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Her cousins' visit yesterday to her rooms had wiped away any and all of Aimias's comforting words to her, not to mention made her feel further disillusioned with her life so far. Had she been so far protected by her sister, that she had not even seen Danae and perhaps anyone else, for what they really thought of her? Emilia had operated under the illusion that her cousin had truly been at least a friend to her, but Danae's actions yestereve had proven that she was anything but.
At this juncture of her life, she wasn't even sure who she could trust anymore, save her black hound by her side. After the horrific instance when Emilia had thought Danae would actually take her dog away from her, the princess had not allowed Labros far from her at all. The dog was still a dog though, and knowing her needed his exercise, Emilia had chosen to bring the five month old puppy out to the gardens of the palati, and it was there where she took a seat on one of the many stone benches littered around, whilst the black canine started sniffing and gambolling around. The events of late had taken a turn to Labros as well, who had become very overprotective of his mistress, and was no longer the silly, playful puppy who had been first presented to her.
Staying out in the sun, Emilia could see what the guards had been telling her when they had said the heat was getting to the Athenians. Her mind going back to just a few days ago when she had been speaking to a Athenian City Guard and Lord Stelios, she found herself wondering if the water scarcity of the city had been fixed yet... and with it, came a whole host of other problems.
The running question of what had happened to her sister, had Persephone really ran away out of fear of what was to come? The death of her father, of her most trusted servants and guards, the moving in of Elias to the palace... the past month's strife all came crashing in to Emilia at once, and the young brunette suddenly found herself fighting and failing at keeping the lump in her throat at bay.
She felt her eyes burn - the last time she had cried had been at her father's funeral, so the feeling wasn't unfamiliar. But that didn't mean it made it any less uncomfortable. Emilia was not one who cried often, for she often portrayed a visage that was cheerful, gregarious, happy. That was just her nature, a happy child who thought the best for everyone and enjoyed life as it was. Dubbed as the Meraki princess, the young girl's laugh came easy, and had rarely been seen with a frown or a dark cloud hanging over her. It was the visage she'd prefer everyone see. But hidden in an alcove in the garden, her muted sobs was not heard by any. As it was, servants and guard alike often avoided her, for she now stood in a gray area when it came to rank, and no one dared go near her after orders from Elias had been given. In all her seventeen years of life, Emilia had never felt more lonely, a bird in a gilded cage.
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Her cousins' visit yesterday to her rooms had wiped away any and all of Aimias's comforting words to her, not to mention made her feel further disillusioned with her life so far. Had she been so far protected by her sister, that she had not even seen Danae and perhaps anyone else, for what they really thought of her? Emilia had operated under the illusion that her cousin had truly been at least a friend to her, but Danae's actions yestereve had proven that she was anything but.
At this juncture of her life, she wasn't even sure who she could trust anymore, save her black hound by her side. After the horrific instance when Emilia had thought Danae would actually take her dog away from her, the princess had not allowed Labros far from her at all. The dog was still a dog though, and knowing her needed his exercise, Emilia had chosen to bring the five month old puppy out to the gardens of the palati, and it was there where she took a seat on one of the many stone benches littered around, whilst the black canine started sniffing and gambolling around. The events of late had taken a turn to Labros as well, who had become very overprotective of his mistress, and was no longer the silly, playful puppy who had been first presented to her.
Staying out in the sun, Emilia could see what the guards had been telling her when they had said the heat was getting to the Athenians. Her mind going back to just a few days ago when she had been speaking to a Athenian City Guard and Lord Stelios, she found herself wondering if the water scarcity of the city had been fixed yet... and with it, came a whole host of other problems.
The running question of what had happened to her sister, had Persephone really ran away out of fear of what was to come? The death of her father, of her most trusted servants and guards, the moving in of Elias to the palace... the past month's strife all came crashing in to Emilia at once, and the young brunette suddenly found herself fighting and failing at keeping the lump in her throat at bay.
She felt her eyes burn - the last time she had cried had been at her father's funeral, so the feeling wasn't unfamiliar. But that didn't mean it made it any less uncomfortable. Emilia was not one who cried often, for she often portrayed a visage that was cheerful, gregarious, happy. That was just her nature, a happy child who thought the best for everyone and enjoyed life as it was. Dubbed as the Meraki princess, the young girl's laugh came easy, and had rarely been seen with a frown or a dark cloud hanging over her. It was the visage she'd prefer everyone see. But hidden in an alcove in the garden, her muted sobs was not heard by any. As it was, servants and guard alike often avoided her, for she now stood in a gray area when it came to rank, and no one dared go near her after orders from Elias had been given. In all her seventeen years of life, Emilia had never felt more lonely, a bird in a gilded cage.
Her cousins' visit yesterday to her rooms had wiped away any and all of Aimias's comforting words to her, not to mention made her feel further disillusioned with her life so far. Had she been so far protected by her sister, that she had not even seen Danae and perhaps anyone else, for what they really thought of her? Emilia had operated under the illusion that her cousin had truly been at least a friend to her, but Danae's actions yestereve had proven that she was anything but.
At this juncture of her life, she wasn't even sure who she could trust anymore, save her black hound by her side. After the horrific instance when Emilia had thought Danae would actually take her dog away from her, the princess had not allowed Labros far from her at all. The dog was still a dog though, and knowing her needed his exercise, Emilia had chosen to bring the five month old puppy out to the gardens of the palati, and it was there where she took a seat on one of the many stone benches littered around, whilst the black canine started sniffing and gambolling around. The events of late had taken a turn to Labros as well, who had become very overprotective of his mistress, and was no longer the silly, playful puppy who had been first presented to her.
Staying out in the sun, Emilia could see what the guards had been telling her when they had said the heat was getting to the Athenians. Her mind going back to just a few days ago when she had been speaking to a Athenian City Guard and Lord Stelios, she found herself wondering if the water scarcity of the city had been fixed yet... and with it, came a whole host of other problems.
The running question of what had happened to her sister, had Persephone really ran away out of fear of what was to come? The death of her father, of her most trusted servants and guards, the moving in of Elias to the palace... the past month's strife all came crashing in to Emilia at once, and the young brunette suddenly found herself fighting and failing at keeping the lump in her throat at bay.
She felt her eyes burn - the last time she had cried had been at her father's funeral, so the feeling wasn't unfamiliar. But that didn't mean it made it any less uncomfortable. Emilia was not one who cried often, for she often portrayed a visage that was cheerful, gregarious, happy. That was just her nature, a happy child who thought the best for everyone and enjoyed life as it was. Dubbed as the Meraki princess, the young girl's laugh came easy, and had rarely been seen with a frown or a dark cloud hanging over her. It was the visage she'd prefer everyone see. But hidden in an alcove in the garden, her muted sobs was not heard by any. As it was, servants and guard alike often avoided her, for she now stood in a gray area when it came to rank, and no one dared go near her after orders from Elias had been given. In all her seventeen years of life, Emilia had never felt more lonely, a bird in a gilded cage.
Circenia strode the gardens of the palati, proud head held high as she walked. The hem of her violent chiton swished against the ground where she stepped, the glittering adornments fastening it in place glinting in the sparkling sun. After the last few weeks of strife and woe, things finally seemed to be looking up. With Persephone’s disappearance and Elias’s subsequent move, it seemed House Stravos was back on the rise. Just as it should be.
Rounding one of the corners of the twisted path of the garden, a flash of movement in the corner of her eye caught the princess’s attention. A black puppy, large and ungainly, lumbered nearby, and Circenia knew where that dog went, her niece was sure to follow. The Stravos matriarch fought the urge to roll her eyes, the corner of her lip just starting to curl. While Emilia wasn’t Persephone, she couldn’t help but feel a certain resentment toward the girl, a girl who, with the new laws of succession, could rightfully take the throne before her son. Though not if she had anything to do with it.
Dismissing one of the few retainers left to her with a wave of her hand, she took a deep breath and smoothed the displeasure from her face. Now wasn’t the time to be petty. They needed the gullible girl on their side, especially should Persephone ever return. She was one of their best chances of securing their claim, and Circenia wouldn’t sour that with an unpleasant demeanor, no matter how much the thought of even speaking to her repulsed her. She had a duty to perform, and perform it she would.
Finally spotting the girl sequestered away from the rest of the garden, her brows drew together in the hint of a frown. Was she crying? Narrowing her eyes against the glare of the midday son, she looked a little closer. Indeed, she was sobbing her tender little heart out, shoulders shaking in silent grief. Well, how fortuitous for her then… Circenia saw her perfect chance, an opportunity to curry a little more favor.
Smoothing her face into a perfect depiction of maternal concern, Circenia approached with haste in her step. “Emilia, my darling!” she cried, the timbre of her voice implying her own distress. “Oh, sweet girl, what is it?”
Without waiting for an invitation, the ebon-haired princess took a seat at her niece’s side, wrapping a careful arm around her shoulders. Her free hand stroked Emilia’s chestnut curls, smudging the tears on her face with the edge of her chiton. “Come now, there, there,” she soothed, gently lifting the girl’s chin. “What’s happened?”
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Circenia strode the gardens of the palati, proud head held high as she walked. The hem of her violent chiton swished against the ground where she stepped, the glittering adornments fastening it in place glinting in the sparkling sun. After the last few weeks of strife and woe, things finally seemed to be looking up. With Persephone’s disappearance and Elias’s subsequent move, it seemed House Stravos was back on the rise. Just as it should be.
