The Leventi women, all of them had been skilled in the art of conversation. With wealth and training, they’d learned early on how to disarm a volatile conversation with the twist of a few words Selene, Pia, Theo, Nana, and even Imma may not be the most marked swordsman. Theo may not aim an arrow true everytime she notched it, but they’d all been taught to cut down their opponents with a simple turn of phrase as if it were a blade.

As her uncle was not such a dedicated soldier, he’d learned the skill as well. It took a sharp wit and intelligence to wield a sword of words, and Fotios swung his easily. He could cut someone down without even the slightest intonation in his voice; cause them to question their self-worth and ability.. And now his attention was focused on the only person at the table that may outshine him or his wife: Olympia.

Theo knew Pia well enough to know that she could defend herself. She would use her same training to deflect and shut down Fotios’s insinuation. That perhaps she wasn’t capable of producing an heir to the throne. And she did so masterfully; her tone light and at ease as the rest of the table slowly began to focus on the topic of conversation. Just as effortlessly she shifted the conversation to Theo and the wedding. Surely it was a topic anyone at the table would enjoy speaking about after the temple tour.. Especially after Achilleas swept her up and away from the festivities. Even Fotios should have plenty to say of her impulsiveness; a role that was not given to him, but which he took up anyways. She’d always been far more receptive to Georgios’s firm but understanding approach to correcting her. He was able to help her see the errors of her ways without making her feel small or less valued.

Fotios had no skill in such tactics, nor did she believe he desired to.

Theo smiled at Pia; comfortable with taking the reigns and accepting her proposal to host celebrations at the palace. ...As it was customary for the grooms family to bring a bride into their home as part of the ceremonies, it was completely appropriate for her to offer. And while she was still fighting to find a way to negate the marriage.. To cancel it even days before it was set to happen, she wouldn’t allow Pia to fight the flames their uncle lit beneath them alone.

The servants filed through the door silently; collected half emptied plates and there was a momentary reprieve as it wasn’t in good taste to speak of private matters in front of the servants. When they were gone, she released Pia’s hand; preparing herself, but Fotios continued speaking casually through the next course; his nonchalant attitude anything but as the implication of his words cut even deeper into his guest of honor. What he’d said was… cruel and designed quite splendidly to cut Pia down in front of the rest of the family. Had their mother attended she would have put an end to the conversation immediately. Had Georgios been there he would never put up with such a thing...even from his brother.

Theo looked up and met Selene’s gaze from across the table; a familiar flash of resistance flickering through them. Theo could be one of the most level headed of all the sisters at the most opportune times. Her patience was close enough to Godliness even when tried so spectacularly. But her fierce loyalty and protection of her sisters and family knew no bounds.. And if her parents were not here to protect Pia from Fotios, she would stand in their place.

The silence that spread over the table was deafening save the scrape of the chalice as their uncle lifted it to wash down the bite of his lamb. While staring at Selene, she spoke; refusing to acknowledge the man that had just so grievously injured her sister. “Pia… What a splendid idea. I could think of no better place than the palace.. How considerate of you to offer..”

Her voice was level… just a touch too sweet, but not in a way that would be deemed biting; like the tinkle of glass tapped with a fork. She turned to Pia and leveled her gaze on her so that she wouldn’t get lost in the shock of what was said. “How lovely of Aphaea and Cybil to wish Stephanos well the night of his coronation, don’t you agree, darling?” She took up Pia’s hand again encouragingly. “We should thank them for their consideration the next time we see them. What an honor to be acknowledged by the Queen…” Every word was laced in innuendo. Words did indeed cut like a knife. At court, the Leventi women had been taught early on how to fell even their most formidable opponents. When they banded together they could be terrifying to any noble born lady or gentleman at court while speaking in tones and with words that would never insinuate guilt or blame. Cybil and Aphaea would fall upon the sword. With only a few turns of phrases, they would be blackballed from every list of eligible daughters in Taengea. Their only option for acknowledgment at court would be to move to Athenia or Colchis.

Finally, she directed her gaze on Fotios as she lifted her fork and knife to cut the lamb with steady hands. “Surely such a.. Momentous occasion that the people of Taengea have been anticipating could be held nowhere else but the palace with the blessing of the new King and Queen, don’t you agree, Uncle? ….As for the wine… I can think of nothing better than your famed Agiorgitiko. Would it be such an imposition to ask this of you? Only the best in the name of Leventi, after all.” A trim brow raised as she lifted the fork and pulled the piece of lamb between her teeth. She chewed it gracefully as she awaited his answer against the backdrop of silence.

