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Fotios had been trying to concentrate for nearly half an hour before he gave up, slamming his stylus to the table and storming around his desk and out of his private study.
While all of the business lands for the Leventi fortune were in other areas - other provinces and even other islands - like Macendia - it was often that a particular horse or steed would be brought to the main manor's stables in order to be taken care of by the very best of their equine handlers. Because, of course, those that were the very best of their business were kept in employ in the main Leventi manor - where they could take care of Fotios' immediate family’s horses.
Some idiot, however, had decided to care for one particularly frivolous ride, directly outside his study window and the whinnying and whining of the creature had been disturbing his peace and his focus for longer than he would have allowed any human to do so.
Leaving the house through one of the solar rooms and stepping out into the sunshine, Fotios was dressed as he might normally be perceived but slightly more casually. His riding boots and pants were in place in a shade of dark brown, and his military cut tunic shirt were tucked in behind his belt and left half open, the triangular flap of the top layer falling outwards to reveal a loose, beige undershirt. He had tied his hair back at the nape of his neck while he had been pouring over his paperwork and the sleeves of his tunic had been rolled to his elbows, the undershirt following to give white cuffs to the brown jerkin.
For all intents and purposes, the Head of the Leventi House looked nothing like a nobleman. And he was only able to be identified as one due to the high quality of everything that he wore and the way in which he held himself; with the bearing that was appropriate for his bloodline.
Otherwise, he was dressed little differently than the other stable hands who now fought for control over a stallion that was rearing against their leading reins with all he had, as the stablemen - not his professional equine handlers, but basic slaves - yelled at each other to keep hold of him and bring the creature under control.
Angry at both being disturbed and the way they were only making the situation worse, Fotios placed his lower lip beneath his upper teeth and whistled. Hard.
The stable hands stopped and looked around uncertain at the noise and Fotios was given a moment of quiet - despite the horse's temper tantrum - to bring order to the situation.
"Stop yelling!" He told them firmly. "You'll disturb him all the more. Move slowly."
Stepping forward calmly, with a hand out, palm up, Fotios moved close to the creature that was now - oh lo and behold - a little calmer since the men had stopped yelling at one another.
With the animal still frisky and uncertain, Fotios moved calmly and slowly so that he would become used to his scent and within a few moments was able to latch his fingers around the bridle headpiece and rub a calming hand down the beast's neck.
"This creature isn't be handled by anyone by myself or Dios or Pharotis." He told the men with a stern eye. "We need to train him out of his nervous disposition and you all frightening him isn't helping."
When the creature was tolerant once more, Fotios handed the leading reign to one of the bigger men with a slower gait.
"Take him back to his stables and report my orders to Dios when he begins work." He told the man.
He was tempted to sell or fire the lot of them, but Fotios was a practical man and the amount of work that would be involved in replacing them all was beyond the time he wished to waste on such a happenstance.
Instead, he turned to return to his office and his work, only to be greeted by a royal retinue at his gates.
Surprised and frustrated at his continued delay from his paperwork, Fotios waved a hand for the retinue to enter into the back courtyard of the property and then stood to one side with hands on his hips, wondering what this was all about...
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This character is currently a work in progress.
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Fotios had been trying to concentrate for nearly half an hour before he gave up, slamming his stylus to the table and storming around his desk and out of his private study.
While all of the business lands for the Leventi fortune were in other areas - other provinces and even other islands - like Macendia - it was often that a particular horse or steed would be brought to the main manor's stables in order to be taken care of by the very best of their equine handlers. Because, of course, those that were the very best of their business were kept in employ in the main Leventi manor - where they could take care of Fotios' immediate family’s horses.
Some idiot, however, had decided to care for one particularly frivolous ride, directly outside his study window and the whinnying and whining of the creature had been disturbing his peace and his focus for longer than he would have allowed any human to do so.
Leaving the house through one of the solar rooms and stepping out into the sunshine, Fotios was dressed as he might normally be perceived but slightly more casually. His riding boots and pants were in place in a shade of dark brown, and his military cut tunic shirt were tucked in behind his belt and left half open, the triangular flap of the top layer falling outwards to reveal a loose, beige undershirt. He had tied his hair back at the nape of his neck while he had been pouring over his paperwork and the sleeves of his tunic had been rolled to his elbows, the undershirt following to give white cuffs to the brown jerkin.
For all intents and purposes, the Head of the Leventi House looked nothing like a nobleman. And he was only able to be identified as one due to the high quality of everything that he wore and the way in which he held himself; with the bearing that was appropriate for his bloodline.
Otherwise, he was dressed little differently than the other stable hands who now fought for control over a stallion that was rearing against their leading reins with all he had, as the stablemen - not his professional equine handlers, but basic slaves - yelled at each other to keep hold of him and bring the creature under control.
Angry at both being disturbed and the way they were only making the situation worse, Fotios placed his lower lip beneath his upper teeth and whistled. Hard.
The stable hands stopped and looked around uncertain at the noise and Fotios was given a moment of quiet - despite the horse's temper tantrum - to bring order to the situation.
"Stop yelling!" He told them firmly. "You'll disturb him all the more. Move slowly."
Stepping forward calmly, with a hand out, palm up, Fotios moved close to the creature that was now - oh lo and behold - a little calmer since the men had stopped yelling at one another.
With the animal still frisky and uncertain, Fotios moved calmly and slowly so that he would become used to his scent and within a few moments was able to latch his fingers around the bridle headpiece and rub a calming hand down the beast's neck.
"This creature isn't be handled by anyone by myself or Dios or Pharotis." He told the men with a stern eye. "We need to train him out of his nervous disposition and you all frightening him isn't helping."
When the creature was tolerant once more, Fotios handed the leading reign to one of the bigger men with a slower gait.
"Take him back to his stables and report my orders to Dios when he begins work." He told the man.
He was tempted to sell or fire the lot of them, but Fotios was a practical man and the amount of work that would be involved in replacing them all was beyond the time he wished to waste on such a happenstance.
Instead, he turned to return to his office and his work, only to be greeted by a royal retinue at his gates.
Surprised and frustrated at his continued delay from his paperwork, Fotios waved a hand for the retinue to enter into the back courtyard of the property and then stood to one side with hands on his hips, wondering what this was all about...
Fotios had been trying to concentrate for nearly half an hour before he gave up, slamming his stylus to the table and storming around his desk and out of his private study.
While all of the business lands for the Leventi fortune were in other areas - other provinces and even other islands - like Macendia - it was often that a particular horse or steed would be brought to the main manor's stables in order to be taken care of by the very best of their equine handlers. Because, of course, those that were the very best of their business were kept in employ in the main Leventi manor - where they could take care of Fotios' immediate family’s horses.
Some idiot, however, had decided to care for one particularly frivolous ride, directly outside his study window and the whinnying and whining of the creature had been disturbing his peace and his focus for longer than he would have allowed any human to do so.
Leaving the house through one of the solar rooms and stepping out into the sunshine, Fotios was dressed as he might normally be perceived but slightly more casually. His riding boots and pants were in place in a shade of dark brown, and his military cut tunic shirt were tucked in behind his belt and left half open, the triangular flap of the top layer falling outwards to reveal a loose, beige undershirt. He had tied his hair back at the nape of his neck while he had been pouring over his paperwork and the sleeves of his tunic had been rolled to his elbows, the undershirt following to give white cuffs to the brown jerkin.
For all intents and purposes, the Head of the Leventi House looked nothing like a nobleman. And he was only able to be identified as one due to the high quality of everything that he wore and the way in which he held himself; with the bearing that was appropriate for his bloodline.
Otherwise, he was dressed little differently than the other stable hands who now fought for control over a stallion that was rearing against their leading reins with all he had, as the stablemen - not his professional equine handlers, but basic slaves - yelled at each other to keep hold of him and bring the creature under control.
Angry at both being disturbed and the way they were only making the situation worse, Fotios placed his lower lip beneath his upper teeth and whistled. Hard.
The stable hands stopped and looked around uncertain at the noise and Fotios was given a moment of quiet - despite the horse's temper tantrum - to bring order to the situation.
"Stop yelling!" He told them firmly. "You'll disturb him all the more. Move slowly."
Stepping forward calmly, with a hand out, palm up, Fotios moved close to the creature that was now - oh lo and behold - a little calmer since the men had stopped yelling at one another.
With the animal still frisky and uncertain, Fotios moved calmly and slowly so that he would become used to his scent and within a few moments was able to latch his fingers around the bridle headpiece and rub a calming hand down the beast's neck.
"This creature isn't be handled by anyone by myself or Dios or Pharotis." He told the men with a stern eye. "We need to train him out of his nervous disposition and you all frightening him isn't helping."
When the creature was tolerant once more, Fotios handed the leading reign to one of the bigger men with a slower gait.
"Take him back to his stables and report my orders to Dios when he begins work." He told the man.
He was tempted to sell or fire the lot of them, but Fotios was a practical man and the amount of work that would be involved in replacing them all was beyond the time he wished to waste on such a happenstance.
Instead, he turned to return to his office and his work, only to be greeted by a royal retinue at his gates.
Surprised and frustrated at his continued delay from his paperwork, Fotios waved a hand for the retinue to enter into the back courtyard of the property and then stood to one side with hands on his hips, wondering what this was all about...
It was Xene who had sent Zacharias' horse to the Leventi home. To her disdain, the creature was yet another item of her brother's that had been neglected. Not so much neglected as not having an attentive eye trained on him from time to time. At the discovery of her brother's dusty bedroom, and subsequently, the letters written in her brother's beautiful script, Xene had been disgusted by the state of the room. She'd given sharp words to some of the palace's servants, strictly instructing that Zach's room be cleaned and made fresh daily.
Just as any other Mikaelidas' rooms would be serviced.
When she'd found her brother's prized horse sick and despondent?
The princess had flown off the handle. Two stablehands had been fired on the spot and an order put in to move the equine to Leventi lands for healing. She had been in contact with one of the higher up stablehands for the Leventi family the entire time, consistently writing back and forth until the news came that her brother's prize horse had been nursed back to health.
It wasn't enough just to send her servants to fetch the creature. Some little voice in the back of her mind told her that the proper thing to do would be to obtain the horse herself. Thus, around mid-afternoon, she'd loaded into her carriage with one of her ladies and a guard and headed for the Leventi manor. The trip wasn't long by any means and upon being granted entry into the back of the courtyard, Xene felt a slight wave of relief at sighting the Leventi head of house himself.
Her guard stepped out of the carriage first, joining a second on solid ground. Her lady stepped out next, taking Xene's hand and helping her out. Stepping carefully down, she released her skirts to trail down her body. She wore a soft pink chiton, fastened with simple pins at the shoulders and wrapped with a belt of braided silver thread and leather. Her golden hair was braided up in a beautiful updo, a simple tiara circling her head.
Looking upward, Xene gave Fotios of Leventi a warm and respectful smile.
She bowed slightly in order to show a proper amount of respect to the Head of House before approaching him. Xene's smile never faltered.
"Lord Fotios," she greeted softly, holding out her hand to him.
"I've received word that my brother's horse has been properly healed," she continued after a few moments. Pulling her hand back, she pressed her hands against her abdomen, holding her chin high. "I attended to collect the creature myself. Poor thing appeared so sickly and haggard the last time I saw her," Xene smiled a little sadly. Zach had adored his mare.
And now Xene would do the same. The horse would belong to no one else but her and she cared not what anyone said at the end of the day. She had never ridden much in her life, but she would start if it meant one of the few pieces left behind by Zach could thrive.
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This character is currently a work in progress.
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It was Xene who had sent Zacharias' horse to the Leventi home. To her disdain, the creature was yet another item of her brother's that had been neglected. Not so much neglected as not having an attentive eye trained on him from time to time. At the discovery of her brother's dusty bedroom, and subsequently, the letters written in her brother's beautiful script, Xene had been disgusted by the state of the room. She'd given sharp words to some of the palace's servants, strictly instructing that Zach's room be cleaned and made fresh daily.
Just as any other Mikaelidas' rooms would be serviced.
When she'd found her brother's prized horse sick and despondent?
The princess had flown off the handle. Two stablehands had been fired on the spot and an order put in to move the equine to Leventi lands for healing. She had been in contact with one of the higher up stablehands for the Leventi family the entire time, consistently writing back and forth until the news came that her brother's prize horse had been nursed back to health.
It wasn't enough just to send her servants to fetch the creature. Some little voice in the back of her mind told her that the proper thing to do would be to obtain the horse herself. Thus, around mid-afternoon, she'd loaded into her carriage with one of her ladies and a guard and headed for the Leventi manor. The trip wasn't long by any means and upon being granted entry into the back of the courtyard, Xene felt a slight wave of relief at sighting the Leventi head of house himself.
Her guard stepped out of the carriage first, joining a second on solid ground. Her lady stepped out next, taking Xene's hand and helping her out. Stepping carefully down, she released her skirts to trail down her body. She wore a soft pink chiton, fastened with simple pins at the shoulders and wrapped with a belt of braided silver thread and leather. Her golden hair was braided up in a beautiful updo, a simple tiara circling her head.
Looking upward, Xene gave Fotios of Leventi a warm and respectful smile.
She bowed slightly in order to show a proper amount of respect to the Head of House before approaching him. Xene's smile never faltered.
"Lord Fotios," she greeted softly, holding out her hand to him.
