she straightened up as fully as the weight of her stomach would allow. "Very much a Mikaelidas in spirit."
The expression on his face at the mention of her sister's feelings for him was heartwarming indeed, and she was truly glad that Theodora would have a husband who would love her as much as she now felt loved by her own. They had been through their times, the arguments and ups and downs, but now they had united in such a way that she had not known possible. Stephanos was her greatest support now, and had truly become her family.
"If you wouldn't mind escorting me, I don't suppose anyone could argue that I lacked protection with you by my side. Just a short walk in the gardens so I can be among flowers instead of stone walls for once."
It was no secret Achilleas was one of the greatest generals and swordsmen in Taengea, and as her cousin-in-law and soon to be brother, she felt safe enough with him in spite of his parentage. Irakles may be trying to kill her, but she had no sense now that his eldest son had any ill wish toward her. And if they stayed in sight of the guards, than nothing could harm her while they walked, as much as she hated the paranoia. He was very tall, and obviously strong, if he wanted to hurt her he could, but she could not bring herself to fear him, and Stephanos had offered no warning in regard to him. She looped her arm through his and lifted the hem of her chiton slightly so there was no risk of her tripping on it, hand holding the material resting again on the swell of her stomach.
His concern for her was touching, and she leaned readily into his support at her elbow, taking any chance to lift some of this weight off of her feet that was offered. It was clear he wasn't familiar with the symptoms of pregnancy, something that Stephanos had taken in shocking stride and now simply chuckled at if it occurred in his presence. On more than one occasion he had scolded their son to behave when his kicking fits and shifting became too uncomfortable for her, and she believed very much that the little one listened to his father and settled after the order.
"I'm quite alright, my lord. The babe shifts sometimes, more often now than ever, and sometimes kicks me. His father can make him behave sometimes, but not always." A wry smile touched her lips as she straightened up as fully as the weight of her stomach would allow. "Very much a Mikaelidas in spirit."
The expression on his face at the mention of her sister's feelings for him was heartwarming indeed, and she was truly glad that Theodora would have a husband who would love her as much as she now felt loved by her own. They had been through their times, the arguments and ups and downs, but now they had united in such a way that she had not known possible. Stephanos was her greatest support now, and had truly become her family.
"If you wouldn't mind escorting me, I don't suppose anyone could argue that I lacked protection with you by my side. Just a short walk in the gardens so I can be among flowers instead of stone walls for once."
It was no secret Achilleas was one of the greatest generals and swordsmen in Taengea, and as her cousin-in-law and soon to be brother, she felt safe enough with him in spite of his parentage. Irakles may be trying to kill her, but she had no sense now that his eldest son had any ill wish toward her. And if they stayed in sight of the guards, than nothing could harm her while they walked, as much as she hated the paranoia. He was very tall, and obviously strong, if he wanted to hurt her he could, but she could not bring herself to fear him, and Stephanos had offered no warning in regard to him. She looped her arm through his and lifted the hem of her chiton slightly so there was no risk of her tripping on it, hand holding the material resting again on the swell of her stomach.
He had shot her a look at her comment regarding the Mikaelidas spirit. Achilleas tended towards the well-behaved, but nevertheless he was in possession of the temper his family was known for, and he of anyone could appreciate the struggles between father and son.
“You will forgive my ignorance in such things” he said. There had been little occasion for him to be close to anyone who was with child, the only opportunity he might have had being when his father’s mistress fell pregnant, and then Achilleas had deliberately made himself scarce, wanting no part in it. It certainly did not hurt to be over cautious regarding the health of the Queen and her unborn child either.
“On the contrary, I would consider it my good deed of the day to help you rebel against terrible doctor’s orders” Achilleas jested, though he was quick to follow up “...if you are certain it is not going to be too much?” He could hardly imagine it would be, but then, she was round with child and what did he know. What if it set something off?
He would take her assurances though, and so he walked with her, slowing his pace to something akin to crawling, as though he would never say it, there was a certain..waddle apparent in Olympia’s movements. Still, she was a pleasant distraction from his father’s words ringing in his ears, and he found himself relaxing a little in her company as they continued.
