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There was a great deal of preparation that had gone into ensuring she was ready for this night and yet despite it all she felt as though she’d only succeeded in making a fool of herself. Obliviously skipping through the whole thing as though she had never been given any advice at all. At least her mother had made quite certain that she looked nice and she had not done the one thing she’d been told was explicitly the worst thing she could do. That was at least some small consolation. There was not much she could think to say or do that would make up for her innocent mistakes. Least of all the words that she’d already spoken to the Sirdar. Once said one could simply not erase them. Thankfully he did not seem at all offended of put off by her abundance of conversation or its less than artful presentation.
As he concurred with her sentiment and offered her both a wink and a smile she felt some weight slip from her shoulders. The smile that came to rest upon her lips was one of absolute gratitude. He was being generous or so she assumed. It was a kindness she would never forget. “Hopefully your first time here is going a bit smoother than mine.” There was a surprisingly eloquent quality to her statement. It held just the right amount of humor and charm, which gave one some semblance of hope that she might not be an entirely lost cause. Just young and inexperienced, which would both change with time.
The offer that followed surprised a great deal. Dancing was not something she’d been taught, it was simply something she did in private. That she had not seen anyone dancing that night only made her wonder further as to the validity of the offer. Looking toward her father she tried to read his expression only to find her questions answered in her father’s own voice. “Dancing is typically an art for the young in Taengea, Sirdar.” The statement brought Imma’s eyes from her father back to the Egyptian for a moment. Did they dance regularly in Egypt? There was much she should like to learn about the country. It seemed only natural that she should learn from an Egyptian. “Perhaps a walk instead?” The question was asked both of her father and Osorsen. It was an alternative that would still allow them some activity that did not specifically revolve around absent kings and fierce mothers as he had said.
Though a walk was certainly not nearly as enjoyable as a dance might have been. It was a disappointing reality of Taengea that she found herself didn’t exist. To be fair though there were a great many things that she enjoyed that were not entirely acceptable. “A walk would be acceptable, if it would please the Sirdar.” That her father agreed meant there was only one other party who needed to do the same. Imma let her gaze shift once more toward Osorsen. Studying him in that proximity. There were a few things she would need to change in her sketches. It was the first thought that came to mind. Small differences in his expression and the shape of his eyes. When she realized she was staring her let her gaze flit off, clipping from one face to the next before fixing upon Imeeya. “Perhaps Lady Imeeya could join us as well…”
The thought to include the fellow lady was one that had popped up into her mind rather rapidly. Imma had only recently met her but she knew Imeeya had strong feelings toward how the evenings interactions should go. More over her mother had made it clear that the worst thing she could do would be to wander off alone with a man. So what better way to ensure that she would not end up wandering somewhere with Osorsen then to have another person come along? The choice seemed to surprise her father, but he didn’t say much to dissuade the decision. In the end it would really be up to the parties involved. Though with any luck she’d found a way to make the interaction go over smoother than it may have otherwise.
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This character is currently a work in progress.
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There was a great deal of preparation that had gone into ensuring she was ready for this night and yet despite it all she felt as though she’d only succeeded in making a fool of herself. Obliviously skipping through the whole thing as though she had never been given any advice at all. At least her mother had made quite certain that she looked nice and she had not done the one thing she’d been told was explicitly the worst thing she could do. That was at least some small consolation. There was not much she could think to say or do that would make up for her innocent mistakes. Least of all the words that she’d already spoken to the Sirdar. Once said one could simply not erase them. Thankfully he did not seem at all offended of put off by her abundance of conversation or its less than artful presentation.
As he concurred with her sentiment and offered her both a wink and a smile she felt some weight slip from her shoulders. The smile that came to rest upon her lips was one of absolute gratitude. He was being generous or so she assumed. It was a kindness she would never forget. “Hopefully your first time here is going a bit smoother than mine.” There was a surprisingly eloquent quality to her statement. It held just the right amount of humor and charm, which gave one some semblance of hope that she might not be an entirely lost cause. Just young and inexperienced, which would both change with time.
The offer that followed surprised a great deal. Dancing was not something she’d been taught, it was simply something she did in private. That she had not seen anyone dancing that night only made her wonder further as to the validity of the offer. Looking toward her father she tried to read his expression only to find her questions answered in her father’s own voice. “Dancing is typically an art for the young in Taengea, Sirdar.” The statement brought Imma’s eyes from her father back to the Egyptian for a moment. Did they dance regularly in Egypt? There was much she should like to learn about the country. It seemed only natural that she should learn from an Egyptian. “Perhaps a walk instead?” The question was asked both of her father and Osorsen. It was an alternative that would still allow them some activity that did not specifically revolve around absent kings and fierce mothers as he had said.
Though a walk was certainly not nearly as enjoyable as a dance might have been. It was a disappointing reality of Taengea that she found herself didn’t exist. To be fair though there were a great many things that she enjoyed that were not entirely acceptable. “A walk would be acceptable, if it would please the Sirdar.” That her father agreed meant there was only one other party who needed to do the same. Imma let her gaze shift once more toward Osorsen. Studying him in that proximity. There were a few things she would need to change in her sketches. It was the first thought that came to mind. Small differences in his expression and the shape of his eyes. When she realized she was staring her let her gaze flit off, clipping from one face to the next before fixing upon Imeeya. “Perhaps Lady Imeeya could join us as well…”
The thought to include the fellow lady was one that had popped up into her mind rather rapidly. Imma had only recently met her but she knew Imeeya had strong feelings toward how the evenings interactions should go. More over her mother had made it clear that the worst thing she could do would be to wander off alone with a man. So what better way to ensure that she would not end up wandering somewhere with Osorsen then to have another person come along? The choice seemed to surprise her father, but he didn’t say much to dissuade the decision. In the end it would really be up to the parties involved. Though with any luck she’d found a way to make the interaction go over smoother than it may have otherwise.
There was a great deal of preparation that had gone into ensuring she was ready for this night and yet despite it all she felt as though she’d only succeeded in making a fool of herself. Obliviously skipping through the whole thing as though she had never been given any advice at all. At least her mother had made quite certain that she looked nice and she had not done the one thing she’d been told was explicitly the worst thing she could do. That was at least some small consolation. There was not much she could think to say or do that would make up for her innocent mistakes. Least of all the words that she’d already spoken to the Sirdar. Once said one could simply not erase them. Thankfully he did not seem at all offended of put off by her abundance of conversation or its less than artful presentation.
As he concurred with her sentiment and offered her both a wink and a smile she felt some weight slip from her shoulders. The smile that came to rest upon her lips was one of absolute gratitude. He was being generous or so she assumed. It was a kindness she would never forget. “Hopefully your first time here is going a bit smoother than mine.” There was a surprisingly eloquent quality to her statement. It held just the right amount of humor and charm, which gave one some semblance of hope that she might not be an entirely lost cause. Just young and inexperienced, which would both change with time.
The offer that followed surprised a great deal. Dancing was not something she’d been taught, it was simply something she did in private. That she had not seen anyone dancing that night only made her wonder further as to the validity of the offer. Looking toward her father she tried to read his expression only to find her questions answered in her father’s own voice. “Dancing is typically an art for the young in Taengea, Sirdar.” The statement brought Imma’s eyes from her father back to the Egyptian for a moment. Did they dance regularly in Egypt? There was much she should like to learn about the country. It seemed only natural that she should learn from an Egyptian. “Perhaps a walk instead?” The question was asked both of her father and Osorsen. It was an alternative that would still allow them some activity that did not specifically revolve around absent kings and fierce mothers as he had said.
