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He had not been one of the party invited to view the wedding itself, but then, he hadn’t expected to be. The invitation for him and his family had been to join the new couple in their celebration. Even his brother, Dorotheos, had made his way from Dimitrou lands in order to attend. Though the clan as a whole didn’t overly love events of this kind, they weren’t rude and they were aware of the duty of appearance.
They used the carriage to arrive as a group. Gavriil would have preferred to ride but his daughters weren’t dressed for it, brother preferred the carriage, and it would have been unkind to arrive on so many horses for the grooms to take care of. The journey from their own estate to the Mikaelidas one was not long and Gavriil’s jaw tightened the closer they came. The last time he’d been here was when Irakles had summoned him for a strange dinner that had made the baron extremely suspicious of the then prince. Now that Irakles was king, the dinner was designed, Gavriil was sure, to garner support. Up to now, he’d most unwillingly given support.
Deciding not to dwell on the state of politics for the time being, he kept his face pointed to the window. His daughters spoke quietly together. Dorotheos rode across from him, watching. “You’re tense,” he said quietly.
Gavriil didn’t look at him and he didn’t deny it. Being here was making him tense for many reasons. Despite his own preferences to stay away, there were more reasons to come - not least of which was that if they did stay away, it looked like they did not support the prince’s marriage.
The carriage rolled to a stop and he found that he was arriving at the same time as Nikolias of Condos and his wife. Gavriil exited the carriage before his daughters and stood next to the carriage to help them out. Dorotheos followed them and the huge group walked up to the door and were admitted entrance.
The scent of the feast to come lingered across the house. Elegant decorations were hung from every conceivable surface. Servants milled about, carrying huge pots or vases of this and that, and through the chaos, he and his family and the Condos clan were directed out into the back where the surrounding landscape was meticulously cultivated to ensure the guests’ eyes never wandered over something unpleasant. They were far from the first to arrive and his daughters soon wandered off to speak to their friends. He stayed with Dorotheos until his brother, too, had found someone to speak with.
That left him by himself but that was just fine. He fixed his hands behind his back and wandered along a walk that took him near hedges in the archontiko’s back garden.
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ARCHONTIKÓ MIKAELIDAS
He had not been one of the party invited to view the wedding itself, but then, he hadn’t expected to be. The invitation for him and his family had been to join the new couple in their celebration. Even his brother, Dorotheos, had made his way from Dimitrou lands in order to attend. Though the clan as a whole didn’t overly love events of this kind, they weren’t rude and they were aware of the duty of appearance.
They used the carriage to arrive as a group. Gavriil would have preferred to ride but his daughters weren’t dressed for it, brother preferred the carriage, and it would have been unkind to arrive on so many horses for the grooms to take care of. The journey from their own estate to the Mikaelidas one was not long and Gavriil’s jaw tightened the closer they came. The last time he’d been here was when Irakles had summoned him for a strange dinner that had made the baron extremely suspicious of the then prince. Now that Irakles was king, the dinner was designed, Gavriil was sure, to garner support. Up to now, he’d most unwillingly given support.
Deciding not to dwell on the state of politics for the time being, he kept his face pointed to the window. His daughters spoke quietly together. Dorotheos rode across from him, watching. “You’re tense,” he said quietly.
Gavriil didn’t look at him and he didn’t deny it. Being here was making him tense for many reasons. Despite his own preferences to stay away, there were more reasons to come - not least of which was that if they did stay away, it looked like they did not support the prince’s marriage.
The carriage rolled to a stop and he found that he was arriving at the same time as Nikolias of Condos and his wife. Gavriil exited the carriage before his daughters and stood next to the carriage to help them out. Dorotheos followed them and the huge group walked up to the door and were admitted entrance.
The scent of the feast to come lingered across the house. Elegant decorations were hung from every conceivable surface. Servants milled about, carrying huge pots or vases of this and that, and through the chaos, he and his family and the Condos clan were directed out into the back where the surrounding landscape was meticulously cultivated to ensure the guests’ eyes never wandered over something unpleasant. They were far from the first to arrive and his daughters soon wandered off to speak to their friends. He stayed with Dorotheos until his brother, too, had found someone to speak with.
That left him by himself but that was just fine. He fixed his hands behind his back and wandered along a walk that took him near hedges in the archontiko’s back garden.
ARCHONTIKÓ MIKAELIDAS
He had not been one of the party invited to view the wedding itself, but then, he hadn’t expected to be. The invitation for him and his family had been to join the new couple in their celebration. Even his brother, Dorotheos, had made his way from Dimitrou lands in order to attend. Though the clan as a whole didn’t overly love events of this kind, they weren’t rude and they were aware of the duty of appearance.
They used the carriage to arrive as a group. Gavriil would have preferred to ride but his daughters weren’t dressed for it, brother preferred the carriage, and it would have been unkind to arrive on so many horses for the grooms to take care of. The journey from their own estate to the Mikaelidas one was not long and Gavriil’s jaw tightened the closer they came. The last time he’d been here was when Irakles had summoned him for a strange dinner that had made the baron extremely suspicious of the then prince. Now that Irakles was king, the dinner was designed, Gavriil was sure, to garner support. Up to now, he’d most unwillingly given support.
Deciding not to dwell on the state of politics for the time being, he kept his face pointed to the window. His daughters spoke quietly together. Dorotheos rode across from him, watching. “You’re tense,” he said quietly.
Gavriil didn’t look at him and he didn’t deny it. Being here was making him tense for many reasons. Despite his own preferences to stay away, there were more reasons to come - not least of which was that if they did stay away, it looked like they did not support the prince’s marriage.
The carriage rolled to a stop and he found that he was arriving at the same time as Nikolias of Condos and his wife. Gavriil exited the carriage before his daughters and stood next to the carriage to help them out. Dorotheos followed them and the huge group walked up to the door and were admitted entrance.
The scent of the feast to come lingered across the house. Elegant decorations were hung from every conceivable surface. Servants milled about, carrying huge pots or vases of this and that, and through the chaos, he and his family and the Condos clan were directed out into the back where the surrounding landscape was meticulously cultivated to ensure the guests’ eyes never wandered over something unpleasant. They were far from the first to arrive and his daughters soon wandered off to speak to their friends. He stayed with Dorotheos until his brother, too, had found someone to speak with.
That left him by himself but that was just fine. He fixed his hands behind his back and wandered along a walk that took him near hedges in the archontiko’s back garden.
Why was it always the secondborn who acted out? In a way, Irakles guessed he was the perfect example, but Irakles was also caught in the weird position of being technically a second-born, but also technically a firstborn. Unlike Emilios however, Irakles was not about to cow down to someone else's plans for him, not when he's proven himself perfectly capable of leading and handling things in a manner that he believed surpassed his elder half brother. Zenon had been too nice, and niceties can only get one so far when one aimed to bring their kingdom to greatness.
Irakles had plans, and he intended to see them come to fruition.
His eyes flashed at Emilios's words, the way that often heralded a general whipping when they had been younger. And despite their advanced age, Irakles was not afraid to discipline if the situation calls for it. However, he was also fully aware of where they currently were, and causing a scene would be ugly. As such, he merely scowled but settled down when he saw Myrto handle the rebellious streak in Emilios. He will remind Emilios later after the celebrations were over and Achilleas had departed with his new bride, on who exactly held the command over their family and now, the kingdom.
"I'm sure it is a parent's jobscope to worry all the time, Fotios. Surely you are familiar as well?" he mused with a small chuckle as the carriage rolled along. Fotios had daughters himself, and he's heard more then once, how disappointed the man had been in the fact that his wife, beautiful as the Lady Eirini was, had only bore him daughters and not sons.
A Leventi curse he hoped lingered upon his nephew and his Leventi wife.
The conversation soon tapered off as the carriage made a turn, and the Temple of the Gods loomed into view. On top of the steps, the priests (whom Irakles had visited just a few days prior to assure himself all was ready, and had offered a few coins just to ascertain the Gods) stood at the ready all dressed in their ceremonial robes. The Head Priest stood right in the middle, and on either side of him was a younger priest and priestess, each holding the change of robes Theodora and Achilleas were supposed to change into for the blessing ceremony, before the whole entourage could head off to the Mikaelidas manor for the feast Myrto had ensured was prepared.
As the servants hurried forward to open the doors, the man allowed Myrto be assisted down, as with all the ladies, before he hopped down himself, hiding a wince as the jolt to the ground irritated his chest. Rubbing it away, his eyes swung to the carriage which had carried Theodora and Achilleas. Once eyes was laid upon his eldest son, Irakles's look was enough to tell Achilleas to bring his bride forward and continue with the ceremony, whilst the rest of the family would simply watch the blessing.
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Why was it always the secondborn who acted out? In a way, Irakles guessed he was the perfect example, but Irakles was also caught in the weird position of being technically a second-born, but also technically a firstborn. Unlike Emilios however, Irakles was not about to cow down to someone else's plans for him, not when he's proven himself perfectly capable of leading and handling things in a manner that he believed surpassed his elder half brother. Zenon had been too nice, and niceties can only get one so far when one aimed to bring their kingdom to greatness.
Irakles had plans, and he intended to see them come to fruition.
His eyes flashed at Emilios's words, the way that often heralded a general whipping when they had been younger. And despite their advanced age, Irakles was not afraid to discipline if the situation calls for it. However, he was also fully aware of where they currently were, and causing a scene would be ugly. As such, he merely scowled but settled down when he saw Myrto handle the rebellious streak in Emilios. He will remind Emilios later after the celebrations were over and Achilleas had departed with his new bride, on who exactly held the command over their family and now, the kingdom.
"I'm sure it is a parent's jobscope to worry all the time, Fotios. Surely you are familiar as well?" he mused with a small chuckle as the carriage rolled along. Fotios had daughters himself, and he's heard more then once, how disappointed the man had been in the fact that his wife, beautiful as the Lady Eirini was, had only bore him daughters and not sons.
A Leventi curse he hoped lingered upon his nephew and his Leventi wife.
The conversation soon tapered off as the carriage made a turn, and the Temple of the Gods loomed into view. On top of the steps, the priests (whom Irakles had visited just a few days prior to assure himself all was ready, and had offered a few coins just to ascertain the Gods) stood at the ready all dressed in their ceremonial robes. The Head Priest stood right in the middle, and on either side of him was a younger priest and priestess, each holding the change of robes Theodora and Achilleas were supposed to change into for the blessing ceremony, before the whole entourage could head off to the Mikaelidas manor for the feast Myrto had ensured was prepared.
As the servants hurried forward to open the doors, the man allowed Myrto be assisted down, as with all the ladies, before he hopped down himself, hiding a wince as the jolt to the ground irritated his chest. Rubbing it away, his eyes swung to the carriage which had carried Theodora and Achilleas. Once eyes was laid upon his eldest son, Irakles's look was enough to tell Achilleas to bring his bride forward and continue with the ceremony, whilst the rest of the family would simply watch the blessing.
Why was it always the secondborn who acted out? In a way, Irakles guessed he was the perfect example, but Irakles was also caught in the weird position of being technically a second-born, but also technically a firstborn. Unlike Emilios however, Irakles was not about to cow down to someone else's plans for him, not when he's proven himself perfectly capable of leading and handling things in a manner that he believed surpassed his elder half brother. Zenon had been too nice, and niceties can only get one so far when one aimed to bring their kingdom to greatness.
Irakles had plans, and he intended to see them come to fruition.
His eyes flashed at Emilios's words, the way that often heralded a general whipping when they had been younger. And despite their advanced age, Irakles was not afraid to discipline if the situation calls for it. However, he was also fully aware of where they currently were, and causing a scene would be ugly. As such, he merely scowled but settled down when he saw Myrto handle the rebellious streak in Emilios. He will remind Emilios later after the celebrations were over and Achilleas had departed with his new bride, on who exactly held the command over their family and now, the kingdom.
"I'm sure it is a parent's jobscope to worry all the time, Fotios. Surely you are familiar as well?" he mused with a small chuckle as the carriage rolled along. Fotios had daughters himself, and he's heard more then once, how disappointed the man had been in the fact that his wife, beautiful as the Lady Eirini was, had only bore him daughters and not sons.
A Leventi curse he hoped lingered upon his nephew and his Leventi wife.
The conversation soon tapered off as the carriage made a turn, and the Temple of the Gods loomed into view. On top of the steps, the priests (whom Irakles had visited just a few days prior to assure himself all was ready, and had offered a few coins just to ascertain the Gods) stood at the ready all dressed in their ceremonial robes. The Head Priest stood right in the middle, and on either side of him was a younger priest and priestess, each holding the change of robes Theodora and Achilleas were supposed to change into for the blessing ceremony, before the whole entourage could head off to the Mikaelidas manor for the feast Myrto had ensured was prepared.
As the servants hurried forward to open the doors, the man allowed Myrto be assisted down, as with all the ladies, before he hopped down himself, hiding a wince as the jolt to the ground irritated his chest. Rubbing it away, his eyes swung to the carriage which had carried Theodora and Achilleas. Once eyes was laid upon his eldest son, Irakles's look was enough to tell Achilleas to bring his bride forward and continue with the ceremony, whilst the rest of the family would simply watch the blessing.
Achilleas needed to break the moment, needed to remind himself where they were and everything that lay ahead and not just drown in the sweetness of her lips, as it would be so easy for him to. As he wanted to.Her words, slightly breathless, only seemed to confirm the wisdon in his decision to pull back, but it was a moment longer still before the man could tear his gaze away, could focus instead on those who had come out to greet them.
He smiled for them too, a neat, public smile befitting of the occasion and of his station. And only when he thought he had wrested his self control back that did he turn back to his bride, oddly bashful at her compliment. It was not that he was..unaware of the fact that his looks were found pleasing. That had just become a facet of him like everything else. But that Theo thought so, and said so? That was gratifying in a way that even he could not ignore. Almost, he considered telling her of how ridiculous he thought the whole rigamarole of selecting the outfit had been, the minute difference in the shades of red, the correct amount of adorment required to set it off. But he was not comfortable with the picture it painted of a preening peacock - that was his brother’s way, not his - and so he did not, but just smiled instead,lifted their joined hands and pressed a kiss to hers.
The journey to the Temple of the Gods did not take long, the elegant and imposing building rising up to greet them soon enough. Their brief seclusion was ended, and Achilleas turned to help Theodora down from the carriage, wrapping his hands about her waist and lifting her down as if she weight nothing. When her feet touched the ground, he did not let go straight away but caught and held her gaze. “Just this, then we are properly wed” he said quietly. “And I am the luckiest man in the three Kingdoms.” And he did not say it, but felt it more than anything, that they were within touching distance of being able to escape it all - at least for a little while. To really learn eachother. He wanted that, because he was sure that away from all of the outside pressures and unfair interruptions that all would be easier between them and this marriage would be as natural as he had imagined it.
He looked at her a moment longer before letting go, stepping back and turning to greet the Priests who awaited them, the Prince offering a deep bow of respect to those who spoke for the Gods themselves. Extending a hand back towards Theodora, he invited his bride forward, and then it was just a case of doing as they were bid.
He could confess to feeling a little awkward with the theatre of it all, but who was he to question the ways of the Gods or their most devout. And so he forced himself not to picture what he knew lay underneath the simple slip that Theodora emerged in, kept his eyes absolutely upon her face as they were briefly immersed in the cleansing waters of the temple loutra. The young acolyte Priests poured water from the Loutrophoros over their shoulders, the older spoke words to invoke the blessings of the Gods on this most auspicious of occasions.
Achilleas had made his own offering, to Aphrodite, to court favour for this union, but still he found himself silently asking again that he might be guided in doing right by this heavenly creature before him. Heavenly, perplexing, creature.
This moment was not theirs though, and he was a little too conscious of their families standing on, silent voyeurs to this holy ritual. He was glad when Theodora’s voluptous - because he was after all, only a man, and his eyes had wandered - curves were covered by the himation, and instead of a clinging wet slip she returned to him in brilliant white, to symbolise the purity of their newly cleansed bodies, and the newness of this union. Similarly outfitted himself, Achilleas tried not to think upon the fact that he knew her less than untouched, and not only by his hands. He slid a sideways glance toward the Priest as if expecting such thoughts to be heard by the man,to find judgement upon his face, but of course there was none. It did not matter he told himself firmly. He had made that decision when he’d spoken to Emilios, when his brother had offered to ask around and put a name to the one who had gone before him. And Achilleas had said no. So he pushed the thoughts away, shut them firmly behind locked doors along with other things he chose not to think upon.
It was only left for them to make their own offerings of tiny filled loutrophoros set upon the shrines, to stand under a final blessing from the priest and then it was done. Complete and binding in the eyes of the Gods and in the laws of the land.
And for once, Achilleas cast aside the binds of propriety, and he kissed her, his wife, before they were draped both in the rich red of House Mikaelidas.
It suited her. Theodora of Mikaelidas. His.
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Achilleas needed to break the moment, needed to remind himself where they were and everything that lay ahead and not just drown in the sweetness of her lips, as it would be so easy for him to. As he wanted to.Her words, slightly breathless, only seemed to confirm the wisdon in his decision to pull back, but it was a moment longer still before the man could tear his gaze away, could focus instead on those who had come out to greet them.