Before she could hear Theodora’s response her uncle was speaking again and Pia turned herself back to him with a pleasant smile. If he wished to discuss the gender of her child, and the potential glory it could bring the house she was all ears. Indeed, she had always respected her uncle for the way he managed most things with the family, and if he had some ideas or suggestion for how she could improve the Leventi name, she would listen. In truth when Fotios had chosen Theo to marry Achilleas, Olympia had been disappointed. At that time she had been mistress to a second prince with it seemed no real advancement to be had, and Theo had been chosen over her to marry a prince with a barony to his name. She had been disappointed, and perhaps that had been coloring her attitude towards her uncle lately. Her achievements had all been grasped at and brought in by her abilities, her mind, her schemes, she was proud to show that she hadn’t needed his assistance.

”A woman knows, we feel quite confident a prince will be born. Thank you, for your interest uncle.” The dish set before her was exactly what she had been craving most, and though she was sure they hadn’t known, she gave smiles to her aunt and uncle as she started in on the lamb. It was as if the child within could sense the brewing storm for as soon as a bite passed her lips it felt as if he was doing somersaults as her uncle spoke once more.

Blood pounded in her ears as she remembered the pin that Desma had shown her, the thoughts and fears she had tried to suppress since the coronation all rushing back suddenly and she felt herself growing pale as if she were about to be sick. Suddenly the dish she had been craving weighed heavily on her tongue and she stared at the plate as if it was offending every sensibility she had. Theo’s words snapped her out of the frozen state and she clutched at her older sister’s hand tightly, looking over at Selene to try to take some sense of the oldest Leventi’s calm levelheadedness before responding in a way that would offend everyone. The pin meant nothing, that’s what she had kept telling herself but deep down she had known, she had known the truth, but she wanted to keep it from her family, and everyone.

When she spoke again she tried to keep her tone measured, looking back over to her uncle with a stern coldness in her gaze that hadn’t been there before. How dare he bring this up before the entire family. Had he brought his knowledge to her in private, she might have asked him for his assistance, how from his perspective could she hold to her position. But bringing it up before all of her sisters and cousins, she would have burned with shame if it weren’t for the nausea washing over her.

”From what I understand. The king kept company of friends and family the night before the coronation. As I did with my own sisters and cousins. His cousin Emilios was present, so I am sure whatever transpired was done with discretion.” The words passed through tight lips and her hands had both fallen over her stomach protectively. Had that been all of it, just rumors she could talk around or dispel she might have been able to continue with the dinner and settle herself. But as Fotios continued speaking she gripped Theo’s hand tight enough that she wouldn’t have been shocked to see nail marks on her sister’s skin before she extracted her hand.
Olympia sat in a quiet rage as she tried to compose herself enough to speak the words without shaking. ”There will be only one prince. As I am his only wife. Any that came before mean nothing. Any that come after will be dealt with as needed.” The excuses that men sought out others and it was natural made her livid, as if the time they spent together was not good enough. If he would have her, she would have been in Stephanos’ bed every night, if only to keep him entirely interested in only her. It took all of her willpower to remain sitting instead of walking out as Fotios turned his attention to Theo and Evie instead.

It seemed each Leventi had a strength when it came to entertaining. Theo was witty, quick with a jab or barb just as readily as she had a joke or compliment waiting in the wings. Olympia believed in a more direct approach, the art of conversation a dance that she had mastered. Nana… well, she was able to bring a levity to the conversation, far more interested in spreading gossip than the other girls. And Imma, in her youthfulness, was still learning her own style. But with her nose in a canvas more often than not, her lessons would take far longer.

Selene liked to think she had a balance, had learned from years of experience, from watching the playful tone of their father and the masterful guidance of their mother. She tried to think of herself as more of a politician at these events. While she may not have been able to bring the current political climate to the table, she was apt at calming the crowd, smoothing over those whose feathers were so obviously ruffled.