Though a walk was certainly not nearly as enjoyable as a dance might have been. It was a disappointing reality of Taengea that she found herself didn’t exist. To be fair though there were a great many things that she enjoyed that were not entirely acceptable. “A walk would be acceptable, if it would please the Sirdar.” That her father agreed meant there was only one other party who needed to do the same. Imma let her gaze shift once more toward Osorsen. Studying him in that proximity. There were a few things she would need to change in her sketches. It was the first thought that came to mind. Small differences in his expression and the shape of his eyes. When she realized she was staring her let her gaze flit off, clipping from one face to the next before fixing upon Imeeya. “Perhaps Lady Imeeya could join us as well…”
The thought to include the fellow lady was one that had popped up into her mind rather rapidly. Imma had only recently met her but she knew Imeeya had strong feelings toward how the evenings interactions should go. More over her mother had made it clear that the worst thing she could do would be to wander off alone with a man. So what better way to ensure that she would not end up wandering somewhere with Osorsen then to have another person come along? The choice seemed to surprise her father, but he didn’t say much to dissuade the decision. In the end it would really be up to the parties involved. Though with any luck she’d found a way to make the interaction go over smoother than it may have otherwise.
When Osorsen questioned what was going on with where the King and his wife were, Imeeya almost opened her mouth to answer, but at that moment, she looked up to see Irakles returning with Meena. She shut her mouth again quickly. This was neither the time nor the place to explain to the Egyptian what was really going on here in Taengea. This only fueled her annoyance as Meena was introduced, and then the Leventi girl.
Imeeya smiled at Imma encouragingly as she spoke to the Sidar. While Imma might have lacked the polish of a woman more experienced in politics, she seemed to suitably impress the foreign visitor. Of course, that may have just been that she was an attractive young woman, Imeeya had noticed how he had looked at Selene earlier. Still, after having met the young woman the day before, Imeeya couldn’t help but feel slightly proud of the way the young woman was handling herself. Well enough for the general to ask for a dance.
However, hidden in the request, Imeeya heard the Sidar’s subtle hint asking for a further conversation. She wracked her brain trying to think of how she could manage to find a way to speak to the man in a more private setting. She had barely managed to find the opportunity to talk to him in the first place. Her cousin’s rudeness providing her with an opportunity to meet Orsorsen only because of her own boldness. But she shouldn’t have worried because suddenly the perfect opportunity opened in front of her. Imma had declined the opportunity to dance, and instead offered a walk, and invited her along. Imeeya grinned slightly as she jumped into the conversation.
“Of course, I’d be honored to walk with the two of you,” Imeeya answered Imma politely. “Perhaps we should go somewhere a bit less crowded.” Imeeya offered, starting to lead Imma and Osorson away from the center of the room. She glanced towards the princesses, or rather just the one princess, she couldn’t see where the other had gone. Xene however, was occupied with her own conversation. Perhaps the moment to make sure the general was introduced to the princesses was after he was apprised of the situation.
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When Osorsen questioned what was going on with where the King and his wife were, Imeeya almost opened her mouth to answer, but at that moment, she looked up to see Irakles returning with Meena. She shut her mouth again quickly. This was neither the time nor the place to explain to the Egyptian what was really going on here in Taengea. This only fueled her annoyance as Meena was introduced, and then the Leventi girl.
Imeeya smiled at Imma encouragingly as she spoke to the Sidar. While Imma might have lacked the polish of a woman more experienced in politics, she seemed to suitably impress the foreign visitor. Of course, that may have just been that she was an attractive young woman, Imeeya had noticed how he had looked at Selene earlier. Still, after having met the young woman the day before, Imeeya couldn’t help but feel slightly proud of the way the young woman was handling herself. Well enough for the general to ask for a dance.
However, hidden in the request, Imeeya heard the Sidar’s subtle hint asking for a further conversation. She wracked her brain trying to think of how she could manage to find a way to speak to the man in a more private setting. She had barely managed to find the opportunity to talk to him in the first place. Her cousin’s rudeness providing her with an opportunity to meet Orsorsen only because of her own boldness. But she shouldn’t have worried because suddenly the perfect opportunity opened in front of her. Imma had declined the opportunity to dance, and instead offered a walk, and invited her along. Imeeya grinned slightly as she jumped into the conversation.
“Of course, I’d be honored to walk with the two of you,” Imeeya answered Imma politely. “Perhaps we should go somewhere a bit less crowded.” Imeeya offered, starting to lead Imma and Osorson away from the center of the room. She glanced towards the princesses, or rather just the one princess, she couldn’t see where the other had gone. Xene however, was occupied with her own conversation. Perhaps the moment to make sure the general was introduced to the princesses was after he was apprised of the situation.
When Osorsen questioned what was going on with where the King and his wife were, Imeeya almost opened her mouth to answer, but at that moment, she looked up to see Irakles returning with Meena. She shut her mouth again quickly. This was neither the time nor the place to explain to the Egyptian what was really going on here in Taengea. This only fueled her annoyance as Meena was introduced, and then the Leventi girl.
Imeeya smiled at Imma encouragingly as she spoke to the Sidar. While Imma might have lacked the polish of a woman more experienced in politics, she seemed to suitably impress the foreign visitor. Of course, that may have just been that she was an attractive young woman, Imeeya had noticed how he had looked at Selene earlier. Still, after having met the young woman the day before, Imeeya couldn’t help but feel slightly proud of the way the young woman was handling herself. Well enough for the general to ask for a dance.
However, hidden in the request, Imeeya heard the Sidar’s subtle hint asking for a further conversation. She wracked her brain trying to think of how she could manage to find a way to speak to the man in a more private setting. She had barely managed to find the opportunity to talk to him in the first place. Her cousin’s rudeness providing her with an opportunity to meet Orsorsen only because of her own boldness. But she shouldn’t have worried because suddenly the perfect opportunity opened in front of her. Imma had declined the opportunity to dance, and instead offered a walk, and invited her along. Imeeya grinned slightly as she jumped into the conversation.
“Of course, I’d be honored to walk with the two of you,” Imeeya answered Imma politely. “Perhaps we should go somewhere a bit less crowded.” Imeeya offered, starting to lead Imma and Osorson away from the center of the room. She glanced towards the princesses, or rather just the one princess, she couldn’t see where the other had gone. Xene however, was occupied with her own conversation. Perhaps the moment to make sure the general was introduced to the princesses was after he was apprised of the situation.
Watching as his mistress made her introductions as polished as any other noble lady would be, there was no mistake that despite her birth and upbringing, Meena had taken to life as part of the nobility like fish to water. There was no hesitation in the way she addressed and spoke with the Egyptian, yet before the man could respond to the question Meena had asked, the commotion had interupted and pushed all thoughts of words out of everyone's head. In a palace where many of noble and royal birth gathered, any signs of danger had guards come running... until one realized it was simply the scream of a noble lady and her dress.
The shriek had been piercing, a sudden jolt to what had been looking to be an otherwise peaceful and successful night. That Lady Evelli had hurried off the moment she had identified her daughter to be in the center of the commotion (and his own niece, but Irakles will deal with that later - they should have ensured the staff were properly trained and not making such childish mistakes as to ruining the gowns of the nobility) was no surprise to Irakles, for while the old general did not mix much with the daughters of the Leventi, he knew of the Lady Nana's oft over-the-top reactions, and know full well that her mother was off to curb the worst of it.
Turning instead to offer a kindly smile to Lady Imma and Lady Imeeya, as well as the Colchian Master Informer who now formed their little group with the visiting Egyptian. The smile turned encouraging as Imma greeted the Sirdar as cordially as she could. She was new to attending court sessions, if Irakles remembered correctly, but judging from the way she behaved, there was no mistake if the prince was to assume Lady Evelli had spent the night before repeating etiquette and manners to the youngest of her brood.
Luckily for Imma, Osorsen did not respond as off-handedly and harshly as he could to many. In fact, Irakles found himself surprised at how coquettishly kind he acted to the younger girl... but he's heard of his reputation, of the Egyptian's favoring bed partners by the dozen. While it was a common habit even in Taengea, Irakles doubted Lord Georgios would be too happy at the subtle flirtation with his daughter.
