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It was not hard to sense the annoyance that radiated from his father as Achilleas joined him in the foyer. And though the son was quick to offer a quip to attempt to diffuse it, inside he panicked slightly. Was this just the man’s usual state of irritation? Or did he know something, had he heard something? He found himself unusually attuned to his father’s moods - a guilty conscience perhaps - but now Achilleas surveyed the man keenly, looking for some sign that his glowering was a precursor to something more serious.
It had been scarce more than days since he had found himself speaking to the Colchian Master of Secrets, telling things that he would never have imagined passing his lips, and ever since, Achilleas had been walking on eggshells, fearing the moment that somehow his indiscretion would be discovered. When his father offered a brief nod, it was all the lord could do not to sigh in relief, and he hoped the insubstantial smile he plastered on would be put down to pre-wedding nerves and nothing more. Still, he was relieved when his mother joined them, turning to press a kiss to her cheek as she moved toward him, glad to have her as a buffer between he and his father’s scrutiny. Irakles had always seen too much, and that worried Achilleas more than anything now.
Emilios’ too, provided a further distraction, so much so that the elder brother did not even mind the carefree attitude of his sibling, giving a slight shake of his head in disagreement with the younger man’s words. Any rebuttal he might have made to claims that he would be miserable had to be bitten off though, as his father made it known that he was less than amused at Emilios’ lateness.
“You must make some allowances for Emilios. It is his not his fault he has a face that needs so much attention to make it presentable.” But Irakles had already moved off, and Achilleas shot Emilios a look as it was left to them to escort their mother out to the carriage that waited. He waved away the servants and helped her up the step himself, wanting to apologise for the callous disregard that his father insisted on showing towards the woman, even today. But he couldn’t find the words, so settled instead on a smile as he saw her seated within. “You look beautiful,mother.”
He closed the door with a click, turning then to accept the reins of his own stallion, whose neck he stroked a moment in some pretence of calming the creature, when perhaps it was his own nerves that he wanted to settle.But he could almost feel his father’s impatience and so did not tarry long, gathering the reins and vaulting lightly astride. It was a good job, for the newly appointed King did not seem wont to wait, even for the groom, and soon the Mikaelidas retinue had set off toward the Leventi Manor.
There were more than a few spectators to their journey, the people of Vasiliadon coming out to gawp at their new King, at the Crown Prince on his wedding day. If nothing else, Taengea could be counted upon to rise up for a party, and indeed the citizens seemed to have rallied around the idea, for young girls clutched blossoms that they threw at the procession, people rushed out of houses to watch them pass.
For Achilleas, it was an uncomfortable reminder of the change in the status quo. Whatever he might believe to be just, the fact of the matter was his father was King now. The guards that trailed them said as much. And that made him a reluctant prince. Still, he smiled and waved at those who had gathered along the streets, playing the part expected of him, on this day especially. In fact, his face was aching by the time they left the city behind, travelling instead along the road bordered by the green pastures that heralded the Leventi lands. It was not a long journey, and yet gave enough time for the Lord to find some genuine wedding related nerves before they clattered down the sweeping road to the manor house.
He had barely seen Theodora the past week - efforts to prevent them being alone together seemingly redoubled with the wedding looming for some inane reason, and there was much he had not been able to tell her. Much he had not dared tell her, even though the chaperone was only her old maid. He didn’t know who he could trust, and more than anything was looking forward to escaping to Euttica with Theodora, just to be away from the feeling that he was one wrong step from tripping himself up and bringing everything crashing down around them. And as the carriage rolled to a halt outside the manor and Achilleas reined his mount to a standstill, he drew himself together. He just had to get through today.
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It was not hard to sense the annoyance that radiated from his father as Achilleas joined him in the foyer. And though the son was quick to offer a quip to attempt to diffuse it, inside he panicked slightly. Was this just the man’s usual state of irritation? Or did he know something, had he heard something? He found himself unusually attuned to his father’s moods - a guilty conscience perhaps - but now Achilleas surveyed the man keenly, looking for some sign that his glowering was a precursor to something more serious.
It had been scarce more than days since he had found himself speaking to the Colchian Master of Secrets, telling things that he would never have imagined passing his lips, and ever since, Achilleas had been walking on eggshells, fearing the moment that somehow his indiscretion would be discovered. When his father offered a brief nod, it was all the lord could do not to sigh in relief, and he hoped the insubstantial smile he plastered on would be put down to pre-wedding nerves and nothing more. Still, he was relieved when his mother joined them, turning to press a kiss to her cheek as she moved toward him, glad to have her as a buffer between he and his father’s scrutiny. Irakles had always seen too much, and that worried Achilleas more than anything now.
Emilios’ too, provided a further distraction, so much so that the elder brother did not even mind the carefree attitude of his sibling, giving a slight shake of his head in disagreement with the younger man’s words. Any rebuttal he might have made to claims that he would be miserable had to be bitten off though, as his father made it known that he was less than amused at Emilios’ lateness.
“You must make some allowances for Emilios. It is his not his fault he has a face that needs so much attention to make it presentable.” But Irakles had already moved off, and Achilleas shot Emilios a look as it was left to them to escort their mother out to the carriage that waited. He waved away the servants and helped her up the step himself, wanting to apologise for the callous disregard that his father insisted on showing towards the woman, even today. But he couldn’t find the words, so settled instead on a smile as he saw her seated within. “You look beautiful,mother.”
He closed the door with a click, turning then to accept the reins of his own stallion, whose neck he stroked a moment in some pretence of calming the creature, when perhaps it was his own nerves that he wanted to settle.But he could almost feel his father’s impatience and so did not tarry long, gathering the reins and vaulting lightly astride. It was a good job, for the newly appointed King did not seem wont to wait, even for the groom, and soon the Mikaelidas retinue had set off toward the Leventi Manor.
There were more than a few spectators to their journey, the people of Vasiliadon coming out to gawp at their new King, at the Crown Prince on his wedding day. If nothing else, Taengea could be counted upon to rise up for a party, and indeed the citizens seemed to have rallied around the idea, for young girls clutched blossoms that they threw at the procession, people rushed out of houses to watch them pass.
For Achilleas, it was an uncomfortable reminder of the change in the status quo. Whatever he might believe to be just, the fact of the matter was his father was King now. The guards that trailed them said as much. And that made him a reluctant prince. Still, he smiled and waved at those who had gathered along the streets, playing the part expected of him, on this day especially. In fact, his face was aching by the time they left the city behind, travelling instead along the road bordered by the green pastures that heralded the Leventi lands. It was not a long journey, and yet gave enough time for the Lord to find some genuine wedding related nerves before they clattered down the sweeping road to the manor house.
He had barely seen Theodora the past week - efforts to prevent them being alone together seemingly redoubled with the wedding looming for some inane reason, and there was much he had not been able to tell her. Much he had not dared tell her, even though the chaperone was only her old maid. He didn’t know who he could trust, and more than anything was looking forward to escaping to Euttica with Theodora, just to be away from the feeling that he was one wrong step from tripping himself up and bringing everything crashing down around them. And as the carriage rolled to a halt outside the manor and Achilleas reined his mount to a standstill, he drew himself together. He just had to get through today.
It was not hard to sense the annoyance that radiated from his father as Achilleas joined him in the foyer. And though the son was quick to offer a quip to attempt to diffuse it, inside he panicked slightly. Was this just the man’s usual state of irritation? Or did he know something, had he heard something? He found himself unusually attuned to his father’s moods - a guilty conscience perhaps - but now Achilleas surveyed the man keenly, looking for some sign that his glowering was a precursor to something more serious.
It had been scarce more than days since he had found himself speaking to the Colchian Master of Secrets, telling things that he would never have imagined passing his lips, and ever since, Achilleas had been walking on eggshells, fearing the moment that somehow his indiscretion would be discovered. When his father offered a brief nod, it was all the lord could do not to sigh in relief, and he hoped the insubstantial smile he plastered on would be put down to pre-wedding nerves and nothing more. Still, he was relieved when his mother joined them, turning to press a kiss to her cheek as she moved toward him, glad to have her as a buffer between he and his father’s scrutiny. Irakles had always seen too much, and that worried Achilleas more than anything now.
Emilios’ too, provided a further distraction, so much so that the elder brother did not even mind the carefree attitude of his sibling, giving a slight shake of his head in disagreement with the younger man’s words. Any rebuttal he might have made to claims that he would be miserable had to be bitten off though, as his father made it known that he was less than amused at Emilios’ lateness.
“You must make some allowances for Emilios. It is his not his fault he has a face that needs so much attention to make it presentable.” But Irakles had already moved off, and Achilleas shot Emilios a look as it was left to them to escort their mother out to the carriage that waited. He waved away the servants and helped her up the step himself, wanting to apologise for the callous disregard that his father insisted on showing towards the woman, even today. But he couldn’t find the words, so settled instead on a smile as he saw her seated within. “You look beautiful,mother.”
He closed the door with a click, turning then to accept the reins of his own stallion, whose neck he stroked a moment in some pretence of calming the creature, when perhaps it was his own nerves that he wanted to settle.But he could almost feel his father’s impatience and so did not tarry long, gathering the reins and vaulting lightly astride. It was a good job, for the newly appointed King did not seem wont to wait, even for the groom, and soon the Mikaelidas retinue had set off toward the Leventi Manor.
There were more than a few spectators to their journey, the people of Vasiliadon coming out to gawp at their new King, at the Crown Prince on his wedding day. If nothing else, Taengea could be counted upon to rise up for a party, and indeed the citizens seemed to have rallied around the idea, for young girls clutched blossoms that they threw at the procession, people rushed out of houses to watch them pass.
For Achilleas, it was an uncomfortable reminder of the change in the status quo. Whatever he might believe to be just, the fact of the matter was his father was King now. The guards that trailed them said as much. And that made him a reluctant prince. Still, he smiled and waved at those who had gathered along the streets, playing the part expected of him, on this day especially. In fact, his face was aching by the time they left the city behind, travelling instead along the road bordered by the green pastures that heralded the Leventi lands. It was not a long journey, and yet gave enough time for the Lord to find some genuine wedding related nerves before they clattered down the sweeping road to the manor house.
He had barely seen Theodora the past week - efforts to prevent them being alone together seemingly redoubled with the wedding looming for some inane reason, and there was much he had not been able to tell her. Much he had not dared tell her, even though the chaperone was only her old maid. He didn’t know who he could trust, and more than anything was looking forward to escaping to Euttica with Theodora, just to be away from the feeling that he was one wrong step from tripping himself up and bringing everything crashing down around them. And as the carriage rolled to a halt outside the manor and Achilleas reined his mount to a standstill, he drew himself together. He just had to get through today.
It was clear that, for the most part, the Lady Evelli had the situation in hand with fixing Theodora's attire. Fotios' eyes turned shrewd as he assessed the situation around him - a meandering of Leventi women, followed by the appearance of Basilides who was in charge of the costume itself. His stare was fixed on the man with enough harsh edge to assure him that, if the issue was not resolved quickly, he would have more than an irate bride on his hands.
"Nana, do as your mother bids." Fotios agreed when Evelli directed her from the room. "I believe Imma is with your cousin. See to that they are prepared for the Mikaelidas' arrival." His gaze then turned very hard indeed, a glare drawing his brows low over his sharp stare. "And mind you say nothing of Theodora's gown."
He could just imagine the rumours that would circulate if the bride was found to be suddenly too big for her bridal ensemble... especially given the delay in the marriage and the likelihood of people assuming the bride and groom were unlikely to have waited to begin their physical relationship. There was, after all, a key reason for why a woman might suddenly not fit into her dress. And they didn't need those forms of gossip circulating.
"Have the bride ready in a half hour." He instructed as a servant quickly appeared to announce the arrival of the seamstress that followed her inside the chamber. His tone brokered no allowance for argument or bargaining. Instead, he simply turned on his heel and left the room and floor of the manor. Descending the stairs, Fotios was quickly to assess the chambers and corridors, the flowers and decorations in place and then step outside into the open lands and sunshine of the Leventi grounds. With a call to draw the available members of the family outside, Fotios ensured that those of his family not distracted by Theodora's gown were present and accounted for as the sound of hooves and carriages of the Mikaelidas lords drew towards the entryway of the Leventi estate...
"My Lords..." He greeted with a tone of respect at the arrival of the family, reaching to wrap a hand around the groom's forearm in welcome...
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This character is currently a work in progress.
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It was clear that, for the most part, the Lady Evelli had the situation in hand with fixing Theodora's attire. Fotios' eyes turned shrewd as he assessed the situation around him - a meandering of Leventi women, followed by the appearance of Basilides who was in charge of the costume itself. His stare was fixed on the man with enough harsh edge to assure him that, if the issue was not resolved quickly, he would have more than an irate bride on his hands.
"Nana, do as your mother bids." Fotios agreed when Evelli directed her from the room. "I believe Imma is with your cousin. See to that they are prepared for the Mikaelidas' arrival." His gaze then turned very hard indeed, a glare drawing his brows low over his sharp stare. "And mind you say nothing of Theodora's gown."
He could just imagine the rumours that would circulate if the bride was found to be suddenly too big for her bridal ensemble... especially given the delay in the marriage and the likelihood of people assuming the bride and groom were unlikely to have waited to begin their physical relationship. There was, after all, a key reason for why a woman might suddenly not fit into her dress. And they didn't need those forms of gossip circulating.
"Have the bride ready in a half hour." He instructed as a servant quickly appeared to announce the arrival of the seamstress that followed her inside the chamber. His tone brokered no allowance for argument or bargaining. Instead, he simply turned on his heel and left the room and floor of the manor. Descending the stairs, Fotios was quickly to assess the chambers and corridors, the flowers and decorations in place and then step outside into the open lands and sunshine of the Leventi grounds. With a call to draw the available members of the family outside, Fotios ensured that those of his family not distracted by Theodora's gown were present and accounted for as the sound of hooves and carriages of the Mikaelidas lords drew towards the entryway of the Leventi estate...
"My Lords..." He greeted with a tone of respect at the arrival of the family, reaching to wrap a hand around the groom's forearm in welcome...
It was clear that, for the most part, the Lady Evelli had the situation in hand with fixing Theodora's attire. Fotios' eyes turned shrewd as he assessed the situation around him - a meandering of Leventi women, followed by the appearance of Basilides who was in charge of the costume itself. His stare was fixed on the man with enough harsh edge to assure him that, if the issue was not resolved quickly, he would have more than an irate bride on his hands.
"Nana, do as your mother bids." Fotios agreed when Evelli directed her from the room. "I believe Imma is with your cousin. See to that they are prepared for the Mikaelidas' arrival." His gaze then turned very hard indeed, a glare drawing his brows low over his sharp stare. "And mind you say nothing of Theodora's gown."
He could just imagine the rumours that would circulate if the bride was found to be suddenly too big for her bridal ensemble... especially given the delay in the marriage and the likelihood of people assuming the bride and groom were unlikely to have waited to begin their physical relationship. There was, after all, a key reason for why a woman might suddenly not fit into her dress. And they didn't need those forms of gossip circulating.
"Have the bride ready in a half hour." He instructed as a servant quickly appeared to announce the arrival of the seamstress that followed her inside the chamber. His tone brokered no allowance for argument or bargaining. Instead, he simply turned on his heel and left the room and floor of the manor. Descending the stairs, Fotios was quickly to assess the chambers and corridors, the flowers and decorations in place and then step outside into the open lands and sunshine of the Leventi grounds. With a call to draw the available members of the family outside, Fotios ensured that those of his family not distracted by Theodora's gown were present and accounted for as the sound of hooves and carriages of the Mikaelidas lords drew towards the entryway of the Leventi estate...
"My Lords..." He greeted with a tone of respect at the arrival of the family, reaching to wrap a hand around the groom's forearm in welcome...
Could this get any worse?
Not only where her thoughts a mess that morning but circumstances appeared to be conspiring against her in order to have her outer reality reflect her inner nervousness. How on earth had the dress shrunk? Or could she have grown? Surely not! The last fitting had been only a week or so ago and she had more found herself without an appetite than with, when it came to her thoughts on the upcoming nuptials.
