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It was ostensibly the need to update the Princess Xene upon his dealings with those fools who had disrupted the Egyptian reception that had Achilleas call into the Palati. But perhaps beyond that was the desire to check in upon his cousin in the wake of all that had gone before. There was an air of uncertainty around everything now, more thick than it had been before Theodora had come to him ,and he wondered how Xene and Gianna faired in it. Perhaps he might even try and see Stephanos and Olympia himself whilst he was here.
‘I've reminded you of the need to place the importance of Taengea and the glory of the kingdom beyond flippant relations you pursue with your cousins’
His father’s words played heavy on his mind as he waited for the servant to announce him, and Achilleas found himself hoping this social call would remain under the Prince Regent’s notice. He had been rather tiptoeing around the man, unwilling to give him further reason to criticise him, and though there should have been nothing remarkable about him visiting his cousin, Achilleas knew that did not mean it was so. Irakles had been in a foul mood since the embassy reception , and had spent many hours closeted away since. His elder son had marked well the visit of the Lords Leventi, Contos and Dimitrou and though his father had spoken not it him of its subject, Achilleas could not help but wonder what would require the presence of the three heads of houses. What had shifted that would demand such a hasty meet?
He did not sit when he was left in the receiving room to await the Princess Xene, but instead stood by the window that overlooked the gardens. Hands clasped behind his back, he gazed down on but did not really see the slaves that were busy at work tending to the shrubs and greenery that bordered the walkways, mind occupied elsewhere.
There were so many questions that needed answering, so much that made no sense, and rather than becoming clearer as time passed , there seemed only further layers of complication being added. Now, at a time where Tangea was in complete political disarray, with a regent already accused of treason, they now had the prospect of disgruntled Egyptians to deal with. He’d had an interesting conversation with a commander stationed out in the desert lands, and that had given him food for thought, but as Achilleas heard soft footfalls behind him and turned to look upon the Princess, he pushed such thoughts aside. This was not about that, this was his cousin, who had been left in a precarious position that she had done nothing to deserve.
“Your Highness” He offered a bow, drawing upright and looking at his cousin to see how she fared. Achilleas kept his expression neutral, though there had been whispers of over indulgence and unseeming behaviour from the eldest of the Princesses in the days gone by. “ Please forgive me not having called on you before now. Everything has been a little hectic since the senate meet.” His eyes rested upon his cousin, sincerity evident both his tone and in the concern than bled through onto his features despite his best efforts at remaining impassive..
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It was ostensibly the need to update the Princess Xene upon his dealings with those fools who had disrupted the Egyptian reception that had Achilleas call into the Palati. But perhaps beyond that was the desire to check in upon his cousin in the wake of all that had gone before. There was an air of uncertainty around everything now, more thick than it had been before Theodora had come to him ,and he wondered how Xene and Gianna faired in it. Perhaps he might even try and see Stephanos and Olympia himself whilst he was here.
‘I've reminded you of the need to place the importance of Taengea and the glory of the kingdom beyond flippant relations you pursue with your cousins’
His father’s words played heavy on his mind as he waited for the servant to announce him, and Achilleas found himself hoping this social call would remain under the Prince Regent’s notice. He had been rather tiptoeing around the man, unwilling to give him further reason to criticise him, and though there should have been nothing remarkable about him visiting his cousin, Achilleas knew that did not mean it was so. Irakles had been in a foul mood since the embassy reception , and had spent many hours closeted away since. His elder son had marked well the visit of the Lords Leventi, Contos and Dimitrou and though his father had spoken not it him of its subject, Achilleas could not help but wonder what would require the presence of the three heads of houses. What had shifted that would demand such a hasty meet?
He did not sit when he was left in the receiving room to await the Princess Xene, but instead stood by the window that overlooked the gardens. Hands clasped behind his back, he gazed down on but did not really see the slaves that were busy at work tending to the shrubs and greenery that bordered the walkways, mind occupied elsewhere.
There were so many questions that needed answering, so much that made no sense, and rather than becoming clearer as time passed , there seemed only further layers of complication being added. Now, at a time where Tangea was in complete political disarray, with a regent already accused of treason, they now had the prospect of disgruntled Egyptians to deal with. He’d had an interesting conversation with a commander stationed out in the desert lands, and that had given him food for thought, but as Achilleas heard soft footfalls behind him and turned to look upon the Princess, he pushed such thoughts aside. This was not about that, this was his cousin, who had been left in a precarious position that she had done nothing to deserve.
“Your Highness” He offered a bow, drawing upright and looking at his cousin to see how she fared. Achilleas kept his expression neutral, though there had been whispers of over indulgence and unseeming behaviour from the eldest of the Princesses in the days gone by. “ Please forgive me not having called on you before now. Everything has been a little hectic since the senate meet.” His eyes rested upon his cousin, sincerity evident both his tone and in the concern than bled through onto his features despite his best efforts at remaining impassive..
It was ostensibly the need to update the Princess Xene upon his dealings with those fools who had disrupted the Egyptian reception that had Achilleas call into the Palati. But perhaps beyond that was the desire to check in upon his cousin in the wake of all that had gone before. There was an air of uncertainty around everything now, more thick than it had been before Theodora had come to him ,and he wondered how Xene and Gianna faired in it. Perhaps he might even try and see Stephanos and Olympia himself whilst he was here.
‘I've reminded you of the need to place the importance of Taengea and the glory of the kingdom beyond flippant relations you pursue with your cousins’
His father’s words played heavy on his mind as he waited for the servant to announce him, and Achilleas found himself hoping this social call would remain under the Prince Regent’s notice. He had been rather tiptoeing around the man, unwilling to give him further reason to criticise him, and though there should have been nothing remarkable about him visiting his cousin, Achilleas knew that did not mean it was so. Irakles had been in a foul mood since the embassy reception , and had spent many hours closeted away since. His elder son had marked well the visit of the Lords Leventi, Contos and Dimitrou and though his father had spoken not it him of its subject, Achilleas could not help but wonder what would require the presence of the three heads of houses. What had shifted that would demand such a hasty meet?
He did not sit when he was left in the receiving room to await the Princess Xene, but instead stood by the window that overlooked the gardens. Hands clasped behind his back, he gazed down on but did not really see the slaves that were busy at work tending to the shrubs and greenery that bordered the walkways, mind occupied elsewhere.
There were so many questions that needed answering, so much that made no sense, and rather than becoming clearer as time passed , there seemed only further layers of complication being added. Now, at a time where Tangea was in complete political disarray, with a regent already accused of treason, they now had the prospect of disgruntled Egyptians to deal with. He’d had an interesting conversation with a commander stationed out in the desert lands, and that had given him food for thought, but as Achilleas heard soft footfalls behind him and turned to look upon the Princess, he pushed such thoughts aside. This was not about that, this was his cousin, who had been left in a precarious position that she had done nothing to deserve.
“Your Highness” He offered a bow, drawing upright and looking at his cousin to see how she fared. Achilleas kept his expression neutral, though there had been whispers of over indulgence and unseeming behaviour from the eldest of the Princesses in the days gone by. “ Please forgive me not having called on you before now. Everything has been a little hectic since the senate meet.” His eyes rested upon his cousin, sincerity evident both his tone and in the concern than bled through onto his features despite his best efforts at remaining impassive..
Xene had silently cursed her cousin when she had first gotten the announcement that the man was calling on her. It was easy to let her resentment toward her uncle also encompass the very presence of of her own cousins. Men she had no real issue with whatsoever, but who were easy targets for her rage and resentment nevertheless. No, Achilleas didn’t deserve her frustration, but Xene was struggling with the concept and idea that maybe they had been involved with her brother’s house arrest and the muddying of his name.
The most frustrating part of that senate meeting had been all of the false accusations thrown at Stephanos. Accusations that Xene knew to be false because she had spent considerable amounts of time in Zacharias’ rooms after he had died. She had cleaned them herself and she had never found a single bloody anything anywhere. For all intents and purposes, it had simply felt as if Zacharias had just gone on a long trip. It hadn’t felt like he was dead. Save for the fact that his room had slowly settled with dust.
When the servant had slipped in to give her the message, Xene had promptly put her cup of wine down, growling to herself. It was best not to keep him waiting even if she was not inclined to have anything to do with him in that moment. She rose, brushed off her gown, and settled into a cool mask of welcome as she strode down the hall from her room and into the meeting space. The first glance of her cousin made rage roil in her stomach, her blue eyes narrowing with question.
At least he was being polite. Xene would give Achilleas that much. But she couldn’t really take his apology seriously. “Since the senate meeting where my brother was effectively ousted from his own throne by your father?” Xene asked without giving him so much as a proper greeting. Her guard had followed close behind her and she waved him out of the room to stand guard. “Make sure no one lingers,” she snapped over her shoulder at Heron, turning her gaze back to her cousin. “I’m not sure I can truly forgive you considering you’ve made no real effort to call on me since my father and brother died, Achilleas,” her expression softened a bit, but there was still a harsh bite of anger on her features.
“May I ask you what you’ve called on me for, or may I go back to my rooms to sulk in peace?” she questioned, “Unless it's important, I don’t feel I have much to say to you right now.”
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Xene had silently cursed her cousin when she had first gotten the announcement that the man was calling on her. It was easy to let her resentment toward her uncle also encompass the very presence of of her own cousins. Men she had no real issue with whatsoever, but who were easy targets for her rage and resentment nevertheless. No, Achilleas didn’t deserve her frustration, but Xene was struggling with the concept and idea that maybe they had been involved with her brother’s house arrest and the muddying of his name.
The most frustrating part of that senate meeting had been all of the false accusations thrown at Stephanos. Accusations that Xene knew to be false because she had spent considerable amounts of time in Zacharias’ rooms after he had died. She had cleaned them herself and she had never found a single bloody anything anywhere. For all intents and purposes, it had simply felt as if Zacharias had just gone on a long trip. It hadn’t felt like he was dead. Save for the fact that his room had slowly settled with dust.
When the servant had slipped in to give her the message, Xene had promptly put her cup of wine down, growling to herself. It was best not to keep him waiting even if she was not inclined to have anything to do with him in that moment. She rose, brushed off her gown, and settled into a cool mask of welcome as she strode down the hall from her room and into the meeting space. The first glance of her cousin made rage roil in her stomach, her blue eyes narrowing with question.
At least he was being polite. Xene would give Achilleas that much. But she couldn’t really take his apology seriously. “Since the senate meeting where my brother was effectively ousted from his own throne by your father?” Xene asked without giving him so much as a proper greeting. Her guard had followed close behind her and she waved him out of the room to stand guard. “Make sure no one lingers,” she snapped over her shoulder at Heron, turning her gaze back to her cousin. “I’m not sure I can truly forgive you considering you’ve made no real effort to call on me since my father and brother died, Achilleas,” her expression softened a bit, but there was still a harsh bite of anger on her features.
“May I ask you what you’ve called on me for, or may I go back to my rooms to sulk in peace?” she questioned, “Unless it's important, I don’t feel I have much to say to you right now.”
Xene had silently cursed her cousin when she had first gotten the announcement that the man was calling on her. It was easy to let her resentment toward her uncle also encompass the very presence of of her own cousins. Men she had no real issue with whatsoever, but who were easy targets for her rage and resentment nevertheless. No, Achilleas didn’t deserve her frustration, but Xene was struggling with the concept and idea that maybe they had been involved with her brother’s house arrest and the muddying of his name.
The most frustrating part of that senate meeting had been all of the false accusations thrown at Stephanos. Accusations that Xene knew to be false because she had spent considerable amounts of time in Zacharias’ rooms after he had died. She had cleaned them herself and she had never found a single bloody anything anywhere. For all intents and purposes, it had simply felt as if Zacharias had just gone on a long trip. It hadn’t felt like he was dead. Save for the fact that his room had slowly settled with dust.
When the servant had slipped in to give her the message, Xene had promptly put her cup of wine down, growling to herself. It was best not to keep him waiting even if she was not inclined to have anything to do with him in that moment. She rose, brushed off her gown, and settled into a cool mask of welcome as she strode down the hall from her room and into the meeting space. The first glance of her cousin made rage roil in her stomach, her blue eyes narrowing with question.
At least he was being polite. Xene would give Achilleas that much. But she couldn’t really take his apology seriously. “Since the senate meeting where my brother was effectively ousted from his own throne by your father?” Xene asked without giving him so much as a proper greeting. Her guard had followed close behind her and she waved him out of the room to stand guard. “Make sure no one lingers,” she snapped over her shoulder at Heron, turning her gaze back to her cousin. “I’m not sure I can truly forgive you considering you’ve made no real effort to call on me since my father and brother died, Achilleas,” her expression softened a bit, but there was still a harsh bite of anger on her features.
“May I ask you what you’ve called on me for, or may I go back to my rooms to sulk in peace?” she questioned, “Unless it's important, I don’t feel I have much to say to you right now.”
He had not bargained for being met with such hostility, and Achilleas looked briefly ruffled by Xene’s lack of greeting and blunt observation. But to his credit, he soon smoothed it away, dipped his head in acknowledgement for he could hardly refute her words. When he looked up again, he was glad to see his cousin dismiss the man that shadowed her everywhere. As it seemed the Princess was of no mind to mince her words, the Lord Mikaelidas would rather not have their family business discussed so openly in front of a man he did not know, not have reason to trust. He didn’t know who to trust in anything it seemed.
All he knew was that he had tried to show some modicum of support for his cousin at the senate meet, and it had cost him dear, making the reproach he could hear a rather bitter tonic to swallow.