"I've received word that my brother's horse has been properly healed," she continued after a few moments. Pulling her hand back, she pressed her hands against her abdomen, holding her chin high. "I attended to collect the creature myself. Poor thing appeared so sickly and haggard the last time I saw her," Xene smiled a little sadly. Zach had adored his mare.
And now Xene would do the same. The horse would belong to no one else but her and she cared not what anyone said at the end of the day. She had never ridden much in her life, but she would start if it meant one of the few pieces left behind by Zach could thrive.
It was Xene who had sent Zacharias' horse to the Leventi home. To her disdain, the creature was yet another item of her brother's that had been neglected. Not so much neglected as not having an attentive eye trained on him from time to time. At the discovery of her brother's dusty bedroom, and subsequently, the letters written in her brother's beautiful script, Xene had been disgusted by the state of the room. She'd given sharp words to some of the palace's servants, strictly instructing that Zach's room be cleaned and made fresh daily.
Just as any other Mikaelidas' rooms would be serviced.
When she'd found her brother's prized horse sick and despondent?
The princess had flown off the handle. Two stablehands had been fired on the spot and an order put in to move the equine to Leventi lands for healing. She had been in contact with one of the higher up stablehands for the Leventi family the entire time, consistently writing back and forth until the news came that her brother's prize horse had been nursed back to health.
It wasn't enough just to send her servants to fetch the creature. Some little voice in the back of her mind told her that the proper thing to do would be to obtain the horse herself. Thus, around mid-afternoon, she'd loaded into her carriage with one of her ladies and a guard and headed for the Leventi manor. The trip wasn't long by any means and upon being granted entry into the back of the courtyard, Xene felt a slight wave of relief at sighting the Leventi head of house himself.
Her guard stepped out of the carriage first, joining a second on solid ground. Her lady stepped out next, taking Xene's hand and helping her out. Stepping carefully down, she released her skirts to trail down her body. She wore a soft pink chiton, fastened with simple pins at the shoulders and wrapped with a belt of braided silver thread and leather. Her golden hair was braided up in a beautiful updo, a simple tiara circling her head.
Looking upward, Xene gave Fotios of Leventi a warm and respectful smile.
She bowed slightly in order to show a proper amount of respect to the Head of House before approaching him. Xene's smile never faltered.
"Lord Fotios," she greeted softly, holding out her hand to him.
"I've received word that my brother's horse has been properly healed," she continued after a few moments. Pulling her hand back, she pressed her hands against her abdomen, holding her chin high. "I attended to collect the creature myself. Poor thing appeared so sickly and haggard the last time I saw her," Xene smiled a little sadly. Zach had adored his mare.
And now Xene would do the same. The horse would belong to no one else but her and she cared not what anyone said at the end of the day. She had never ridden much in her life, but she would start if it meant one of the few pieces left behind by Zach could thrive.
As the royal carriage pulled to a stop just a few feet before him, Fotios took a couple of steps backwards in order to offer a comfortable amount of space for the occupant to step down onto the cobbles between him and the vehicle. He then removed his hands from his hips and placed them penitently behind him, one hand gripping the other wrist in the small of his back. For whomever was in the carriage marked with the Mikaelidas crest was above himself in station and he would not be seen to be obstinate in the company of one of the immediate royal family. Knowing that there would be far more pomp and circumstance if the King or Queen was in attendance of him and that Irakles and his sons always rode singularly on horseback rather than in a drawn cart, Fotios surmised quickly which of the two princesses it might be within the box. When Xene of Mikaelidas appeared, he found his theory to be correct and simply bowed low at the waist to show adamant respect for her rank and bloodline.
As Xene took a step forward to greet him, Fotios straightened to his full height - while not extreme he was still several inches taller than the princess - and took her hand in greeting. Her palm was soft, the back of her hand like silk, and Fotios offered fingers of hard work to their shake.
"My princess, you grace us with your presence..." He told her in murmured welcome. "Welcome to the Leventi manor."
As she released his hand and then explained the reason for her visit, Fotios nodded calmly, knowing exactly the mare she was describing. He might have been Head of his House, but Fotios was also one who desired control in everything he did, meaning that nothing happened within his stables or his lands without him knowing about it.
"Of course, Princess..." Fotios commented with another respectful nod of his head. "We have the creature healed and her mannerisms corrected. She was difficult to handle initially but we seem to have corrected that which ailed her and she appears perfectly content now."
Looking back towards the house, Fotios directed a hand towards the solar room he had exited through - a square room with only two walls that then opened out in arches to look out over the Leventi lands...
"Might you come sit with me a moment?" He asked her, offering out an arm to accompany her through the arches and towards one of the loungers available. "I shall have a servant fetch the mare and from here, you'll be able to witness her health and temperament for yourself, if you're able to wait just a moment for her to be tacked up?"
With a snap of his fingers, Fotios had a servant jumping and running to fulfil his indicated instruction, before he guided Xene to take a seat on a beautiful lounger of navy-blue silks...
"I would tell you there was no need for you to come and receive the animal in person, Princess, but I have a feeling your reaction would be in kin with mine and the words would simply fall on deaf ears, no?"
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This character is currently a work in progress.
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As the royal carriage pulled to a stop just a few feet before him, Fotios took a couple of steps backwards in order to offer a comfortable amount of space for the occupant to step down onto the cobbles between him and the vehicle. He then removed his hands from his hips and placed them penitently behind him, one hand gripping the other wrist in the small of his back. For whomever was in the carriage marked with the Mikaelidas crest was above himself in station and he would not be seen to be obstinate in the company of one of the immediate royal family. Knowing that there would be far more pomp and circumstance if the King or Queen was in attendance of him and that Irakles and his sons always rode singularly on horseback rather than in a drawn cart, Fotios surmised quickly which of the two princesses it might be within the box. When Xene of Mikaelidas appeared, he found his theory to be correct and simply bowed low at the waist to show adamant respect for her rank and bloodline.
As Xene took a step forward to greet him, Fotios straightened to his full height - while not extreme he was still several inches taller than the princess - and took her hand in greeting. Her palm was soft, the back of her hand like silk, and Fotios offered fingers of hard work to their shake.
"My princess, you grace us with your presence..." He told her in murmured welcome. "Welcome to the Leventi manor."
As she released his hand and then explained the reason for her visit, Fotios nodded calmly, knowing exactly the mare she was describing. He might have been Head of his House, but Fotios was also one who desired control in everything he did, meaning that nothing happened within his stables or his lands without him knowing about it.
"Of course, Princess..." Fotios commented with another respectful nod of his head. "We have the creature healed and her mannerisms corrected. She was difficult to handle initially but we seem to have corrected that which ailed her and she appears perfectly content now."
Looking back towards the house, Fotios directed a hand towards the solar room he had exited through - a square room with only two walls that then opened out in arches to look out over the Leventi lands...
"Might you come sit with me a moment?" He asked her, offering out an arm to accompany her through the arches and towards one of the loungers available. "I shall have a servant fetch the mare and from here, you'll be able to witness her health and temperament for yourself, if you're able to wait just a moment for her to be tacked up?"
With a snap of his fingers, Fotios had a servant jumping and running to fulfil his indicated instruction, before he guided Xene to take a seat on a beautiful lounger of navy-blue silks...
"I would tell you there was no need for you to come and receive the animal in person, Princess, but I have a feeling your reaction would be in kin with mine and the words would simply fall on deaf ears, no?"
As the royal carriage pulled to a stop just a few feet before him, Fotios took a couple of steps backwards in order to offer a comfortable amount of space for the occupant to step down onto the cobbles between him and the vehicle. He then removed his hands from his hips and placed them penitently behind him, one hand gripping the other wrist in the small of his back. For whomever was in the carriage marked with the Mikaelidas crest was above himself in station and he would not be seen to be obstinate in the company of one of the immediate royal family. Knowing that there would be far more pomp and circumstance if the King or Queen was in attendance of him and that Irakles and his sons always rode singularly on horseback rather than in a drawn cart, Fotios surmised quickly which of the two princesses it might be within the box. When Xene of Mikaelidas appeared, he found his theory to be correct and simply bowed low at the waist to show adamant respect for her rank and bloodline.
As Xene took a step forward to greet him, Fotios straightened to his full height - while not extreme he was still several inches taller than the princess - and took her hand in greeting. Her palm was soft, the back of her hand like silk, and Fotios offered fingers of hard work to their shake.
"My princess, you grace us with your presence..." He told her in murmured welcome. "Welcome to the Leventi manor."
As she released his hand and then explained the reason for her visit, Fotios nodded calmly, knowing exactly the mare she was describing. He might have been Head of his House, but Fotios was also one who desired control in everything he did, meaning that nothing happened within his stables or his lands without him knowing about it.
"Of course, Princess..." Fotios commented with another respectful nod of his head. "We have the creature healed and her mannerisms corrected. She was difficult to handle initially but we seem to have corrected that which ailed her and she appears perfectly content now."
Looking back towards the house, Fotios directed a hand towards the solar room he had exited through - a square room with only two walls that then opened out in arches to look out over the Leventi lands...
"Might you come sit with me a moment?" He asked her, offering out an arm to accompany her through the arches and towards one of the loungers available. "I shall have a servant fetch the mare and from here, you'll be able to witness her health and temperament for yourself, if you're able to wait just a moment for her to be tacked up?"
With a snap of his fingers, Fotios had a servant jumping and running to fulfil his indicated instruction, before he guided Xene to take a seat on a beautiful lounger of navy-blue silks...
"I would tell you there was no need for you to come and receive the animal in person, Princess, but I have a feeling your reaction would be in kin with mine and the words would simply fall on deaf ears, no?"
Xene was pleased to greet the head of the Leventi house, though she had never truly liked when people bowed to her. She was but a princess. Better, a bargaining chip for her brother to use should he wish her to marry into some tried and true alliance. Dutiful, but not at all spoiled or pig-headed. Xene preferred to keep her wits about her, and despite her aversion to the bowing, she accepted his greeting with a small nod of her head.
The princess remained acutely aware of just how rough his hand felt on her skin. A man of hard work and dedication, she was sure. There was little to fear from him. He’d proved more than once since her father and brother had died that he was present and available to serve and protect.
She hoped to hold onto that loyalty for as long as possible.
“I thank you, Lord Fotios,” she said softly when the man explained to her the treatment of her brother’s horse. “I was beside myself when I found her in such a state,” she said quietly, her expression almost sad. “My brother had loved the mare deeply and I still don’t understand the sudden neglect of his effects,” she lamented out loud, shaking a few of her golden curls.
Allowing him to take her arm in his, Xene moved with the elder man, her gaze cast backward toward his stables for a moment. Then she pulled her attention forward, listening to the deep voice of her host. His request was one she was happy to oblige. How often was it that one of the acting royal family visited the homes of their patrons?
Not entirely often, she was sure. Save for Irakles, she was sure that the visits to different mansions had been few and far between for her father and brother.
Settling down on the navy-blue lounge, Xene made sure to position herself in a way that was lady-like, smiling kindly up at Fotios. She silently hoped that he would settle somewhere in order to join her. It wouldn’t do for him to run after the stable hands to procure her horse. She couldn’t help the way that heat flared in her cheeks at Fotios’ final comment about her temperament. Xene found herself clearing her throat, glancing up toward the fields.
Tilting her head just slightly, she gave a small smile, “You seem to know my type quite well, Lord Fotios,” she started, sitting up just slightly, “The mare meant quite a bit to my brother,” her voice was soft. “I was so fearful she would be unable to be saved that I couldn’t help myself in coming to receive her myself once I got the letter. I didn’t want anyone else handling her. I thank you, again, deeply, for caring for her. There are few things that Zacharias left behind, but she is one thing that I can continue to hold onto.”
Lifting blue eyes back to Fotios, her smile was charming, “I pray that she gave you and yours little trouble, then?”
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Xene was pleased to greet the head of the Leventi house, though she had never truly liked when people bowed to her. She was but a princess. Better, a bargaining chip for her brother to use should he wish her to marry into some tried and true alliance. Dutiful, but not at all spoiled or pig-headed. Xene preferred to keep her wits about her, and despite her aversion to the bowing, she accepted his greeting with a small nod of her head.
The princess remained acutely aware of just how rough his hand felt on her skin. A man of hard work and dedication, she was sure. There was little to fear from him. He’d proved more than once since her father and brother had died that he was present and available to serve and protect.
She hoped to hold onto that loyalty for as long as possible.
“I thank you, Lord Fotios,” she said softly when the man explained to her the treatment of her brother’s horse. “I was beside myself when I found her in such a state,” she said quietly, her expression almost sad. “My brother had loved the mare deeply and I still don’t understand the sudden neglect of his effects,” she lamented out loud, shaking a few of her golden curls.
Allowing him to take her arm in his, Xene moved with the elder man, her gaze cast backward toward his stables for a moment. Then she pulled her attention forward, listening to the deep voice of her host. His request was one she was happy to oblige. How often was it that one of the acting royal family visited the homes of their patrons?
Not entirely often, she was sure. Save for Irakles, she was sure that the visits to different mansions had been few and far between for her father and brother.
Settling down on the navy-blue lounge, Xene made sure to position herself in a way that was lady-like, smiling kindly up at Fotios. She silently hoped that he would settle somewhere in order to join her. It wouldn’t do for him to run after the stable hands to procure her horse. She couldn’t help the way that heat flared in her cheeks at Fotios’ final comment about her temperament. Xene found herself clearing her throat, glancing up toward the fields.