Not that she was against them. Whilst the announcement of the engagement had been a shock from start to finish and her interactions with Achilleas limited from the start, Theo had gradually felt herself falling into the comfortable role of bride-to-be. It was true that, when this venture was first begun, all was a mess and she had feared her heart would be irreversibly broken had things continues to this inevitable eventuality. Not two months ago, she had believed herself to be entirely in love with a man she wished to spend the rest of her life with. A man who was trust-worthy, loving and devout… A man whom Emilios had – over the last few weeks – turned out not to be at all.
It would be sheer stubbornness for her to say that she had not been hurt by the man’s aloof temperament and sudden reversal of affection since the engagement was announced. It was true that in her panic and worry over being tied to the wrong Mikaelidas brother, she had wronged him with their coupling upon his return to Taengea. He had every right to be annoyed. And she had needed to apologise.
But now… now their interactions were nothing as they had been. She had not been able to re-piece together her relationship with the man she had been so convinced would hold her heart until the end of their days. Instead, when tested – even by her own selfishness and impotence with regards to ending the engagement – Emilios had fled. Leaving her defenceless against the loyalities and duties of her family.
Then, there was Achilleas. A man who, by all rights and accounts merited more worth and value than his younger brother: the first born, a war veteran… a man of such gentle compassion and courageous skill that it had only taken her a moment in his company to realise he was a man that many a woman who die to marry. When her revelation of her feelings for her intended’s brother was given to her uncle and father, it had done no good. And if such truth could not sway the Heads of Houses from the continuation of this engagement, what lie could suffice? None that she could think of. Not when she was of her own heritage and Achilleas was of hers. On paper, it was an undeniable match made in heaven…
Something she was beginning to suspect might in fact be true…
And now there was this disaster!
As the friend to the family Basilides strode into the room like Moses parting the red sea, with his trunks, tricks and a glib tongue to put the room at easy, Theodora felt the stirrings of panic simmer down beneath the elegance she was expected to portray. She had never had Selene’s countenance and ethereal grace but she was as equally blessed by Aphrodite and her beauty shone through in times of worry. She noted the approving look in her mother’s eye as she continued to hold herself steady.
“Do you think the an additional ream of silk at the edges, Basilides?” She suggested, in the hopes of appearing calm, despite the fact that her uncle soon left the room in order to greet her future husband.
Husband.
The word sounded both so final and – peculiarly – so comforting…
Being raised in a family of so many young women, vying for dresses, attention and men… it was a strangely selfish and… secretly enjoyable notion to know that her husband would have only one wife. Her. The single female to whom he would come for his needs, his wants and his expectations for the future.
Whilst those expectations, for her, had previously been pinned entirely upon Emilios, his determined distance over the last few months had been unnecessarily excessive. She would never have agreed to a continued affair whilst she was formally Achilleas’ betrothed. But there was no reason they couldn’t have spoken, spent time together platonically – worked out a way in which the arrangement could be broken with the fewest sufferings to be borne. Instead, he had entirely disappeared from her private life, seeking no time with her and no hopes that his affections for her were as they once were.
And, as such, the dreams and expectations she had had with the man had faded and fractured and dissolved away. For Emilios was not the man she had always believed him to be.
More and more… it was turning out that Achilleas was in fact the owner of such talents and traits as loyalty, compassion and dogged determination to ensure the happiness of those around him. And whilst her heart was not truly settled and her lower belly was unease with the fact that this wedding – despite all its delays – was perhaps happening sooner than her emotions were ready for them, she could not help but feel cautiously optimistic that her life with Achilleas would be a happy one…
All she had to do now, was work out a way to rid the crying ache from the furthest corners of her heart – the corners that were still held by the wrong brother.
“Mother, perhaps you should be downstairs to greet the Mikaelidas?” Theodora suggested, as Basilides set to work and the seamstress he had promised arrived. “I do not wish for Achilleas to think me hiding from him.” She offered this last with a soft smile that turned the comment self-deprecating. “I shall be with everyone soon. I’m sure Basilides can fix this…?” The last she said with a higher pitch, morphing the statement into a question as her gaze fell upon where Basilides was attempting to measure the width by which the dress was unacceptable in size.
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This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
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Could this get any worse?
Not only where her thoughts a mess that morning but circumstances appeared to be conspiring against her in order to have her outer reality reflect her inner nervousness. How on earth had the dress shrunk? Or could she have grown? Surely not! The last fitting had been only a week or so ago and she had more found herself without an appetite than with, when it came to her thoughts on the upcoming nuptials.
Not that she was against them. Whilst the announcement of the engagement had been a shock from start to finish and her interactions with Achilleas limited from the start, Theo had gradually felt herself falling into the comfortable role of bride-to-be. It was true that, when this venture was first begun, all was a mess and she had feared her heart would be irreversibly broken had things continues to this inevitable eventuality. Not two months ago, she had believed herself to be entirely in love with a man she wished to spend the rest of her life with. A man who was trust-worthy, loving and devout… A man whom Emilios had – over the last few weeks – turned out not to be at all.
It would be sheer stubbornness for her to say that she had not been hurt by the man’s aloof temperament and sudden reversal of affection since the engagement was announced. It was true that in her panic and worry over being tied to the wrong Mikaelidas brother, she had wronged him with their coupling upon his return to Taengea. He had every right to be annoyed. And she had needed to apologise.
But now… now their interactions were nothing as they had been. She had not been able to re-piece together her relationship with the man she had been so convinced would hold her heart until the end of their days. Instead, when tested – even by her own selfishness and impotence with regards to ending the engagement – Emilios had fled. Leaving her defenceless against the loyalities and duties of her family.
Then, there was Achilleas. A man who, by all rights and accounts merited more worth and value than his younger brother: the first born, a war veteran… a man of such gentle compassion and courageous skill that it had only taken her a moment in his company to realise he was a man that many a woman who die to marry. When her revelation of her feelings for her intended’s brother was given to her uncle and father, it had done no good. And if such truth could not sway the Heads of Houses from the continuation of this engagement, what lie could suffice? None that she could think of. Not when she was of her own heritage and Achilleas was of hers. On paper, it was an undeniable match made in heaven…
Something she was beginning to suspect might in fact be true…
And now there was this disaster!
As the friend to the family Basilides strode into the room like Moses parting the red sea, with his trunks, tricks and a glib tongue to put the room at easy, Theodora felt the stirrings of panic simmer down beneath the elegance she was expected to portray. She had never had Selene’s countenance and ethereal grace but she was as equally blessed by Aphrodite and her beauty shone through in times of worry. She noted the approving look in her mother’s eye as she continued to hold herself steady.
“Do you think the an additional ream of silk at the edges, Basilides?” She suggested, in the hopes of appearing calm, despite the fact that her uncle soon left the room in order to greet her future husband.
Husband.
The word sounded both so final and – peculiarly – so comforting…
Being raised in a family of so many young women, vying for dresses, attention and men… it was a strangely selfish and… secretly enjoyable notion to know that her husband would have only one wife. Her. The single female to whom he would come for his needs, his wants and his expectations for the future.
Whilst those expectations, for her, had previously been pinned entirely upon Emilios, his determined distance over the last few months had been unnecessarily excessive. She would never have agreed to a continued affair whilst she was formally Achilleas’ betrothed. But there was no reason they couldn’t have spoken, spent time together platonically – worked out a way in which the arrangement could be broken with the fewest sufferings to be borne. Instead, he had entirely disappeared from her private life, seeking no time with her and no hopes that his affections for her were as they once were.
And, as such, the dreams and expectations she had had with the man had faded and fractured and dissolved away. For Emilios was not the man she had always believed him to be.
More and more… it was turning out that Achilleas was in fact the owner of such talents and traits as loyalty, compassion and dogged determination to ensure the happiness of those around him. And whilst her heart was not truly settled and her lower belly was unease with the fact that this wedding – despite all its delays – was perhaps happening sooner than her emotions were ready for them, she could not help but feel cautiously optimistic that her life with Achilleas would be a happy one…
All she had to do now, was work out a way to rid the crying ache from the furthest corners of her heart – the corners that were still held by the wrong brother.
“Mother, perhaps you should be downstairs to greet the Mikaelidas?” Theodora suggested, as Basilides set to work and the seamstress he had promised arrived. “I do not wish for Achilleas to think me hiding from him.” She offered this last with a soft smile that turned the comment self-deprecating. “I shall be with everyone soon. I’m sure Basilides can fix this…?” The last she said with a higher pitch, morphing the statement into a question as her gaze fell upon where Basilides was attempting to measure the width by which the dress was unacceptable in size.
Could this get any worse?
Not only where her thoughts a mess that morning but circumstances appeared to be conspiring against her in order to have her outer reality reflect her inner nervousness. How on earth had the dress shrunk? Or could she have grown? Surely not! The last fitting had been only a week or so ago and she had more found herself without an appetite than with, when it came to her thoughts on the upcoming nuptials.
Not that she was against them. Whilst the announcement of the engagement had been a shock from start to finish and her interactions with Achilleas limited from the start, Theo had gradually felt herself falling into the comfortable role of bride-to-be. It was true that, when this venture was first begun, all was a mess and she had feared her heart would be irreversibly broken had things continues to this inevitable eventuality. Not two months ago, she had believed herself to be entirely in love with a man she wished to spend the rest of her life with. A man who was trust-worthy, loving and devout… A man whom Emilios had – over the last few weeks – turned out not to be at all.
It would be sheer stubbornness for her to say that she had not been hurt by the man’s aloof temperament and sudden reversal of affection since the engagement was announced. It was true that in her panic and worry over being tied to the wrong Mikaelidas brother, she had wronged him with their coupling upon his return to Taengea. He had every right to be annoyed. And she had needed to apologise.
But now… now their interactions were nothing as they had been. She had not been able to re-piece together her relationship with the man she had been so convinced would hold her heart until the end of their days. Instead, when tested – even by her own selfishness and impotence with regards to ending the engagement – Emilios had fled. Leaving her defenceless against the loyalities and duties of her family.
Then, there was Achilleas. A man who, by all rights and accounts merited more worth and value than his younger brother: the first born, a war veteran… a man of such gentle compassion and courageous skill that it had only taken her a moment in his company to realise he was a man that many a woman who die to marry. When her revelation of her feelings for her intended’s brother was given to her uncle and father, it had done no good. And if such truth could not sway the Heads of Houses from the continuation of this engagement, what lie could suffice? None that she could think of. Not when she was of her own heritage and Achilleas was of hers. On paper, it was an undeniable match made in heaven…
Something she was beginning to suspect might in fact be true…
And now there was this disaster!
As the friend to the family Basilides strode into the room like Moses parting the red sea, with his trunks, tricks and a glib tongue to put the room at easy, Theodora felt the stirrings of panic simmer down beneath the elegance she was expected to portray. She had never had Selene’s countenance and ethereal grace but she was as equally blessed by Aphrodite and her beauty shone through in times of worry. She noted the approving look in her mother’s eye as she continued to hold herself steady.
“Do you think the an additional ream of silk at the edges, Basilides?” She suggested, in the hopes of appearing calm, despite the fact that her uncle soon left the room in order to greet her future husband.
Husband.
The word sounded both so final and – peculiarly – so comforting…
Being raised in a family of so many young women, vying for dresses, attention and men… it was a strangely selfish and… secretly enjoyable notion to know that her husband would have only one wife. Her. The single female to whom he would come for his needs, his wants and his expectations for the future.
Whilst those expectations, for her, had previously been pinned entirely upon Emilios, his determined distance over the last few months had been unnecessarily excessive. She would never have agreed to a continued affair whilst she was formally Achilleas’ betrothed. But there was no reason they couldn’t have spoken, spent time together platonically – worked out a way in which the arrangement could be broken with the fewest sufferings to be borne. Instead, he had entirely disappeared from her private life, seeking no time with her and no hopes that his affections for her were as they once were.
And, as such, the dreams and expectations she had had with the man had faded and fractured and dissolved away. For Emilios was not the man she had always believed him to be.
More and more… it was turning out that Achilleas was in fact the owner of such talents and traits as loyalty, compassion and dogged determination to ensure the happiness of those around him. And whilst her heart was not truly settled and her lower belly was unease with the fact that this wedding – despite all its delays – was perhaps happening sooner than her emotions were ready for them, she could not help but feel cautiously optimistic that her life with Achilleas would be a happy one…
All she had to do now, was work out a way to rid the crying ache from the furthest corners of her heart – the corners that were still held by the wrong brother.
“Mother, perhaps you should be downstairs to greet the Mikaelidas?” Theodora suggested, as Basilides set to work and the seamstress he had promised arrived. “I do not wish for Achilleas to think me hiding from him.” She offered this last with a soft smile that turned the comment self-deprecating. “I shall be with everyone soon. I’m sure Basilides can fix this…?” The last she said with a higher pitch, morphing the statement into a question as her gaze fell upon where Basilides was attempting to measure the width by which the dress was unacceptable in size.
Curveball 'Til Death Do Us Part
The Mikaelidas party arrive at the Leventi Estate ready to exchange the dowry and the presentation of the bride to her new husband. All members of the immediate families of bride and groom are in attendance, while other guests are expected to culminate and arrive at the Mikaelidas estate, to await the new husband and wife's arrival.
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The Mikaelidas party arrive at the Leventi Estate ready to exchange the dowry and the presentation of the bride to her new husband. All members of the immediate families of bride and groom are in attendance, while other guests are expected to culminate and arrive at the Mikaelidas estate, to await the new husband and wife's arrival.
Curveball 'Til Death Do Us Part
The Mikaelidas party arrive at the Leventi Estate ready to exchange the dowry and the presentation of the bride to her new husband. All members of the immediate families of bride and groom are in attendance, while other guests are expected to culminate and arrive at the Mikaelidas estate, to await the new husband and wife's arrival.
There was no tarrying in their steps, for Irakles was not a man who minced his words. But more then that, the old man merely wished to put some distance between himself and his sons if only to hide the momentary twitches of discomfort that came from the vicinity of his chest whenever they popped up, if only to save himself from answering or explaining any questions they may have. While there was no warm affection between father and his two sons, Irakles still knew Achilleas at least, would ask upon him should he notice anything amiss.
So leaving his two sons behind him, Irakles pressed on with Aeneus at a strong and steady pace beneath him. As they passed spectators, Irakles would take a deep breathe and smile, but no one would notice the light wrinkle of his brows sometimes as his chest tightened and then loosened sporadically.
Just behind his two sons upon their steeds, the carriage carrying his legally married wife rumbled along, providing the entourage with the rhythmic grind of wheel against gravel as they moved, until the group finally arrived at the gates of the Leventi household which was, as expectedly, thrown open to invite in their guests of the day. From the inside, one could see servants scrambling to get the last few touches down, but Irakles held Aeneus still until a servant came running to grab the former warhorse's reins, before he slid down off the saddle and gave instructions for his persnickety gelding to be taken care of.
With one last glance over his shoulder to ensure Emilios and Achilleas would follow suit, and a motion for Emilios to fetch Myrto and escort their mother in (a task that should really be his, but Irakles had more important things to attend to), the man pasted a smile on his face and entered the threshold.
He smiled as Fotios greeted Achilleas, waiting for them to exchange the greeting before Irakles stepped in with a booming laugh, clapping the man over the back before exchanging a one-armed hug. "Looks like our families will be joined today, and not a day later. It's a good day, my friend." Irakles greeted, before turning to the rest in attendance and giving the ladies a swift bow. "Ladies Nana, Imma and Evangelina, may I just say you all look radiant for the festivities today." the man's smile was smooth as it was comforting, a personality he wore for all to see before he straightened up. Watching as the servants holding all they had to offer to the bride's family for the day, Irakles looked around, and then asked in curiosity as his eyes fell upon Georgios who had came up to greet the rest of the party, "And where is the beautiful bride of the day?"
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There was no tarrying in their steps, for Irakles was not a man who minced his words. But more then that, the old man merely wished to put some distance between himself and his sons if only to hide the momentary twitches of discomfort that came from the vicinity of his chest whenever they popped up, if only to save himself from answering or explaining any questions they may have. While there was no warm affection between father and his two sons, Irakles still knew Achilleas at least, would ask upon him should he notice anything amiss.