Drawing in a breath, he was preparing to answer when Xene continued, and now he certainly felt as if he were being scolded, expression flickering a moment before his lips pressed together in a hard line. Perhaps her anger was warranted: it was true that he had kept his distance since the loss of the King and Crown Prince. But Achilleas was not stupid, he knew there was tension between his father and Stephanos, and that inevitably, he found himself in the shadow of the man’s actions. Indeed the King had even said that he had not wanted to see Achilleas when he had called on him a couple of weeks before.
So even as part of him could understand the Princess’ bite, he would not bear it without some attempt to vindicate himself. “ I can see that you are angry” he began, trying to buy himself some time even as he wondered what he had done to find himself so often on the front lines in dealing with overwrought females as of late.
“I understand. And I apologise for not coming sooner. But..” He lifted a hand to stop her interjecting “..you must know it is not for lack of concern. I find myself somehow on the wrong side of this new divide in our ranks, and I do not much care for it” He meant of course the animosity that had grown between Irakles and Stephanos and then exploded rather dramatically at the senate meet just days before.
“I didn’t know what he was planning” he said quietly, glancing briefly toward the door because he knew there were eyes and ears everywhere in the palati, and the last thing he needed to do was pour more fuel on the fire of his father’s discontent.
His posture had lost some of its formality as he made his entreaty to this woman who had been his childhoood playmate, and one of the few that he might have considered a friend at some point. It was difficult to maintain such claims nowadays, he had been often away, but still, there had been a bond there. Achilleas sighed. “Will your sulking do you any good?” he asked, less than willing to be so abruptly dismissed. “Stay Xene, for I’m here now. Tell me how you have fared in all of this?”
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He had not bargained for being met with such hostility, and Achilleas looked briefly ruffled by Xene’s lack of greeting and blunt observation. But to his credit, he soon smoothed it away, dipped his head in acknowledgement for he could hardly refute her words. When he looked up again, he was glad to see his cousin dismiss the man that shadowed her everywhere. As it seemed the Princess was of no mind to mince her words, the Lord Mikaelidas would rather not have their family business discussed so openly in front of a man he did not know, not have reason to trust. He didn’t know who to trust in anything it seemed.
All he knew was that he had tried to show some modicum of support for his cousin at the senate meet, and it had cost him dear, making the reproach he could hear a rather bitter tonic to swallow.
Drawing in a breath, he was preparing to answer when Xene continued, and now he certainly felt as if he were being scolded, expression flickering a moment before his lips pressed together in a hard line. Perhaps her anger was warranted: it was true that he had kept his distance since the loss of the King and Crown Prince. But Achilleas was not stupid, he knew there was tension between his father and Stephanos, and that inevitably, he found himself in the shadow of the man’s actions. Indeed the King had even said that he had not wanted to see Achilleas when he had called on him a couple of weeks before.
So even as part of him could understand the Princess’ bite, he would not bear it without some attempt to vindicate himself. “ I can see that you are angry” he began, trying to buy himself some time even as he wondered what he had done to find himself so often on the front lines in dealing with overwrought females as of late.
“I understand. And I apologise for not coming sooner. But..” He lifted a hand to stop her interjecting “..you must know it is not for lack of concern. I find myself somehow on the wrong side of this new divide in our ranks, and I do not much care for it” He meant of course the animosity that had grown between Irakles and Stephanos and then exploded rather dramatically at the senate meet just days before.
“I didn’t know what he was planning” he said quietly, glancing briefly toward the door because he knew there were eyes and ears everywhere in the palati, and the last thing he needed to do was pour more fuel on the fire of his father’s discontent.
His posture had lost some of its formality as he made his entreaty to this woman who had been his childhoood playmate, and one of the few that he might have considered a friend at some point. It was difficult to maintain such claims nowadays, he had been often away, but still, there had been a bond there. Achilleas sighed. “Will your sulking do you any good?” he asked, less than willing to be so abruptly dismissed. “Stay Xene, for I’m here now. Tell me how you have fared in all of this?”
He had not bargained for being met with such hostility, and Achilleas looked briefly ruffled by Xene’s lack of greeting and blunt observation. But to his credit, he soon smoothed it away, dipped his head in acknowledgement for he could hardly refute her words. When he looked up again, he was glad to see his cousin dismiss the man that shadowed her everywhere. As it seemed the Princess was of no mind to mince her words, the Lord Mikaelidas would rather not have their family business discussed so openly in front of a man he did not know, not have reason to trust. He didn’t know who to trust in anything it seemed.
All he knew was that he had tried to show some modicum of support for his cousin at the senate meet, and it had cost him dear, making the reproach he could hear a rather bitter tonic to swallow.
Drawing in a breath, he was preparing to answer when Xene continued, and now he certainly felt as if he were being scolded, expression flickering a moment before his lips pressed together in a hard line. Perhaps her anger was warranted: it was true that he had kept his distance since the loss of the King and Crown Prince. But Achilleas was not stupid, he knew there was tension between his father and Stephanos, and that inevitably, he found himself in the shadow of the man’s actions. Indeed the King had even said that he had not wanted to see Achilleas when he had called on him a couple of weeks before.
So even as part of him could understand the Princess’ bite, he would not bear it without some attempt to vindicate himself. “ I can see that you are angry” he began, trying to buy himself some time even as he wondered what he had done to find himself so often on the front lines in dealing with overwrought females as of late.
“I understand. And I apologise for not coming sooner. But..” He lifted a hand to stop her interjecting “..you must know it is not for lack of concern. I find myself somehow on the wrong side of this new divide in our ranks, and I do not much care for it” He meant of course the animosity that had grown between Irakles and Stephanos and then exploded rather dramatically at the senate meet just days before.
“I didn’t know what he was planning” he said quietly, glancing briefly toward the door because he knew there were eyes and ears everywhere in the palati, and the last thing he needed to do was pour more fuel on the fire of his father’s discontent.
His posture had lost some of its formality as he made his entreaty to this woman who had been his childhoood playmate, and one of the few that he might have considered a friend at some point. It was difficult to maintain such claims nowadays, he had been often away, but still, there had been a bond there. Achilleas sighed. “Will your sulking do you any good?” he asked, less than willing to be so abruptly dismissed. “Stay Xene, for I’m here now. Tell me how you have fared in all of this?”
Her old playmate had made his point in recent weeks. The lack of company or question for any of the Mikaelidas ladies was… blatant. The men fell into a war amongst themselves and the ladies, the queen included, were simply left to pick up the pieces. To worry on the sidelines because the fates gave every indication that there was nothing any of them could do. Women were not allowed to speak in the senate, and though Xene held considerable clout with many a politician, even her words would have held little weight against that of Spare Prince Irakles.
But Xene knew. Xene knew that all of that evidence was false. A stain against her brother's honor and reputation that he played absolutely no hand in creating. And now they were all paying for it. With Stephanos ousted, it honestly left Xene, Gianna, and Elise… with few protections against Irakles. It was true, Xene had employed the largest guard she could find, her true reasonings notwithstanding. However, one guard would do nothing against four, or five, or twenty.
"A new divide that you know none of us created. Neither you, nor I, nor even Gianna deserved the treatment we have garnered," Xene said softer than before, breathing out a slow, measured breath to keep herself calm. Everything in her reminded her that calm brought less attention to herself in the grand scheme of things. And the princess wanted to be a shadow at this moment in time. "We could have used you, Achilleas. Nevermind your wedding planning or your barony, you have been in the city and you have been silent."
It hurt more than anything simply because Xene had always thought them close.
Letting her arms rest at her sides, Xene glanced around the room, knowing this was not really the place to speak of such things. Especially when it came to her own doubts. But she knew Heron and she knew her ladies in waiting. She knew the servants surrounding this room, warding off guards and causing minute distractions everywhere she went were her own confidants. But still, this was not the place to speak on the matter of Prince Irakles. "Perhaps this is not the place, cousin," Xene said calmly, offering him her arm. "Maybe a walk in the gardens would suit the two of us better? It's awfully stuffy in the solar rooms," she would make a scene of it to be sure that both of their backs were covered. Heron seemed to twist back into the room, giving a nod of affirmation that he would not be far behind.
"I have fared as well as I have been able, cousin. Come," she nodded out toward the gardens once more, "I can tell you everything," Heron straightened in the corner of her eye, "While we take some air." The princess was not inclined to leave herself open to be heard by people she didn't frust, and judging by the look on Achilleas' expression, he seemed to have something to get off his chest as well. Perhaps they could help one another.
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Her old playmate had made his point in recent weeks. The lack of company or question for any of the Mikaelidas ladies was… blatant. The men fell into a war amongst themselves and the ladies, the queen included, were simply left to pick up the pieces. To worry on the sidelines because the fates gave every indication that there was nothing any of them could do. Women were not allowed to speak in the senate, and though Xene held considerable clout with many a politician, even her words would have held little weight against that of Spare Prince Irakles.
But Xene knew. Xene knew that all of that evidence was false. A stain against her brother's honor and reputation that he played absolutely no hand in creating. And now they were all paying for it. With Stephanos ousted, it honestly left Xene, Gianna, and Elise… with few protections against Irakles. It was true, Xene had employed the largest guard she could find, her true reasonings notwithstanding. However, one guard would do nothing against four, or five, or twenty.
"A new divide that you know none of us created. Neither you, nor I, nor even Gianna deserved the treatment we have garnered," Xene said softer than before, breathing out a slow, measured breath to keep herself calm. Everything in her reminded her that calm brought less attention to herself in the grand scheme of things. And the princess wanted to be a shadow at this moment in time. "We could have used you, Achilleas. Nevermind your wedding planning or your barony, you have been in the city and you have been silent."
It hurt more than anything simply because Xene had always thought them close.
Letting her arms rest at her sides, Xene glanced around the room, knowing this was not really the place to speak of such things. Especially when it came to her own doubts. But she knew Heron and she knew her ladies in waiting. She knew the servants surrounding this room, warding off guards and causing minute distractions everywhere she went were her own confidants. But still, this was not the place to speak on the matter of Prince Irakles. "Perhaps this is not the place, cousin," Xene said calmly, offering him her arm. "Maybe a walk in the gardens would suit the two of us better? It's awfully stuffy in the solar rooms," she would make a scene of it to be sure that both of their backs were covered. Heron seemed to twist back into the room, giving a nod of affirmation that he would not be far behind.
"I have fared as well as I have been able, cousin. Come," she nodded out toward the gardens once more, "I can tell you everything," Heron straightened in the corner of her eye, "While we take some air." The princess was not inclined to leave herself open to be heard by people she didn't frust, and judging by the look on Achilleas' expression, he seemed to have something to get off his chest as well. Perhaps they could help one another.
Her old playmate had made his point in recent weeks. The lack of company or question for any of the Mikaelidas ladies was… blatant. The men fell into a war amongst themselves and the ladies, the queen included, were simply left to pick up the pieces. To worry on the sidelines because the fates gave every indication that there was nothing any of them could do. Women were not allowed to speak in the senate, and though Xene held considerable clout with many a politician, even her words would have held little weight against that of Spare Prince Irakles.
But Xene knew. Xene knew that all of that evidence was false. A stain against her brother's honor and reputation that he played absolutely no hand in creating. And now they were all paying for it. With Stephanos ousted, it honestly left Xene, Gianna, and Elise… with few protections against Irakles. It was true, Xene had employed the largest guard she could find, her true reasonings notwithstanding. However, one guard would do nothing against four, or five, or twenty.
"A new divide that you know none of us created. Neither you, nor I, nor even Gianna deserved the treatment we have garnered," Xene said softer than before, breathing out a slow, measured breath to keep herself calm. Everything in her reminded her that calm brought less attention to herself in the grand scheme of things. And the princess wanted to be a shadow at this moment in time. "We could have used you, Achilleas. Nevermind your wedding planning or your barony, you have been in the city and you have been silent."
It hurt more than anything simply because Xene had always thought them close.
Letting her arms rest at her sides, Xene glanced around the room, knowing this was not really the place to speak of such things. Especially when it came to her own doubts. But she knew Heron and she knew her ladies in waiting. She knew the servants surrounding this room, warding off guards and causing minute distractions everywhere she went were her own confidants. But still, this was not the place to speak on the matter of Prince Irakles. "Perhaps this is not the place, cousin," Xene said calmly, offering him her arm. "Maybe a walk in the gardens would suit the two of us better? It's awfully stuffy in the solar rooms," she would make a scene of it to be sure that both of their backs were covered. Heron seemed to twist back into the room, giving a nod of affirmation that he would not be far behind.
"I have fared as well as I have been able, cousin. Come," she nodded out toward the gardens once more, "I can tell you everything," Heron straightened in the corner of her eye, "While we take some air." The princess was not inclined to leave herself open to be heard by people she didn't frust, and judging by the look on Achilleas' expression, he seemed to have something to get off his chest as well. Perhaps they could help one another.
There was little Achilleas could say in his defence, and whilst Xene included him in her party of those wronged by the current state of affairs, the lord knew he had been remiss in not having come before. Finding himself quite unable to hold his cousin’s gaze, Achilleas glanced away and set his jaw. He had perhaps become too embroiled in Theo, in this pettiness with Irakles, and less of a support for the woman before him that he should have been.
“And I am sorry for that” he said Xene fell silent and left her words heavy in the quiet. There was little else he could do other than apologise. But he was here now, and though he balanced on a fine edge in trying to be there for his cousins whilst avoiding aggravating his father, Achilleas was hopeful he could do both.