Rounding one of the corners of the twisted path of the garden, a flash of movement in the corner of her eye caught the princess’s attention. A black puppy, large and ungainly, lumbered nearby, and Circenia knew where that dog went, her niece was sure to follow. The Stravos matriarch fought the urge to roll her eyes, the corner of her lip just starting to curl. While Emilia wasn’t Persephone, she couldn’t help but feel a certain resentment toward the girl, a girl who, with the new laws of succession, could rightfully take the throne before her son. Though not if she had anything to do with it.
Dismissing one of the few retainers left to her with a wave of her hand, she took a deep breath and smoothed the displeasure from her face. Now wasn’t the time to be petty. They needed the gullible girl on their side, especially should Persephone ever return. She was one of their best chances of securing their claim, and Circenia wouldn’t sour that with an unpleasant demeanor, no matter how much the thought of even speaking to her repulsed her. She had a duty to perform, and perform it she would.
Finally spotting the girl sequestered away from the rest of the garden, her brows drew together in the hint of a frown. Was she crying? Narrowing her eyes against the glare of the midday son, she looked a little closer. Indeed, she was sobbing her tender little heart out, shoulders shaking in silent grief. Well, how fortuitous for her then… Circenia saw her perfect chance, an opportunity to curry a little more favor.
Smoothing her face into a perfect depiction of maternal concern, Circenia approached with haste in her step. “Emilia, my darling!” she cried, the timbre of her voice implying her own distress. “Oh, sweet girl, what is it?”
Without waiting for an invitation, the ebon-haired princess took a seat at her niece’s side, wrapping a careful arm around her shoulders. Her free hand stroked Emilia’s chestnut curls, smudging the tears on her face with the edge of her chiton. “Come now, there, there,” she soothed, gently lifting the girl’s chin. “What’s happened?”
Circenia strode the gardens of the palati, proud head held high as she walked. The hem of her violent chiton swished against the ground where she stepped, the glittering adornments fastening it in place glinting in the sparkling sun. After the last few weeks of strife and woe, things finally seemed to be looking up. With Persephone’s disappearance and Elias’s subsequent move, it seemed House Stravos was back on the rise. Just as it should be.
Rounding one of the corners of the twisted path of the garden, a flash of movement in the corner of her eye caught the princess’s attention. A black puppy, large and ungainly, lumbered nearby, and Circenia knew where that dog went, her niece was sure to follow. The Stravos matriarch fought the urge to roll her eyes, the corner of her lip just starting to curl. While Emilia wasn’t Persephone, she couldn’t help but feel a certain resentment toward the girl, a girl who, with the new laws of succession, could rightfully take the throne before her son. Though not if she had anything to do with it.
Dismissing one of the few retainers left to her with a wave of her hand, she took a deep breath and smoothed the displeasure from her face. Now wasn’t the time to be petty. They needed the gullible girl on their side, especially should Persephone ever return. She was one of their best chances of securing their claim, and Circenia wouldn’t sour that with an unpleasant demeanor, no matter how much the thought of even speaking to her repulsed her. She had a duty to perform, and perform it she would.
Finally spotting the girl sequestered away from the rest of the garden, her brows drew together in the hint of a frown. Was she crying? Narrowing her eyes against the glare of the midday son, she looked a little closer. Indeed, she was sobbing her tender little heart out, shoulders shaking in silent grief. Well, how fortuitous for her then… Circenia saw her perfect chance, an opportunity to curry a little more favor.
Smoothing her face into a perfect depiction of maternal concern, Circenia approached with haste in her step. “Emilia, my darling!” she cried, the timbre of her voice implying her own distress. “Oh, sweet girl, what is it?”
Without waiting for an invitation, the ebon-haired princess took a seat at her niece’s side, wrapping a careful arm around her shoulders. Her free hand stroked Emilia’s chestnut curls, smudging the tears on her face with the edge of her chiton. “Come now, there, there,” she soothed, gently lifting the girl’s chin. “What’s happened?”
The moment a brush of the leaves were heard, Labros's black head had perked up. While he was not of his full grown size yet, the dog was a fairly large breed, and even at the tender age he was, he already stood up to Emilia's knees on all fours, and that was where Circenia would see the black mastiff as she appeared, ears perked and tail unwagging, piercing dark eyes staring at the approaching elder lady. The sort of dog Emilia kept was not at all of the usual pet a princess could keep, but Labros had been a gift to protect the princess, hence its formidable look and size. It was the dog's low growl that alerted Emilia to her aunt's presence, and as she looked up, hurriedly dashed away the tears which stained her face, before laying a hand on her dog's head to get the canine to stand down.
Mollified but not satisfied, Labros settled to lay down next to Emilia's feet, providing just enough space for Circenia as the elder Stravos matriarch dashed to a seat next to the young Xanthos. The brunette did not move whilst her aunt wrapped an arm around her shoulders - an aunt that she was not entirely sure anymore what to think. Her father had always spoken fondly of his youngest sister, and like her grandfather before him, Minas had spoiled his young sibling. As such, Emilia had wanted to reflect her father's love for his sister.
But her daughter had been the one to push her in such a state, and what was Emilia supposed to think now?
Still sniffling with a tear-streaked face as her aunt stroked her brunette locks, Emilia remained silent for a moment as she tried to reduce her voice trembling, before finally speaking in an unsteady tone. "It's...nothing, Aunt Circenia." The watery smile that accompanied her them however, proved the falsity of her chosen words. "Just... I miss Father, that's all. And... yeah, that's all." No sense in telling her it was Danae's harsh words that had just pushed Emilia over the edge. She wasn't even sure if her aunt knew her daughter had visited Elias the day before.
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The moment a brush of the leaves were heard, Labros's black head had perked up. While he was not of his full grown size yet, the dog was a fairly large breed, and even at the tender age he was, he already stood up to Emilia's knees on all fours, and that was where Circenia would see the black mastiff as she appeared, ears perked and tail unwagging, piercing dark eyes staring at the approaching elder lady. The sort of dog Emilia kept was not at all of the usual pet a princess could keep, but Labros had been a gift to protect the princess, hence its formidable look and size. It was the dog's low growl that alerted Emilia to her aunt's presence, and as she looked up, hurriedly dashed away the tears which stained her face, before laying a hand on her dog's head to get the canine to stand down.
Mollified but not satisfied, Labros settled to lay down next to Emilia's feet, providing just enough space for Circenia as the elder Stravos matriarch dashed to a seat next to the young Xanthos. The brunette did not move whilst her aunt wrapped an arm around her shoulders - an aunt that she was not entirely sure anymore what to think. Her father had always spoken fondly of his youngest sister, and like her grandfather before him, Minas had spoiled his young sibling. As such, Emilia had wanted to reflect her father's love for his sister.
But her daughter had been the one to push her in such a state, and what was Emilia supposed to think now?
Still sniffling with a tear-streaked face as her aunt stroked her brunette locks, Emilia remained silent for a moment as she tried to reduce her voice trembling, before finally speaking in an unsteady tone. "It's...nothing, Aunt Circenia." The watery smile that accompanied her them however, proved the falsity of her chosen words. "Just... I miss Father, that's all. And... yeah, that's all." No sense in telling her it was Danae's harsh words that had just pushed Emilia over the edge. She wasn't even sure if her aunt knew her daughter had visited Elias the day before.
The moment a brush of the leaves were heard, Labros's black head had perked up. While he was not of his full grown size yet, the dog was a fairly large breed, and even at the tender age he was, he already stood up to Emilia's knees on all fours, and that was where Circenia would see the black mastiff as she appeared, ears perked and tail unwagging, piercing dark eyes staring at the approaching elder lady. The sort of dog Emilia kept was not at all of the usual pet a princess could keep, but Labros had been a gift to protect the princess, hence its formidable look and size. It was the dog's low growl that alerted Emilia to her aunt's presence, and as she looked up, hurriedly dashed away the tears which stained her face, before laying a hand on her dog's head to get the canine to stand down.
Mollified but not satisfied, Labros settled to lay down next to Emilia's feet, providing just enough space for Circenia as the elder Stravos matriarch dashed to a seat next to the young Xanthos. The brunette did not move whilst her aunt wrapped an arm around her shoulders - an aunt that she was not entirely sure anymore what to think. Her father had always spoken fondly of his youngest sister, and like her grandfather before him, Minas had spoiled his young sibling. As such, Emilia had wanted to reflect her father's love for his sister.
But her daughter had been the one to push her in such a state, and what was Emilia supposed to think now?
Still sniffling with a tear-streaked face as her aunt stroked her brunette locks, Emilia remained silent for a moment as she tried to reduce her voice trembling, before finally speaking in an unsteady tone. "It's...nothing, Aunt Circenia." The watery smile that accompanied her them however, proved the falsity of her chosen words. "Just... I miss Father, that's all. And... yeah, that's all." No sense in telling her it was Danae's harsh words that had just pushed Emilia over the edge. She wasn't even sure if her aunt knew her daughter had visited Elias the day before.
It didn’t take a genius to know that there was more to the story than Emilia let on, the look on her face and the hesitation in her voice broadcasting the lie as clear as day. However, she could hardly blame the girl for not wanting to speak her mind; with all she’d been through recently, Circenia couldn’t imagine she’d be any more sharing in her position.
“I miss him too, child,” the princess murmured in reply, pushing an errant lock of hair behind the girl’s ear. A single disdainful glance was spared for the softly growling dog at her feet before dismissing the creature and turning her attention back on her niece. “Minas was a good man and a good ruler, and I know he loved you girls with all his heart. I fear we’ll never see his equal.”