He smiled for them too, a neat, public smile befitting of the occasion and of his station. And only when he thought he had wrested his self control back that did he turn back to his bride, oddly bashful at her compliment. It was not that he was..unaware of the fact that his looks were found pleasing. That had just become a facet of him like everything else. But that Theo thought so, and said so? That was gratifying in a way that even he could not ignore. Almost, he considered telling her of how ridiculous he thought the whole rigamarole of selecting the outfit had been, the minute difference in the shades of red, the correct amount of adorment required to set it off. But he was not comfortable with the picture it painted of a preening peacock - that was his brother’s way, not his - and so he did not, but just smiled instead,lifted their joined hands and pressed a kiss to hers.
The journey to the Temple of the Gods did not take long, the elegant and imposing building rising up to greet them soon enough. Their brief seclusion was ended, and Achilleas turned to help Theodora down from the carriage, wrapping his hands about her waist and lifting her down as if she weight nothing. When her feet touched the ground, he did not let go straight away but caught and held her gaze. “Just this, then we are properly wed” he said quietly. “And I am the luckiest man in the three Kingdoms.” And he did not say it, but felt it more than anything, that they were within touching distance of being able to escape it all - at least for a little while. To really learn eachother. He wanted that, because he was sure that away from all of the outside pressures and unfair interruptions that all would be easier between them and this marriage would be as natural as he had imagined it.
He looked at her a moment longer before letting go, stepping back and turning to greet the Priests who awaited them, the Prince offering a deep bow of respect to those who spoke for the Gods themselves. Extending a hand back towards Theodora, he invited his bride forward, and then it was just a case of doing as they were bid.
He could confess to feeling a little awkward with the theatre of it all, but who was he to question the ways of the Gods or their most devout. And so he forced himself not to picture what he knew lay underneath the simple slip that Theodora emerged in, kept his eyes absolutely upon her face as they were briefly immersed in the cleansing waters of the temple loutra. The young acolyte Priests poured water from the Loutrophoros over their shoulders, the older spoke words to invoke the blessings of the Gods on this most auspicious of occasions.
Achilleas had made his own offering, to Aphrodite, to court favour for this union, but still he found himself silently asking again that he might be guided in doing right by this heavenly creature before him. Heavenly, perplexing, creature.
This moment was not theirs though, and he was a little too conscious of their families standing on, silent voyeurs to this holy ritual. He was glad when Theodora’s voluptous - because he was after all, only a man, and his eyes had wandered - curves were covered by the himation, and instead of a clinging wet slip she returned to him in brilliant white, to symbolise the purity of their newly cleansed bodies, and the newness of this union. Similarly outfitted himself, Achilleas tried not to think upon the fact that he knew her less than untouched, and not only by his hands. He slid a sideways glance toward the Priest as if expecting such thoughts to be heard by the man,to find judgement upon his face, but of course there was none. It did not matter he told himself firmly. He had made that decision when he’d spoken to Emilios, when his brother had offered to ask around and put a name to the one who had gone before him. And Achilleas had said no. So he pushed the thoughts away, shut them firmly behind locked doors along with other things he chose not to think upon.
It was only left for them to make their own offerings of tiny filled loutrophoros set upon the shrines, to stand under a final blessing from the priest and then it was done. Complete and binding in the eyes of the Gods and in the laws of the land.
And for once, Achilleas cast aside the binds of propriety, and he kissed her, his wife, before they were draped both in the rich red of House Mikaelidas.
It suited her. Theodora of Mikaelidas. His.
Achilleas needed to break the moment, needed to remind himself where they were and everything that lay ahead and not just drown in the sweetness of her lips, as it would be so easy for him to. As he wanted to.Her words, slightly breathless, only seemed to confirm the wisdon in his decision to pull back, but it was a moment longer still before the man could tear his gaze away, could focus instead on those who had come out to greet them.
He smiled for them too, a neat, public smile befitting of the occasion and of his station. And only when he thought he had wrested his self control back that did he turn back to his bride, oddly bashful at her compliment. It was not that he was..unaware of the fact that his looks were found pleasing. That had just become a facet of him like everything else. But that Theo thought so, and said so? That was gratifying in a way that even he could not ignore. Almost, he considered telling her of how ridiculous he thought the whole rigamarole of selecting the outfit had been, the minute difference in the shades of red, the correct amount of adorment required to set it off. But he was not comfortable with the picture it painted of a preening peacock - that was his brother’s way, not his - and so he did not, but just smiled instead,lifted their joined hands and pressed a kiss to hers.
The journey to the Temple of the Gods did not take long, the elegant and imposing building rising up to greet them soon enough. Their brief seclusion was ended, and Achilleas turned to help Theodora down from the carriage, wrapping his hands about her waist and lifting her down as if she weight nothing. When her feet touched the ground, he did not let go straight away but caught and held her gaze. “Just this, then we are properly wed” he said quietly. “And I am the luckiest man in the three Kingdoms.” And he did not say it, but felt it more than anything, that they were within touching distance of being able to escape it all - at least for a little while. To really learn eachother. He wanted that, because he was sure that away from all of the outside pressures and unfair interruptions that all would be easier between them and this marriage would be as natural as he had imagined it.
He looked at her a moment longer before letting go, stepping back and turning to greet the Priests who awaited them, the Prince offering a deep bow of respect to those who spoke for the Gods themselves. Extending a hand back towards Theodora, he invited his bride forward, and then it was just a case of doing as they were bid.
He could confess to feeling a little awkward with the theatre of it all, but who was he to question the ways of the Gods or their most devout. And so he forced himself not to picture what he knew lay underneath the simple slip that Theodora emerged in, kept his eyes absolutely upon her face as they were briefly immersed in the cleansing waters of the temple loutra. The young acolyte Priests poured water from the Loutrophoros over their shoulders, the older spoke words to invoke the blessings of the Gods on this most auspicious of occasions.
Achilleas had made his own offering, to Aphrodite, to court favour for this union, but still he found himself silently asking again that he might be guided in doing right by this heavenly creature before him. Heavenly, perplexing, creature.
This moment was not theirs though, and he was a little too conscious of their families standing on, silent voyeurs to this holy ritual. He was glad when Theodora’s voluptous - because he was after all, only a man, and his eyes had wandered - curves were covered by the himation, and instead of a clinging wet slip she returned to him in brilliant white, to symbolise the purity of their newly cleansed bodies, and the newness of this union. Similarly outfitted himself, Achilleas tried not to think upon the fact that he knew her less than untouched, and not only by his hands. He slid a sideways glance toward the Priest as if expecting such thoughts to be heard by the man,to find judgement upon his face, but of course there was none. It did not matter he told himself firmly. He had made that decision when he’d spoken to Emilios, when his brother had offered to ask around and put a name to the one who had gone before him. And Achilleas had said no. So he pushed the thoughts away, shut them firmly behind locked doors along with other things he chose not to think upon.
It was only left for them to make their own offerings of tiny filled loutrophoros set upon the shrines, to stand under a final blessing from the priest and then it was done. Complete and binding in the eyes of the Gods and in the laws of the land.
And for once, Achilleas cast aside the binds of propriety, and he kissed her, his wife, before they were draped both in the rich red of House Mikaelidas.
It suited her. Theodora of Mikaelidas. His.
Theodora watched as her moment of candid compliment seemed to send Achilleas into a moment of quiet. He neither ignored her pleasantries, nor reacted to them directly, but she watched as his gaze seemed warm, his mannerisms suddenly a little awkward. Had she suddenly made this brute (in size, not temperament) - a man who had swam with her naked... who had already touched and enjoyed her body as a man did his woman - had she suddenly made him shy?
Something very possessive and... perhaps... maternal? flickered in Theo's chest at the very notion that her new husband, a military man of power and strength, had a vulnerability that only she could touch.
Guilt was quick on the heels of such a wonderous thought. Concern that... after her love for Emilios and the extent with which they shared with one another... she might not have the same hidden weaknesses or corners of her heart that she could offer to be the sole possession of Achilleas.
She buried the thought and its accompanying feelings down beneath the cheers and vibrant colours of the day and refused to let it reap havoc on the smile upon her lips. Instead, she focused on the majesty of the temple that came into view as the carriage turned a corner and felt a bubble of nervousness at the might of the Gods it displayed. A reminder of their divine strength and omniscient power.
Distracted by such ruminations on the deities, Theodora was almost startled when the carriage came to a halt and Achilleas stepped down to the marble slabs of the open courtyard before the temple. Six deep and shallow steps led up and into the temple itself where the priests were waiting outside of the door to accompany them within.
Realigning her thoughts and keeping her expression one of calm bliss, Theo moved to the edge of the carriage and was about to step down, being careful of the yards and yards of silk layered around her legs and about her feet, when her new husband solved the issue for her and placed both hands upon her waist. As if she weighed nothing at all, he had lifted her from the vehicle and drawn her down to the ground before him, their bodies close and their gazes joined.
At his words, Theodora felt her smile brighten and become true once more. Her tongue acted quickly, as it was prone to do, and offered him words in return that she hoped to bolster his feelings that day as he had hers over and over.
"Aside from my father you mean..." She corrected him, with a calculated smile of mischief. "For having one of his daughters married to the perfect man...?"
As the man in question took her arm and led the two of them into the temple, they were parted momentarily in order to change garments. Young acolytes and slaves of the temple - all female for herself and all male for Achilleas - guided them to changing chambers were her fine raiment was removed and replaced with a simple slip of purest white linen. The fabric was simple but also finely spun. An item of dress that displayed by reverence for the temple she stood in but also humility before the power of the Gods.
They were returned to the main room of the temple, their immediate families in attendance to witness the ritual, so as to assure any who might hold doubts that their union had been legalised before the divine.
With her husband now bear to the waist and offering more skin than she had ever seen of him in public, Theodora felt suddenly self-conscious. Her lashes lowered and she watched the man from beneath them as if to shield her gaze and, with the both of them so limited in clothing, she felt herself dwarfed by his presence. The breadth of his shoulders, the width of his chest. He was built on larger lines than his brother. Where Emilios had been a partner to her in physicality, a little bigger as a man should be to a woman, but complimentary... Achilleas had always well overbearing in the most attractive of ways.
Swallowing, Theodora drew her gaze away and kept herself demure and shy in appearance. Whilst she held no doubts that many of the gathering likely knew of her and Achilleas' breech of physical intimacy prior to their wedding day, there was no need to advertise it by staring...
Joining hands, the two of them stepped done several steps, the water of the ceremonial loutra rising to meet them, cool and clear.
Theo's attention was trained on her feet, finding each step, in turn, with grace and ensuring that the ripples and fluctuations in the water didn't obscure her vision to the point of missing a step. It would be humiliating in the extreme - not to mention likely considered a bad omen - if she were to trip and fall into the water awkwardly. And after the dress fiasco...
She was determined that the rest of the today would follow smoothly, for the sake of their families and for Achilleas himself.
Her gaze on her toes as they disappeared beneath the surface, Theo watched as the linen chiton sucked from the waters of the temple and grew sodden, finding the skin of her ankles and sticking fast. As she and Achilleas descended, the gown in equal parts swirled around her limbs, floaty in the water, or clung to her body and became a second skin. Bending her knees in a graceful descent, the two of them were submerged to the collarbone and then given ceremonial showers across their shoulders by the acolytes present for just such a task.
There was a reason most brides had their hair fastened up around their heads on their wedding days...
Theodora found herself shaking a little as the waters were poured. She hoped that her hand did not transmit such a nervous tremor to Achilleas or, if it did, that he would read it as a simply chill from the frigid water. She closed her eyes in apparently devotion to the deities but what she muttered in her head was begging prayers of apology and hope.
She prayed to Hera that she could and would be a good wife to Achilleas.
She prayed to Artemis to bless her with the fertile duties of a wife.
She prayed to Aphrodite that any feelings remaining in her soul for Emilios would quell away and pass on; that she would be left alone inside her own heart, able to give it fully and willingly to the husband she so desperately wished to love.
She prayed to Athena for the wisdom to see and take hold of whatever blessings she received from each of her divine sisters.
And lastly... she prayed - or perhaps simply hoped - that she wasn't about to be struck down by some almighty hand of Fate that would have preferred her to have forsaken this union in favour of the man she loved.
For that was why she trembled... That her choice to honour her family and their wishes; her decision to throw herself into the hopes of loving Achilleas... that it was all against the plans that had been laid down for her by the Moirae. That she had been destined for Emilios as her heart had always believed during their relationship. And that she would engender the Three Sisters' wrath by stepping away from the thread they had spun for her life.
But nothing happened. No divine punishment, no great sense of doom. Not even a cloud passing over the sun outside or a shadow forming in the water below her. No hint or sign that what she was doing was wrong.
Which meant, as the two of them rose back up, Theo barely noticed the way her sheath was plastered to her skin, outlining each godly blessed curve - nor how the same could be said for her husband before himations were brought forward to swarth them each in privacy. Instead, her gaze was too busily trained on the statues of the great beings who had approved her union with Achilleas.
As the two of them stepped forwards to present their gifts at the feet of Hera, an offering to both the Goddess of Marriage and to the priests of the temple itself, Theo's heart was lighter than it had been in months.
She had chosen right. The Gods approved.
Achilleas was to be the man for her.
It didn't matter that her affections for him had yet to bloom into the deep-seeded love that she had felt for his brother. It didn't matter that, in their hurry and eagerness the one time they had been together, that they had yet to find the truly perfect joy of intimacy. Achilleas was everything she needed or wanted from a husband, and he was her fate as dictated by the Gods. Everything else would come in time. Of that, she was now wholly certain.
Which meant that, when her husband - now both appointed as such by law and by divine power - drew her close to kiss her with a passion she was only just starting to grow familiar with, she returned it with equal enthusiasm for the first time. Previously, her kisses had been affectionate, lustful and compassionate. This one offered a sense of openness and joy that her nerves had held back previously.
She was Theodora of Mikaelidas. Wife to Achilleas.
She was as the Gods dictated that she should be. Which meant the two of them could only be in for more joy and deep love and partnership in the future...
As they drew apart, for a moment, Theodora offered Achilleas a radiant smile, her lower lip drawn between her teeth as if she felt self-conscious to be so happy. Her eyes sparkled and her skin was almost luminescent from the blessings of the water. It was finally done. After so much waiting so much postponement. They were finally man and wife. And she – to her own surprise – couldn’t be happier about it now.
Now all that was needed was for them each to step back into the changing chambers, be redressed in their wedding raiment and attend unto the Mikaelidas Archontiko where a feast and great festivities would be prepared in celebration of their union. And after an evening of joyful abandon, they would progress on to Euttica and Achilleas’ private home. Where they would become man and wife in a very personal way indeed…
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Theodora watched as her moment of candid compliment seemed to send Achilleas into a moment of quiet. He neither ignored her pleasantries, nor reacted to them directly, but she watched as his gaze seemed warm, his mannerisms suddenly a little awkward. Had she suddenly made this brute (in size, not temperament) - a man who had swam with her naked... who had already touched and enjoyed her body as a man did his woman - had she suddenly made him shy?
Something very possessive and... perhaps... maternal? flickered in Theo's chest at the very notion that her new husband, a military man of power and strength, had a vulnerability that only she could touch.
Guilt was quick on the heels of such a wonderous thought. Concern that... after her love for Emilios and the extent with which they shared with one another... she might not have the same hidden weaknesses or corners of her heart that she could offer to be the sole possession of Achilleas.
She buried the thought and its accompanying feelings down beneath the cheers and vibrant colours of the day and refused to let it reap havoc on the smile upon her lips. Instead, she focused on the majesty of the temple that came into view as the carriage turned a corner and felt a bubble of nervousness at the might of the Gods it displayed. A reminder of their divine strength and omniscient power.
Distracted by such ruminations on the deities, Theodora was almost startled when the carriage came to a halt and Achilleas stepped down to the marble slabs of the open courtyard before the temple. Six deep and shallow steps led up and into the temple itself where the priests were waiting outside of the door to accompany them within.
Realigning her thoughts and keeping her expression one of calm bliss, Theo moved to the edge of the carriage and was about to step down, being careful of the yards and yards of silk layered around her legs and about her feet, when her new husband solved the issue for her and placed both hands upon her waist. As if she weighed nothing at all, he had lifted her from the vehicle and drawn her down to the ground before him, their bodies close and their gazes joined.
At his words, Theodora felt her smile brighten and become true once more. Her tongue acted quickly, as it was prone to do, and offered him words in return that she hoped to bolster his feelings that day as he had hers over and over.
"Aside from my father you mean..." She corrected him, with a calculated smile of mischief. "For having one of his daughters married to the perfect man...?"
As the man in question took her arm and led the two of them into the temple, they were parted momentarily in order to change garments. Young acolytes and slaves of the temple - all female for herself and all male for Achilleas - guided them to changing chambers were her fine raiment was removed and replaced with a simple slip of purest white linen. The fabric was simple but also finely spun. An item of dress that displayed by reverence for the temple she stood in but also humility before the power of the Gods.