There was an awkward silence as he wondered if his contrition would be enough or if Xene would make good on her threat just to return to her quarters, and Achilleas gave a small nod of thanks when she relented. He took her arm easily when it were offered, eyebrows lifting just a little at her elaboration, but he understood well enough. He had no need to have their conversation whispered about in corridors or become source for gossip. Indeed, he’d had rather his fair share of gossip at the reception with that damned bard and his unhelpful compositions, the echo of which was still enough to set his teeth on edge.
“Of course. To the gardens then”. Achilleas had a dozen questions on the tip of his tongue but he kept quiet until they had found their way out into the sunlight, to walk amongst the beautifully landscaped grounds of the palati where words would be lost amongst the whisper of the wind through the branches of the olive and fig trees. Then he turned to look at Xene as they walked, noting the slight pallor and the tension that sat over her features like a veil. He should not be surprised. Recent events had put her and Gianna especially in a shaky position.
“Have you seen him?” he asked, of her brother, the disgraced King. When he had spoken to Emilios last, he had not managed to see Stephanos, and there was little chance of Irakles having passed word of the man’s wellbeing on. Theodora had been so convinced of her sister’s fear, it nagged at him unrelentingly, and his mangled efforts at getting some reassurance out of his father had not at all helped.
It did not sit comfortably with Achilleas to question him, he had spent too many years trying to win the man’s approval for that, but even he was not so dazzled as to be blind to how outlandish the charges against Stephanos seemed. But there was nothing to be said without proof that could refute the claims laid at the King’s feet, and Achilleas was not close enough to it to have any. His brows drew together in a frown as he pondered how much of his own reservation he was willing to share, and he decided then that he would let Xene speak instead. At least for now.
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There was little Achilleas could say in his defence, and whilst Xene included him in her party of those wronged by the current state of affairs, the lord knew he had been remiss in not having come before. Finding himself quite unable to hold his cousin’s gaze, Achilleas glanced away and set his jaw. He had perhaps become too embroiled in Theo, in this pettiness with Irakles, and less of a support for the woman before him that he should have been.
“And I am sorry for that” he said Xene fell silent and left her words heavy in the quiet. There was little else he could do other than apologise. But he was here now, and though he balanced on a fine edge in trying to be there for his cousins whilst avoiding aggravating his father, Achilleas was hopeful he could do both.
There was an awkward silence as he wondered if his contrition would be enough or if Xene would make good on her threat just to return to her quarters, and Achilleas gave a small nod of thanks when she relented. He took her arm easily when it were offered, eyebrows lifting just a little at her elaboration, but he understood well enough. He had no need to have their conversation whispered about in corridors or become source for gossip. Indeed, he’d had rather his fair share of gossip at the reception with that damned bard and his unhelpful compositions, the echo of which was still enough to set his teeth on edge.
“Of course. To the gardens then”. Achilleas had a dozen questions on the tip of his tongue but he kept quiet until they had found their way out into the sunlight, to walk amongst the beautifully landscaped grounds of the palati where words would be lost amongst the whisper of the wind through the branches of the olive and fig trees. Then he turned to look at Xene as they walked, noting the slight pallor and the tension that sat over her features like a veil. He should not be surprised. Recent events had put her and Gianna especially in a shaky position.
“Have you seen him?” he asked, of her brother, the disgraced King. When he had spoken to Emilios last, he had not managed to see Stephanos, and there was little chance of Irakles having passed word of the man’s wellbeing on. Theodora had been so convinced of her sister’s fear, it nagged at him unrelentingly, and his mangled efforts at getting some reassurance out of his father had not at all helped.
It did not sit comfortably with Achilleas to question him, he had spent too many years trying to win the man’s approval for that, but even he was not so dazzled as to be blind to how outlandish the charges against Stephanos seemed. But there was nothing to be said without proof that could refute the claims laid at the King’s feet, and Achilleas was not close enough to it to have any. His brows drew together in a frown as he pondered how much of his own reservation he was willing to share, and he decided then that he would let Xene speak instead. At least for now.
There was little Achilleas could say in his defence, and whilst Xene included him in her party of those wronged by the current state of affairs, the lord knew he had been remiss in not having come before. Finding himself quite unable to hold his cousin’s gaze, Achilleas glanced away and set his jaw. He had perhaps become too embroiled in Theo, in this pettiness with Irakles, and less of a support for the woman before him that he should have been.
“And I am sorry for that” he said Xene fell silent and left her words heavy in the quiet. There was little else he could do other than apologise. But he was here now, and though he balanced on a fine edge in trying to be there for his cousins whilst avoiding aggravating his father, Achilleas was hopeful he could do both.
There was an awkward silence as he wondered if his contrition would be enough or if Xene would make good on her threat just to return to her quarters, and Achilleas gave a small nod of thanks when she relented. He took her arm easily when it were offered, eyebrows lifting just a little at her elaboration, but he understood well enough. He had no need to have their conversation whispered about in corridors or become source for gossip. Indeed, he’d had rather his fair share of gossip at the reception with that damned bard and his unhelpful compositions, the echo of which was still enough to set his teeth on edge.
“Of course. To the gardens then”. Achilleas had a dozen questions on the tip of his tongue but he kept quiet until they had found their way out into the sunlight, to walk amongst the beautifully landscaped grounds of the palati where words would be lost amongst the whisper of the wind through the branches of the olive and fig trees. Then he turned to look at Xene as they walked, noting the slight pallor and the tension that sat over her features like a veil. He should not be surprised. Recent events had put her and Gianna especially in a shaky position.
“Have you seen him?” he asked, of her brother, the disgraced King. When he had spoken to Emilios last, he had not managed to see Stephanos, and there was little chance of Irakles having passed word of the man’s wellbeing on. Theodora had been so convinced of her sister’s fear, it nagged at him unrelentingly, and his mangled efforts at getting some reassurance out of his father had not at all helped.
It did not sit comfortably with Achilleas to question him, he had spent too many years trying to win the man’s approval for that, but even he was not so dazzled as to be blind to how outlandish the charges against Stephanos seemed. But there was nothing to be said without proof that could refute the claims laid at the King’s feet, and Achilleas was not close enough to it to have any. His brows drew together in a frown as he pondered how much of his own reservation he was willing to share, and he decided then that he would let Xene speak instead. At least for now.
Despite the relative safety that Xene felt inside of the Palati, she couldn't help but feel like she and her sister were now under extreme scrutiny. Watched by watchful eyes even Xene would not notice. There were numerous places to hide and numerous ways to keep tabs on an individual. It was enough to make the princess paranoid, which was part of the reasons she had remained in her rooms for so long as of late. Drinking and remaining under the radar, nursing the wounds left by the Senate meet, seemed a better idea than being followed.
Because no one was allowed into Xene's rooms save for her sister, herself, her guard, and her ladies. People she knew beyond anything were not working against her. Even the majority of her little birds did not get past the threshold.
With Achilleas' arm in her own, the two moved together into the gardens. A soft breeze caught her golden locks, sending a few of them into her face. Pulling them away with her fingers, Xene watched the fountain ahead of them. The question of her brother was not lost on her but she was not ready to speak on the subject just yet. Until she knew that they were out of earshot of anyone else and they were standing in an area too wide for anyone to hide and hear anything they said.
"No. The last time I saw him was when he was dragged from the Senate," Xene said firmly, her brows furrowed. Swallowing a sharp sigh, the princess released her cousins arm and turned to face him head on. "Achilleas, if I might be honest with you. In full confidence that this does not leave your lips in any regard… The evidence against Stephanos was baseless. You were in full right to disagree with the words of your father because I went into Zacharias' rooms, cousin. There was absolutely nothing there to suggest that anything happened there. I cleaned the area myself, searched every inch. It was just as Zacharias would have left it on any normal day," it all came out in a rush, her expression conveying her complete frustration with the situation. "Stephanos had nothing to do with the murders. He never wanted the crown to begin with. He would not have done any of this…"
The rush of emotion, the frustration, the grief. There were tears streaking down her cheeks before she realized it. With her hands flying up to her face, she wiped them sharply away, sniffling softly and swallowing the negativity she had been avoiding for months now. "Stephanos is innocent. I know it in my heart," Xene said quietly, tearing her gaze from her cousin's face. "But I hold no power in the Senate. My hands are tied and I'm afraid that even my sway with some of the senators would not yield results."
For the moment, it seemed as if she was seeking counsel from him, something she had rarely done in their lives. "Your father is making your life difficult, isn't he?" she asked then, biting down on her bottom lip.
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Despite the relative safety that Xene felt inside of the Palati, she couldn't help but feel like she and her sister were now under extreme scrutiny. Watched by watchful eyes even Xene would not notice. There were numerous places to hide and numerous ways to keep tabs on an individual. It was enough to make the princess paranoid, which was part of the reasons she had remained in her rooms for so long as of late. Drinking and remaining under the radar, nursing the wounds left by the Senate meet, seemed a better idea than being followed.
Because no one was allowed into Xene's rooms save for her sister, herself, her guard, and her ladies. People she knew beyond anything were not working against her. Even the majority of her little birds did not get past the threshold.
With Achilleas' arm in her own, the two moved together into the gardens. A soft breeze caught her golden locks, sending a few of them into her face. Pulling them away with her fingers, Xene watched the fountain ahead of them. The question of her brother was not lost on her but she was not ready to speak on the subject just yet. Until she knew that they were out of earshot of anyone else and they were standing in an area too wide for anyone to hide and hear anything they said.
"No. The last time I saw him was when he was dragged from the Senate," Xene said firmly, her brows furrowed. Swallowing a sharp sigh, the princess released her cousins arm and turned to face him head on. "Achilleas, if I might be honest with you. In full confidence that this does not leave your lips in any regard… The evidence against Stephanos was baseless. You were in full right to disagree with the words of your father because I went into Zacharias' rooms, cousin. There was absolutely nothing there to suggest that anything happened there. I cleaned the area myself, searched every inch. It was just as Zacharias would have left it on any normal day," it all came out in a rush, her expression conveying her complete frustration with the situation. "Stephanos had nothing to do with the murders. He never wanted the crown to begin with. He would not have done any of this…"
The rush of emotion, the frustration, the grief. There were tears streaking down her cheeks before she realized it. With her hands flying up to her face, she wiped them sharply away, sniffling softly and swallowing the negativity she had been avoiding for months now. "Stephanos is innocent. I know it in my heart," Xene said quietly, tearing her gaze from her cousin's face. "But I hold no power in the Senate. My hands are tied and I'm afraid that even my sway with some of the senators would not yield results."
For the moment, it seemed as if she was seeking counsel from him, something she had rarely done in their lives. "Your father is making your life difficult, isn't he?" she asked then, biting down on her bottom lip.
Despite the relative safety that Xene felt inside of the Palati, she couldn't help but feel like she and her sister were now under extreme scrutiny. Watched by watchful eyes even Xene would not notice. There were numerous places to hide and numerous ways to keep tabs on an individual. It was enough to make the princess paranoid, which was part of the reasons she had remained in her rooms for so long as of late. Drinking and remaining under the radar, nursing the wounds left by the Senate meet, seemed a better idea than being followed.
Because no one was allowed into Xene's rooms save for her sister, herself, her guard, and her ladies. People she knew beyond anything were not working against her. Even the majority of her little birds did not get past the threshold.
With Achilleas' arm in her own, the two moved together into the gardens. A soft breeze caught her golden locks, sending a few of them into her face. Pulling them away with her fingers, Xene watched the fountain ahead of them. The question of her brother was not lost on her but she was not ready to speak on the subject just yet. Until she knew that they were out of earshot of anyone else and they were standing in an area too wide for anyone to hide and hear anything they said.
"No. The last time I saw him was when he was dragged from the Senate," Xene said firmly, her brows furrowed. Swallowing a sharp sigh, the princess released her cousins arm and turned to face him head on. "Achilleas, if I might be honest with you. In full confidence that this does not leave your lips in any regard… The evidence against Stephanos was baseless. You were in full right to disagree with the words of your father because I went into Zacharias' rooms, cousin. There was absolutely nothing there to suggest that anything happened there. I cleaned the area myself, searched every inch. It was just as Zacharias would have left it on any normal day," it all came out in a rush, her expression conveying her complete frustration with the situation. "Stephanos had nothing to do with the murders. He never wanted the crown to begin with. He would not have done any of this…"
The rush of emotion, the frustration, the grief. There were tears streaking down her cheeks before she realized it. With her hands flying up to her face, she wiped them sharply away, sniffling softly and swallowing the negativity she had been avoiding for months now. "Stephanos is innocent. I know it in my heart," Xene said quietly, tearing her gaze from her cousin's face. "But I hold no power in the Senate. My hands are tied and I'm afraid that even my sway with some of the senators would not yield results."
For the moment, it seemed as if she was seeking counsel from him, something she had rarely done in their lives. "Your father is making your life difficult, isn't he?" she asked then, biting down on her bottom lip.
The silence following his question of Stephanos worried him, and Achilleas was hard pressed not to pull her to a halt and demand some answer. But he knew better than to do anything that might approach causing a scene. He was quite keen for this visit to fly under his father’s notice, and it most certainly would not do if that were the case. And eventually, when she deemed they had drawn deep enough into the seclusion of the palati gardens, Xene gave him his answer anyway. It was not the one he had wanted.
“Have you tried to see him?” he asked, a little reproach showing through his words though he tried to keep it in check. But his cousin stopped and turned to face him, and her next words cut straight to the heart of the matter so he could little but stare down at her and listen. With a nod to promise her his silence, he watched Xene as she went on to eviscerate the testimony of the palace maid and felt his stomach twist. Lies then. Not a surprise, and he should have been glad to hear something that spoke in Stephanos’ favour, but Achilleas was left thinking about what that meant.