Tilting her head just slightly, she gave a small smile, “You seem to know my type quite well, Lord Fotios,” she started, sitting up just slightly, “The mare meant quite a bit to my brother,” her voice was soft. “I was so fearful she would be unable to be saved that I couldn’t help myself in coming to receive her myself once I got the letter. I didn’t want anyone else handling her. I thank you, again, deeply, for caring for her. There are few things that Zacharias left behind, but she is one thing that I can continue to hold onto.”
Lifting blue eyes back to Fotios, her smile was charming, “I pray that she gave you and yours little trouble, then?”
Xene was pleased to greet the head of the Leventi house, though she had never truly liked when people bowed to her. She was but a princess. Better, a bargaining chip for her brother to use should he wish her to marry into some tried and true alliance. Dutiful, but not at all spoiled or pig-headed. Xene preferred to keep her wits about her, and despite her aversion to the bowing, she accepted his greeting with a small nod of her head.
The princess remained acutely aware of just how rough his hand felt on her skin. A man of hard work and dedication, she was sure. There was little to fear from him. He’d proved more than once since her father and brother had died that he was present and available to serve and protect.
She hoped to hold onto that loyalty for as long as possible.
“I thank you, Lord Fotios,” she said softly when the man explained to her the treatment of her brother’s horse. “I was beside myself when I found her in such a state,” she said quietly, her expression almost sad. “My brother had loved the mare deeply and I still don’t understand the sudden neglect of his effects,” she lamented out loud, shaking a few of her golden curls.
Allowing him to take her arm in his, Xene moved with the elder man, her gaze cast backward toward his stables for a moment. Then she pulled her attention forward, listening to the deep voice of her host. His request was one she was happy to oblige. How often was it that one of the acting royal family visited the homes of their patrons?
Not entirely often, she was sure. Save for Irakles, she was sure that the visits to different mansions had been few and far between for her father and brother.
Settling down on the navy-blue lounge, Xene made sure to position herself in a way that was lady-like, smiling kindly up at Fotios. She silently hoped that he would settle somewhere in order to join her. It wouldn’t do for him to run after the stable hands to procure her horse. She couldn’t help the way that heat flared in her cheeks at Fotios’ final comment about her temperament. Xene found herself clearing her throat, glancing up toward the fields.
Tilting her head just slightly, she gave a small smile, “You seem to know my type quite well, Lord Fotios,” she started, sitting up just slightly, “The mare meant quite a bit to my brother,” her voice was soft. “I was so fearful she would be unable to be saved that I couldn’t help myself in coming to receive her myself once I got the letter. I didn’t want anyone else handling her. I thank you, again, deeply, for caring for her. There are few things that Zacharias left behind, but she is one thing that I can continue to hold onto.”
Lifting blue eyes back to Fotios, her smile was charming, “I pray that she gave you and yours little trouble, then?”
Fotios listened calmly and with an air of respect as the princess voiced her concerns regarding the horse's treatment prior to the mare being brought to his estate. He nodded as she expressed regret and confusion over the sudden lack of attention regarding the stable hands.
"While it goes against my grain to defend those who might have intentionally led an animal to ruin, I find myself suspect that your brother - in his great love for the creatures - would have been rather hands on in their care... They were, after all, the great power before his chariot in the circus..." Fotios rested a hand on the arm that Xene had linked through his as they walked under the archways and into the solar room. The chamber was expansive, made of white marble with ribbons of the lightest blue and sported several tapestries and rugs in blues and greens; rich vibrant colours of the earth and sea. "Perhaps his attention meant that the care was never detailed to the hands... your brother, after all, hardly expected to leave you and his family so soon - perhaps they were ill-prepared..." As Xene took a seat on the lounger, Fotios took care in detaching his arm gently from his own as she descended, his hand brushing hers as she released him to settle it in her lap. Moving smoothly around the lounger towards a bureau situated behind her, Fotios poured wine into two silver chalices and then approached her from behind. Reaching forward her handed her the cup from over her shoulder, before then moving to sat the seat across from her.
"Then again..." He said as he lowered himself into the seat... "I have little patience for those unable to be autonomous in seeking aid when its needed. Great empires like Taengea were never built on the shoulders of those content to let the world be as it is..." His words came out impassioned. "If you'll permit me princess..." He commented, leaning back into the corner of the lounger and placing an arm over the back of it. His tunic pulled across his shoulders revealing more of his undershirt and he hooked his ankle up over his opposing knee. "It is why your father was such a great King... not content to allow the kingdoms to be what they were he set out to make unity with as many as possible. Taengea cannot be both powerful and peaceful without making such connections."
As the princess went on to comment regarding the feeling that the horse was a reminder of her dead brother and that she had hoped the creature to not have caused trouble, Fotios merely waved a hand to dismiss the secondary concern.
"There is no such occasion for concern, princess." He assured her. "No disturbance is of import when it’s the royal family seeking my aid." He smiled. "Especially, if I may be so bold, as to call that royal... a friend."
Taking a sip from his chalice in order to break any form of tension his words might have caused, Fotios turned to look out through the archways of the room and towards the roaming lands beyond as he frowned and addressed the first part of her conversation.
"And perhaps... with regards to you feeling like the creature is a memoir of your brother you should look at it a different way?" He a soft expression and concern written in the lines of his face, Fotios turned back to watch the princess. "No animal will live as long as humans and to hold onto it as a token of a brother's love will only be doomed to bring about more grief at a later stage..." His eyes brightened and his index finger stretched out from his cup as he gestured his next point. "But..." He stated... "The affection you have clearly inherited towards horses? I did not see that in your previously. Such a gift has clearly been given through the love for your brother and such a gift will never die or wither. You have complete control over how you care and manage such a token."
Fotios shrugged slightly as if to modestly alleviate some of the wisdom in his words and he drew the chalice to his lips again as he watched the princess absorb what he had said.
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Fotios listened calmly and with an air of respect as the princess voiced her concerns regarding the horse's treatment prior to the mare being brought to his estate. He nodded as she expressed regret and confusion over the sudden lack of attention regarding the stable hands.
"While it goes against my grain to defend those who might have intentionally led an animal to ruin, I find myself suspect that your brother - in his great love for the creatures - would have been rather hands on in their care... They were, after all, the great power before his chariot in the circus..." Fotios rested a hand on the arm that Xene had linked through his as they walked under the archways and into the solar room. The chamber was expansive, made of white marble with ribbons of the lightest blue and sported several tapestries and rugs in blues and greens; rich vibrant colours of the earth and sea. "Perhaps his attention meant that the care was never detailed to the hands... your brother, after all, hardly expected to leave you and his family so soon - perhaps they were ill-prepared..." As Xene took a seat on the lounger, Fotios took care in detaching his arm gently from his own as she descended, his hand brushing hers as she released him to settle it in her lap. Moving smoothly around the lounger towards a bureau situated behind her, Fotios poured wine into two silver chalices and then approached her from behind. Reaching forward her handed her the cup from over her shoulder, before then moving to sat the seat across from her.
"Then again..." He said as he lowered himself into the seat... "I have little patience for those unable to be autonomous in seeking aid when its needed. Great empires like Taengea were never built on the shoulders of those content to let the world be as it is..." His words came out impassioned. "If you'll permit me princess..." He commented, leaning back into the corner of the lounger and placing an arm over the back of it. His tunic pulled across his shoulders revealing more of his undershirt and he hooked his ankle up over his opposing knee. "It is why your father was such a great King... not content to allow the kingdoms to be what they were he set out to make unity with as many as possible. Taengea cannot be both powerful and peaceful without making such connections."
As the princess went on to comment regarding the feeling that the horse was a reminder of her dead brother and that she had hoped the creature to not have caused trouble, Fotios merely waved a hand to dismiss the secondary concern.
"There is no such occasion for concern, princess." He assured her. "No disturbance is of import when it’s the royal family seeking my aid." He smiled. "Especially, if I may be so bold, as to call that royal... a friend."
Taking a sip from his chalice in order to break any form of tension his words might have caused, Fotios turned to look out through the archways of the room and towards the roaming lands beyond as he frowned and addressed the first part of her conversation.
"And perhaps... with regards to you feeling like the creature is a memoir of your brother you should look at it a different way?" He a soft expression and concern written in the lines of his face, Fotios turned back to watch the princess. "No animal will live as long as humans and to hold onto it as a token of a brother's love will only be doomed to bring about more grief at a later stage..." His eyes brightened and his index finger stretched out from his cup as he gestured his next point. "But..." He stated... "The affection you have clearly inherited towards horses? I did not see that in your previously. Such a gift has clearly been given through the love for your brother and such a gift will never die or wither. You have complete control over how you care and manage such a token."
Fotios shrugged slightly as if to modestly alleviate some of the wisdom in his words and he drew the chalice to his lips again as he watched the princess absorb what he had said.
Fotios listened calmly and with an air of respect as the princess voiced her concerns regarding the horse's treatment prior to the mare being brought to his estate. He nodded as she expressed regret and confusion over the sudden lack of attention regarding the stable hands.
"While it goes against my grain to defend those who might have intentionally led an animal to ruin, I find myself suspect that your brother - in his great love for the creatures - would have been rather hands on in their care... They were, after all, the great power before his chariot in the circus..." Fotios rested a hand on the arm that Xene had linked through his as they walked under the archways and into the solar room. The chamber was expansive, made of white marble with ribbons of the lightest blue and sported several tapestries and rugs in blues and greens; rich vibrant colours of the earth and sea. "Perhaps his attention meant that the care was never detailed to the hands... your brother, after all, hardly expected to leave you and his family so soon - perhaps they were ill-prepared..." As Xene took a seat on the lounger, Fotios took care in detaching his arm gently from his own as she descended, his hand brushing hers as she released him to settle it in her lap. Moving smoothly around the lounger towards a bureau situated behind her, Fotios poured wine into two silver chalices and then approached her from behind. Reaching forward her handed her the cup from over her shoulder, before then moving to sat the seat across from her.
"Then again..." He said as he lowered himself into the seat... "I have little patience for those unable to be autonomous in seeking aid when its needed. Great empires like Taengea were never built on the shoulders of those content to let the world be as it is..." His words came out impassioned. "If you'll permit me princess..." He commented, leaning back into the corner of the lounger and placing an arm over the back of it. His tunic pulled across his shoulders revealing more of his undershirt and he hooked his ankle up over his opposing knee. "It is why your father was such a great King... not content to allow the kingdoms to be what they were he set out to make unity with as many as possible. Taengea cannot be both powerful and peaceful without making such connections."
As the princess went on to comment regarding the feeling that the horse was a reminder of her dead brother and that she had hoped the creature to not have caused trouble, Fotios merely waved a hand to dismiss the secondary concern.
"There is no such occasion for concern, princess." He assured her. "No disturbance is of import when it’s the royal family seeking my aid." He smiled. "Especially, if I may be so bold, as to call that royal... a friend."
Taking a sip from his chalice in order to break any form of tension his words might have caused, Fotios turned to look out through the archways of the room and towards the roaming lands beyond as he frowned and addressed the first part of her conversation.
"And perhaps... with regards to you feeling like the creature is a memoir of your brother you should look at it a different way?" He a soft expression and concern written in the lines of his face, Fotios turned back to watch the princess. "No animal will live as long as humans and to hold onto it as a token of a brother's love will only be doomed to bring about more grief at a later stage..." His eyes brightened and his index finger stretched out from his cup as he gestured his next point. "But..." He stated... "The affection you have clearly inherited towards horses? I did not see that in your previously. Such a gift has clearly been given through the love for your brother and such a gift will never die or wither. You have complete control over how you care and manage such a token."
Fotios shrugged slightly as if to modestly alleviate some of the wisdom in his words and he drew the chalice to his lips again as he watched the princess absorb what he had said.
There was one thing that the world knew about Xene beyond all others. The woman was unyieldingly chaste. No Lord or Lady of any court could say with honesty that they had bedded the princess. But that had never Xene from teasing those who had garnered her attentions. A less than chaste kiss in the dark, the tempting trail of her fingers along an arm, and blue eyes that one Lord had described as endless seas were the tools of her trade.
Xene had extracted immense amounts of information simply from charming her way into the hearts and minds of senate members. The princess was intelligent and could hold as political a conversation as any man if given the chance. It was one of the reasons that Stephanos, often in the view of others, sought out Xene's counsel when there was a question of what direction he should move. What had once been a simple relationship built on the two leaning on one another had lead to all of this.
But her ability to charm politicians and members of the military was not the focus of her thoughts.
First, there was the brush of Fotios' hand against hers as she pulled her arms away from him. The rumors had not been lost on her, but Xene had never been much of a gossip. She looked for cold, hard fact. Rumors wouldn't be enough to truly chase the woman away lest there came to be proof and validation of the actions of Fotios of Leventi. Even then, Xene was quick to remind herself of the lord's kindness toward her brother's property and her own person.
The woman's reply to Fotios' first statement was lost the moment his proximity changed once more. Frozen in place, she stared ahead, mentally chastising herself for giving too much pause. He was close, and while the offer of wine was a kindness she wouldn't deny, the few heartbeats of silence left her mind racing, as if a flame had fizzled out. Quickly forcing herself to move, Xene carefully took the chalice from Fotios, thinking nothing of the way her own fingertips trailed against his knuckles and in one fluid motion, she was taking a long sip. Instead of letting him think the momentary turning of her mind was his fault, she brought her gaze up to his with a sad smile once he'd settled across from her.