They had been close once, as children. He and Zach, Emilios and Stephanos,Xene and Gianna, all the Leventi girls. They had grown together. But when Achilleas had reached twelve or so, the time he had to spend with those he would have called friends had dwindled dramatically. His days were filled with sparring and lessons, and then shifted to war games and real fighting and by the time he had stopped and paid attention it seemed they all had grown up and were different people now.
They strolled at their sedate pace through the gardens of the Palati, shaded from the sun by the rows of olive trees that cast cool shadows upon the smooth marble of the path they walked. Achilleas glanced sideways at Olympia - almost he considered asking her if Stephanos had talked to her about him, if he had been earmarked as ‘untrustworthy’ as he feared. But the Lord Mikaelidas found he did not want to burden their conversation with aught so heavy, so he asked instead a different question.
“I had been thinking I would like to get your sister a gift” he said, looking at the woman he walked with. “ Something to give her before the wedding. It has been delayed and stalled so often and with everything, I have not seen her as much as i would have liked to. Do you know what she likes?”
He could have just gone and chosen something he liked, or perhaps given something that was his Mother's. But Myrto was in Euttica and he’d not had chance to get back there recently, and Achilleas did not want to give Theodora something that had caught his eye. He wanted it to be something that would catch hers. Perhaps he had been fortunate in running into her sister, after all.
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He had shot her a look at her comment regarding the Mikaelidas spirit. Achilleas tended towards the well-behaved, but nevertheless he was in possession of the temper his family was known for, and he of anyone could appreciate the struggles between father and son.
“You will forgive my ignorance in such things” he said. There had been little occasion for him to be close to anyone who was with child, the only opportunity he might have had being when his father’s mistress fell pregnant, and then Achilleas had deliberately made himself scarce, wanting no part in it. It certainly did not hurt to be over cautious regarding the health of the Queen and her unborn child either.
“On the contrary, I would consider it my good deed of the day to help you rebel against terrible doctor’s orders” Achilleas jested, though he was quick to follow up “...if you are certain it is not going to be too much?” He could hardly imagine it would be, but then, she was round with child and what did he know. What if it set something off?
He would take her assurances though, and so he walked with her, slowing his pace to something akin to crawling, as though he would never say it, there was a certain..waddle apparent in Olympia’s movements. Still, she was a pleasant distraction from his father’s words ringing in his ears, and he found himself relaxing a little in her company as they continued.
They had been close once, as children. He and Zach, Emilios and Stephanos,Xene and Gianna, all the Leventi girls. They had grown together. But when Achilleas had reached twelve or so, the time he had to spend with those he would have called friends had dwindled dramatically. His days were filled with sparring and lessons, and then shifted to war games and real fighting and by the time he had stopped and paid attention it seemed they all had grown up and were different people now.
They strolled at their sedate pace through the gardens of the Palati, shaded from the sun by the rows of olive trees that cast cool shadows upon the smooth marble of the path they walked. Achilleas glanced sideways at Olympia - almost he considered asking her if Stephanos had talked to her about him, if he had been earmarked as ‘untrustworthy’ as he feared. But the Lord Mikaelidas found he did not want to burden their conversation with aught so heavy, so he asked instead a different question.
“I had been thinking I would like to get your sister a gift” he said, looking at the woman he walked with. “ Something to give her before the wedding. It has been delayed and stalled so often and with everything, I have not seen her as much as i would have liked to. Do you know what she likes?”
He could have just gone and chosen something he liked, or perhaps given something that was his Mother's. But Myrto was in Euttica and he’d not had chance to get back there recently, and Achilleas did not want to give Theodora something that had caught his eye. He wanted it to be something that would catch hers. Perhaps he had been fortunate in running into her sister, after all.
He had shot her a look at her comment regarding the Mikaelidas spirit. Achilleas tended towards the well-behaved, but nevertheless he was in possession of the temper his family was known for, and he of anyone could appreciate the struggles between father and son.
“You will forgive my ignorance in such things” he said. There had been little occasion for him to be close to anyone who was with child, the only opportunity he might have had being when his father’s mistress fell pregnant, and then Achilleas had deliberately made himself scarce, wanting no part in it. It certainly did not hurt to be over cautious regarding the health of the Queen and her unborn child either.