They were returned to the main room of the temple, their immediate families in attendance to witness the ritual, so as to assure any who might hold doubts that their union had been legalised before the divine.
With her husband now bear to the waist and offering more skin than she had ever seen of him in public, Theodora felt suddenly self-conscious. Her lashes lowered and she watched the man from beneath them as if to shield her gaze and, with the both of them so limited in clothing, she felt herself dwarfed by his presence. The breadth of his shoulders, the width of his chest. He was built on larger lines than his brother. Where Emilios had been a partner to her in physicality, a little bigger as a man should be to a woman, but complimentary... Achilleas had always well overbearing in the most attractive of ways.
Swallowing, Theodora drew her gaze away and kept herself demure and shy in appearance. Whilst she held no doubts that many of the gathering likely knew of her and Achilleas' breech of physical intimacy prior to their wedding day, there was no need to advertise it by staring...
Joining hands, the two of them stepped done several steps, the water of the ceremonial loutra rising to meet them, cool and clear.
Theo's attention was trained on her feet, finding each step, in turn, with grace and ensuring that the ripples and fluctuations in the water didn't obscure her vision to the point of missing a step. It would be humiliating in the extreme - not to mention likely considered a bad omen - if she were to trip and fall into the water awkwardly. And after the dress fiasco...
She was determined that the rest of the today would follow smoothly, for the sake of their families and for Achilleas himself.
Her gaze on her toes as they disappeared beneath the surface, Theo watched as the linen chiton sucked from the waters of the temple and grew sodden, finding the skin of her ankles and sticking fast. As she and Achilleas descended, the gown in equal parts swirled around her limbs, floaty in the water, or clung to her body and became a second skin. Bending her knees in a graceful descent, the two of them were submerged to the collarbone and then given ceremonial showers across their shoulders by the acolytes present for just such a task.
There was a reason most brides had their hair fastened up around their heads on their wedding days...
Theodora found herself shaking a little as the waters were poured. She hoped that her hand did not transmit such a nervous tremor to Achilleas or, if it did, that he would read it as a simply chill from the frigid water. She closed her eyes in apparently devotion to the deities but what she muttered in her head was begging prayers of apology and hope.
She prayed to Hera that she could and would be a good wife to Achilleas.
She prayed to Artemis to bless her with the fertile duties of a wife.
She prayed to Aphrodite that any feelings remaining in her soul for Emilios would quell away and pass on; that she would be left alone inside her own heart, able to give it fully and willingly to the husband she so desperately wished to love.
She prayed to Athena for the wisdom to see and take hold of whatever blessings she received from each of her divine sisters.
And lastly... she prayed - or perhaps simply hoped - that she wasn't about to be struck down by some almighty hand of Fate that would have preferred her to have forsaken this union in favour of the man she loved.
For that was why she trembled... That her choice to honour her family and their wishes; her decision to throw herself into the hopes of loving Achilleas... that it was all against the plans that had been laid down for her by the Moirae. That she had been destined for Emilios as her heart had always believed during their relationship. And that she would engender the Three Sisters' wrath by stepping away from the thread they had spun for her life.
But nothing happened. No divine punishment, no great sense of doom. Not even a cloud passing over the sun outside or a shadow forming in the water below her. No hint or sign that what she was doing was wrong.
Which meant, as the two of them rose back up, Theo barely noticed the way her sheath was plastered to her skin, outlining each godly blessed curve - nor how the same could be said for her husband before himations were brought forward to swarth them each in privacy. Instead, her gaze was too busily trained on the statues of the great beings who had approved her union with Achilleas.
As the two of them stepped forwards to present their gifts at the feet of Hera, an offering to both the Goddess of Marriage and to the priests of the temple itself, Theo's heart was lighter than it had been in months.
She had chosen right. The Gods approved.
Achilleas was to be the man for her.
It didn't matter that her affections for him had yet to bloom into the deep-seeded love that she had felt for his brother. It didn't matter that, in their hurry and eagerness the one time they had been together, that they had yet to find the truly perfect joy of intimacy. Achilleas was everything she needed or wanted from a husband, and he was her fate as dictated by the Gods. Everything else would come in time. Of that, she was now wholly certain.
Which meant that, when her husband - now both appointed as such by law and by divine power - drew her close to kiss her with a passion she was only just starting to grow familiar with, she returned it with equal enthusiasm for the first time. Previously, her kisses had been affectionate, lustful and compassionate. This one offered a sense of openness and joy that her nerves had held back previously.
She was Theodora of Mikaelidas. Wife to Achilleas.
She was as the Gods dictated that she should be. Which meant the two of them could only be in for more joy and deep love and partnership in the future...
As they drew apart, for a moment, Theodora offered Achilleas a radiant smile, her lower lip drawn between her teeth as if she felt self-conscious to be so happy. Her eyes sparkled and her skin was almost luminescent from the blessings of the water. It was finally done. After so much waiting so much postponement. They were finally man and wife. And she – to her own surprise – couldn’t be happier about it now.
Now all that was needed was for them each to step back into the changing chambers, be redressed in their wedding raiment and attend unto the Mikaelidas Archontiko where a feast and great festivities would be prepared in celebration of their union. And after an evening of joyful abandon, they would progress on to Euttica and Achilleas’ private home. Where they would become man and wife in a very personal way indeed…
Theodora watched as her moment of candid compliment seemed to send Achilleas into a moment of quiet. He neither ignored her pleasantries, nor reacted to them directly, but she watched as his gaze seemed warm, his mannerisms suddenly a little awkward. Had she suddenly made this brute (in size, not temperament) - a man who had swam with her naked... who had already touched and enjoyed her body as a man did his woman - had she suddenly made him shy?
Something very possessive and... perhaps... maternal? flickered in Theo's chest at the very notion that her new husband, a military man of power and strength, had a vulnerability that only she could touch.
Guilt was quick on the heels of such a wonderous thought. Concern that... after her love for Emilios and the extent with which they shared with one another... she might not have the same hidden weaknesses or corners of her heart that she could offer to be the sole possession of Achilleas.
She buried the thought and its accompanying feelings down beneath the cheers and vibrant colours of the day and refused to let it reap havoc on the smile upon her lips. Instead, she focused on the majesty of the temple that came into view as the carriage turned a corner and felt a bubble of nervousness at the might of the Gods it displayed. A reminder of their divine strength and omniscient power.
Distracted by such ruminations on the deities, Theodora was almost startled when the carriage came to a halt and Achilleas stepped down to the marble slabs of the open courtyard before the temple. Six deep and shallow steps led up and into the temple itself where the priests were waiting outside of the door to accompany them within.
Realigning her thoughts and keeping her expression one of calm bliss, Theo moved to the edge of the carriage and was about to step down, being careful of the yards and yards of silk layered around her legs and about her feet, when her new husband solved the issue for her and placed both hands upon her waist. As if she weighed nothing at all, he had lifted her from the vehicle and drawn her down to the ground before him, their bodies close and their gazes joined.
At his words, Theodora felt her smile brighten and become true once more. Her tongue acted quickly, as it was prone to do, and offered him words in return that she hoped to bolster his feelings that day as he had hers over and over.
"Aside from my father you mean..." She corrected him, with a calculated smile of mischief. "For having one of his daughters married to the perfect man...?"
As the man in question took her arm and led the two of them into the temple, they were parted momentarily in order to change garments. Young acolytes and slaves of the temple - all female for herself and all male for Achilleas - guided them to changing chambers were her fine raiment was removed and replaced with a simple slip of purest white linen. The fabric was simple but also finely spun. An item of dress that displayed by reverence for the temple she stood in but also humility before the power of the Gods.
They were returned to the main room of the temple, their immediate families in attendance to witness the ritual, so as to assure any who might hold doubts that their union had been legalised before the divine.
With her husband now bear to the waist and offering more skin than she had ever seen of him in public, Theodora felt suddenly self-conscious. Her lashes lowered and she watched the man from beneath them as if to shield her gaze and, with the both of them so limited in clothing, she felt herself dwarfed by his presence. The breadth of his shoulders, the width of his chest. He was built on larger lines than his brother. Where Emilios had been a partner to her in physicality, a little bigger as a man should be to a woman, but complimentary... Achilleas had always well overbearing in the most attractive of ways.
Swallowing, Theodora drew her gaze away and kept herself demure and shy in appearance. Whilst she held no doubts that many of the gathering likely knew of her and Achilleas' breech of physical intimacy prior to their wedding day, there was no need to advertise it by staring...
Joining hands, the two of them stepped done several steps, the water of the ceremonial loutra rising to meet them, cool and clear.
Theo's attention was trained on her feet, finding each step, in turn, with grace and ensuring that the ripples and fluctuations in the water didn't obscure her vision to the point of missing a step. It would be humiliating in the extreme - not to mention likely considered a bad omen - if she were to trip and fall into the water awkwardly. And after the dress fiasco...
She was determined that the rest of the today would follow smoothly, for the sake of their families and for Achilleas himself.
Her gaze on her toes as they disappeared beneath the surface, Theo watched as the linen chiton sucked from the waters of the temple and grew sodden, finding the skin of her ankles and sticking fast. As she and Achilleas descended, the gown in equal parts swirled around her limbs, floaty in the water, or clung to her body and became a second skin. Bending her knees in a graceful descent, the two of them were submerged to the collarbone and then given ceremonial showers across their shoulders by the acolytes present for just such a task.
There was a reason most brides had their hair fastened up around their heads on their wedding days...
Theodora found herself shaking a little as the waters were poured. She hoped that her hand did not transmit such a nervous tremor to Achilleas or, if it did, that he would read it as a simply chill from the frigid water. She closed her eyes in apparently devotion to the deities but what she muttered in her head was begging prayers of apology and hope.
She prayed to Hera that she could and would be a good wife to Achilleas.
She prayed to Artemis to bless her with the fertile duties of a wife.
She prayed to Aphrodite that any feelings remaining in her soul for Emilios would quell away and pass on; that she would be left alone inside her own heart, able to give it fully and willingly to the husband she so desperately wished to love.
She prayed to Athena for the wisdom to see and take hold of whatever blessings she received from each of her divine sisters.
And lastly... she prayed - or perhaps simply hoped - that she wasn't about to be struck down by some almighty hand of Fate that would have preferred her to have forsaken this union in favour of the man she loved.
For that was why she trembled... That her choice to honour her family and their wishes; her decision to throw herself into the hopes of loving Achilleas... that it was all against the plans that had been laid down for her by the Moirae. That she had been destined for Emilios as her heart had always believed during their relationship. And that she would engender the Three Sisters' wrath by stepping away from the thread they had spun for her life.
But nothing happened. No divine punishment, no great sense of doom. Not even a cloud passing over the sun outside or a shadow forming in the water below her. No hint or sign that what she was doing was wrong.
Which meant, as the two of them rose back up, Theo barely noticed the way her sheath was plastered to her skin, outlining each godly blessed curve - nor how the same could be said for her husband before himations were brought forward to swarth them each in privacy. Instead, her gaze was too busily trained on the statues of the great beings who had approved her union with Achilleas.
As the two of them stepped forwards to present their gifts at the feet of Hera, an offering to both the Goddess of Marriage and to the priests of the temple itself, Theo's heart was lighter than it had been in months.
She had chosen right. The Gods approved.
Achilleas was to be the man for her.
It didn't matter that her affections for him had yet to bloom into the deep-seeded love that she had felt for his brother. It didn't matter that, in their hurry and eagerness the one time they had been together, that they had yet to find the truly perfect joy of intimacy. Achilleas was everything she needed or wanted from a husband, and he was her fate as dictated by the Gods. Everything else would come in time. Of that, she was now wholly certain.
Which meant that, when her husband - now both appointed as such by law and by divine power - drew her close to kiss her with a passion she was only just starting to grow familiar with, she returned it with equal enthusiasm for the first time. Previously, her kisses had been affectionate, lustful and compassionate. This one offered a sense of openness and joy that her nerves had held back previously.
She was Theodora of Mikaelidas. Wife to Achilleas.
She was as the Gods dictated that she should be. Which meant the two of them could only be in for more joy and deep love and partnership in the future...
As they drew apart, for a moment, Theodora offered Achilleas a radiant smile, her lower lip drawn between her teeth as if she felt self-conscious to be so happy. Her eyes sparkled and her skin was almost luminescent from the blessings of the water. It was finally done. After so much waiting so much postponement. They were finally man and wife. And she – to her own surprise – couldn’t be happier about it now.
Now all that was needed was for them each to step back into the changing chambers, be redressed in their wedding raiment and attend unto the Mikaelidas Archontiko where a feast and great festivities would be prepared in celebration of their union. And after an evening of joyful abandon, they would progress on to Euttica and Achilleas’ private home. Where they would become man and wife in a very personal way indeed…
He had not intended to attend. For him to attend with no explicit invite would be suspicious, especially after the Colchian party had just left Taengean docks. His story held, that Magnus was here on a leisure trip, a personal one as opposed to work as he was wont to do. But of course, when did a workaholic ever stop.
His conversation with the young Mikaelidas lord who just so happened to be the groom today had made Magnus wonder, especially in regards to the friendship between Fotios of Leventi and the newly proclaimed King of Taengea. That things would fall into place so smoothly piqued at Magnus's mind, for after many years of handling situations, it seemed improbable for situations such as these to be so smooth. If Irakles was as distraught and betrayed as he made himself to be, then why would he have quickly claimed the throne, even while he promised to find his nephew as quick as possible? Sure, Stephanos had a temper that surpassed his name, but... to kill his own father and elder brother seemed odd, especially when anyone who Magnus asked seemed to have nothing but good words for the young traitor King's relationship with his family.
It didn't add up, somehow.
Which was what had led him here today. He had asked a few of his informants who worked as servants within the Mikaelidas household to update him upon the family's arrival. They were people who Magnus had performed favors for back when he had been a litigant, and performed a few cases for no renumeration. And now in return, he got information, at little cost.
The messenger boy's arrival was quickly followed the dark haired spymaster's swift change of clothes, and within minutes, he was riding up to the servant's entrance to the Mikaelidas' manor. Unlike his usual quality chiton's, Magnus had opted for the type servant's would wear for today, riding on the fact that many would not recognize him outside of the presence of his crown prince. He was here merely as an observer afterall. Without Vangelis, he had no proper reason to be there as an actual guest.
Allowed to stand right at the fringes of the doorway which connected the kitchen to the main hall of Mikaelidas archontiko, the Colchian's dark eyes observed the arrival of the Dimitrou entourage and Condos family, as they were led to the hall where the feast was to be held.
Soon, the actual stars of the show would arrive, and Magnus would watch. But for now, he was content to linger in the shadows, merely collecting information to be stored for later consideration.
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This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
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He had not intended to attend. For him to attend with no explicit invite would be suspicious, especially after the Colchian party had just left Taengean docks. His story held, that Magnus was here on a leisure trip, a personal one as opposed to work as he was wont to do. But of course, when did a workaholic ever stop.
His conversation with the young Mikaelidas lord who just so happened to be the groom today had made Magnus wonder, especially in regards to the friendship between Fotios of Leventi and the newly proclaimed King of Taengea. That things would fall into place so smoothly piqued at Magnus's mind, for after many years of handling situations, it seemed improbable for situations such as these to be so smooth. If Irakles was as distraught and betrayed as he made himself to be, then why would he have quickly claimed the throne, even while he promised to find his nephew as quick as possible? Sure, Stephanos had a temper that surpassed his name, but... to kill his own father and elder brother seemed odd, especially when anyone who Magnus asked seemed to have nothing but good words for the young traitor King's relationship with his family.
It didn't add up, somehow.
Which was what had led him here today. He had asked a few of his informants who worked as servants within the Mikaelidas household to update him upon the family's arrival. They were people who Magnus had performed favors for back when he had been a litigant, and performed a few cases for no renumeration. And now in return, he got information, at little cost.
The messenger boy's arrival was quickly followed the dark haired spymaster's swift change of clothes, and within minutes, he was riding up to the servant's entrance to the Mikaelidas' manor. Unlike his usual quality chiton's, Magnus had opted for the type servant's would wear for today, riding on the fact that many would not recognize him outside of the presence of his crown prince. He was here merely as an observer afterall. Without Vangelis, he had no proper reason to be there as an actual guest.
Allowed to stand right at the fringes of the doorway which connected the kitchen to the main hall of Mikaelidas archontiko, the Colchian's dark eyes observed the arrival of the Dimitrou entourage and Condos family, as they were led to the hall where the feast was to be held.
Soon, the actual stars of the show would arrive, and Magnus would watch. But for now, he was content to linger in the shadows, merely collecting information to be stored for later consideration.
He had not intended to attend. For him to attend with no explicit invite would be suspicious, especially after the Colchian party had just left Taengean docks. His story held, that Magnus was here on a leisure trip, a personal one as opposed to work as he was wont to do. But of course, when did a workaholic ever stop.