"It truly is no excuse," Xene admitted lightly, "His chambers had equally neglected. An open window. Dusty mantle. Linens still unmade from his last night in bed. They try my own patience, of which I have endless amounts," the princess shook her golden curls, turning her gaze back toward the pastures, her mind wandering slightly. It had been Zach that had first coaxed her up onto a horse. First with him leading and then her own her own. While she had never truly enjoyed riding as a girl, she'd done so to please her brother.
And it had pleased him.
After he'd stopped laughing at her nervousness and unending string of stuttered curses when horse and nervous rider had spooked one another.
For a moment, Xene felt regretful that she hadn't spent more time with Zach. They hadn't been extremely close. At least, not as close as she and Stephanos had always been. She and Stephanos had long been attached at the hip. She and Zach? Not so much. They got along, but Zach had been secretive. He'd had way too much to lose in yielding information, even to his own sister.
Quickly, she shut down the thoughts of the letters. Hidden in a location that no one would ever find them again. Zach was dead. There was no need to drudge up the past... or the man he'd left behind. Everything would happen in due time, and only when she wished it. The princess had been sitting on the letters for so long, that it was easy to pretend that maybe she could simply... not tell her brother. But that wasn't how any of this worked. This was a partnership. But the woman would not have the world dragging her brother's name through the mud.
So she was careful.
And she didn't yet trust Stephanos with the delicate, personal writings of her brother and his lover. Despite the fact that the knowledge could serve to pacify the man and bring his life further into focus.
Feigning a gentle flush of her cheeks, Xene found herself rising to her feet, cupping her chalice in her hands as she wandered just slightly through the solar. Taking another sip, the princess pretended she was thinking deeply, simply trying to recall the last words Fotios had spoken to her. It would be rude not to answer him. "My father was a kind and fair king," Xene conceded softly, finding herself leaning slightly against the bureau that he had previously poured their wine from. Draining the remainder of her glass, Xene settled the cup down, glancing at his selection of wine settled there.
"May I?" she questioned lightly, smiling beautifully when Fotios gave her a nod of affirmation. Picking from the selection, she carefully poured more wine into her chalice. "But my father was also bold and as hardheaded as they come, Lord Fotios. Tireless and painstakingly attentive of his duties and the health of his Kingdom. I love both of my brothers, but those traits were never passed to either of them," she admitted lightly, her lips lingering carefully on the edge of her cup. Blue eyes remained fixed on him, silently observing the comfort with which he had settled into the lounge. He was relaxed.
Either he was feigning this sense of relaxed ease or he was being genuine and trusting. Unfortunately for Xene, she could not truly tell until he had expressed the bold assertion that he felt her to be a friend. Biting lightly on her bottom lip, nothing she did could hide the smile that had settled itself onto her lips. So she took set another drink, shaking her head just slightly as she became visibly more relaxed in her own right.
"A bold assumption," Xene noted, words tinged with humor with the first few steps away from the bureau. "But one that I welcome wholly, Lord Fotios. I must insist, however, that if you are to call me friend, you shall also call me by my name when you are keeping my singular company. My friends do not call me princess," She had settled back into the seat he'd first guided her to, continuing to hold her gaze to his form.
Following the direction of his gaze, however, she found herself watching the rolling hills once more. Her fingers wandered up to press a lock of hair from her gaze, "I shall admit that I have never been fond of riding. I've always been fearful of being so high off the ground with no control of how or if I shall fall," she murmured, "And many of the horses I have met and ridden have ne'er been too happy with my presence. I gave up quite quickly once Zach took it upon himself to teach me, and it is something I now find I regret not partaking in more. I feel I owe it to him to face whatever adversity I had once found and try," Xene hummed, using her free hand to rub at the back of her neck.
"I'm sure I will find myself heartbroken when this mare also passes, but I'll be happy to know that I gave her a life of love and affection in the wake of her master's loss," Xene straightened up slightly, glancing down into her cup.
A thought sparked in her mind. It was sudden, but it was a question that Xene had found burning in the back of her mind since the coronation. "Lord Fotios? I have spent much of my life giving counsel," she admitted lightly, "But I feel that your wisdom has its... uses. My brother's outburst at the coronation," Xene murmured, lifting her head. "Do you feel that Stephanos was too rash with the Lord Condos? My father would never have publicly humiliated another lord out of anger, especially when those lords simply aimed to express their concern. And my brother has been much too rash in many of his decisions since the deaths," her gaze was once more settled on Fotios' form.
"I fear that his rash nature and need to make a scene... or even an example of those who come up against him are going to see him strung up just as he strung up the Creed," Xene's brow was furrowed, her finger tapping lightly against the edge of her glass in contemplation. "Am I wrong to fear this? Stephanos never truly partook in court matters, nor has he had the training father impressed on Zacharias. I fear that he's going to lead himself into an early grave simply by opening his mouth. Or by drinking. Whichever comes first," her tone had taken on something darker, frustrated. Her aversion to grieving properly while simultaneously juggling her brother's new position had led her down one or two dark paths in the past weeks.
There were moments in which Xene wished she were a man. It would have been much easier to back her brother if her anatomy had only been different. Respected as she was, she still couldn't make the court listen to her if there was truly a question of whether her brother's actions were fair or just. Regicide was an obvious crime and one that Xene would never once fault Stephanos for taking action against.
Yet his actions. The route in which the man had taken to make his point? It was dangerous. For all of their shared doubts about their uncle, Stephanos would not prove to be any better if his first reaction was to end numerous lives as a threat. That was what the intention had been in leaving the creed members hanging by the market. Fear. Fear enough to deter anyone else from making a stand against Kingdom and Crown.
It was that blatant cruelty and the rashness, the anger with which the order had been given that Xene would never agree with. While not weak of stomach by any means, there was a young generation of loyal Taengeans that would forever have the sight of hanging bodies etched into their minds. Those young and old would forever remember the violence that their new King had incited only hours after the title had fallen to him. They would forever remember that their King had instilled more fear in them than the Creed had in a few short moments.
Because Stephanos' crusade hadn't only been a fight against those who had killed his own, but also against any individual who would one day come to stand in his path, against his word. While it may have been entirely unintentional, the scale of retaliation could end up being enough to ward away thinkers, dreamers, and future politicians. Or it could attract more corruption and deceit than had already been planted in court over the years.
"I wish to know your opinion. Your side of things, Lord Fotios. Because I cannot be the only one who is thinking so deeply about each step that my brother is making, whether good or bad. He has never had to be so publically visible, nor has he ever been so intensely shrouded in rumor and gossip. Stephanos lead most of his life thinking he would remain free of the chains that come with the crown."
Settling her chalice into her lap, she cupped it with both hands, giving a bit of a sheepish smile. "Too much?" she questioned quietly. Though, the man had to expect it. With as often as he had dispensed wisdom and charm, there was bound to be a time in which Xene looked to him for deeper counsel. Fotios had essentially opened himself up for that much.
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There was one thing that the world knew about Xene beyond all others. The woman was unyieldingly chaste. No Lord or Lady of any court could say with honesty that they had bedded the princess. But that had never Xene from teasing those who had garnered her attentions. A less than chaste kiss in the dark, the tempting trail of her fingers along an arm, and blue eyes that one Lord had described as endless seas were the tools of her trade.
Xene had extracted immense amounts of information simply from charming her way into the hearts and minds of senate members. The princess was intelligent and could hold as political a conversation as any man if given the chance. It was one of the reasons that Stephanos, often in the view of others, sought out Xene's counsel when there was a question of what direction he should move. What had once been a simple relationship built on the two leaning on one another had lead to all of this.
But her ability to charm politicians and members of the military was not the focus of her thoughts.
First, there was the brush of Fotios' hand against hers as she pulled her arms away from him. The rumors had not been lost on her, but Xene had never been much of a gossip. She looked for cold, hard fact. Rumors wouldn't be enough to truly chase the woman away lest there came to be proof and validation of the actions of Fotios of Leventi. Even then, Xene was quick to remind herself of the lord's kindness toward her brother's property and her own person.
The woman's reply to Fotios' first statement was lost the moment his proximity changed once more. Frozen in place, she stared ahead, mentally chastising herself for giving too much pause. He was close, and while the offer of wine was a kindness she wouldn't deny, the few heartbeats of silence left her mind racing, as if a flame had fizzled out. Quickly forcing herself to move, Xene carefully took the chalice from Fotios, thinking nothing of the way her own fingertips trailed against his knuckles and in one fluid motion, she was taking a long sip. Instead of letting him think the momentary turning of her mind was his fault, she brought her gaze up to his with a sad smile once he'd settled across from her.
"It truly is no excuse," Xene admitted lightly, "His chambers had equally neglected. An open window. Dusty mantle. Linens still unmade from his last night in bed. They try my own patience, of which I have endless amounts," the princess shook her golden curls, turning her gaze back toward the pastures, her mind wandering slightly. It had been Zach that had first coaxed her up onto a horse. First with him leading and then her own her own. While she had never truly enjoyed riding as a girl, she'd done so to please her brother.
And it had pleased him.
After he'd stopped laughing at her nervousness and unending string of stuttered curses when horse and nervous rider had spooked one another.
For a moment, Xene felt regretful that she hadn't spent more time with Zach. They hadn't been extremely close. At least, not as close as she and Stephanos had always been. She and Stephanos had long been attached at the hip. She and Zach? Not so much. They got along, but Zach had been secretive. He'd had way too much to lose in yielding information, even to his own sister.
Quickly, she shut down the thoughts of the letters. Hidden in a location that no one would ever find them again. Zach was dead. There was no need to drudge up the past... or the man he'd left behind. Everything would happen in due time, and only when she wished it. The princess had been sitting on the letters for so long, that it was easy to pretend that maybe she could simply... not tell her brother. But that wasn't how any of this worked. This was a partnership. But the woman would not have the world dragging her brother's name through the mud.
So she was careful.
And she didn't yet trust Stephanos with the delicate, personal writings of her brother and his lover. Despite the fact that the knowledge could serve to pacify the man and bring his life further into focus.
Feigning a gentle flush of her cheeks, Xene found herself rising to her feet, cupping her chalice in her hands as she wandered just slightly through the solar. Taking another sip, the princess pretended she was thinking deeply, simply trying to recall the last words Fotios had spoken to her. It would be rude not to answer him. "My father was a kind and fair king," Xene conceded softly, finding herself leaning slightly against the bureau that he had previously poured their wine from. Draining the remainder of her glass, Xene settled the cup down, glancing at his selection of wine settled there.
"May I?" she questioned lightly, smiling beautifully when Fotios gave her a nod of affirmation. Picking from the selection, she carefully poured more wine into her chalice. "But my father was also bold and as hardheaded as they come, Lord Fotios. Tireless and painstakingly attentive of his duties and the health of his Kingdom. I love both of my brothers, but those traits were never passed to either of them," she admitted lightly, her lips lingering carefully on the edge of her cup. Blue eyes remained fixed on him, silently observing the comfort with which he had settled into the lounge. He was relaxed.
Either he was feigning this sense of relaxed ease or he was being genuine and trusting. Unfortunately for Xene, she could not truly tell until he had expressed the bold assertion that he felt her to be a friend. Biting lightly on her bottom lip, nothing she did could hide the smile that had settled itself onto her lips. So she took set another drink, shaking her head just slightly as she became visibly more relaxed in her own right.
"A bold assumption," Xene noted, words tinged with humor with the first few steps away from the bureau. "But one that I welcome wholly, Lord Fotios. I must insist, however, that if you are to call me friend, you shall also call me by my name when you are keeping my singular company. My friends do not call me princess," She had settled back into the seat he'd first guided her to, continuing to hold her gaze to his form.
Following the direction of his gaze, however, she found herself watching the rolling hills once more. Her fingers wandered up to press a lock of hair from her gaze, "I shall admit that I have never been fond of riding. I've always been fearful of being so high off the ground with no control of how or if I shall fall," she murmured, "And many of the horses I have met and ridden have ne'er been too happy with my presence. I gave up quite quickly once Zach took it upon himself to teach me, and it is something I now find I regret not partaking in more. I feel I owe it to him to face whatever adversity I had once found and try," Xene hummed, using her free hand to rub at the back of her neck.
"I'm sure I will find myself heartbroken when this mare also passes, but I'll be happy to know that I gave her a life of love and affection in the wake of her master's loss," Xene straightened up slightly, glancing down into her cup.
A thought sparked in her mind. It was sudden, but it was a question that Xene had found burning in the back of her mind since the coronation. "Lord Fotios? I have spent much of my life giving counsel," she admitted lightly, "But I feel that your wisdom has its... uses. My brother's outburst at the coronation," Xene murmured, lifting her head. "Do you feel that Stephanos was too rash with the Lord Condos? My father would never have publicly humiliated another lord out of anger, especially when those lords simply aimed to express their concern. And my brother has been much too rash in many of his decisions since the deaths," her gaze was once more settled on Fotios' form.
"I fear that his rash nature and need to make a scene... or even an example of those who come up against him are going to see him strung up just as he strung up the Creed," Xene's brow was furrowed, her finger tapping lightly against the edge of her glass in contemplation. "Am I wrong to fear this? Stephanos never truly partook in court matters, nor has he had the training father impressed on Zacharias. I fear that he's going to lead himself into an early grave simply by opening his mouth. Or by drinking. Whichever comes first," her tone had taken on something darker, frustrated. Her aversion to grieving properly while simultaneously juggling her brother's new position had led her down one or two dark paths in the past weeks.