“On the contrary, I would consider it my good deed of the day to help you rebel against terrible doctor’s orders” Achilleas jested, though he was quick to follow up “...if you are certain it is not going to be too much?” He could hardly imagine it would be, but then, she was round with child and what did he know. What if it set something off?
He would take her assurances though, and so he walked with her, slowing his pace to something akin to crawling, as though he would never say it, there was a certain..waddle apparent in Olympia’s movements. Still, she was a pleasant distraction from his father’s words ringing in his ears, and he found himself relaxing a little in her company as they continued.
They had been close once, as children. He and Zach, Emilios and Stephanos,Xene and Gianna, all the Leventi girls. They had grown together. But when Achilleas had reached twelve or so, the time he had to spend with those he would have called friends had dwindled dramatically. His days were filled with sparring and lessons, and then shifted to war games and real fighting and by the time he had stopped and paid attention it seemed they all had grown up and were different people now.
They strolled at their sedate pace through the gardens of the Palati, shaded from the sun by the rows of olive trees that cast cool shadows upon the smooth marble of the path they walked. Achilleas glanced sideways at Olympia - almost he considered asking her if Stephanos had talked to her about him, if he had been earmarked as ‘untrustworthy’ as he feared. But the Lord Mikaelidas found he did not want to burden their conversation with aught so heavy, so he asked instead a different question.
“I had been thinking I would like to get your sister a gift” he said, looking at the woman he walked with. “ Something to give her before the wedding. It has been delayed and stalled so often and with everything, I have not seen her as much as i would have liked to. Do you know what she likes?”
He could have just gone and chosen something he liked, or perhaps given something that was his Mother's. But Myrto was in Euttica and he’d not had chance to get back there recently, and Achilleas did not want to give Theodora something that had caught his eye. He wanted it to be something that would catch hers. Perhaps he had been fortunate in running into her sister, after all.
"Of course. We were both ignorant as well until it was put upon us. Now we will have plenty of advice and help to give when it comes time for Theo to bear your children."
Olympia smiled brightly up at him, finding his company refreshing and welcoming after all of the turmoil that had been thrown into her life. It was as if they had traveled back to the days when they could all be found rushing about together, though as she was younger than he it had been more like her toddling about after the older children as they played. Even then she had shadowed the Mikaelidas boys with her sisters, as if knowing their futures would be inexorable entwined.
"It's quite safe, and I trust in your ability to get me back to the palace should I suddenly go into labor."
Her voice held a hint of laughter and she breathed a sigh of relief as they moved along the path, the scent of the late summer air held a crispness to it that signaled the weather would change soon. The leaves would turn and fall with Demeter's sadness, the harvests would be brought in, and the cold would soon settle upon them. And soon enough in that time of change her son would finally make his entrance and bring a fresh life to the palace amidst the falling leaves. Walking was far more calming with him at her side than she had thought. For all he was the son of an enemy, he had in past been a friend and would soon be a brother, and she felt no fear of him unlike his sire.
Achilleas' question had Pia turning to him with a glint in her eye, clearly pleased to see that he was taking such considerations with her sister's feelings. Their wedding had been put off for so long now, she felt guilty even though it wasn't really at all her fault. Still, she could see how much he cared for her, and Theo had whispered a hint about someone she loved not long ago, so she hoped they would be happy. A marriage of love and political gain was something every young noblewoman dreamed of.
"You are so kind, my lord. I'm sure anything you gifted her would be well received, but perhaps a necklace? A jeweler showed me a piece recently, a lions head pendant with topaz eyes. Perhaps something like that to show your eagerness to have her in the family in spite of the wait?"
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"Of course. We were both ignorant as well until it was put upon us. Now we will have plenty of advice and help to give when it comes time for Theo to bear your children."
Olympia smiled brightly up at him, finding his company refreshing and welcoming after all of the turmoil that had been thrown into her life. It was as if they had traveled back to the days when they could all be found rushing about together, though as she was younger than he it had been more like her toddling about after the older children as they played. Even then she had shadowed the Mikaelidas boys with her sisters, as if knowing their futures would be inexorable entwined.
"It's quite safe, and I trust in your ability to get me back to the palace should I suddenly go into labor."
