It had been one of those days that Fotios particularly enjoyed. It had not been full of exciting news or big events or happy circumstances. Nor was it one of those days where his plans came to conclusion and fit together in a manner that encouraged a certain satisfying interlocking or preparation and cunning. Instead, it was simply an average day, full of correspondence, accounts and carefully handled musings between himself and the lords and spies of the land that he had within his personal umbrella of informants. Such a day might be uninteresting and uneventful to some but to Fotios it provided a day of ticks on lists and small, contented conclusions to each item of business that needed seeing to.

As such, by the middle of the later part of the day, Fotios wasn't particularly frustrated at the interruption offered by a servant bowing in the doorway of his study and standing straight once more to inform him that the princess was in attendance of his home. Looking up from his work, Fotios glanced down at the table to ensure that nothing on display upon his desk was unable to be seen by outside eyes, placed his stylus and ink to one side and rose from his seat.

Snatching up a small and thick cloth with ink stains from the surface of the desk, Fotios moved around his work station and crossed the Assyrian rug that decorated his study floor in order to force the servant backward out of the doorway.

Without an additional glance towards the man, Fotios's long, slim legs carried him down the corridor and towards the front foyer of the manor, his hands twisting inside the cloth so that he might be ensured of removing any ink marks from his fingers.

Once within clear eyesight of the princess and making her eye contact, Fotios smiled.

"Princess Xene..." He greeted, before pausing to bow. He straightened and finished cleaning his hands in order to shove the end of the rag behind his belt, ready to return to it to his desk when he was back within his work room. "To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit, my Lady?"

When the young princess dipped her head in a polite and respectful moment of modesty to greet a man of his stature (highly authoritative but not quite in her league) Fotios allowed his gaze to drop, just for a moment, to the long golden locks that tumbled over her shoulder. He knew it took his wife longer than normal to retain those curls in her hair these days and suspected that Xene's ringlets were less to do with the application of hot iron and more to do with the vitality of her youth. He almost felt frustration on his wife's behalf.

When the young woman spoke of a matter to be discussed and looked towards the servants that hovered in order to offer their aid.

Fotios nodded his ascent as he held a hand out to gently touch her shoulder and swept the other down the hallways in the direction of his private office.

"By all means, my princess." He commented in a tone of surprise and helpful sentiment.

Escorting her down the corridor, Fotios then took a step backwards to allow her to enter into his private study before him. He noted her gaze as she looked around the room with interest and he took a moment to consider the place from her perspective.

Upon immediately entering the room, the chamber stretched out to the right. The enter wall down the left-hand side was filled with floor to ceiling shelves supporting, not novels and tomes of information, but leather binders and files of parchment that contained the facts, figures, numbers and statements of the Leventi business since Fotios had taken over as Head of House. The entire wall was full to bursting but kept impossibly neat and tidy.

Directly across from the door was a large lounger, in which Fotios occasionally allowed himself the informality of lying on to read his paperwork and reports, its front facing the door and its raised back against one of two large windows in the room.

The other was to its brother's right and further down the room, in time with Fotios' high backed chair and desk, allowing as much sunlight as possible to dance across its surface for when he was working. Behind his desk was a mirrored wall, exactly as the opposing; floor to ceiling with files of every kind.

Immediately to the right of the door was a side bureau supporting several jugs of both wine and fresh water.

With a wave of his hand, Fotios offered the princess the opportunity to partake in the lounger while he himself shut the door behind them - for she had made it clear that privacy was key to her visit - and then turned to those jugs.

Pouring the young woman a cup of each, Fotios then moved to offer the both of them, allowing her choice to then dictate which he himself would drink, as he favoured neither over the other. Once her choice had been made the chalice in her hand, Fotios had taken several steps back in order to rest his rear upon the bureau, wrap his arm around his front as if it would be crossed with its counterpart if he didn't have a cup in his hand, and then he nodded in encouragement.

