The chatbox has been hidden for this page. It will reopen upon refresh. To hide the CBox permanently, select "Permanently Toggle Cbox" in your profile User Settings.
This chatbox is hidden. To reopen, edit your User Settings.
He had a duty, and there was something painful about feeling like he had failed.
The King had hired him to protect Olympia, and it had been weeks since he’d been able to do so. The Gods had been on his side through the false King’s questioning, as he had been technically off-duty that night and was seen by several men at a pub in the city. He would have been foolish to have done anything directly to help the pair escape. Instead, he had worked quietly with old connections, ensuring that anyone who thought they’d seen the pair or the Queen’s sister were mistaken.
Anyone who had seen the Colchian Prince getting onto the same boat had been killed. It was a small price to pay to avoid a war.
Alastair was long overdue to return home to Colchis. There wasn’t anyone to visit, but somehow it still brought him joy. He was careful as he made his way back to the Colchian shores, making a point to be seen with his old military friends. They drank to the new King and mourned the death of the old one. To anyone who saw him, it just appeared as if he was returning to pay homage to his homeland.
The journey back into the capitol was long on horseback, and by the time he arrived he was exhausted. But he felt compelled to return to his duty as soon as possible. He was overly worried about the Queen, worried about her pregnancy and worried about how the King was handling all this. With no security having followed them to Midas, he figured he would be best used to protect them both.
It was at the gate of the manor that he was stopped. He tried to convince the guards that he was an invited guest, but it seemed that the recent death of the king had put them on edge. It was only when he told them that he was there as a guest of the Leventi family was a servant sent out to locate Olympia to inform her that Alastair was requesting an audience.
After the mess the servants had to clean up, they were all tentative about bothering the King and Queen. Still, the young girl who was going to deliver the message hovered outside the door a bit before knocking.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
He had a duty, and there was something painful about feeling like he had failed.
The King had hired him to protect Olympia, and it had been weeks since he’d been able to do so. The Gods had been on his side through the false King’s questioning, as he had been technically off-duty that night and was seen by several men at a pub in the city. He would have been foolish to have done anything directly to help the pair escape. Instead, he had worked quietly with old connections, ensuring that anyone who thought they’d seen the pair or the Queen’s sister were mistaken.
Anyone who had seen the Colchian Prince getting onto the same boat had been killed. It was a small price to pay to avoid a war.
Alastair was long overdue to return home to Colchis. There wasn’t anyone to visit, but somehow it still brought him joy. He was careful as he made his way back to the Colchian shores, making a point to be seen with his old military friends. They drank to the new King and mourned the death of the old one. To anyone who saw him, it just appeared as if he was returning to pay homage to his homeland.
The journey back into the capitol was long on horseback, and by the time he arrived he was exhausted. But he felt compelled to return to his duty as soon as possible. He was overly worried about the Queen, worried about her pregnancy and worried about how the King was handling all this. With no security having followed them to Midas, he figured he would be best used to protect them both.
It was at the gate of the manor that he was stopped. He tried to convince the guards that he was an invited guest, but it seemed that the recent death of the king had put them on edge. It was only when he told them that he was there as a guest of the Leventi family was a servant sent out to locate Olympia to inform her that Alastair was requesting an audience.
After the mess the servants had to clean up, they were all tentative about bothering the King and Queen. Still, the young girl who was going to deliver the message hovered outside the door a bit before knocking.
He had a duty, and there was something painful about feeling like he had failed.
The King had hired him to protect Olympia, and it had been weeks since he’d been able to do so. The Gods had been on his side through the false King’s questioning, as he had been technically off-duty that night and was seen by several men at a pub in the city. He would have been foolish to have done anything directly to help the pair escape. Instead, he had worked quietly with old connections, ensuring that anyone who thought they’d seen the pair or the Queen’s sister were mistaken.
Anyone who had seen the Colchian Prince getting onto the same boat had been killed. It was a small price to pay to avoid a war.
Alastair was long overdue to return home to Colchis. There wasn’t anyone to visit, but somehow it still brought him joy. He was careful as he made his way back to the Colchian shores, making a point to be seen with his old military friends. They drank to the new King and mourned the death of the old one. To anyone who saw him, it just appeared as if he was returning to pay homage to his homeland.