Sure enough, the man did not seem happy as he stepped up to the elbow of young Imma, and gave a curt smile to Osorsen. Yet Imma's nervousness seemed unfounded as she seemed to navigate the conversation herself, without the need for her father's assistance - that is, until Georgios seemed to acquiesce to the walk as asked of the Sirdar. Irakles flickered to gaze at the younger brother of his friend, yet the male seemed willing as he nodded to the Lady Imeeya joining the entourage taking the walk. "I shall have Lady Meena seek out and inform your mother of where you will be then, Lady Imma, if it would suit you Lord Georgios?" the prince offered, smiling when the father of the young lady nodded, before he too wandered away, as did the Master Informer, who seemed fine to just observe the crowd from the sides of the Great Gallery.
Turning to his mistress, he gave her a silent look in question as to whether she would seek out Lady Evelli to inform her of her youngest daughter's whereabouts, and only after getting confirmation of that, did he allow Meena to slip away, and gave one last respectful nod before stepping away to melt back into the crowds meandering around the Gallery where the ball was held. He doubted Lady Evelli would be too eager to allow her youngest to have a private conversation with the Egyptian sirdar, even if they were accompanied by Imeeya, but he would allow the mother in question to make that decision herself. Irakles would exchange conversations and updates with various barons and visiting nobility from provinces usually too far to visit on a regular basis, touching base, but otherwise, Irakles merely remained seen.
After all, to be seen as a present ruler who was both capable and strong was much, much preferable to the current state of his nephew.
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This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
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Watching as his mistress made her introductions as polished as any other noble lady would be, there was no mistake that despite her birth and upbringing, Meena had taken to life as part of the nobility like fish to water. There was no hesitation in the way she addressed and spoke with the Egyptian, yet before the man could respond to the question Meena had asked, the commotion had interupted and pushed all thoughts of words out of everyone's head. In a palace where many of noble and royal birth gathered, any signs of danger had guards come running... until one realized it was simply the scream of a noble lady and her dress.
The shriek had been piercing, a sudden jolt to what had been looking to be an otherwise peaceful and successful night. That Lady Evelli had hurried off the moment she had identified her daughter to be in the center of the commotion (and his own niece, but Irakles will deal with that later - they should have ensured the staff were properly trained and not making such childish mistakes as to ruining the gowns of the nobility) was no surprise to Irakles, for while the old general did not mix much with the daughters of the Leventi, he knew of the Lady Nana's oft over-the-top reactions, and know full well that her mother was off to curb the worst of it.
Turning instead to offer a kindly smile to Lady Imma and Lady Imeeya, as well as the Colchian Master Informer who now formed their little group with the visiting Egyptian. The smile turned encouraging as Imma greeted the Sirdar as cordially as she could. She was new to attending court sessions, if Irakles remembered correctly, but judging from the way she behaved, there was no mistake if the prince was to assume Lady Evelli had spent the night before repeating etiquette and manners to the youngest of her brood.
Luckily for Imma, Osorsen did not respond as off-handedly and harshly as he could to many. In fact, Irakles found himself surprised at how coquettishly kind he acted to the younger girl... but he's heard of his reputation, of the Egyptian's favoring bed partners by the dozen. While it was a common habit even in Taengea, Irakles doubted Lord Georgios would be too happy at the subtle flirtation with his daughter.
Sure enough, the man did not seem happy as he stepped up to the elbow of young Imma, and gave a curt smile to Osorsen. Yet Imma's nervousness seemed unfounded as she seemed to navigate the conversation herself, without the need for her father's assistance - that is, until Georgios seemed to acquiesce to the walk as asked of the Sirdar. Irakles flickered to gaze at the younger brother of his friend, yet the male seemed willing as he nodded to the Lady Imeeya joining the entourage taking the walk. "I shall have Lady Meena seek out and inform your mother of where you will be then, Lady Imma, if it would suit you Lord Georgios?" the prince offered, smiling when the father of the young lady nodded, before he too wandered away, as did the Master Informer, who seemed fine to just observe the crowd from the sides of the Great Gallery.
Turning to his mistress, he gave her a silent look in question as to whether she would seek out Lady Evelli to inform her of her youngest daughter's whereabouts, and only after getting confirmation of that, did he allow Meena to slip away, and gave one last respectful nod before stepping away to melt back into the crowds meandering around the Gallery where the ball was held. He doubted Lady Evelli would be too eager to allow her youngest to have a private conversation with the Egyptian sirdar, even if they were accompanied by Imeeya, but he would allow the mother in question to make that decision herself. Irakles would exchange conversations and updates with various barons and visiting nobility from provinces usually too far to visit on a regular basis, touching base, but otherwise, Irakles merely remained seen.
After all, to be seen as a present ruler who was both capable and strong was much, much preferable to the current state of his nephew.
Watching as his mistress made her introductions as polished as any other noble lady would be, there was no mistake that despite her birth and upbringing, Meena had taken to life as part of the nobility like fish to water. There was no hesitation in the way she addressed and spoke with the Egyptian, yet before the man could respond to the question Meena had asked, the commotion had interupted and pushed all thoughts of words out of everyone's head. In a palace where many of noble and royal birth gathered, any signs of danger had guards come running... until one realized it was simply the scream of a noble lady and her dress.
The shriek had been piercing, a sudden jolt to what had been looking to be an otherwise peaceful and successful night. That Lady Evelli had hurried off the moment she had identified her daughter to be in the center of the commotion (and his own niece, but Irakles will deal with that later - they should have ensured the staff were properly trained and not making such childish mistakes as to ruining the gowns of the nobility) was no surprise to Irakles, for while the old general did not mix much with the daughters of the Leventi, he knew of the Lady Nana's oft over-the-top reactions, and know full well that her mother was off to curb the worst of it.
Turning instead to offer a kindly smile to Lady Imma and Lady Imeeya, as well as the Colchian Master Informer who now formed their little group with the visiting Egyptian. The smile turned encouraging as Imma greeted the Sirdar as cordially as she could. She was new to attending court sessions, if Irakles remembered correctly, but judging from the way she behaved, there was no mistake if the prince was to assume Lady Evelli had spent the night before repeating etiquette and manners to the youngest of her brood.
Luckily for Imma, Osorsen did not respond as off-handedly and harshly as he could to many. In fact, Irakles found himself surprised at how coquettishly kind he acted to the younger girl... but he's heard of his reputation, of the Egyptian's favoring bed partners by the dozen. While it was a common habit even in Taengea, Irakles doubted Lord Georgios would be too happy at the subtle flirtation with his daughter.
Sure enough, the man did not seem happy as he stepped up to the elbow of young Imma, and gave a curt smile to Osorsen. Yet Imma's nervousness seemed unfounded as she seemed to navigate the conversation herself, without the need for her father's assistance - that is, until Georgios seemed to acquiesce to the walk as asked of the Sirdar. Irakles flickered to gaze at the younger brother of his friend, yet the male seemed willing as he nodded to the Lady Imeeya joining the entourage taking the walk. "I shall have Lady Meena seek out and inform your mother of where you will be then, Lady Imma, if it would suit you Lord Georgios?" the prince offered, smiling when the father of the young lady nodded, before he too wandered away, as did the Master Informer, who seemed fine to just observe the crowd from the sides of the Great Gallery.
Turning to his mistress, he gave her a silent look in question as to whether she would seek out Lady Evelli to inform her of her youngest daughter's whereabouts, and only after getting confirmation of that, did he allow Meena to slip away, and gave one last respectful nod before stepping away to melt back into the crowds meandering around the Gallery where the ball was held. He doubted Lady Evelli would be too eager to allow her youngest to have a private conversation with the Egyptian sirdar, even if they were accompanied by Imeeya, but he would allow the mother in question to make that decision herself. Irakles would exchange conversations and updates with various barons and visiting nobility from provinces usually too far to visit on a regular basis, touching base, but otherwise, Irakles merely remained seen.
After all, to be seen as a present ruler who was both capable and strong was much, much preferable to the current state of his nephew.