So leaving his two sons behind him, Irakles pressed on with Aeneus at a strong and steady pace beneath him. As they passed spectators, Irakles would take a deep breathe and smile, but no one would notice the light wrinkle of his brows sometimes as his chest tightened and then loosened sporadically.
Just behind his two sons upon their steeds, the carriage carrying his legally married wife rumbled along, providing the entourage with the rhythmic grind of wheel against gravel as they moved, until the group finally arrived at the gates of the Leventi household which was, as expectedly, thrown open to invite in their guests of the day. From the inside, one could see servants scrambling to get the last few touches down, but Irakles held Aeneus still until a servant came running to grab the former warhorse's reins, before he slid down off the saddle and gave instructions for his persnickety gelding to be taken care of.
With one last glance over his shoulder to ensure Emilios and Achilleas would follow suit, and a motion for Emilios to fetch Myrto and escort their mother in (a task that should really be his, but Irakles had more important things to attend to), the man pasted a smile on his face and entered the threshold.
He smiled as Fotios greeted Achilleas, waiting for them to exchange the greeting before Irakles stepped in with a booming laugh, clapping the man over the back before exchanging a one-armed hug. "Looks like our families will be joined today, and not a day later. It's a good day, my friend." Irakles greeted, before turning to the rest in attendance and giving the ladies a swift bow. "Ladies Nana, Imma and Evangelina, may I just say you all look radiant for the festivities today." the man's smile was smooth as it was comforting, a personality he wore for all to see before he straightened up. Watching as the servants holding all they had to offer to the bride's family for the day, Irakles looked around, and then asked in curiosity as his eyes fell upon Georgios who had came up to greet the rest of the party, "And where is the beautiful bride of the day?"
There was no tarrying in their steps, for Irakles was not a man who minced his words. But more then that, the old man merely wished to put some distance between himself and his sons if only to hide the momentary twitches of discomfort that came from the vicinity of his chest whenever they popped up, if only to save himself from answering or explaining any questions they may have. While there was no warm affection between father and his two sons, Irakles still knew Achilleas at least, would ask upon him should he notice anything amiss.
So leaving his two sons behind him, Irakles pressed on with Aeneus at a strong and steady pace beneath him. As they passed spectators, Irakles would take a deep breathe and smile, but no one would notice the light wrinkle of his brows sometimes as his chest tightened and then loosened sporadically.
Just behind his two sons upon their steeds, the carriage carrying his legally married wife rumbled along, providing the entourage with the rhythmic grind of wheel against gravel as they moved, until the group finally arrived at the gates of the Leventi household which was, as expectedly, thrown open to invite in their guests of the day. From the inside, one could see servants scrambling to get the last few touches down, but Irakles held Aeneus still until a servant came running to grab the former warhorse's reins, before he slid down off the saddle and gave instructions for his persnickety gelding to be taken care of.
With one last glance over his shoulder to ensure Emilios and Achilleas would follow suit, and a motion for Emilios to fetch Myrto and escort their mother in (a task that should really be his, but Irakles had more important things to attend to), the man pasted a smile on his face and entered the threshold.
He smiled as Fotios greeted Achilleas, waiting for them to exchange the greeting before Irakles stepped in with a booming laugh, clapping the man over the back before exchanging a one-armed hug. "Looks like our families will be joined today, and not a day later. It's a good day, my friend." Irakles greeted, before turning to the rest in attendance and giving the ladies a swift bow. "Ladies Nana, Imma and Evangelina, may I just say you all look radiant for the festivities today." the man's smile was smooth as it was comforting, a personality he wore for all to see before he straightened up. Watching as the servants holding all they had to offer to the bride's family for the day, Irakles looked around, and then asked in curiosity as his eyes fell upon Georgios who had came up to greet the rest of the party, "And where is the beautiful bride of the day?"
Imma didn’t get a chance to reply before Lady Ava came bursting out Fotios home in a flurry of deep violet and flaming red hair. Her mother had her own trademark. Leventi beautiful with a touch of wild. Evangelina and Imma stopped long enough to watch as Ava raised her hand to shield her eyes from the sun beaming down on them obviously looking for someone.
When her mother’s gaze landed on them, she was marching towards them in a way that Evie knew meant trouble for someone. Tipping her chin a little, she leaned in just a little to Imma, “Uh-oh. Someone’s in trouble.” Imma tilted her head and raised an eyebrow at Evangelina.
'Good. There you two are… Have either of you seen Tino?' Evie shook her head, she hadn’t seen Tino all morning actually. Which… was odd. And it completely gave away who was in trouble. Ava let out a loud sigh and threw her hands up in the air, 'That boy is going to be the death of me.' She opened her mouth like she was going to add more to that but closed it at the sound of hoofbeats coming up the path towards them. 'If either of you sees him, tell him I am looking for him.' Ava pivoted and marched off towards Georgios' home to continue her search. Looking over her shoulder, 'Evangelina, if you see your father, tell him I know he’s hiding and he’d better stop. I have a list of things he needs to take care of still.'
Evie and Imma shared another glance, a smirk appearing on Evie’s lips. Her father had the right idea. The thought had barely had time to make it’s entrance before, she saw her uncle coming out as her mother was going into the other manor. He was busy gathering the family, her gaze shifted over all the various faces looking for her brother. What was he up too? He had to be up to something for him to be missing the action of the new King of Taengea arriving.
Suddenly there wasn’t time to continue looking for Tino because the Mikaelidas family had arrived. King Irakles followed by his sons, her gaze shifted from Achilleas to Emilios and then back again. Taking to the background with Nana and Imma, she thought for a moment she spotted Tino. Dropping Imma’s arm, she subtly tried to skirt around the edge of Fotios and the Mikaelidas family’s greetings. However, her path got blocked servants carrying out chests of gold. Blinking, she tilted her head trying to catch sight of her impish younger brother again.
In the background of her thoughts, she could hear Fotios speaking with Irakles, and while she sent them an occasional glance and polite smiles she was still distracted. At least she was until Irakles turned to the ladies in the group and swiftly bowed to them, ‘Ladies Nana, Imma, and Evangelina, may I just say you all look radiant for the festivities today.’ She dropped into as low of a curtsy as she could in the fitted gown. “Thank you, Your Majesty.” Glancing to Achilleas, her smile lifted a little higher on one corner which she carefully kept pasted on her lips as she also looked to Emilios. “Your Highnesses, Welcome to our home.”
There it was again, the flash of her brother’s head bobbed out from behind a pillar. Her eye twitched and she stepped a little to the side so Nana and Imma could say their greetings. Bitting down on her bottom lip, as the conversation turned into where the bride was, Evangelina snatched her brother from behind the pillar and hissed at him. “Where have you been? Mother has been looking for you.” His brown hair flopped sideways as he tilted his head, at fourteen he was already taller than she was, ‘I know where Theo is…’ It was said quietly but there was a hint of mischief tainting his voice. Oh Gods, what was going on. Tilting his head a little to shadow his mouth as he spoke quietly to his sister, ‘There’s a problem with a dress… it doesn’t fit.’
Evangelina’s eyes widened, her voice squeaked out a little higher than she’d intended, “What?” She quickly covered up the word with a couple of coughs. Her eyes darted over the Mikaelidas family as she pinched her brother unseen on the back and he squirmed. Tilting her head, “You are going to be in so much trouble for snooping if Mother finds out!” He leaned in again towards his sister, ‘Mother’s really going to be upset since I got our new cousin a little present too…’ There was a smirk again. They were stepping into the manor a little bit behind everyone else but just in time to see a lamb with a red ribbon tied to his neck burst out of the hallway making his way towards the Mikaelidas men, more specifically towards Lord Achilleas, bleating and swerving under tables.
Evangelina stood there just staring at the wreck that hadn’t happened yet. Sweeping a glance up to her brother, she frowned. “Let me guess. You got him a lamb. Why?”
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Imma didn’t get a chance to reply before Lady Ava came bursting out Fotios home in a flurry of deep violet and flaming red hair. Her mother had her own trademark. Leventi beautiful with a touch of wild. Evangelina and Imma stopped long enough to watch as Ava raised her hand to shield her eyes from the sun beaming down on them obviously looking for someone.
When her mother’s gaze landed on them, she was marching towards them in a way that Evie knew meant trouble for someone. Tipping her chin a little, she leaned in just a little to Imma, “Uh-oh. Someone’s in trouble.” Imma tilted her head and raised an eyebrow at Evangelina.
'Good. There you two are… Have either of you seen Tino?' Evie shook her head, she hadn’t seen Tino all morning actually. Which… was odd. And it completely gave away who was in trouble. Ava let out a loud sigh and threw her hands up in the air, 'That boy is going to be the death of me.' She opened her mouth like she was going to add more to that but closed it at the sound of hoofbeats coming up the path towards them. 'If either of you sees him, tell him I am looking for him.' Ava pivoted and marched off towards Georgios' home to continue her search. Looking over her shoulder, 'Evangelina, if you see your father, tell him I know he’s hiding and he’d better stop. I have a list of things he needs to take care of still.'
Evie and Imma shared another glance, a smirk appearing on Evie’s lips. Her father had the right idea. The thought had barely had time to make it’s entrance before, she saw her uncle coming out as her mother was going into the other manor. He was busy gathering the family, her gaze shifted over all the various faces looking for her brother. What was he up too? He had to be up to something for him to be missing the action of the new King of Taengea arriving.
Suddenly there wasn’t time to continue looking for Tino because the Mikaelidas family had arrived. King Irakles followed by his sons, her gaze shifted from Achilleas to Emilios and then back again. Taking to the background with Nana and Imma, she thought for a moment she spotted Tino. Dropping Imma’s arm, she subtly tried to skirt around the edge of Fotios and the Mikaelidas family’s greetings. However, her path got blocked servants carrying out chests of gold. Blinking, she tilted her head trying to catch sight of her impish younger brother again.
In the background of her thoughts, she could hear Fotios speaking with Irakles, and while she sent them an occasional glance and polite smiles she was still distracted. At least she was until Irakles turned to the ladies in the group and swiftly bowed to them, ‘Ladies Nana, Imma, and Evangelina, may I just say you all look radiant for the festivities today.’ She dropped into as low of a curtsy as she could in the fitted gown. “Thank you, Your Majesty.” Glancing to Achilleas, her smile lifted a little higher on one corner which she carefully kept pasted on her lips as she also looked to Emilios. “Your Highnesses, Welcome to our home.”
There it was again, the flash of her brother’s head bobbed out from behind a pillar. Her eye twitched and she stepped a little to the side so Nana and Imma could say their greetings. Bitting down on her bottom lip, as the conversation turned into where the bride was, Evangelina snatched her brother from behind the pillar and hissed at him. “Where have you been? Mother has been looking for you.” His brown hair flopped sideways as he tilted his head, at fourteen he was already taller than she was, ‘I know where Theo is…’ It was said quietly but there was a hint of mischief tainting his voice. Oh Gods, what was going on. Tilting his head a little to shadow his mouth as he spoke quietly to his sister, ‘There’s a problem with a dress… it doesn’t fit.’
Evangelina’s eyes widened, her voice squeaked out a little higher than she’d intended, “What?” She quickly covered up the word with a couple of coughs. Her eyes darted over the Mikaelidas family as she pinched her brother unseen on the back and he squirmed. Tilting her head, “You are going to be in so much trouble for snooping if Mother finds out!” He leaned in again towards his sister, ‘Mother’s really going to be upset since I got our new cousin a little present too…’ There was a smirk again. They were stepping into the manor a little bit behind everyone else but just in time to see a lamb with a red ribbon tied to his neck burst out of the hallway making his way towards the Mikaelidas men, more specifically towards Lord Achilleas, bleating and swerving under tables.
Evangelina stood there just staring at the wreck that hadn’t happened yet. Sweeping a glance up to her brother, she frowned. “Let me guess. You got him a lamb. Why?”
Imma didn’t get a chance to reply before Lady Ava came bursting out Fotios home in a flurry of deep violet and flaming red hair. Her mother had her own trademark. Leventi beautiful with a touch of wild. Evangelina and Imma stopped long enough to watch as Ava raised her hand to shield her eyes from the sun beaming down on them obviously looking for someone.
When her mother’s gaze landed on them, she was marching towards them in a way that Evie knew meant trouble for someone. Tipping her chin a little, she leaned in just a little to Imma, “Uh-oh. Someone’s in trouble.” Imma tilted her head and raised an eyebrow at Evangelina.
'Good. There you two are… Have either of you seen Tino?' Evie shook her head, she hadn’t seen Tino all morning actually. Which… was odd. And it completely gave away who was in trouble. Ava let out a loud sigh and threw her hands up in the air, 'That boy is going to be the death of me.' She opened her mouth like she was going to add more to that but closed it at the sound of hoofbeats coming up the path towards them. 'If either of you sees him, tell him I am looking for him.' Ava pivoted and marched off towards Georgios' home to continue her search. Looking over her shoulder, 'Evangelina, if you see your father, tell him I know he’s hiding and he’d better stop. I have a list of things he needs to take care of still.'
Evie and Imma shared another glance, a smirk appearing on Evie’s lips. Her father had the right idea. The thought had barely had time to make it’s entrance before, she saw her uncle coming out as her mother was going into the other manor. He was busy gathering the family, her gaze shifted over all the various faces looking for her brother. What was he up too? He had to be up to something for him to be missing the action of the new King of Taengea arriving.
Suddenly there wasn’t time to continue looking for Tino because the Mikaelidas family had arrived. King Irakles followed by his sons, her gaze shifted from Achilleas to Emilios and then back again. Taking to the background with Nana and Imma, she thought for a moment she spotted Tino. Dropping Imma’s arm, she subtly tried to skirt around the edge of Fotios and the Mikaelidas family’s greetings. However, her path got blocked servants carrying out chests of gold. Blinking, she tilted her head trying to catch sight of her impish younger brother again.
In the background of her thoughts, she could hear Fotios speaking with Irakles, and while she sent them an occasional glance and polite smiles she was still distracted. At least she was until Irakles turned to the ladies in the group and swiftly bowed to them, ‘Ladies Nana, Imma, and Evangelina, may I just say you all look radiant for the festivities today.’ She dropped into as low of a curtsy as she could in the fitted gown. “Thank you, Your Majesty.” Glancing to Achilleas, her smile lifted a little higher on one corner which she carefully kept pasted on her lips as she also looked to Emilios. “Your Highnesses, Welcome to our home.”
There it was again, the flash of her brother’s head bobbed out from behind a pillar. Her eye twitched and she stepped a little to the side so Nana and Imma could say their greetings. Bitting down on her bottom lip, as the conversation turned into where the bride was, Evangelina snatched her brother from behind the pillar and hissed at him. “Where have you been? Mother has been looking for you.” His brown hair flopped sideways as he tilted his head, at fourteen he was already taller than she was, ‘I know where Theo is…’ It was said quietly but there was a hint of mischief tainting his voice. Oh Gods, what was going on. Tilting his head a little to shadow his mouth as he spoke quietly to his sister, ‘There’s a problem with a dress… it doesn’t fit.’
Evangelina’s eyes widened, her voice squeaked out a little higher than she’d intended, “What?” She quickly covered up the word with a couple of coughs. Her eyes darted over the Mikaelidas family as she pinched her brother unseen on the back and he squirmed. Tilting her head, “You are going to be in so much trouble for snooping if Mother finds out!” He leaned in again towards his sister, ‘Mother’s really going to be upset since I got our new cousin a little present too…’ There was a smirk again. They were stepping into the manor a little bit behind everyone else but just in time to see a lamb with a red ribbon tied to his neck burst out of the hallway making his way towards the Mikaelidas men, more specifically towards Lord Achilleas, bleating and swerving under tables.
Evangelina stood there just staring at the wreck that hadn’t happened yet. Sweeping a glance up to her brother, she frowned. “Let me guess. You got him a lamb. Why?”