His conversation with the young Mikaelidas lord who just so happened to be the groom today had made Magnus wonder, especially in regards to the friendship between Fotios of Leventi and the newly proclaimed King of Taengea. That things would fall into place so smoothly piqued at Magnus's mind, for after many years of handling situations, it seemed improbable for situations such as these to be so smooth. If Irakles was as distraught and betrayed as he made himself to be, then why would he have quickly claimed the throne, even while he promised to find his nephew as quick as possible? Sure, Stephanos had a temper that surpassed his name, but... to kill his own father and elder brother seemed odd, especially when anyone who Magnus asked seemed to have nothing but good words for the young traitor King's relationship with his family.
It didn't add up, somehow.
Which was what had led him here today. He had asked a few of his informants who worked as servants within the Mikaelidas household to update him upon the family's arrival. They were people who Magnus had performed favors for back when he had been a litigant, and performed a few cases for no renumeration. And now in return, he got information, at little cost.
The messenger boy's arrival was quickly followed the dark haired spymaster's swift change of clothes, and within minutes, he was riding up to the servant's entrance to the Mikaelidas' manor. Unlike his usual quality chiton's, Magnus had opted for the type servant's would wear for today, riding on the fact that many would not recognize him outside of the presence of his crown prince. He was here merely as an observer afterall. Without Vangelis, he had no proper reason to be there as an actual guest.
Allowed to stand right at the fringes of the doorway which connected the kitchen to the main hall of Mikaelidas archontiko, the Colchian's dark eyes observed the arrival of the Dimitrou entourage and Condos family, as they were led to the hall where the feast was to be held.
Soon, the actual stars of the show would arrive, and Magnus would watch. But for now, he was content to linger in the shadows, merely collecting information to be stored for later consideration.
There wasn’t much else for him to care for. And it wasn’t like he could take much more away from him. He wanted Theo so much he could feel his heart in his chest clenching as they pulled up to the temple. Emilios didn’t want to watch his brother win the Gods favor. He didn’t want to watch her accept this, as he had seemed to do for so long.
He should have run with her when she asked.
Instead, Emilios followed his family in, everything he had taken the time to prepare for them. There was a desire to test his fate, to intervene before the ceremony could be completed. He waited with the rest as they were put in robes. The urge to leave was so fierce he had a difficult time keeping his feet from carrying him in the opposite direct. He knew that others were saying prayers, but he was silent.
The Gods had betrayed him.
He couldn’t watch this. And yet he knew that his father wouldn’t allow him to retreat, as they had an image to uphold. They had to look like they were in control of their emotions, had to look like they had their shit together. After all, that was the reason Stephanos had been all but removed from the throne. He let his emotions get the best of him, and it hadn’t ended well for his cousin.
What would his father do to him if he stepped out of line?
As soon as they were submerged in the water, he knew he couldn’t stand there a moment longer. With the deed done, he could retreat to the carriage and wait. His father was so focused on the blessing with the perfect crowned prince that he was sure that his absence wouldn’t be noted by anyone who mattered. Even though Myrto tried to stop him, he still pulled away, still decided to wait with the horses.
That was safer. Safer than destroying the temple with the rage that brewed in his chest.
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There wasn’t much else for him to care for. And it wasn’t like he could take much more away from him. He wanted Theo so much he could feel his heart in his chest clenching as they pulled up to the temple. Emilios didn’t want to watch his brother win the Gods favor. He didn’t want to watch her accept this, as he had seemed to do for so long.
He should have run with her when she asked.
Instead, Emilios followed his family in, everything he had taken the time to prepare for them. There was a desire to test his fate, to intervene before the ceremony could be completed. He waited with the rest as they were put in robes. The urge to leave was so fierce he had a difficult time keeping his feet from carrying him in the opposite direct. He knew that others were saying prayers, but he was silent.
The Gods had betrayed him.
He couldn’t watch this. And yet he knew that his father wouldn’t allow him to retreat, as they had an image to uphold. They had to look like they were in control of their emotions, had to look like they had their shit together. After all, that was the reason Stephanos had been all but removed from the throne. He let his emotions get the best of him, and it hadn’t ended well for his cousin.
What would his father do to him if he stepped out of line?
As soon as they were submerged in the water, he knew he couldn’t stand there a moment longer. With the deed done, he could retreat to the carriage and wait. His father was so focused on the blessing with the perfect crowned prince that he was sure that his absence wouldn’t be noted by anyone who mattered. Even though Myrto tried to stop him, he still pulled away, still decided to wait with the horses.
That was safer. Safer than destroying the temple with the rage that brewed in his chest.
There wasn’t much else for him to care for. And it wasn’t like he could take much more away from him. He wanted Theo so much he could feel his heart in his chest clenching as they pulled up to the temple. Emilios didn’t want to watch his brother win the Gods favor. He didn’t want to watch her accept this, as he had seemed to do for so long.
He should have run with her when she asked.
Instead, Emilios followed his family in, everything he had taken the time to prepare for them. There was a desire to test his fate, to intervene before the ceremony could be completed. He waited with the rest as they were put in robes. The urge to leave was so fierce he had a difficult time keeping his feet from carrying him in the opposite direct. He knew that others were saying prayers, but he was silent.
The Gods had betrayed him.
He couldn’t watch this. And yet he knew that his father wouldn’t allow him to retreat, as they had an image to uphold. They had to look like they were in control of their emotions, had to look like they had their shit together. After all, that was the reason Stephanos had been all but removed from the throne. He let his emotions get the best of him, and it hadn’t ended well for his cousin.
What would his father do to him if he stepped out of line?
As soon as they were submerged in the water, he knew he couldn’t stand there a moment longer. With the deed done, he could retreat to the carriage and wait. His father was so focused on the blessing with the perfect crowned prince that he was sure that his absence wouldn’t be noted by anyone who mattered. Even though Myrto tried to stop him, he still pulled away, still decided to wait with the horses.
That was safer. Safer than destroying the temple with the rage that brewed in his chest.
The princess kept her gaze roaming the grounds, ensuring that all of her people were in the correct places doing everything that had been expected of them. This was not her home, but her voice held power in this regard. In keeping whatever had been organized on a strict and firm track for being utterly perfect. Everything that Achilleas and Theodora deserved in their marriage. The care that had been taken with organizing, planning, and setting up the second half of the wedding was absolutely meticulous.
Xene was intent on ensuring that everything was perfect. Everyone appeared to be keeping to their tasks, so Xene remained in place, waiting patiently for the entourage to arrive at Atchontiko Mikaelidas. Once there, the new bride and groom would be welcomed into the home and celebrated. Hopefully there would be wine and music and Xene could forget some of her past griefs. And attempt to ignore the gaze of Lord Fotios.
Already she was having to ward those thoughts off, not wanting to be caught unawares when it was technically her job to ensure that the set up here was perfect. She watched everything like a hawk, even listening behind her and into the house for any sign of mischief or issues. Heron drifted back into the house once and then back out, only giving her a silent nod and returning to his post at her back.
The arrival of the bard, Hesiodos was a welcome sight and Xene let a pleasant smile settle on her features. "Hesiodos," Xene greeted quietly, giving him a nod at the bow that he gave her. Something that was both respectful and still relevant to her position, though she felt wholly unworthy of. "The day is beautiful," the princess started, pausing at the additional comment of her own beauty. Smoothing her hands down the front of her gown, she gave him a kind smile. "I thank you, dear bard," she nodded once more, her blue gaze soft and accepting of the compliment. It never hurt to hear such a thing, even from the lower classes.
She didn't have long to converse further when Lady Evangeline and her sisters approached the manor. Straightening, Xene met them in the middle, her feet carrying her toward them without a second thought. Heron remained back, seeming to watch with a keen gaze. Not that he would have any reason to stand at her back in the presence of the other ladies. "Lady Leventi," Xene gave her a respectful bow as she did for all nobles she came across. "I am pleased to hear that the preparations here will not go to waste," the princess hummed with an amused expression. Then she glanced around once more. "Everyone seems to know their task and everything still seems in order. I don't think I could ask anything of you that a servant couldn't do for you," she said delicately.
"So I suppose the only thing I could ask of you is just to keep me company and help me make sure that this doesn't end in disaster," she said honestly, clearly wanting everything to be perfect for her cousin and his new bride. This was to be one of her small victories after a string of mishaps and loss. Admittedly, she needed this to go well, if only for her own sanity.
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The princess kept her gaze roaming the grounds, ensuring that all of her people were in the correct places doing everything that had been expected of them. This was not her home, but her voice held power in this regard. In keeping whatever had been organized on a strict and firm track for being utterly perfect. Everything that Achilleas and Theodora deserved in their marriage. The care that had been taken with organizing, planning, and setting up the second half of the wedding was absolutely meticulous.
Xene was intent on ensuring that everything was perfect. Everyone appeared to be keeping to their tasks, so Xene remained in place, waiting patiently for the entourage to arrive at Atchontiko Mikaelidas. Once there, the new bride and groom would be welcomed into the home and celebrated. Hopefully there would be wine and music and Xene could forget some of her past griefs. And attempt to ignore the gaze of Lord Fotios.
Already she was having to ward those thoughts off, not wanting to be caught unawares when it was technically her job to ensure that the set up here was perfect. She watched everything like a hawk, even listening behind her and into the house for any sign of mischief or issues. Heron drifted back into the house once and then back out, only giving her a silent nod and returning to his post at her back.
The arrival of the bard, Hesiodos was a welcome sight and Xene let a pleasant smile settle on her features. "Hesiodos," Xene greeted quietly, giving him a nod at the bow that he gave her. Something that was both respectful and still relevant to her position, though she felt wholly unworthy of. "The day is beautiful," the princess started, pausing at the additional comment of her own beauty. Smoothing her hands down the front of her gown, she gave him a kind smile. "I thank you, dear bard," she nodded once more, her blue gaze soft and accepting of the compliment. It never hurt to hear such a thing, even from the lower classes.
She didn't have long to converse further when Lady Evangeline and her sisters approached the manor. Straightening, Xene met them in the middle, her feet carrying her toward them without a second thought. Heron remained back, seeming to watch with a keen gaze. Not that he would have any reason to stand at her back in the presence of the other ladies. "Lady Leventi," Xene gave her a respectful bow as she did for all nobles she came across. "I am pleased to hear that the preparations here will not go to waste," the princess hummed with an amused expression. Then she glanced around once more. "Everyone seems to know their task and everything still seems in order. I don't think I could ask anything of you that a servant couldn't do for you," she said delicately.
"So I suppose the only thing I could ask of you is just to keep me company and help me make sure that this doesn't end in disaster," she said honestly, clearly wanting everything to be perfect for her cousin and his new bride. This was to be one of her small victories after a string of mishaps and loss. Admittedly, she needed this to go well, if only for her own sanity.
The princess kept her gaze roaming the grounds, ensuring that all of her people were in the correct places doing everything that had been expected of them. This was not her home, but her voice held power in this regard. In keeping whatever had been organized on a strict and firm track for being utterly perfect. Everything that Achilleas and Theodora deserved in their marriage. The care that had been taken with organizing, planning, and setting up the second half of the wedding was absolutely meticulous.
Xene was intent on ensuring that everything was perfect. Everyone appeared to be keeping to their tasks, so Xene remained in place, waiting patiently for the entourage to arrive at Atchontiko Mikaelidas. Once there, the new bride and groom would be welcomed into the home and celebrated. Hopefully there would be wine and music and Xene could forget some of her past griefs. And attempt to ignore the gaze of Lord Fotios.
Already she was having to ward those thoughts off, not wanting to be caught unawares when it was technically her job to ensure that the set up here was perfect. She watched everything like a hawk, even listening behind her and into the house for any sign of mischief or issues. Heron drifted back into the house once and then back out, only giving her a silent nod and returning to his post at her back.
The arrival of the bard, Hesiodos was a welcome sight and Xene let a pleasant smile settle on her features. "Hesiodos," Xene greeted quietly, giving him a nod at the bow that he gave her. Something that was both respectful and still relevant to her position, though she felt wholly unworthy of. "The day is beautiful," the princess started, pausing at the additional comment of her own beauty. Smoothing her hands down the front of her gown, she gave him a kind smile. "I thank you, dear bard," she nodded once more, her blue gaze soft and accepting of the compliment. It never hurt to hear such a thing, even from the lower classes.
She didn't have long to converse further when Lady Evangeline and her sisters approached the manor. Straightening, Xene met them in the middle, her feet carrying her toward them without a second thought. Heron remained back, seeming to watch with a keen gaze. Not that he would have any reason to stand at her back in the presence of the other ladies. "Lady Leventi," Xene gave her a respectful bow as she did for all nobles she came across. "I am pleased to hear that the preparations here will not go to waste," the princess hummed with an amused expression. Then she glanced around once more. "Everyone seems to know their task and everything still seems in order. I don't think I could ask anything of you that a servant couldn't do for you," she said delicately.
"So I suppose the only thing I could ask of you is just to keep me company and help me make sure that this doesn't end in disaster," she said honestly, clearly wanting everything to be perfect for her cousin and his new bride. This was to be one of her small victories after a string of mishaps and loss. Admittedly, she needed this to go well, if only for her own sanity.
Fotios watched the process, standing behind the woman he had gone through the ceremony with himself. He still remembered the day decades before that had joined Eirini and he in matrimony and had seen many unions of nobles, friends and family since. But there was always a glimmer of uncertainty in the pit of one's stomach when there was a question mark over a union. For himself and Eirini it had been a difference in class. For Achilleas and Theodora it was the discrepancy in her affections. The Gods knew much and Fotios was an ambitious man but also wise. You did not anger or upset the Gods. For they were far more powerful than any one mortal might try or claim to be.
And so, it was with that same little murmur of discontent in his lower belly that Fotios watched his niece and her intended sink into the waters of the temple. He had never seen what happened to the water or those within it if the Gods refused to bless the union. But he did not wish to see it now. Not when the marriage of Leventi to Mikaelidas would honour both families so greatly. Achilleas, after all, would eventually be king. And a Leventi would be Queen once more.
Placing a hand on the small of his wife's back, Fotios stayed characteristically quiet as they observed the ceremony. His hands traced and strokes upon the skin laid bare by Eirini's dress and he caught the eye of his friend Irakles at one point to smile in mutual satisfaction that the matrimony they had all planned and organised, postponed and waited for, had finally reached its conclusion.
He also kept a firm eye on Emilios, pleased that the man maintained a hold on himself until the ceremony was more or less completed and, even then, left the arrangement quietly and without causing a scene.
As the now formally and divinely married couple were taken back into the changing chambers were slaves of the temple would dry them down and help them to redress, Fotios encouraged most of the group who had come to attend to return to the carriages, himself included, and left only the Lady Evelli, Georgios, Prince Irakles and Lady Myrto to attend upon the couple as they reappeared. The six figures - the couple and their parents - appeared at the top of the temple steps ten minutes after the rest had made their way to the carriages and were presented to the bright afternoon sunshine as man and wife.
Now, all that was to be done, was to celebration with the couple and their extended families until the sun set, which would be the traditional time for Achilleas to escort his new bride to his personal home and consummate their union. Until then, there was wine and fine food to be had at the Mikaelidas Archontiko.
With a few quick gestures to key individuals, Fotios had members of the families returning to the carriages from which they had disembarked, the few he guided then encouraging others to move their feet. The new couple descended the steps hand in hand the parents of each sat within the carriages they had boarded before.
The ceremony was over, the formal elements completed. For all intents and purposes the wedding was no concluded. The only thing left to do was to celebrate it in the fashion dictated by two royal dynasteias of Greece...
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Fotios watched the process, standing behind the woman he had gone through the ceremony with himself. He still remembered the day decades before that had joined Eirini and he in matrimony and had seen many unions of nobles, friends and family since. But there was always a glimmer of uncertainty in the pit of one's stomach when there was a question mark over a union. For himself and Eirini it had been a difference in class. For Achilleas and Theodora it was the discrepancy in her affections. The Gods knew much and Fotios was an ambitious man but also wise. You did not anger or upset the Gods. For they were far more powerful than any one mortal might try or claim to be.
And so, it was with that same little murmur of discontent in his lower belly that Fotios watched his niece and her intended sink into the waters of the temple. He had never seen what happened to the water or those within it if the Gods refused to bless the union. But he did not wish to see it now. Not when the marriage of Leventi to Mikaelidas would honour both families so greatly. Achilleas, after all, would eventually be king. And a Leventi would be Queen once more.
Placing a hand on the small of his wife's back, Fotios stayed characteristically quiet as they observed the ceremony. His hands traced and strokes upon the skin laid bare by Eirini's dress and he caught the eye of his friend Irakles at one point to smile in mutual satisfaction that the matrimony they had all planned and organised, postponed and waited for, had finally reached its conclusion.
He also kept a firm eye on Emilios, pleased that the man maintained a hold on himself until the ceremony was more or less completed and, even then, left the arrangement quietly and without causing a scene.
As the now formally and divinely married couple were taken back into the changing chambers were slaves of the temple would dry them down and help them to redress, Fotios encouraged most of the group who had come to attend to return to the carriages, himself included, and left only the Lady Evelli, Georgios, Prince Irakles and Lady Myrto to attend upon the couple as they reappeared. The six figures - the couple and their parents - appeared at the top of the temple steps ten minutes after the rest had made their way to the carriages and were presented to the bright afternoon sunshine as man and wife.