As courses shifted, the tension rose. It wasn’t exactly surprising that it was, for everyone in the room seemed more emotional as of late. Perhaps it was due to the simple fact that the comfort of their lives was shifting so swiftly. That they were no longer girls at home with their fathers, but women who were married or to be married and shuffled off to a new life. There was a biting sadness in the air as if this would be their last family dinner. For Selene, the bittersweetness of it was what held her own tongue. She wanted to absorb the banter, to watch the wit and dance play about without interference.

The idea of a palati wedding made her smile. ”It was quite the event, the tours. I do not think I have ever seen Theo look so lovely. And the way you two snuck off afterward.” She gently nudged her sister, happy to tease her a bit in the obvious affection she had for her betrothed. ”You two make the loveliest couple. And a wedding in the palati would certainly make it up to the people for your own quiet wedding, Pia.” She carefully cut a small piece of meat, taking a bite of the tender cut, savoring it before moving on. ”I think it will be perfect, and a much-needed reprieve from recent events.”

Her uncle’s caution was curious, though, given the palati was a perfect spot, and would be guarded and protected against. But then, as he continued to speak, she slowly began to put the pieces together. She wanted to shame her uncle for bringing it up, in front of their whole family. While it was well known that Stephanos had been promiscuous prior to marriage, Selene had silently hoped for the sake of her sister that he would mature out of that. But it seemed as if he was still the prince who did as he pleased, and not a husband loyal to his wife.

She understood how this was viewed, that most people would see nothing wrong with a King (or male) enjoying life outside the marriage bed. For Selene, the issue was when the other spouse was unaware or wished it to be otherwise. If Olympia was fine with Stephanos having other women, then she was in no place to judge. The fact that, by looking at Pia’s face, hinted to the opposite, that was what gave her pause. He should be sensible enough to want to make his wife happy, and if that meant being with just her, then he should respect that.

She didn’t think much on Theo’s words, too focused on the face of Pia, trying to keep it together. Her rebuttal, that Stephanos seemed to just have a night with his family like she did, made sense to her. And if Emilios was there, then there is no telling what actually happened. ”I am sure, whatever indiscretions that took place were at the hand of Emilios. Rumors are just rumors, after all. And if his cousin was there, unattached and willing, then I’m sure Stephanos allowed Emilios to partake of the women and kept the wine for himself.”

She didn’t realize that in trying to reassure one sister, she would be breaking the heart of the other. ”Stephanos knows what is at stake. He would not be so foolish to jeopardize the kingdom.” She wished the table were smaller, like the one at home. Where she could stretch her leg out to her sister, to gently prod her calf with a reassuring poke. Instead, she was left to smile at her across the table, hoping that her words were doing as they intended.

Selene turned back to Eva, smiling, ”Do let me know if you require any assistance when those guests are here, darling. I would be more than happy to be at your side, should you need me.”

Fotios gave little but a nod to Olympia's thanks towards his interest. He was no idiot. Fotios of Leventi was more than aware that he was unpersonable and that his nieces were sensitive young women who cared nothing for his blunt and efficient manners and speech. It was clear that many of them appeared insulted or offended that such a topic as the new king's bedroom antics had been brought to light at a family dinner but while Fotios played many of his cards close to his chest, the ones he did show he showed the entire Leventi clan. For despite the lack of personal connection and likeability between himself and the women of his House, they were his blood. He saw no need to keep secrets from them if such secrets would be more beneficial in their knowledge. As such, he did not consider such an impart of information to be an insult, despite the company. He always spoke when no servants were around and the remaining occupants of the room were all Leventis. So, what shame was there to be had? If anything, the anger was to be directed, in unity of the Leventi family, at those who might offer it disgrace. Such as the new king who liked to burden the beds of other women when a beautiful Leventi girl was indeed already his wife. Despite what he might have said to his friend Prince Irakles of merging houses and forming a new family, Fotios had no intention of seeing Olympia and Theodora as anything other than Leventis long after they were each married in the Mikaelidas House. Names could be changed, blood never could.

As such he reacted little to Theodora's clear disgruntlement and instead focused on Olympia - who's response was far more logical (if a little naive). Clearly unsettled by the knowledge that her spouse had been unfaithful to her without her knowledge or permission - as anyone would be - the new Queen of Taengea appeared to be searching for a reasonable explanation that would not risk the natural emotions that came after a betrayal; hurt, anger, disappointment, heartbreak... Her mind was naturally putting up defences so that her heart might not feel the devastating repercussions of her husband’s infidelity. While Fotios thought this a waste of time and a hindrance to good logic and reason, it was a process he had seen many enact and one that he could both recognise and understand.