Either it was as Theodora had suggested and his father had been deceived by a plot put together to discredit the king, or..or he was entrenched in it. He didn’t want to believe it, did not want to think that the man would turn on his own blood, but the thought was insidious and crept around everything he was coming to know about the events of the past weeks, making him doubt everything.
He focused on Xene again and noted that at some point she had begun crying, tears streaking down her too-pale cheeks and Achilleas half lifted a hand in comfort but then let it fall back to his side, clearing his throat. He did not know what to do with tears, nor with the tumble of emotions that seemed to come with them. He was glad when his cousin swept her hands over her face and sought her composure again, felt his shoulders which had tightened relax a little once more.
He shook his head a fraction as she spoke of the Senate, his gaze meeting hers for a moment. “Without proof, Xene, we can do nothing”. And then his expression shuttered, his gaze slid away and the lord blew out a breath. “I defied the man before the whole senate, of course he is angry with me” Achilleas replied. “I knew he would be. It is of no matter and not for you to worry yourself about” And now he did rest a hand upon her shoulder, squeezing lightly as he made his point.
“But Xene, unless you can produce an alibi for Stephanos, there will be no point in anyone going to the senate with what you have told me. Whomever….” he paused there, aware of how redundant she would think his vaguary. “...whoever is trying to smear your brother presented a compelling story. You would only be drawing unwanted attention to yourself to go against them without real proof.”
He broke off there, let his hand drop back to his side and took a deep breath. The implications of what Xene said, of what Theodora had told him. He could not begin to imagine how they could unravel such a carefully woven web, and more to the point, not risk provoking those involved if they did so. Stepping closer, he leant down so his mouth was close to her ear, not trusting even their seclusion.
“You must try and see your brother” he said, voice low. “Only he knows where he was that night..if he can tell you that then we have a starting point at least”
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The silence following his question of Stephanos worried him, and Achilleas was hard pressed not to pull her to a halt and demand some answer. But he knew better than to do anything that might approach causing a scene. He was quite keen for this visit to fly under his father’s notice, and it most certainly would not do if that were the case. And eventually, when she deemed they had drawn deep enough into the seclusion of the palati gardens, Xene gave him his answer anyway. It was not the one he had wanted.
“Have you tried to see him?” he asked, a little reproach showing through his words though he tried to keep it in check. But his cousin stopped and turned to face him, and her next words cut straight to the heart of the matter so he could little but stare down at her and listen. With a nod to promise her his silence, he watched Xene as she went on to eviscerate the testimony of the palace maid and felt his stomach twist. Lies then. Not a surprise, and he should have been glad to hear something that spoke in Stephanos’ favour, but Achilleas was left thinking about what that meant.
Either it was as Theodora had suggested and his father had been deceived by a plot put together to discredit the king, or..or he was entrenched in it. He didn’t want to believe it, did not want to think that the man would turn on his own blood, but the thought was insidious and crept around everything he was coming to know about the events of the past weeks, making him doubt everything.
He focused on Xene again and noted that at some point she had begun crying, tears streaking down her too-pale cheeks and Achilleas half lifted a hand in comfort but then let it fall back to his side, clearing his throat. He did not know what to do with tears, nor with the tumble of emotions that seemed to come with them. He was glad when his cousin swept her hands over her face and sought her composure again, felt his shoulders which had tightened relax a little once more.
He shook his head a fraction as she spoke of the Senate, his gaze meeting hers for a moment. “Without proof, Xene, we can do nothing”. And then his expression shuttered, his gaze slid away and the lord blew out a breath. “I defied the man before the whole senate, of course he is angry with me” Achilleas replied. “I knew he would be. It is of no matter and not for you to worry yourself about” And now he did rest a hand upon her shoulder, squeezing lightly as he made his point.
“But Xene, unless you can produce an alibi for Stephanos, there will be no point in anyone going to the senate with what you have told me. Whomever….” he paused there, aware of how redundant she would think his vaguary. “...whoever is trying to smear your brother presented a compelling story. You would only be drawing unwanted attention to yourself to go against them without real proof.”
He broke off there, let his hand drop back to his side and took a deep breath. The implications of what Xene said, of what Theodora had told him. He could not begin to imagine how they could unravel such a carefully woven web, and more to the point, not risk provoking those involved if they did so. Stepping closer, he leant down so his mouth was close to her ear, not trusting even their seclusion.
“You must try and see your brother” he said, voice low. “Only he knows where he was that night..if he can tell you that then we have a starting point at least”
The silence following his question of Stephanos worried him, and Achilleas was hard pressed not to pull her to a halt and demand some answer. But he knew better than to do anything that might approach causing a scene. He was quite keen for this visit to fly under his father’s notice, and it most certainly would not do if that were the case. And eventually, when she deemed they had drawn deep enough into the seclusion of the palati gardens, Xene gave him his answer anyway. It was not the one he had wanted.
“Have you tried to see him?” he asked, a little reproach showing through his words though he tried to keep it in check. But his cousin stopped and turned to face him, and her next words cut straight to the heart of the matter so he could little but stare down at her and listen. With a nod to promise her his silence, he watched Xene as she went on to eviscerate the testimony of the palace maid and felt his stomach twist. Lies then. Not a surprise, and he should have been glad to hear something that spoke in Stephanos’ favour, but Achilleas was left thinking about what that meant.
Either it was as Theodora had suggested and his father had been deceived by a plot put together to discredit the king, or..or he was entrenched in it. He didn’t want to believe it, did not want to think that the man would turn on his own blood, but the thought was insidious and crept around everything he was coming to know about the events of the past weeks, making him doubt everything.
He focused on Xene again and noted that at some point she had begun crying, tears streaking down her too-pale cheeks and Achilleas half lifted a hand in comfort but then let it fall back to his side, clearing his throat. He did not know what to do with tears, nor with the tumble of emotions that seemed to come with them. He was glad when his cousin swept her hands over her face and sought her composure again, felt his shoulders which had tightened relax a little once more.
He shook his head a fraction as she spoke of the Senate, his gaze meeting hers for a moment. “Without proof, Xene, we can do nothing”. And then his expression shuttered, his gaze slid away and the lord blew out a breath. “I defied the man before the whole senate, of course he is angry with me” Achilleas replied. “I knew he would be. It is of no matter and not for you to worry yourself about” And now he did rest a hand upon her shoulder, squeezing lightly as he made his point.
“But Xene, unless you can produce an alibi for Stephanos, there will be no point in anyone going to the senate with what you have told me. Whomever….” he paused there, aware of how redundant she would think his vaguary. “...whoever is trying to smear your brother presented a compelling story. You would only be drawing unwanted attention to yourself to go against them without real proof.”
He broke off there, let his hand drop back to his side and took a deep breath. The implications of what Xene said, of what Theodora had told him. He could not begin to imagine how they could unravel such a carefully woven web, and more to the point, not risk provoking those involved if they did so. Stepping closer, he leant down so his mouth was close to her ear, not trusting even their seclusion.
“You must try and see your brother” he said, voice low. “Only he knows where he was that night..if he can tell you that then we have a starting point at least”
Xene felt her breath come out with extreme heaviness. As if it was somewhat harder to breathe when faced with the fact that, no, she hadn't seen Stephanos since the senate meeting. The princess was not entirely sure how to even approach her brother, let alone have a conversation with him about such a sensitive topic when he was under house arrest. It seemed a more dangerous venture than she should really deign to put herself through.
Then again, this was her brother. If she could put forth even the slighest bit of doubt within the senate to potentially get Stephanos off the hook, wasn't it her duty to do so? Despite the danger or what the outcome might be? Of course, her brother could end up throwing her out of his rooms for even trying. But he had no freedoms. They had been stripped from him.
Xene had the ability to go wherever, whenever, with little question to her actions. At least for now. Depending on what she did from here on out would determine how much freedom she truly had in her own home. She wouldn't put it past her Uncle to make her life a living hell in the same way that she was making Achilleas', Stephanos', and Olympia's.
So everything needed to be discreet.
Brushing her hands against the front of her gown in order to rid herself of the salty tears at her fingertips, the princess eyed her cousin carefully. Her blue eyes seemed contemplative and calculating. There was a number of things that, together, Achilleas and Xene could do in order to try and bring Stephanos back into the good graces fo the Kingdom. Especially since he was guilty of little more than sleeping around and drinking just a little too much.
"You are a man with your own thoughts and desires," Xene noted carefully, "You are not required to agree with your father on every aspect. Especially when you are in the Senate precicely because you are, by law, required to be able to cast your own vote. That does not require you to stand in line with the votes of your own family members," she pointed out, narrowing her blue gaze at him, "But, I suppose it does require you to take your punishment for not doing so. As twisted and corrupt as that line of thinking is."
Shaking her golden curls, Xene glanced away toward the fountain, seeming deep in thought once more. "I don't think I had ever seen that servant before," Xene finally murmured, "None of my spies in the palati have noticed her before, either," her gaze flicked back to her cousin, "Whether they just weren't paying as keen attention as I pay them for or she was planted is another story," the princess hummed, lifting her chin in the slightest bit of mental defiance against her uncle. Who was not present at this moment. Still, her stubbornness was not wasted.
"I will speak to my brother," the princess finally noted, breathing through her nose. "But what do you propose I do with the information that he gives me? Are you to help me try and sway the minds of the senate or am I on my own, cousin? You haven't just come here to check in on me if you're asking about Stephanos. I need to know if you're going to remain complacent or if your concern runs deeper than sheer curiosity."
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Xene felt her breath come out with extreme heaviness. As if it was somewhat harder to breathe when faced with the fact that, no, she hadn't seen Stephanos since the senate meeting. The princess was not entirely sure how to even approach her brother, let alone have a conversation with him about such a sensitive topic when he was under house arrest. It seemed a more dangerous venture than she should really deign to put herself through.
Then again, this was her brother. If she could put forth even the slighest bit of doubt within the senate to potentially get Stephanos off the hook, wasn't it her duty to do so? Despite the danger or what the outcome might be? Of course, her brother could end up throwing her out of his rooms for even trying. But he had no freedoms. They had been stripped from him.
Xene had the ability to go wherever, whenever, with little question to her actions. At least for now. Depending on what she did from here on out would determine how much freedom she truly had in her own home. She wouldn't put it past her Uncle to make her life a living hell in the same way that she was making Achilleas', Stephanos', and Olympia's.
So everything needed to be discreet.
Brushing her hands against the front of her gown in order to rid herself of the salty tears at her fingertips, the princess eyed her cousin carefully. Her blue eyes seemed contemplative and calculating. There was a number of things that, together, Achilleas and Xene could do in order to try and bring Stephanos back into the good graces fo the Kingdom. Especially since he was guilty of little more than sleeping around and drinking just a little too much.
"You are a man with your own thoughts and desires," Xene noted carefully, "You are not required to agree with your father on every aspect. Especially when you are in the Senate precicely because you are, by law, required to be able to cast your own vote. That does not require you to stand in line with the votes of your own family members," she pointed out, narrowing her blue gaze at him, "But, I suppose it does require you to take your punishment for not doing so. As twisted and corrupt as that line of thinking is."
Shaking her golden curls, Xene glanced away toward the fountain, seeming deep in thought once more. "I don't think I had ever seen that servant before," Xene finally murmured, "None of my spies in the palati have noticed her before, either," her gaze flicked back to her cousin, "Whether they just weren't paying as keen attention as I pay them for or she was planted is another story," the princess hummed, lifting her chin in the slightest bit of mental defiance against her uncle. Who was not present at this moment. Still, her stubbornness was not wasted.
"I will speak to my brother," the princess finally noted, breathing through her nose. "But what do you propose I do with the information that he gives me? Are you to help me try and sway the minds of the senate or am I on my own, cousin? You haven't just come here to check in on me if you're asking about Stephanos. I need to know if you're going to remain complacent or if your concern runs deeper than sheer curiosity."
Xene felt her breath come out with extreme heaviness. As if it was somewhat harder to breathe when faced with the fact that, no, she hadn't seen Stephanos since the senate meeting. The princess was not entirely sure how to even approach her brother, let alone have a conversation with him about such a sensitive topic when he was under house arrest. It seemed a more dangerous venture than she should really deign to put herself through.
Then again, this was her brother. If she could put forth even the slighest bit of doubt within the senate to potentially get Stephanos off the hook, wasn't it her duty to do so? Despite the danger or what the outcome might be? Of course, her brother could end up throwing her out of his rooms for even trying. But he had no freedoms. They had been stripped from him.
Xene had the ability to go wherever, whenever, with little question to her actions. At least for now. Depending on what she did from here on out would determine how much freedom she truly had in her own home. She wouldn't put it past her Uncle to make her life a living hell in the same way that she was making Achilleas', Stephanos', and Olympia's.
So everything needed to be discreet.
Brushing her hands against the front of her gown in order to rid herself of the salty tears at her fingertips, the princess eyed her cousin carefully. Her blue eyes seemed contemplative and calculating. There was a number of things that, together, Achilleas and Xene could do in order to try and bring Stephanos back into the good graces fo the Kingdom. Especially since he was guilty of little more than sleeping around and drinking just a little too much.