It was hardly any surprise to Achilleas that there was little conversation as the family Mikaelidas rode out to the Leventi manor. His father was not a man of many words, and Achilleas himself had turned his thoughts inwards once they were free of the bystanders. He flashed his mother a reassuring smile when she called to him from the carriage, but deliberately did not rein in his horse, keeping the stallion just ahead of where it would easy for the Lady Myrto to speak with him. Emilios could pick up the slack for once.
And so he had at least a few moments of quiet to prepare himself for the inevitable chaos of the day ahead, so that by the time they had arrived and he had slid from the back of his horse, there was a convincingly bright smile upon his face. It was a strong grip that returned Fotios’ greeting, Achilleas inclining his head and offering a respectful “My Lord Fotios” to the Head of House before he stepped aside to let his father speak with his old friend. His gaze hovered on them for a moment, recalling Magnus’ words about just how frequently the pair had been sequestered away together, ostensibly for this very occasion. But he did not trust himself enough to let his thoughts linger on such a topic, and so turned instead to greet Theodora’s sisters and cousin.
Less well acquainted with Nana than with either Imma or Evangelina, Achilleas nevertheless smiled upon her before he looked at the youngest Leventi, the subtlest arch of a brow enquiring as to her wellbeing after her disastrous beach trip of a few days prior. And the Lady Evangelina was a keeper of a secret that the groom had no desire to come to light, so when his blue eyes came to rest upon her there was almost a question there. Had she managed to find out anything more? It was hardly the time nor place but the matter of that boy had been yet another worry to play upon his mind, and Achilleas could not help but hope that he would manage to snatch a moment for a private conversation with Evangelina before the day was out. Returning her smile,any spoken greeting he might of made was deemed inopportune as his father’s voice rang out, and the groom glanced at the man as he remarked upon the rather obvious absence of Theodora.
Achilleas followed his gaze to his future father in law and he bowed to Georgios. He still wondered if the man truly liked him, or if he irrevocably damaged his good opinion all those years ago in Macendia. “Good day to you, Lord Georgios. An auspicious day.”
He might have said more were if not for a flash of movement catching his eye, and Achilleas barely had a moment to speak a hurried warning to the man before a….sheep of all things barrelled past them.A sheep wearing a ribbon. He turned to gaze after it, a rather bemused expression gracing his features. Perhaps he had not quite memorised all of the days events?
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It was hardly any surprise to Achilleas that there was little conversation as the family Mikaelidas rode out to the Leventi manor. His father was not a man of many words, and Achilleas himself had turned his thoughts inwards once they were free of the bystanders. He flashed his mother a reassuring smile when she called to him from the carriage, but deliberately did not rein in his horse, keeping the stallion just ahead of where it would easy for the Lady Myrto to speak with him. Emilios could pick up the slack for once.
And so he had at least a few moments of quiet to prepare himself for the inevitable chaos of the day ahead, so that by the time they had arrived and he had slid from the back of his horse, there was a convincingly bright smile upon his face. It was a strong grip that returned Fotios’ greeting, Achilleas inclining his head and offering a respectful “My Lord Fotios” to the Head of House before he stepped aside to let his father speak with his old friend. His gaze hovered on them for a moment, recalling Magnus’ words about just how frequently the pair had been sequestered away together, ostensibly for this very occasion. But he did not trust himself enough to let his thoughts linger on such a topic, and so turned instead to greet Theodora’s sisters and cousin.
Less well acquainted with Nana than with either Imma or Evangelina, Achilleas nevertheless smiled upon her before he looked at the youngest Leventi, the subtlest arch of a brow enquiring as to her wellbeing after her disastrous beach trip of a few days prior. And the Lady Evangelina was a keeper of a secret that the groom had no desire to come to light, so when his blue eyes came to rest upon her there was almost a question there. Had she managed to find out anything more? It was hardly the time nor place but the matter of that boy had been yet another worry to play upon his mind, and Achilleas could not help but hope that he would manage to snatch a moment for a private conversation with Evangelina before the day was out. Returning her smile,any spoken greeting he might of made was deemed inopportune as his father’s voice rang out, and the groom glanced at the man as he remarked upon the rather obvious absence of Theodora.
Achilleas followed his gaze to his future father in law and he bowed to Georgios. He still wondered if the man truly liked him, or if he irrevocably damaged his good opinion all those years ago in Macendia. “Good day to you, Lord Georgios. An auspicious day.”
He might have said more were if not for a flash of movement catching his eye, and Achilleas barely had a moment to speak a hurried warning to the man before a….sheep of all things barrelled past them.A sheep wearing a ribbon. He turned to gaze after it, a rather bemused expression gracing his features. Perhaps he had not quite memorised all of the days events?
It was hardly any surprise to Achilleas that there was little conversation as the family Mikaelidas rode out to the Leventi manor. His father was not a man of many words, and Achilleas himself had turned his thoughts inwards once they were free of the bystanders. He flashed his mother a reassuring smile when she called to him from the carriage, but deliberately did not rein in his horse, keeping the stallion just ahead of where it would easy for the Lady Myrto to speak with him. Emilios could pick up the slack for once.
And so he had at least a few moments of quiet to prepare himself for the inevitable chaos of the day ahead, so that by the time they had arrived and he had slid from the back of his horse, there was a convincingly bright smile upon his face. It was a strong grip that returned Fotios’ greeting, Achilleas inclining his head and offering a respectful “My Lord Fotios” to the Head of House before he stepped aside to let his father speak with his old friend. His gaze hovered on them for a moment, recalling Magnus’ words about just how frequently the pair had been sequestered away together, ostensibly for this very occasion. But he did not trust himself enough to let his thoughts linger on such a topic, and so turned instead to greet Theodora’s sisters and cousin.
Less well acquainted with Nana than with either Imma or Evangelina, Achilleas nevertheless smiled upon her before he looked at the youngest Leventi, the subtlest arch of a brow enquiring as to her wellbeing after her disastrous beach trip of a few days prior. And the Lady Evangelina was a keeper of a secret that the groom had no desire to come to light, so when his blue eyes came to rest upon her there was almost a question there. Had she managed to find out anything more? It was hardly the time nor place but the matter of that boy had been yet another worry to play upon his mind, and Achilleas could not help but hope that he would manage to snatch a moment for a private conversation with Evangelina before the day was out. Returning her smile,any spoken greeting he might of made was deemed inopportune as his father’s voice rang out, and the groom glanced at the man as he remarked upon the rather obvious absence of Theodora.
Achilleas followed his gaze to his future father in law and he bowed to Georgios. He still wondered if the man truly liked him, or if he irrevocably damaged his good opinion all those years ago in Macendia. “Good day to you, Lord Georgios. An auspicious day.”
He might have said more were if not for a flash of movement catching his eye, and Achilleas barely had a moment to speak a hurried warning to the man before a….sheep of all things barrelled past them.A sheep wearing a ribbon. He turned to gaze after it, a rather bemused expression gracing his features. Perhaps he had not quite memorised all of the days events?
The tension in the air felt so thick that Basilides wondered if he would need to practically swim through it. The sharp eyes of Lord and Lady before him made him feel like a small child that was preparing to be punished unless this was all fixed quickly. Honestly, he was not sure exactly what the repercussions would be in this circumstance.
All in all, he knew he could not fail to fix the wedding dress of the newly-crowned King's future daughter in law. It was not an option.
The tightness in his chest was a looming threat as he prepared to say something either comforting or in defense or flattering even. Fortunately, he was saved to some extent by Nana's arrival, though from the strain in her voice and Lady Evelli's response, there was not much saving to be done. Offering a rather tight and lean semi-smile, he bowed his head as deeply as the hefty trunk in his arms would allow as Lord Fotios started to escort his friend away.
Each word spoken by the nobles to him had an almost deathly sense of finality to them. He could not help the deep swallow that bobbed the apple of his throat before he spoke, his low tones covering his own anxious feelings.
"Yes, My Lady," he replied, bowing deeply and watching out of the corner of his eye as Issa did the same, her round blue eyes wide as dishplates as she all but scurried into the room.
As radiant as the morning sun stood Lady Theodora. Basilides could sense the fragility of this moment to her, but he was truly and honestly blinded by her presence. Bowing once again, an inadvertent smile finding its way to his lips simply by seeing her, he was finally able to set the trunk down and unclasp it. Issa curtsied before the bride-to-be as well and opened the basket she carried, revealing a treasure trove of pins, needles, ribbon, and lace, all coiled as perfectly as if set for display in a shop.
At Lady Theodora's words, Basilides offered a glance to Issa, who gave a brief nod and immediately set her keen blue eyes to the dress in question, her thin fingers touched the seams in question.
"This is Issa, she is one of the most talented seamstresses I have had the honor of knowing," he said, reassuringly, offering a smile as he watched the young commonwoman almost blush at his words. As if trying to keep herself from doing so, she spoke in a soft pitched voice as she unraveled a measuring cord.
"May I, My Lady?"
Once given permission, Basilides assisted Issa in holding the cord so she could mark the precise measurements to find the offending differences. A few quick strides back and forth seemed to help her gather all the information she needed as she immediately returned to her kit, pulled forth the tiniest blade that Basilides had ever seen in his life, and took to deftly cutting and removing very specific stitches in the dress.
Unable to withhold his own curiosity, Basilides stepped closer to her. Standing almost a head and shoulders taller than her, he leaned over to watch her work, only to be met with the seamstress' narrowed blue eyes that caused him to take a step back and pause. In a hushed exchange of words, the woman relayed to Basilides her plan and what she would need. They were obtained from the trunk in a few short strides and immediately Issa had the merchant put his hands to work at her behest.
As Lady Theodora and Lady Evelli exchanged words, Basilides held pins and spools and stretched the fabric as the mousy woman all but silently ordered, when he heard his name and the question at hand.
Glancing up quickly enough for the curls atop his head to seem to bounce, he stole one more glance at Issa, who nodded without lifting her sharp blue eyes, and Basilides offered a mildly restrained smile, "Of course. In fact, it looks as if the solution is a touch more simple than initially thought."
No sooner had he spoken the words did the seamstress, who seemed to have less patience with his hands the longer he tried to be helpful, quietly gestured for him to remove his hands - by way of physically swatting them away. Almost helplessly holding the measuring cord that had done its duty, he turned to the two ladies and released a slightly less anxious huff of a laugh.
"I brought something else," he offered congenially, stepping towards the trunk and reaching beneath the fabrics for an ornate, flat square box. Returning across the room to the bride and bride's mother. "It was to be a gift to follow the ceremonies, though...I do not see the harm in offering it now. May I?"
After a moment, he opened the top of the box, revealing a beautifully crafted headpiece made of dozens of strands of woven gold braided together in cord upon cord, with small garnets in shining Mikaelidas red nestled throughout the braids. It was a simple beauty, not too ostentatious, yet clearly destined to crown someone of Theodora's regal beauty.
After all, as things stood now, the bride before him would eventually be Taengea's queen.
No sooner had he opened the box to reveal the gift, did Issa cross the room, holding the dress at the shoulders.
"It is ready, My Lady."
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The tension in the air felt so thick that Basilides wondered if he would need to practically swim through it. The sharp eyes of Lord and Lady before him made him feel like a small child that was preparing to be punished unless this was all fixed quickly. Honestly, he was not sure exactly what the repercussions would be in this circumstance.
All in all, he knew he could not fail to fix the wedding dress of the newly-crowned King's future daughter in law. It was not an option.
The tightness in his chest was a looming threat as he prepared to say something either comforting or in defense or flattering even. Fortunately, he was saved to some extent by Nana's arrival, though from the strain in her voice and Lady Evelli's response, there was not much saving to be done. Offering a rather tight and lean semi-smile, he bowed his head as deeply as the hefty trunk in his arms would allow as Lord Fotios started to escort his friend away.
Each word spoken by the nobles to him had an almost deathly sense of finality to them. He could not help the deep swallow that bobbed the apple of his throat before he spoke, his low tones covering his own anxious feelings.
"Yes, My Lady," he replied, bowing deeply and watching out of the corner of his eye as Issa did the same, her round blue eyes wide as dishplates as she all but scurried into the room.
As radiant as the morning sun stood Lady Theodora. Basilides could sense the fragility of this moment to her, but he was truly and honestly blinded by her presence. Bowing once again, an inadvertent smile finding its way to his lips simply by seeing her, he was finally able to set the trunk down and unclasp it. Issa curtsied before the bride-to-be as well and opened the basket she carried, revealing a treasure trove of pins, needles, ribbon, and lace, all coiled as perfectly as if set for display in a shop.
At Lady Theodora's words, Basilides offered a glance to Issa, who gave a brief nod and immediately set her keen blue eyes to the dress in question, her thin fingers touched the seams in question.
"This is Issa, she is one of the most talented seamstresses I have had the honor of knowing," he said, reassuringly, offering a smile as he watched the young commonwoman almost blush at his words. As if trying to keep herself from doing so, she spoke in a soft pitched voice as she unraveled a measuring cord.
"May I, My Lady?"
Once given permission, Basilides assisted Issa in holding the cord so she could mark the precise measurements to find the offending differences. A few quick strides back and forth seemed to help her gather all the information she needed as she immediately returned to her kit, pulled forth the tiniest blade that Basilides had ever seen in his life, and took to deftly cutting and removing very specific stitches in the dress.
Unable to withhold his own curiosity, Basilides stepped closer to her. Standing almost a head and shoulders taller than her, he leaned over to watch her work, only to be met with the seamstress' narrowed blue eyes that caused him to take a step back and pause. In a hushed exchange of words, the woman relayed to Basilides her plan and what she would need. They were obtained from the trunk in a few short strides and immediately Issa had the merchant put his hands to work at her behest.
As Lady Theodora and Lady Evelli exchanged words, Basilides held pins and spools and stretched the fabric as the mousy woman all but silently ordered, when he heard his name and the question at hand.
Glancing up quickly enough for the curls atop his head to seem to bounce, he stole one more glance at Issa, who nodded without lifting her sharp blue eyes, and Basilides offered a mildly restrained smile, "Of course. In fact, it looks as if the solution is a touch more simple than initially thought."
No sooner had he spoken the words did the seamstress, who seemed to have less patience with his hands the longer he tried to be helpful, quietly gestured for him to remove his hands - by way of physically swatting them away. Almost helplessly holding the measuring cord that had done its duty, he turned to the two ladies and released a slightly less anxious huff of a laugh.
"I brought something else," he offered congenially, stepping towards the trunk and reaching beneath the fabrics for an ornate, flat square box. Returning across the room to the bride and bride's mother. "It was to be a gift to follow the ceremonies, though...I do not see the harm in offering it now. May I?"
After a moment, he opened the top of the box, revealing a beautifully crafted headpiece made of dozens of strands of woven gold braided together in cord upon cord, with small garnets in shining Mikaelidas red nestled throughout the braids. It was a simple beauty, not too ostentatious, yet clearly destined to crown someone of Theodora's regal beauty.
After all, as things stood now, the bride before him would eventually be Taengea's queen.
No sooner had he opened the box to reveal the gift, did Issa cross the room, holding the dress at the shoulders.
"It is ready, My Lady."
The tension in the air felt so thick that Basilides wondered if he would need to practically swim through it. The sharp eyes of Lord and Lady before him made him feel like a small child that was preparing to be punished unless this was all fixed quickly. Honestly, he was not sure exactly what the repercussions would be in this circumstance.
All in all, he knew he could not fail to fix the wedding dress of the newly-crowned King's future daughter in law. It was not an option.
The tightness in his chest was a looming threat as he prepared to say something either comforting or in defense or flattering even. Fortunately, he was saved to some extent by Nana's arrival, though from the strain in her voice and Lady Evelli's response, there was not much saving to be done. Offering a rather tight and lean semi-smile, he bowed his head as deeply as the hefty trunk in his arms would allow as Lord Fotios started to escort his friend away.
Each word spoken by the nobles to him had an almost deathly sense of finality to them. He could not help the deep swallow that bobbed the apple of his throat before he spoke, his low tones covering his own anxious feelings.
"Yes, My Lady," he replied, bowing deeply and watching out of the corner of his eye as Issa did the same, her round blue eyes wide as dishplates as she all but scurried into the room.