Her voice held a hint of laughter and she breathed a sigh of relief as they moved along the path, the scent of the late summer air held a crispness to it that signaled the weather would change soon. The leaves would turn and fall with Demeter's sadness, the harvests would be brought in, and the cold would soon settle upon them. And soon enough in that time of change her son would finally make his entrance and bring a fresh life to the palace amidst the falling leaves. Walking was far more calming with him at her side than she had thought. For all he was the son of an enemy, he had in past been a friend and would soon be a brother, and she felt no fear of him unlike his sire.
Achilleas' question had Pia turning to him with a glint in her eye, clearly pleased to see that he was taking such considerations with her sister's feelings. Their wedding had been put off for so long now, she felt guilty even though it wasn't really at all her fault. Still, she could see how much he cared for her, and Theo had whispered a hint about someone she loved not long ago, so she hoped they would be happy. A marriage of love and political gain was something every young noblewoman dreamed of.
"You are so kind, my lord. I'm sure anything you gifted her would be well received, but perhaps a necklace? A jeweler showed me a piece recently, a lions head pendant with topaz eyes. Perhaps something like that to show your eagerness to have her in the family in spite of the wait?"
"Of course. We were both ignorant as well until it was put upon us. Now we will have plenty of advice and help to give when it comes time for Theo to bear your children."
Olympia smiled brightly up at him, finding his company refreshing and welcoming after all of the turmoil that had been thrown into her life. It was as if they had traveled back to the days when they could all be found rushing about together, though as she was younger than he it had been more like her toddling about after the older children as they played. Even then she had shadowed the Mikaelidas boys with her sisters, as if knowing their futures would be inexorable entwined.
"It's quite safe, and I trust in your ability to get me back to the palace should I suddenly go into labor."
Her voice held a hint of laughter and she breathed a sigh of relief as they moved along the path, the scent of the late summer air held a crispness to it that signaled the weather would change soon. The leaves would turn and fall with Demeter's sadness, the harvests would be brought in, and the cold would soon settle upon them. And soon enough in that time of change her son would finally make his entrance and bring a fresh life to the palace amidst the falling leaves. Walking was far more calming with him at her side than she had thought. For all he was the son of an enemy, he had in past been a friend and would soon be a brother, and she felt no fear of him unlike his sire.
Achilleas' question had Pia turning to him with a glint in her eye, clearly pleased to see that he was taking such considerations with her sister's feelings. Their wedding had been put off for so long now, she felt guilty even though it wasn't really at all her fault. Still, she could see how much he cared for her, and Theo had whispered a hint about someone she loved not long ago, so she hoped they would be happy. A marriage of love and political gain was something every young noblewoman dreamed of.
"You are so kind, my lord. I'm sure anything you gifted her would be well received, but perhaps a necklace? A jeweler showed me a piece recently, a lions head pendant with topaz eyes. Perhaps something like that to show your eagerness to have her in the family in spite of the wait?"
Achilleas glanced obliquely at the woman next to him, unsure if he were quite ready to consider any children he and Theodora might have. Even getting to the actual wedding was feeling like a great endeavour, and..
Well, there has been times when his betrothed had not seemed entirely thrilled at the prospect. Achilleas was not sure whether it was just nerves or something else, but it left him off kilter and he knew he had hidden behind formality in some of their interactions, leaving them stilted and unsatisfying.
Still, he smiled vaguely at Olympia, thinking that her positivity could not be misplaced. If anyone could understand Theodora, surely it was her own sister?
He was more committal about being able to return her to the palace should the need arise. “ Rest assured, my Queen, if that should occur, I will be faster than Hermes himself” the Lord said, and though he grinned with it, it was not hard to imagine it true. Whether it were entirely motivated by the want to fetch help or simply to escape the situation was not easily discerned however.
It seemed the fates were being kind though, for as they wandered a little through the grounds of the Palati there was to be no unexpected arrivals of young royal heirs. There was a peaceable silence for a while, each of the pair seemingly content not to fill the space with words.
Achilleas’ thoughts had drifted back to Theodora again - as he was determined not to think any further on that conversation with his father right now - and it was that which saw him speak again, breaking the tranquility in order to pick the Queen’s brains regarding her sister’s taste.