When the young woman claimed that Stephanos had spent time only with family and friends and that Emilios was also in attendance, Fotios was clearly shocked by none of this. He had been aware of the king's cousin's involvement and had said nothing on the subject as yet. While he might know of the Lady Theodora's attachment to the man, no-one else at the table was so privy. In amongst Theodora's rant of defensiveness towards her sister, he had not found the opportunity to mention Emilios' involvement in a way that would be natural and not surprisingly random. Emilios, after all, in the eyes of the rest of the family, had no connection to the House of Leventi.

Luckily, the new Queen brought up the subject for him - for it was certainly one he wanted exposed. Should Theodora know of Emilios' licentious night of debauchery it only secured her likelihood of getting her obstinate behind to the temple in order to marry Lord Achilleas - an actuality Fotios was eager to see fulfilled.

"While I agree with you that the affair may have been conducted with a level of discretion, Olympia, it was enacted with enough lacking subtlety that I heard of the news." He warned. "I think you should perhaps speak with the king - or in fact his cousin, if the man is likely to be a permanent addition to Stephanos' wayward behaviours - and insist that if he is to conduct himself in this way, he is to operate on a lower key than he already is. Thankfully, I have a further reach than most within court so it has not reached the stage of idle gossip."

When the girl moved on to state with great firmness that there would only be one prince to hold heirship over the future throne of Taengea, Fotios nodded calmly and with actual approval.

"Very good, Olympia." He told her. "You're starting to sound like a Queen." Taking a sip from his wine cup before he continued, Fotios swallowed the last of his course with satisfaction, washing it down with the finest Condos wine (he might hate the family for encroaching on good breeding grounds but he could not deny the greatest export of Taengea)... "No illegitimate would be entered into the Mikaelidas House without Lord Irakles' ascent." He told his niece. "I shall ensure that never happens."

"Either way, my point is that it would be better not to risk such future action needing to be taken."

It was at that point that the Lady Selene decided to speak. Ever the tension-diffusor and the calming presence, Fotios had always believed that had her gender been something different the girl would have made a fantastic diplomat or mediator within the Senate. She had the calm demeanour and the elegant way of speaking that one tended to listen to, whether her not were for or against your particular stand. Unfortunately, that calm disposition was likely also what had gotten her to her advanced age without a husband. No woman who sat back and did not reach for what she wished would secure a husband of power. They would end up with a man far below their station who had succeeded in getting the cream of the crop without effort, simply because said woman did not proactively seek an alternative. It was frustrating to watch her naturally sweet character kill all chances of a good match over the years. If Fotios hated anything it was wastefulness. Waste of time, waste of opportunity, waste of effort. Selene represented all three.

When she spoke, it was in a manner designed to offer insight and support, but Fotios could not help find himself shaking his head a little at her notion that the rumours his spies had picked up on where solely regarding Emilios.

"Selene, the Lord Emilios can rut whatever noble girl, servant or slave he wishes, there is no doubt regarding his availability to do such things, but I highly doubt his Highness sat and read philosophy tomes while his cousin enjoyed more... energetic pursuits. I applaud your determination to see all perspectives but do not let your care for your sister's state develop into naiveté of the reality of the situation." Fotios glanced up as Imma finally caught on to the conversation and started choking. "Even young Imma over there clearly understands the importance of the truth here. Take smaller bites, girl."

The only girl at the table who seemed interested in an efficient discussion of near future plans regarding the House was Evangelina who - despite the caustic little bard of sarcasm she added to her penitence; one that Fotios determinedly ignored for he was not about to lower himself to snappy female antagonism - quickly confirmed that she would be available for the days set out before them in order to meet the guests that Fotios had welcomed to the house on her behalf.

"Good, the Lady Nethis of Thanasi has been staying with us since the coronation and we have nearly completed our personal business. After which I will expect you to dine with us to discuss a possible union with her brother the Lord Dysius. Following that, we have a Lord from Athenia attending - one of a long and distinguished House that I feel may be a good match for you. You'll be attending to him also."