"I'm sorry to hear that you and your brother seem at odds, my Lady. You have done so much for him over the years, I thought for sure your familial connection was one of great strength..." He mused innocently before taking a sip from his cup. He then waved said hand, a few fingers straightening loose from the body of the chalice as he encouraged the conversation to move on; as if brushing concerns away. "But if I can be of held in the meantime, Princess Xene, I would be most thankful for the opportunity. Please..." He gestured forwards encouragingly. "What is it that troubles you that you think me able to aid you with?"

Fotios stood calmly and without exterior signs of emotion as Xene spoke regarding her issues. Whilst they might have seemed small to others - possibly even to herself - she was wise enough to recognise the repercussions of not handled them appropriately. The short end of the situation was that a few select nobles were voicing grievances but undermining her brother's solutions to them, by coming to her instead of the King himself. Whilst it was an encouraging sign of her power within the Court that such men were approaching a woman to handle the situation, it was also a circumstance within which she was struggling to play the finder points of personal politics.

If she refused to help them or directed them towards the King, she appeared unable to find a solution to the problem herself. If she sought to help and rectify the problem, she undermined her brother's right to be the proposed decision maker for the kingdom.

Fotios offered her aid and advice where he could. He suggested that she find the solution and present it to the men to then present to Stephanos within the Senate. Offer them the chance to produce both the issue and a solution within a single breath. If the solution was appropriate, the King would do nothing to oppose it and yet the men were able to find an answer within the princess in a way that reaffirmed the King's authority to confirm or deny any changes to on-going issues.

For a little while the discussed back and forth the options available, hitting on a solution for each of the noblemen’s' (admittedly) petty concerns without too much difficulty. Fotios was only on his second glass of wine and Xene on her first after the cup of water she had enjoyed, before they had formulated appropriate solutions.

Throughout it all, Fotios kept his gaze firm and his features expressionless, offering her purely objective and perfectly appropriate and sturdy advice. He was intent on fulfilling the promise he had made to be a confidant and guide wherever he could. And no confidant allowed their princess to walk off with a half-baked notion and unmanageable means of corrected a difficulty she had come to them with...

When the princess moved to the topic on to that of her mare, Fotios's shoulder visibly calmed a little, their edge softened as they were no longer discussing the hostile topic of politics and he nodded calmly, his back bending to turn it into the shadow of a respectful bow.

"By all means, my Lady." He told her. "You are forever welcome to come here and ride. I realise that the royal palati is poorly situated for long rides over grasslands. We're fortunate in our location on the very edge of the city. You are more than welcome to enjoy that benefit whenever you should wish." She smiled at her over the rim of his cup.

"Perhaps we could go for a short ride now, before returning to this matter?" He suggested. "If you think it helpful, we might formulate your written responses to the Lords in question and I could aid in any wording issues?" He set his chalice to one side. "I rather think, however, that a short right in the dusky air might clear thoughts to make way for efficiency, don't you?" He asked her with a calm and tempting entreaty, pushing himself back up to standing and offering her a hand for her to take when rising from her low seat.

When the princess glanced out of the open windows to the meadows and Leventi lands beyond, he knew that his suggestion had fallen on susceptible ears. Despite not being the most confident of riders, the princess had shown only eagerness for the outdoors. She was also showing a certain eagerness for his company also, which should prove useful in the future.

As he took his step forward and reached out to take her hand, he was unsurprised yet still pleased when she placed her palm in his. Offering an appropriate hold on her but also a gentle brush of his thumb over the back of her hand, he had her on her feet easily enough, for he was stronger than he looked and she light.

"As you desire, princess." He told her with a half-smile, before he tucked the hand he had captured into the crook of his arm so that he might escort her properly down the corridors of his home and out into the gardens and grounds of the manor.

Fotios breathed deep as they exited the stone walls of the manor house he loved deeply for he enjoyed the land around him still more.

As if by magic - for he always had horses are the ready to ride - including the princess' mare whenever she came to visit, the horses for their ride were at the paddock before they were. With a nod to his serving hands and the release of the young princess' hand, Fotios moved behind the lady and very gently placed the tips of his fingers against either side of her waist, indicative of what he was offering.