“ I had not considered something like that” the man mused, trying to imagine the thing “ You are right though, something bearing the Lion would be fitting. Thankyou, Pia”
He would see to it this afternoon, on his way back to the Mikaelidas manor. He did not much like to linger there anyway, the place had ceased to feel like home once his father had moved his mistress in, and his mother out. Achilleas did not spend much time there anymore - save for these past weeks when his presence had been requested. He had rediscovered at least one home comfort that had made it more bearable though, and he wondered if he might miss her when he returned home.
“ You should come out to Euttica” he said, as they walked on. “ Sometime when the babe has come and you feel up to it. Being back here in Vasiliadon has reminded me how nice it is to get away from the place too”
The province was not the grandest, nor the most remarkable but Achilleas had found some affection for the sleepy little town and its surrounds. There were no games being played , no lines to deliver. It was easier.
”How do you find life here in the Palati?” the Lord asked, some genuine curiosity in the expression he turned upon Olympia. Her marriage to Stephanos had been rather forced by the baby she carried, or so it was rumoured, and had been a low key affair. It was part of the reason his father wanted to make such an occasion of his own wedding, something positive for the people on Taengea.
Something positive after such a tremulous time, and Olympia has found herself thrust into the very centre of it. Achilleas did not think he envied her that.
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Achilleas glanced obliquely at the woman next to him, unsure if he were quite ready to consider any children he and Theodora might have. Even getting to the actual wedding was feeling like a great endeavour, and..
Well, there has been times when his betrothed had not seemed entirely thrilled at the prospect. Achilleas was not sure whether it was just nerves or something else, but it left him off kilter and he knew he had hidden behind formality in some of their interactions, leaving them stilted and unsatisfying.
Still, he smiled vaguely at Olympia, thinking that her positivity could not be misplaced. If anyone could understand Theodora, surely it was her own sister?
He was more committal about being able to return her to the palace should the need arise. “ Rest assured, my Queen, if that should occur, I will be faster than Hermes himself” the Lord said, and though he grinned with it, it was not hard to imagine it true. Whether it were entirely motivated by the want to fetch help or simply to escape the situation was not easily discerned however.
It seemed the fates were being kind though, for as they wandered a little through the grounds of the Palati there was to be no unexpected arrivals of young royal heirs. There was a peaceable silence for a while, each of the pair seemingly content not to fill the space with words.
Achilleas’ thoughts had drifted back to Theodora again - as he was determined not to think any further on that conversation with his father right now - and it was that which saw him speak again, breaking the tranquility in order to pick the Queen’s brains regarding her sister’s taste.
“ I had not considered something like that” the man mused, trying to imagine the thing “ You are right though, something bearing the Lion would be fitting. Thankyou, Pia”
He would see to it this afternoon, on his way back to the Mikaelidas manor. He did not much like to linger there anyway, the place had ceased to feel like home once his father had moved his mistress in, and his mother out. Achilleas did not spend much time there anymore - save for these past weeks when his presence had been requested. He had rediscovered at least one home comfort that had made it more bearable though, and he wondered if he might miss her when he returned home.
“ You should come out to Euttica” he said, as they walked on. “ Sometime when the babe has come and you feel up to it. Being back here in Vasiliadon has reminded me how nice it is to get away from the place too”
The province was not the grandest, nor the most remarkable but Achilleas had found some affection for the sleepy little town and its surrounds. There were no games being played , no lines to deliver. It was easier.
”How do you find life here in the Palati?” the Lord asked, some genuine curiosity in the expression he turned upon Olympia. Her marriage to Stephanos had been rather forced by the baby she carried, or so it was rumoured, and had been a low key affair. It was part of the reason his father wanted to make such an occasion of his own wedding, something positive for the people on Taengea.
Something positive after such a tremulous time, and Olympia has found herself thrust into the very centre of it. Achilleas did not think he envied her that.
Achilleas glanced obliquely at the woman next to him, unsure if he were quite ready to consider any children he and Theodora might have. Even getting to the actual wedding was feeling like a great endeavour, and..
Well, there has been times when his betrothed had not seemed entirely thrilled at the prospect. Achilleas was not sure whether it was just nerves or something else, but it left him off kilter and he knew he had hidden behind formality in some of their interactions, leaving them stilted and unsatisfying.
Still, he smiled vaguely at Olympia, thinking that her positivity could not be misplaced. If anyone could understand Theodora, surely it was her own sister?