Unlike half the things the viper of a woman said, with that, her voice rang with sincerity. While she may now hold nothing but contempt for his daughters, Circenia adored her brother, and his passing had not been easy on her. She and Minas had been inseparable as children, and that attachment had lingered on into adulthood. Because of that, when the late king had named Persephone his heir rather than her son, Circenia had never felt more betrayed—so assured she had been of her and her brother’s connection that she’d never doubted her line was secure. But even still, even after the harsh words of reprimand she’d laced his ears with, her love for him had never diminished. Not a day went by that she didn’t regret apologizing and setting things right before he was gone from this world forever.
In this, at least, she could sympathize with her niece. She, too, had lost her parents at a young age, and there was no loss more devastating. Looking at the normally smiling girl’s tear-streaked face, she almost felt genuinely sorry for her. With her father gone, her sister’s disappearance, and her isolation from the rest of the court, she could only imagine how lonely Emilia felt. Which meant Circenia couldn’t back off now. That loneliness was one of the few things she could work to her advantage.
Gently cupping Emilia’s face with both hands, she made her niece look at her, searching her gaze with her own. “But that’s not all, is it?” Her wheedling voice was just as gentle as her hands, one of her thumbs lightly stroking the girl’s cheek. “Something else is troubling you. Come now, it’s just us here. You can talk to me.” Chuckling, she glanced down at Emilia’s puppy. “Unless you’re worried your dog will tell on us, hm?”
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It didn’t take a genius to know that there was more to the story than Emilia let on, the look on her face and the hesitation in her voice broadcasting the lie as clear as day. However, she could hardly blame the girl for not wanting to speak her mind; with all she’d been through recently, Circenia couldn’t imagine she’d be any more sharing in her position.
“I miss him too, child,” the princess murmured in reply, pushing an errant lock of hair behind the girl’s ear. A single disdainful glance was spared for the softly growling dog at her feet before dismissing the creature and turning her attention back on her niece. “Minas was a good man and a good ruler, and I know he loved you girls with all his heart. I fear we’ll never see his equal.”
Unlike half the things the viper of a woman said, with that, her voice rang with sincerity. While she may now hold nothing but contempt for his daughters, Circenia adored her brother, and his passing had not been easy on her. She and Minas had been inseparable as children, and that attachment had lingered on into adulthood. Because of that, when the late king had named Persephone his heir rather than her son, Circenia had never felt more betrayed—so assured she had been of her and her brother’s connection that she’d never doubted her line was secure. But even still, even after the harsh words of reprimand she’d laced his ears with, her love for him had never diminished. Not a day went by that she didn’t regret apologizing and setting things right before he was gone from this world forever.
In this, at least, she could sympathize with her niece. She, too, had lost her parents at a young age, and there was no loss more devastating. Looking at the normally smiling girl’s tear-streaked face, she almost felt genuinely sorry for her. With her father gone, her sister’s disappearance, and her isolation from the rest of the court, she could only imagine how lonely Emilia felt. Which meant Circenia couldn’t back off now. That loneliness was one of the few things she could work to her advantage.
Gently cupping Emilia’s face with both hands, she made her niece look at her, searching her gaze with her own. “But that’s not all, is it?” Her wheedling voice was just as gentle as her hands, one of her thumbs lightly stroking the girl’s cheek. “Something else is troubling you. Come now, it’s just us here. You can talk to me.” Chuckling, she glanced down at Emilia’s puppy. “Unless you’re worried your dog will tell on us, hm?”
It didn’t take a genius to know that there was more to the story than Emilia let on, the look on her face and the hesitation in her voice broadcasting the lie as clear as day. However, she could hardly blame the girl for not wanting to speak her mind; with all she’d been through recently, Circenia couldn’t imagine she’d be any more sharing in her position.
“I miss him too, child,” the princess murmured in reply, pushing an errant lock of hair behind the girl’s ear. A single disdainful glance was spared for the softly growling dog at her feet before dismissing the creature and turning her attention back on her niece. “Minas was a good man and a good ruler, and I know he loved you girls with all his heart. I fear we’ll never see his equal.”
Unlike half the things the viper of a woman said, with that, her voice rang with sincerity. While she may now hold nothing but contempt for his daughters, Circenia adored her brother, and his passing had not been easy on her. She and Minas had been inseparable as children, and that attachment had lingered on into adulthood. Because of that, when the late king had named Persephone his heir rather than her son, Circenia had never felt more betrayed—so assured she had been of her and her brother’s connection that she’d never doubted her line was secure. But even still, even after the harsh words of reprimand she’d laced his ears with, her love for him had never diminished. Not a day went by that she didn’t regret apologizing and setting things right before he was gone from this world forever.
In this, at least, she could sympathize with her niece. She, too, had lost her parents at a young age, and there was no loss more devastating. Looking at the normally smiling girl’s tear-streaked face, she almost felt genuinely sorry for her. With her father gone, her sister’s disappearance, and her isolation from the rest of the court, she could only imagine how lonely Emilia felt. Which meant Circenia couldn’t back off now. That loneliness was one of the few things she could work to her advantage.
Gently cupping Emilia’s face with both hands, she made her niece look at her, searching her gaze with her own. “But that’s not all, is it?” Her wheedling voice was just as gentle as her hands, one of her thumbs lightly stroking the girl’s cheek. “Something else is troubling you. Come now, it’s just us here. You can talk to me.” Chuckling, she glanced down at Emilia’s puppy. “Unless you’re worried your dog will tell on us, hm?”
Circenia's mumbled reply softened Emilia's heart to her aunt - it was soothing to know that her aunt at least, showed the same amount of love that her brother would display to her, that at the very least, she knew that her father's doting affection for his youngest sibling had not gone to waste. Nodding in agreement, she knew her father had been a just ruler, despite the young age which he was claimed by Thanatos. Minas had been loved by all under is rule, that much Emilia knew.
Reaching down to rub at Labros's head so the dog may cease he's growling, Emilia turned towards Circenia again as her aunt cupped her face - not that she had a choice. The Stravos lady's grip was firm, almost as if she was forcing her eyes to meet hers, and Emilia found her hazel gaze widening at the proximity, not at all used to it.
Her heart skipped a beat when Circenia insisted if it wasn't all, despite the gentle tone of the voice. The choice of words proved otherwise... did her aunt know of Danae's visit? Biting her lip as she shifted a little backwards to put some distance between herself and Circenia, a hollow laugh came out when the elder lady referred to the dog - who in turn, growled again till Emilia lay another hand on his head to still the sound.
"No, Aunt Circenia. I..." she trailed off. How did one tell her it was her own daughter which had managed to make all her insecurities surface, doubt her own sister, or really, if her sister was even alive? Danae had managed to wheedle every possible insecurity Emilia had to surface, and the bright sunshine of Athenia was, for the first time, doing nothing to brighten her mood. Worrying her bottom lip as she remained silent for a thoughtful, brooding moment, Emilia eventually spoke, despite still averting her gaze from her aunt. "I... I 'm worried about Persephone. I- I know why she didn't want to bring me," self loathe was evident in her tone, making it clear Emilia assumed Persephone had not brought her for she would be a great deal of baggage on an escape trip, "but that doesn't mean I'm any less worried about her. And I'm nowhere near as capable as she is. I... I would fail Father if I were to step in his shoes."
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Circenia's mumbled reply softened Emilia's heart to her aunt - it was soothing to know that her aunt at least, showed the same amount of love that her brother would display to her, that at the very least, she knew that her father's doting affection for his youngest sibling had not gone to waste. Nodding in agreement, she knew her father had been a just ruler, despite the young age which he was claimed by Thanatos. Minas had been loved by all under is rule, that much Emilia knew.
Reaching down to rub at Labros's head so the dog may cease he's growling, Emilia turned towards Circenia again as her aunt cupped her face - not that she had a choice. The Stravos lady's grip was firm, almost as if she was forcing her eyes to meet hers, and Emilia found her hazel gaze widening at the proximity, not at all used to it.
Her heart skipped a beat when Circenia insisted if it wasn't all, despite the gentle tone of the voice. The choice of words proved otherwise... did her aunt know of Danae's visit? Biting her lip as she shifted a little backwards to put some distance between herself and Circenia, a hollow laugh came out when the elder lady referred to the dog - who in turn, growled again till Emilia lay another hand on his head to still the sound.
"No, Aunt Circenia. I..." she trailed off. How did one tell her it was her own daughter which had managed to make all her insecurities surface, doubt her own sister, or really, if her sister was even alive? Danae had managed to wheedle every possible insecurity Emilia had to surface, and the bright sunshine of Athenia was, for the first time, doing nothing to brighten her mood. Worrying her bottom lip as she remained silent for a thoughtful, brooding moment, Emilia eventually spoke, despite still averting her gaze from her aunt. "I... I 'm worried about Persephone. I- I know why she didn't want to bring me," self loathe was evident in her tone, making it clear Emilia assumed Persephone had not brought her for she would be a great deal of baggage on an escape trip, "but that doesn't mean I'm any less worried about her. And I'm nowhere near as capable as she is. I... I would fail Father if I were to step in his shoes."
Circenia's mumbled reply softened Emilia's heart to her aunt - it was soothing to know that her aunt at least, showed the same amount of love that her brother would display to her, that at the very least, she knew that her father's doting affection for his youngest sibling had not gone to waste. Nodding in agreement, she knew her father had been a just ruler, despite the young age which he was claimed by Thanatos. Minas had been loved by all under is rule, that much Emilia knew.
Reaching down to rub at Labros's head so the dog may cease he's growling, Emilia turned towards Circenia again as her aunt cupped her face - not that she had a choice. The Stravos lady's grip was firm, almost as if she was forcing her eyes to meet hers, and Emilia found her hazel gaze widening at the proximity, not at all used to it.