With Evangelina on the balcony
He hadn’t interpreted the horses comment the way she’d meant it. Instead, he’d simply taken it at face value, which was a trait that usually put him on the end of the courtiers who did not do overly well in a room full of liars. Sure, he could generally tell when someone was being dishonest, but he didn’t twist his own words a lot of the time and when other people did it, he chose to just answer what they’d actually said, rather than read into any hidden meaning. He didn’t have time or patience to do that or to guess what was actually being said.
Still. He’d understood her to be a sweet person and hoped that there would be more of the courtly women like her, rather than the ones who were currently in charge. When she’d bitten her lower lip, he attempted not to read into that. If he had been younger - much younger, he’d have interpreted it differently. He hadn’t been bad looking even ten years ago. Now, however, he was under no delusions that he was well out of the realm where women looked to him for anything other than an honest opinion or, and these were extremely few and far between - fortune seekers.
Even his son wasn’t usually in the sights of women as prey.
"My pleasure," he said.
That was why he thought nothing of her softened gaze or even her unflinching gaze into his own. When she dropped her eyes, instead of reading that as disappointment, which he would never have flattered himself that it could be, he saw her as relieved to be alone. Wishing to respect that, he offered her a bow deeper than he needed to, turned, and headed back into the crowd, leaving her on the balcony to escape in the manner she saw most fit.
Though she’d needed rescuing before, he did not think her so weak as to need protected constantly and he wouldn’t have done even if he had. People needed to stand on their own two feet if they could and she’d already proved herself clever. She did not need him any longer. Instead, he went in search of his daughter, telling her that it was nearly time to go. There was no way, with all the excitement of the evening that she would find any sort of husband tonight. It wasn’t the place for it and he didn’t truly want her around the Egyptians.
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With Evangelina on the balcony
He hadn’t interpreted the horses comment the way she’d meant it. Instead, he’d simply taken it at face value, which was a trait that usually put him on the end of the courtiers who did not do overly well in a room full of liars. Sure, he could generally tell when someone was being dishonest, but he didn’t twist his own words a lot of the time and when other people did it, he chose to just answer what they’d actually said, rather than read into any hidden meaning. He didn’t have time or patience to do that or to guess what was actually being said.
Still. He’d understood her to be a sweet person and hoped that there would be more of the courtly women like her, rather than the ones who were currently in charge. When she’d bitten her lower lip, he attempted not to read into that. If he had been younger - much younger, he’d have interpreted it differently. He hadn’t been bad looking even ten years ago. Now, however, he was under no delusions that he was well out of the realm where women looked to him for anything other than an honest opinion or, and these were extremely few and far between - fortune seekers.
Even his son wasn’t usually in the sights of women as prey.
"My pleasure," he said.
That was why he thought nothing of her softened gaze or even her unflinching gaze into his own. When she dropped her eyes, instead of reading that as disappointment, which he would never have flattered himself that it could be, he saw her as relieved to be alone. Wishing to respect that, he offered her a bow deeper than he needed to, turned, and headed back into the crowd, leaving her on the balcony to escape in the manner she saw most fit.
Though she’d needed rescuing before, he did not think her so weak as to need protected constantly and he wouldn’t have done even if he had. People needed to stand on their own two feet if they could and she’d already proved herself clever. She did not need him any longer. Instead, he went in search of his daughter, telling her that it was nearly time to go. There was no way, with all the excitement of the evening that she would find any sort of husband tonight. It wasn’t the place for it and he didn’t truly want her around the Egyptians.
With Evangelina on the balcony
He hadn’t interpreted the horses comment the way she’d meant it. Instead, he’d simply taken it at face value, which was a trait that usually put him on the end of the courtiers who did not do overly well in a room full of liars. Sure, he could generally tell when someone was being dishonest, but he didn’t twist his own words a lot of the time and when other people did it, he chose to just answer what they’d actually said, rather than read into any hidden meaning. He didn’t have time or patience to do that or to guess what was actually being said.
Still. He’d understood her to be a sweet person and hoped that there would be more of the courtly women like her, rather than the ones who were currently in charge. When she’d bitten her lower lip, he attempted not to read into that. If he had been younger - much younger, he’d have interpreted it differently. He hadn’t been bad looking even ten years ago. Now, however, he was under no delusions that he was well out of the realm where women looked to him for anything other than an honest opinion or, and these were extremely few and far between - fortune seekers.
Even his son wasn’t usually in the sights of women as prey.
"My pleasure," he said.
That was why he thought nothing of her softened gaze or even her unflinching gaze into his own. When she dropped her eyes, instead of reading that as disappointment, which he would never have flattered himself that it could be, he saw her as relieved to be alone. Wishing to respect that, he offered her a bow deeper than he needed to, turned, and headed back into the crowd, leaving her on the balcony to escape in the manner she saw most fit.
Though she’d needed rescuing before, he did not think her so weak as to need protected constantly and he wouldn’t have done even if he had. People needed to stand on their own two feet if they could and she’d already proved herself clever. She did not need him any longer. Instead, he went in search of his daughter, telling her that it was nearly time to go. There was no way, with all the excitement of the evening that she would find any sort of husband tonight. It wasn’t the place for it and he didn’t truly want her around the Egyptians.
Gavriil Departing Evie And Evie's Exit
Lord Dimitrou surprised Evangelina. He had a realness that was a rarity to the upper classes and it hadn’t gone unnoticed by the pint-sized Leventi. She probably should have explained what she’d meant about the horses, instead, she’d made a silent promise to herself to dig a little deeper into this man of mystery.
One of the reasons she loved being around the horses so much was tearing down the walls and finding out what made each of them tick. As Gavriil said his goodbye, Evie let her eyes run over the creases of his face. What a wonder, hmmm…
As a child, she’d seen Gavriil frequently enough but it had always been at a distance. Her softened gaze flicked back to his lighter eyes. Up close, the sternness that she’d perceived as a child was still there but there was a… deep-seated pain there too that she couldn’t put her finger on. When had been the last time he’d been happy? Truly happy?
He dropped into an exaggerated bow with such a startling grace that it caught her breath and dropped into a curtsy. Her dark eyes looking up from beneath her lashes to flash a cryptic smile. I will figure you out, my lord. She let her curious gaze follow him back inside until he’d disappeared. Hmmm… Very interesting.
Slowly, she turned to look back over the balcony and stared out over the garden. Now that she was alone the emptiness started to sink in. The festivities were still in full swing, she could easily paste that pretty smile on her lips and slip back into the rat race. She bit the inside of her cheek. Evie could do that but that wasn’t what she really wanted to do. Suddenly, the beautiful green dress seemed suffocating and the voices from inside too loud.
A glance over her shoulder she winced. No. She wasn’t going to stay. Tonight was not her night. She would try and rally again another night, another party.
Motioning one of the servants, “Would you send for a litter for me out front? And send word to the Lady Evelli of Leventi that I was struck with a headache and thought it best to retire for the evening.” Making sure the servant understood before she carefully gathered her skirts up a little to prevent tripping again and slipped through the shadows to make her exit.
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Gavriil Departing Evie And Evie's Exit
Lord Dimitrou surprised Evangelina. He had a realness that was a rarity to the upper classes and it hadn’t gone unnoticed by the pint-sized Leventi. She probably should have explained what she’d meant about the horses, instead, she’d made a silent promise to herself to dig a little deeper into this man of mystery.
One of the reasons she loved being around the horses so much was tearing down the walls and finding out what made each of them tick. As Gavriil said his goodbye, Evie let her eyes run over the creases of his face. What a wonder, hmmm…
As a child, she’d seen Gavriil frequently enough but it had always been at a distance. Her softened gaze flicked back to his lighter eyes. Up close, the sternness that she’d perceived as a child was still there but there was a… deep-seated pain there too that she couldn’t put her finger on. When had been the last time he’d been happy? Truly happy?
He dropped into an exaggerated bow with such a startling grace that it caught her breath and dropped into a curtsy. Her dark eyes looking up from beneath her lashes to flash a cryptic smile. I will figure you out, my lord. She let her curious gaze follow him back inside until he’d disappeared. Hmmm… Very interesting.