He was more committal about being able to return her to the palace should the need arise. “ Rest assured, my Queen, if that should occur, I will be faster than Hermes himself” the Lord said, and though he grinned with it, it was not hard to imagine it true. Whether it were entirely motivated by the want to fetch help or simply to escape the situation was not easily discerned however.
It seemed the fates were being kind though, for as they wandered a little through the grounds of the Palati there was to be no unexpected arrivals of young royal heirs. There was a peaceable silence for a while, each of the pair seemingly content not to fill the space with words.
Achilleas’ thoughts had drifted back to Theodora again - as he was determined not to think any further on that conversation with his father right now - and it was that which saw him speak again, breaking the tranquility in order to pick the Queen’s brains regarding her sister’s taste.
“ I had not considered something like that” the man mused, trying to imagine the thing “ You are right though, something bearing the Lion would be fitting. Thankyou, Pia”
He would see to it this afternoon, on his way back to the Mikaelidas manor. He did not much like to linger there anyway, the place had ceased to feel like home once his father had moved his mistress in, and his mother out. Achilleas did not spend much time there anymore - save for these past weeks when his presence had been requested. He had rediscovered at least one home comfort that had made it more bearable though, and he wondered if he might miss her when he returned home.
“ You should come out to Euttica” he said, as they walked on. “ Sometime when the babe has come and you feel up to it. Being back here in Vasiliadon has reminded me how nice it is to get away from the place too”
The province was not the grandest, nor the most remarkable but Achilleas had found some affection for the sleepy little town and its surrounds. There were no games being played , no lines to deliver. It was easier.
”How do you find life here in the Palati?” the Lord asked, some genuine curiosity in the expression he turned upon Olympia. Her marriage to Stephanos had been rather forced by the baby she carried, or so it was rumoured, and had been a low key affair. It was part of the reason his father wanted to make such an occasion of his own wedding, something positive for the people on Taengea.
Something positive after such a tremulous time, and Olympia has found herself thrust into the very centre of it. Achilleas did not think he envied her that.
Olympia laughed at his assurance that he would gain the wings of Hermes if her labor were to begin. Patting her belly gently, she shook her head at his antics and instead smiled fondly enough at the man who would be her brother. Theodora was lucky, to have such a man by her side if he proved to continue to be so different than his sire. And it was clear from the way Achilleas spoke, that Theo would be loved by her husband unconditionally, a feeling that had her own heart sting with jealousy. Though she had neither seen nor heard anything of Stephanos' transgressions in a short while, there was always a lingering fear and suspicion that he was just getting better at hiding his affairs.
His thanks brought a wave of her hand, it was nothing to give such advice. After all, she had known her sister and the woman's tastes as long as she had been alive, why not use it to ensure she would get something she liked? A gift from her betrothed that she would wear with pride and no doubt want to show off to the entire family. Her own lions head pendant was much loved when Stephanos was good to her, hated when he was with another, and she wore it only when she was in good terms with him or wanted to remind everyone that he had a wife who was carrying his heir.
"Think nothing of it, I'm glad to help. Since I missed the true pomp and celebration of a large wedding of my own, I live vicariously through yours. I'm sure our mothers will find a way to make it ostentatious in some manner."
Pia's brow lifted slightly as she turned to look over at his offer, a bit surprised before the kindness of the words truly met her heart. Of course they would have to visit, eventually her child would have cousins of their own to visit in Euttica, and she wanted to see the place where her sister would be lady of the house.
"I would be honored to visit, I think after everything it will be nice to get away. The...being here is a dream. But sometimes dreams are not always what we thought they would be."
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Olympia laughed at his assurance that he would gain the wings of Hermes if her labor were to begin. Patting her belly gently, she shook her head at his antics and instead smiled fondly enough at the man who would be her brother. Theodora was lucky, to have such a man by her side if he proved to continue to be so different than his sire. And it was clear from the way Achilleas spoke, that Theo would be loved by her husband unconditionally, a feeling that had her own heart sting with jealousy. Though she had neither seen nor heard anything of Stephanos' transgressions in a short while, there was always a lingering fear and suspicion that he was just getting better at hiding his affairs.