Now, all that was to be done, was to celebration with the couple and their extended families until the sun set, which would be the traditional time for Achilleas to escort his new bride to his personal home and consummate their union. Until then, there was wine and fine food to be had at the Mikaelidas Archontiko.
With a few quick gestures to key individuals, Fotios had members of the families returning to the carriages from which they had disembarked, the few he guided then encouraging others to move their feet. The new couple descended the steps hand in hand the parents of each sat within the carriages they had boarded before.
The ceremony was over, the formal elements completed. For all intents and purposes the wedding was no concluded. The only thing left to do was to celebrate it in the fashion dictated by two royal dynasteias of Greece...
Fotios watched the process, standing behind the woman he had gone through the ceremony with himself. He still remembered the day decades before that had joined Eirini and he in matrimony and had seen many unions of nobles, friends and family since. But there was always a glimmer of uncertainty in the pit of one's stomach when there was a question mark over a union. For himself and Eirini it had been a difference in class. For Achilleas and Theodora it was the discrepancy in her affections. The Gods knew much and Fotios was an ambitious man but also wise. You did not anger or upset the Gods. For they were far more powerful than any one mortal might try or claim to be.
And so, it was with that same little murmur of discontent in his lower belly that Fotios watched his niece and her intended sink into the waters of the temple. He had never seen what happened to the water or those within it if the Gods refused to bless the union. But he did not wish to see it now. Not when the marriage of Leventi to Mikaelidas would honour both families so greatly. Achilleas, after all, would eventually be king. And a Leventi would be Queen once more.
Placing a hand on the small of his wife's back, Fotios stayed characteristically quiet as they observed the ceremony. His hands traced and strokes upon the skin laid bare by Eirini's dress and he caught the eye of his friend Irakles at one point to smile in mutual satisfaction that the matrimony they had all planned and organised, postponed and waited for, had finally reached its conclusion.
He also kept a firm eye on Emilios, pleased that the man maintained a hold on himself until the ceremony was more or less completed and, even then, left the arrangement quietly and without causing a scene.
As the now formally and divinely married couple were taken back into the changing chambers were slaves of the temple would dry them down and help them to redress, Fotios encouraged most of the group who had come to attend to return to the carriages, himself included, and left only the Lady Evelli, Georgios, Prince Irakles and Lady Myrto to attend upon the couple as they reappeared. The six figures - the couple and their parents - appeared at the top of the temple steps ten minutes after the rest had made their way to the carriages and were presented to the bright afternoon sunshine as man and wife.
Now, all that was to be done, was to celebration with the couple and their extended families until the sun set, which would be the traditional time for Achilleas to escort his new bride to his personal home and consummate their union. Until then, there was wine and fine food to be had at the Mikaelidas Archontiko.
With a few quick gestures to key individuals, Fotios had members of the families returning to the carriages from which they had disembarked, the few he guided then encouraging others to move their feet. The new couple descended the steps hand in hand the parents of each sat within the carriages they had boarded before.
The ceremony was over, the formal elements completed. For all intents and purposes the wedding was no concluded. The only thing left to do was to celebrate it in the fashion dictated by two royal dynasteias of Greece...
His own ceremony had been oh, so long ago Irakles could barely remember it. It had been one of necessity, done out of the instruction of his father, but Irakles had not balked. He had always been the dutiful son who did as he was told, because he knew that at the end of the day, it was for the benefit of his family, the royal family of Taengea - and a throne that was rightfully his. It was why it irked him so much, when he had always been the dutiful son putting country before person, yet his half-elder brother had gotten the throne, from pure luck of being born to the first wife.
No matter, things has righted themselves.
It was a satisfied smile as the married couple re-emerged from the waters, now officially blessed by the Gods on their new union. Observing the rest of the union at a distance appropriately apart from Myrto, yet not too far away, from the corner of his eyes he saw Emilios leaving back to the carriage, but made no move to stop him. At least for now, the ceremony was largely over, and people would not talk. Instead, he allowed his eyes to slid back to where Achilleas and Theodora was ushered back to change, waiting as they re-emerged. The King exchanged a smile with the Lady Evelli, yet found himself curious as she seemed uncharacteristically anxious. A quick question however, only earned him a congenial statement from Lord Georgios that his lady wife had been a little ill of late, so Irakles could only wish her well with a little curious light in his eyes, before the married couple re-ermeged, and was ushered to the top of the steps to e presented as man and wife.
Standing by Achilleas, Irakles managed a surreptious whisper, a reminder of sorts for his eldest to make sure the rest of the ceremony went off without a hitch. "You are Crown Prince now Achilleas, act the part." It was a subtle, but direct reminder - as of a few days ago, Irakles was King. Which meant Achilleas was directly next in line for the throne, and it was a reminder he found the need to drive home.
Yet to others, he only offered the kindest and widest smile, as he stepped aside to let the Leventi couple down first, smiling kindly down to the woman who was now his daughter in law. "We're very glad to welcome you into the family, Lady Theodora, and if you have any need for anything, do let me know." Irakles spoke in a kindly tone, akin to what one would hear from their favorite grandpa, before he allowed the couple themselves to descend, and he followed last with Myrto on his arm.
Leading his wife to the carriage Emilios had entered earlier, the man entered after his wife, and gave a quick rap to the roof to signal that they were ready to move.
Moving in a single file, the carriages rumbled down the streets of Vasiliadon amidst the loud pomp and cheer of the commonfolk who had all known and celebrated the wedding and union of the Mikaelidas and Leventi family, a union that had been a long time coming. As such, the carriage ride from the temples to the Mikaelidas manor took a little longer then it usually would, and by the time they arrived, the guests of the celebration had already arrived. A peek out the moving carriage was sufficient for Irakles to note that the servants had been well prepped, for they were clearly waiting at the entrance as the carriages rolled up, and one by one, all of the doors were opened and their occupants handed down by the servants of the manor.
Irakles himself stepped down, and left Myrto in the care of Emilios as he stepped forward to clap a hand on Fotios's back in a fashion of a half hug, and then bent down to kiss Eirini on both cheeks. "Welcome to the family my friends, and please enjoy the feast we have set for everyone inside." The last part was addressed to Lord Georgios and Lady Evelli as well, as he gestured towards the internal part of the manor, and started leading them in. Hopefully, Meena would have set up well, but his mistress was well versed in hosting a party.
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His own ceremony had been oh, so long ago Irakles could barely remember it. It had been one of necessity, done out of the instruction of his father, but Irakles had not balked. He had always been the dutiful son who did as he was told, because he knew that at the end of the day, it was for the benefit of his family, the royal family of Taengea - and a throne that was rightfully his. It was why it irked him so much, when he had always been the dutiful son putting country before person, yet his half-elder brother had gotten the throne, from pure luck of being born to the first wife.
No matter, things has righted themselves.
It was a satisfied smile as the married couple re-emerged from the waters, now officially blessed by the Gods on their new union. Observing the rest of the union at a distance appropriately apart from Myrto, yet not too far away, from the corner of his eyes he saw Emilios leaving back to the carriage, but made no move to stop him. At least for now, the ceremony was largely over, and people would not talk. Instead, he allowed his eyes to slid back to where Achilleas and Theodora was ushered back to change, waiting as they re-emerged. The King exchanged a smile with the Lady Evelli, yet found himself curious as she seemed uncharacteristically anxious. A quick question however, only earned him a congenial statement from Lord Georgios that his lady wife had been a little ill of late, so Irakles could only wish her well with a little curious light in his eyes, before the married couple re-ermeged, and was ushered to the top of the steps to e presented as man and wife.
Standing by Achilleas, Irakles managed a surreptious whisper, a reminder of sorts for his eldest to make sure the rest of the ceremony went off without a hitch. "You are Crown Prince now Achilleas, act the part." It was a subtle, but direct reminder - as of a few days ago, Irakles was King. Which meant Achilleas was directly next in line for the throne, and it was a reminder he found the need to drive home.
Yet to others, he only offered the kindest and widest smile, as he stepped aside to let the Leventi couple down first, smiling kindly down to the woman who was now his daughter in law. "We're very glad to welcome you into the family, Lady Theodora, and if you have any need for anything, do let me know." Irakles spoke in a kindly tone, akin to what one would hear from their favorite grandpa, before he allowed the couple themselves to descend, and he followed last with Myrto on his arm.
Leading his wife to the carriage Emilios had entered earlier, the man entered after his wife, and gave a quick rap to the roof to signal that they were ready to move.
Moving in a single file, the carriages rumbled down the streets of Vasiliadon amidst the loud pomp and cheer of the commonfolk who had all known and celebrated the wedding and union of the Mikaelidas and Leventi family, a union that had been a long time coming. As such, the carriage ride from the temples to the Mikaelidas manor took a little longer then it usually would, and by the time they arrived, the guests of the celebration had already arrived. A peek out the moving carriage was sufficient for Irakles to note that the servants had been well prepped, for they were clearly waiting at the entrance as the carriages rolled up, and one by one, all of the doors were opened and their occupants handed down by the servants of the manor.
Irakles himself stepped down, and left Myrto in the care of Emilios as he stepped forward to clap a hand on Fotios's back in a fashion of a half hug, and then bent down to kiss Eirini on both cheeks. "Welcome to the family my friends, and please enjoy the feast we have set for everyone inside." The last part was addressed to Lord Georgios and Lady Evelli as well, as he gestured towards the internal part of the manor, and started leading them in. Hopefully, Meena would have set up well, but his mistress was well versed in hosting a party.
His own ceremony had been oh, so long ago Irakles could barely remember it. It had been one of necessity, done out of the instruction of his father, but Irakles had not balked. He had always been the dutiful son who did as he was told, because he knew that at the end of the day, it was for the benefit of his family, the royal family of Taengea - and a throne that was rightfully his. It was why it irked him so much, when he had always been the dutiful son putting country before person, yet his half-elder brother had gotten the throne, from pure luck of being born to the first wife.
No matter, things has righted themselves.
It was a satisfied smile as the married couple re-emerged from the waters, now officially blessed by the Gods on their new union. Observing the rest of the union at a distance appropriately apart from Myrto, yet not too far away, from the corner of his eyes he saw Emilios leaving back to the carriage, but made no move to stop him. At least for now, the ceremony was largely over, and people would not talk. Instead, he allowed his eyes to slid back to where Achilleas and Theodora was ushered back to change, waiting as they re-emerged. The King exchanged a smile with the Lady Evelli, yet found himself curious as she seemed uncharacteristically anxious. A quick question however, only earned him a congenial statement from Lord Georgios that his lady wife had been a little ill of late, so Irakles could only wish her well with a little curious light in his eyes, before the married couple re-ermeged, and was ushered to the top of the steps to e presented as man and wife.
Standing by Achilleas, Irakles managed a surreptious whisper, a reminder of sorts for his eldest to make sure the rest of the ceremony went off without a hitch. "You are Crown Prince now Achilleas, act the part." It was a subtle, but direct reminder - as of a few days ago, Irakles was King. Which meant Achilleas was directly next in line for the throne, and it was a reminder he found the need to drive home.
Yet to others, he only offered the kindest and widest smile, as he stepped aside to let the Leventi couple down first, smiling kindly down to the woman who was now his daughter in law. "We're very glad to welcome you into the family, Lady Theodora, and if you have any need for anything, do let me know." Irakles spoke in a kindly tone, akin to what one would hear from their favorite grandpa, before he allowed the couple themselves to descend, and he followed last with Myrto on his arm.
Leading his wife to the carriage Emilios had entered earlier, the man entered after his wife, and gave a quick rap to the roof to signal that they were ready to move.
Moving in a single file, the carriages rumbled down the streets of Vasiliadon amidst the loud pomp and cheer of the commonfolk who had all known and celebrated the wedding and union of the Mikaelidas and Leventi family, a union that had been a long time coming. As such, the carriage ride from the temples to the Mikaelidas manor took a little longer then it usually would, and by the time they arrived, the guests of the celebration had already arrived. A peek out the moving carriage was sufficient for Irakles to note that the servants had been well prepped, for they were clearly waiting at the entrance as the carriages rolled up, and one by one, all of the doors were opened and their occupants handed down by the servants of the manor.
Irakles himself stepped down, and left Myrto in the care of Emilios as he stepped forward to clap a hand on Fotios's back in a fashion of a half hug, and then bent down to kiss Eirini on both cheeks. "Welcome to the family my friends, and please enjoy the feast we have set for everyone inside." The last part was addressed to Lord Georgios and Lady Evelli as well, as he gestured towards the internal part of the manor, and started leading them in. Hopefully, Meena would have set up well, but his mistress was well versed in hosting a party.
More than anything, it was a relief. A feeling like a weight had been lifted – this union had been much anticipated, much delayed, and now the serious aspects of it were done, completed. Achilleas’ threaded his fingers through with Theodora’s, squinting a little as they emerged into bright sunshine, married before their families and the Gods. His gaze slid sideways towards his wife, who’s smile within the temple had been so joyous that it had left him a little stunned. He had not known she had been holding herself back, but the kiss too had been different somehow. Perhaps she had been more nervous than he had realised.
Now though, they could both relax, enjoy what was left of the day a little freeer of the formality that had governed the mornings events thus far. Or at least, he thought so, until he felt his father’s presence at his side, heard the entirely unnecessary whisper directed his way. The younger man’s jaw tightened, and he sighed at the fact that the King somehow though such a reminder was warranted. Publicly, he had done nothing but act the part, even though he was more than a little unhappy at how it had come about. He had been careful in guarding his thoughts about that too around Irakles, because previous discussions pertaining to his cousin had proven ...less than agreeable. Achilleas had asked his questions of others, aired his feelings to others. And in his opinion had done nothing to merit the man’s apparent lack of faith in him now.
“Of course, your majesty” he replied smoothly, not looking at Irakles. He was not willing to let his father sour his mood now. Any possible awkwardness was avoided by Myrto slipping between them, for she had long ago learned how to serve as some kind of buffer between her two sons and their oft critical Father. She moved past Irakles to press a kiss to her eldest’s cheek, offering him the congratulations that his father had not. “Well done, Achilleas. May the Gods smile upon you both always.” She turned her smile to Theodora too, setting her hand upon the younger woman’s arm and giving a squeeze. “And welcome to you, dearest daughter. I cannot tell you how pleased I am that this day has finally come to pass.”
Achilleas shot his mother a grateful look, and only then realised that Emilios was not with them. His gaze lifted to find his brother already by the carriages with Lord Fotios and the others and for a moment he wondered at the subdued nature of one who was usually so ebullient. Mayhaps his brother was just keen to get back for the celebrations. They did not tarry long then, Achilleas waiting for Lord Georgios and Lady Evelli to descend the steps before he caught his father’s eye and escorted his new wife back to the carriage, offering Theodora a hand up before climbing in after her, folding into the seat with a sigh that he did not even try to disguise.
“I cannot pretend I am not glad that we are done with all of that” he said, shooting at glance at her as the carriages rolled off once more and they were again waving and smiling at those who had come out to witness the procession. “I wonder how much it would cost to persuade the driver to go straight to Euttica” he said in an undertone, not making it entirely clear if he were joking or not. But he softened it with a smile, a gentler, more real one than he showed to those outside of the carriage.
“Or perhaps it would not be worth the wrath of those so invested in the planning of this feast. And too selfish of me to keep you all to myself so soon”
He reached out to trace her cheek with the back of his fingers,to tuck a wayward tendril of dark hair behind her ear. After the celebration, they would be free of the chaos of Vasiliadon for a little while at least, and he could talk to her of the things that sat on the end of his tongue, ready to spill out but not really appropriate for this time or place. He did not know how long a respite they would be afforded, how soon he might be summoned back to the capital, but it was something at least. And he was more than ready for the breathing space it would allow. Dishonesty was not his forte, and he felt like he was being forced into it with every smile as it stood. A few more hours, and he could stop pretending.
Almost, he asked how her Mother was faring, how the family bore up under the sudden absence of two of their own, but he didn’t want to pop the bubble of happiness that they had at least temporarily managed to surround themselves with. So instead he shifted so the length of his thigh pressed against hers, keeping close as they made the journey back to the Mikaelidas Manor.
And when they arrived, he took her hand in his own, prepared to lead her into the manor, passing a sweeping gaze over those who greeted them outside. The smile that graced his features stuttered a little as he saw Briseis, and Achilleas swallowed, wondered why on earth Meena had called upon to her work after the frank conversation they’d had the other day. He averted his eyes, turned back to Theodora as he pasted the smile back in place, leaning in and letting his hand come to rest at her waist to guide her forwards to where friends and family awaited. The couple were soon offered wine, and for once, he did not hesitate to accept the chalice pressed into his hand,because this was a celebration after all. He turned to Theodora and lifted it in toast. "To you, my beautiful wife"
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More than anything, it was a relief. A feeling like a weight had been lifted – this union had been much anticipated, much delayed, and now the serious aspects of it were done, completed. Achilleas’ threaded his fingers through with Theodora’s, squinting a little as they emerged into bright sunshine, married before their families and the Gods. His gaze slid sideways towards his wife, who’s smile within the temple had been so joyous that it had left him a little stunned. He had not known she had been holding herself back, but the kiss too had been different somehow. Perhaps she had been more nervous than he had realised.