"You are a man with your own thoughts and desires," Xene noted carefully, "You are not required to agree with your father on every aspect. Especially when you are in the Senate precicely because you are, by law, required to be able to cast your own vote. That does not require you to stand in line with the votes of your own family members," she pointed out, narrowing her blue gaze at him, "But, I suppose it does require you to take your punishment for not doing so. As twisted and corrupt as that line of thinking is."
Shaking her golden curls, Xene glanced away toward the fountain, seeming deep in thought once more. "I don't think I had ever seen that servant before," Xene finally murmured, "None of my spies in the palati have noticed her before, either," her gaze flicked back to her cousin, "Whether they just weren't paying as keen attention as I pay them for or she was planted is another story," the princess hummed, lifting her chin in the slightest bit of mental defiance against her uncle. Who was not present at this moment. Still, her stubbornness was not wasted.
"I will speak to my brother," the princess finally noted, breathing through her nose. "But what do you propose I do with the information that he gives me? Are you to help me try and sway the minds of the senate or am I on my own, cousin? You haven't just come here to check in on me if you're asking about Stephanos. I need to know if you're going to remain complacent or if your concern runs deeper than sheer curiosity."
Achilleas gave a snort at his cousin’s words. Of course, if you looked at that surface of it, she spoke truth. Achilleas was a baron and therefore entitled to use his vote to express his own opinions on matters tabled in the senate. Only, one did not need to look far beyond that to recognise that the man was a baron only by his father’s grace, and that his title and lands could be swept from under him with little more than a word from the Head of the Mikaelidas House.
“You know it is not so simple as that” Achilleas asserted with a shake of his head. “If I had known how this would fall out, I might not have abstained. It would be easier now if I had not put myself in my father’s bad books, and it is not as if it had any impact on the outcome.”
Indeed, with hindsight, Achilleas had made himself rather unuseful in this endeavour. He was not trusted enough by his father to be confided in, and if anything had made the man more likely to pay attention to his actions. And not to mention, he had had too much riding on the man’s goodwill to risk openly defying him any further.
The frown that had settled upon his face at the thought only etched deeper as the Princess went on. “You have spies?!” Sometimes, Achilleas wanted to laugh at how ridiculously underhanded and scheming those who ruled Taengea were. He hated it.
“It’s entirely possible that she was paid off.” He remarked on the maid whose story Xene had contradicted, choosing not to elaborate on the ‘by who’ because he wasn’t certain he was ready to address that just yet. But there was little quarter given by his cousin as she forged ahead, and the man stiffened, set his jaw.
It should not have come as a surprise, Xene was known for being headstrong and direct. But Achilleas felt cornered by her question, a position he did not much like. “You are getting ahead of yourself” he answered without actually answering “This is irrelevant until we know if there is anything to take to the senate”.
Never mind that it was too a big a question for him to answer just then. Did she know what she asked of him? Xene and Theodora both, neither of them seemed to understand the immensity of what they suggested. As if publicly questioning the judgement of the acting regent was not a considerable thing in itself, never mind that it was his own father. Achilleas swallowed, noticeably discomfited.
Of course he was concerned for Stephanos. But the complacency Xene accused him of...what choice did he have? If he were to consider suggesting that the case brought against The King were falsity, then there could be absolutely no doubt in it. And if that were certain, then he would be publicly accusing his own father of being embroiled in the wrong doing. It was not something he was going to be backed into committing to, no matter Xene’s conviction in her brother’s innocence.
After a silence that seemed weighed with the gravity of what they discussed, the lord spoke again. “I am not complacent, cousin. If it were curiosity, then I would make do with what gossip circulates around the court rather than coming here myself.” Breaking off, he glanced around them before continuing. “But I am not stupid either. And I’m afraid I cannot be completely selfless in this. But find out what you can and then if I can help..then we will talk.”
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Achilleas gave a snort at his cousin’s words. Of course, if you looked at that surface of it, she spoke truth. Achilleas was a baron and therefore entitled to use his vote to express his own opinions on matters tabled in the senate. Only, one did not need to look far beyond that to recognise that the man was a baron only by his father’s grace, and that his title and lands could be swept from under him with little more than a word from the Head of the Mikaelidas House.
“You know it is not so simple as that” Achilleas asserted with a shake of his head. “If I had known how this would fall out, I might not have abstained. It would be easier now if I had not put myself in my father’s bad books, and it is not as if it had any impact on the outcome.”
Indeed, with hindsight, Achilleas had made himself rather unuseful in this endeavour. He was not trusted enough by his father to be confided in, and if anything had made the man more likely to pay attention to his actions. And not to mention, he had had too much riding on the man’s goodwill to risk openly defying him any further.
The frown that had settled upon his face at the thought only etched deeper as the Princess went on. “You have spies?!” Sometimes, Achilleas wanted to laugh at how ridiculously underhanded and scheming those who ruled Taengea were. He hated it.
“It’s entirely possible that she was paid off.” He remarked on the maid whose story Xene had contradicted, choosing not to elaborate on the ‘by who’ because he wasn’t certain he was ready to address that just yet. But there was little quarter given by his cousin as she forged ahead, and the man stiffened, set his jaw.
It should not have come as a surprise, Xene was known for being headstrong and direct. But Achilleas felt cornered by her question, a position he did not much like. “You are getting ahead of yourself” he answered without actually answering “This is irrelevant until we know if there is anything to take to the senate”.
Never mind that it was too a big a question for him to answer just then. Did she know what she asked of him? Xene and Theodora both, neither of them seemed to understand the immensity of what they suggested. As if publicly questioning the judgement of the acting regent was not a considerable thing in itself, never mind that it was his own father. Achilleas swallowed, noticeably discomfited.
Of course he was concerned for Stephanos. But the complacency Xene accused him of...what choice did he have? If he were to consider suggesting that the case brought against The King were falsity, then there could be absolutely no doubt in it. And if that were certain, then he would be publicly accusing his own father of being embroiled in the wrong doing. It was not something he was going to be backed into committing to, no matter Xene’s conviction in her brother’s innocence.
After a silence that seemed weighed with the gravity of what they discussed, the lord spoke again. “I am not complacent, cousin. If it were curiosity, then I would make do with what gossip circulates around the court rather than coming here myself.” Breaking off, he glanced around them before continuing. “But I am not stupid either. And I’m afraid I cannot be completely selfless in this. But find out what you can and then if I can help..then we will talk.”
Achilleas gave a snort at his cousin’s words. Of course, if you looked at that surface of it, she spoke truth. Achilleas was a baron and therefore entitled to use his vote to express his own opinions on matters tabled in the senate. Only, one did not need to look far beyond that to recognise that the man was a baron only by his father’s grace, and that his title and lands could be swept from under him with little more than a word from the Head of the Mikaelidas House.
“You know it is not so simple as that” Achilleas asserted with a shake of his head. “If I had known how this would fall out, I might not have abstained. It would be easier now if I had not put myself in my father’s bad books, and it is not as if it had any impact on the outcome.”
Indeed, with hindsight, Achilleas had made himself rather unuseful in this endeavour. He was not trusted enough by his father to be confided in, and if anything had made the man more likely to pay attention to his actions. And not to mention, he had had too much riding on the man’s goodwill to risk openly defying him any further.
The frown that had settled upon his face at the thought only etched deeper as the Princess went on. “You have spies?!” Sometimes, Achilleas wanted to laugh at how ridiculously underhanded and scheming those who ruled Taengea were. He hated it.
“It’s entirely possible that she was paid off.” He remarked on the maid whose story Xene had contradicted, choosing not to elaborate on the ‘by who’ because he wasn’t certain he was ready to address that just yet. But there was little quarter given by his cousin as she forged ahead, and the man stiffened, set his jaw.
It should not have come as a surprise, Xene was known for being headstrong and direct. But Achilleas felt cornered by her question, a position he did not much like. “You are getting ahead of yourself” he answered without actually answering “This is irrelevant until we know if there is anything to take to the senate”.
Never mind that it was too a big a question for him to answer just then. Did she know what she asked of him? Xene and Theodora both, neither of them seemed to understand the immensity of what they suggested. As if publicly questioning the judgement of the acting regent was not a considerable thing in itself, never mind that it was his own father. Achilleas swallowed, noticeably discomfited.
Of course he was concerned for Stephanos. But the complacency Xene accused him of...what choice did he have? If he were to consider suggesting that the case brought against The King were falsity, then there could be absolutely no doubt in it. And if that were certain, then he would be publicly accusing his own father of being embroiled in the wrong doing. It was not something he was going to be backed into committing to, no matter Xene’s conviction in her brother’s innocence.
After a silence that seemed weighed with the gravity of what they discussed, the lord spoke again. “I am not complacent, cousin. If it were curiosity, then I would make do with what gossip circulates around the court rather than coming here myself.” Breaking off, he glanced around them before continuing. “But I am not stupid either. And I’m afraid I cannot be completely selfless in this. But find out what you can and then if I can help..then we will talk.”
It was the assertion of her cousin, the one in which he should not have abstained from voting that had Xene watching Achilleas with a rather disgusted and disgruntled expression. But her features smoothed out as she seemed to think about it, sighing heavily and turning her gaze away from him with irritation in her gaze. "Easier for you? Sure, but either way you voted would have still have ended with my brother disgraced," Xene said dully. Then, "Maybe you shouldn't have… but you painted yourself as someone for the other side of the fight to trust."
Sure, he now had a target on his back. But the men who did not agree with the Spare Prince and his assertion that Stephanos was guilty of murder would surely turn their gaze on the son of the man. The one who refused to side with him. Who asserted his right to vote and clearly could not vote against his cousin. His father might not trust him, but others surely could. He was, after all, a Baron and a piece of the Mikaelidas family.
When her cousin found it wise to blurt out his surprise at Xene having spies, the princess nearly slapped him. "Be quiet," she ordered firmly, her blue gaze flashing with slight irritation. "I like to know everything that goes on around me. I may not be as skilled at discerning information as the Lady Leventi or your father's… whore," even Xene flinched when the word left her lips, "But I do not like being caught unaware. I have a few people here and there who look out for information or... gods above, gossip," the princess made a face. Clearly she was not a fan of the drivel in the way the older women of court were.
Giving him a moment to speak, Xene pretended to find extreme interest in the flowering bushes. "Its entirely possible that she was," Xene noted casually, breathing out a deep sigh. The strain at the center of her back was making her irritable. She had never been under this much stress in her entire life. She was not sure that she was properly prepared for anything that had or was still too hapen. "I will speak with my brother," Xene said carefully, turning her gaze away from the bush and back to him. "But I will not bring you any information unless you are fully willing to take the necessary steps that come afterward," she admitted, "There are very few people I can trust in this Kingdom and I am not entirely sure I can fully trust you yet."
Her blue gaze turned guarded and she rubbed at the back of her neck. "I am sorry, cousin. But I am already in enough danger without adding to either yours or my own. Clearly, my home is not safe. I am not safe. And I will not allow you to put yourself in further grief with your father, nor put myself in more danger than I already am, unless you are wholly and completely commited to taking the consequences."
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It was the assertion of her cousin, the one in which he should not have abstained from voting that had Xene watching Achilleas with a rather disgusted and disgruntled expression. But her features smoothed out as she seemed to think about it, sighing heavily and turning her gaze away from him with irritation in her gaze. "Easier for you? Sure, but either way you voted would have still have ended with my brother disgraced," Xene said dully. Then, "Maybe you shouldn't have… but you painted yourself as someone for the other side of the fight to trust."
Sure, he now had a target on his back. But the men who did not agree with the Spare Prince and his assertion that Stephanos was guilty of murder would surely turn their gaze on the son of the man. The one who refused to side with him. Who asserted his right to vote and clearly could not vote against his cousin. His father might not trust him, but others surely could. He was, after all, a Baron and a piece of the Mikaelidas family.
When her cousin found it wise to blurt out his surprise at Xene having spies, the princess nearly slapped him. "Be quiet," she ordered firmly, her blue gaze flashing with slight irritation. "I like to know everything that goes on around me. I may not be as skilled at discerning information as the Lady Leventi or your father's… whore," even Xene flinched when the word left her lips, "But I do not like being caught unaware. I have a few people here and there who look out for information or... gods above, gossip," the princess made a face. Clearly she was not a fan of the drivel in the way the older women of court were.
Giving him a moment to speak, Xene pretended to find extreme interest in the flowering bushes. "Its entirely possible that she was," Xene noted casually, breathing out a deep sigh. The strain at the center of her back was making her irritable. She had never been under this much stress in her entire life. She was not sure that she was properly prepared for anything that had or was still too hapen. "I will speak with my brother," Xene said carefully, turning her gaze away from the bush and back to him. "But I will not bring you any information unless you are fully willing to take the necessary steps that come afterward," she admitted, "There are very few people I can trust in this Kingdom and I am not entirely sure I can fully trust you yet."
Her blue gaze turned guarded and she rubbed at the back of her neck. "I am sorry, cousin. But I am already in enough danger without adding to either yours or my own. Clearly, my home is not safe. I am not safe. And I will not allow you to put yourself in further grief with your father, nor put myself in more danger than I already am, unless you are wholly and completely commited to taking the consequences."
It was the assertion of her cousin, the one in which he should not have abstained from voting that had Xene watching Achilleas with a rather disgusted and disgruntled expression. But her features smoothed out as she seemed to think about it, sighing heavily and turning her gaze away from him with irritation in her gaze. "Easier for you? Sure, but either way you voted would have still have ended with my brother disgraced," Xene said dully. Then, "Maybe you shouldn't have… but you painted yourself as someone for the other side of the fight to trust."