His thanks brought a wave of her hand, it was nothing to give such advice. After all, she had known her sister and the woman's tastes as long as she had been alive, why not use it to ensure she would get something she liked? A gift from her betrothed that she would wear with pride and no doubt want to show off to the entire family. Her own lions head pendant was much loved when Stephanos was good to her, hated when he was with another, and she wore it only when she was in good terms with him or wanted to remind everyone that he had a wife who was carrying his heir.
"Think nothing of it, I'm glad to help. Since I missed the true pomp and celebration of a large wedding of my own, I live vicariously through yours. I'm sure our mothers will find a way to make it ostentatious in some manner."
Pia's brow lifted slightly as she turned to look over at his offer, a bit surprised before the kindness of the words truly met her heart. Of course they would have to visit, eventually her child would have cousins of their own to visit in Euttica, and she wanted to see the place where her sister would be lady of the house.
"I would be honored to visit, I think after everything it will be nice to get away. The...being here is a dream. But sometimes dreams are not always what we thought they would be."
Olympia laughed at his assurance that he would gain the wings of Hermes if her labor were to begin. Patting her belly gently, she shook her head at his antics and instead smiled fondly enough at the man who would be her brother. Theodora was lucky, to have such a man by her side if he proved to continue to be so different than his sire. And it was clear from the way Achilleas spoke, that Theo would be loved by her husband unconditionally, a feeling that had her own heart sting with jealousy. Though she had neither seen nor heard anything of Stephanos' transgressions in a short while, there was always a lingering fear and suspicion that he was just getting better at hiding his affairs.
His thanks brought a wave of her hand, it was nothing to give such advice. After all, she had known her sister and the woman's tastes as long as she had been alive, why not use it to ensure she would get something she liked? A gift from her betrothed that she would wear with pride and no doubt want to show off to the entire family. Her own lions head pendant was much loved when Stephanos was good to her, hated when he was with another, and she wore it only when she was in good terms with him or wanted to remind everyone that he had a wife who was carrying his heir.
"Think nothing of it, I'm glad to help. Since I missed the true pomp and celebration of a large wedding of my own, I live vicariously through yours. I'm sure our mothers will find a way to make it ostentatious in some manner."
Pia's brow lifted slightly as she turned to look over at his offer, a bit surprised before the kindness of the words truly met her heart. Of course they would have to visit, eventually her child would have cousins of their own to visit in Euttica, and she wanted to see the place where her sister would be lady of the house.
"I would be honored to visit, I think after everything it will be nice to get away. The...being here is a dream. But sometimes dreams are not always what we thought they would be."
Achilleas looked only slightly pained at the threat of ostentation. He had not been close to the wedding plans, but given that there seemed to be so many of them, there was not much to reassure him that Olympia spoke false. His lips twisted into a mock grimace as he turned to the woman.
“ I fear you may be right. And it has been delayed so many times I can't help but think they have had far too long to come with such ideas”
He would swallow the pomp and ceremony though, to see Theodora finally made his wife. It would be the start of a new chapter, and for almost the first time he could remember, Achilleas felt as if he’d steered it at least some part himself. Of course he knew that if his father had not agreed with such a match that it would never have happened, but the fact that their thoughts had aligned meant that at least in this, Achilleas was walking towards something he genuinely wanted.
It was not that he didn’t enjoy other things that he had ended up doing: he was content in his work, he knew himself a capable and charismatic leader of men upon the battlefield, and a formidable adversary to those that drew arms against him. He ran his barony with due care and attention, and was glad to see it prosper.
They were things thrust upon him and he had risen to meet the challenge, whereas Theodora…well she was something he would have gravitated towards anyway, he thought, as they walked the gardens of the Palati. And that was worth remembering.
The Lord shot a smile at the Queen as she accepted his invitation, but Achilleas’ expression sobered a little as she spoke on. He could only wonder what it must have been like for Olympia over the past months. He knew Stephanos to be volatile at the best of times, and by the Gods if the man had not been put to the test in his brief stint as regent. Pia had been a stabilising influence surely, and one he was glad his cousin had known.