Her heart skipped a beat when Circenia insisted if it wasn't all, despite the gentle tone of the voice. The choice of words proved otherwise... did her aunt know of Danae's visit? Biting her lip as she shifted a little backwards to put some distance between herself and Circenia, a hollow laugh came out when the elder lady referred to the dog - who in turn, growled again till Emilia lay another hand on his head to still the sound.
"No, Aunt Circenia. I..." she trailed off. How did one tell her it was her own daughter which had managed to make all her insecurities surface, doubt her own sister, or really, if her sister was even alive? Danae had managed to wheedle every possible insecurity Emilia had to surface, and the bright sunshine of Athenia was, for the first time, doing nothing to brighten her mood. Worrying her bottom lip as she remained silent for a thoughtful, brooding moment, Emilia eventually spoke, despite still averting her gaze from her aunt. "I... I 'm worried about Persephone. I- I know why she didn't want to bring me," self loathe was evident in her tone, making it clear Emilia assumed Persephone had not brought her for she would be a great deal of baggage on an escape trip, "but that doesn't mean I'm any less worried about her. And I'm nowhere near as capable as she is. I... I would fail Father if I were to step in his shoes."
Circenia only just managed to keep a smirk from her face when Emilia started elaborating on her fear; it had barely taken more than a nudge to get the girl to open up. Oh, to be so young and innocent again… though the Stravos matriarch was sure she’d never been nearly so gullible as her niece. Her brother had done the girl a great disservice in keeping her so sheltered, particularly from the venomous ways of the Court. Her niece’s gentle and trusting nature would be her downfall in this nest of snakes. Especially if Circenia had anything to do with it.
“Let me give you a little piece of advice, my dear,” she said with one last brush of her thumb before letting her hands drop. “Don’t waste your time worrying about those who don’t do the same for you. If my own sister had left me behind…” She trailed off suggestively, lifting a brow and letting her niece’s imagination fill in the rest. “Well, let’s just say I wouldn’t be wasting my breath worrying about her welfare, I can tell you that.”
The princess shook her head, a mournful look on her face. “No woman can fill your father’s shoes, child, not even Persephone. She’s a smart enough girl and worthy of respect in her own right,” Circenia nearly choked on those words, forcing herself to continue, “But to run away from her own kingdom at the first sign of danger?” She tsked. “Not a very queenly thing to do, wouldn’t you agree? And to leave her only sister here alone…” She snorted in indignation. “Utterly reprehensible.”
Patting the girl’s knee, Circenia’s face softened, though she kept a careful eye on Emilia’s expression. Just how vulnerable was she? The princess aimed to sow the seeds of doubt through the guise of a sympathetic ear, but just how far would her niece let her take it? Best not to push my luck too much…
“But at least you’re not alone, darling. Not really. I know it feels that way, especially after losing your father and sister in practically the same breath. But you still have us, sweet one, and we’re going to make sure you stay safe.” She glanced down at the dog again, who had her fixed in a cold stare. Wretched beast… Disregarding the animal, she fixed her attention back on Emilia. “No matter what, I promise you that. You are far too precious for Athenia to lose.”
And keep her safe they would, no matter how distasteful of a task Circenia might find it. Marrying Elias to Emilia was the next logical step to ensure the Stravos claim on the throne, especially with Persephone gone. If Circenia could sink her claws deep enough before (and if) the “queen” returned, manage to convince her young niece that he was the best match she could hope for…
She would see her son wear that crown yet.
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Circenia only just managed to keep a smirk from her face when Emilia started elaborating on her fear; it had barely taken more than a nudge to get the girl to open up. Oh, to be so young and innocent again… though the Stravos matriarch was sure she’d never been nearly so gullible as her niece. Her brother had done the girl a great disservice in keeping her so sheltered, particularly from the venomous ways of the Court. Her niece’s gentle and trusting nature would be her downfall in this nest of snakes. Especially if Circenia had anything to do with it.
“Let me give you a little piece of advice, my dear,” she said with one last brush of her thumb before letting her hands drop. “Don’t waste your time worrying about those who don’t do the same for you. If my own sister had left me behind…” She trailed off suggestively, lifting a brow and letting her niece’s imagination fill in the rest. “Well, let’s just say I wouldn’t be wasting my breath worrying about her welfare, I can tell you that.”
The princess shook her head, a mournful look on her face. “No woman can fill your father’s shoes, child, not even Persephone. She’s a smart enough girl and worthy of respect in her own right,” Circenia nearly choked on those words, forcing herself to continue, “But to run away from her own kingdom at the first sign of danger?” She tsked. “Not a very queenly thing to do, wouldn’t you agree? And to leave her only sister here alone…” She snorted in indignation. “Utterly reprehensible.”
Patting the girl’s knee, Circenia’s face softened, though she kept a careful eye on Emilia’s expression. Just how vulnerable was she? The princess aimed to sow the seeds of doubt through the guise of a sympathetic ear, but just how far would her niece let her take it? Best not to push my luck too much…
“But at least you’re not alone, darling. Not really. I know it feels that way, especially after losing your father and sister in practically the same breath. But you still have us, sweet one, and we’re going to make sure you stay safe.” She glanced down at the dog again, who had her fixed in a cold stare. Wretched beast… Disregarding the animal, she fixed her attention back on Emilia. “No matter what, I promise you that. You are far too precious for Athenia to lose.”
And keep her safe they would, no matter how distasteful of a task Circenia might find it. Marrying Elias to Emilia was the next logical step to ensure the Stravos claim on the throne, especially with Persephone gone. If Circenia could sink her claws deep enough before (and if) the “queen” returned, manage to convince her young niece that he was the best match she could hope for…
She would see her son wear that crown yet.
Circenia only just managed to keep a smirk from her face when Emilia started elaborating on her fear; it had barely taken more than a nudge to get the girl to open up. Oh, to be so young and innocent again… though the Stravos matriarch was sure she’d never been nearly so gullible as her niece. Her brother had done the girl a great disservice in keeping her so sheltered, particularly from the venomous ways of the Court. Her niece’s gentle and trusting nature would be her downfall in this nest of snakes. Especially if Circenia had anything to do with it.
“Let me give you a little piece of advice, my dear,” she said with one last brush of her thumb before letting her hands drop. “Don’t waste your time worrying about those who don’t do the same for you. If my own sister had left me behind…” She trailed off suggestively, lifting a brow and letting her niece’s imagination fill in the rest. “Well, let’s just say I wouldn’t be wasting my breath worrying about her welfare, I can tell you that.”
The princess shook her head, a mournful look on her face. “No woman can fill your father’s shoes, child, not even Persephone. She’s a smart enough girl and worthy of respect in her own right,” Circenia nearly choked on those words, forcing herself to continue, “But to run away from her own kingdom at the first sign of danger?” She tsked. “Not a very queenly thing to do, wouldn’t you agree? And to leave her only sister here alone…” She snorted in indignation. “Utterly reprehensible.”
Patting the girl’s knee, Circenia’s face softened, though she kept a careful eye on Emilia’s expression. Just how vulnerable was she? The princess aimed to sow the seeds of doubt through the guise of a sympathetic ear, but just how far would her niece let her take it? Best not to push my luck too much…
“But at least you’re not alone, darling. Not really. I know it feels that way, especially after losing your father and sister in practically the same breath. But you still have us, sweet one, and we’re going to make sure you stay safe.” She glanced down at the dog again, who had her fixed in a cold stare. Wretched beast… Disregarding the animal, she fixed her attention back on Emilia. “No matter what, I promise you that. You are far too precious for Athenia to lose.”
And keep her safe they would, no matter how distasteful of a task Circenia might find it. Marrying Elias to Emilia was the next logical step to ensure the Stravos claim on the throne, especially with Persephone gone. If Circenia could sink her claws deep enough before (and if) the “queen” returned, manage to convince her young niece that he was the best match she could hope for…
She would see her son wear that crown yet.
Completely innocent in terms of how people played political games and plotted demise and falls of others, Emilia was mostly concerned with people's wellbeing and emotions, for she was a young and emotive child who cared and felt greatly for others, even more proven when she was a complete romantic and an ardent supporter of the Goddess of Love. As such, Emilia picked up on no such shift in attitude in her aunt even as she lamented her situation, and merely smiled gratefully when Circenia finished with her words, nodding as the smile faded when Circenia mentioned her sister leaving. While it made practical sense... yet somehow, Emilia couldn't bring herself to not be concerned with Persephone. She had been her pillar of strength and the guiding light throughout her seventeen years of life, and trying to come to terms that her elder sister had left her was a diffcult task.
Biting her bottom lip, the young brunette worried at it, her gaze dropping to the ground as her mind raced with what her aunt was suggesting her to do. "Perhaps... she was forced to flee? I do not know the circumstances, for my guardsmen locked me within my chambers to protect me. Perhaps.... perhaps Persephone was caught in some situation she could not extricate herself from?" Piping up with a mildly hopeful look, Emilia turned to Circenia as she spoke, a question underlying her every syllable. Could it be possible, that Persephone was not given a choice in should she stay or go?
Taking a deep breathe, she nodded to Circenia. She knew her people loved her, Emilia was not dumb as to not see the way the Athenians would crowd to the royal carriage each time she went out. But... was she not alone? She had only a small family to survive with ever since she had lost her mother, and Emilia never imagined she'd lose everyone in one fell swoop.