"May I?" He asked.

Previously, Fotios had always lowered himself, cupped his hands and interlaced his fingers in order to help the young woman onto the mare when they had gone riding together. This time, now that their relationship was becoming more one of equals - of friends - rather than of a princess and her informant, Fotios stepped a little further into the realms of intimacy and offered to lift her onto the saddle instead...

Fotios's eye seemed to spark a little when the young princess addressed him without title. It was a rare occasion in which his given name wasn't accompanied by a "Lord" or even that he was referred to as "Lord Leventi". Hearing his own name leave her lips with such a casual element that she seemed not to notice it was progress indeed.

When she asked him about his interest in the animals, Fotios gave a noncommittal answer initially, determined to focus on helping her onto her ride.

"Interesting query, my princess." He told her calmly, with a tilt of his head, as if to decide upon her answer.

As he brushed her hips with his fingertips and she offered her permission, the touch became stronger and her wrapped his palms around her waist, taking a firm hold on her frame and then lifting her onto the back of the horse. For so lean a frame, Fotios appeared weak to some. But it took a lot of strength and energy to train horses all day and he had spent many years as an archer in his youth, plus basic training with a sword since. He was a health individual. Then there were... other forms of exercise that he liked to partake in on a regular basis that kept his muscles strong.

With the princess in position on the back of her mare, Fotios turned to his own creature and mounted its back in a movement almost ridiculously graceful for a man. This was not due to any great poise or elegance on his part, just the fact that he was well practiced in the behaviour. Such a motion was as simple and familiar to him as standing.

"I can't say I have the same appreciation for horses that you seem to be developing, Your Highness." He told her, once they were both mounted and the horses steadied themselves with a few anxious steps. Fotios' was decidedly more spirited and he liked how with a squeeze of his knees and a firm hold on the reins he could quieten the animal.

"I consider them to be beautiful animals, I find the breeding of them interesting; how the statures, strengths and colours of each generation change. But I think what interests me more than the animals themselves is the connection you can draw from one." His gaze became a little intense as he watched her reactions to his words. "It is important to remember that while a horse is always a friend to the right owner, you never cease to be their master. There is an imbalance of power that is as important for you as the rider as it is for the animal. An untamed and uncontrolled colt could injure itself or die if left to its own survival. The mastery of the animal is good for it as well as ourselves as their handlers and I find that connection an interesting one."

Fotios offered a shrug that came across as self-conscious.

"But perhaps I simply think too much - and oddly at that." He offered with self-deprecating smile.

The young princess was neither naive or ignorant. But she was trusting. Perhaps this was due to being raised in the safe bubble of privilege - with the knowledge that only those truly dangerous or truly stupid would do anything to go against a member of the royal family. And as he had been a face in court for so long there was no need to be suspicious of him - in just about any way. Fotios was happy to run with that assessment that she had clearly made of him - for whatever reason - and run with it where necessary. It was never a bad thing to hold sway and influence with a member of the royal family. Least not the sister who - when in better connection with her brother - had the ear of the king. So, he answered her questions honestly and with care. Her response to it he simply smiled at and then made a teasing comment.

"Now, now, princess, we were on first name terms a moment ago. Do not degrade me once more to Lord Leventi." He offered a comedic shudder. "Makes me think my father's standing over my shoulder."

And with that, he had kicked his steed into a canter and headed off over the fields, her highness following behind, taking up the same pace. They raced at a languid speed for a little while and then slowed their mounts to a walk, in order to enjoy the air without it hitting them in the face from their speed and to luxuriate in the sunlight without race between the cloud covers.

They said little more on the remainder of their ride. Like the last time they had partaken in the habit - and just about every time before that - they, instead, favoured riding in quiet. Enjoying one another's presence without the need for dialogue. It was these rides that Fotios strongly believed had led to their rapidly growing ties as young princess and confidant. In words you could also seek to find lies - always wonder or distrust. Sheer time and attention? Without words or agenda? Such a gift appeared to hold no intentions and therefore was seen as a gesture of compassion and camaraderie. It had bonded their friendship fast.