“Things will settle again soon, my Queen. And then perhaps life will quieten more into what you had imagined it would be”. He spoke reassurances, even as his father’s words rang in his ears. Whatever the man had planned for the senate meet, there was little hope that it would be to the benefit of the current King, and by reflection, his wife. Achilleas felt false then, and it was a feeling he did not much care for. Glancing away from Olympia in case she might read it upon his face, he nodded toward the Palati.
“Perhaps until then, we should not overtax your majesty?”
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Achilleas looked only slightly pained at the threat of ostentation. He had not been close to the wedding plans, but given that there seemed to be so many of them, there was not much to reassure him that Olympia spoke false. His lips twisted into a mock grimace as he turned to the woman.
“ I fear you may be right. And it has been delayed so many times I can't help but think they have had far too long to come with such ideas”
He would swallow the pomp and ceremony though, to see Theodora finally made his wife. It would be the start of a new chapter, and for almost the first time he could remember, Achilleas felt as if he’d steered it at least some part himself. Of course he knew that if his father had not agreed with such a match that it would never have happened, but the fact that their thoughts had aligned meant that at least in this, Achilleas was walking towards something he genuinely wanted.
It was not that he didn’t enjoy other things that he had ended up doing: he was content in his work, he knew himself a capable and charismatic leader of men upon the battlefield, and a formidable adversary to those that drew arms against him. He ran his barony with due care and attention, and was glad to see it prosper.
They were things thrust upon him and he had risen to meet the challenge, whereas Theodora…well she was something he would have gravitated towards anyway, he thought, as they walked the gardens of the Palati. And that was worth remembering.
The Lord shot a smile at the Queen as she accepted his invitation, but Achilleas’ expression sobered a little as she spoke on. He could only wonder what it must have been like for Olympia over the past months. He knew Stephanos to be volatile at the best of times, and by the Gods if the man had not been put to the test in his brief stint as regent. Pia had been a stabilising influence surely, and one he was glad his cousin had known.
“Things will settle again soon, my Queen. And then perhaps life will quieten more into what you had imagined it would be”. He spoke reassurances, even as his father’s words rang in his ears. Whatever the man had planned for the senate meet, there was little hope that it would be to the benefit of the current King, and by reflection, his wife. Achilleas felt false then, and it was a feeling he did not much care for. Glancing away from Olympia in case she might read it upon his face, he nodded toward the Palati.
“Perhaps until then, we should not overtax your majesty?”
Achilleas looked only slightly pained at the threat of ostentation. He had not been close to the wedding plans, but given that there seemed to be so many of them, there was not much to reassure him that Olympia spoke false. His lips twisted into a mock grimace as he turned to the woman.
“ I fear you may be right. And it has been delayed so many times I can't help but think they have had far too long to come with such ideas”
He would swallow the pomp and ceremony though, to see Theodora finally made his wife. It would be the start of a new chapter, and for almost the first time he could remember, Achilleas felt as if he’d steered it at least some part himself. Of course he knew that if his father had not agreed with such a match that it would never have happened, but the fact that their thoughts had aligned meant that at least in this, Achilleas was walking towards something he genuinely wanted.
It was not that he didn’t enjoy other things that he had ended up doing: he was content in his work, he knew himself a capable and charismatic leader of men upon the battlefield, and a formidable adversary to those that drew arms against him. He ran his barony with due care and attention, and was glad to see it prosper.
They were things thrust upon him and he had risen to meet the challenge, whereas Theodora…well she was something he would have gravitated towards anyway, he thought, as they walked the gardens of the Palati. And that was worth remembering.
The Lord shot a smile at the Queen as she accepted his invitation, but Achilleas’ expression sobered a little as she spoke on. He could only wonder what it must have been like for Olympia over the past months. He knew Stephanos to be volatile at the best of times, and by the Gods if the man had not been put to the test in his brief stint as regent. Pia had been a stabilising influence surely, and one he was glad his cousin had known.
“Things will settle again soon, my Queen. And then perhaps life will quieten more into what you had imagined it would be”. He spoke reassurances, even as his father’s words rang in his ears. Whatever the man had planned for the senate meet, there was little hope that it would be to the benefit of the current King, and by reflection, his wife. Achilleas felt false then, and it was a feeling he did not much care for. Glancing away from Olympia in case she might read it upon his face, he nodded toward the Palati.
“Perhaps until then, we should not overtax your majesty?”