Knowing that asking Circenia or even questioning that would be somewhat insulting to, whether subtly or not, infer that their family would not be enough for Emilia however, instead the princess merely meekly nodded in acceptance to Circenia's promise that she wasn't alone. "Thank you Aunt Circenia. I do know that. Elias has been a monumental help, I think, to the Senate over the past few weeks. I'm grateful for that." For Emilia would be useless at handling political matters, and she had never been as adept as Persephone in such things.
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Completely innocent in terms of how people played political games and plotted demise and falls of others, Emilia was mostly concerned with people's wellbeing and emotions, for she was a young and emotive child who cared and felt greatly for others, even more proven when she was a complete romantic and an ardent supporter of the Goddess of Love. As such, Emilia picked up on no such shift in attitude in her aunt even as she lamented her situation, and merely smiled gratefully when Circenia finished with her words, nodding as the smile faded when Circenia mentioned her sister leaving. While it made practical sense... yet somehow, Emilia couldn't bring herself to not be concerned with Persephone. She had been her pillar of strength and the guiding light throughout her seventeen years of life, and trying to come to terms that her elder sister had left her was a diffcult task.
Biting her bottom lip, the young brunette worried at it, her gaze dropping to the ground as her mind raced with what her aunt was suggesting her to do. "Perhaps... she was forced to flee? I do not know the circumstances, for my guardsmen locked me within my chambers to protect me. Perhaps.... perhaps Persephone was caught in some situation she could not extricate herself from?" Piping up with a mildly hopeful look, Emilia turned to Circenia as she spoke, a question underlying her every syllable. Could it be possible, that Persephone was not given a choice in should she stay or go?
Taking a deep breathe, she nodded to Circenia. She knew her people loved her, Emilia was not dumb as to not see the way the Athenians would crowd to the royal carriage each time she went out. But... was she not alone? She had only a small family to survive with ever since she had lost her mother, and Emilia never imagined she'd lose everyone in one fell swoop.
Knowing that asking Circenia or even questioning that would be somewhat insulting to, whether subtly or not, infer that their family would not be enough for Emilia however, instead the princess merely meekly nodded in acceptance to Circenia's promise that she wasn't alone. "Thank you Aunt Circenia. I do know that. Elias has been a monumental help, I think, to the Senate over the past few weeks. I'm grateful for that." For Emilia would be useless at handling political matters, and she had never been as adept as Persephone in such things.
Completely innocent in terms of how people played political games and plotted demise and falls of others, Emilia was mostly concerned with people's wellbeing and emotions, for she was a young and emotive child who cared and felt greatly for others, even more proven when she was a complete romantic and an ardent supporter of the Goddess of Love. As such, Emilia picked up on no such shift in attitude in her aunt even as she lamented her situation, and merely smiled gratefully when Circenia finished with her words, nodding as the smile faded when Circenia mentioned her sister leaving. While it made practical sense... yet somehow, Emilia couldn't bring herself to not be concerned with Persephone. She had been her pillar of strength and the guiding light throughout her seventeen years of life, and trying to come to terms that her elder sister had left her was a diffcult task.
Biting her bottom lip, the young brunette worried at it, her gaze dropping to the ground as her mind raced with what her aunt was suggesting her to do. "Perhaps... she was forced to flee? I do not know the circumstances, for my guardsmen locked me within my chambers to protect me. Perhaps.... perhaps Persephone was caught in some situation she could not extricate herself from?" Piping up with a mildly hopeful look, Emilia turned to Circenia as she spoke, a question underlying her every syllable. Could it be possible, that Persephone was not given a choice in should she stay or go?
Taking a deep breathe, she nodded to Circenia. She knew her people loved her, Emilia was not dumb as to not see the way the Athenians would crowd to the royal carriage each time she went out. But... was she not alone? She had only a small family to survive with ever since she had lost her mother, and Emilia never imagined she'd lose everyone in one fell swoop.
Knowing that asking Circenia or even questioning that would be somewhat insulting to, whether subtly or not, infer that their family would not be enough for Emilia however, instead the princess merely meekly nodded in acceptance to Circenia's promise that she wasn't alone. "Thank you Aunt Circenia. I do know that. Elias has been a monumental help, I think, to the Senate over the past few weeks. I'm grateful for that." For Emilia would be useless at handling political matters, and she had never been as adept as Persephone in such things.
Emilia’s hopeful questions were ones she’d have to answer carefully, wanting to ensure the princess doubted her sister, but not to the point where she’d turn away from Circenia herself. Luckily for her, the lady of Stravos had long practice in such delicate conversation, able to turn the words of a viper with the voice of a lamb. On someone older and more experienced, she’d likely have more difficulty, but her niece’s youth and grief would be her undoing. Circenia was nothing if not an opportunist.
“Perhaps she didn’t have a choice, child. That’s certainly a possibility,” she replied, though the tone of her voice made clear her doubt. “But if that were the case… what manner of queen lets herself be stolen from her own people? It takes strength to rule a kingdom, my darling, strength and will. If she’s so easily taken away so early in her rule, what will this mean for the rest of it? Will Athenia forever be doomed to an absent queen? I know I don’t want that. I know the people don’t want that. Do you?”
Circenia would let her questions linger in silence for a few moments, surreptitiously watching Emilia’s face. She knew the Xanthos girls were close and that speaking ill of Persephone would be walking on dangerous ground. But she also knew her niece was a tender-hearted girl with genuine love and care for those around her. Was she the kind of woman who would put the needs of a kingdom ahead of her own selfish love for her kin? Time would tell and so would Circenia, the woman doing her best to carefully pull the strings that would tug Emilia in her direction. The proper direction.
After another moment or two, she decided to let the topic of Persephone lie, steering the conversation back toward her son. The more she could twist Emilia’s mind Elias’s way, the better it would be for everyone. She had to make her see him for the blessed creature he was, rather than the traitorous vermin he’d been painted out to be. No matter how guilty he was, he had done what was best for Athenia, what was best for them all. Circenia just had to make sure everyone knew it.
“We are all very lucky Elias stepped up while Persephone is away. Athenia needs protection without her queen, and my son is doing everything to make sure that happens.” No matter that the Senate hadn’t convened since he’d taken over the palace nor that there were hungry commoners clamoring for food. A mother would always remain blind to the faults of her children, especially when a mother was as power-hungry and spoiled as they were.
Reaching out, she tenderly smoothed a curl from Emilia’s face. “And most of all, he’s making sure to keep you safe, sweet one. Keeping you way from Court has been for your own protection, but I know you know that. You’re a smart girl, after all.” Circenia kept her expression to that of a doting aunt, but inwardly, she was gagging. “Smart” was never a word she’d use to describe Emilia. “He adores you, as do we all. He would do anything he could to ensure your well-being.”
A beautiful lie, but a lie nonetheless. Circenia wasn’t so blind as to believe Elias truly cared for anyone other than himself, but her plans hinged on Emilia believing that wasn’t the case. She needed her to see him as a kind benefactor, a noble ruler. Once they were wed, it wouldn’t matter anymore if she found him to be the cruelest man on earth. But until then…
Circenia would fill her head with the prettiest lies in the world if it meant she got her way.
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Emilia’s hopeful questions were ones she’d have to answer carefully, wanting to ensure the princess doubted her sister, but not to the point where she’d turn away from Circenia herself. Luckily for her, the lady of Stravos had long practice in such delicate conversation, able to turn the words of a viper with the voice of a lamb. On someone older and more experienced, she’d likely have more difficulty, but her niece’s youth and grief would be her undoing. Circenia was nothing if not an opportunist.
“Perhaps she didn’t have a choice, child. That’s certainly a possibility,” she replied, though the tone of her voice made clear her doubt. “But if that were the case… what manner of queen lets herself be stolen from her own people? It takes strength to rule a kingdom, my darling, strength and will. If she’s so easily taken away so early in her rule, what will this mean for the rest of it? Will Athenia forever be doomed to an absent queen? I know I don’t want that. I know the people don’t want that. Do you?”
Circenia would let her questions linger in silence for a few moments, surreptitiously watching Emilia’s face. She knew the Xanthos girls were close and that speaking ill of Persephone would be walking on dangerous ground. But she also knew her niece was a tender-hearted girl with genuine love and care for those around her. Was she the kind of woman who would put the needs of a kingdom ahead of her own selfish love for her kin? Time would tell and so would Circenia, the woman doing her best to carefully pull the strings that would tug Emilia in her direction. The proper direction.
After another moment or two, she decided to let the topic of Persephone lie, steering the conversation back toward her son. The more she could twist Emilia’s mind Elias’s way, the better it would be for everyone. She had to make her see him for the blessed creature he was, rather than the traitorous vermin he’d been painted out to be. No matter how guilty he was, he had done what was best for Athenia, what was best for them all. Circenia just had to make sure everyone knew it.
“We are all very lucky Elias stepped up while Persephone is away. Athenia needs protection without her queen, and my son is doing everything to make sure that happens.” No matter that the Senate hadn’t convened since he’d taken over the palace nor that there were hungry commoners clamoring for food. A mother would always remain blind to the faults of her children, especially when a mother was as power-hungry and spoiled as they were.
Reaching out, she tenderly smoothed a curl from Emilia’s face. “And most of all, he’s making sure to keep you safe, sweet one. Keeping you way from Court has been for your own protection, but I know you know that. You’re a smart girl, after all.” Circenia kept her expression to that of a doting aunt, but inwardly, she was gagging. “Smart” was never a word she’d use to describe Emilia. “He adores you, as do we all. He would do anything he could to ensure your well-being.”