Now though, they could both relax, enjoy what was left of the day a little freeer of the formality that had governed the mornings events thus far. Or at least, he thought so, until he felt his father’s presence at his side, heard the entirely unnecessary whisper directed his way. The younger man’s jaw tightened, and he sighed at the fact that the King somehow though such a reminder was warranted. Publicly, he had done nothing but act the part, even though he was more than a little unhappy at how it had come about. He had been careful in guarding his thoughts about that too around Irakles, because previous discussions pertaining to his cousin had proven ...less than agreeable. Achilleas had asked his questions of others, aired his feelings to others. And in his opinion had done nothing to merit the man’s apparent lack of faith in him now.
“Of course, your majesty” he replied smoothly, not looking at Irakles. He was not willing to let his father sour his mood now. Any possible awkwardness was avoided by Myrto slipping between them, for she had long ago learned how to serve as some kind of buffer between her two sons and their oft critical Father. She moved past Irakles to press a kiss to her eldest’s cheek, offering him the congratulations that his father had not. “Well done, Achilleas. May the Gods smile upon you both always.” She turned her smile to Theodora too, setting her hand upon the younger woman’s arm and giving a squeeze. “And welcome to you, dearest daughter. I cannot tell you how pleased I am that this day has finally come to pass.”
Achilleas shot his mother a grateful look, and only then realised that Emilios was not with them. His gaze lifted to find his brother already by the carriages with Lord Fotios and the others and for a moment he wondered at the subdued nature of one who was usually so ebullient. Mayhaps his brother was just keen to get back for the celebrations. They did not tarry long then, Achilleas waiting for Lord Georgios and Lady Evelli to descend the steps before he caught his father’s eye and escorted his new wife back to the carriage, offering Theodora a hand up before climbing in after her, folding into the seat with a sigh that he did not even try to disguise.
“I cannot pretend I am not glad that we are done with all of that” he said, shooting at glance at her as the carriages rolled off once more and they were again waving and smiling at those who had come out to witness the procession. “I wonder how much it would cost to persuade the driver to go straight to Euttica” he said in an undertone, not making it entirely clear if he were joking or not. But he softened it with a smile, a gentler, more real one than he showed to those outside of the carriage.
“Or perhaps it would not be worth the wrath of those so invested in the planning of this feast. And too selfish of me to keep you all to myself so soon”
He reached out to trace her cheek with the back of his fingers,to tuck a wayward tendril of dark hair behind her ear. After the celebration, they would be free of the chaos of Vasiliadon for a little while at least, and he could talk to her of the things that sat on the end of his tongue, ready to spill out but not really appropriate for this time or place. He did not know how long a respite they would be afforded, how soon he might be summoned back to the capital, but it was something at least. And he was more than ready for the breathing space it would allow. Dishonesty was not his forte, and he felt like he was being forced into it with every smile as it stood. A few more hours, and he could stop pretending.
Almost, he asked how her Mother was faring, how the family bore up under the sudden absence of two of their own, but he didn’t want to pop the bubble of happiness that they had at least temporarily managed to surround themselves with. So instead he shifted so the length of his thigh pressed against hers, keeping close as they made the journey back to the Mikaelidas Manor.
And when they arrived, he took her hand in his own, prepared to lead her into the manor, passing a sweeping gaze over those who greeted them outside. The smile that graced his features stuttered a little as he saw Briseis, and Achilleas swallowed, wondered why on earth Meena had called upon to her work after the frank conversation they’d had the other day. He averted his eyes, turned back to Theodora as he pasted the smile back in place, leaning in and letting his hand come to rest at her waist to guide her forwards to where friends and family awaited. The couple were soon offered wine, and for once, he did not hesitate to accept the chalice pressed into his hand,because this was a celebration after all. He turned to Theodora and lifted it in toast. "To you, my beautiful wife"
More than anything, it was a relief. A feeling like a weight had been lifted – this union had been much anticipated, much delayed, and now the serious aspects of it were done, completed. Achilleas’ threaded his fingers through with Theodora’s, squinting a little as they emerged into bright sunshine, married before their families and the Gods. His gaze slid sideways towards his wife, who’s smile within the temple had been so joyous that it had left him a little stunned. He had not known she had been holding herself back, but the kiss too had been different somehow. Perhaps she had been more nervous than he had realised.
Now though, they could both relax, enjoy what was left of the day a little freeer of the formality that had governed the mornings events thus far. Or at least, he thought so, until he felt his father’s presence at his side, heard the entirely unnecessary whisper directed his way. The younger man’s jaw tightened, and he sighed at the fact that the King somehow though such a reminder was warranted. Publicly, he had done nothing but act the part, even though he was more than a little unhappy at how it had come about. He had been careful in guarding his thoughts about that too around Irakles, because previous discussions pertaining to his cousin had proven ...less than agreeable. Achilleas had asked his questions of others, aired his feelings to others. And in his opinion had done nothing to merit the man’s apparent lack of faith in him now.
“Of course, your majesty” he replied smoothly, not looking at Irakles. He was not willing to let his father sour his mood now. Any possible awkwardness was avoided by Myrto slipping between them, for she had long ago learned how to serve as some kind of buffer between her two sons and their oft critical Father. She moved past Irakles to press a kiss to her eldest’s cheek, offering him the congratulations that his father had not. “Well done, Achilleas. May the Gods smile upon you both always.” She turned her smile to Theodora too, setting her hand upon the younger woman’s arm and giving a squeeze. “And welcome to you, dearest daughter. I cannot tell you how pleased I am that this day has finally come to pass.”
Achilleas shot his mother a grateful look, and only then realised that Emilios was not with them. His gaze lifted to find his brother already by the carriages with Lord Fotios and the others and for a moment he wondered at the subdued nature of one who was usually so ebullient. Mayhaps his brother was just keen to get back for the celebrations. They did not tarry long then, Achilleas waiting for Lord Georgios and Lady Evelli to descend the steps before he caught his father’s eye and escorted his new wife back to the carriage, offering Theodora a hand up before climbing in after her, folding into the seat with a sigh that he did not even try to disguise.
“I cannot pretend I am not glad that we are done with all of that” he said, shooting at glance at her as the carriages rolled off once more and they were again waving and smiling at those who had come out to witness the procession. “I wonder how much it would cost to persuade the driver to go straight to Euttica” he said in an undertone, not making it entirely clear if he were joking or not. But he softened it with a smile, a gentler, more real one than he showed to those outside of the carriage.
“Or perhaps it would not be worth the wrath of those so invested in the planning of this feast. And too selfish of me to keep you all to myself so soon”
He reached out to trace her cheek with the back of his fingers,to tuck a wayward tendril of dark hair behind her ear. After the celebration, they would be free of the chaos of Vasiliadon for a little while at least, and he could talk to her of the things that sat on the end of his tongue, ready to spill out but not really appropriate for this time or place. He did not know how long a respite they would be afforded, how soon he might be summoned back to the capital, but it was something at least. And he was more than ready for the breathing space it would allow. Dishonesty was not his forte, and he felt like he was being forced into it with every smile as it stood. A few more hours, and he could stop pretending.
Almost, he asked how her Mother was faring, how the family bore up under the sudden absence of two of their own, but he didn’t want to pop the bubble of happiness that they had at least temporarily managed to surround themselves with. So instead he shifted so the length of his thigh pressed against hers, keeping close as they made the journey back to the Mikaelidas Manor.
And when they arrived, he took her hand in his own, prepared to lead her into the manor, passing a sweeping gaze over those who greeted them outside. The smile that graced his features stuttered a little as he saw Briseis, and Achilleas swallowed, wondered why on earth Meena had called upon to her work after the frank conversation they’d had the other day. He averted his eyes, turned back to Theodora as he pasted the smile back in place, leaning in and letting his hand come to rest at her waist to guide her forwards to where friends and family awaited. The couple were soon offered wine, and for once, he did not hesitate to accept the chalice pressed into his hand,because this was a celebration after all. He turned to Theodora and lifted it in toast. "To you, my beautiful wife"
Xene and Evangelina
The glow of the party was starting to come to life. Guests were filtering in one or two carriages at a time and dispensing the occupants in groups which then broke up going their own ways and seeking out their own sources of amusement for the evening. The glittering atmosphere that went along with parties had always captivated the eldest of Konstano’s two children, but she’d never quite felt at ease among the crowds. There were days she wondered why she never felt quite at ease among these crowds but as Princess Xene glided towards her that she remembered why she didn’t.
She’d never mastered that effortless grace that the eldest Princess was gifted with, or rather Evangelina had never mastered it on two legs… she could on four but that was an entirely different kettle of fish. The supple and sinuous Princess seemed conscious of her every movement and gesture that was both admirable and made the pint-sized Leventi feel very self-conscious of her own movements.
Fotios’ daughters quickly seemed to veer off in their own directions leaving their cousin to speak to Xene. She returned the princess’ bow with her own standard bow as required by etiquette and offered a soft but tired smile in response to Xene’s reply. There had been months of planning that had gone into this event, for both families. How was it that all of the excitement of the event had flittered away? Shouldn’t she have been more excited rather than less? The only thing Evangelina was feeling at that very moment was played out. It seemed almost anti-climatic to have spent all the time and effort into all of the arrangements only to be too tired at the actual function to really be excited and happy.
‘Everyone seems to know their task and everything still seems in order. I don't think I could ask anything of you that a servant couldn't do for you.’ Xene paused then added, ‘So I suppose the only thing I could ask of you is just to keep me company and help me make sure that this doesn't end in disaster.’
Her dark eyes flittered over the surroundings noting that the Condos arrived along with the Dimitrou family. The briefest of moments she spotted the one person she was hoping to see that evening. She bit her lip and curiously wondered how things had played out for the head of Dimitrou family. At Xene’s words, her eyes darted back to the princess for the briefest of moments and she almost smiled again, “It appears to be one of those days though where order seems to be rebelling. There was a lamb that got loose and streaked through Fotios’ house almost taking the groom out earlier.” Darting a look back at where the Dimitrou family had been, a wave of disappointment hit at not finding them still there. Keeping her face a careful neutral, she turned back to Xene and did offer a smile this time with a soft roll of her eyes, “You can imagine how pleased Uncle Fotios was about that.”
The sounds of carriages meant more arrivals and her eyes settled on the familiar teams of horses. Nodding her head softly, “Ah, it would appear they are arriving.” Evangelina reached down to brush out an imagined wrinkle in the dress and brushed a loose strand of her hair back behind her ear. It was a habit when faced with her family… or at least these particular family members.
Letting silence fill the space between them, her gaze carefully watched as everyone exited their carriages. King Irakles making his way to her uncle and aunt first, not bothering to wait for his wife and son and his new bride to exit the carriage. She watched them for a few moments no doubt congratulating themselves on a job well done with this marriage. As if Fotios or Irakles had even taken the time to look at any of the fabric swaths that went into this marriage.
She found her attention instead focused on the newly titled Prince Achilleas and Princess Theodora and her mind drifted to Olympia. This is the wedding and celebration that Olympia and Stephanos should have had. A sideways look at her companion at the thought of Xene’s brother. One of the servants brought about glasses of wine, she reached for two and offered one to Xene as Achilleas lifted his glass to toast Theo. Her dark eyes pinned him with a curious look for the beat of a couple of seconds and she looked away. Had he gotten around to telling Theo of the mischief he was plagued with?
Taking a sip of her wine she looked away, her eyes searching out the face she wanted again. Where had he disappeared too? Her voice murmuring softly to Xene, “Doesn’t it feel like everyone is getting married?” Or leaving?
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Xene and Evangelina
The glow of the party was starting to come to life. Guests were filtering in one or two carriages at a time and dispensing the occupants in groups which then broke up going their own ways and seeking out their own sources of amusement for the evening. The glittering atmosphere that went along with parties had always captivated the eldest of Konstano’s two children, but she’d never quite felt at ease among the crowds. There were days she wondered why she never felt quite at ease among these crowds but as Princess Xene glided towards her that she remembered why she didn’t.
She’d never mastered that effortless grace that the eldest Princess was gifted with, or rather Evangelina had never mastered it on two legs… she could on four but that was an entirely different kettle of fish. The supple and sinuous Princess seemed conscious of her every movement and gesture that was both admirable and made the pint-sized Leventi feel very self-conscious of her own movements.
Fotios’ daughters quickly seemed to veer off in their own directions leaving their cousin to speak to Xene. She returned the princess’ bow with her own standard bow as required by etiquette and offered a soft but tired smile in response to Xene’s reply. There had been months of planning that had gone into this event, for both families. How was it that all of the excitement of the event had flittered away? Shouldn’t she have been more excited rather than less? The only thing Evangelina was feeling at that very moment was played out. It seemed almost anti-climatic to have spent all the time and effort into all of the arrangements only to be too tired at the actual function to really be excited and happy.
‘Everyone seems to know their task and everything still seems in order. I don't think I could ask anything of you that a servant couldn't do for you.’ Xene paused then added, ‘So I suppose the only thing I could ask of you is just to keep me company and help me make sure that this doesn't end in disaster.’
Her dark eyes flittered over the surroundings noting that the Condos arrived along with the Dimitrou family. The briefest of moments she spotted the one person she was hoping to see that evening. She bit her lip and curiously wondered how things had played out for the head of Dimitrou family. At Xene’s words, her eyes darted back to the princess for the briefest of moments and she almost smiled again, “It appears to be one of those days though where order seems to be rebelling. There was a lamb that got loose and streaked through Fotios’ house almost taking the groom out earlier.” Darting a look back at where the Dimitrou family had been, a wave of disappointment hit at not finding them still there. Keeping her face a careful neutral, she turned back to Xene and did offer a smile this time with a soft roll of her eyes, “You can imagine how pleased Uncle Fotios was about that.”
The sounds of carriages meant more arrivals and her eyes settled on the familiar teams of horses. Nodding her head softly, “Ah, it would appear they are arriving.” Evangelina reached down to brush out an imagined wrinkle in the dress and brushed a loose strand of her hair back behind her ear. It was a habit when faced with her family… or at least these particular family members.
Letting silence fill the space between them, her gaze carefully watched as everyone exited their carriages. King Irakles making his way to her uncle and aunt first, not bothering to wait for his wife and son and his new bride to exit the carriage. She watched them for a few moments no doubt congratulating themselves on a job well done with this marriage. As if Fotios or Irakles had even taken the time to look at any of the fabric swaths that went into this marriage.
She found her attention instead focused on the newly titled Prince Achilleas and Princess Theodora and her mind drifted to Olympia. This is the wedding and celebration that Olympia and Stephanos should have had. A sideways look at her companion at the thought of Xene’s brother. One of the servants brought about glasses of wine, she reached for two and offered one to Xene as Achilleas lifted his glass to toast Theo. Her dark eyes pinned him with a curious look for the beat of a couple of seconds and she looked away. Had he gotten around to telling Theo of the mischief he was plagued with?
Taking a sip of her wine she looked away, her eyes searching out the face she wanted again. Where had he disappeared too? Her voice murmuring softly to Xene, “Doesn’t it feel like everyone is getting married?” Or leaving?
Xene and Evangelina
The glow of the party was starting to come to life. Guests were filtering in one or two carriages at a time and dispensing the occupants in groups which then broke up going their own ways and seeking out their own sources of amusement for the evening. The glittering atmosphere that went along with parties had always captivated the eldest of Konstano’s two children, but she’d never quite felt at ease among the crowds. There were days she wondered why she never felt quite at ease among these crowds but as Princess Xene glided towards her that she remembered why she didn’t.
She’d never mastered that effortless grace that the eldest Princess was gifted with, or rather Evangelina had never mastered it on two legs… she could on four but that was an entirely different kettle of fish. The supple and sinuous Princess seemed conscious of her every movement and gesture that was both admirable and made the pint-sized Leventi feel very self-conscious of her own movements.
Fotios’ daughters quickly seemed to veer off in their own directions leaving their cousin to speak to Xene. She returned the princess’ bow with her own standard bow as required by etiquette and offered a soft but tired smile in response to Xene’s reply. There had been months of planning that had gone into this event, for both families. How was it that all of the excitement of the event had flittered away? Shouldn’t she have been more excited rather than less? The only thing Evangelina was feeling at that very moment was played out. It seemed almost anti-climatic to have spent all the time and effort into all of the arrangements only to be too tired at the actual function to really be excited and happy.
‘Everyone seems to know their task and everything still seems in order. I don't think I could ask anything of you that a servant couldn't do for you.’ Xene paused then added, ‘So I suppose the only thing I could ask of you is just to keep me company and help me make sure that this doesn't end in disaster.’
Her dark eyes flittered over the surroundings noting that the Condos arrived along with the Dimitrou family. The briefest of moments she spotted the one person she was hoping to see that evening. She bit her lip and curiously wondered how things had played out for the head of Dimitrou family. At Xene’s words, her eyes darted back to the princess for the briefest of moments and she almost smiled again, “It appears to be one of those days though where order seems to be rebelling. There was a lamb that got loose and streaked through Fotios’ house almost taking the groom out earlier.” Darting a look back at where the Dimitrou family had been, a wave of disappointment hit at not finding them still there. Keeping her face a careful neutral, she turned back to Xene and did offer a smile this time with a soft roll of her eyes, “You can imagine how pleased Uncle Fotios was about that.”