When the eldest of Georgios' daughters spoke up to offer a hand to Evangelina in the process of meeting these men, Eirini was faster than her husband in speaking up, concerned - as he was - for Selene's presence beside her cousin.

"You'll over shadow your cousin's chances, Selene." His wife stated in her normal blunt manner.

The woman was all charm, insinuation and insipid niceties when in court. She was the charming jewel of higher society. And Fotios loved what that brought to the Leventi name. When Eirini was at the top of her game - which was all the time - there was not a rumour or piece of news amongst the nobles that she was not aware of and controlling the flow of or had placed there herself like a cat among birds. What he also loved about his wife, though, was the fact that such shiny, smiley pleasantries were dropped within the family. It was exhausting to manipulate and Eirini and Fotios were both in a position of authority within the house where such control and direction of people was unnecessary. They had the clout to ensure that no-one disobeyed, so why convince them into obedience with twice the effort?

Fotios knew exactly what Eirini was saying regarding Selene's presence at possible suitor-ship meetings. She was older, more experienced and blessed by Aphrodite in her good looks. She was also more refined and elegant than Evangelina had any hope to be - there was far too much of her mother in her for Evie to be a true Leventi in that regard. And to stand the two of them next to one another before a man with eyes in his head and a mind in his pants, and the choice would not go in Evangelina's favour...

"You will be busy anyway, Selene." Fotios commented before Eirini's words could be taken to heart - it was exhausting to keep up with the emotions and sensitivities of these damn girls... "At about the same time that our Athenian friend is attending to see your cousin, the prince of Colchis will be arriving in Taengea." Fotios explained. "Now, I should not get your hopes up just yet, for he comes to see the Lady Dorothea. I know not why and have yet to find out but I shall... In the meantime, if the crown prince of a kingdom is leaving his home so soon after a fire decimated half his capitol city, I can only suppose his commitment to the woman and this meeting to be an important one." He turned a stern look on Selene. "That being said, Dorothea of Dimitrou is young, inexperienced and feral in many ways - I see no risk in her as a contender as Prince Vangelis' wife. I have therefore invited the man to our home for a dinner three days after his arrival. That's eleven days hence from now."

There was a moment of pause as the servants brought in another dish, trading out old plates for new ones... the scraps of meat and vegetables were taken away and replaced with a fish course in a creamy broth, peppered to taste and accompanied by rolls of fresh bread baked that morning in the Leventi kitchens.

Fotios was not one to stand on ceremony when eating. Food could be delicious or disgusting but at the end of the day it was fuel. It did not need to be consumed with all delicacy and care when you were a married man without impressions to make. As such he broke the roll harshly, crumbs falling the wooden board it had been served on and dipped the edge of his torn off piece into the broth of his bowl. By the time the servants had refilled wine cups and offered refreshment in the form of water and additional rolls, Fotios was already chewing on his first mouthful of saturated bread. He was swallowing it down by the time they left the room entirely.

"I will expect you in attendance of the Prince, Selene." He told the girl without preamble once the family were permitted their privacy once more. He then turned to point at Theodora. "You are unwelcome at such a meeting, I do not trust your tongue, but Pia I think it important that you be there for your sister. To show our connection to the matriarch of Taengea will put Selene in a better stead for impressing that she could also hold such a title."

The other girls - his own and the younger Georgios siblings - he did not mention in whether they might be able to attend and meet such men. Like Theodora, he could not trust the thoughts in their heads and they were too young to have the ability to filter what transferred from brain to mouth. This would be Selene's final chance at a good match and those who were experienced in the ways of courtship at the table would be aware of that. Such risks could not be taken with her future. Not when it looked, at this moment, to belong to spinsterhood. And that would be a blemish on the family name that Fotios would not stand for. He would have her marry one of the stable boys before he left her unattached.

Once the polite greetings subsided, Nana's eyes followed Agape and Melina as they joined right beside her. Comments about their wardrobe choices were surprisingly... friendly. They both wore what was appropriate for a family dinner, and on the plus side: the colors blended in with her peach-toned chiton (which wasn't two or three inches smaller, Gods, she had sense enough not to wear such a thing at a family event!).