Slowly, she turned to look back over the balcony and stared out over the garden. Now that she was alone the emptiness started to sink in. The festivities were still in full swing, she could easily paste that pretty smile on her lips and slip back into the rat race. She bit the inside of her cheek. Evie could do that but that wasn’t what she really wanted to do. Suddenly, the beautiful green dress seemed suffocating and the voices from inside too loud.
A glance over her shoulder she winced. No. She wasn’t going to stay. Tonight was not her night. She would try and rally again another night, another party.
Motioning one of the servants, “Would you send for a litter for me out front? And send word to the Lady Evelli of Leventi that I was struck with a headache and thought it best to retire for the evening.” Making sure the servant understood before she carefully gathered her skirts up a little to prevent tripping again and slipped through the shadows to make her exit.
Gavriil Departing Evie And Evie's Exit
Lord Dimitrou surprised Evangelina. He had a realness that was a rarity to the upper classes and it hadn’t gone unnoticed by the pint-sized Leventi. She probably should have explained what she’d meant about the horses, instead, she’d made a silent promise to herself to dig a little deeper into this man of mystery.
One of the reasons she loved being around the horses so much was tearing down the walls and finding out what made each of them tick. As Gavriil said his goodbye, Evie let her eyes run over the creases of his face. What a wonder, hmmm…
As a child, she’d seen Gavriil frequently enough but it had always been at a distance. Her softened gaze flicked back to his lighter eyes. Up close, the sternness that she’d perceived as a child was still there but there was a… deep-seated pain there too that she couldn’t put her finger on. When had been the last time he’d been happy? Truly happy?
He dropped into an exaggerated bow with such a startling grace that it caught her breath and dropped into a curtsy. Her dark eyes looking up from beneath her lashes to flash a cryptic smile. I will figure you out, my lord. She let her curious gaze follow him back inside until he’d disappeared. Hmmm… Very interesting.
Slowly, she turned to look back over the balcony and stared out over the garden. Now that she was alone the emptiness started to sink in. The festivities were still in full swing, she could easily paste that pretty smile on her lips and slip back into the rat race. She bit the inside of her cheek. Evie could do that but that wasn’t what she really wanted to do. Suddenly, the beautiful green dress seemed suffocating and the voices from inside too loud.
A glance over her shoulder she winced. No. She wasn’t going to stay. Tonight was not her night. She would try and rally again another night, another party.
Motioning one of the servants, “Would you send for a litter for me out front? And send word to the Lady Evelli of Leventi that I was struck with a headache and thought it best to retire for the evening.” Making sure the servant understood before she carefully gathered her skirts up a little to prevent tripping again and slipped through the shadows to make her exit.
Vangelis had said little to satisfy any potential curiosity in the Lady Theodora but he was glad to note that she was smart enough not to ask for further details that might be overheard by others. She kept her pretty features neutral, turned her head up to speak with him in a quiet manner that might appear as two friends murmuring quietly to one another, and offered only a polite but bright smile his way when she changed the subject to whether or not he was enjoying his stay in Taengea the second company was upon them in the form of Lord Achilleas. Not one for subterfuge, even when it was necessary, Vangelis kept his expression in its habitual state of calm stoicism and replied to all queries and questions from both parties with short and honest answers, thereby avoiding being caught in an elaborate lie or his features being put under test by a long-winded tale of fallacy.
"Taengea rarely disappoints, my Lady." He told her simply, as the son of Lord Irakles came to join them, his attention turning to the man before him. One of the few men in Greece would could look him fairly squarely in the eye, Vangelis had had little personal connection with Lord Achilleas but from their detached familiarity so far he knew him to be a man he instinctively liked. From his war efforts against the Creed at the Gorge, north of the city, and the way in which he spoke and addressed issues, the man appeared to be rather simple in the most flattering of ways. Honest and with integrity, he was a far different matter of being than his father, whom Vangelis was now fully convinced had murdered his own family and was set on continuing that spree with his nephew and niece-in-law.
When the military man commented on Vangelis' presence still being with them - whether in Taengea a whole or specifically within the hall, Vangelis didn't know - the Colchian offered a polite nod of his head in acknowledgement of his words.
"I had not expected to attend." Vangelis answered honestly, glancing between the two of them, in the efforts of appearing open in his conversation. "But female persuasion is often hard to stand against for too long." He added, referring to his cousin Imeeya bugging him into attending the event.
Either without consideration or care for how his words could be construed, Vangelis immediately departed from their company after such a statement. With a polite, shallow bow and a murmur of excusing himself, Vangelis backed away from the pair, having said all he needed to to the Lady Theodora and, instead, having his attentions required elsewhere for the afternoon if he was going to ensure that he plan he had been devising since speaking with Selene was going to be carried out successfully.
On his way from the room, Vangelis stopped long enough to place a hand on the shoulder of his Master Informer, commenting low and into his ear to keep an eye on the Lady Imeeya and ensure that she was returned to the Order House before sundown. He would not limit his cousin's enjoyment of the event, but he had matters to attend to before dark that would not be able to be delayed the remaining time of the court session.
With that settled, and his cousin entrusted to the care of a man whom he trusted implicitly, Vangelis left the great gallery without ceremony or announcement, slipping from the crowds and into the main foyer of the royal palace. He didn't slow as he exited between two guards, met with his own in the royal courtyards and headed back to the Order House, his mind swimming with the implications of his choice, but the decision itself crystal clear...
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Vangelis had said little to satisfy any potential curiosity in the Lady Theodora but he was glad to note that she was smart enough not to ask for further details that might be overheard by others. She kept her pretty features neutral, turned her head up to speak with him in a quiet manner that might appear as two friends murmuring quietly to one another, and offered only a polite but bright smile his way when she changed the subject to whether or not he was enjoying his stay in Taengea the second company was upon them in the form of Lord Achilleas. Not one for subterfuge, even when it was necessary, Vangelis kept his expression in its habitual state of calm stoicism and replied to all queries and questions from both parties with short and honest answers, thereby avoiding being caught in an elaborate lie or his features being put under test by a long-winded tale of fallacy.
"Taengea rarely disappoints, my Lady." He told her simply, as the son of Lord Irakles came to join them, his attention turning to the man before him. One of the few men in Greece would could look him fairly squarely in the eye, Vangelis had had little personal connection with Lord Achilleas but from their detached familiarity so far he knew him to be a man he instinctively liked. From his war efforts against the Creed at the Gorge, north of the city, and the way in which he spoke and addressed issues, the man appeared to be rather simple in the most flattering of ways. Honest and with integrity, he was a far different matter of being than his father, whom Vangelis was now fully convinced had murdered his own family and was set on continuing that spree with his nephew and niece-in-law.
When the military man commented on Vangelis' presence still being with them - whether in Taengea a whole or specifically within the hall, Vangelis didn't know - the Colchian offered a polite nod of his head in acknowledgement of his words.
"I had not expected to attend." Vangelis answered honestly, glancing between the two of them, in the efforts of appearing open in his conversation. "But female persuasion is often hard to stand against for too long." He added, referring to his cousin Imeeya bugging him into attending the event.
Either without consideration or care for how his words could be construed, Vangelis immediately departed from their company after such a statement. With a polite, shallow bow and a murmur of excusing himself, Vangelis backed away from the pair, having said all he needed to to the Lady Theodora and, instead, having his attentions required elsewhere for the afternoon if he was going to ensure that he plan he had been devising since speaking with Selene was going to be carried out successfully.
On his way from the room, Vangelis stopped long enough to place a hand on the shoulder of his Master Informer, commenting low and into his ear to keep an eye on the Lady Imeeya and ensure that she was returned to the Order House before sundown. He would not limit his cousin's enjoyment of the event, but he had matters to attend to before dark that would not be able to be delayed the remaining time of the court session.
With that settled, and his cousin entrusted to the care of a man whom he trusted implicitly, Vangelis left the great gallery without ceremony or announcement, slipping from the crowds and into the main foyer of the royal palace. He didn't slow as he exited between two guards, met with his own in the royal courtyards and headed back to the Order House, his mind swimming with the implications of his choice, but the decision itself crystal clear...