The journey back into the capitol was long on horseback, and by the time he arrived he was exhausted. But he felt compelled to return to his duty as soon as possible. He was overly worried about the Queen, worried about her pregnancy and worried about how the King was handling all this. With no security having followed them to Midas, he figured he would be best used to protect them both.
It was at the gate of the manor that he was stopped. He tried to convince the guards that he was an invited guest, but it seemed that the recent death of the king had put them on edge. It was only when he told them that he was there as a guest of the Leventi family was a servant sent out to locate Olympia to inform her that Alastair was requesting an audience.
After the mess the servants had to clean up, they were all tentative about bothering the King and Queen. Still, the young girl who was going to deliver the message hovered outside the door a bit before knocking.
Sitting in the center of the bed, Olympia stared down at her daughter's sleeping face. One month since the horrible night of her birth, the girl was resting peacefully at last, and according to the midwives that Evras had been kind enough to send in to assist her, she ought to be taking advantage of this time to sleep as well. Heavy as her eyes were though, she couldn't find comfort. Stephanos was nowhere to be found, her sisters and mother busy with engagements in the court, and aside from the few servants that were brave enough to dart in and out of the room cautiously, she was entirely alone.
She toyed with the edge of the swaddling cloth wrapped around Tisiphone until the knock brought her attention away from her sorrows. The name that was given made her heart skip a beat, and she wondered if perhaps she had imagined it out of sheer will. The servant girl's apprehensive expression could not be mistaken though, and Olympia brushed past her and into the hallway, leaving the stunned girl behind as her daughter's keeper.
That Alastair had been left behind had cut her deeply, missing the constant comforting presence of her shadow and wondering for a moment if he might have news of Desma. Perhaps if she'd been in a better frame of mind, she'd have considered the state of herself before she left the room. Instead of making herself presentable she was overcome with the need to see someone who hadn't seen her descent, someone who knew who she had been before she broke. The plain pale grey chiton she wore wasn't belted, the fabric long about her bare feet without the tucks to lift it, her hair equally untied, eyes puffy and cheeks stained from the tears she couldn't stop shedding.
The sight of him was like a welcome home, and with no thought to propriety she threw her arms around her bodyguard in a tight embrace. If she'd had tears remaining she would have shed them, but instead she was silent, simply clinging to the only remnant of her old life that hadn't been tarnished with the torture she'd been put through. Alastair was warm and solid, and she could feel some of the tension that had wrapped her tight begin to release.
"I missed you."
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
Sitting in the center of the bed, Olympia stared down at her daughter's sleeping face. One month since the horrible night of her birth, the girl was resting peacefully at last, and according to the midwives that Evras had been kind enough to send in to assist her, she ought to be taking advantage of this time to sleep as well. Heavy as her eyes were though, she couldn't find comfort. Stephanos was nowhere to be found, her sisters and mother busy with engagements in the court, and aside from the few servants that were brave enough to dart in and out of the room cautiously, she was entirely alone.
She toyed with the edge of the swaddling cloth wrapped around Tisiphone until the knock brought her attention away from her sorrows. The name that was given made her heart skip a beat, and she wondered if perhaps she had imagined it out of sheer will. The servant girl's apprehensive expression could not be mistaken though, and Olympia brushed past her and into the hallway, leaving the stunned girl behind as her daughter's keeper.
That Alastair had been left behind had cut her deeply, missing the constant comforting presence of her shadow and wondering for a moment if he might have news of Desma. Perhaps if she'd been in a better frame of mind, she'd have considered the state of herself before she left the room. Instead of making herself presentable she was overcome with the need to see someone who hadn't seen her descent, someone who knew who she had been before she broke. The plain pale grey chiton she wore wasn't belted, the fabric long about her bare feet without the tucks to lift it, her hair equally untied, eyes puffy and cheeks stained from the tears she couldn't stop shedding.
The sight of him was like a welcome home, and with no thought to propriety she threw her arms around her bodyguard in a tight embrace. If she'd had tears remaining she would have shed them, but instead she was silent, simply clinging to the only remnant of her old life that hadn't been tarnished with the torture she'd been put through. Alastair was warm and solid, and she could feel some of the tension that had wrapped her tight begin to release.