Everyone followed the House Head into the dining room, meanwhile Melina stammered about a book she has currently been reading as they walked. Nana who noted the repetitive stuttering dismissed her cousin with the wave of her hand, "You don't have to say anything if it was that difficult to read," She reassured the shy woman, and such comfort was misguided as Melina didn't speak for the rest of the the walk. A seating order was arranged and Nana would be seated in between Selene and Imma, which could be the best or worst thing in the world depending on how the entire event went along; Selene was a stickler for ettiquite whilst Imma was a messy eater, both unique in their own way.

Once the first course was served, Olympia complimented her. "Oh yes, I know," She replied, leaning over and smiling at the Queen of Taengea before resting her back against the seat, earning an uneasy glare from Agape which she quickly took notice of. What was she supposed to say? She did look pretty, it took many hours to look this good. Surely, Olympia was glowing too and it no doubt came from her pregnancy. Still, she decided to pay her sister a compliment back, perhaps the royal retainers never did their jobs as well as the Leventi women would do. But Nana, wasn't the best person to seek when it came to praises. A small, "Likewise," would pass from parted lips and a small slab of goat's cheese would soon replace the one word. It was a shame that she couldn't say anything else, or do a superior job than the royal retainers have done. Pity. The vapid Leventi woman sealed her disappointment by focusing on the finger foods that laid before her rather than the conversation.

The conversation took a turn for the worst. Uncle Fotios, unsurprisingly, was being an awkward grump by questioning Pia's child's gender and commenting on the King's pre-coronation activities. During the first topic, Nana softly sighed in disapproval as her sister remarked on her child being a male. Males had it easier in the realm, and Nana had always been aware of it ever since Evangelina's younger brother had been born. Males could inherit land and do as they please to her chagrin, she would like to own her own land as she grew older but being a female, it was nearly impossible. Like Imma, she still thought Olympia's baby would be female and stood by it. Onto a baron's daughters nightly visit to the King, Nana thought it was a bit rude of her uncle to comment on that, perhaps the women were swearing fealty to the King in their own way. Even Theo agreed that it was nice for the baronesses to visit the royal chamber, earning an earnest nod of approval by Nana.

Their uncle said otherwise, noting that it would be a shame if there was a second prince? Whatever did he mean? Did he agree that Pia's first child would be female and second would be male? It was clear that everything went from one ear out of the other for the vapid woman, who raised her goblet and tilted it towards her Uncle in the utmost of respect. Ignoring her sister's claim that it would be a prince, her attention shifted to the woman sitting across from her as soon as the Head acknowledged her about guests arriving in her behalf...? She tilted her goblet to her lips, slowly draining the water whilst her brown eyes narrowed on Evie. Who would want to meet Evie? And why didn't her uncle invite her and Imma along? For the longest time, both her and Imma were rarely on Fotios mind which was fair since they had three older sisters but... Evangelina? Evie had the appeal of a Taengean woman (not that she'd admit so out loud), but Nana felt that she herself has gone under Uncle Fotios radar for far too long. Since the women were both similar in age, Nana decided that she should be able to participate in whichever circumstance Evie was getting into too. Muffled struggling caused the dark blonde to glance sideways at Imma, who at a younger age used to eat quicker than the rest of the girls. Nana thought she would outgrow the distasteful habit, but sometimes old habits never die out. Placing her hand on her sister's back, she rubbed the chiton fabric until her breath became steady. Her eyes searched the girl's face, wondering if she had a bit too much wine due to her flushed cheeks. Nana retrieved a napkin and placed it in her younger sister's lap, in hopes that she won't spread the red wine sauce on the plate into her lap.

Withdrawing her hand from Imma's back, she returned to her food. She waved the servants over to cut the already cut lamb for her, since the thin slices weren't thin enough. As the male servant bent over to slice the lamb in halves, Uncle Fotios spoke on the tired conversation of Olympia's firstborn, but added a small joke at the end of it.

"No illegitimate would be entered into the Mikaelidas House without Lord Irakles' ascent."