Vangelis had said little to satisfy any potential curiosity in the Lady Theodora but he was glad to note that she was smart enough not to ask for further details that might be overheard by others. She kept her pretty features neutral, turned her head up to speak with him in a quiet manner that might appear as two friends murmuring quietly to one another, and offered only a polite but bright smile his way when she changed the subject to whether or not he was enjoying his stay in Taengea the second company was upon them in the form of Lord Achilleas. Not one for subterfuge, even when it was necessary, Vangelis kept his expression in its habitual state of calm stoicism and replied to all queries and questions from both parties with short and honest answers, thereby avoiding being caught in an elaborate lie or his features being put under test by a long-winded tale of fallacy.
"Taengea rarely disappoints, my Lady." He told her simply, as the son of Lord Irakles came to join them, his attention turning to the man before him. One of the few men in Greece would could look him fairly squarely in the eye, Vangelis had had little personal connection with Lord Achilleas but from their detached familiarity so far he knew him to be a man he instinctively liked. From his war efforts against the Creed at the Gorge, north of the city, and the way in which he spoke and addressed issues, the man appeared to be rather simple in the most flattering of ways. Honest and with integrity, he was a far different matter of being than his father, whom Vangelis was now fully convinced had murdered his own family and was set on continuing that spree with his nephew and niece-in-law.
When the military man commented on Vangelis' presence still being with them - whether in Taengea a whole or specifically within the hall, Vangelis didn't know - the Colchian offered a polite nod of his head in acknowledgement of his words.
"I had not expected to attend." Vangelis answered honestly, glancing between the two of them, in the efforts of appearing open in his conversation. "But female persuasion is often hard to stand against for too long." He added, referring to his cousin Imeeya bugging him into attending the event.
Either without consideration or care for how his words could be construed, Vangelis immediately departed from their company after such a statement. With a polite, shallow bow and a murmur of excusing himself, Vangelis backed away from the pair, having said all he needed to to the Lady Theodora and, instead, having his attentions required elsewhere for the afternoon if he was going to ensure that he plan he had been devising since speaking with Selene was going to be carried out successfully.
On his way from the room, Vangelis stopped long enough to place a hand on the shoulder of his Master Informer, commenting low and into his ear to keep an eye on the Lady Imeeya and ensure that she was returned to the Order House before sundown. He would not limit his cousin's enjoyment of the event, but he had matters to attend to before dark that would not be able to be delayed the remaining time of the court session.
With that settled, and his cousin entrusted to the care of a man whom he trusted implicitly, Vangelis left the great gallery without ceremony or announcement, slipping from the crowds and into the main foyer of the royal palace. He didn't slow as he exited between two guards, met with his own in the royal courtyards and headed back to the Order House, his mind swimming with the implications of his choice, but the decision itself crystal clear...
'You always come to my rescue at the right moments. We’ve spoken about this Lord Fotios... I feel like you’re watching me.'
The words were taunting and low, spoken at a volume only he could hear, but that didn't mean their presence standing beside each other wouldn't be noticed by others. Fotios offered her a curling at the corner of his mouth, his gaze lowering and his forehead moving forward as if in a moment of awkwardness; as if she had caught him in an act that revealed more emotion than he had wanted to reveal. His head rose once more quickly away, the moment of gesture for her alone to read and suspect the meaning behind.
"I can stop if you so wish it, Princess..." He commented quietly, masking his words from any lip readers in the room by raising his cup to sip claret from at the appropriate moment. There was a pause as his lips parted from the rim of his cup, the tip of his tongue moving to sweep his lower lip as his gaze which had here unto been directed forwards, glanced down in her direction before flickering away again. "Or at least... I can try."
Fotios' clever gaze swept the room, watching as his sister-in-law aided in escorting Nana in not making a fool of herself once more like a shrieking banshee, and his other niece stood up beside the Sirdar of Egypt in a manner most unbecoming. He felt himself sigh within. The Lady Selene and Theodora couldn't be married off fortuitously fast enough. The younger ones of Georgios' brood were far from becoming in their own means of wooing a husband. After Selene and Theodora were secured, he would have to turn to his own offspring - or perhaps Evangelina. Nana and Imma might be lost for the foreseeable future until they became the only Leventi girls left and their dowries outstripped all other females of their age. Then it wouldn't matter how inappropriate each of them were within social settings. The money would speak for them.
Watching as a few lords and ladies took the opportunity to leave the hall, following out the argumentative drunks that had been thrown from the premises - including the Colchian crown prince - Fotios turned his words to business.
"I think there has been enough excitement for one day." He offered. "Might I suggest a sum up of the event, or perhaps a relocation to the gardens...? Before the uncoordinated are any more libated?" His expression might not have been so obvious but an eye roll was clear in his tone of voice.
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'You always come to my rescue at the right moments. We’ve spoken about this Lord Fotios... I feel like you’re watching me.'
The words were taunting and low, spoken at a volume only he could hear, but that didn't mean their presence standing beside each other wouldn't be noticed by others. Fotios offered her a curling at the corner of his mouth, his gaze lowering and his forehead moving forward as if in a moment of awkwardness; as if she had caught him in an act that revealed more emotion than he had wanted to reveal. His head rose once more quickly away, the moment of gesture for her alone to read and suspect the meaning behind.
"I can stop if you so wish it, Princess..." He commented quietly, masking his words from any lip readers in the room by raising his cup to sip claret from at the appropriate moment. There was a pause as his lips parted from the rim of his cup, the tip of his tongue moving to sweep his lower lip as his gaze which had here unto been directed forwards, glanced down in her direction before flickering away again. "Or at least... I can try."
Fotios' clever gaze swept the room, watching as his sister-in-law aided in escorting Nana in not making a fool of herself once more like a shrieking banshee, and his other niece stood up beside the Sirdar of Egypt in a manner most unbecoming. He felt himself sigh within. The Lady Selene and Theodora couldn't be married off fortuitously fast enough. The younger ones of Georgios' brood were far from becoming in their own means of wooing a husband. After Selene and Theodora were secured, he would have to turn to his own offspring - or perhaps Evangelina. Nana and Imma might be lost for the foreseeable future until they became the only Leventi girls left and their dowries outstripped all other females of their age. Then it wouldn't matter how inappropriate each of them were within social settings. The money would speak for them.
Watching as a few lords and ladies took the opportunity to leave the hall, following out the argumentative drunks that had been thrown from the premises - including the Colchian crown prince - Fotios turned his words to business.
"I think there has been enough excitement for one day." He offered. "Might I suggest a sum up of the event, or perhaps a relocation to the gardens...? Before the uncoordinated are any more libated?" His expression might not have been so obvious but an eye roll was clear in his tone of voice.
'You always come to my rescue at the right moments. We’ve spoken about this Lord Fotios... I feel like you’re watching me.'
The words were taunting and low, spoken at a volume only he could hear, but that didn't mean their presence standing beside each other wouldn't be noticed by others. Fotios offered her a curling at the corner of his mouth, his gaze lowering and his forehead moving forward as if in a moment of awkwardness; as if she had caught him in an act that revealed more emotion than he had wanted to reveal. His head rose once more quickly away, the moment of gesture for her alone to read and suspect the meaning behind.
"I can stop if you so wish it, Princess..." He commented quietly, masking his words from any lip readers in the room by raising his cup to sip claret from at the appropriate moment. There was a pause as his lips parted from the rim of his cup, the tip of his tongue moving to sweep his lower lip as his gaze which had here unto been directed forwards, glanced down in her direction before flickering away again. "Or at least... I can try."