There were moments in which Xene wished she were a man. It would have been much easier to back her brother if her anatomy had only been different. Respected as she was, she still couldn't make the court listen to her if there was truly a question of whether her brother's actions were fair or just. Regicide was an obvious crime and one that Xene would never once fault Stephanos for taking action against.
Yet his actions. The route in which the man had taken to make his point? It was dangerous. For all of their shared doubts about their uncle, Stephanos would not prove to be any better if his first reaction was to end numerous lives as a threat. That was what the intention had been in leaving the creed members hanging by the market. Fear. Fear enough to deter anyone else from making a stand against Kingdom and Crown.
It was that blatant cruelty and the rashness, the anger with which the order had been given that Xene would never agree with. While not weak of stomach by any means, there was a young generation of loyal Taengeans that would forever have the sight of hanging bodies etched into their minds. Those young and old would forever remember the violence that their new King had incited only hours after the title had fallen to him. They would forever remember that their King had instilled more fear in them than the Creed had in a few short moments.
Because Stephanos' crusade hadn't only been a fight against those who had killed his own, but also against any individual who would one day come to stand in his path, against his word. While it may have been entirely unintentional, the scale of retaliation could end up being enough to ward away thinkers, dreamers, and future politicians. Or it could attract more corruption and deceit than had already been planted in court over the years.
"I wish to know your opinion. Your side of things, Lord Fotios. Because I cannot be the only one who is thinking so deeply about each step that my brother is making, whether good or bad. He has never had to be so publically visible, nor has he ever been so intensely shrouded in rumor and gossip. Stephanos lead most of his life thinking he would remain free of the chains that come with the crown."
Settling her chalice into her lap, she cupped it with both hands, giving a bit of a sheepish smile. "Too much?" she questioned quietly. Though, the man had to expect it. With as often as he had dispensed wisdom and charm, there was bound to be a time in which Xene looked to him for deeper counsel. Fotios had essentially opened himself up for that much.
There was one thing that the world knew about Xene beyond all others. The woman was unyieldingly chaste. No Lord or Lady of any court could say with honesty that they had bedded the princess. But that had never Xene from teasing those who had garnered her attentions. A less than chaste kiss in the dark, the tempting trail of her fingers along an arm, and blue eyes that one Lord had described as endless seas were the tools of her trade.
Xene had extracted immense amounts of information simply from charming her way into the hearts and minds of senate members. The princess was intelligent and could hold as political a conversation as any man if given the chance. It was one of the reasons that Stephanos, often in the view of others, sought out Xene's counsel when there was a question of what direction he should move. What had once been a simple relationship built on the two leaning on one another had lead to all of this.
But her ability to charm politicians and members of the military was not the focus of her thoughts.
First, there was the brush of Fotios' hand against hers as she pulled her arms away from him. The rumors had not been lost on her, but Xene had never been much of a gossip. She looked for cold, hard fact. Rumors wouldn't be enough to truly chase the woman away lest there came to be proof and validation of the actions of Fotios of Leventi. Even then, Xene was quick to remind herself of the lord's kindness toward her brother's property and her own person.
The woman's reply to Fotios' first statement was lost the moment his proximity changed once more. Frozen in place, she stared ahead, mentally chastising herself for giving too much pause. He was close, and while the offer of wine was a kindness she wouldn't deny, the few heartbeats of silence left her mind racing, as if a flame had fizzled out. Quickly forcing herself to move, Xene carefully took the chalice from Fotios, thinking nothing of the way her own fingertips trailed against his knuckles and in one fluid motion, she was taking a long sip. Instead of letting him think the momentary turning of her mind was his fault, she brought her gaze up to his with a sad smile once he'd settled across from her.
"It truly is no excuse," Xene admitted lightly, "His chambers had equally neglected. An open window. Dusty mantle. Linens still unmade from his last night in bed. They try my own patience, of which I have endless amounts," the princess shook her golden curls, turning her gaze back toward the pastures, her mind wandering slightly. It had been Zach that had first coaxed her up onto a horse. First with him leading and then her own her own. While she had never truly enjoyed riding as a girl, she'd done so to please her brother.
And it had pleased him.
After he'd stopped laughing at her nervousness and unending string of stuttered curses when horse and nervous rider had spooked one another.
For a moment, Xene felt regretful that she hadn't spent more time with Zach. They hadn't been extremely close. At least, not as close as she and Stephanos had always been. She and Stephanos had long been attached at the hip. She and Zach? Not so much. They got along, but Zach had been secretive. He'd had way too much to lose in yielding information, even to his own sister.
Quickly, she shut down the thoughts of the letters. Hidden in a location that no one would ever find them again. Zach was dead. There was no need to drudge up the past... or the man he'd left behind. Everything would happen in due time, and only when she wished it. The princess had been sitting on the letters for so long, that it was easy to pretend that maybe she could simply... not tell her brother. But that wasn't how any of this worked. This was a partnership. But the woman would not have the world dragging her brother's name through the mud.
So she was careful.
And she didn't yet trust Stephanos with the delicate, personal writings of her brother and his lover. Despite the fact that the knowledge could serve to pacify the man and bring his life further into focus.
Feigning a gentle flush of her cheeks, Xene found herself rising to her feet, cupping her chalice in her hands as she wandered just slightly through the solar. Taking another sip, the princess pretended she was thinking deeply, simply trying to recall the last words Fotios had spoken to her. It would be rude not to answer him. "My father was a kind and fair king," Xene conceded softly, finding herself leaning slightly against the bureau that he had previously poured their wine from. Draining the remainder of her glass, Xene settled the cup down, glancing at his selection of wine settled there.
"May I?" she questioned lightly, smiling beautifully when Fotios gave her a nod of affirmation. Picking from the selection, she carefully poured more wine into her chalice. "But my father was also bold and as hardheaded as they come, Lord Fotios. Tireless and painstakingly attentive of his duties and the health of his Kingdom. I love both of my brothers, but those traits were never passed to either of them," she admitted lightly, her lips lingering carefully on the edge of her cup. Blue eyes remained fixed on him, silently observing the comfort with which he had settled into the lounge. He was relaxed.
Either he was feigning this sense of relaxed ease or he was being genuine and trusting. Unfortunately for Xene, she could not truly tell until he had expressed the bold assertion that he felt her to be a friend. Biting lightly on her bottom lip, nothing she did could hide the smile that had settled itself onto her lips. So she took set another drink, shaking her head just slightly as she became visibly more relaxed in her own right.
"A bold assumption," Xene noted, words tinged with humor with the first few steps away from the bureau. "But one that I welcome wholly, Lord Fotios. I must insist, however, that if you are to call me friend, you shall also call me by my name when you are keeping my singular company. My friends do not call me princess," She had settled back into the seat he'd first guided her to, continuing to hold her gaze to his form.
Following the direction of his gaze, however, she found herself watching the rolling hills once more. Her fingers wandered up to press a lock of hair from her gaze, "I shall admit that I have never been fond of riding. I've always been fearful of being so high off the ground with no control of how or if I shall fall," she murmured, "And many of the horses I have met and ridden have ne'er been too happy with my presence. I gave up quite quickly once Zach took it upon himself to teach me, and it is something I now find I regret not partaking in more. I feel I owe it to him to face whatever adversity I had once found and try," Xene hummed, using her free hand to rub at the back of her neck.
"I'm sure I will find myself heartbroken when this mare also passes, but I'll be happy to know that I gave her a life of love and affection in the wake of her master's loss," Xene straightened up slightly, glancing down into her cup.
A thought sparked in her mind. It was sudden, but it was a question that Xene had found burning in the back of her mind since the coronation. "Lord Fotios? I have spent much of my life giving counsel," she admitted lightly, "But I feel that your wisdom has its... uses. My brother's outburst at the coronation," Xene murmured, lifting her head. "Do you feel that Stephanos was too rash with the Lord Condos? My father would never have publicly humiliated another lord out of anger, especially when those lords simply aimed to express their concern. And my brother has been much too rash in many of his decisions since the deaths," her gaze was once more settled on Fotios' form.
"I fear that his rash nature and need to make a scene... or even an example of those who come up against him are going to see him strung up just as he strung up the Creed," Xene's brow was furrowed, her finger tapping lightly against the edge of her glass in contemplation. "Am I wrong to fear this? Stephanos never truly partook in court matters, nor has he had the training father impressed on Zacharias. I fear that he's going to lead himself into an early grave simply by opening his mouth. Or by drinking. Whichever comes first," her tone had taken on something darker, frustrated. Her aversion to grieving properly while simultaneously juggling her brother's new position had led her down one or two dark paths in the past weeks.
There were moments in which Xene wished she were a man. It would have been much easier to back her brother if her anatomy had only been different. Respected as she was, she still couldn't make the court listen to her if there was truly a question of whether her brother's actions were fair or just. Regicide was an obvious crime and one that Xene would never once fault Stephanos for taking action against.
Yet his actions. The route in which the man had taken to make his point? It was dangerous. For all of their shared doubts about their uncle, Stephanos would not prove to be any better if his first reaction was to end numerous lives as a threat. That was what the intention had been in leaving the creed members hanging by the market. Fear. Fear enough to deter anyone else from making a stand against Kingdom and Crown.
It was that blatant cruelty and the rashness, the anger with which the order had been given that Xene would never agree with. While not weak of stomach by any means, there was a young generation of loyal Taengeans that would forever have the sight of hanging bodies etched into their minds. Those young and old would forever remember the violence that their new King had incited only hours after the title had fallen to him. They would forever remember that their King had instilled more fear in them than the Creed had in a few short moments.
Because Stephanos' crusade hadn't only been a fight against those who had killed his own, but also against any individual who would one day come to stand in his path, against his word. While it may have been entirely unintentional, the scale of retaliation could end up being enough to ward away thinkers, dreamers, and future politicians. Or it could attract more corruption and deceit than had already been planted in court over the years.
"I wish to know your opinion. Your side of things, Lord Fotios. Because I cannot be the only one who is thinking so deeply about each step that my brother is making, whether good or bad. He has never had to be so publically visible, nor has he ever been so intensely shrouded in rumor and gossip. Stephanos lead most of his life thinking he would remain free of the chains that come with the crown."
Settling her chalice into her lap, she cupped it with both hands, giving a bit of a sheepish smile. "Too much?" she questioned quietly. Though, the man had to expect it. With as often as he had dispensed wisdom and charm, there was bound to be a time in which Xene looked to him for deeper counsel. Fotios had essentially opened himself up for that much.
As the princess Xene expressed her feelings regarding the way Zenon ruled and the legacy he had left of himself, Fotios simply raised his cup and sipped from its rim, silently saluting and agreeing with her assessment of the late king. Nodding and waving a hand to indicate that she was perfectly welcome to help herself to the wine he had on the side, Fotios then turned his head at her own voiced opinion that the previous monarch had not passed down such personality traits to either of his male offspring, as if the idea had only just occurred to him that she might be right.
"Different rulers have different strengths..." He offered to the young girl as if in their defence. "Perhaps King Stephanos will display the skills he has on the battlefield on the political plateau...? Though..." He frowned slightly at a new thought. "Perhaps that was exactly what he was doing in the way he shut down that Lord... quick and efficient... Hmmm..." His words mused away as if he were thinking on the logic behind it before the princess made a similar noise and moved on with their discussions.
When the princess then began to insist that he address her by her given name rather than with title, Fotios looked down and towards his cup, one finger rubbing at the rim of the item as if he was embarrassed or considering her proposal.
"I fear, my princess, that I may be too old to allow such a break with propriety." He told her, attempting to smoothly extricate himself from such an idea. "For myself, calling you by my give name would suggest more intimacy than I am willing to place on your reputation." He smiled. "Perhaps I might be the exception to the rule with regards to her friendship circle and my choice of address..." He then waved a hand as if suddenly considering the situation in reverse. "Though please, your majesty can refer to me by any name she chooses." He added with a quick smile.
Fotios addressed her concerns with a soft shake of the head and a wave of his hand.
"Riding, if you'll permit me princess, is like the act of love. Horse and rider must both feel comfortable with the other, else the enter attempt fails to work. If you yourself are nervous, the animal will notice and will be dangerous to be ridden. This of it as a leap of faith - or a test of bravery. Only when you are courageous does the danger become nonexistent."
When Xene took the opportunity to speak to Fotios regarding her fears for her brother, Fotios stayed quiet. Not because he had no opinion - such a thing did not exist for Fotios - but because people tended to speak more openly and plainly when forced to break silence than they did when in natural discourse. He was curious where the young princess' thoughts would take her when left to roam.
As such, Fotios watched her carefully, his posture and expressions simply encouraging her to continue as and when she faltered or seemed uncertain. By the time she was done she seemed calmer for having expelled her inner thoughts but also nervous that she had over stepped the mark.
"What needs saying is never too much, princess." He told her, adjusting the address slightly to at least make it a little less formal as she requested. "I have always thought you to be just as intelligent, if not more so, than your brothers, thereby meaning that no thought you could express would be one lacking value."
Setting his cup aside as he heard the noise of stablehands and the familiar clopping of horse's hooves coming around the corner of the solar room, Fotios stood gracefully and held out a hand, palm up, to indicate that Xene accompany him back outside to greet the animal.
Taking her arm, Fotios guided the princess over the few feet of grass that now separating themselves as the horse of the late prince, as the hands brought the creature forward to be inspected.