The sounds of carriages meant more arrivals and her eyes settled on the familiar teams of horses. Nodding her head softly, “Ah, it would appear they are arriving.” Evangelina reached down to brush out an imagined wrinkle in the dress and brushed a loose strand of her hair back behind her ear. It was a habit when faced with her family… or at least these particular family members.
Letting silence fill the space between them, her gaze carefully watched as everyone exited their carriages. King Irakles making his way to her uncle and aunt first, not bothering to wait for his wife and son and his new bride to exit the carriage. She watched them for a few moments no doubt congratulating themselves on a job well done with this marriage. As if Fotios or Irakles had even taken the time to look at any of the fabric swaths that went into this marriage.
She found her attention instead focused on the newly titled Prince Achilleas and Princess Theodora and her mind drifted to Olympia. This is the wedding and celebration that Olympia and Stephanos should have had. A sideways look at her companion at the thought of Xene’s brother. One of the servants brought about glasses of wine, she reached for two and offered one to Xene as Achilleas lifted his glass to toast Theo. Her dark eyes pinned him with a curious look for the beat of a couple of seconds and she looked away. Had he gotten around to telling Theo of the mischief he was plagued with?
Taking a sip of her wine she looked away, her eyes searching out the face she wanted again. Where had he disappeared too? Her voice murmuring softly to Xene, “Doesn’t it feel like everyone is getting married?” Or leaving?
Weddings were such a tedious affair and he didn’t love attending them. There were too many people and the pomp and ceremony of royal weddings was best described as a trial to endure. Thankfully he hadn’t had to attend the temple, but when it was announced that the bride and groom had arrived, Gavriil dutifully walked with the rest of the guests to receive the couple. He watched Irakles emerge from the carriage first, leaving his wife with nary a thought to how it would look. But then, that was hardly shocking.
Gavriil bowed as much as he was supposed to do to Irakles and then moved past him in order to help Emilios with Myrto out of the carriage. If the queen was to be ignored by her husband, he was going to make sure she wasn’t ignored by her own blood, too. Walking on Myrto’s other side, he moved with her into the house, and gave her one of his rare public smiles as her son led her off to her place. He then waited for Achilleas and Theodora, giving them the bow due to their title.
“Congratulations,” he said to the two of them. “You have a beautiful bride, your highness,” he said to Achilleas and then, again, smiled at Theodora. “The gods have smiled upon you both.” He raised the wine chalice in his hand to them and then moved out of their way, preferring not to be in the foreground of any event. Once they had moved on, he glanced around until his gaze landed on Evangelina and Princess Xene. On the one hand, he didn’t really want to go over there and draw attention to talking with the princess, but on the other hand, it’d be rude to ignore her entirely. Glancing at Irakles, he then made his way to Evangelina and Xene’s side.
“Quite the wedding,” he said as he walked up. It was, too. Everything was done to perfection; the wine, the decor, the grounds, the house. All of it as pleasing to the eye as anything could be, and the couple who had just vowed themselves to each other were also as handsome a pair as could be dreamt of. Truly it was magnificent and he’d rather be anywhere else.
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Weddings were such a tedious affair and he didn’t love attending them. There were too many people and the pomp and ceremony of royal weddings was best described as a trial to endure. Thankfully he hadn’t had to attend the temple, but when it was announced that the bride and groom had arrived, Gavriil dutifully walked with the rest of the guests to receive the couple. He watched Irakles emerge from the carriage first, leaving his wife with nary a thought to how it would look. But then, that was hardly shocking.
Gavriil bowed as much as he was supposed to do to Irakles and then moved past him in order to help Emilios with Myrto out of the carriage. If the queen was to be ignored by her husband, he was going to make sure she wasn’t ignored by her own blood, too. Walking on Myrto’s other side, he moved with her into the house, and gave her one of his rare public smiles as her son led her off to her place. He then waited for Achilleas and Theodora, giving them the bow due to their title.
“Congratulations,” he said to the two of them. “You have a beautiful bride, your highness,” he said to Achilleas and then, again, smiled at Theodora. “The gods have smiled upon you both.” He raised the wine chalice in his hand to them and then moved out of their way, preferring not to be in the foreground of any event. Once they had moved on, he glanced around until his gaze landed on Evangelina and Princess Xene. On the one hand, he didn’t really want to go over there and draw attention to talking with the princess, but on the other hand, it’d be rude to ignore her entirely. Glancing at Irakles, he then made his way to Evangelina and Xene’s side.
“Quite the wedding,” he said as he walked up. It was, too. Everything was done to perfection; the wine, the decor, the grounds, the house. All of it as pleasing to the eye as anything could be, and the couple who had just vowed themselves to each other were also as handsome a pair as could be dreamt of. Truly it was magnificent and he’d rather be anywhere else.
Weddings were such a tedious affair and he didn’t love attending them. There were too many people and the pomp and ceremony of royal weddings was best described as a trial to endure. Thankfully he hadn’t had to attend the temple, but when it was announced that the bride and groom had arrived, Gavriil dutifully walked with the rest of the guests to receive the couple. He watched Irakles emerge from the carriage first, leaving his wife with nary a thought to how it would look. But then, that was hardly shocking.
Gavriil bowed as much as he was supposed to do to Irakles and then moved past him in order to help Emilios with Myrto out of the carriage. If the queen was to be ignored by her husband, he was going to make sure she wasn’t ignored by her own blood, too. Walking on Myrto’s other side, he moved with her into the house, and gave her one of his rare public smiles as her son led her off to her place. He then waited for Achilleas and Theodora, giving them the bow due to their title.
“Congratulations,” he said to the two of them. “You have a beautiful bride, your highness,” he said to Achilleas and then, again, smiled at Theodora. “The gods have smiled upon you both.” He raised the wine chalice in his hand to them and then moved out of their way, preferring not to be in the foreground of any event. Once they had moved on, he glanced around until his gaze landed on Evangelina and Princess Xene. On the one hand, he didn’t really want to go over there and draw attention to talking with the princess, but on the other hand, it’d be rude to ignore her entirely. Glancing at Irakles, he then made his way to Evangelina and Xene’s side.
“Quite the wedding,” he said as he walked up. It was, too. Everything was done to perfection; the wine, the decor, the grounds, the house. All of it as pleasing to the eye as anything could be, and the couple who had just vowed themselves to each other were also as handsome a pair as could be dreamt of. Truly it was magnificent and he’d rather be anywhere else.
As the two of them appeared at the top of the stairs, now a married couple before both Gods and mortals, Theodora felt a shiver of excitement skirt her spine that was then quickly followed by a settling feeling of contentment. Like her new husband, Theodora had felt the approaching wedding that never seemed to arrive had become more and more a pressure and worry the longer it was delayed. To have it now completed and over with was a relief of sorts; an allowance to continue her life and think ahead to the future.
When the King leaned in to murmur to his son, Theo was the only one close enough to hear the comments besides whom they were intended for. She instinctively tightened her grasp on Achilleas' hand, as a silent sign of support against the doubt in her father-in-law's tone and choice of words. When he looked towards her, she added a bright and confident smile to go with it, the pads of her fingers pressing against the back of Achilleas' hand.
It was then that Irakles drew his attention to Theo, greeting her as his new daughter and speaking with a language and timbre that was welcoming and comforting. Years of lessons in courtly etiquette had Theo's smile never leave her face, nor turn false, despite the frisson of anxiety that Irakles' presence always caused. Not because he had ever done anything horrid towards her personally. Nor violently executed any threat against her family members. Instead, he had simply been the stimulus for several recent changes in the political sphere that had had her sister sitting in the firing line. And he had done it in a manner that suggested zero concern for Olympia, regardless of whether Stephanos was guilty of the crimes he had been accused of (which Theodora wasn't sure she believed at all). It was that level of calm in how he simply played chess with others and the way in which he gained from such tactics without a hint of shame or concern that had Theodora most uncomfortable around the new King.
Curtseying to him, as was appropriate despite the fact that they were now of one another's family, Theodora lowered her head and moved with the grace and beauty that had been rumoured to be divinely given.
"But of course, Father." She commented, swallowing the taste of the word. It felt awkward, but it was what was done. "I assure you that I shall only nuisance you when needed but enough that you may feel relied upon." Her eyes were bright as she raised her head and caught the man smiling at her response.
Myrto's eyes were inquisitive and just a bright when she came forward to offer her own congratulations. Theodora flattered herself into thinking the woman approving of her son's chosen match.
After such a quick interaction and embraces and hugs with her own parents, Theodora was led by Achilleas down to their carriage, her hand securely in his as if he could not bear to let her go. As she would for the rest of their lives, Theo allowed him to set their pace and direction, before she was aided into the vehicle and settled herself onto the seat that she had left only a half hour before. Now, she sat upon the provided cushions a married woman.
A shiver of anticipation and the warm tightening of her heart was sparked when her husband reached out and stroked the back of his fingers along the side of her face. Her smile was genuine at the affection and pushed her cheekbone further against his knuckles.
"I think your greatest risk would be to my mother's sanity." She said with jest as he considered the price of running away to privacy. "I'm led to understand that it is poor matrimonial skills to give your mother-in-law an attack of the heart only an hour after the wedding." Her words were joking and her tone teasingly particular as they rode slowly through the streets towards the Mikaelidas archontiko.
But, if she was honest with herself, she wished to be alone with Achilleas also... or at least away from Emilios. For his presence hovered like a shadow she could not escape and grew darker with every passing minute. No-one else seemed to notice, which Theo was profoundly grateful for, but this also had her more concerned than anything. For how was she noticing that which others didn't when she was trying so decidedly not to linger on his presence?
When they arrived at the celebrations of their union, descended the carriage and entered into the gardens of the Mikaelidas manor. Achilleas was quick to toast to her as any good husband did. With a bright smile, Theodora took the second presented chalice and rose it in return.
"To you, my courageous husband."
The two of them sipped from the rims of their cups at the same time, and the ensuing smattering of applause, had Theo's attentions drawn to the attendees and decorations of the scene.
The main halls of the manor had been opened up, providing a circumstance for celebration that was simultaneously indoor and outdoor. The gardens had been decorated, swaths of white, crimson and gold silks hanging from every tree and column. The air was infused with spices and incense, not to mention perfume from the thousands of flowers that had been settled around them like it had snowed flora. Servants milled around with food and drink and there was a large table meant for feasting, the central piece an entire roasted hog.
When guests came forward to greet her and Achilleas, Theodora felt a blush of joy light her face. The second of so many sisters - all of whom beautiful and eye catching in their own way - it was a selfishly nice experience to be front and centre. She was the bride. It was her wedding. And she and Achilleas were the pivotal point around which everything else had been prepared and now orbited. No-one could dislike such attentions.
When the Lord Gavriil came to greet them, Theodora went to curtsey but was quick to correct herself. Now married to the Crown Prince, she was Princess Theodora. And outranked all bar her husband and his parents. It was not right for her to now bow to the Lord Gavriil as she had always done in girlhood whenever their paths had crossed. To compromise, however, she gave a bright and welcoming smile and a respectful nod of the head.
"You're too kind, my Lord." She offered, getting little chance to say anything else before more arrived to greet them and Gavriil set his sights elsewhere.
Theodora steeled her spine as she realised that the thanking of grateful words was going to take a while as the new couple were bestowed well wishes by each and every guest.
By the time the line that had formed was done with, Theodora felt a little drained and the attention of the event was showing some of its downsides. She felt as if her cheeks would break with smiling and she disliked the assessing and doubtful glances several had given her. As if she had married too far above her station.
It wasn't her fault her betrothed had become crown prince during their period of engagement...
Turning and offering Achilleas a soft kiss to the cheek, Theo detached her fingers from his and raised her empty cup.
"I shall be back in a moment..." She assured him, before breaking away to seek a little shade inside by the buffet tables and seeking a jug of water for her hollow chalice in the hope that some fresh and cool refreshment would ease the pounding in her heart...
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As the two of them appeared at the top of the stairs, now a married couple before both Gods and mortals, Theodora felt a shiver of excitement skirt her spine that was then quickly followed by a settling feeling of contentment. Like her new husband, Theodora had felt the approaching wedding that never seemed to arrive had become more and more a pressure and worry the longer it was delayed. To have it now completed and over with was a relief of sorts; an allowance to continue her life and think ahead to the future.
When the King leaned in to murmur to his son, Theo was the only one close enough to hear the comments besides whom they were intended for. She instinctively tightened her grasp on Achilleas' hand, as a silent sign of support against the doubt in her father-in-law's tone and choice of words. When he looked towards her, she added a bright and confident smile to go with it, the pads of her fingers pressing against the back of Achilleas' hand.
It was then that Irakles drew his attention to Theo, greeting her as his new daughter and speaking with a language and timbre that was welcoming and comforting. Years of lessons in courtly etiquette had Theo's smile never leave her face, nor turn false, despite the frisson of anxiety that Irakles' presence always caused. Not because he had ever done anything horrid towards her personally. Nor violently executed any threat against her family members. Instead, he had simply been the stimulus for several recent changes in the political sphere that had had her sister sitting in the firing line. And he had done it in a manner that suggested zero concern for Olympia, regardless of whether Stephanos was guilty of the crimes he had been accused of (which Theodora wasn't sure she believed at all). It was that level of calm in how he simply played chess with others and the way in which he gained from such tactics without a hint of shame or concern that had Theodora most uncomfortable around the new King.
Curtseying to him, as was appropriate despite the fact that they were now of one another's family, Theodora lowered her head and moved with the grace and beauty that had been rumoured to be divinely given.
"But of course, Father." She commented, swallowing the taste of the word. It felt awkward, but it was what was done. "I assure you that I shall only nuisance you when needed but enough that you may feel relied upon." Her eyes were bright as she raised her head and caught the man smiling at her response.
Myrto's eyes were inquisitive and just a bright when she came forward to offer her own congratulations. Theodora flattered herself into thinking the woman approving of her son's chosen match.
After such a quick interaction and embraces and hugs with her own parents, Theodora was led by Achilleas down to their carriage, her hand securely in his as if he could not bear to let her go. As she would for the rest of their lives, Theo allowed him to set their pace and direction, before she was aided into the vehicle and settled herself onto the seat that she had left only a half hour before. Now, she sat upon the provided cushions a married woman.
A shiver of anticipation and the warm tightening of her heart was sparked when her husband reached out and stroked the back of his fingers along the side of her face. Her smile was genuine at the affection and pushed her cheekbone further against his knuckles.
"I think your greatest risk would be to my mother's sanity." She said with jest as he considered the price of running away to privacy. "I'm led to understand that it is poor matrimonial skills to give your mother-in-law an attack of the heart only an hour after the wedding." Her words were joking and her tone teasingly particular as they rode slowly through the streets towards the Mikaelidas archontiko.
But, if she was honest with herself, she wished to be alone with Achilleas also... or at least away from Emilios. For his presence hovered like a shadow she could not escape and grew darker with every passing minute. No-one else seemed to notice, which Theo was profoundly grateful for, but this also had her more concerned than anything. For how was she noticing that which others didn't when she was trying so decidedly not to linger on his presence?
When they arrived at the celebrations of their union, descended the carriage and entered into the gardens of the Mikaelidas manor. Achilleas was quick to toast to her as any good husband did. With a bright smile, Theodora took the second presented chalice and rose it in return.
"To you, my courageous husband."
The two of them sipped from the rims of their cups at the same time, and the ensuing smattering of applause, had Theo's attentions drawn to the attendees and decorations of the scene.
The main halls of the manor had been opened up, providing a circumstance for celebration that was simultaneously indoor and outdoor. The gardens had been decorated, swaths of white, crimson and gold silks hanging from every tree and column. The air was infused with spices and incense, not to mention perfume from the thousands of flowers that had been settled around them like it had snowed flora. Servants milled around with food and drink and there was a large table meant for feasting, the central piece an entire roasted hog.
When guests came forward to greet her and Achilleas, Theodora felt a blush of joy light her face. The second of so many sisters - all of whom beautiful and eye catching in their own way - it was a selfishly nice experience to be front and centre. She was the bride. It was her wedding. And she and Achilleas were the pivotal point around which everything else had been prepared and now orbited. No-one could dislike such attentions.
When the Lord Gavriil came to greet them, Theodora went to curtsey but was quick to correct herself. Now married to the Crown Prince, she was Princess Theodora. And outranked all bar her husband and his parents. It was not right for her to now bow to the Lord Gavriil as she had always done in girlhood whenever their paths had crossed. To compromise, however, she gave a bright and welcoming smile and a respectful nod of the head.
"You're too kind, my Lord." She offered, getting little chance to say anything else before more arrived to greet them and Gavriil set his sights elsewhere.
Theodora steeled her spine as she realised that the thanking of grateful words was going to take a while as the new couple were bestowed well wishes by each and every guest.