Fotios' clever gaze swept the room, watching as his sister-in-law aided in escorting Nana in not making a fool of herself once more like a shrieking banshee, and his other niece stood up beside the Sirdar of Egypt in a manner most unbecoming. He felt himself sigh within. The Lady Selene and Theodora couldn't be married off fortuitously fast enough. The younger ones of Georgios' brood were far from becoming in their own means of wooing a husband. After Selene and Theodora were secured, he would have to turn to his own offspring - or perhaps Evangelina. Nana and Imma might be lost for the foreseeable future until they became the only Leventi girls left and their dowries outstripped all other females of their age. Then it wouldn't matter how inappropriate each of them were within social settings. The money would speak for them.
Watching as a few lords and ladies took the opportunity to leave the hall, following out the argumentative drunks that had been thrown from the premises - including the Colchian crown prince - Fotios turned his words to business.
"I think there has been enough excitement for one day." He offered. "Might I suggest a sum up of the event, or perhaps a relocation to the gardens...? Before the uncoordinated are any more libated?" His expression might not have been so obvious but an eye roll was clear in his tone of voice.
Watching his expressions, his mannerisms was one of Xene's main intentions. In remaining connected to him, in speaking this low and this privately, she could propery observe his features. The way that his lips turned up into the slightest of smiles, the way that he seemed to feel awkward for just a moment all because he had been caught in the act. His words should have come as a surprise, but after their time in the Leventi fields, Xene couldn't find the pride to be anything but silently content with his reply.
"I never said that," Xene said very quietly, bringing her cup to her lips to take a sip of the wine that she hadn't had a chance to enjoy. The rowdy lords had essentially ruined her first attempt at running court. Instead of feeling the slight sting of irritation and frustration at the impression they had made on their guest, Xene felt relieved that it was ending so soon.
Relieved that she was not needed from this point on. What would she tell Elise? That she had handled the situation. What happened with the court after that was simply the natural course of things.
Letting the wine settle on her tongue for longer than she needed in an attempt to occupy her mouth, Xene glanced about the room. She watched the way that Nana and her sister were escorted out of court. The princess simply frowned disapprovingly at the way that Nana had embarrassed herself by screeching in the middle of the court. That may be something that she needed to discuss with the young Lady. In order to prevent any further embarrassments or gossip that could potentially spread through the court if the same inappropriate behavior were to continue.
Xene could not help but feel an even more prominent sense of relief when Fotios suggested that she close the court. Her blue gaze drifted from his face and she once more let her gaze drift about the room. Stepping slowly out of his grip, removing her hand from his arm so that she could place herself at the center of the room, Xene did one slow circle. "I wish to formally apologize for the less than proprietous events of the court this afternoon, my Lords and Ladies. But with that disdainful display I must bring a formal close to the court. Those of you who wish to remain and keep conversation may avail themselves to the gardens," Xene's hands made a sweeping motion in the direction of the royal gardens.
Then, without waiting to hear any signs of pushback or arguments, Xene approached the Lord Leventi once more. Looping her arm with his once more and placing her finished cup of wine on a passing tray, her other hand came to rest against his bicep. "You were just starting to tell me about the prosperity of your equestrian business," Xene reminded him in order to draw attention away from them. No one would truly question the princess wanting to hold conversation with a prominent businessman, especially when the woman often did so with many other members of the court and senate.
"Is my mare just as prosperous, my lord?" she was asking absently as she allowed Lord Fotios to lead them out toward the gardens, effectively putting an end to the court session without entertaining any ideas to the contrary.
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Watching his expressions, his mannerisms was one of Xene's main intentions. In remaining connected to him, in speaking this low and this privately, she could propery observe his features. The way that his lips turned up into the slightest of smiles, the way that he seemed to feel awkward for just a moment all because he had been caught in the act. His words should have come as a surprise, but after their time in the Leventi fields, Xene couldn't find the pride to be anything but silently content with his reply.
"I never said that," Xene said very quietly, bringing her cup to her lips to take a sip of the wine that she hadn't had a chance to enjoy. The rowdy lords had essentially ruined her first attempt at running court. Instead of feeling the slight sting of irritation and frustration at the impression they had made on their guest, Xene felt relieved that it was ending so soon.
Relieved that she was not needed from this point on. What would she tell Elise? That she had handled the situation. What happened with the court after that was simply the natural course of things.
Letting the wine settle on her tongue for longer than she needed in an attempt to occupy her mouth, Xene glanced about the room. She watched the way that Nana and her sister were escorted out of court. The princess simply frowned disapprovingly at the way that Nana had embarrassed herself by screeching in the middle of the court. That may be something that she needed to discuss with the young Lady. In order to prevent any further embarrassments or gossip that could potentially spread through the court if the same inappropriate behavior were to continue.
Xene could not help but feel an even more prominent sense of relief when Fotios suggested that she close the court. Her blue gaze drifted from his face and she once more let her gaze drift about the room. Stepping slowly out of his grip, removing her hand from his arm so that she could place herself at the center of the room, Xene did one slow circle. "I wish to formally apologize for the less than proprietous events of the court this afternoon, my Lords and Ladies. But with that disdainful display I must bring a formal close to the court. Those of you who wish to remain and keep conversation may avail themselves to the gardens," Xene's hands made a sweeping motion in the direction of the royal gardens.
Then, without waiting to hear any signs of pushback or arguments, Xene approached the Lord Leventi once more. Looping her arm with his once more and placing her finished cup of wine on a passing tray, her other hand came to rest against his bicep. "You were just starting to tell me about the prosperity of your equestrian business," Xene reminded him in order to draw attention away from them. No one would truly question the princess wanting to hold conversation with a prominent businessman, especially when the woman often did so with many other members of the court and senate.
"Is my mare just as prosperous, my lord?" she was asking absently as she allowed Lord Fotios to lead them out toward the gardens, effectively putting an end to the court session without entertaining any ideas to the contrary.
Watching his expressions, his mannerisms was one of Xene's main intentions. In remaining connected to him, in speaking this low and this privately, she could propery observe his features. The way that his lips turned up into the slightest of smiles, the way that he seemed to feel awkward for just a moment all because he had been caught in the act. His words should have come as a surprise, but after their time in the Leventi fields, Xene couldn't find the pride to be anything but silently content with his reply.
"I never said that," Xene said very quietly, bringing her cup to her lips to take a sip of the wine that she hadn't had a chance to enjoy. The rowdy lords had essentially ruined her first attempt at running court. Instead of feeling the slight sting of irritation and frustration at the impression they had made on their guest, Xene felt relieved that it was ending so soon.
Relieved that she was not needed from this point on. What would she tell Elise? That she had handled the situation. What happened with the court after that was simply the natural course of things.
Letting the wine settle on her tongue for longer than she needed in an attempt to occupy her mouth, Xene glanced about the room. She watched the way that Nana and her sister were escorted out of court. The princess simply frowned disapprovingly at the way that Nana had embarrassed herself by screeching in the middle of the court. That may be something that she needed to discuss with the young Lady. In order to prevent any further embarrassments or gossip that could potentially spread through the court if the same inappropriate behavior were to continue.
Xene could not help but feel an even more prominent sense of relief when Fotios suggested that she close the court. Her blue gaze drifted from his face and she once more let her gaze drift about the room. Stepping slowly out of his grip, removing her hand from his arm so that she could place herself at the center of the room, Xene did one slow circle. "I wish to formally apologize for the less than proprietous events of the court this afternoon, my Lords and Ladies. But with that disdainful display I must bring a formal close to the court. Those of you who wish to remain and keep conversation may avail themselves to the gardens," Xene's hands made a sweeping motion in the direction of the royal gardens.
Then, without waiting to hear any signs of pushback or arguments, Xene approached the Lord Leventi once more. Looping her arm with his once more and placing her finished cup of wine on a passing tray, her other hand came to rest against his bicep. "You were just starting to tell me about the prosperity of your equestrian business," Xene reminded him in order to draw attention away from them. No one would truly question the princess wanting to hold conversation with a prominent businessman, especially when the woman often did so with many other members of the court and senate.
"Is my mare just as prosperous, my lord?" she was asking absently as she allowed Lord Fotios to lead them out toward the gardens, effectively putting an end to the court session without entertaining any ideas to the contrary.