Letting the princess go in favour to taking the creature's leading rein and bridle and running a flat hand against the mare's neck, Fotios checked her eyes for brightness and health and then her coat that had been brushed and cared for to a high gloss and shine. The animal was as healthy as she had ever been.
Once the stablehands were out of earshot, he continued his conversation with the horse's new owner.
"Personally, my lady, I think that thoughts that are retained can be left to fester. With each action your brother makes you will only lend evidence to its cause, so expressing yourself can help to ensure that what you are thinking is your true nature - not the building of a traitorous doubt."
He smiled at her as she inspected the animal.
"If you ever need someone outside of your family to say such things to, you know I am always at your service. My position as confidante to your uncle means you would be unlikely to reveal to me anything I do not already know - your risk of betraying your family's secret null and void - and yet I have no stake in the advice I give, for I am no Mikaelidas." Fotios shrugged nonchalantly. "From that perspective I am possibly in a unique position that could help... If you so desired of course?"
"As for my opinion on your brother's political skills, I honestly could not judge at this stage. I leader grows with time - it is why we have heir apparents in the first place - they must have the time to learn and progress before the power and authority falls onto their shoulders. The King has not had such time... perhaps he will surprise us." He offered the girl a comforting smile.
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As the princess Xene expressed her feelings regarding the way Zenon ruled and the legacy he had left of himself, Fotios simply raised his cup and sipped from its rim, silently saluting and agreeing with her assessment of the late king. Nodding and waving a hand to indicate that she was perfectly welcome to help herself to the wine he had on the side, Fotios then turned his head at her own voiced opinion that the previous monarch had not passed down such personality traits to either of his male offspring, as if the idea had only just occurred to him that she might be right.
"Different rulers have different strengths..." He offered to the young girl as if in their defence. "Perhaps King Stephanos will display the skills he has on the battlefield on the political plateau...? Though..." He frowned slightly at a new thought. "Perhaps that was exactly what he was doing in the way he shut down that Lord... quick and efficient... Hmmm..." His words mused away as if he were thinking on the logic behind it before the princess made a similar noise and moved on with their discussions.
When the princess then began to insist that he address her by her given name rather than with title, Fotios looked down and towards his cup, one finger rubbing at the rim of the item as if he was embarrassed or considering her proposal.
"I fear, my princess, that I may be too old to allow such a break with propriety." He told her, attempting to smoothly extricate himself from such an idea. "For myself, calling you by my give name would suggest more intimacy than I am willing to place on your reputation." He smiled. "Perhaps I might be the exception to the rule with regards to her friendship circle and my choice of address..." He then waved a hand as if suddenly considering the situation in reverse. "Though please, your majesty can refer to me by any name she chooses." He added with a quick smile.
Fotios addressed her concerns with a soft shake of the head and a wave of his hand.
"Riding, if you'll permit me princess, is like the act of love. Horse and rider must both feel comfortable with the other, else the enter attempt fails to work. If you yourself are nervous, the animal will notice and will be dangerous to be ridden. This of it as a leap of faith - or a test of bravery. Only when you are courageous does the danger become nonexistent."
When Xene took the opportunity to speak to Fotios regarding her fears for her brother, Fotios stayed quiet. Not because he had no opinion - such a thing did not exist for Fotios - but because people tended to speak more openly and plainly when forced to break silence than they did when in natural discourse. He was curious where the young princess' thoughts would take her when left to roam.
As such, Fotios watched her carefully, his posture and expressions simply encouraging her to continue as and when she faltered or seemed uncertain. By the time she was done she seemed calmer for having expelled her inner thoughts but also nervous that she had over stepped the mark.
"What needs saying is never too much, princess." He told her, adjusting the address slightly to at least make it a little less formal as she requested. "I have always thought you to be just as intelligent, if not more so, than your brothers, thereby meaning that no thought you could express would be one lacking value."
Setting his cup aside as he heard the noise of stablehands and the familiar clopping of horse's hooves coming around the corner of the solar room, Fotios stood gracefully and held out a hand, palm up, to indicate that Xene accompany him back outside to greet the animal.
Taking her arm, Fotios guided the princess over the few feet of grass that now separating themselves as the horse of the late prince, as the hands brought the creature forward to be inspected.
Letting the princess go in favour to taking the creature's leading rein and bridle and running a flat hand against the mare's neck, Fotios checked her eyes for brightness and health and then her coat that had been brushed and cared for to a high gloss and shine. The animal was as healthy as she had ever been.
Once the stablehands were out of earshot, he continued his conversation with the horse's new owner.
"Personally, my lady, I think that thoughts that are retained can be left to fester. With each action your brother makes you will only lend evidence to its cause, so expressing yourself can help to ensure that what you are thinking is your true nature - not the building of a traitorous doubt."
He smiled at her as she inspected the animal.
"If you ever need someone outside of your family to say such things to, you know I am always at your service. My position as confidante to your uncle means you would be unlikely to reveal to me anything I do not already know - your risk of betraying your family's secret null and void - and yet I have no stake in the advice I give, for I am no Mikaelidas." Fotios shrugged nonchalantly. "From that perspective I am possibly in a unique position that could help... If you so desired of course?"
"As for my opinion on your brother's political skills, I honestly could not judge at this stage. I leader grows with time - it is why we have heir apparents in the first place - they must have the time to learn and progress before the power and authority falls onto their shoulders. The King has not had such time... perhaps he will surprise us." He offered the girl a comforting smile.
As the princess Xene expressed her feelings regarding the way Zenon ruled and the legacy he had left of himself, Fotios simply raised his cup and sipped from its rim, silently saluting and agreeing with her assessment of the late king. Nodding and waving a hand to indicate that she was perfectly welcome to help herself to the wine he had on the side, Fotios then turned his head at her own voiced opinion that the previous monarch had not passed down such personality traits to either of his male offspring, as if the idea had only just occurred to him that she might be right.
"Different rulers have different strengths..." He offered to the young girl as if in their defence. "Perhaps King Stephanos will display the skills he has on the battlefield on the political plateau...? Though..." He frowned slightly at a new thought. "Perhaps that was exactly what he was doing in the way he shut down that Lord... quick and efficient... Hmmm..." His words mused away as if he were thinking on the logic behind it before the princess made a similar noise and moved on with their discussions.
When the princess then began to insist that he address her by her given name rather than with title, Fotios looked down and towards his cup, one finger rubbing at the rim of the item as if he was embarrassed or considering her proposal.
"I fear, my princess, that I may be too old to allow such a break with propriety." He told her, attempting to smoothly extricate himself from such an idea. "For myself, calling you by my give name would suggest more intimacy than I am willing to place on your reputation." He smiled. "Perhaps I might be the exception to the rule with regards to her friendship circle and my choice of address..." He then waved a hand as if suddenly considering the situation in reverse. "Though please, your majesty can refer to me by any name she chooses." He added with a quick smile.
Fotios addressed her concerns with a soft shake of the head and a wave of his hand.
"Riding, if you'll permit me princess, is like the act of love. Horse and rider must both feel comfortable with the other, else the enter attempt fails to work. If you yourself are nervous, the animal will notice and will be dangerous to be ridden. This of it as a leap of faith - or a test of bravery. Only when you are courageous does the danger become nonexistent."
When Xene took the opportunity to speak to Fotios regarding her fears for her brother, Fotios stayed quiet. Not because he had no opinion - such a thing did not exist for Fotios - but because people tended to speak more openly and plainly when forced to break silence than they did when in natural discourse. He was curious where the young princess' thoughts would take her when left to roam.
As such, Fotios watched her carefully, his posture and expressions simply encouraging her to continue as and when she faltered or seemed uncertain. By the time she was done she seemed calmer for having expelled her inner thoughts but also nervous that she had over stepped the mark.
"What needs saying is never too much, princess." He told her, adjusting the address slightly to at least make it a little less formal as she requested. "I have always thought you to be just as intelligent, if not more so, than your brothers, thereby meaning that no thought you could express would be one lacking value."
Setting his cup aside as he heard the noise of stablehands and the familiar clopping of horse's hooves coming around the corner of the solar room, Fotios stood gracefully and held out a hand, palm up, to indicate that Xene accompany him back outside to greet the animal.
Taking her arm, Fotios guided the princess over the few feet of grass that now separating themselves as the horse of the late prince, as the hands brought the creature forward to be inspected.
Letting the princess go in favour to taking the creature's leading rein and bridle and running a flat hand against the mare's neck, Fotios checked her eyes for brightness and health and then her coat that had been brushed and cared for to a high gloss and shine. The animal was as healthy as she had ever been.
Once the stablehands were out of earshot, he continued his conversation with the horse's new owner.
"Personally, my lady, I think that thoughts that are retained can be left to fester. With each action your brother makes you will only lend evidence to its cause, so expressing yourself can help to ensure that what you are thinking is your true nature - not the building of a traitorous doubt."
He smiled at her as she inspected the animal.
"If you ever need someone outside of your family to say such things to, you know I am always at your service. My position as confidante to your uncle means you would be unlikely to reveal to me anything I do not already know - your risk of betraying your family's secret null and void - and yet I have no stake in the advice I give, for I am no Mikaelidas." Fotios shrugged nonchalantly. "From that perspective I am possibly in a unique position that could help... If you so desired of course?"
"As for my opinion on your brother's political skills, I honestly could not judge at this stage. I leader grows with time - it is why we have heir apparents in the first place - they must have the time to learn and progress before the power and authority falls onto their shoulders. The King has not had such time... perhaps he will surprise us." He offered the girl a comforting smile.
Xene glanced down into her chalice, silently noting the way that the wine swirled in her cup, a rainbow sheen on the top of the liquid. Speaking of her father had suddenly become rather difficult. The lump in her throat almost made her choke. She needed to change the subject and fast. Reminding herself that her brother hadn't initially wanted the throne, nor had he been trained for it, was all she could really do as she lifted the cup back to her lips. Taking a long sip from the cup, she drained it once more, finding herself more and more restless by the moment.
Giving a slight nod, Xene gave a weak smile toward Fotios when he mentioned the reference for his name. "I can accept that, my lord," she noted with a small smile, perking up when her mare was brought over by the stablehands. Pressing herself to her feet, she set her cup off to the side with a furrowed brow. Her emotions were mixed at seeing the mare. There had been a time in which she'd seen her brother ride the mare so many times.
How was she supposed to live up to that expectation, that relationship that Zach had forged with the mare? What was she to do to make her feel just as loved as Zach clearly had? How was she to apologize to the creature for the lack of love and care since her master had died?
Biting down on her bottom lip, Xene moved over toward the mare, reaching up a tentative hand in order to press against the creature's face. She found herself lingering close to Fotios her own hands following the same movement and patterns that his did in order to attempt to form a bond. Some connection. Some sense that everything was going to be okay. For both of them.
For this creature was still very much loved, and Xene would not let her live another moment thinking that all was lost. Just as she hadn't let her cat live a life without love and affection, thinking no one cared about him, either.
"I thank you, my lord," Xene murmured, a double meaning settled behind her words. Thank you for caring for the mare, and thank you for his support and offer of being a confidante of hers. Xene would never be able to repay him for the kindnesses that he had given her on this day. "For my beautiful mare and for your kindness," Xene murmured, bringing her blue gaze up to settle on his features. "If I may be so bold, I truly appreciate the effort that you place on your friendships and your willingness to listen to the sniveling of a princess."
"I pray that my brother finds his political footing in the months to come. For all our sakes," she murmured, giving a small pause as she thought through her next question. "My lord, would you honor me with a ride? I want to see just how well she is feeling..."
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Xene glanced down into her chalice, silently noting the way that the wine swirled in her cup, a rainbow sheen on the top of the liquid. Speaking of her father had suddenly become rather difficult. The lump in her throat almost made her choke. She needed to change the subject and fast. Reminding herself that her brother hadn't initially wanted the throne, nor had he been trained for it, was all she could really do as she lifted the cup back to her lips. Taking a long sip from the cup, she drained it once more, finding herself more and more restless by the moment.
Giving a slight nod, Xene gave a weak smile toward Fotios when he mentioned the reference for his name. "I can accept that, my lord," she noted with a small smile, perking up when her mare was brought over by the stablehands. Pressing herself to her feet, she set her cup off to the side with a furrowed brow. Her emotions were mixed at seeing the mare. There had been a time in which she'd seen her brother ride the mare so many times.
How was she supposed to live up to that expectation, that relationship that Zach had forged with the mare? What was she to do to make her feel just as loved as Zach clearly had? How was she to apologize to the creature for the lack of love and care since her master had died?
Biting down on her bottom lip, Xene moved over toward the mare, reaching up a tentative hand in order to press against the creature's face. She found herself lingering close to Fotios her own hands following the same movement and patterns that his did in order to attempt to form a bond. Some connection. Some sense that everything was going to be okay. For both of them.
For this creature was still very much loved, and Xene would not let her live another moment thinking that all was lost. Just as she hadn't let her cat live a life without love and affection, thinking no one cared about him, either.
"I thank you, my lord," Xene murmured, a double meaning settled behind her words. Thank you for caring for the mare, and thank you for his support and offer of being a confidante of hers. Xene would never be able to repay him for the kindnesses that he had given her on this day. "For my beautiful mare and for your kindness," Xene murmured, bringing her blue gaze up to settle on his features. "If I may be so bold, I truly appreciate the effort that you place on your friendships and your willingness to listen to the sniveling of a princess."
"I pray that my brother finds his political footing in the months to come. For all our sakes," she murmured, giving a small pause as she thought through her next question. "My lord, would you honor me with a ride? I want to see just how well she is feeling..."