As radiant as the morning sun stood Lady Theodora. Basilides could sense the fragility of this moment to her, but he was truly and honestly blinded by her presence. Bowing once again, an inadvertent smile finding its way to his lips simply by seeing her, he was finally able to set the trunk down and unclasp it. Issa curtsied before the bride-to-be as well and opened the basket she carried, revealing a treasure trove of pins, needles, ribbon, and lace, all coiled as perfectly as if set for display in a shop.
At Lady Theodora's words, Basilides offered a glance to Issa, who gave a brief nod and immediately set her keen blue eyes to the dress in question, her thin fingers touched the seams in question.
"This is Issa, she is one of the most talented seamstresses I have had the honor of knowing," he said, reassuringly, offering a smile as he watched the young commonwoman almost blush at his words. As if trying to keep herself from doing so, she spoke in a soft pitched voice as she unraveled a measuring cord.
"May I, My Lady?"
Once given permission, Basilides assisted Issa in holding the cord so she could mark the precise measurements to find the offending differences. A few quick strides back and forth seemed to help her gather all the information she needed as she immediately returned to her kit, pulled forth the tiniest blade that Basilides had ever seen in his life, and took to deftly cutting and removing very specific stitches in the dress.
Unable to withhold his own curiosity, Basilides stepped closer to her. Standing almost a head and shoulders taller than her, he leaned over to watch her work, only to be met with the seamstress' narrowed blue eyes that caused him to take a step back and pause. In a hushed exchange of words, the woman relayed to Basilides her plan and what she would need. They were obtained from the trunk in a few short strides and immediately Issa had the merchant put his hands to work at her behest.
As Lady Theodora and Lady Evelli exchanged words, Basilides held pins and spools and stretched the fabric as the mousy woman all but silently ordered, when he heard his name and the question at hand.
Glancing up quickly enough for the curls atop his head to seem to bounce, he stole one more glance at Issa, who nodded without lifting her sharp blue eyes, and Basilides offered a mildly restrained smile, "Of course. In fact, it looks as if the solution is a touch more simple than initially thought."
No sooner had he spoken the words did the seamstress, who seemed to have less patience with his hands the longer he tried to be helpful, quietly gestured for him to remove his hands - by way of physically swatting them away. Almost helplessly holding the measuring cord that had done its duty, he turned to the two ladies and released a slightly less anxious huff of a laugh.
"I brought something else," he offered congenially, stepping towards the trunk and reaching beneath the fabrics for an ornate, flat square box. Returning across the room to the bride and bride's mother. "It was to be a gift to follow the ceremonies, though...I do not see the harm in offering it now. May I?"
After a moment, he opened the top of the box, revealing a beautifully crafted headpiece made of dozens of strands of woven gold braided together in cord upon cord, with small garnets in shining Mikaelidas red nestled throughout the braids. It was a simple beauty, not too ostentatious, yet clearly destined to crown someone of Theodora's regal beauty.
After all, as things stood now, the bride before him would eventually be Taengea's queen.
No sooner had he opened the box to reveal the gift, did Issa cross the room, holding the dress at the shoulders.
"It is ready, My Lady."
As the men of the Mikaelidas family arrived, Fotios smiled in one of his rare and broadest expressions. Today had been waited upon for far too long by far too many and now it was here at last.
The carriage that Fotios had spotted arriving in the small parade was that of the Lady Myrto, whilst the men rode upon horseback. Each took their turn in greeting him formally as the Head of the House of the bride.
Greeting the Lord Achilleas and then welcoming his father with deeper affection, Fotios answered Irakles' question first.
"Due to make her arrival at any moment, my friend." He answered in a simple and vague statement of fact. "I figured that we might handle the exchange of finances before she joins us. Ensure that the mechanics are covered before we allow the young ones to enjoy the day..."
If they could handle all of the dowry transfer and agreements between the Houses before Theodora arrived, that would give the servants and the Lady Evelli the half hour he had promised to have the bride ready within.
Noting that the Lord Emilios hung back with his mother, Fotios offered him a polite nod and the Lady Myrto a deeper bow. Even communicated from a distance, it held the appropriate level of respect for the family that would soon be an extended branch of his own.
It was as things were going so smoothly that the youngest of the Leventi family decided to cause a ruckus... With an bleating animal.
Fotios was a man of great calm and careful planning but he was not a God. And no mortal being could one hundred percent control a family of so many. In total, there were six of his family at his own generation and another ten upon the next. Including husbands and potential suitors, not to mention servants and slaves within each household and the business associates and contacts that he kept in regular communication with. It just wasn't possible for a single human being to control every element of life within the estates of the Leventi.
That being said, he hadn't expected a Gods damn sheep to enter into the festivities.
His brow lowering and his eyes darkening like thunder as he turned away, his expression hidden from his future in-laws, Fotios cast his look entirely upon the Lady Evangelina. Whilst the animal had clearly been arranged by her younger brother, chastisement for the child was impossible. As the only male in the family, he was their heir and future and had he been raised appropriately instead of by the so-called Lady Ava, he might have been able to behave with some form of decorum. Instead, this was what Fotios was left to deal with. Right now, however, he could not handle that at every turn.
"Perhaps you could see to it that the dowry is brought through from the solar room, Evangelina." He suggested with a hard tone of voice that made it clear there was no simple request to his instruction. It was an order, plain and simple. "Have the servants bring it out into the basilica in the gardens."
He then turned to the men, a hand brushing out towards the Leventi grounds and the flower garden that held a basilica in its centre and would be the perfect place for a formal exchange of familial connections.
"Come... let us see to this first and then enjoy the rest of the day."
Watching as each man was expected to escort one of the women - Irakles, Emilios, Achilleas; Myrto, Nana and Imma - Fotios then led the small party through raised flowerbeds and around buildings that sported the colours of red and purple - the tones of the two Houses due to be unified.
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As the men of the Mikaelidas family arrived, Fotios smiled in one of his rare and broadest expressions. Today had been waited upon for far too long by far too many and now it was here at last.
The carriage that Fotios had spotted arriving in the small parade was that of the Lady Myrto, whilst the men rode upon horseback. Each took their turn in greeting him formally as the Head of the House of the bride.
Greeting the Lord Achilleas and then welcoming his father with deeper affection, Fotios answered Irakles' question first.
"Due to make her arrival at any moment, my friend." He answered in a simple and vague statement of fact. "I figured that we might handle the exchange of finances before she joins us. Ensure that the mechanics are covered before we allow the young ones to enjoy the day..."
If they could handle all of the dowry transfer and agreements between the Houses before Theodora arrived, that would give the servants and the Lady Evelli the half hour he had promised to have the bride ready within.
Noting that the Lord Emilios hung back with his mother, Fotios offered him a polite nod and the Lady Myrto a deeper bow. Even communicated from a distance, it held the appropriate level of respect for the family that would soon be an extended branch of his own.
It was as things were going so smoothly that the youngest of the Leventi family decided to cause a ruckus... With an bleating animal.
Fotios was a man of great calm and careful planning but he was not a God. And no mortal being could one hundred percent control a family of so many. In total, there were six of his family at his own generation and another ten upon the next. Including husbands and potential suitors, not to mention servants and slaves within each household and the business associates and contacts that he kept in regular communication with. It just wasn't possible for a single human being to control every element of life within the estates of the Leventi.
That being said, he hadn't expected a Gods damn sheep to enter into the festivities.
His brow lowering and his eyes darkening like thunder as he turned away, his expression hidden from his future in-laws, Fotios cast his look entirely upon the Lady Evangelina. Whilst the animal had clearly been arranged by her younger brother, chastisement for the child was impossible. As the only male in the family, he was their heir and future and had he been raised appropriately instead of by the so-called Lady Ava, he might have been able to behave with some form of decorum. Instead, this was what Fotios was left to deal with. Right now, however, he could not handle that at every turn.
"Perhaps you could see to it that the dowry is brought through from the solar room, Evangelina." He suggested with a hard tone of voice that made it clear there was no simple request to his instruction. It was an order, plain and simple. "Have the servants bring it out into the basilica in the gardens."
He then turned to the men, a hand brushing out towards the Leventi grounds and the flower garden that held a basilica in its centre and would be the perfect place for a formal exchange of familial connections.
"Come... let us see to this first and then enjoy the rest of the day."
Watching as each man was expected to escort one of the women - Irakles, Emilios, Achilleas; Myrto, Nana and Imma - Fotios then led the small party through raised flowerbeds and around buildings that sported the colours of red and purple - the tones of the two Houses due to be unified.
As the men of the Mikaelidas family arrived, Fotios smiled in one of his rare and broadest expressions. Today had been waited upon for far too long by far too many and now it was here at last.
The carriage that Fotios had spotted arriving in the small parade was that of the Lady Myrto, whilst the men rode upon horseback. Each took their turn in greeting him formally as the Head of the House of the bride.
Greeting the Lord Achilleas and then welcoming his father with deeper affection, Fotios answered Irakles' question first.
"Due to make her arrival at any moment, my friend." He answered in a simple and vague statement of fact. "I figured that we might handle the exchange of finances before she joins us. Ensure that the mechanics are covered before we allow the young ones to enjoy the day..."
If they could handle all of the dowry transfer and agreements between the Houses before Theodora arrived, that would give the servants and the Lady Evelli the half hour he had promised to have the bride ready within.
Noting that the Lord Emilios hung back with his mother, Fotios offered him a polite nod and the Lady Myrto a deeper bow. Even communicated from a distance, it held the appropriate level of respect for the family that would soon be an extended branch of his own.
It was as things were going so smoothly that the youngest of the Leventi family decided to cause a ruckus... With an bleating animal.
Fotios was a man of great calm and careful planning but he was not a God. And no mortal being could one hundred percent control a family of so many. In total, there were six of his family at his own generation and another ten upon the next. Including husbands and potential suitors, not to mention servants and slaves within each household and the business associates and contacts that he kept in regular communication with. It just wasn't possible for a single human being to control every element of life within the estates of the Leventi.
That being said, he hadn't expected a Gods damn sheep to enter into the festivities.
His brow lowering and his eyes darkening like thunder as he turned away, his expression hidden from his future in-laws, Fotios cast his look entirely upon the Lady Evangelina. Whilst the animal had clearly been arranged by her younger brother, chastisement for the child was impossible. As the only male in the family, he was their heir and future and had he been raised appropriately instead of by the so-called Lady Ava, he might have been able to behave with some form of decorum. Instead, this was what Fotios was left to deal with. Right now, however, he could not handle that at every turn.
"Perhaps you could see to it that the dowry is brought through from the solar room, Evangelina." He suggested with a hard tone of voice that made it clear there was no simple request to his instruction. It was an order, plain and simple. "Have the servants bring it out into the basilica in the gardens."
He then turned to the men, a hand brushing out towards the Leventi grounds and the flower garden that held a basilica in its centre and would be the perfect place for a formal exchange of familial connections.
"Come... let us see to this first and then enjoy the rest of the day."
Watching as each man was expected to escort one of the women - Irakles, Emilios, Achilleas; Myrto, Nana and Imma - Fotios then led the small party through raised flowerbeds and around buildings that sported the colours of red and purple - the tones of the two Houses due to be unified.
Theo stood as still as she could manage herself. She felt delicate, from head to toe - as if she might vibrate apart if her nerves grew any stronger. Yet, she maintained the facade of graceful calm, as she knew that she should. Keeping her eyes on her mother, silently hoping in some selfish recess of her mind that the woman she admired could witness her inner turmoil and then applaud her for her external serenity, Theodora chastised herself for a fool and reaffirmed her thoughts.
She was marrying Achilleas.
And a better man she could not hope to call her own.
When Basilides started to get to work, introducing the lovely Issa who was plain in every way aside from a pair of eyes that could stop and turn heads, Theo felt the tension in her chest easy but her muscles take up the strain. Instead of from nerves, however, she was now frozen with the intention of holding still so that the dress could be appraised, assessed and (hopefully) rectified in the short span of time they had before she was expected to make an appearance before her intended's family.
Keeping her back straight, her shoulders in line and her limbs held slightly away from her body, she appeared a little stiff, with her chest barely rising and falling so as not to throw off the measurements with a particularly deep inhale or figure distorting exhale.
When Basilides offered to come closer and sought her permission, she was perfectly happy for him to do so, her concerns of modesty now a little more upon the backseat than they might have been a half hour ago.
As the seconds seemed to move at a glacial pace, Theodora kept herself as she was and tried to resist the urge to lick her lips nervously, or look down to watch their actions. Not only would that disrupt the line of the chiton but she also did not wish to risk her hair, which had been coiled, curled and pinned into the tiniest and most extravagant design of fine braids. In the inky darkness of her hair, the pattern was soft and subtle but spoke to a subconscious elegance and extravagance in the woman who wore it. Perfect for a lady upon her wedding day who had no need to scream her wealth and power.
The soft sounds of the seamstress and Basilides at work were like a small itch she was desperate to scratch by watching and the minutes were an odd sort of torture, until Issa determined that she could fix the problem and encouraged Theo to step behind a canvas in order to remove the gown and surrender it to her healing hands.
No sooner had the quiet been broken by Basilides prefacing his next actions with the explanation of a gift, than Theodora was being encouraged to take the chiton back upon her frame, the ladies maids securing it back into place. They all appeared to hold their breath as it fell perfectly to the ground and coated her skin in a filmy and ethereal white grace.
If anything told her of her heart's current position on marrying Achilleas, it was the smile that broke across her face in that moment; purest joy and relief that the chiton now fit with perfection. Surely there could be no other sign that would settle her heart so on her future husband?
Stepping out, in order to witness the opening of the box Basilides produced, Theodora was touched by the thoughtfulness of a gift and leaned over to peer inside the box. A slim and soft hand rose to press against her collarbone at the beauty of the distinguished yet demure headpiece that he revealed by the raising of the lid.
"It is beautiful, Basilides." She offered with a tone of such gratitude and breathless sincerity that it could hardly be doubted. "I shall wear it." She determined before casting a momentary glance of worry towards her mother. "Please, Mother. It has garnets for crimson good luck. And I can wear my bracelet with it." She turned quickly to one of her ladies’ maids. "Danni. In the draw over there - my gold bracelet from Lord Achilleas."
Quickly, the piece of jewellery was fetched and in holding the golden bracelet with the designs of Mikaelidas lions beside the bright shine of the headpiece in the same braided metal, it was pronounced that the two would match perfectly...
Theo wasted no time in moving to quickly sit, her back straight and her head angled with appropriate posture, so that her maids might secure the diadem into place amongst her hair. Danni hovered at her knee in order to work the clasp of the bracelet.
Suddenly, her eyes bright and her cheeks a little flushed from excitement, Theo found herself to be the blushing bride expectant of her union, instead of the second sister too fat for her marital gown.
Today was going to be perfect, she convinced herself as the jewellery was put into place, her hair checked and her feet slipped into elegant sandals of matching gold. Nothing could go wrong...
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Check out their information page here.
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Theo stood as still as she could manage herself. She felt delicate, from head to toe - as if she might vibrate apart if her nerves grew any stronger. Yet, she maintained the facade of graceful calm, as she knew that she should. Keeping her eyes on her mother, silently hoping in some selfish recess of her mind that the woman she admired could witness her inner turmoil and then applaud her for her external serenity, Theodora chastised herself for a fool and reaffirmed her thoughts.
She was marrying Achilleas.
And a better man she could not hope to call her own.
When Basilides started to get to work, introducing the lovely Issa who was plain in every way aside from a pair of eyes that could stop and turn heads, Theo felt the tension in her chest easy but her muscles take up the strain. Instead of from nerves, however, she was now frozen with the intention of holding still so that the dress could be appraised, assessed and (hopefully) rectified in the short span of time they had before she was expected to make an appearance before her intended's family.
Keeping her back straight, her shoulders in line and her limbs held slightly away from her body, she appeared a little stiff, with her chest barely rising and falling so as not to throw off the measurements with a particularly deep inhale or figure distorting exhale.
When Basilides offered to come closer and sought her permission, she was perfectly happy for him to do so, her concerns of modesty now a little more upon the backseat than they might have been a half hour ago.