Sure, he now had a target on his back. But the men who did not agree with the Spare Prince and his assertion that Stephanos was guilty of murder would surely turn their gaze on the son of the man. The one who refused to side with him. Who asserted his right to vote and clearly could not vote against his cousin. His father might not trust him, but others surely could. He was, after all, a Baron and a piece of the Mikaelidas family.
When her cousin found it wise to blurt out his surprise at Xene having spies, the princess nearly slapped him. "Be quiet," she ordered firmly, her blue gaze flashing with slight irritation. "I like to know everything that goes on around me. I may not be as skilled at discerning information as the Lady Leventi or your father's… whore," even Xene flinched when the word left her lips, "But I do not like being caught unaware. I have a few people here and there who look out for information or... gods above, gossip," the princess made a face. Clearly she was not a fan of the drivel in the way the older women of court were.
Giving him a moment to speak, Xene pretended to find extreme interest in the flowering bushes. "Its entirely possible that she was," Xene noted casually, breathing out a deep sigh. The strain at the center of her back was making her irritable. She had never been under this much stress in her entire life. She was not sure that she was properly prepared for anything that had or was still too hapen. "I will speak with my brother," Xene said carefully, turning her gaze away from the bush and back to him. "But I will not bring you any information unless you are fully willing to take the necessary steps that come afterward," she admitted, "There are very few people I can trust in this Kingdom and I am not entirely sure I can fully trust you yet."
Her blue gaze turned guarded and she rubbed at the back of her neck. "I am sorry, cousin. But I am already in enough danger without adding to either yours or my own. Clearly, my home is not safe. I am not safe. And I will not allow you to put yourself in further grief with your father, nor put myself in more danger than I already am, unless you are wholly and completely commited to taking the consequences."
He realised almost immediately that she had misunderstood him, the look she gave him not in the least flattering, and Achilleas held up his hands in protest. “I meant only insofar that my father is unlikely to hold me in confidence now” he attempted to explain even as the Princess turned from him, wearing her irritation clearly.
And he had not thought of it as she had, and even in spite of his words just spoken, Achilleas did not know how he felt at having made himself a figurehead for any sort of resistance. That had not been his intent. It had been a show of support for his cousin, friend and King, and it made him feel foolish that he had not considered how it might be taken. There was some truth , perhaps, in his father’s accusation that he had muddied personal feelings with what was his responsibility to Taengea.
Achilleas’ features hardened at the rebuke that fell from the Princess in her next breath. Unused to being spoken to in such a fashion, he reminded himself that Xene was under a lot of strain, and held his tongue though he met her gaze squarely, only looking away when she mentioned Meena, because it was never a thing he liked to have thrown in his face, despite having resigned himself to the situation long ago.
“Well you can be sure for as many you have, there will be twice as many answering to my father. Or perhaps to Fotios…” He paused then, realising he had not given much thought to his father’s old friend in this. But whatever mud was being slung at the Prince, Achilleas could not help but think that as much of it belonged upon the ex-master informer. The two were thick as thieves, and Fotios certainly had the political know how to orchestrate almost anything. Achilleas’ frowned as he considered that additional puzzle piece. The idea of anyone being able to create a story about Stephanos that would stand up to the interrogation of Fotios Leventi was ludicrous, one which made Theo’s more palatable idea that Irakles had been spun a falsehood himself crumble into nothing.
The lord was distracted then, swallowing yet more uncomfortable realisations, and he looked back to Xene as she spoke, not entirely sure what the Princess had said. He nodded anyway. But he certainly heard what she said next, and Achilleas gave a mirthless laugh as she expressed a lack of faith in him. It was his turn to show her his back, forgetting her status for a moment as he processed that slight, from his own blood nonetheless.
He was in some sort of no man’s land then, an echo of how he had felt when he had spoken to Stephanos after the attacks upon the city, after the death of the King and Crown Prince. Too close to his father to escape being guilty by association when suspicion fell on him, only now Achilleas had made himself unpopular with the Prince too, in trying to do the right thing.
He shook his head, a hint of bitterness bleeding into his tone when he finally spoke. “What you are asking me for is something no sane person would give, Xene." Her cousin turned to look at her then, his expression belying his frustration “You wish for me to commit to something before we even understand what it is, to risk everything I have based on exactly nothing bar your testament, a grieving - drunk- woman!”
It was harsher than he had intended to be, calling upon rumours that he could not confirm, but Achilleas was stung by her lack of confidence in him, and frustrated by his seemingly untenable position in this whole mess. He ran a hand through his hair, unusually flustered, and took a deep breath before he went on. “..sorry. Sorry. I want to help, I do. But how can I stand here and promise what could be the earth itself without knowing what we deal with, and with you telling me that you don't trust me enough to even share what you learn?”
Talk of consequences unnerved him: he was already feeling the effects of his actions in the senate and if they were speaking of publicly refuting the claims against the King? Making his father look at best a fool, at worst a traitor to the crown? He did not like to think upon it.
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He realised almost immediately that she had misunderstood him, the look she gave him not in the least flattering, and Achilleas held up his hands in protest. “I meant only insofar that my father is unlikely to hold me in confidence now” he attempted to explain even as the Princess turned from him, wearing her irritation clearly.
And he had not thought of it as she had, and even in spite of his words just spoken, Achilleas did not know how he felt at having made himself a figurehead for any sort of resistance. That had not been his intent. It had been a show of support for his cousin, friend and King, and it made him feel foolish that he had not considered how it might be taken. There was some truth , perhaps, in his father’s accusation that he had muddied personal feelings with what was his responsibility to Taengea.
Achilleas’ features hardened at the rebuke that fell from the Princess in her next breath. Unused to being spoken to in such a fashion, he reminded himself that Xene was under a lot of strain, and held his tongue though he met her gaze squarely, only looking away when she mentioned Meena, because it was never a thing he liked to have thrown in his face, despite having resigned himself to the situation long ago.
“Well you can be sure for as many you have, there will be twice as many answering to my father. Or perhaps to Fotios…” He paused then, realising he had not given much thought to his father’s old friend in this. But whatever mud was being slung at the Prince, Achilleas could not help but think that as much of it belonged upon the ex-master informer. The two were thick as thieves, and Fotios certainly had the political know how to orchestrate almost anything. Achilleas’ frowned as he considered that additional puzzle piece. The idea of anyone being able to create a story about Stephanos that would stand up to the interrogation of Fotios Leventi was ludicrous, one which made Theo’s more palatable idea that Irakles had been spun a falsehood himself crumble into nothing.
The lord was distracted then, swallowing yet more uncomfortable realisations, and he looked back to Xene as she spoke, not entirely sure what the Princess had said. He nodded anyway. But he certainly heard what she said next, and Achilleas gave a mirthless laugh as she expressed a lack of faith in him. It was his turn to show her his back, forgetting her status for a moment as he processed that slight, from his own blood nonetheless.
He was in some sort of no man’s land then, an echo of how he had felt when he had spoken to Stephanos after the attacks upon the city, after the death of the King and Crown Prince. Too close to his father to escape being guilty by association when suspicion fell on him, only now Achilleas had made himself unpopular with the Prince too, in trying to do the right thing.
He shook his head, a hint of bitterness bleeding into his tone when he finally spoke. “What you are asking me for is something no sane person would give, Xene." Her cousin turned to look at her then, his expression belying his frustration “You wish for me to commit to something before we even understand what it is, to risk everything I have based on exactly nothing bar your testament, a grieving - drunk- woman!”
It was harsher than he had intended to be, calling upon rumours that he could not confirm, but Achilleas was stung by her lack of confidence in him, and frustrated by his seemingly untenable position in this whole mess. He ran a hand through his hair, unusually flustered, and took a deep breath before he went on. “..sorry. Sorry. I want to help, I do. But how can I stand here and promise what could be the earth itself without knowing what we deal with, and with you telling me that you don't trust me enough to even share what you learn?”
Talk of consequences unnerved him: he was already feeling the effects of his actions in the senate and if they were speaking of publicly refuting the claims against the King? Making his father look at best a fool, at worst a traitor to the crown? He did not like to think upon it.
He realised almost immediately that she had misunderstood him, the look she gave him not in the least flattering, and Achilleas held up his hands in protest. “I meant only insofar that my father is unlikely to hold me in confidence now” he attempted to explain even as the Princess turned from him, wearing her irritation clearly.
And he had not thought of it as she had, and even in spite of his words just spoken, Achilleas did not know how he felt at having made himself a figurehead for any sort of resistance. That had not been his intent. It had been a show of support for his cousin, friend and King, and it made him feel foolish that he had not considered how it might be taken. There was some truth , perhaps, in his father’s accusation that he had muddied personal feelings with what was his responsibility to Taengea.
Achilleas’ features hardened at the rebuke that fell from the Princess in her next breath. Unused to being spoken to in such a fashion, he reminded himself that Xene was under a lot of strain, and held his tongue though he met her gaze squarely, only looking away when she mentioned Meena, because it was never a thing he liked to have thrown in his face, despite having resigned himself to the situation long ago.
“Well you can be sure for as many you have, there will be twice as many answering to my father. Or perhaps to Fotios…” He paused then, realising he had not given much thought to his father’s old friend in this. But whatever mud was being slung at the Prince, Achilleas could not help but think that as much of it belonged upon the ex-master informer. The two were thick as thieves, and Fotios certainly had the political know how to orchestrate almost anything. Achilleas’ frowned as he considered that additional puzzle piece. The idea of anyone being able to create a story about Stephanos that would stand up to the interrogation of Fotios Leventi was ludicrous, one which made Theo’s more palatable idea that Irakles had been spun a falsehood himself crumble into nothing.
The lord was distracted then, swallowing yet more uncomfortable realisations, and he looked back to Xene as she spoke, not entirely sure what the Princess had said. He nodded anyway. But he certainly heard what she said next, and Achilleas gave a mirthless laugh as she expressed a lack of faith in him. It was his turn to show her his back, forgetting her status for a moment as he processed that slight, from his own blood nonetheless.
He was in some sort of no man’s land then, an echo of how he had felt when he had spoken to Stephanos after the attacks upon the city, after the death of the King and Crown Prince. Too close to his father to escape being guilty by association when suspicion fell on him, only now Achilleas had made himself unpopular with the Prince too, in trying to do the right thing.
He shook his head, a hint of bitterness bleeding into his tone when he finally spoke. “What you are asking me for is something no sane person would give, Xene." Her cousin turned to look at her then, his expression belying his frustration “You wish for me to commit to something before we even understand what it is, to risk everything I have based on exactly nothing bar your testament, a grieving - drunk- woman!”
It was harsher than he had intended to be, calling upon rumours that he could not confirm, but Achilleas was stung by her lack of confidence in him, and frustrated by his seemingly untenable position in this whole mess. He ran a hand through his hair, unusually flustered, and took a deep breath before he went on. “..sorry. Sorry. I want to help, I do. But how can I stand here and promise what could be the earth itself without knowing what we deal with, and with you telling me that you don't trust me enough to even share what you learn?”
Talk of consequences unnerved him: he was already feeling the effects of his actions in the senate and if they were speaking of publicly refuting the claims against the King? Making his father look at best a fool, at worst a traitor to the crown? He did not like to think upon it.
It was difficult not to be frustrated with every single word that came out of Achilleas' mouth. One of her closest childhood friends, sure, but in this instance it was difficult to get along with him. Because he was too reasonable and she wanted to be absolutely everything but reasonable with him. With anyone. Her frustrations and pains and the near constant stress and strain she felt was enough to make her irritable. Generally, Xene was one of the most reasonable people in Taengea, but for once in her life she had no desire to level with Achilleas.
That didn't stop her from doing so, however. The princess breathed sharply through her nose, fixing her cousin with a critical blue gaze as he spoke to her about how his father wouldn't hold him in confidence and spoke of Irakles, or Fotios, having more spies that she. The mere mention of Fotios was enough to make her prickle and nearly lunge after him, but she was a master of holding her emotions close to herself.
Xene did not give a hint of what she felt at the accusation toward Lord Leventi, choosing to pretend that Achilleas had not spoken his name in such an accusatory manner. Xene was very aware of Fotios' past profession, but to believe that he would still keep spies in the Palati was something she had never actually considered. Normally, Xene might have been upset by the thought. But she trusted Fotios too much to really give that fact any more thought than what had come out of Achilleas' mouth.
But Xene didn't see herself as being unreasonable in asking Achilleas for the help she did. Stephanos was her best friend. Protecting him and his image had been something she had been desperate to do since they were children. Even though he often shrugged off her efforts with every woman he took to bed or every stupid, unadvisable thing he did. It never had really bothered her. He was a man. He was excused in his vices, she supposed. Xene had always just stood there ready to tell him she told him so.
"Maybe I'm not sane," Xene retorted as soon as he started to speak of sanity. But it was his continued speech. The accusation of her drunkenness. The princess wanted to slap him, push him into the fountain, order Heron to throw him into the thorn bushes. Anything. But she held her ground and kept her hands to herself, her brows knitting in clear hurt and frustration at having to withstand his own temper. They were clearly both tested and strained.
It was difficult not to feel bad for her behavior up to this point. Holding onto the hurtful jab, Xene glanced away and brought her arms up to cross against her chest in a rather protective gesture. As if she couldn't take another jab like that and not devolve into sobs.
Finally, she spoke again, "No. I'm sorry," she said quietly, chewing rather clearly on her bottom lip. "There are very few people that I trust Achilleas," Xene admitted, her blue gaze trailing back to his face, "Two of my family members were murdered in my own home. Another has been dethroned on baseless accusation. What is next? An attempt on Gianna? Me? My mother? With your father serving to take over with Stephanos out of the way, can you really expect me to be so forthcoming? Is that so outlandish of a notion?"