Xene glanced down into her chalice, silently noting the way that the wine swirled in her cup, a rainbow sheen on the top of the liquid. Speaking of her father had suddenly become rather difficult. The lump in her throat almost made her choke. She needed to change the subject and fast. Reminding herself that her brother hadn't initially wanted the throne, nor had he been trained for it, was all she could really do as she lifted the cup back to her lips. Taking a long sip from the cup, she drained it once more, finding herself more and more restless by the moment.
Giving a slight nod, Xene gave a weak smile toward Fotios when he mentioned the reference for his name. "I can accept that, my lord," she noted with a small smile, perking up when her mare was brought over by the stablehands. Pressing herself to her feet, she set her cup off to the side with a furrowed brow. Her emotions were mixed at seeing the mare. There had been a time in which she'd seen her brother ride the mare so many times.
How was she supposed to live up to that expectation, that relationship that Zach had forged with the mare? What was she to do to make her feel just as loved as Zach clearly had? How was she to apologize to the creature for the lack of love and care since her master had died?
Biting down on her bottom lip, Xene moved over toward the mare, reaching up a tentative hand in order to press against the creature's face. She found herself lingering close to Fotios her own hands following the same movement and patterns that his did in order to attempt to form a bond. Some connection. Some sense that everything was going to be okay. For both of them.
For this creature was still very much loved, and Xene would not let her live another moment thinking that all was lost. Just as she hadn't let her cat live a life without love and affection, thinking no one cared about him, either.
"I thank you, my lord," Xene murmured, a double meaning settled behind her words. Thank you for caring for the mare, and thank you for his support and offer of being a confidante of hers. Xene would never be able to repay him for the kindnesses that he had given her on this day. "For my beautiful mare and for your kindness," Xene murmured, bringing her blue gaze up to settle on his features. "If I may be so bold, I truly appreciate the effort that you place on your friendships and your willingness to listen to the sniveling of a princess."
"I pray that my brother finds his political footing in the months to come. For all our sakes," she murmured, giving a small pause as she thought through her next question. "My lord, would you honor me with a ride? I want to see just how well she is feeling..."
As the two of them headed out into the sunshine once more the princess chastised him for refusing her offer to call her by her given name. With a slight smile and a light tone of voice, Fotios, guided the woman towards the mare before them and spoke with a hint of humour to his tone.
"It is my understanding that a friendship is built only over several arguments." He told the princess. "Perhaps the appropriate form of address for me with use with you, my lady, shall be our first."
Catching a look from the corner of her eye that suggested such a topic would indeed be brought back into circulation at a later date, Fotios resisted a genuine smile this time. He hadn't been flattering her when he had called her intelligent. Uninformed, immature and undeveloped perhaps. But that made the princess of Taengea far from dumb. Like clay ready for moulding. You couldn't argue that it did not have the basics to become a work of art or an impressive structure... but without the appropriate tools it was still no more significant than mud.
When the lady appeared nervous to reach out and touch the creature for the first time in several weeks, Fotios held the bridle carefully when the creature moved to dance a little in place, clearly a little frisky from the princess' caution. She was brave enough to continue petting her, however, and even suggested a ride out across Leventi lands to ensure the mare was fully fit.
With a nod and a whistle from behind his teeth, Fotios called for one of the stable hands to bring his own tacked up mount and then riding gear for the mare. When the slave disappeared in order to complete such a task, Fotios resisted the nervous buck of the animal’s head at Xene's closeness.
"If I may, Your Highness..." the Lord of Leventi commented, before reaching out. He placed the tips of his fingers upon each side of her waist, just above her hip bone on either side. Barely touching her - for she was, after all, royalty - Fotios guided her from the mare's side to her front, taking several steps back himself in order to allow her the room to stand at her head.
"You need to take control of the creature with confidence and without fear." Placing the princess directly before him, and between himself and the head of the horse, Fotios had to reach over Xene's shoulder in order to keep ahold of the leather head piece. Reaching up to her other side, Fotios tapped the pads of his first two fingers very gently upon her collarbone, his arms now encasing her a little. "Calm your breathing." He told her, encouraging her inhales and exhales with a little pressure from his hand. A few moments later she had the idea and he immediately let her go. "Then reach to encircle her gaze and do so with confidence. She is a strong creature; your dainty hands could do little to hurt her."
Fotios reached around her again to take ahold of the princess' wrist and help her with her hand positions, one flat against the face of the animal and the other on the creature's neck, just beneath the curve of its face.
"You see?" Fotios suggested when the creature lowered her forelock in order to be reached more successfully by the princess. "They are not so different from any other domesticated creature. Some even enjoy their ears scratched." He added the last in order to extract an amused reaction from the girl.
By this time the young boy who had been sent to provide them with the equipment needed for such an outing had returned with aid. One of his brethren led Fotios' personal steed and another helped with half the tack and dress required to fix the mare suitable for a personal ride.
It was a few moments before the animals were as ready as their masters and Fotios allowed his creature to stand without a controlling hand as he moved beside the nearly tacked up mare.
Bending low, he knitted his fingers together and created a cup of palms that would hoist the princess up and onto the horse's back his eyes bright and his smile personal as his expression clearly stated he remembered doing this once before, the morning of the king’s coronation...
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As the two of them headed out into the sunshine once more the princess chastised him for refusing her offer to call her by her given name. With a slight smile and a light tone of voice, Fotios, guided the woman towards the mare before them and spoke with a hint of humour to his tone.
"It is my understanding that a friendship is built only over several arguments." He told the princess. "Perhaps the appropriate form of address for me with use with you, my lady, shall be our first."
Catching a look from the corner of her eye that suggested such a topic would indeed be brought back into circulation at a later date, Fotios resisted a genuine smile this time. He hadn't been flattering her when he had called her intelligent. Uninformed, immature and undeveloped perhaps. But that made the princess of Taengea far from dumb. Like clay ready for moulding. You couldn't argue that it did not have the basics to become a work of art or an impressive structure... but without the appropriate tools it was still no more significant than mud.
When the lady appeared nervous to reach out and touch the creature for the first time in several weeks, Fotios held the bridle carefully when the creature moved to dance a little in place, clearly a little frisky from the princess' caution. She was brave enough to continue petting her, however, and even suggested a ride out across Leventi lands to ensure the mare was fully fit.
With a nod and a whistle from behind his teeth, Fotios called for one of the stable hands to bring his own tacked up mount and then riding gear for the mare. When the slave disappeared in order to complete such a task, Fotios resisted the nervous buck of the animal’s head at Xene's closeness.
"If I may, Your Highness..." the Lord of Leventi commented, before reaching out. He placed the tips of his fingers upon each side of her waist, just above her hip bone on either side. Barely touching her - for she was, after all, royalty - Fotios guided her from the mare's side to her front, taking several steps back himself in order to allow her the room to stand at her head.
"You need to take control of the creature with confidence and without fear." Placing the princess directly before him, and between himself and the head of the horse, Fotios had to reach over Xene's shoulder in order to keep ahold of the leather head piece. Reaching up to her other side, Fotios tapped the pads of his first two fingers very gently upon her collarbone, his arms now encasing her a little. "Calm your breathing." He told her, encouraging her inhales and exhales with a little pressure from his hand. A few moments later she had the idea and he immediately let her go. "Then reach to encircle her gaze and do so with confidence. She is a strong creature; your dainty hands could do little to hurt her."
Fotios reached around her again to take ahold of the princess' wrist and help her with her hand positions, one flat against the face of the animal and the other on the creature's neck, just beneath the curve of its face.
"You see?" Fotios suggested when the creature lowered her forelock in order to be reached more successfully by the princess. "They are not so different from any other domesticated creature. Some even enjoy their ears scratched." He added the last in order to extract an amused reaction from the girl.
By this time the young boy who had been sent to provide them with the equipment needed for such an outing had returned with aid. One of his brethren led Fotios' personal steed and another helped with half the tack and dress required to fix the mare suitable for a personal ride.
It was a few moments before the animals were as ready as their masters and Fotios allowed his creature to stand without a controlling hand as he moved beside the nearly tacked up mare.
Bending low, he knitted his fingers together and created a cup of palms that would hoist the princess up and onto the horse's back his eyes bright and his smile personal as his expression clearly stated he remembered doing this once before, the morning of the king’s coronation...
As the two of them headed out into the sunshine once more the princess chastised him for refusing her offer to call her by her given name. With a slight smile and a light tone of voice, Fotios, guided the woman towards the mare before them and spoke with a hint of humour to his tone.
"It is my understanding that a friendship is built only over several arguments." He told the princess. "Perhaps the appropriate form of address for me with use with you, my lady, shall be our first."
Catching a look from the corner of her eye that suggested such a topic would indeed be brought back into circulation at a later date, Fotios resisted a genuine smile this time. He hadn't been flattering her when he had called her intelligent. Uninformed, immature and undeveloped perhaps. But that made the princess of Taengea far from dumb. Like clay ready for moulding. You couldn't argue that it did not have the basics to become a work of art or an impressive structure... but without the appropriate tools it was still no more significant than mud.
When the lady appeared nervous to reach out and touch the creature for the first time in several weeks, Fotios held the bridle carefully when the creature moved to dance a little in place, clearly a little frisky from the princess' caution. She was brave enough to continue petting her, however, and even suggested a ride out across Leventi lands to ensure the mare was fully fit.
With a nod and a whistle from behind his teeth, Fotios called for one of the stable hands to bring his own tacked up mount and then riding gear for the mare. When the slave disappeared in order to complete such a task, Fotios resisted the nervous buck of the animal’s head at Xene's closeness.
"If I may, Your Highness..." the Lord of Leventi commented, before reaching out. He placed the tips of his fingers upon each side of her waist, just above her hip bone on either side. Barely touching her - for she was, after all, royalty - Fotios guided her from the mare's side to her front, taking several steps back himself in order to allow her the room to stand at her head.
"You need to take control of the creature with confidence and without fear." Placing the princess directly before him, and between himself and the head of the horse, Fotios had to reach over Xene's shoulder in order to keep ahold of the leather head piece. Reaching up to her other side, Fotios tapped the pads of his first two fingers very gently upon her collarbone, his arms now encasing her a little. "Calm your breathing." He told her, encouraging her inhales and exhales with a little pressure from his hand. A few moments later she had the idea and he immediately let her go. "Then reach to encircle her gaze and do so with confidence. She is a strong creature; your dainty hands could do little to hurt her."
Fotios reached around her again to take ahold of the princess' wrist and help her with her hand positions, one flat against the face of the animal and the other on the creature's neck, just beneath the curve of its face.
"You see?" Fotios suggested when the creature lowered her forelock in order to be reached more successfully by the princess. "They are not so different from any other domesticated creature. Some even enjoy their ears scratched." He added the last in order to extract an amused reaction from the girl.
By this time the young boy who had been sent to provide them with the equipment needed for such an outing had returned with aid. One of his brethren led Fotios' personal steed and another helped with half the tack and dress required to fix the mare suitable for a personal ride.
It was a few moments before the animals were as ready as their masters and Fotios allowed his creature to stand without a controlling hand as he moved beside the nearly tacked up mare.
Bending low, he knitted his fingers together and created a cup of palms that would hoist the princess up and onto the horse's back his eyes bright and his smile personal as his expression clearly stated he remembered doing this once before, the morning of the king’s coronation...
The smile that had settled on the princess' lips was unmistakable. Not gated behind feelings of propriety and reservedness. He was toying with her, in a good way. The humor lacing his words was notable and Xene brought her gaze back to his features, shaking her head with quiet grace. The chuckle that escaped her lips was audible, natural.
"I'll be sure to bring up more points to argue about then, my lord," Xene commented, her gaze drifting back to her mare. The silent anxiety had settled sharply in her stomach. Her fingers didn't tremble as they pressed against the creature's neck, but she did find herself hesitating. What was it that had scared her away from riding and from horses? Had it been the lack of confidence she had felt atop the creatures, unlike Zach and Stephanos, who were more confident with each ride? Likely.
But it was also the stories she had heard. The warnings Zach would give her about not properly handling the creatures. Instead of facing those challenges... those frights, really, Xene had simply opted not to ride at all. One day she'd made the decision and the next she had simply refused to make any further effort. It had been simpler that way. And she had secured her safety on solid ground rather than astride a creature of great power.
It had made the princess feel more at ease with herself knowing that there was little more expectation for her to learn to ride and to be comfortable with it once she had put her foot down.
Her thoughts had drifted too far, her fingers still trailing against the hair of her steed. The feeling of fingers on her waist made Xene lift her gaze upward toward the mare, her breathing steady even though her heart beat rapidly in response to the proximity. Calming herself, Xene swallowed slightly, following the guidance that Fotios hand's gave her, swallowing slowly as she tried to focus on the mare and not the man behind her. She held fast to the mare, calming her breathing and lifting her chin slowly.
She felt the mare's gaze easily and calming her breathing. Slowly, she stroked the mare's neck, her confidence growing by the second. The mare seemed to calm with her with each gentle touch. Xene couldn't help but coo gently at her, relaxing in the presence of the creature. "She seems so much calmer," Xene noted gently, her lips curving into a small smile.
Pausing while the men worked on readying the horses for a ride, Xene continued to bond with the mare, stoking and talking softly to her. Her shoulders straightened and her head tilted, confidence suddenly radiating off of her every movement. Xene wanted this to work. She wanted the mare to trust her as much as she had trusted Zach. "We're going to go for a ride," she said gently, glancing toward Fotios as he offered to hoist her up atop her mare.