As the seconds seemed to move at a glacial pace, Theodora kept herself as she was and tried to resist the urge to lick her lips nervously, or look down to watch their actions. Not only would that disrupt the line of the chiton but she also did not wish to risk her hair, which had been coiled, curled and pinned into the tiniest and most extravagant design of fine braids. In the inky darkness of her hair, the pattern was soft and subtle but spoke to a subconscious elegance and extravagance in the woman who wore it. Perfect for a lady upon her wedding day who had no need to scream her wealth and power.
The soft sounds of the seamstress and Basilides at work were like a small itch she was desperate to scratch by watching and the minutes were an odd sort of torture, until Issa determined that she could fix the problem and encouraged Theo to step behind a canvas in order to remove the gown and surrender it to her healing hands.
No sooner had the quiet been broken by Basilides prefacing his next actions with the explanation of a gift, than Theodora was being encouraged to take the chiton back upon her frame, the ladies maids securing it back into place. They all appeared to hold their breath as it fell perfectly to the ground and coated her skin in a filmy and ethereal white grace.
If anything told her of her heart's current position on marrying Achilleas, it was the smile that broke across her face in that moment; purest joy and relief that the chiton now fit with perfection. Surely there could be no other sign that would settle her heart so on her future husband?
Stepping out, in order to witness the opening of the box Basilides produced, Theodora was touched by the thoughtfulness of a gift and leaned over to peer inside the box. A slim and soft hand rose to press against her collarbone at the beauty of the distinguished yet demure headpiece that he revealed by the raising of the lid.
"It is beautiful, Basilides." She offered with a tone of such gratitude and breathless sincerity that it could hardly be doubted. "I shall wear it." She determined before casting a momentary glance of worry towards her mother. "Please, Mother. It has garnets for crimson good luck. And I can wear my bracelet with it." She turned quickly to one of her ladies’ maids. "Danni. In the draw over there - my gold bracelet from Lord Achilleas."
Quickly, the piece of jewellery was fetched and in holding the golden bracelet with the designs of Mikaelidas lions beside the bright shine of the headpiece in the same braided metal, it was pronounced that the two would match perfectly...
Theo wasted no time in moving to quickly sit, her back straight and her head angled with appropriate posture, so that her maids might secure the diadem into place amongst her hair. Danni hovered at her knee in order to work the clasp of the bracelet.
Suddenly, her eyes bright and her cheeks a little flushed from excitement, Theo found herself to be the blushing bride expectant of her union, instead of the second sister too fat for her marital gown.
Today was going to be perfect, she convinced herself as the jewellery was put into place, her hair checked and her feet slipped into elegant sandals of matching gold. Nothing could go wrong...
Theo stood as still as she could manage herself. She felt delicate, from head to toe - as if she might vibrate apart if her nerves grew any stronger. Yet, she maintained the facade of graceful calm, as she knew that she should. Keeping her eyes on her mother, silently hoping in some selfish recess of her mind that the woman she admired could witness her inner turmoil and then applaud her for her external serenity, Theodora chastised herself for a fool and reaffirmed her thoughts.
She was marrying Achilleas.
And a better man she could not hope to call her own.
When Basilides started to get to work, introducing the lovely Issa who was plain in every way aside from a pair of eyes that could stop and turn heads, Theo felt the tension in her chest easy but her muscles take up the strain. Instead of from nerves, however, she was now frozen with the intention of holding still so that the dress could be appraised, assessed and (hopefully) rectified in the short span of time they had before she was expected to make an appearance before her intended's family.
Keeping her back straight, her shoulders in line and her limbs held slightly away from her body, she appeared a little stiff, with her chest barely rising and falling so as not to throw off the measurements with a particularly deep inhale or figure distorting exhale.
When Basilides offered to come closer and sought her permission, she was perfectly happy for him to do so, her concerns of modesty now a little more upon the backseat than they might have been a half hour ago.
As the seconds seemed to move at a glacial pace, Theodora kept herself as she was and tried to resist the urge to lick her lips nervously, or look down to watch their actions. Not only would that disrupt the line of the chiton but she also did not wish to risk her hair, which had been coiled, curled and pinned into the tiniest and most extravagant design of fine braids. In the inky darkness of her hair, the pattern was soft and subtle but spoke to a subconscious elegance and extravagance in the woman who wore it. Perfect for a lady upon her wedding day who had no need to scream her wealth and power.
The soft sounds of the seamstress and Basilides at work were like a small itch she was desperate to scratch by watching and the minutes were an odd sort of torture, until Issa determined that she could fix the problem and encouraged Theo to step behind a canvas in order to remove the gown and surrender it to her healing hands.
No sooner had the quiet been broken by Basilides prefacing his next actions with the explanation of a gift, than Theodora was being encouraged to take the chiton back upon her frame, the ladies maids securing it back into place. They all appeared to hold their breath as it fell perfectly to the ground and coated her skin in a filmy and ethereal white grace.
If anything told her of her heart's current position on marrying Achilleas, it was the smile that broke across her face in that moment; purest joy and relief that the chiton now fit with perfection. Surely there could be no other sign that would settle her heart so on her future husband?
Stepping out, in order to witness the opening of the box Basilides produced, Theodora was touched by the thoughtfulness of a gift and leaned over to peer inside the box. A slim and soft hand rose to press against her collarbone at the beauty of the distinguished yet demure headpiece that he revealed by the raising of the lid.
"It is beautiful, Basilides." She offered with a tone of such gratitude and breathless sincerity that it could hardly be doubted. "I shall wear it." She determined before casting a momentary glance of worry towards her mother. "Please, Mother. It has garnets for crimson good luck. And I can wear my bracelet with it." She turned quickly to one of her ladies’ maids. "Danni. In the draw over there - my gold bracelet from Lord Achilleas."
Quickly, the piece of jewellery was fetched and in holding the golden bracelet with the designs of Mikaelidas lions beside the bright shine of the headpiece in the same braided metal, it was pronounced that the two would match perfectly...
Theo wasted no time in moving to quickly sit, her back straight and her head angled with appropriate posture, so that her maids might secure the diadem into place amongst her hair. Danni hovered at her knee in order to work the clasp of the bracelet.
Suddenly, her eyes bright and her cheeks a little flushed from excitement, Theo found herself to be the blushing bride expectant of her union, instead of the second sister too fat for her marital gown.
Today was going to be perfect, she convinced herself as the jewellery was put into place, her hair checked and her feet slipped into elegant sandals of matching gold. Nothing could go wrong...
Any bravery that Nana had mustered up for the sake of her friend quickly dissipated at her uncle's command. Perhaps if he hadn't been present, the girl would have disregarded her mother's command and pushed her way in to see just what was the matter, but Fotios's eagle-eyes had frightened Nana ever since she was a small child, and that wasn't about to change now. As far as she was concerned, the less time around him, the better. Her hand quickly slipped from where it rested on Basilides's arm as she made a complete turn-around, making her way towards the staircase and down the stairs faster than a dropped vase could hit the floor.
Soon, she took her place with Imma and Evie, silently saying her prayers for her dear friend and hoping he could fix whatever fiasco had occurred. If she was right, this was probably Theo's doing. Perhaps she'd overeaten out of wedding stress and ripped the dress trying to get into it. Or perhaps she just looked like too much of an overstuffed sausage.
And yet, of course, as she came up behind her sister, the sixteen-year-old offered an obvious observation that Nana decided to register as a complaint, what with the girl's newfound boy-craziness, and the elder's eyes rolled before she could stop them. A pity? Nana would agree. Yet she wasn't so rude as to voice such a thought on her sister's wedding day. As far as Nana was concerned, there was still one Taengean prince left for the taking (though she wasn't anything near close with Emilios). And if that didn't pan out, Nana knew that there were two eligible princes in Colchis, which she could look into as soon as she landed in Midas. Nana would hook a prince, no matter the cost, and nobody, especially not her little sister, would get in her way. In Nana's book, she was entitled to first dibs on any remaining royal matches.
Waiting for the two to finish their rather untimely conversation, Nana made her presence known by clearing her throat, plastering a well-practiced smile onto her face, polished to perfection from years of court appearances.
"It's a perfect day for a wedding, wouldn't you agree, Imma, Evie?"
And, it seemed, a perfect day for Ava to lose track of her children, as it seemed was the norm for her, as she came bounding towards them. And, of course, as Nana expected, her aunt did not know where her son was. Or her husband, for that matter. It was no wonder that Nana saw so little of the man, seeing as it seemed that he couldn't bother to show up even on a day as important as this. It put more than a bit of worry in Nana to think that all of the Leventi lands might go to her youngest cousin, what with how he seemed to lack maturity, even at fourteen.
Yet it seemed her attention was needed elsewhere, as Nana was drawn from her thoughts by the arrival of the Mikaelidas men, come to give the dowry, and ultimately, collect her sister. Her father's arrival set her at ease as the Mikaelidas were welcomed into their home, and Nana played her part in the welcoming by offering a deep curtsy to the new 'King,' if he could really be called such a thing. "You are too kind, your Majesty," she greeted, before turning her gaze to his sons. "Your Highnesses."
If Nana had to say nothing else that day, she would be happy. Ever since the senate meeting, Nana could not shake the feeling that there was something malicious in the grin of the newly crowned King Irakles, that Stephanos had told her the truth. Even on such a day as her sister's wedding, Nana could not wait to sail away from these thoughts.
Nana found a distraction in the lamb that suddenly came running through the manor, a red ribbon tied around its neck. It seemed that Evangelina's prediction was right: things were planned too perfectly. Of course something was bound to go wrong. The second-youngest of Evelli's brood couldn't help but let out a sigh as her brow furrowed, turning to look at her cousin, who had her younger brother in a tight grip. If only her mother could have used the same sort of discipline on Konstantinos, perhaps he wouldn't be such a little reprobate. If there was one thing Nana was sure of, it was that when her time came to have children, she would not fail in her duties as her Aunt Ava had.
Nana found relief in her uncle's mind, as even with a lamb running loose in the manor, he managed to keep calm and smooth things over. Though he frightened her at times, Nana had to hand it to Fotios that he always seemed to have some sort of plan. No wonder the House of Leventi stood strong in the face of scandal.
As her cousin was sent away by Fotios, Nana made her way to the side of the groom, a gentle smile on her face as she took his arm and followed after her uncle as he led the group through the manor, into the gardens. As they walked, the second-youngest of Georgios's daughters thought it might do to strike up some sort of conversation with her soon-to-be brother-in-law, though, of course, she knew not quite what to say. So, she went with whatever would come to her, trying her best to fill the silence: Nana hated silence in solitude. She couldn't even begin to fathom it in the company of a mere acquaintance.
"It's so strange...to think that after all this waiting and planning, the day is finally here...Of course, I cannot even begin to tell you how excited Theo is to marry you. Although I'm sure you already know that...Um...It really is a match made by the gods, what with how perfect a pair you two are."
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Any bravery that Nana had mustered up for the sake of her friend quickly dissipated at her uncle's command. Perhaps if he hadn't been present, the girl would have disregarded her mother's command and pushed her way in to see just what was the matter, but Fotios's eagle-eyes had frightened Nana ever since she was a small child, and that wasn't about to change now. As far as she was concerned, the less time around him, the better. Her hand quickly slipped from where it rested on Basilides's arm as she made a complete turn-around, making her way towards the staircase and down the stairs faster than a dropped vase could hit the floor.
Soon, she took her place with Imma and Evie, silently saying her prayers for her dear friend and hoping he could fix whatever fiasco had occurred. If she was right, this was probably Theo's doing. Perhaps she'd overeaten out of wedding stress and ripped the dress trying to get into it. Or perhaps she just looked like too much of an overstuffed sausage.
And yet, of course, as she came up behind her sister, the sixteen-year-old offered an obvious observation that Nana decided to register as a complaint, what with the girl's newfound boy-craziness, and the elder's eyes rolled before she could stop them. A pity? Nana would agree. Yet she wasn't so rude as to voice such a thought on her sister's wedding day. As far as Nana was concerned, there was still one Taengean prince left for the taking (though she wasn't anything near close with Emilios). And if that didn't pan out, Nana knew that there were two eligible princes in Colchis, which she could look into as soon as she landed in Midas. Nana would hook a prince, no matter the cost, and nobody, especially not her little sister, would get in her way. In Nana's book, she was entitled to first dibs on any remaining royal matches.
Waiting for the two to finish their rather untimely conversation, Nana made her presence known by clearing her throat, plastering a well-practiced smile onto her face, polished to perfection from years of court appearances.
"It's a perfect day for a wedding, wouldn't you agree, Imma, Evie?"
And, it seemed, a perfect day for Ava to lose track of her children, as it seemed was the norm for her, as she came bounding towards them. And, of course, as Nana expected, her aunt did not know where her son was. Or her husband, for that matter. It was no wonder that Nana saw so little of the man, seeing as it seemed that he couldn't bother to show up even on a day as important as this. It put more than a bit of worry in Nana to think that all of the Leventi lands might go to her youngest cousin, what with how he seemed to lack maturity, even at fourteen.
Yet it seemed her attention was needed elsewhere, as Nana was drawn from her thoughts by the arrival of the Mikaelidas men, come to give the dowry, and ultimately, collect her sister. Her father's arrival set her at ease as the Mikaelidas were welcomed into their home, and Nana played her part in the welcoming by offering a deep curtsy to the new 'King,' if he could really be called such a thing. "You are too kind, your Majesty," she greeted, before turning her gaze to his sons. "Your Highnesses."
If Nana had to say nothing else that day, she would be happy. Ever since the senate meeting, Nana could not shake the feeling that there was something malicious in the grin of the newly crowned King Irakles, that Stephanos had told her the truth. Even on such a day as her sister's wedding, Nana could not wait to sail away from these thoughts.
Nana found a distraction in the lamb that suddenly came running through the manor, a red ribbon tied around its neck. It seemed that Evangelina's prediction was right: things were planned too perfectly. Of course something was bound to go wrong. The second-youngest of Evelli's brood couldn't help but let out a sigh as her brow furrowed, turning to look at her cousin, who had her younger brother in a tight grip. If only her mother could have used the same sort of discipline on Konstantinos, perhaps he wouldn't be such a little reprobate. If there was one thing Nana was sure of, it was that when her time came to have children, she would not fail in her duties as her Aunt Ava had.
Nana found relief in her uncle's mind, as even with a lamb running loose in the manor, he managed to keep calm and smooth things over. Though he frightened her at times, Nana had to hand it to Fotios that he always seemed to have some sort of plan. No wonder the House of Leventi stood strong in the face of scandal.
As her cousin was sent away by Fotios, Nana made her way to the side of the groom, a gentle smile on her face as she took his arm and followed after her uncle as he led the group through the manor, into the gardens. As they walked, the second-youngest of Georgios's daughters thought it might do to strike up some sort of conversation with her soon-to-be brother-in-law, though, of course, she knew not quite what to say. So, she went with whatever would come to her, trying her best to fill the silence: Nana hated silence in solitude. She couldn't even begin to fathom it in the company of a mere acquaintance.
"It's so strange...to think that after all this waiting and planning, the day is finally here...Of course, I cannot even begin to tell you how excited Theo is to marry you. Although I'm sure you already know that...Um...It really is a match made by the gods, what with how perfect a pair you two are."
Any bravery that Nana had mustered up for the sake of her friend quickly dissipated at her uncle's command. Perhaps if he hadn't been present, the girl would have disregarded her mother's command and pushed her way in to see just what was the matter, but Fotios's eagle-eyes had frightened Nana ever since she was a small child, and that wasn't about to change now. As far as she was concerned, the less time around him, the better. Her hand quickly slipped from where it rested on Basilides's arm as she made a complete turn-around, making her way towards the staircase and down the stairs faster than a dropped vase could hit the floor.
Soon, she took her place with Imma and Evie, silently saying her prayers for her dear friend and hoping he could fix whatever fiasco had occurred. If she was right, this was probably Theo's doing. Perhaps she'd overeaten out of wedding stress and ripped the dress trying to get into it. Or perhaps she just looked like too much of an overstuffed sausage.