A beautiful lie, but a lie nonetheless. Circenia wasn’t so blind as to believe Elias truly cared for anyone other than himself, but her plans hinged on Emilia believing that wasn’t the case. She needed her to see him as a kind benefactor, a noble ruler. Once they were wed, it wouldn’t matter anymore if she found him to be the cruelest man on earth. But until then…
Circenia would fill her head with the prettiest lies in the world if it meant she got her way.
Emilia’s hopeful questions were ones she’d have to answer carefully, wanting to ensure the princess doubted her sister, but not to the point where she’d turn away from Circenia herself. Luckily for her, the lady of Stravos had long practice in such delicate conversation, able to turn the words of a viper with the voice of a lamb. On someone older and more experienced, she’d likely have more difficulty, but her niece’s youth and grief would be her undoing. Circenia was nothing if not an opportunist.
“Perhaps she didn’t have a choice, child. That’s certainly a possibility,” she replied, though the tone of her voice made clear her doubt. “But if that were the case… what manner of queen lets herself be stolen from her own people? It takes strength to rule a kingdom, my darling, strength and will. If she’s so easily taken away so early in her rule, what will this mean for the rest of it? Will Athenia forever be doomed to an absent queen? I know I don’t want that. I know the people don’t want that. Do you?”
Circenia would let her questions linger in silence for a few moments, surreptitiously watching Emilia’s face. She knew the Xanthos girls were close and that speaking ill of Persephone would be walking on dangerous ground. But she also knew her niece was a tender-hearted girl with genuine love and care for those around her. Was she the kind of woman who would put the needs of a kingdom ahead of her own selfish love for her kin? Time would tell and so would Circenia, the woman doing her best to carefully pull the strings that would tug Emilia in her direction. The proper direction.
After another moment or two, she decided to let the topic of Persephone lie, steering the conversation back toward her son. The more she could twist Emilia’s mind Elias’s way, the better it would be for everyone. She had to make her see him for the blessed creature he was, rather than the traitorous vermin he’d been painted out to be. No matter how guilty he was, he had done what was best for Athenia, what was best for them all. Circenia just had to make sure everyone knew it.
“We are all very lucky Elias stepped up while Persephone is away. Athenia needs protection without her queen, and my son is doing everything to make sure that happens.” No matter that the Senate hadn’t convened since he’d taken over the palace nor that there were hungry commoners clamoring for food. A mother would always remain blind to the faults of her children, especially when a mother was as power-hungry and spoiled as they were.
Reaching out, she tenderly smoothed a curl from Emilia’s face. “And most of all, he’s making sure to keep you safe, sweet one. Keeping you way from Court has been for your own protection, but I know you know that. You’re a smart girl, after all.” Circenia kept her expression to that of a doting aunt, but inwardly, she was gagging. “Smart” was never a word she’d use to describe Emilia. “He adores you, as do we all. He would do anything he could to ensure your well-being.”
A beautiful lie, but a lie nonetheless. Circenia wasn’t so blind as to believe Elias truly cared for anyone other than himself, but her plans hinged on Emilia believing that wasn’t the case. She needed her to see him as a kind benefactor, a noble ruler. Once they were wed, it wouldn’t matter anymore if she found him to be the cruelest man on earth. But until then…
Circenia would fill her head with the prettiest lies in the world if it meant she got her way.
Her relationship was Persephone had always been one that was strong and affectionate, for her sister had basically raised her. Lucille had passed when Emilia's memories were hazy at best, so in all her life, Persephone had been the closest thing she had ever had to a mother, and the sister's knew everything of each other. To a certain extent, Emilia wondered if she should doubt her aunt's words? But her emotional status was fraught, and at this point of her life, the young brunette was likely to believe anyone who had her ear the most.
She went silent at Circenia's insinuation of Persephone having a lack of strength and conviction enough to rule a kingdom. She didn't want Athenia to be doomed with a ruling monarch forever. While she was no material to handle a kingdom, she knew that much from her conversations with her father, and Minas had always stressed a kingdom was always only as good as its leader. What was she to do? Emilia was terrified even looking at the throne, and she wanted no part in it.
Her fingers worried themselves on her lap, finding no words capable of responding to Circenia. A play of emotions were on her face, the young girl wearing her heart on her sleeve.
Looking up again when her aunt spoke, she bit her lip. Persephone had told her of the events in the Senate, of how Elias had been a strong opposing force against her father's will. But now? Why would he be seeking to help them now? He had told her she would be kept in the palace for her own good. Was he looking out for her safety? They had yet to find out who was the one who had hired the insurgents. Hesitantly, but as if caught in her thoughts, Emilia slowly nodded. At the very least though, with Elias around, Emilia did not need to busy herself thinking of what she had to do in the absence of her sister and a leader for the kingdom.
"But has there been any Court sessions since... Aunt Circenia?" She had not heard of any just yet. Did he adore her? He was a handsome man, one that Emilia used to admire from afar, especially as a worshipper of Aphrodite. To believe that Elias wanted the best for her, that he adored her, would be a calming and soothing balm for her heart and her ego... but was that what was best for the kingdom? "Does he, Aunt Circenia? I... What if I wish to go out and see the people?" She did not know how to think. Or what to think of her cousin's and aunt now. "I have not seen him much since he moved in. Would... Has he been busy?"
She did not know what to think at all.
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Her relationship was Persephone had always been one that was strong and affectionate, for her sister had basically raised her. Lucille had passed when Emilia's memories were hazy at best, so in all her life, Persephone had been the closest thing she had ever had to a mother, and the sister's knew everything of each other. To a certain extent, Emilia wondered if she should doubt her aunt's words? But her emotional status was fraught, and at this point of her life, the young brunette was likely to believe anyone who had her ear the most.
She went silent at Circenia's insinuation of Persephone having a lack of strength and conviction enough to rule a kingdom. She didn't want Athenia to be doomed with a ruling monarch forever. While she was no material to handle a kingdom, she knew that much from her conversations with her father, and Minas had always stressed a kingdom was always only as good as its leader. What was she to do? Emilia was terrified even looking at the throne, and she wanted no part in it.
Her fingers worried themselves on her lap, finding no words capable of responding to Circenia. A play of emotions were on her face, the young girl wearing her heart on her sleeve.
Looking up again when her aunt spoke, she bit her lip. Persephone had told her of the events in the Senate, of how Elias had been a strong opposing force against her father's will. But now? Why would he be seeking to help them now? He had told her she would be kept in the palace for her own good. Was he looking out for her safety? They had yet to find out who was the one who had hired the insurgents. Hesitantly, but as if caught in her thoughts, Emilia slowly nodded. At the very least though, with Elias around, Emilia did not need to busy herself thinking of what she had to do in the absence of her sister and a leader for the kingdom.
"But has there been any Court sessions since... Aunt Circenia?" She had not heard of any just yet. Did he adore her? He was a handsome man, one that Emilia used to admire from afar, especially as a worshipper of Aphrodite. To believe that Elias wanted the best for her, that he adored her, would be a calming and soothing balm for her heart and her ego... but was that what was best for the kingdom? "Does he, Aunt Circenia? I... What if I wish to go out and see the people?" She did not know how to think. Or what to think of her cousin's and aunt now. "I have not seen him much since he moved in. Would... Has he been busy?"
She did not know what to think at all.
Her relationship was Persephone had always been one that was strong and affectionate, for her sister had basically raised her. Lucille had passed when Emilia's memories were hazy at best, so in all her life, Persephone had been the closest thing she had ever had to a mother, and the sister's knew everything of each other. To a certain extent, Emilia wondered if she should doubt her aunt's words? But her emotional status was fraught, and at this point of her life, the young brunette was likely to believe anyone who had her ear the most.
She went silent at Circenia's insinuation of Persephone having a lack of strength and conviction enough to rule a kingdom. She didn't want Athenia to be doomed with a ruling monarch forever. While she was no material to handle a kingdom, she knew that much from her conversations with her father, and Minas had always stressed a kingdom was always only as good as its leader. What was she to do? Emilia was terrified even looking at the throne, and she wanted no part in it.
Her fingers worried themselves on her lap, finding no words capable of responding to Circenia. A play of emotions were on her face, the young girl wearing her heart on her sleeve.
Looking up again when her aunt spoke, she bit her lip. Persephone had told her of the events in the Senate, of how Elias had been a strong opposing force against her father's will. But now? Why would he be seeking to help them now? He had told her she would be kept in the palace for her own good. Was he looking out for her safety? They had yet to find out who was the one who had hired the insurgents. Hesitantly, but as if caught in her thoughts, Emilia slowly nodded. At the very least though, with Elias around, Emilia did not need to busy herself thinking of what she had to do in the absence of her sister and a leader for the kingdom.
"But has there been any Court sessions since... Aunt Circenia?" She had not heard of any just yet. Did he adore her? He was a handsome man, one that Emilia used to admire from afar, especially as a worshipper of Aphrodite. To believe that Elias wanted the best for her, that he adored her, would be a calming and soothing balm for her heart and her ego... but was that what was best for the kingdom? "Does he, Aunt Circenia? I... What if I wish to go out and see the people?" She did not know how to think. Or what to think of her cousin's and aunt now. "I have not seen him much since he moved in. Would... Has he been busy?"
She did not know what to think at all.
Circenia kept her expression steady as Emilia started asking smarter questions, surprised in spite of herself. Perhaps there was a tad more intelligence there than she’d originally suspected, carefully rethinking her words and what she could and could not say. No, the Senate had not met since Elias moved into the Palace, but how could she frame that as a good thing to the young princess?