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It was difficult not to be frustrated with every single word that came out of Achilleas' mouth. One of her closest childhood friends, sure, but in this instance it was difficult to get along with him. Because he was too reasonable and she wanted to be absolutely everything but reasonable with him. With anyone. Her frustrations and pains and the near constant stress and strain she felt was enough to make her irritable. Generally, Xene was one of the most reasonable people in Taengea, but for once in her life she had no desire to level with Achilleas.
That didn't stop her from doing so, however. The princess breathed sharply through her nose, fixing her cousin with a critical blue gaze as he spoke to her about how his father wouldn't hold him in confidence and spoke of Irakles, or Fotios, having more spies that she. The mere mention of Fotios was enough to make her prickle and nearly lunge after him, but she was a master of holding her emotions close to herself.
Xene did not give a hint of what she felt at the accusation toward Lord Leventi, choosing to pretend that Achilleas had not spoken his name in such an accusatory manner. Xene was very aware of Fotios' past profession, but to believe that he would still keep spies in the Palati was something she had never actually considered. Normally, Xene might have been upset by the thought. But she trusted Fotios too much to really give that fact any more thought than what had come out of Achilleas' mouth.
But Xene didn't see herself as being unreasonable in asking Achilleas for the help she did. Stephanos was her best friend. Protecting him and his image had been something she had been desperate to do since they were children. Even though he often shrugged off her efforts with every woman he took to bed or every stupid, unadvisable thing he did. It never had really bothered her. He was a man. He was excused in his vices, she supposed. Xene had always just stood there ready to tell him she told him so.
"Maybe I'm not sane," Xene retorted as soon as he started to speak of sanity. But it was his continued speech. The accusation of her drunkenness. The princess wanted to slap him, push him into the fountain, order Heron to throw him into the thorn bushes. Anything. But she held her ground and kept her hands to herself, her brows knitting in clear hurt and frustration at having to withstand his own temper. They were clearly both tested and strained.
It was difficult not to feel bad for her behavior up to this point. Holding onto the hurtful jab, Xene glanced away and brought her arms up to cross against her chest in a rather protective gesture. As if she couldn't take another jab like that and not devolve into sobs.
Finally, she spoke again, "No. I'm sorry," she said quietly, chewing rather clearly on her bottom lip. "There are very few people that I trust Achilleas," Xene admitted, her blue gaze trailing back to his face, "Two of my family members were murdered in my own home. Another has been dethroned on baseless accusation. What is next? An attempt on Gianna? Me? My mother? With your father serving to take over with Stephanos out of the way, can you really expect me to be so forthcoming? Is that so outlandish of a notion?"
It was difficult not to be frustrated with every single word that came out of Achilleas' mouth. One of her closest childhood friends, sure, but in this instance it was difficult to get along with him. Because he was too reasonable and she wanted to be absolutely everything but reasonable with him. With anyone. Her frustrations and pains and the near constant stress and strain she felt was enough to make her irritable. Generally, Xene was one of the most reasonable people in Taengea, but for once in her life she had no desire to level with Achilleas.
That didn't stop her from doing so, however. The princess breathed sharply through her nose, fixing her cousin with a critical blue gaze as he spoke to her about how his father wouldn't hold him in confidence and spoke of Irakles, or Fotios, having more spies that she. The mere mention of Fotios was enough to make her prickle and nearly lunge after him, but she was a master of holding her emotions close to herself.
Xene did not give a hint of what she felt at the accusation toward Lord Leventi, choosing to pretend that Achilleas had not spoken his name in such an accusatory manner. Xene was very aware of Fotios' past profession, but to believe that he would still keep spies in the Palati was something she had never actually considered. Normally, Xene might have been upset by the thought. But she trusted Fotios too much to really give that fact any more thought than what had come out of Achilleas' mouth.
But Xene didn't see herself as being unreasonable in asking Achilleas for the help she did. Stephanos was her best friend. Protecting him and his image had been something she had been desperate to do since they were children. Even though he often shrugged off her efforts with every woman he took to bed or every stupid, unadvisable thing he did. It never had really bothered her. He was a man. He was excused in his vices, she supposed. Xene had always just stood there ready to tell him she told him so.
"Maybe I'm not sane," Xene retorted as soon as he started to speak of sanity. But it was his continued speech. The accusation of her drunkenness. The princess wanted to slap him, push him into the fountain, order Heron to throw him into the thorn bushes. Anything. But she held her ground and kept her hands to herself, her brows knitting in clear hurt and frustration at having to withstand his own temper. They were clearly both tested and strained.
It was difficult not to feel bad for her behavior up to this point. Holding onto the hurtful jab, Xene glanced away and brought her arms up to cross against her chest in a rather protective gesture. As if she couldn't take another jab like that and not devolve into sobs.
Finally, she spoke again, "No. I'm sorry," she said quietly, chewing rather clearly on her bottom lip. "There are very few people that I trust Achilleas," Xene admitted, her blue gaze trailing back to his face, "Two of my family members were murdered in my own home. Another has been dethroned on baseless accusation. What is next? An attempt on Gianna? Me? My mother? With your father serving to take over with Stephanos out of the way, can you really expect me to be so forthcoming? Is that so outlandish of a notion?"
He had not come here to upset her, though Achilleas realised that he was doing just that. Speaking at cross purposes, each showing their sharp edges. Perhaps because it was easier to do so with those you held close, those that you trusted.
Only she did not trust him, she said as much. Said it more than once, and as Achilleas looked at his cousin he wondered when he had let the distance between them grow so much that she would think so badly of him. It was the unwelcome realisation that he had allowed that chasm to form that had him pause. Let him see past his own indignation and offer her the apology she deserved, for he’d deliberately struck out at her with his words, and it was unfair.
When he returned his gaze to Xene, the lord could see that she balanced on the edge of her own endurance and some small part of him realised that they were only making it easier for whomever sought to do them harm. They should not be turning on one another now of all times.
“You are right of course” he said, conciliatory once more. “It is not outlandish, nor unreasonable to not be entirely trusting. But Xene...” and here he paused and dipped his head to catch her eye. “...this is me. When have I ever given you reason to mistrust me? If I have done something to warrant it, then I am sorry, but otherwise just think...we need to pull together now surely, rather than allowing this to divide us?”
He held her gaze, willing her to see past her fear and recognise it for what it was. Hesitantly, as if he were afraid that the gesture might be enough to see that cold glass fragility shatter, Achilleas curled his hand around her arm. It was as much a gesture of comfort as he dared offer, reminding him again that they were not as close as they once had been.
“I don’t think you and Gianna have anything to fear. Even if this is something..illegitimate, then you do not stand to inherit the crown so there is no motivation for anyone to harm you. Take some peace in that knowledge at least?” His words, though logical, were an insubstantial balm to the hurt that had been done in all of this mess and Achilleas wished he had something more reassuring to offer. But finding evidence to support Steph would take time, and that was running away from them.
Letting his hand fall away, the lord stepped back and cast a quick glance around them, his neck prickling as if they were being watched. But the only gaze he met was that of Xene’s guard, the very same who had helped him escort those disgraced lords from the palati two days before. Achilleas held the man’s stare a moment and raised a brow, before he turned back to his cousin.
“Who is your man?” He asked, jerking his head towards where the large figure of the guard could be seen. “I don’t recognise him. Is he new?” Another thing he had been too absent to notice, he supposed.
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He had not come here to upset her, though Achilleas realised that he was doing just that. Speaking at cross purposes, each showing their sharp edges. Perhaps because it was easier to do so with those you held close, those that you trusted.
Only she did not trust him, she said as much. Said it more than once, and as Achilleas looked at his cousin he wondered when he had let the distance between them grow so much that she would think so badly of him. It was the unwelcome realisation that he had allowed that chasm to form that had him pause. Let him see past his own indignation and offer her the apology she deserved, for he’d deliberately struck out at her with his words, and it was unfair.
When he returned his gaze to Xene, the lord could see that she balanced on the edge of her own endurance and some small part of him realised that they were only making it easier for whomever sought to do them harm. They should not be turning on one another now of all times.
“You are right of course” he said, conciliatory once more. “It is not outlandish, nor unreasonable to not be entirely trusting. But Xene...” and here he paused and dipped his head to catch her eye. “...this is me. When have I ever given you reason to mistrust me? If I have done something to warrant it, then I am sorry, but otherwise just think...we need to pull together now surely, rather than allowing this to divide us?”
He held her gaze, willing her to see past her fear and recognise it for what it was. Hesitantly, as if he were afraid that the gesture might be enough to see that cold glass fragility shatter, Achilleas curled his hand around her arm. It was as much a gesture of comfort as he dared offer, reminding him again that they were not as close as they once had been.
“I don’t think you and Gianna have anything to fear. Even if this is something..illegitimate, then you do not stand to inherit the crown so there is no motivation for anyone to harm you. Take some peace in that knowledge at least?” His words, though logical, were an insubstantial balm to the hurt that had been done in all of this mess and Achilleas wished he had something more reassuring to offer. But finding evidence to support Steph would take time, and that was running away from them.
Letting his hand fall away, the lord stepped back and cast a quick glance around them, his neck prickling as if they were being watched. But the only gaze he met was that of Xene’s guard, the very same who had helped him escort those disgraced lords from the palati two days before. Achilleas held the man’s stare a moment and raised a brow, before he turned back to his cousin.
“Who is your man?” He asked, jerking his head towards where the large figure of the guard could be seen. “I don’t recognise him. Is he new?” Another thing he had been too absent to notice, he supposed.
He had not come here to upset her, though Achilleas realised that he was doing just that. Speaking at cross purposes, each showing their sharp edges. Perhaps because it was easier to do so with those you held close, those that you trusted.
Only she did not trust him, she said as much. Said it more than once, and as Achilleas looked at his cousin he wondered when he had let the distance between them grow so much that she would think so badly of him. It was the unwelcome realisation that he had allowed that chasm to form that had him pause. Let him see past his own indignation and offer her the apology she deserved, for he’d deliberately struck out at her with his words, and it was unfair.
When he returned his gaze to Xene, the lord could see that she balanced on the edge of her own endurance and some small part of him realised that they were only making it easier for whomever sought to do them harm. They should not be turning on one another now of all times.
“You are right of course” he said, conciliatory once more. “It is not outlandish, nor unreasonable to not be entirely trusting. But Xene...” and here he paused and dipped his head to catch her eye. “...this is me. When have I ever given you reason to mistrust me? If I have done something to warrant it, then I am sorry, but otherwise just think...we need to pull together now surely, rather than allowing this to divide us?”
He held her gaze, willing her to see past her fear and recognise it for what it was. Hesitantly, as if he were afraid that the gesture might be enough to see that cold glass fragility shatter, Achilleas curled his hand around her arm. It was as much a gesture of comfort as he dared offer, reminding him again that they were not as close as they once had been.
“I don’t think you and Gianna have anything to fear. Even if this is something..illegitimate, then you do not stand to inherit the crown so there is no motivation for anyone to harm you. Take some peace in that knowledge at least?” His words, though logical, were an insubstantial balm to the hurt that had been done in all of this mess and Achilleas wished he had something more reassuring to offer. But finding evidence to support Steph would take time, and that was running away from them.
Letting his hand fall away, the lord stepped back and cast a quick glance around them, his neck prickling as if they were being watched. But the only gaze he met was that of Xene’s guard, the very same who had helped him escort those disgraced lords from the palati two days before. Achilleas held the man’s stare a moment and raised a brow, before he turned back to his cousin.
“Who is your man?” He asked, jerking his head towards where the large figure of the guard could be seen. “I don’t recognise him. Is he new?” Another thing he had been too absent to notice, he supposed.
Xene didn't know how they had both managed to distance themselves over the years, but she was sad for it. Heartbroken over it. There had been a time where the two of them had been rather close, and Xene, admittedly, missed such platonic intimacy. He had kissed her once and she might have held out for him for the longest time, but once it became clear that he was enamoured with Theo, Xene had backed off and let him live his life.
That didn't mean she had been happy about it. Putting such distance between them clearly hadn't been noticed by her cousin until now and Xene almost wanted to tell him that it was too little done too late. But... she needed the support now more than ever. She could not get through the strain of this alone. There was no way she would survive such a blow, even with the support of Lord Fotios.
Swallowing, Xene fixed Achilleas with a soft gaze, "You have given me no reason to mistrust you," she admitted, "No one has given me any reason to mistrust them. But I still doubt them. I still find every reason to feel such stagering anxiety about trusting anyone. I don't know who my enemies really are, Achilleas. I believe my brother to be innocent, and maybe your father is to, but then who are we truly fighting against?" she questioned softly, her brows furrowed, "What people have been turned against us from the inside? Are our own slaves and servants spying on us? Do foreign diplomats report our movements and our courtly dealings? This is overwhelming."
Xene found herself welcoming the gesture of comfort, not pulling away. If anything, she leaned firmly into him as if to assert that, yes, she did truly trust him. There was just so much else going on in the grand scheme of things. How much or how little would it take to turn him against her. "You speak truths, but I cannot keep myself from feeling that innate fear that you might be wrong," Xene said softly. Her smile was weak and she released her hold on him, turning to try and lead him further into the gardens with her. Heron followed like a shadow, tense as always and ready to defend at a moments notice. Whether he defended Xene or Achilleas, it didn't matter. The Mikaelidas family was one and the same to him.