And yet, of course, as she came up behind her sister, the sixteen-year-old offered an obvious observation that Nana decided to register as a complaint, what with the girl's newfound boy-craziness, and the elder's eyes rolled before she could stop them. A pity? Nana would agree. Yet she wasn't so rude as to voice such a thought on her sister's wedding day. As far as Nana was concerned, there was still one Taengean prince left for the taking (though she wasn't anything near close with Emilios). And if that didn't pan out, Nana knew that there were two eligible princes in Colchis, which she could look into as soon as she landed in Midas. Nana would hook a prince, no matter the cost, and nobody, especially not her little sister, would get in her way. In Nana's book, she was entitled to first dibs on any remaining royal matches.
Waiting for the two to finish their rather untimely conversation, Nana made her presence known by clearing her throat, plastering a well-practiced smile onto her face, polished to perfection from years of court appearances.
"It's a perfect day for a wedding, wouldn't you agree, Imma, Evie?"
And, it seemed, a perfect day for Ava to lose track of her children, as it seemed was the norm for her, as she came bounding towards them. And, of course, as Nana expected, her aunt did not know where her son was. Or her husband, for that matter. It was no wonder that Nana saw so little of the man, seeing as it seemed that he couldn't bother to show up even on a day as important as this. It put more than a bit of worry in Nana to think that all of the Leventi lands might go to her youngest cousin, what with how he seemed to lack maturity, even at fourteen.
Yet it seemed her attention was needed elsewhere, as Nana was drawn from her thoughts by the arrival of the Mikaelidas men, come to give the dowry, and ultimately, collect her sister. Her father's arrival set her at ease as the Mikaelidas were welcomed into their home, and Nana played her part in the welcoming by offering a deep curtsy to the new 'King,' if he could really be called such a thing. "You are too kind, your Majesty," she greeted, before turning her gaze to his sons. "Your Highnesses."
If Nana had to say nothing else that day, she would be happy. Ever since the senate meeting, Nana could not shake the feeling that there was something malicious in the grin of the newly crowned King Irakles, that Stephanos had told her the truth. Even on such a day as her sister's wedding, Nana could not wait to sail away from these thoughts.
Nana found a distraction in the lamb that suddenly came running through the manor, a red ribbon tied around its neck. It seemed that Evangelina's prediction was right: things were planned too perfectly. Of course something was bound to go wrong. The second-youngest of Evelli's brood couldn't help but let out a sigh as her brow furrowed, turning to look at her cousin, who had her younger brother in a tight grip. If only her mother could have used the same sort of discipline on Konstantinos, perhaps he wouldn't be such a little reprobate. If there was one thing Nana was sure of, it was that when her time came to have children, she would not fail in her duties as her Aunt Ava had.
Nana found relief in her uncle's mind, as even with a lamb running loose in the manor, he managed to keep calm and smooth things over. Though he frightened her at times, Nana had to hand it to Fotios that he always seemed to have some sort of plan. No wonder the House of Leventi stood strong in the face of scandal.
As her cousin was sent away by Fotios, Nana made her way to the side of the groom, a gentle smile on her face as she took his arm and followed after her uncle as he led the group through the manor, into the gardens. As they walked, the second-youngest of Georgios's daughters thought it might do to strike up some sort of conversation with her soon-to-be brother-in-law, though, of course, she knew not quite what to say. So, she went with whatever would come to her, trying her best to fill the silence: Nana hated silence in solitude. She couldn't even begin to fathom it in the company of a mere acquaintance.
"It's so strange...to think that after all this waiting and planning, the day is finally here...Of course, I cannot even begin to tell you how excited Theo is to marry you. Although I'm sure you already know that...Um...It really is a match made by the gods, what with how perfect a pair you two are."
Thus far, Xene had never been a fan of weddings. None of her own siblings had had one prior to the deaths of her father and brother and she hadn't attended Stephanos' wedding for her own reasons. But now that her brother was gone, she did not have the luxury of remaining idle. It would be seen as rude to not show. The princess was also trying to avoid any ire that her uncle could throw at her, her anxiety already gnawing at her at each and every angle. The less prodding or nagging coming from the other side of the family, the better.
So Xene did the sensible thing. The woman woke early, bathed, and dressed in the early morning. She avoided wine, opting for water for the first time in however many days since her brother was dethroned. Then she dressed in her favorite soft pink gown, letting one of her ladies work at braiding and curling her hair into a pile atop her head. Avoiding food as well, the princess stood before the looking glass in her room, letting her lady place her diadem upon her head.
Irakles may have been King now, but Xene and Gianna were still princess. It was the one thing she was sure that Irakles wouldn't take from them, especially if the princesses did little to warrant such cruelty. So Xene had aspired to be on her best behavior, though she did find herself considerably more reclusive in recent days. The only thing she truly had to look forward to was Lord Leventi.
What they had admitted to one another was to remain a secret, but she couldn't help but find herself entirely eager to make her move. Now that he knew her feelings on the matter, it was difficult to keep a respectable distance as confidants, but they had managed it. Somehow, some way they had managed not to draw attention to themselves.
Having had Heron send the order for her mare, Xene opted to take her own horse on the ride to the Mikaelidas estate. She needed the fresh air and being unable to move about in a stuff carriage was something Xene cared not for in the moment. She needed the freedom. She needed to be able to breathe. And she needed to know that if there were danger, she would be faster to flee on her own than within a carriage that could easily be overtaken.
Heron helped her mount, mounting onto his own horse to follow along beside her. They took the road to the estate side by side. Heron was as silent as ever, his gaze set forward and drifting from side to side in order to spot any signs of danger. Xene didn't find it a good point to start a conversation either, opting to remain quiet even after they had arrived at the estate. Dismounting with an ease she would have never known without the tutilage of Lord Fotios, Xene handed the reigns off to Heron, who took both horses and went to tie them off.
Then he stood silently at her back as they waited for the rest of the wedding guests and the wedding party itself to arrive at the Mikaelidas estate. Xene's hands settled firmly behind her back and she lifted her chin, ever the vision of confidence and support to her cousin and his new bride.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
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Thus far, Xene had never been a fan of weddings. None of her own siblings had had one prior to the deaths of her father and brother and she hadn't attended Stephanos' wedding for her own reasons. But now that her brother was gone, she did not have the luxury of remaining idle. It would be seen as rude to not show. The princess was also trying to avoid any ire that her uncle could throw at her, her anxiety already gnawing at her at each and every angle. The less prodding or nagging coming from the other side of the family, the better.
So Xene did the sensible thing. The woman woke early, bathed, and dressed in the early morning. She avoided wine, opting for water for the first time in however many days since her brother was dethroned. Then she dressed in her favorite soft pink gown, letting one of her ladies work at braiding and curling her hair into a pile atop her head. Avoiding food as well, the princess stood before the looking glass in her room, letting her lady place her diadem upon her head.
Irakles may have been King now, but Xene and Gianna were still princess. It was the one thing she was sure that Irakles wouldn't take from them, especially if the princesses did little to warrant such cruelty. So Xene had aspired to be on her best behavior, though she did find herself considerably more reclusive in recent days. The only thing she truly had to look forward to was Lord Leventi.
What they had admitted to one another was to remain a secret, but she couldn't help but find herself entirely eager to make her move. Now that he knew her feelings on the matter, it was difficult to keep a respectable distance as confidants, but they had managed it. Somehow, some way they had managed not to draw attention to themselves.
Having had Heron send the order for her mare, Xene opted to take her own horse on the ride to the Mikaelidas estate. She needed the fresh air and being unable to move about in a stuff carriage was something Xene cared not for in the moment. She needed the freedom. She needed to be able to breathe. And she needed to know that if there were danger, she would be faster to flee on her own than within a carriage that could easily be overtaken.
Heron helped her mount, mounting onto his own horse to follow along beside her. They took the road to the estate side by side. Heron was as silent as ever, his gaze set forward and drifting from side to side in order to spot any signs of danger. Xene didn't find it a good point to start a conversation either, opting to remain quiet even after they had arrived at the estate. Dismounting with an ease she would have never known without the tutilage of Lord Fotios, Xene handed the reigns off to Heron, who took both horses and went to tie them off.
Then he stood silently at her back as they waited for the rest of the wedding guests and the wedding party itself to arrive at the Mikaelidas estate. Xene's hands settled firmly behind her back and she lifted her chin, ever the vision of confidence and support to her cousin and his new bride.
Thus far, Xene had never been a fan of weddings. None of her own siblings had had one prior to the deaths of her father and brother and she hadn't attended Stephanos' wedding for her own reasons. But now that her brother was gone, she did not have the luxury of remaining idle. It would be seen as rude to not show. The princess was also trying to avoid any ire that her uncle could throw at her, her anxiety already gnawing at her at each and every angle. The less prodding or nagging coming from the other side of the family, the better.
So Xene did the sensible thing. The woman woke early, bathed, and dressed in the early morning. She avoided wine, opting for water for the first time in however many days since her brother was dethroned. Then she dressed in her favorite soft pink gown, letting one of her ladies work at braiding and curling her hair into a pile atop her head. Avoiding food as well, the princess stood before the looking glass in her room, letting her lady place her diadem upon her head.
Irakles may have been King now, but Xene and Gianna were still princess. It was the one thing she was sure that Irakles wouldn't take from them, especially if the princesses did little to warrant such cruelty. So Xene had aspired to be on her best behavior, though she did find herself considerably more reclusive in recent days. The only thing she truly had to look forward to was Lord Leventi.
What they had admitted to one another was to remain a secret, but she couldn't help but find herself entirely eager to make her move. Now that he knew her feelings on the matter, it was difficult to keep a respectable distance as confidants, but they had managed it. Somehow, some way they had managed not to draw attention to themselves.
Having had Heron send the order for her mare, Xene opted to take her own horse on the ride to the Mikaelidas estate. She needed the fresh air and being unable to move about in a stuff carriage was something Xene cared not for in the moment. She needed the freedom. She needed to be able to breathe. And she needed to know that if there were danger, she would be faster to flee on her own than within a carriage that could easily be overtaken.
Heron helped her mount, mounting onto his own horse to follow along beside her. They took the road to the estate side by side. Heron was as silent as ever, his gaze set forward and drifting from side to side in order to spot any signs of danger. Xene didn't find it a good point to start a conversation either, opting to remain quiet even after they had arrived at the estate. Dismounting with an ease she would have never known without the tutilage of Lord Fotios, Xene handed the reigns off to Heron, who took both horses and went to tie them off.
Then he stood silently at her back as they waited for the rest of the wedding guests and the wedding party itself to arrive at the Mikaelidas estate. Xene's hands settled firmly behind her back and she lifted her chin, ever the vision of confidence and support to her cousin and his new bride.
The ride was brief, the brother content to keep silent as they made their way to the manor to meet the wedding party. He was usually a talkative companion, teasing a joking as they went along. But he had a hard time finding any topic light enough to keep his mind off what was about to happen.
They would be wed. He would have to stand back and watch his brother claim the woman he loved as his own. And for all intensive purposes, Theo had seemed far less reluctant to try and stop it from happening. They had slept together, after all. And as her future husband, it was within his right to do so. Even if it left a bitter taste in his mouth. Emilios could do nothing about it. Fotios Leventi had made it clear, his father had made it clear.
And Theo would be a crown princess by the end of the day. Just what she always wanted.
The journey was brief, and soon they were dismounting onto the property. Emilios took it upon himself to keep close to Myrto, for she would at least be understanding of his silence, as she never prodded him into talking until he was ready.
He stood back, watching the heads of house work out the details as his mother leaned in. “Do not look so grim, son. Be happy for your brother. He is doing something that will make your father proud, and you know how much that means to him.” Emilios looked at her, and her apologetic smile. He was taken back by her observation, but then again, his mother always seemed to know him. No matter what, she would pick up on his moods with great accuracy and cut to the point of the matter.
“He’s a lucky bastard.”
“You will have your day, darling. Your father will want you both settled and making offspring to secure the throne.”
Horseshit.
“Ah yes, the ever important line of succession— his only love for his children.”
Mryto just patted his hand in understanding, leaving him to take her place next to Irakles for the procession into the house.
Emilios was glad for the chance to escort Imma. The quiet Leventi was young without ambitions of marriage. Instead, her fingers could usually be found stained with paint, face in deep consentration in front of a canvas. Slipping her hand through his arm, Emilios quickly made conversation with the blushing girl. Asking about her latest painting, commenting on the beauty of her dress and how nice she looked with clean hands. Pointing out the missed stain on her thumb with affection. She was easy to flirt with, simply because she blushed with her head down. He could focus on this, on the joy she seemed to get from it. The youngest girl was probably rarely flirted with like this, and Emilios was seasoned in keeping it innocent but playful.
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The ride was brief, the brother content to keep silent as they made their way to the manor to meet the wedding party. He was usually a talkative companion, teasing a joking as they went along. But he had a hard time finding any topic light enough to keep his mind off what was about to happen.
They would be wed. He would have to stand back and watch his brother claim the woman he loved as his own. And for all intensive purposes, Theo had seemed far less reluctant to try and stop it from happening. They had slept together, after all. And as her future husband, it was within his right to do so. Even if it left a bitter taste in his mouth. Emilios could do nothing about it. Fotios Leventi had made it clear, his father had made it clear.
And Theo would be a crown princess by the end of the day. Just what she always wanted.
The journey was brief, and soon they were dismounting onto the property. Emilios took it upon himself to keep close to Myrto, for she would at least be understanding of his silence, as she never prodded him into talking until he was ready.
He stood back, watching the heads of house work out the details as his mother leaned in. “Do not look so grim, son. Be happy for your brother. He is doing something that will make your father proud, and you know how much that means to him.” Emilios looked at her, and her apologetic smile. He was taken back by her observation, but then again, his mother always seemed to know him. No matter what, she would pick up on his moods with great accuracy and cut to the point of the matter.
“He’s a lucky bastard.”
“You will have your day, darling. Your father will want you both settled and making offspring to secure the throne.”
Horseshit.
“Ah yes, the ever important line of succession— his only love for his children.”
Mryto just patted his hand in understanding, leaving him to take her place next to Irakles for the procession into the house.
Emilios was glad for the chance to escort Imma. The quiet Leventi was young without ambitions of marriage. Instead, her fingers could usually be found stained with paint, face in deep consentration in front of a canvas. Slipping her hand through his arm, Emilios quickly made conversation with the blushing girl. Asking about her latest painting, commenting on the beauty of her dress and how nice she looked with clean hands. Pointing out the missed stain on her thumb with affection. She was easy to flirt with, simply because she blushed with her head down. He could focus on this, on the joy she seemed to get from it. The youngest girl was probably rarely flirted with like this, and Emilios was seasoned in keeping it innocent but playful.
The ride was brief, the brother content to keep silent as they made their way to the manor to meet the wedding party. He was usually a talkative companion, teasing a joking as they went along. But he had a hard time finding any topic light enough to keep his mind off what was about to happen.
They would be wed. He would have to stand back and watch his brother claim the woman he loved as his own. And for all intensive purposes, Theo had seemed far less reluctant to try and stop it from happening. They had slept together, after all. And as her future husband, it was within his right to do so. Even if it left a bitter taste in his mouth. Emilios could do nothing about it. Fotios Leventi had made it clear, his father had made it clear.
And Theo would be a crown princess by the end of the day. Just what she always wanted.
The journey was brief, and soon they were dismounting onto the property. Emilios took it upon himself to keep close to Myrto, for she would at least be understanding of his silence, as she never prodded him into talking until he was ready.
He stood back, watching the heads of house work out the details as his mother leaned in. “Do not look so grim, son. Be happy for your brother. He is doing something that will make your father proud, and you know how much that means to him.” Emilios looked at her, and her apologetic smile. He was taken back by her observation, but then again, his mother always seemed to know him. No matter what, she would pick up on his moods with great accuracy and cut to the point of the matter.
“He’s a lucky bastard.”
“You will have your day, darling. Your father will want you both settled and making offspring to secure the throne.”
Horseshit.
“Ah yes, the ever important line of succession— his only love for his children.”
Mryto just patted his hand in understanding, leaving him to take her place next to Irakles for the procession into the house.