By the time the line that had formed was done with, Theodora felt a little drained and the attention of the event was showing some of its downsides. She felt as if her cheeks would break with smiling and she disliked the assessing and doubtful glances several had given her. As if she had married too far above her station.
It wasn't her fault her betrothed had become crown prince during their period of engagement...
Turning and offering Achilleas a soft kiss to the cheek, Theo detached her fingers from his and raised her empty cup.
"I shall be back in a moment..." She assured him, before breaking away to seek a little shade inside by the buffet tables and seeking a jug of water for her hollow chalice in the hope that some fresh and cool refreshment would ease the pounding in her heart...
As the two of them appeared at the top of the stairs, now a married couple before both Gods and mortals, Theodora felt a shiver of excitement skirt her spine that was then quickly followed by a settling feeling of contentment. Like her new husband, Theodora had felt the approaching wedding that never seemed to arrive had become more and more a pressure and worry the longer it was delayed. To have it now completed and over with was a relief of sorts; an allowance to continue her life and think ahead to the future.
When the King leaned in to murmur to his son, Theo was the only one close enough to hear the comments besides whom they were intended for. She instinctively tightened her grasp on Achilleas' hand, as a silent sign of support against the doubt in her father-in-law's tone and choice of words. When he looked towards her, she added a bright and confident smile to go with it, the pads of her fingers pressing against the back of Achilleas' hand.
It was then that Irakles drew his attention to Theo, greeting her as his new daughter and speaking with a language and timbre that was welcoming and comforting. Years of lessons in courtly etiquette had Theo's smile never leave her face, nor turn false, despite the frisson of anxiety that Irakles' presence always caused. Not because he had ever done anything horrid towards her personally. Nor violently executed any threat against her family members. Instead, he had simply been the stimulus for several recent changes in the political sphere that had had her sister sitting in the firing line. And he had done it in a manner that suggested zero concern for Olympia, regardless of whether Stephanos was guilty of the crimes he had been accused of (which Theodora wasn't sure she believed at all). It was that level of calm in how he simply played chess with others and the way in which he gained from such tactics without a hint of shame or concern that had Theodora most uncomfortable around the new King.
Curtseying to him, as was appropriate despite the fact that they were now of one another's family, Theodora lowered her head and moved with the grace and beauty that had been rumoured to be divinely given.
"But of course, Father." She commented, swallowing the taste of the word. It felt awkward, but it was what was done. "I assure you that I shall only nuisance you when needed but enough that you may feel relied upon." Her eyes were bright as she raised her head and caught the man smiling at her response.
Myrto's eyes were inquisitive and just a bright when she came forward to offer her own congratulations. Theodora flattered herself into thinking the woman approving of her son's chosen match.
After such a quick interaction and embraces and hugs with her own parents, Theodora was led by Achilleas down to their carriage, her hand securely in his as if he could not bear to let her go. As she would for the rest of their lives, Theo allowed him to set their pace and direction, before she was aided into the vehicle and settled herself onto the seat that she had left only a half hour before. Now, she sat upon the provided cushions a married woman.
A shiver of anticipation and the warm tightening of her heart was sparked when her husband reached out and stroked the back of his fingers along the side of her face. Her smile was genuine at the affection and pushed her cheekbone further against his knuckles.
"I think your greatest risk would be to my mother's sanity." She said with jest as he considered the price of running away to privacy. "I'm led to understand that it is poor matrimonial skills to give your mother-in-law an attack of the heart only an hour after the wedding." Her words were joking and her tone teasingly particular as they rode slowly through the streets towards the Mikaelidas archontiko.
But, if she was honest with herself, she wished to be alone with Achilleas also... or at least away from Emilios. For his presence hovered like a shadow she could not escape and grew darker with every passing minute. No-one else seemed to notice, which Theo was profoundly grateful for, but this also had her more concerned than anything. For how was she noticing that which others didn't when she was trying so decidedly not to linger on his presence?
When they arrived at the celebrations of their union, descended the carriage and entered into the gardens of the Mikaelidas manor. Achilleas was quick to toast to her as any good husband did. With a bright smile, Theodora took the second presented chalice and rose it in return.
"To you, my courageous husband."
The two of them sipped from the rims of their cups at the same time, and the ensuing smattering of applause, had Theo's attentions drawn to the attendees and decorations of the scene.
The main halls of the manor had been opened up, providing a circumstance for celebration that was simultaneously indoor and outdoor. The gardens had been decorated, swaths of white, crimson and gold silks hanging from every tree and column. The air was infused with spices and incense, not to mention perfume from the thousands of flowers that had been settled around them like it had snowed flora. Servants milled around with food and drink and there was a large table meant for feasting, the central piece an entire roasted hog.
When guests came forward to greet her and Achilleas, Theodora felt a blush of joy light her face. The second of so many sisters - all of whom beautiful and eye catching in their own way - it was a selfishly nice experience to be front and centre. She was the bride. It was her wedding. And she and Achilleas were the pivotal point around which everything else had been prepared and now orbited. No-one could dislike such attentions.
When the Lord Gavriil came to greet them, Theodora went to curtsey but was quick to correct herself. Now married to the Crown Prince, she was Princess Theodora. And outranked all bar her husband and his parents. It was not right for her to now bow to the Lord Gavriil as she had always done in girlhood whenever their paths had crossed. To compromise, however, she gave a bright and welcoming smile and a respectful nod of the head.
"You're too kind, my Lord." She offered, getting little chance to say anything else before more arrived to greet them and Gavriil set his sights elsewhere.
Theodora steeled her spine as she realised that the thanking of grateful words was going to take a while as the new couple were bestowed well wishes by each and every guest.
By the time the line that had formed was done with, Theodora felt a little drained and the attention of the event was showing some of its downsides. She felt as if her cheeks would break with smiling and she disliked the assessing and doubtful glances several had given her. As if she had married too far above her station.
It wasn't her fault her betrothed had become crown prince during their period of engagement...
Turning and offering Achilleas a soft kiss to the cheek, Theo detached her fingers from his and raised her empty cup.
"I shall be back in a moment..." She assured him, before breaking away to seek a little shade inside by the buffet tables and seeking a jug of water for her hollow chalice in the hope that some fresh and cool refreshment would ease the pounding in her heart...
Fotios smiled when Irakles came over to clap a hand to the back of his shoulder. He was nodded with cheer and immediately found the two of them cups of wine in order to celebrate a plan that had taken far too long to come to fruition but was at least finally concluded now.
"Yes indeed, my friend!" He told the man and returned the gesture upon his shoulder. "Just think... a few speeches, a little food and we can each go to bed with the knowledge that we have finally achieved that which the Fates seemed to think was impossible." His words were joking, as Irakles properly greeted Eirini into the family with a kiss to each cheek. Fotios stood with his hand upon the small of his wife's back.
"I think the bride and groom are distracted with well-wishers for now. Perhaps we should acquire some food before you are expected to speak to the populace..." He suggested to his friend with a laughing light in his eye, turning the little group towards the provisions offered by passing servants in Mikaelidas garb.
As he scanned the room to inspect the different offerings, his gaze landed upon the Princess Xene, looking elegant and sinfully gowned for the event. His gaze lingered as he sipped from the rim of his chalice, his wife distracted with the proffered nibbles and idle chatter with the king...
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Fotios smiled when Irakles came over to clap a hand to the back of his shoulder. He was nodded with cheer and immediately found the two of them cups of wine in order to celebrate a plan that had taken far too long to come to fruition but was at least finally concluded now.
"Yes indeed, my friend!" He told the man and returned the gesture upon his shoulder. "Just think... a few speeches, a little food and we can each go to bed with the knowledge that we have finally achieved that which the Fates seemed to think was impossible." His words were joking, as Irakles properly greeted Eirini into the family with a kiss to each cheek. Fotios stood with his hand upon the small of his wife's back.
"I think the bride and groom are distracted with well-wishers for now. Perhaps we should acquire some food before you are expected to speak to the populace..." He suggested to his friend with a laughing light in his eye, turning the little group towards the provisions offered by passing servants in Mikaelidas garb.
As he scanned the room to inspect the different offerings, his gaze landed upon the Princess Xene, looking elegant and sinfully gowned for the event. His gaze lingered as he sipped from the rim of his chalice, his wife distracted with the proffered nibbles and idle chatter with the king...
Fotios smiled when Irakles came over to clap a hand to the back of his shoulder. He was nodded with cheer and immediately found the two of them cups of wine in order to celebrate a plan that had taken far too long to come to fruition but was at least finally concluded now.
"Yes indeed, my friend!" He told the man and returned the gesture upon his shoulder. "Just think... a few speeches, a little food and we can each go to bed with the knowledge that we have finally achieved that which the Fates seemed to think was impossible." His words were joking, as Irakles properly greeted Eirini into the family with a kiss to each cheek. Fotios stood with his hand upon the small of his wife's back.
"I think the bride and groom are distracted with well-wishers for now. Perhaps we should acquire some food before you are expected to speak to the populace..." He suggested to his friend with a laughing light in his eye, turning the little group towards the provisions offered by passing servants in Mikaelidas garb.
As he scanned the room to inspect the different offerings, his gaze landed upon the Princess Xene, looking elegant and sinfully gowned for the event. His gaze lingered as he sipped from the rim of his chalice, his wife distracted with the proffered nibbles and idle chatter with the king...
Basilides slipped into the celebrations shortly after the arrival of the wedding retinue, causing little to no disturbance as he did so. When the Leventi ladies had set down the stairs and he was left in the dressing chamber with only Issa remainig, he felt as if a heavy weight had rolled off his shoulders and managed to collapse onto a chair within the room for a few moments, stilling his nerves.
The young seamstress eyed him warily as he pinched the bridge of his nose, leaning forward, as if to somehow reteach himself how to breathe properly. When the young woman announced softly that she had collected her things, he managed to stand, placing a hand on a nearby table to steady himself. They waited until the wedding retinue had set off in their carriages before parting ways, the young woman's pockets now laden with far more coin than necessary for her trouble.
In the hour or so that passed, Basilides found himself seeking out the original dressmaker within the city. Following a finely crafted speech and an official severance of ties between their services and his family's business, Basilides felt he had no choice but to find a strong drink before straightening himself and setting out to the Archontikó Mikaelidas.
A pleasant buzz from his prior drink had settled in and warmed his fingertips by the time he slipped through the doorways, noting the familiar faces scattered about the room, as well as the glowing bride and groom - the central point for the affair. It would do well for a bit of time to pass before going about his greetings, and he was pleased to find the goblets of wine were being handed out in a spectacularly liberal fashion.
No sooner had he sipped his wine did his eyes fall on an old friend. Hesiodos, a commonborn man like himself, had apparently found his own good fortune among noble company, performing at such events. Their last interaction had been memorable, to say the least of it, and yet the memories of those good times drew his mind back to one who was not there - Zephyrus. Concern laced with melancholy set into his features momentarily, knowing that he was running out of ships logs to check and that the missives he sent for any sign of the acrobat's whereabouts had not panned out. It left a few, unsettling options left.
No matter, at least for now, as he drained his first goblet of wine and set it on a passing tray before grasping another and crossing toward the performer as he prepared, noting that in the midst of crossing, that the bard was joined by Princess Xene. Not one to smile, per se, the merchant's expression softened at the sight of the royal, accompanied by one of the Leventi girls - there were so many - that he had seen before at the manor, and an older Lord that he was certain he had never seen before a day in his life.
"Your Highness, My Lord, My Lady Leventi," he started, bowing to each of them respectively with his usual, cool candor. Upon raising, he offered the slightest of brow raises with the subtlest of smirks as he gestured his goblet toward Hesiodos, then glancing to Princess Xene and offering, "Be certain to let me know if this one causes you any trouble. He is a dear friend and a resolute scoundrel....yet, an excellent musician."
Ensuring that it was clear his tone was in jest, he offered a pressed lipped smile to the bard, offering, "Are there any special tunes you have penned for the occasion?"
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Basilides slipped into the celebrations shortly after the arrival of the wedding retinue, causing little to no disturbance as he did so. When the Leventi ladies had set down the stairs and he was left in the dressing chamber with only Issa remainig, he felt as if a heavy weight had rolled off his shoulders and managed to collapse onto a chair within the room for a few moments, stilling his nerves.
The young seamstress eyed him warily as he pinched the bridge of his nose, leaning forward, as if to somehow reteach himself how to breathe properly. When the young woman announced softly that she had collected her things, he managed to stand, placing a hand on a nearby table to steady himself. They waited until the wedding retinue had set off in their carriages before parting ways, the young woman's pockets now laden with far more coin than necessary for her trouble.
In the hour or so that passed, Basilides found himself seeking out the original dressmaker within the city. Following a finely crafted speech and an official severance of ties between their services and his family's business, Basilides felt he had no choice but to find a strong drink before straightening himself and setting out to the Archontikó Mikaelidas.
A pleasant buzz from his prior drink had settled in and warmed his fingertips by the time he slipped through the doorways, noting the familiar faces scattered about the room, as well as the glowing bride and groom - the central point for the affair. It would do well for a bit of time to pass before going about his greetings, and he was pleased to find the goblets of wine were being handed out in a spectacularly liberal fashion.
No sooner had he sipped his wine did his eyes fall on an old friend. Hesiodos, a commonborn man like himself, had apparently found his own good fortune among noble company, performing at such events. Their last interaction had been memorable, to say the least of it, and yet the memories of those good times drew his mind back to one who was not there - Zephyrus. Concern laced with melancholy set into his features momentarily, knowing that he was running out of ships logs to check and that the missives he sent for any sign of the acrobat's whereabouts had not panned out. It left a few, unsettling options left.
No matter, at least for now, as he drained his first goblet of wine and set it on a passing tray before grasping another and crossing toward the performer as he prepared, noting that in the midst of crossing, that the bard was joined by Princess Xene. Not one to smile, per se, the merchant's expression softened at the sight of the royal, accompanied by one of the Leventi girls - there were so many - that he had seen before at the manor, and an older Lord that he was certain he had never seen before a day in his life.
"Your Highness, My Lord, My Lady Leventi," he started, bowing to each of them respectively with his usual, cool candor. Upon raising, he offered the slightest of brow raises with the subtlest of smirks as he gestured his goblet toward Hesiodos, then glancing to Princess Xene and offering, "Be certain to let me know if this one causes you any trouble. He is a dear friend and a resolute scoundrel....yet, an excellent musician."
Ensuring that it was clear his tone was in jest, he offered a pressed lipped smile to the bard, offering, "Are there any special tunes you have penned for the occasion?"
Basilides slipped into the celebrations shortly after the arrival of the wedding retinue, causing little to no disturbance as he did so. When the Leventi ladies had set down the stairs and he was left in the dressing chamber with only Issa remainig, he felt as if a heavy weight had rolled off his shoulders and managed to collapse onto a chair within the room for a few moments, stilling his nerves.
The young seamstress eyed him warily as he pinched the bridge of his nose, leaning forward, as if to somehow reteach himself how to breathe properly. When the young woman announced softly that she had collected her things, he managed to stand, placing a hand on a nearby table to steady himself. They waited until the wedding retinue had set off in their carriages before parting ways, the young woman's pockets now laden with far more coin than necessary for her trouble.
In the hour or so that passed, Basilides found himself seeking out the original dressmaker within the city. Following a finely crafted speech and an official severance of ties between their services and his family's business, Basilides felt he had no choice but to find a strong drink before straightening himself and setting out to the Archontikó Mikaelidas.
A pleasant buzz from his prior drink had settled in and warmed his fingertips by the time he slipped through the doorways, noting the familiar faces scattered about the room, as well as the glowing bride and groom - the central point for the affair. It would do well for a bit of time to pass before going about his greetings, and he was pleased to find the goblets of wine were being handed out in a spectacularly liberal fashion.
No sooner had he sipped his wine did his eyes fall on an old friend. Hesiodos, a commonborn man like himself, had apparently found his own good fortune among noble company, performing at such events. Their last interaction had been memorable, to say the least of it, and yet the memories of those good times drew his mind back to one who was not there - Zephyrus. Concern laced with melancholy set into his features momentarily, knowing that he was running out of ships logs to check and that the missives he sent for any sign of the acrobat's whereabouts had not panned out. It left a few, unsettling options left.
No matter, at least for now, as he drained his first goblet of wine and set it on a passing tray before grasping another and crossing toward the performer as he prepared, noting that in the midst of crossing, that the bard was joined by Princess Xene. Not one to smile, per se, the merchant's expression softened at the sight of the royal, accompanied by one of the Leventi girls - there were so many - that he had seen before at the manor, and an older Lord that he was certain he had never seen before a day in his life.
"Your Highness, My Lord, My Lady Leventi," he started, bowing to each of them respectively with his usual, cool candor. Upon raising, he offered the slightest of brow raises with the subtlest of smirks as he gestured his goblet toward Hesiodos, then glancing to Princess Xene and offering, "Be certain to let me know if this one causes you any trouble. He is a dear friend and a resolute scoundrel....yet, an excellent musician."
Ensuring that it was clear his tone was in jest, he offered a pressed lipped smile to the bard, offering, "Are there any special tunes you have penned for the occasion?"