The woman's shoulders shook, her eyes lit up as soon as she laughed. No napkin would be needed to muffle her laughter as the jest should be encouraged. There was so much to be said by the Head's account, but she couldn't stop chuckling at the thought of Prince Irakles halting the process of any incoming bastards. "I never knew you had a sense of humor, Uncle," She said, untouched by talks of Princes and the House of Thansi coming by. "Prince Irakles- Excuse me, Prince Irakles couldn't even stop his own illegitimate brood from coming into this world, let alone any others." It was true, how could her uncle trust the Prince with the task when he had illegitimates running around the Palati? One of them was Tasia, who had been her rival ever since she debuted into court. Her own face flushed as red as Imma's did prior, and small tears formed into her eyes from suppressing her laughter. "He can't be trusted with such a dear task, it's pure- haha- pure cruelty!" She picked up a utensil and stabbed the lamb with it, hovering the meat over her lips, she snorted at the mere image of Prince Irakles failing to intercept the King's mistresses (if he had any) and the wine sauce smeared over her chin. The lady's laugh stopped as soon as she felt the sauce touch her lips, her hands quickly grabbed a nearby napkin and wiped it off with a single swipe. No dirt should be tolerated.

Her smile flattened into a straight line as she quickly popped a slice of lamb into her mouth, chewed slightly, and swallowed before turning to the Head of the House. "With that being said," Nana continued. "May I accompany my dear cousin Evangelina to whichever events she will be attending, she is not so well-equipped for these events and I would love to offer my support in person?" With a quick smile towards Evie, she waited for Fotios verdict.

The table became slightly more animated at Theodora finally learned to be quiet and the table's chatter moved away from Olympia's husband issues. The conversation naturally progressed to that of Evangelina's future suitors to which Fotios replied simply.

"Lady Nethis was due to arrive in Taengea regardless and I simply arranged to have her visit during her stay here." Fotios answered her. "Lord Dysius will likely visit at a later date though the fire may have delayed things for him. There will be considerations and appearances to be made by each of the royal families at this time."

With all the tact that he often expected from her, it was Nana who then turned the conversation back to the awkward topic of illegitimate children and pointed out that infidelity and adultery were a family trait within the Mikaelidas brood. Realising that the silly girl had gotten herself in a muddle with regards to the conversation, Fotios simply ignored her comments, glanced at his wife to ensure that she would do the same and only addressed that which required an answer in her mindless chatter.

"I think it would be unwise for you to be with your cousin, at such a time, Nana." Fotios commented, without looking up to meet her gaze. The comment was simultaneously hard in instruction and flippant in tone. He was not about to have Nana - arguably another better looking Leventi than Evangelina who had half the control of her mouth as she, to join them in a discussion with Lady Nethis. The likelihood of Nana saying something offensive or just plain stupid before a woman of such intellect and cunning of Lady Nethis was not a risk Fotios was willing to take.

Instead, he turned his attentions back to the eldest of Georgios' daughters who had been comporting herself with grace since he had turned the conversation towards her.

He gave no verbal prompt for he knew the girl would speak and respond as decorum dictated that she should... He simply waited...

Fotios watched as the eldest Leventi girl comported herself with acceptable grace even though it was clear that the news of the prince's arrival had hit a nerve. Clearly, there was more going on there between herself and the Colchian prince than she was willing to admit. Hospitality he might have offered her in Colchis but considering the pause in her conversation that suggested a need to consider her words carefully, Fotios immediately began to wonder if she had offered him something in return... even if she had yet to truly realise it.

Having only met the crown prince of Colchis a few times in his younger days, Fotios remembered him as a strung-out creature who held all the markers of being an impressive young man - eyes too large for his head, hands and feet huge and gangly... His shoulders and jaw had begun to fill out when Fotios had last seen him at the age of fourteen - he had been looking entirely out of proportion. But given recent information - for which he didn't even need his sources in Colchis - he knew that the man had grown into his features stupendously and had become something of a handsome suitor within the Colchian court. His reputation, however, was one of malice and violence that scared away marriage potential faster than a bad smell. From the looks of the light blush creeping over his eldest niece's cheeks, such a reputation had not dissuaded her...

Perhaps there was hope for her yet...

The rest of the meal continued calmly and rather quietly. Fotios was not expecting gossip and excitement over the news of any of their guests - be their Colchian royalty or Athenian nobility - for he felt certain that the women, being women would want to natter about the situation behind closed doors.

For this, Fotios was thankful. He had little interest in what dresses were to be had and what powders were to be employed. He would have no part in that and leave such ministrations to the elder Leventi girls and his wife. He, in the meantime, would simply ensure that the pieces were on the mercenaries board ready to play. How clean and polished it was, was up to them. He could only control so much...