Emilios was glad for the chance to escort Imma. The quiet Leventi was young without ambitions of marriage. Instead, her fingers could usually be found stained with paint, face in deep consentration in front of a canvas. Slipping her hand through his arm, Emilios quickly made conversation with the blushing girl. Asking about her latest painting, commenting on the beauty of her dress and how nice she looked with clean hands. Pointing out the missed stain on her thumb with affection. She was easy to flirt with, simply because she blushed with her head down. He could focus on this, on the joy she seemed to get from it. The youngest girl was probably rarely flirted with like this, and Emilios was seasoned in keeping it innocent but playful.
Hesiodos absolutely loved weddings. He didn’t care about formalizing the love for each other, because he thought that was unnecessary, and sometimes love wasn’t even involved… but it was a good as an excuse as any to dance, to celebrate, to be merry and to drink. Not to mention, he was the kind of person that was often invited to weddings, thanks to his artistic talents…
He have been in the state since days ago, generally trying to not to abuse of his welcome, and that meant that the lovers he brought to his room were in secret. Other than that, he rehearsed all the songs he knew for the wedding… it was not every day in which two dynasties mingled like this.
Truth be told, he was excited (so excited that he decided to have a couple of drinks before), mostly because he knew he would see people he knew… and would see and hear important stuff.
That was the great thing about being a bard – you could be anywhere, and no one paid you any mind as long as you did your part of playing music and being pretty. So he dressed in his vine-green chlamys, and waited for the guest to arrive, lyre in hand. Turning his head, he saw someone approach and offered a polite smirk, “Princess Xene”, he bowed, as low as it was appropiate for someone of her position, “It’s a beautiful day, isn’t it?•, his tone was cheerful, one that fit a wedding attendant, “You look absolutely radiant, if you allow the compliment.”
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This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
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Hesiodos absolutely loved weddings. He didn’t care about formalizing the love for each other, because he thought that was unnecessary, and sometimes love wasn’t even involved… but it was a good as an excuse as any to dance, to celebrate, to be merry and to drink. Not to mention, he was the kind of person that was often invited to weddings, thanks to his artistic talents…
He have been in the state since days ago, generally trying to not to abuse of his welcome, and that meant that the lovers he brought to his room were in secret. Other than that, he rehearsed all the songs he knew for the wedding… it was not every day in which two dynasties mingled like this.
Truth be told, he was excited (so excited that he decided to have a couple of drinks before), mostly because he knew he would see people he knew… and would see and hear important stuff.
That was the great thing about being a bard – you could be anywhere, and no one paid you any mind as long as you did your part of playing music and being pretty. So he dressed in his vine-green chlamys, and waited for the guest to arrive, lyre in hand. Turning his head, he saw someone approach and offered a polite smirk, “Princess Xene”, he bowed, as low as it was appropiate for someone of her position, “It’s a beautiful day, isn’t it?•, his tone was cheerful, one that fit a wedding attendant, “You look absolutely radiant, if you allow the compliment.”
Hesiodos absolutely loved weddings. He didn’t care about formalizing the love for each other, because he thought that was unnecessary, and sometimes love wasn’t even involved… but it was a good as an excuse as any to dance, to celebrate, to be merry and to drink. Not to mention, he was the kind of person that was often invited to weddings, thanks to his artistic talents…
He have been in the state since days ago, generally trying to not to abuse of his welcome, and that meant that the lovers he brought to his room were in secret. Other than that, he rehearsed all the songs he knew for the wedding… it was not every day in which two dynasties mingled like this.
Truth be told, he was excited (so excited that he decided to have a couple of drinks before), mostly because he knew he would see people he knew… and would see and hear important stuff.
That was the great thing about being a bard – you could be anywhere, and no one paid you any mind as long as you did your part of playing music and being pretty. So he dressed in his vine-green chlamys, and waited for the guest to arrive, lyre in hand. Turning his head, he saw someone approach and offered a polite smirk, “Princess Xene”, he bowed, as low as it was appropiate for someone of her position, “It’s a beautiful day, isn’t it?•, his tone was cheerful, one that fit a wedding attendant, “You look absolutely radiant, if you allow the compliment.”
‘No. But I wish I had. How amazing would that have been!’ Tino retorted watching the sheep with whole new respect. Evangelina dug her fingers into her brother’s back until she felt him flinch a little and start to try and pull away. “Seriously, Tino. Did you do that?” She growled in a whisper at him. ‘No, Evie I swear… it wasn’t me. Stop pinching me...don’t you ever trim your nails?’ She shot him a narrowed eyed look, but her fingers loosened their grip on his back.
Looking up, she met Fotios’ furious glare. Great! Just great. Something went wrong and it was her and Tino’s fault.
‘Perhaps you could see to it that the dowry is brought through from the solar room, Evangelina.’ Fotios’ hard tone should have scared her but having heard it so often it just left her feeling tired.
“Yes, my lord, I’ll have it brought in immediately.” She replied, pausing a moment to look at Tino again and murmur, “Just so I am prepared, what did you get Lord Achilleas?” Tino blinked innocently, ‘A puppy… one of father’s hunting puppies.’ Her eyes narrowed again, Tino sighed, ‘He’s in a basket in the stable.’ Glancing around, her hand fell away from her brother’s back and she whispered for her brother’s ears only, “Well, let him stay there until after the ceremonies. I’d better go before, Uncle gives himself a hemorrhoid.”
Her mother came in with Konstanos in tow and instantly moved towards her son. Evangelina envied her mother a little. Lady Ava was the picture of grace with a wild sort of beauty, but she could work a room as well as even the wiliest Senator could. She knew who to speak to and what to say to each of them. It was easy to mistake her permissive attitude towards her children for soft-heartedness but that couldn’t have been further from the truth. No one, not even their uncle, was as harder critic upon her and her brother as their mother. She believed in educating through experience rather than coddling. Evangelina credited her ability to pull herself up when she was knocked down to her mother. Failure wasn’t an option for Lady Ava and sometimes it took knowing what failure looked like to be properly motivated.
Sparing a look for her father as she passed them on her way to the solar room for the dowry. He reached out and softly chucked her on the chin and gave her a wink that seemed to ease her tension. Passing a couple of servants on her way, she motioned for them to follow her wordlessly. Briskly moving, she entered the solar room. A glance around proved that the dowry chests were no longer in the solar room. Turning to the servants, her hands on her hips. “Do either of you know where the dowry chests were moved?” They looked at one another and shook their heads in unison. She growled, “Someone is going to have to answer to his Lordship if that chest isn’t found immediately.” The two servants’ eyes widened and looked prepared to flee. Her hand rubbed her face, “Go… Just go… And find out where the chests have been moved too.” They still stood there dumbly, her hand dropped from her face, “Now!” They jumped and started out of the room at a much quicker pace.
Evangelina swept out of the solar room and started towards Fotios’ office, maybe someone had moved it there. Or maybe he’d forgotten that was where it was. Has her hand grasp the doorknob one of the maids came running up with the two servants in tow. ‘M’am… The chests… we moved the chests to the drawing-room. We are sorry, we thought that was where they would be meeting at.’ Her hand fell from the doorknob and she started towards the drawing-room. “Well let’s get them to the garden… His lordship wants them in the basilica immediately, let’s make that happen.”
They were in fact in the drawing-room and it felt like a weight was off her shoulders. At least she’d not had to go back to her uncle and tell him she didn’t know where the chests were. The servants carried the chests as they rushed towards the gardens.
The best blooms of summer were at their fullest now in the garden. Evangelina loved the gardens this time of year. There was so much color and the floral smell mixed with the briny seaside air and it was something almost magical. Evangelina circled around to come over to stand next to her uncle. The servants holding the chests.
Dropping her gaze to the ground, she quietly said. “The chests, my lord. Is there anything else I can be of service of?” Leaning her head in just a little to her uncle, she cleared her throat softly and added, “Konstantinos has his own present for Lord Achilleas, to welcome his new cousin.” Her gaze slid over to where her brother was no doubt explaining where he’d been to their mother before looking back to Fotios, “It’s a hunting puppy and it’s in the stable. Should I have one of the servants send it and any other… um… odd gifts to the Palati? Or would you like it fetched to go along with the dowry?”
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This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
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‘No. But I wish I had. How amazing would that have been!’ Tino retorted watching the sheep with whole new respect. Evangelina dug her fingers into her brother’s back until she felt him flinch a little and start to try and pull away. “Seriously, Tino. Did you do that?” She growled in a whisper at him. ‘No, Evie I swear… it wasn’t me. Stop pinching me...don’t you ever trim your nails?’ She shot him a narrowed eyed look, but her fingers loosened their grip on his back.
Looking up, she met Fotios’ furious glare. Great! Just great. Something went wrong and it was her and Tino’s fault.
‘Perhaps you could see to it that the dowry is brought through from the solar room, Evangelina.’ Fotios’ hard tone should have scared her but having heard it so often it just left her feeling tired.
“Yes, my lord, I’ll have it brought in immediately.” She replied, pausing a moment to look at Tino again and murmur, “Just so I am prepared, what did you get Lord Achilleas?” Tino blinked innocently, ‘A puppy… one of father’s hunting puppies.’ Her eyes narrowed again, Tino sighed, ‘He’s in a basket in the stable.’ Glancing around, her hand fell away from her brother’s back and she whispered for her brother’s ears only, “Well, let him stay there until after the ceremonies. I’d better go before, Uncle gives himself a hemorrhoid.”
Her mother came in with Konstanos in tow and instantly moved towards her son. Evangelina envied her mother a little. Lady Ava was the picture of grace with a wild sort of beauty, but she could work a room as well as even the wiliest Senator could. She knew who to speak to and what to say to each of them. It was easy to mistake her permissive attitude towards her children for soft-heartedness but that couldn’t have been further from the truth. No one, not even their uncle, was as harder critic upon her and her brother as their mother. She believed in educating through experience rather than coddling. Evangelina credited her ability to pull herself up when she was knocked down to her mother. Failure wasn’t an option for Lady Ava and sometimes it took knowing what failure looked like to be properly motivated.
Sparing a look for her father as she passed them on her way to the solar room for the dowry. He reached out and softly chucked her on the chin and gave her a wink that seemed to ease her tension. Passing a couple of servants on her way, she motioned for them to follow her wordlessly. Briskly moving, she entered the solar room. A glance around proved that the dowry chests were no longer in the solar room. Turning to the servants, her hands on her hips. “Do either of you know where the dowry chests were moved?” They looked at one another and shook their heads in unison. She growled, “Someone is going to have to answer to his Lordship if that chest isn’t found immediately.” The two servants’ eyes widened and looked prepared to flee. Her hand rubbed her face, “Go… Just go… And find out where the chests have been moved too.” They still stood there dumbly, her hand dropped from her face, “Now!” They jumped and started out of the room at a much quicker pace.
Evangelina swept out of the solar room and started towards Fotios’ office, maybe someone had moved it there. Or maybe he’d forgotten that was where it was. Has her hand grasp the doorknob one of the maids came running up with the two servants in tow. ‘M’am… The chests… we moved the chests to the drawing-room. We are sorry, we thought that was where they would be meeting at.’ Her hand fell from the doorknob and she started towards the drawing-room. “Well let’s get them to the garden… His lordship wants them in the basilica immediately, let’s make that happen.”
They were in fact in the drawing-room and it felt like a weight was off her shoulders. At least she’d not had to go back to her uncle and tell him she didn’t know where the chests were. The servants carried the chests as they rushed towards the gardens.
The best blooms of summer were at their fullest now in the garden. Evangelina loved the gardens this time of year. There was so much color and the floral smell mixed with the briny seaside air and it was something almost magical. Evangelina circled around to come over to stand next to her uncle. The servants holding the chests.
Dropping her gaze to the ground, she quietly said. “The chests, my lord. Is there anything else I can be of service of?” Leaning her head in just a little to her uncle, she cleared her throat softly and added, “Konstantinos has his own present for Lord Achilleas, to welcome his new cousin.” Her gaze slid over to where her brother was no doubt explaining where he’d been to their mother before looking back to Fotios, “It’s a hunting puppy and it’s in the stable. Should I have one of the servants send it and any other… um… odd gifts to the Palati? Or would you like it fetched to go along with the dowry?”
‘No. But I wish I had. How amazing would that have been!’ Tino retorted watching the sheep with whole new respect. Evangelina dug her fingers into her brother’s back until she felt him flinch a little and start to try and pull away. “Seriously, Tino. Did you do that?” She growled in a whisper at him. ‘No, Evie I swear… it wasn’t me. Stop pinching me...don’t you ever trim your nails?’ She shot him a narrowed eyed look, but her fingers loosened their grip on his back.
Looking up, she met Fotios’ furious glare. Great! Just great. Something went wrong and it was her and Tino’s fault.
‘Perhaps you could see to it that the dowry is brought through from the solar room, Evangelina.’ Fotios’ hard tone should have scared her but having heard it so often it just left her feeling tired.
“Yes, my lord, I’ll have it brought in immediately.” She replied, pausing a moment to look at Tino again and murmur, “Just so I am prepared, what did you get Lord Achilleas?” Tino blinked innocently, ‘A puppy… one of father’s hunting puppies.’ Her eyes narrowed again, Tino sighed, ‘He’s in a basket in the stable.’ Glancing around, her hand fell away from her brother’s back and she whispered for her brother’s ears only, “Well, let him stay there until after the ceremonies. I’d better go before, Uncle gives himself a hemorrhoid.”
Her mother came in with Konstanos in tow and instantly moved towards her son. Evangelina envied her mother a little. Lady Ava was the picture of grace with a wild sort of beauty, but she could work a room as well as even the wiliest Senator could. She knew who to speak to and what to say to each of them. It was easy to mistake her permissive attitude towards her children for soft-heartedness but that couldn’t have been further from the truth. No one, not even their uncle, was as harder critic upon her and her brother as their mother. She believed in educating through experience rather than coddling. Evangelina credited her ability to pull herself up when she was knocked down to her mother. Failure wasn’t an option for Lady Ava and sometimes it took knowing what failure looked like to be properly motivated.
Sparing a look for her father as she passed them on her way to the solar room for the dowry. He reached out and softly chucked her on the chin and gave her a wink that seemed to ease her tension. Passing a couple of servants on her way, she motioned for them to follow her wordlessly. Briskly moving, she entered the solar room. A glance around proved that the dowry chests were no longer in the solar room. Turning to the servants, her hands on her hips. “Do either of you know where the dowry chests were moved?” They looked at one another and shook their heads in unison. She growled, “Someone is going to have to answer to his Lordship if that chest isn’t found immediately.” The two servants’ eyes widened and looked prepared to flee. Her hand rubbed her face, “Go… Just go… And find out where the chests have been moved too.” They still stood there dumbly, her hand dropped from her face, “Now!” They jumped and started out of the room at a much quicker pace.
Evangelina swept out of the solar room and started towards Fotios’ office, maybe someone had moved it there. Or maybe he’d forgotten that was where it was. Has her hand grasp the doorknob one of the maids came running up with the two servants in tow. ‘M’am… The chests… we moved the chests to the drawing-room. We are sorry, we thought that was where they would be meeting at.’ Her hand fell from the doorknob and she started towards the drawing-room. “Well let’s get them to the garden… His lordship wants them in the basilica immediately, let’s make that happen.”
They were in fact in the drawing-room and it felt like a weight was off her shoulders. At least she’d not had to go back to her uncle and tell him she didn’t know where the chests were. The servants carried the chests as they rushed towards the gardens.
The best blooms of summer were at their fullest now in the garden. Evangelina loved the gardens this time of year. There was so much color and the floral smell mixed with the briny seaside air and it was something almost magical. Evangelina circled around to come over to stand next to her uncle. The servants holding the chests.
Dropping her gaze to the ground, she quietly said. “The chests, my lord. Is there anything else I can be of service of?” Leaning her head in just a little to her uncle, she cleared her throat softly and added, “Konstantinos has his own present for Lord Achilleas, to welcome his new cousin.” Her gaze slid over to where her brother was no doubt explaining where he’d been to their mother before looking back to Fotios, “It’s a hunting puppy and it’s in the stable. Should I have one of the servants send it and any other… um… odd gifts to the Palati? Or would you like it fetched to go along with the dowry?”