She decided to simply gloss over it. “No, Court hasn’t convened, you’re right,” Circenia nodded with a somewhat woeful expression on her face. “But you know the ways of men are a mystery to us. Elias has his reasons, even if we do not understand them.” She would have to speak to her son soon about remedying that error. The nobles were starting to get restless; she knew they wouldn’t stand for this much longer.
Pausing when Emilia asked if she would be able to go out and see her people, her hand fidgeted restlessly. They couldn’t let her out on her own, that was for certain. It was partially for her own safety; beloved as the Xanthos girls were, the common folk were getting as restless as the nobles. They couldn’t take the risk of something happening to Emilia were she left to her own devices. But beyond that, they needed to keep her sheltered and cut off as much as possible, in order to keep her at least somewhat amenable to their agenda. But neither could they keep her locked away forever. People would start to talk, to wonder what had become of their cherished princess. It was a delicate line House Stravos was walking, but luckily Circenia had a talent for finesse.
“He has been very busy,”[/i] she emphasized to Emilia with a gentle pat to her knee. “I’m sure you’ve seen it in your father and your sister. Running a kingdom takes a lot of time and work, but I assure you Elias is rising quite admirably to the task.” Truthfully, she knew little of what her son was up to these days, but it didn’t matter. She’d say what she had to, then fill him in later. After all, her manipulations were useless if Elias couldn’t follow through with them. “But I will make sure he comes to see you soon. We want to make sure you’re happy, Emilia. We don’t want you to feel trapped.”
Tilting her head as she considered the girl, she continued, “I’ll see what I can do about you leaving the Palace. I’m sure you understand that we can’t just let you go alone, but perhaps if I were to accompany you, or maybe Chara…” Elias wasn’t likely to escort his cousin, and Danae was about the last person Circenia would task with such a delicate mission, so, distasteful as she might find it, she’d be willing to do it herself, especially if it meant keeping Emilia complacent. Not to mention she could keep a better eye on her. Keep her from doing anything too… foolish. “Surely he wouldn’t say no to that.”
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Circenia kept her expression steady as Emilia started asking smarter questions, surprised in spite of herself. Perhaps there was a tad more intelligence there than she’d originally suspected, carefully rethinking her words and what she could and could not say. No, the Senate had not met since Elias moved into the Palace, but how could she frame that as a good thing to the young princess?
She decided to simply gloss over it. “No, Court hasn’t convened, you’re right,” Circenia nodded with a somewhat woeful expression on her face. “But you know the ways of men are a mystery to us. Elias has his reasons, even if we do not understand them.” She would have to speak to her son soon about remedying that error. The nobles were starting to get restless; she knew they wouldn’t stand for this much longer.
Pausing when Emilia asked if she would be able to go out and see her people, her hand fidgeted restlessly. They couldn’t let her out on her own, that was for certain. It was partially for her own safety; beloved as the Xanthos girls were, the common folk were getting as restless as the nobles. They couldn’t take the risk of something happening to Emilia were she left to her own devices. But beyond that, they needed to keep her sheltered and cut off as much as possible, in order to keep her at least somewhat amenable to their agenda. But neither could they keep her locked away forever. People would start to talk, to wonder what had become of their cherished princess. It was a delicate line House Stravos was walking, but luckily Circenia had a talent for finesse.
“He has been very busy,”[/i] she emphasized to Emilia with a gentle pat to her knee. “I’m sure you’ve seen it in your father and your sister. Running a kingdom takes a lot of time and work, but I assure you Elias is rising quite admirably to the task.” Truthfully, she knew little of what her son was up to these days, but it didn’t matter. She’d say what she had to, then fill him in later. After all, her manipulations were useless if Elias couldn’t follow through with them. “But I will make sure he comes to see you soon. We want to make sure you’re happy, Emilia. We don’t want you to feel trapped.”
Tilting her head as she considered the girl, she continued, “I’ll see what I can do about you leaving the Palace. I’m sure you understand that we can’t just let you go alone, but perhaps if I were to accompany you, or maybe Chara…” Elias wasn’t likely to escort his cousin, and Danae was about the last person Circenia would task with such a delicate mission, so, distasteful as she might find it, she’d be willing to do it herself, especially if it meant keeping Emilia complacent. Not to mention she could keep a better eye on her. Keep her from doing anything too… foolish. “Surely he wouldn’t say no to that.”
Circenia kept her expression steady as Emilia started asking smarter questions, surprised in spite of herself. Perhaps there was a tad more intelligence there than she’d originally suspected, carefully rethinking her words and what she could and could not say. No, the Senate had not met since Elias moved into the Palace, but how could she frame that as a good thing to the young princess?
She decided to simply gloss over it. “No, Court hasn’t convened, you’re right,” Circenia nodded with a somewhat woeful expression on her face. “But you know the ways of men are a mystery to us. Elias has his reasons, even if we do not understand them.” She would have to speak to her son soon about remedying that error. The nobles were starting to get restless; she knew they wouldn’t stand for this much longer.
Pausing when Emilia asked if she would be able to go out and see her people, her hand fidgeted restlessly. They couldn’t let her out on her own, that was for certain. It was partially for her own safety; beloved as the Xanthos girls were, the common folk were getting as restless as the nobles. They couldn’t take the risk of something happening to Emilia were she left to her own devices. But beyond that, they needed to keep her sheltered and cut off as much as possible, in order to keep her at least somewhat amenable to their agenda. But neither could they keep her locked away forever. People would start to talk, to wonder what had become of their cherished princess. It was a delicate line House Stravos was walking, but luckily Circenia had a talent for finesse.
“He has been very busy,”[/i] she emphasized to Emilia with a gentle pat to her knee. “I’m sure you’ve seen it in your father and your sister. Running a kingdom takes a lot of time and work, but I assure you Elias is rising quite admirably to the task.” Truthfully, she knew little of what her son was up to these days, but it didn’t matter. She’d say what she had to, then fill him in later. After all, her manipulations were useless if Elias couldn’t follow through with them. “But I will make sure he comes to see you soon. We want to make sure you’re happy, Emilia. We don’t want you to feel trapped.”
Tilting her head as she considered the girl, she continued, “I’ll see what I can do about you leaving the Palace. I’m sure you understand that we can’t just let you go alone, but perhaps if I were to accompany you, or maybe Chara…” Elias wasn’t likely to escort his cousin, and Danae was about the last person Circenia would task with such a delicate mission, so, distasteful as she might find it, she’d be willing to do it herself, especially if it meant keeping Emilia complacent. Not to mention she could keep a better eye on her. Keep her from doing anything too… foolish. “Surely he wouldn’t say no to that.”
While she had been hopeful at first, Emilia's face fell when Circenia brought up how busy Elias has been, and that it would not be possible for her to go out. Men are a mystery? Persephone had certainly never made it look that way, for her elder sister made it seem almost easy when she learned regulations and tax rules, and how to run a kingdom almost as well as their father had before he had fallen ill. Emilia had almost thought she would be able to, until she tried one day and saw her eyes spinning and never tried again.
But it had never been a gender thing, Emilia thought. Merely that she did not enjoy numbers and calculations.
Circenia managed to sow doubt within her though, something that is not hard to perform at this point due to Emilia's already unstable emotions. Biting her bottom lip when her aunt patted her knee, the brunette nodded in a manner she hoped was understanding, not wanting to appear ungrateful when Elias had already taken on the mantle of runing the kingdom, a mantle Emilia could never take on despite it being her duty as the heir apparent in the absence of her elder sister.
Accompanied by Chara? That wouldn't be a bad idea she supposed. Chara wasn't a cousin she spent much time with, since Danae was the one who had always been closer to her age. But it was at this juncture in her life that Emilia was beginning to realize just how little friends she had outside of the retainers, guards and slaves within the palace. She would be kowtow-ed at and preened at every turn, but now that the whole Xanthos family was in turmoil... where did that leave her?
Nodding listlessly to agree to her aunt's suggestion, Emilia muttered a soft "One would hope." she replied, before realizing how she looked, and quickly turned to Circenia with a brighter smile - or at least, brighter then it had been. "I would be glad for that, Aunt Circenia, if Chara doesn't mind. Perhaps a new dress may put us all in better moods." Trying to appear positive, she turned and watch as her puppy got restless, and only then realized how close to noon it was, the time she usually fed Labros his midday meal.
"I should make my leave, Aunt Circenia. Cook would be waiting for me with Labros's food, but I do thank you for spending your time with me." the girl thanked with a small curtsy.
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While she had been hopeful at first, Emilia's face fell when Circenia brought up how busy Elias has been, and that it would not be possible for her to go out. Men are a mystery? Persephone had certainly never made it look that way, for her elder sister made it seem almost easy when she learned regulations and tax rules, and how to run a kingdom almost as well as their father had before he had fallen ill. Emilia had almost thought she would be able to, until she tried one day and saw her eyes spinning and never tried again.
But it had never been a gender thing, Emilia thought. Merely that she did not enjoy numbers and calculations.
Circenia managed to sow doubt within her though, something that is not hard to perform at this point due to Emilia's already unstable emotions. Biting her bottom lip when her aunt patted her knee, the brunette nodded in a manner she hoped was understanding, not wanting to appear ungrateful when Elias had already taken on the mantle of runing the kingdom, a mantle Emilia could never take on despite it being her duty as the heir apparent in the absence of her elder sister.
Accompanied by Chara? That wouldn't be a bad idea she supposed. Chara wasn't a cousin she spent much time with, since Danae was the one who had always been closer to her age. But it was at this juncture in her life that Emilia was beginning to realize just how little friends she had outside of the retainers, guards and slaves within the palace. She would be kowtow-ed at and preened at every turn, but now that the whole Xanthos family was in turmoil... where did that leave her?