By the time they had arrived back at the manor the sun was only a few hours away from kissing the horizon and Fotios encouraged the princess to take his arm and guided her back towards his study, leaving the animals to be de-tacked and taken care of by the stable hands.

As soon as he was inside the Leventi property, Fotios had barked out orders with a sense of calm authority, insisting that a second desk from one of the reading rooms be brought to his study and set up for the princess' use. Set in an L shape, the young princess sitting with her back to the window and her profile on display from his position behind his desk, Fotios watched her for a few moments every so often, looking down as soon as she glanced up at the feeling of being watched. He did it only a few times. Enough to show a temptation, but little enough to offer the impression of self-control.

For a few hours they sat in calm and industrious quiet. The only sounds to permeate the room were that of moving papers, scratching styluses and the silent moment of thought as they each paused to read something over or assess a choice of wording. They worked together, as two independent peers; their work never inspected or commented on by the other but neither of them feeling alone in their endeavours. It was a peaceful atmosphere.

The Princess Xene was the first to break the quiet when she requested a moment of his time, her tone clearly uncertain of disturbing him from his own workload. Instead of making her feel awkward or insisting she waited as he would with any other person, regardless of status, Fotios immediately dropped his stylus and turned his full attention towards her. When she requested a read through of a particular letter that they had discussed earlier in the day - this one to a particular courtier who liked to be both fastidious and overtly emotional about not getting his own way, Fotios stood up and moved to join her.

Instead of taking the letter from her, he leaned down to read it over her shoulder, one hand braced on the table top at her side and the other on the back of her chair. He peered at her elegant writing and read her wording and phrases with careful attention.

It was several moments of silence before he eventually nodded.

"Perfect." He insisted - for the letter was indeed worded exactly as he would have recommended. "I think you are more talented in the ways of the court than you give yourself credit for, princess." Straightening back up and noticing a servant at the door who informed them that the princess' carriage had arrived to take her back to the palace, Fotios offered out a hand to aid the royal lady in getting to her feet. "I think it highly likely that you'll not be in need of my counsel soon enough, Your Highness."

Fotios said little as the princess readied herself to leave his home. As she mentioned about her always being welcome of his company, he simply murmured a polite "As I yours." while she continued to gather the pertinent papers. As she had arrived with little and used mostly his own supplies and resources, there was little for the girl to gather barring the few sheets that she needed to reference at a later date and her important letters. Yet it still seemed to take her a moment to collect herself and her belongings... Curious if nothing else.

Once she was ready, Fotios offered his arm as was appropriate for a man in his position with a woman in hers, and escorted her down the main corridors of his home, taking care not to move too fast but to match her pace which seemed casual and a little lingering.

By the time they reached the carriage, the sun had sunk to a level that broke the through the roof tops and sent shafts of umber and red light across the courtyard. Still plenty to see by but enough to drench the two of them win a warm glow.

When the princess offered her hand to be greeted in farewell, Fotios was delicate and gentle as he took it, his touch detached and respectful. He took a hold of her hand, kept the backs of her knuckles facing forwards and then bowed in order to brush his lips to the back of her hand. The gesture was formal and his mouth barely touched her but he kept his eyes open and watching her as he performed the act.

Straightening back up, he used their joined hands to encourage her into the carriage. There, he placed a hand on the door to the cart and offered a small and polite smile.

"Our visits are always so much more, my princess." He told her, his tone warm and speculative.

And before she could say anything more, he shut the door to her vehicle, barked an order at the driver and took two languid steps backwards to make room for it to turn tail and depart from the Leventi courtyard. Fotios stood and watched respectfully, hands linked behind his back, as he watched the vehicle go, considering her behaviour over the course of the afternoon. Perhaps it was time to consult with Eirini...