Perhaps it was the lingering after effects of having to deal with the two reprobates outside, or more to do with what he had returned to, but Achilleas found himself fighting to keep his smile in place, even when Theodora turned to greet him and Prince Vangelis offered a nod of his head. Casting his gaze about for the wine he had left with Theodora, to his dismay the lord Mikaelidas could not find it and so instead he placed a possessive hand upon Theo’s lower back, stood closer than he might usually have done, angling his body towards hers in a manner that left little to no guesswork in the statement he was subconsciously trying to make.
And though he tried to prevent it, he thought the smile might have slipped a little at the Prince’s words, Achilleas’ looking between the man and Theodora with a rising unease. His farewell to the man was a little curt then, and the moment he had left their presence, the baron had turned to look at his betrothed.
“What did he mean by that?” he asked, unable to keep the hint of accusation from his voice. “I didn’t know you were acquainted with the Prince?”
Had it not come on the tails of their disagreement outside, or perhaps on a day when he was running on no sleep the night before, Achilleas would have liked to think he would have been more level-headed about it. But in the moment, he just felt suspicious, and turning away from Theodora , he snagged a cup of wine from a passing servant and took a sip to prevent himself saying anything ungracious.
It was his cousin, the Princess Xene, stepping forward to formally close the court session that gave him a further moment to ponder on what had just happened, and Achilleas lowered his cup. He was prepared to write off this whole day as a bit of a disaster, if he were honest. His gaze swivelled towards his father momentarily, and then to the Egyptian General, and he could not help but think this whole event would only seem suspicious.
It was unheard of for such a visitor not to be received by the King and Queen - he wondered what explanation the General had been offered. And with idiots like the pair he had thrown out shooting their mouths off, what chance was it that no member of the Eygptian envoy would get wind of what was really going on. He didn’t like any of it, and swallowed down the rest of his wine in several large gulps before handing it off to a slave who walked by.
Looking back to Theodora, he felt that same twist in his gut. They were betrothed to be wed, he told himself. Even if she pined for a Colchan Prince there was nothing she could act upon. It was not as soothing as he might have liked.
“Will you allow me to take you home?” he asked of his betrothed, some attempt to salvage what remained of the occasion. There was every possibility that Theodora might choose to travel back to the Leventi Estate with her family, he could hardly blame her. Though his father’s words rang in his ears again and he rallied, tried to make more of an effort to leave things on a more amicable note. “I can send for a carriage?”
Her dress was not exactly fit for riding. Either way, Achilleas was quite ready to be done with the day, and would see Theodors safely home by his own hand or return her to her family. He needed some space to sort through some of the questions that had arisen from the days events. And sleep, though the lord wondered if he would find it easily with so much to think about.
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Perhaps it was the lingering after effects of having to deal with the two reprobates outside, or more to do with what he had returned to, but Achilleas found himself fighting to keep his smile in place, even when Theodora turned to greet him and Prince Vangelis offered a nod of his head. Casting his gaze about for the wine he had left with Theodora, to his dismay the lord Mikaelidas could not find it and so instead he placed a possessive hand upon Theo’s lower back, stood closer than he might usually have done, angling his body towards hers in a manner that left little to no guesswork in the statement he was subconsciously trying to make.
And though he tried to prevent it, he thought the smile might have slipped a little at the Prince’s words, Achilleas’ looking between the man and Theodora with a rising unease. His farewell to the man was a little curt then, and the moment he had left their presence, the baron had turned to look at his betrothed.
“What did he mean by that?” he asked, unable to keep the hint of accusation from his voice. “I didn’t know you were acquainted with the Prince?”
Had it not come on the tails of their disagreement outside, or perhaps on a day when he was running on no sleep the night before, Achilleas would have liked to think he would have been more level-headed about it. But in the moment, he just felt suspicious, and turning away from Theodora , he snagged a cup of wine from a passing servant and took a sip to prevent himself saying anything ungracious.
It was his cousin, the Princess Xene, stepping forward to formally close the court session that gave him a further moment to ponder on what had just happened, and Achilleas lowered his cup. He was prepared to write off this whole day as a bit of a disaster, if he were honest. His gaze swivelled towards his father momentarily, and then to the Egyptian General, and he could not help but think this whole event would only seem suspicious.
It was unheard of for such a visitor not to be received by the King and Queen - he wondered what explanation the General had been offered. And with idiots like the pair he had thrown out shooting their mouths off, what chance was it that no member of the Eygptian envoy would get wind of what was really going on. He didn’t like any of it, and swallowed down the rest of his wine in several large gulps before handing it off to a slave who walked by.
Looking back to Theodora, he felt that same twist in his gut. They were betrothed to be wed, he told himself. Even if she pined for a Colchan Prince there was nothing she could act upon. It was not as soothing as he might have liked.
“Will you allow me to take you home?” he asked of his betrothed, some attempt to salvage what remained of the occasion. There was every possibility that Theodora might choose to travel back to the Leventi Estate with her family, he could hardly blame her. Though his father’s words rang in his ears again and he rallied, tried to make more of an effort to leave things on a more amicable note. “I can send for a carriage?”
Her dress was not exactly fit for riding. Either way, Achilleas was quite ready to be done with the day, and would see Theodors safely home by his own hand or return her to her family. He needed some space to sort through some of the questions that had arisen from the days events. And sleep, though the lord wondered if he would find it easily with so much to think about.
Perhaps it was the lingering after effects of having to deal with the two reprobates outside, or more to do with what he had returned to, but Achilleas found himself fighting to keep his smile in place, even when Theodora turned to greet him and Prince Vangelis offered a nod of his head. Casting his gaze about for the wine he had left with Theodora, to his dismay the lord Mikaelidas could not find it and so instead he placed a possessive hand upon Theo’s lower back, stood closer than he might usually have done, angling his body towards hers in a manner that left little to no guesswork in the statement he was subconsciously trying to make.
And though he tried to prevent it, he thought the smile might have slipped a little at the Prince’s words, Achilleas’ looking between the man and Theodora with a rising unease. His farewell to the man was a little curt then, and the moment he had left their presence, the baron had turned to look at his betrothed.
“What did he mean by that?” he asked, unable to keep the hint of accusation from his voice. “I didn’t know you were acquainted with the Prince?”
Had it not come on the tails of their disagreement outside, or perhaps on a day when he was running on no sleep the night before, Achilleas would have liked to think he would have been more level-headed about it. But in the moment, he just felt suspicious, and turning away from Theodora , he snagged a cup of wine from a passing servant and took a sip to prevent himself saying anything ungracious.
It was his cousin, the Princess Xene, stepping forward to formally close the court session that gave him a further moment to ponder on what had just happened, and Achilleas lowered his cup. He was prepared to write off this whole day as a bit of a disaster, if he were honest. His gaze swivelled towards his father momentarily, and then to the Egyptian General, and he could not help but think this whole event would only seem suspicious.
It was unheard of for such a visitor not to be received by the King and Queen - he wondered what explanation the General had been offered. And with idiots like the pair he had thrown out shooting their mouths off, what chance was it that no member of the Eygptian envoy would get wind of what was really going on. He didn’t like any of it, and swallowed down the rest of his wine in several large gulps before handing it off to a slave who walked by.
Looking back to Theodora, he felt that same twist in his gut. They were betrothed to be wed, he told himself. Even if she pined for a Colchan Prince there was nothing she could act upon. It was not as soothing as he might have liked.
“Will you allow me to take you home?” he asked of his betrothed, some attempt to salvage what remained of the occasion. There was every possibility that Theodora might choose to travel back to the Leventi Estate with her family, he could hardly blame her. Though his father’s words rang in his ears again and he rallied, tried to make more of an effort to leave things on a more amicable note. “I can send for a carriage?”
Her dress was not exactly fit for riding. Either way, Achilleas was quite ready to be done with the day, and would see Theodors safely home by his own hand or return her to her family. He needed some space to sort through some of the questions that had arisen from the days events. And sleep, though the lord wondered if he would find it easily with so much to think about.