Nodding listlessly to agree to her aunt's suggestion, Emilia muttered a soft "One would hope." she replied, before realizing how she looked, and quickly turned to Circenia with a brighter smile - or at least, brighter then it had been. "I would be glad for that, Aunt Circenia, if Chara doesn't mind. Perhaps a new dress may put us all in better moods." Trying to appear positive, she turned and watch as her puppy got restless, and only then realized how close to noon it was, the time she usually fed Labros his midday meal.
"I should make my leave, Aunt Circenia. Cook would be waiting for me with Labros's food, but I do thank you for spending your time with me." the girl thanked with a small curtsy.
While she had been hopeful at first, Emilia's face fell when Circenia brought up how busy Elias has been, and that it would not be possible for her to go out. Men are a mystery? Persephone had certainly never made it look that way, for her elder sister made it seem almost easy when she learned regulations and tax rules, and how to run a kingdom almost as well as their father had before he had fallen ill. Emilia had almost thought she would be able to, until she tried one day and saw her eyes spinning and never tried again.
But it had never been a gender thing, Emilia thought. Merely that she did not enjoy numbers and calculations.
Circenia managed to sow doubt within her though, something that is not hard to perform at this point due to Emilia's already unstable emotions. Biting her bottom lip when her aunt patted her knee, the brunette nodded in a manner she hoped was understanding, not wanting to appear ungrateful when Elias had already taken on the mantle of runing the kingdom, a mantle Emilia could never take on despite it being her duty as the heir apparent in the absence of her elder sister.
Accompanied by Chara? That wouldn't be a bad idea she supposed. Chara wasn't a cousin she spent much time with, since Danae was the one who had always been closer to her age. But it was at this juncture in her life that Emilia was beginning to realize just how little friends she had outside of the retainers, guards and slaves within the palace. She would be kowtow-ed at and preened at every turn, but now that the whole Xanthos family was in turmoil... where did that leave her?
Nodding listlessly to agree to her aunt's suggestion, Emilia muttered a soft "One would hope." she replied, before realizing how she looked, and quickly turned to Circenia with a brighter smile - or at least, brighter then it had been. "I would be glad for that, Aunt Circenia, if Chara doesn't mind. Perhaps a new dress may put us all in better moods." Trying to appear positive, she turned and watch as her puppy got restless, and only then realized how close to noon it was, the time she usually fed Labros his midday meal.
"I should make my leave, Aunt Circenia. Cook would be waiting for me with Labros's food, but I do thank you for spending your time with me." the girl thanked with a small curtsy.
Circenia watched the play of emotion over her niece’s face, carefully hiding the satisfaction on her own. If nothing else, she had planted a seed; whether or not that seed grew would depend on how well it was tended. She would have to have a talk with her children, and soon… they needed to make sure they kept the young princess isolated and in doubt. But neither could they let her be entirely miserable, no, they had to be careful. Luckily, her offspring were as clever as their parents, and would catch on to the game easily enough. Emilia of Xanthos would be theirs in no time.
“When doesn’t a new dress put us in a good mood, eh?” Circenia replied with a smile, rising to her feet as her niece went to take her leave. Inclining her head, she offered a curtsy of her own before reaching out to gently squeeze Emilia’s hand.
“Thank you for allowing me to spend some time with you, my darling niece,” she said before releasing the girl’s fingers. “I know everything is very hard right now, but you will make it through, I have no doubt. The difficult times build character, child. It is how we react to adversity that defines us.” It was surprisingly sage advice coming from the lips of a snake, but it was true, nonetheless. It was a lesson she’d had to learn very recently herself.
“But just remember, you’re not alone. You have us, love, and we’re not going anywhere.” Circenia offered another smile, sweet to behold, but masking the cunning within. “I’ll come to visit you again soon, I promise. I can’t bear to see you so lonely, not when I can help you. I’ll see to it that Elias and Chara do, as well.”
Glancing over at the puppy restlessly wandering nearby, she nodded thoughtfully with an unreadable glint in her eye. “Don’t let me keep you any longer. A growing boy needs his food, does he not?” And what a shame it would be if that food was somehow… tainted. She turned back to her niece and waved her farewell. “Until next time, Emilia. Remember what I said, yes? Stay strong. Everything will turn out all right in the end.”
Circenia remained standing as the girl departed, watching her go with a hard stoniness to her expression. Yes, child, remember everything I said. Think about it when you’re alone at night with no sister around to come to your rescue. You’ll be singing a different tune soon enough, I can guarantee it.
The princess waited until her niece was out of sight before she turned to leave the gardens, as well, her mind racing through all the wheels she needed to set into motion. First off, a talk with Chara was in order, assurance that her daughter would follow through with her machinations. Next would come Elias and Danae, to make sure they all stood in a united front. So long as they stayed banded together, House Stravos could accomplish anything, overcome any obstacle.
After all, there was no other option. They had nothing left to lose.
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Circenia watched the play of emotion over her niece’s face, carefully hiding the satisfaction on her own. If nothing else, she had planted a seed; whether or not that seed grew would depend on how well it was tended. She would have to have a talk with her children, and soon… they needed to make sure they kept the young princess isolated and in doubt. But neither could they let her be entirely miserable, no, they had to be careful. Luckily, her offspring were as clever as their parents, and would catch on to the game easily enough. Emilia of Xanthos would be theirs in no time.
“When doesn’t a new dress put us in a good mood, eh?” Circenia replied with a smile, rising to her feet as her niece went to take her leave. Inclining her head, she offered a curtsy of her own before reaching out to gently squeeze Emilia’s hand.
“Thank you for allowing me to spend some time with you, my darling niece,” she said before releasing the girl’s fingers. “I know everything is very hard right now, but you will make it through, I have no doubt. The difficult times build character, child. It is how we react to adversity that defines us.” It was surprisingly sage advice coming from the lips of a snake, but it was true, nonetheless. It was a lesson she’d had to learn very recently herself.
“But just remember, you’re not alone. You have us, love, and we’re not going anywhere.” Circenia offered another smile, sweet to behold, but masking the cunning within. “I’ll come to visit you again soon, I promise. I can’t bear to see you so lonely, not when I can help you. I’ll see to it that Elias and Chara do, as well.”
Glancing over at the puppy restlessly wandering nearby, she nodded thoughtfully with an unreadable glint in her eye. “Don’t let me keep you any longer. A growing boy needs his food, does he not?” And what a shame it would be if that food was somehow… tainted. She turned back to her niece and waved her farewell. “Until next time, Emilia. Remember what I said, yes? Stay strong. Everything will turn out all right in the end.”
Circenia remained standing as the girl departed, watching her go with a hard stoniness to her expression. Yes, child, remember everything I said. Think about it when you’re alone at night with no sister around to come to your rescue. You’ll be singing a different tune soon enough, I can guarantee it.
The princess waited until her niece was out of sight before she turned to leave the gardens, as well, her mind racing through all the wheels she needed to set into motion. First off, a talk with Chara was in order, assurance that her daughter would follow through with her machinations. Next would come Elias and Danae, to make sure they all stood in a united front. So long as they stayed banded together, House Stravos could accomplish anything, overcome any obstacle.
After all, there was no other option. They had nothing left to lose.
Circenia watched the play of emotion over her niece’s face, carefully hiding the satisfaction on her own. If nothing else, she had planted a seed; whether or not that seed grew would depend on how well it was tended. She would have to have a talk with her children, and soon… they needed to make sure they kept the young princess isolated and in doubt. But neither could they let her be entirely miserable, no, they had to be careful. Luckily, her offspring were as clever as their parents, and would catch on to the game easily enough. Emilia of Xanthos would be theirs in no time.
“When doesn’t a new dress put us in a good mood, eh?” Circenia replied with a smile, rising to her feet as her niece went to take her leave. Inclining her head, she offered a curtsy of her own before reaching out to gently squeeze Emilia’s hand.
“Thank you for allowing me to spend some time with you, my darling niece,” she said before releasing the girl’s fingers. “I know everything is very hard right now, but you will make it through, I have no doubt. The difficult times build character, child. It is how we react to adversity that defines us.” It was surprisingly sage advice coming from the lips of a snake, but it was true, nonetheless. It was a lesson she’d had to learn very recently herself.
“But just remember, you’re not alone. You have us, love, and we’re not going anywhere.” Circenia offered another smile, sweet to behold, but masking the cunning within. “I’ll come to visit you again soon, I promise. I can’t bear to see you so lonely, not when I can help you. I’ll see to it that Elias and Chara do, as well.”
Glancing over at the puppy restlessly wandering nearby, she nodded thoughtfully with an unreadable glint in her eye. “Don’t let me keep you any longer. A growing boy needs his food, does he not?” And what a shame it would be if that food was somehow… tainted. She turned back to her niece and waved her farewell. “Until next time, Emilia. Remember what I said, yes? Stay strong. Everything will turn out all right in the end.”
Circenia remained standing as the girl departed, watching her go with a hard stoniness to her expression. Yes, child, remember everything I said. Think about it when you’re alone at night with no sister around to come to your rescue. You’ll be singing a different tune soon enough, I can guarantee it.
The princess waited until her niece was out of sight before she turned to leave the gardens, as well, her mind racing through all the wheels she needed to set into motion. First off, a talk with Chara was in order, assurance that her daughter would follow through with her machinations. Next would come Elias and Danae, to make sure they all stood in a united front. So long as they stayed banded together, House Stravos could accomplish anything, overcome any obstacle.
After all, there was no other option. They had nothing left to lose.