Letting the mare go, she gratefully took Fotios' offer, letting him help to lift her atop the mare. She situated herself in the way that Zach had taught her time and time again, grabbing for the reins and placing gentle pressure to note that she was no in control. Dropping her gaze to Fotios, Xene smiled sweetly. "Thank you my lord. Will you guide us through your lands? I'm afraid I'm not as well-versed in the paths and meadows."
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The smile that had settled on the princess' lips was unmistakable. Not gated behind feelings of propriety and reservedness. He was toying with her, in a good way. The humor lacing his words was notable and Xene brought her gaze back to his features, shaking her head with quiet grace. The chuckle that escaped her lips was audible, natural.
"I'll be sure to bring up more points to argue about then, my lord," Xene commented, her gaze drifting back to her mare. The silent anxiety had settled sharply in her stomach. Her fingers didn't tremble as they pressed against the creature's neck, but she did find herself hesitating. What was it that had scared her away from riding and from horses? Had it been the lack of confidence she had felt atop the creatures, unlike Zach and Stephanos, who were more confident with each ride? Likely.
But it was also the stories she had heard. The warnings Zach would give her about not properly handling the creatures. Instead of facing those challenges... those frights, really, Xene had simply opted not to ride at all. One day she'd made the decision and the next she had simply refused to make any further effort. It had been simpler that way. And she had secured her safety on solid ground rather than astride a creature of great power.
It had made the princess feel more at ease with herself knowing that there was little more expectation for her to learn to ride and to be comfortable with it once she had put her foot down.
Her thoughts had drifted too far, her fingers still trailing against the hair of her steed. The feeling of fingers on her waist made Xene lift her gaze upward toward the mare, her breathing steady even though her heart beat rapidly in response to the proximity. Calming herself, Xene swallowed slightly, following the guidance that Fotios hand's gave her, swallowing slowly as she tried to focus on the mare and not the man behind her. She held fast to the mare, calming her breathing and lifting her chin slowly.
She felt the mare's gaze easily and calming her breathing. Slowly, she stroked the mare's neck, her confidence growing by the second. The mare seemed to calm with her with each gentle touch. Xene couldn't help but coo gently at her, relaxing in the presence of the creature. "She seems so much calmer," Xene noted gently, her lips curving into a small smile.
Pausing while the men worked on readying the horses for a ride, Xene continued to bond with the mare, stoking and talking softly to her. Her shoulders straightened and her head tilted, confidence suddenly radiating off of her every movement. Xene wanted this to work. She wanted the mare to trust her as much as she had trusted Zach. "We're going to go for a ride," she said gently, glancing toward Fotios as he offered to hoist her up atop her mare.
Letting the mare go, she gratefully took Fotios' offer, letting him help to lift her atop the mare. She situated herself in the way that Zach had taught her time and time again, grabbing for the reins and placing gentle pressure to note that she was no in control. Dropping her gaze to Fotios, Xene smiled sweetly. "Thank you my lord. Will you guide us through your lands? I'm afraid I'm not as well-versed in the paths and meadows."
The smile that had settled on the princess' lips was unmistakable. Not gated behind feelings of propriety and reservedness. He was toying with her, in a good way. The humor lacing his words was notable and Xene brought her gaze back to his features, shaking her head with quiet grace. The chuckle that escaped her lips was audible, natural.
"I'll be sure to bring up more points to argue about then, my lord," Xene commented, her gaze drifting back to her mare. The silent anxiety had settled sharply in her stomach. Her fingers didn't tremble as they pressed against the creature's neck, but she did find herself hesitating. What was it that had scared her away from riding and from horses? Had it been the lack of confidence she had felt atop the creatures, unlike Zach and Stephanos, who were more confident with each ride? Likely.
But it was also the stories she had heard. The warnings Zach would give her about not properly handling the creatures. Instead of facing those challenges... those frights, really, Xene had simply opted not to ride at all. One day she'd made the decision and the next she had simply refused to make any further effort. It had been simpler that way. And she had secured her safety on solid ground rather than astride a creature of great power.
It had made the princess feel more at ease with herself knowing that there was little more expectation for her to learn to ride and to be comfortable with it once she had put her foot down.
Her thoughts had drifted too far, her fingers still trailing against the hair of her steed. The feeling of fingers on her waist made Xene lift her gaze upward toward the mare, her breathing steady even though her heart beat rapidly in response to the proximity. Calming herself, Xene swallowed slightly, following the guidance that Fotios hand's gave her, swallowing slowly as she tried to focus on the mare and not the man behind her. She held fast to the mare, calming her breathing and lifting her chin slowly.
She felt the mare's gaze easily and calming her breathing. Slowly, she stroked the mare's neck, her confidence growing by the second. The mare seemed to calm with her with each gentle touch. Xene couldn't help but coo gently at her, relaxing in the presence of the creature. "She seems so much calmer," Xene noted gently, her lips curving into a small smile.
Pausing while the men worked on readying the horses for a ride, Xene continued to bond with the mare, stoking and talking softly to her. Her shoulders straightened and her head tilted, confidence suddenly radiating off of her every movement. Xene wanted this to work. She wanted the mare to trust her as much as she had trusted Zach. "We're going to go for a ride," she said gently, glancing toward Fotios as he offered to hoist her up atop her mare.
Letting the mare go, she gratefully took Fotios' offer, letting him help to lift her atop the mare. She situated herself in the way that Zach had taught her time and time again, grabbing for the reins and placing gentle pressure to note that she was no in control. Dropping her gaze to Fotios, Xene smiled sweetly. "Thank you my lord. Will you guide us through your lands? I'm afraid I'm not as well-versed in the paths and meadows."
Ensuring that the princess was well seated, Fotios was pleased to note that she handled the reins correctly. Clearly, she had remembered at least that much from the lessons her brother had foisted upon her. Without need of correcting her posture, her hands or, in fact, how her legs held to the side of the animal, Fotios then moved away, stroking a hand down the mare's neck as he went and moved to his own horse.
Fotios was a practical man when it came to animals. He had a great respect for horses - they were the power upon which the Leventi House stood. They were also magnificent creatures - designed to complement the human form when they rode and one and stronger than several men combined. He liked the juxtaposition of beauty and strength that amalgamated into one animal.
And yet, he was not sappy or sentimental. All animals lived and died within their own time, and it was impractical to become attached to one in particular to the point that the master of a house of horse breeders rode an old specimen, in favour of attachment over image.
As such, Fotios did not have a single mount that he had ridden for many years as so many of his stature did. He had no preference or favoured animal. Instead, he rode the most impressive creature that his personal stables could afford at any one time. This year it was a beautiful buckskin gelding who stood several hands taller than had been expected from his stock and held a strong and glamorous contrast between its golden hide and black main and tail. The only darker markings on its person was a dark snort beneath black eyes, and a solitary sock on his front right leg that spoiled the symmetry of his colouring.
Despite this, however, he was a huge mount and elegant in the leg - a horse fit for a Head of House.
Without need of step or aid - Fotios had been riding horses longer than he could walk - he leapt onto the beast's back with impressive fluidity, his stature in place and the reins within hand without a second. He needed not look at his actions or watch as his fingers entwined with leather, for they found their holding on their own, based on pure instinctive rather than cognition.
On the back of a horse was where a Leventi was most at home - and Fotios was no different.
When the princess requested that he showed her his lands, he nodded in capitulation at the instruction.
"By all means, my Lady." He told her with grace. "So long as you'll permit arrogance in my tone for the next hour or so. I am rather fond of the Leventi grounds and I fear my decorum will slip." He smiled, showing that he was half-teasing and then nudged his steed forwards with a squeeze of his ankles.
Making sure not to lose the princess as he did so, Fotios increased the buckskin's speed to a casual canter; able to cover large areas of ground but without the dangers of a full gallop.
Together, the two of them rode forward to inspect the Leventi grounds - from the far-off orchard with several varieties of fruit trees, to an old and tumbled down cabin that used to belong to a groundskeeper that was no longer kept under employment... to the great expanses of field that were rotated over the years for grazing and training of the livestock.
The sun continued to shine and Fotios was pleased to note the smile that kept creeping across the princess' face.
Despite a poor start to productivity, it looked as if today was going to be a good day...
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Ensuring that the princess was well seated, Fotios was pleased to note that she handled the reins correctly. Clearly, she had remembered at least that much from the lessons her brother had foisted upon her. Without need of correcting her posture, her hands or, in fact, how her legs held to the side of the animal, Fotios then moved away, stroking a hand down the mare's neck as he went and moved to his own horse.
Fotios was a practical man when it came to animals. He had a great respect for horses - they were the power upon which the Leventi House stood. They were also magnificent creatures - designed to complement the human form when they rode and one and stronger than several men combined. He liked the juxtaposition of beauty and strength that amalgamated into one animal.
And yet, he was not sappy or sentimental. All animals lived and died within their own time, and it was impractical to become attached to one in particular to the point that the master of a house of horse breeders rode an old specimen, in favour of attachment over image.
As such, Fotios did not have a single mount that he had ridden for many years as so many of his stature did. He had no preference or favoured animal. Instead, he rode the most impressive creature that his personal stables could afford at any one time. This year it was a beautiful buckskin gelding who stood several hands taller than had been expected from his stock and held a strong and glamorous contrast between its golden hide and black main and tail. The only darker markings on its person was a dark snort beneath black eyes, and a solitary sock on his front right leg that spoiled the symmetry of his colouring.
Despite this, however, he was a huge mount and elegant in the leg - a horse fit for a Head of House.
Without need of step or aid - Fotios had been riding horses longer than he could walk - he leapt onto the beast's back with impressive fluidity, his stature in place and the reins within hand without a second. He needed not look at his actions or watch as his fingers entwined with leather, for they found their holding on their own, based on pure instinctive rather than cognition.
On the back of a horse was where a Leventi was most at home - and Fotios was no different.
When the princess requested that he showed her his lands, he nodded in capitulation at the instruction.
"By all means, my Lady." He told her with grace. "So long as you'll permit arrogance in my tone for the next hour or so. I am rather fond of the Leventi grounds and I fear my decorum will slip." He smiled, showing that he was half-teasing and then nudged his steed forwards with a squeeze of his ankles.
Making sure not to lose the princess as he did so, Fotios increased the buckskin's speed to a casual canter; able to cover large areas of ground but without the dangers of a full gallop.
Together, the two of them rode forward to inspect the Leventi grounds - from the far-off orchard with several varieties of fruit trees, to an old and tumbled down cabin that used to belong to a groundskeeper that was no longer kept under employment... to the great expanses of field that were rotated over the years for grazing and training of the livestock.
The sun continued to shine and Fotios was pleased to note the smile that kept creeping across the princess' face.
Despite a poor start to productivity, it looked as if today was going to be a good day...
Ensuring that the princess was well seated, Fotios was pleased to note that she handled the reins correctly. Clearly, she had remembered at least that much from the lessons her brother had foisted upon her. Without need of correcting her posture, her hands or, in fact, how her legs held to the side of the animal, Fotios then moved away, stroking a hand down the mare's neck as he went and moved to his own horse.
Fotios was a practical man when it came to animals. He had a great respect for horses - they were the power upon which the Leventi House stood. They were also magnificent creatures - designed to complement the human form when they rode and one and stronger than several men combined. He liked the juxtaposition of beauty and strength that amalgamated into one animal.
And yet, he was not sappy or sentimental. All animals lived and died within their own time, and it was impractical to become attached to one in particular to the point that the master of a house of horse breeders rode an old specimen, in favour of attachment over image.
As such, Fotios did not have a single mount that he had ridden for many years as so many of his stature did. He had no preference or favoured animal. Instead, he rode the most impressive creature that his personal stables could afford at any one time. This year it was a beautiful buckskin gelding who stood several hands taller than had been expected from his stock and held a strong and glamorous contrast between its golden hide and black main and tail. The only darker markings on its person was a dark snort beneath black eyes, and a solitary sock on his front right leg that spoiled the symmetry of his colouring.
Despite this, however, he was a huge mount and elegant in the leg - a horse fit for a Head of House.
Without need of step or aid - Fotios had been riding horses longer than he could walk - he leapt onto the beast's back with impressive fluidity, his stature in place and the reins within hand without a second. He needed not look at his actions or watch as his fingers entwined with leather, for they found their holding on their own, based on pure instinctive rather than cognition.
On the back of a horse was where a Leventi was most at home - and Fotios was no different.
When the princess requested that he showed her his lands, he nodded in capitulation at the instruction.
"By all means, my Lady." He told her with grace. "So long as you'll permit arrogance in my tone for the next hour or so. I am rather fond of the Leventi grounds and I fear my decorum will slip." He smiled, showing that he was half-teasing and then nudged his steed forwards with a squeeze of his ankles.
Making sure not to lose the princess as he did so, Fotios increased the buckskin's speed to a casual canter; able to cover large areas of ground but without the dangers of a full gallop.
Together, the two of them rode forward to inspect the Leventi grounds - from the far-off orchard with several varieties of fruit trees, to an old and tumbled down cabin that used to belong to a groundskeeper that was no longer kept under employment... to the great expanses of field that were rotated over the years for grazing and training of the livestock.
The sun continued to shine and Fotios was pleased to note the smile that kept creeping across the princess' face.
Despite a poor start to productivity, it looked as if today was going to be a good day...