When Achilleas mentioned Heron, Xene glanced backward at the man and then turned her gaze ahead once more. "His name is Heron. He was a member of Zacharias' truope," she said easily, "I did not feel comfortable or safe with my current guards, but having someone who was so close to Zach, as many of his men were, was more of a comfort to me. I released them and hired this one. He's quiet, he's attentive, and he doesn't smother me," Xene said with a smirk up at her cousin. "I have changed out many of my personnel since my father and my brother have died, Achilleas," she then admitted. Another moment of weakness. Of not feeling safe in her own home and needing to find people she could truly trust.
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Xene didn't know how they had both managed to distance themselves over the years, but she was sad for it. Heartbroken over it. There had been a time where the two of them had been rather close, and Xene, admittedly, missed such platonic intimacy. He had kissed her once and she might have held out for him for the longest time, but once it became clear that he was enamoured with Theo, Xene had backed off and let him live his life.
That didn't mean she had been happy about it. Putting such distance between them clearly hadn't been noticed by her cousin until now and Xene almost wanted to tell him that it was too little done too late. But... she needed the support now more than ever. She could not get through the strain of this alone. There was no way she would survive such a blow, even with the support of Lord Fotios.
Swallowing, Xene fixed Achilleas with a soft gaze, "You have given me no reason to mistrust you," she admitted, "No one has given me any reason to mistrust them. But I still doubt them. I still find every reason to feel such stagering anxiety about trusting anyone. I don't know who my enemies really are, Achilleas. I believe my brother to be innocent, and maybe your father is to, but then who are we truly fighting against?" she questioned softly, her brows furrowed, "What people have been turned against us from the inside? Are our own slaves and servants spying on us? Do foreign diplomats report our movements and our courtly dealings? This is overwhelming."
Xene found herself welcoming the gesture of comfort, not pulling away. If anything, she leaned firmly into him as if to assert that, yes, she did truly trust him. There was just so much else going on in the grand scheme of things. How much or how little would it take to turn him against her. "You speak truths, but I cannot keep myself from feeling that innate fear that you might be wrong," Xene said softly. Her smile was weak and she released her hold on him, turning to try and lead him further into the gardens with her. Heron followed like a shadow, tense as always and ready to defend at a moments notice. Whether he defended Xene or Achilleas, it didn't matter. The Mikaelidas family was one and the same to him.
When Achilleas mentioned Heron, Xene glanced backward at the man and then turned her gaze ahead once more. "His name is Heron. He was a member of Zacharias' truope," she said easily, "I did not feel comfortable or safe with my current guards, but having someone who was so close to Zach, as many of his men were, was more of a comfort to me. I released them and hired this one. He's quiet, he's attentive, and he doesn't smother me," Xene said with a smirk up at her cousin. "I have changed out many of my personnel since my father and my brother have died, Achilleas," she then admitted. Another moment of weakness. Of not feeling safe in her own home and needing to find people she could truly trust.
Xene didn't know how they had both managed to distance themselves over the years, but she was sad for it. Heartbroken over it. There had been a time where the two of them had been rather close, and Xene, admittedly, missed such platonic intimacy. He had kissed her once and she might have held out for him for the longest time, but once it became clear that he was enamoured with Theo, Xene had backed off and let him live his life.
That didn't mean she had been happy about it. Putting such distance between them clearly hadn't been noticed by her cousin until now and Xene almost wanted to tell him that it was too little done too late. But... she needed the support now more than ever. She could not get through the strain of this alone. There was no way she would survive such a blow, even with the support of Lord Fotios.
Swallowing, Xene fixed Achilleas with a soft gaze, "You have given me no reason to mistrust you," she admitted, "No one has given me any reason to mistrust them. But I still doubt them. I still find every reason to feel such stagering anxiety about trusting anyone. I don't know who my enemies really are, Achilleas. I believe my brother to be innocent, and maybe your father is to, but then who are we truly fighting against?" she questioned softly, her brows furrowed, "What people have been turned against us from the inside? Are our own slaves and servants spying on us? Do foreign diplomats report our movements and our courtly dealings? This is overwhelming."
Xene found herself welcoming the gesture of comfort, not pulling away. If anything, she leaned firmly into him as if to assert that, yes, she did truly trust him. There was just so much else going on in the grand scheme of things. How much or how little would it take to turn him against her. "You speak truths, but I cannot keep myself from feeling that innate fear that you might be wrong," Xene said softly. Her smile was weak and she released her hold on him, turning to try and lead him further into the gardens with her. Heron followed like a shadow, tense as always and ready to defend at a moments notice. Whether he defended Xene or Achilleas, it didn't matter. The Mikaelidas family was one and the same to him.
When Achilleas mentioned Heron, Xene glanced backward at the man and then turned her gaze ahead once more. "His name is Heron. He was a member of Zacharias' truope," she said easily, "I did not feel comfortable or safe with my current guards, but having someone who was so close to Zach, as many of his men were, was more of a comfort to me. I released them and hired this one. He's quiet, he's attentive, and he doesn't smother me," Xene said with a smirk up at her cousin. "I have changed out many of my personnel since my father and my brother have died, Achilleas," she then admitted. Another moment of weakness. Of not feeling safe in her own home and needing to find people she could truly trust.
Achilleas had been oblivious to his cousin’s regard. She was Xene, part of the furniture of his youth, and as such not demanding of his focus or attention.Just there. Yes, there had been a kiss. He had been carousing with Stephanos and Emilios, most unusually for him for he tended to steer clear of their exploits. And when they had returned to the palati and the two had disappeared with their company for the evening, Achilleas had declined, and had found himself instead chatting to the Princess. He was drowsy and wine-steeped - he never could keep up with his brother or cousin - and she was spilling into that first bloom of loveliness. Her birthday. It had felt like nothing to lean over and press his lips against hers, little Xene grown up into something beautiful. He thought he’d wished her a happy birthday too It was a little foggy and when he’d awoken the next morning with a pounding head and late for a meeting with his steward, he’d left before the Princess had emerged from her chambers.
It would have been dishonest to say he’d thought nothing of it. But Xene was just a girl and Achilleas had set rules for himself that he would not stray from. He didn’t need the complication of upsetting the applecart by pursuing anything with her. Never mind that he was more often away from Vasiliadon than not, and after a time it had just faded into a moment that had happened once.
And then he’d met Theodora that day in Macendia.
So, Achilleas did not comprehend the additional layer of hurt that Xene might have nursed over his absence, but he was astute enough to realise that he had done her wrong over the past months, and that was enough. Perhaps that was enough to merit some of her distrust. The Lord held her gaze as she spoke of her misgivings, and he could share in some of what she had said. Even contemplating the level of effort that would have had to go into setting Stephanos up meant that everyone became someone to suspect. Servants, courtiers….fathers.
“I do not wish to think so badly of our people” he said, frowning, though it was becoming clear to the lord that it was not possible to think the best of those around him and still believe Stephanos innocent. Enough people had told enough lies to condemn his cousin. When Xene leant into his touch, it was as natural as anything for Achilleas to fold his arms around her briefly, his focus somewhere off in the distance as he absently rubbed circles on her back.
Perhaps he was being naive in thinking her safe too. Achilleas let her go and followed after where Xene walked on, turning to glance upon the guard once more when the princess explained who he was. He stared at the man a long moment before replying. “If you are in need, I have men of my own who I would assign to you. You need only ask. They are good men who I know and trust.”
His father might have taken the reins of the barony from him, but Achilleas knew his soldiers were loyal to him and would take his orders. He had already sent for Krysto, the Captain due to arrive in Vasiliadon any day because the Lord had a feeling that the Egpytian embassy would not take away a favourable opinion of their hosts, and he wished to confer with his friend about it. Yet another concern to add to the many that he held.
“Who do you count as friends now, Xene” he asked as the pair wound their way deeper in the gardens of the palati. “I wonder who might be considered allies to Stephanos in all of this.” Those people who might help to unravel some of the facts from fiction and perhaps give them some ground to stand on if they really meant to try and clear his name.
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Achilleas had been oblivious to his cousin’s regard. She was Xene, part of the furniture of his youth, and as such not demanding of his focus or attention.Just there. Yes, there had been a kiss. He had been carousing with Stephanos and Emilios, most unusually for him for he tended to steer clear of their exploits. And when they had returned to the palati and the two had disappeared with their company for the evening, Achilleas had declined, and had found himself instead chatting to the Princess. He was drowsy and wine-steeped - he never could keep up with his brother or cousin - and she was spilling into that first bloom of loveliness. Her birthday. It had felt like nothing to lean over and press his lips against hers, little Xene grown up into something beautiful. He thought he’d wished her a happy birthday too It was a little foggy and when he’d awoken the next morning with a pounding head and late for a meeting with his steward, he’d left before the Princess had emerged from her chambers.
It would have been dishonest to say he’d thought nothing of it. But Xene was just a girl and Achilleas had set rules for himself that he would not stray from. He didn’t need the complication of upsetting the applecart by pursuing anything with her. Never mind that he was more often away from Vasiliadon than not, and after a time it had just faded into a moment that had happened once.
And then he’d met Theodora that day in Macendia.
So, Achilleas did not comprehend the additional layer of hurt that Xene might have nursed over his absence, but he was astute enough to realise that he had done her wrong over the past months, and that was enough. Perhaps that was enough to merit some of her distrust. The Lord held her gaze as she spoke of her misgivings, and he could share in some of what she had said. Even contemplating the level of effort that would have had to go into setting Stephanos up meant that everyone became someone to suspect. Servants, courtiers….fathers.
“I do not wish to think so badly of our people” he said, frowning, though it was becoming clear to the lord that it was not possible to think the best of those around him and still believe Stephanos innocent. Enough people had told enough lies to condemn his cousin. When Xene leant into his touch, it was as natural as anything for Achilleas to fold his arms around her briefly, his focus somewhere off in the distance as he absently rubbed circles on her back.
Perhaps he was being naive in thinking her safe too. Achilleas let her go and followed after where Xene walked on, turning to glance upon the guard once more when the princess explained who he was. He stared at the man a long moment before replying. “If you are in need, I have men of my own who I would assign to you. You need only ask. They are good men who I know and trust.”
His father might have taken the reins of the barony from him, but Achilleas knew his soldiers were loyal to him and would take his orders. He had already sent for Krysto, the Captain due to arrive in Vasiliadon any day because the Lord had a feeling that the Egpytian embassy would not take away a favourable opinion of their hosts, and he wished to confer with his friend about it. Yet another concern to add to the many that he held.
“Who do you count as friends now, Xene” he asked as the pair wound their way deeper in the gardens of the palati. “I wonder who might be considered allies to Stephanos in all of this.” Those people who might help to unravel some of the facts from fiction and perhaps give them some ground to stand on if they really meant to try and clear his name.
Achilleas had been oblivious to his cousin’s regard. She was Xene, part of the furniture of his youth, and as such not demanding of his focus or attention.Just there. Yes, there had been a kiss. He had been carousing with Stephanos and Emilios, most unusually for him for he tended to steer clear of their exploits. And when they had returned to the palati and the two had disappeared with their company for the evening, Achilleas had declined, and had found himself instead chatting to the Princess. He was drowsy and wine-steeped - he never could keep up with his brother or cousin - and she was spilling into that first bloom of loveliness. Her birthday. It had felt like nothing to lean over and press his lips against hers, little Xene grown up into something beautiful. He thought he’d wished her a happy birthday too It was a little foggy and when he’d awoken the next morning with a pounding head and late for a meeting with his steward, he’d left before the Princess had emerged from her chambers.
It would have been dishonest to say he’d thought nothing of it. But Xene was just a girl and Achilleas had set rules for himself that he would not stray from. He didn’t need the complication of upsetting the applecart by pursuing anything with her. Never mind that he was more often away from Vasiliadon than not, and after a time it had just faded into a moment that had happened once.
And then he’d met Theodora that day in Macendia.
So, Achilleas did not comprehend the additional layer of hurt that Xene might have nursed over his absence, but he was astute enough to realise that he had done her wrong over the past months, and that was enough. Perhaps that was enough to merit some of her distrust. The Lord held her gaze as she spoke of her misgivings, and he could share in some of what she had said. Even contemplating the level of effort that would have had to go into setting Stephanos up meant that everyone became someone to suspect. Servants, courtiers….fathers.
“I do not wish to think so badly of our people” he said, frowning, though it was becoming clear to the lord that it was not possible to think the best of those around him and still believe Stephanos innocent. Enough people had told enough lies to condemn his cousin. When Xene leant into his touch, it was as natural as anything for Achilleas to fold his arms around her briefly, his focus somewhere off in the distance as he absently rubbed circles on her back.
Perhaps he was being naive in thinking her safe too. Achilleas let her go and followed after where Xene walked on, turning to glance upon the guard once more when the princess explained who he was. He stared at the man a long moment before replying. “If you are in need, I have men of my own who I would assign to you. You need only ask. They are good men who I know and trust.”
His father might have taken the reins of the barony from him, but Achilleas knew his soldiers were loyal to him and would take his orders. He had already sent for Krysto, the Captain due to arrive in Vasiliadon any day because the Lord had a feeling that the Egpytian embassy would not take away a favourable opinion of their hosts, and he wished to confer with his friend about it. Yet another concern to add to the many that he held.
“Who do you count as friends now, Xene” he asked as the pair wound their way deeper in the gardens of the palati. “I wonder who might be considered allies to Stephanos in all of this.” Those people who might help to unravel some of the facts from fiction and perhaps give them some ground to stand on if they really meant to try and clear his name.