"I missed you."
Sitting in the center of the bed, Olympia stared down at her daughter's sleeping face. One month since the horrible night of her birth, the girl was resting peacefully at last, and according to the midwives that Evras had been kind enough to send in to assist her, she ought to be taking advantage of this time to sleep as well. Heavy as her eyes were though, she couldn't find comfort. Stephanos was nowhere to be found, her sisters and mother busy with engagements in the court, and aside from the few servants that were brave enough to dart in and out of the room cautiously, she was entirely alone.
She toyed with the edge of the swaddling cloth wrapped around Tisiphone until the knock brought her attention away from her sorrows. The name that was given made her heart skip a beat, and she wondered if perhaps she had imagined it out of sheer will. The servant girl's apprehensive expression could not be mistaken though, and Olympia brushed past her and into the hallway, leaving the stunned girl behind as her daughter's keeper.
That Alastair had been left behind had cut her deeply, missing the constant comforting presence of her shadow and wondering for a moment if he might have news of Desma. Perhaps if she'd been in a better frame of mind, she'd have considered the state of herself before she left the room. Instead of making herself presentable she was overcome with the need to see someone who hadn't seen her descent, someone who knew who she had been before she broke. The plain pale grey chiton she wore wasn't belted, the fabric long about her bare feet without the tucks to lift it, her hair equally untied, eyes puffy and cheeks stained from the tears she couldn't stop shedding.
The sight of him was like a welcome home, and with no thought to propriety she threw her arms around her bodyguard in a tight embrace. If she'd had tears remaining she would have shed them, but instead she was silent, simply clinging to the only remnant of her old life that hadn't been tarnished with the torture she'd been put through. Alastair was warm and solid, and she could feel some of the tension that had wrapped her tight begin to release.
"I missed you."
Alastair wasn’t sure what condition he was going to find her in. Half expecting her to still be abed after giving birth (for his experience in the action was limited), it was shocking to see her looking so… wild. But then again, she had been to hell and back. And he was certain that it would be a while before she found her feet.
He didn’t expect her to launch herself into his arms, didn’t expect her to greet him in such an informal manner. But he caught her, as she expected him to do. There was a slight hesitation in his arms moving around her waist to hold her close. He tried not to note the difference in her smell, or the depression so evident on her face. It wasn’t his place to judge her condition or to worry about anything other than the fact that she was alive.
The man wasn’t sure who was watching, knowing that eyes were everywhere. But he allowed himself a moment to appreciate how he hadn’t truly failed her in that she was not dead. The baby, he could only assume, was also alive. His job to keep the woman alive had been a success. At least in that, he could be thankful.
He ignored the way his heart seemed to want more. And he ignored the need he had to pull her back and check for injuries to her person. Instead, he pulled back enough to see her face, to meet her eyes. ”I am pleased you are well, my Queen.” The corners of his mouth turned slightly upward. ”I am sorry I took so long.” He didn’t elaborate on why it had taken him as long as it did. He would keep the line of bodies that had accumulated to himself.
”And the baby, my lady?” He asked quietly, hoping to learn about the child without prodding. There was a gentle concern in his voice, that the baby hadn’t made it or that something had gone wrong. But Alastair wanted to know, regardless.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
Alastair wasn’t sure what condition he was going to find her in. Half expecting her to still be abed after giving birth (for his experience in the action was limited), it was shocking to see her looking so… wild. But then again, she had been to hell and back. And he was certain that it would be a while before she found her feet.
He didn’t expect her to launch herself into his arms, didn’t expect her to greet him in such an informal manner. But he caught her, as she expected him to do. There was a slight hesitation in his arms moving around her waist to hold her close. He tried not to note the difference in her smell, or the depression so evident on her face. It wasn’t his place to judge her condition or to worry about anything other than the fact that she was alive.
The man wasn’t sure who was watching, knowing that eyes were everywhere. But he allowed himself a moment to appreciate how he hadn’t truly failed her in that she was not dead. The baby, he could only assume, was also alive. His job to keep the woman alive had been a success. At least in that, he could be thankful.
He ignored the way his heart seemed to want more. And he ignored the need he had to pull her back and check for injuries to her person. Instead, he pulled back enough to see her face, to meet her eyes. ”I am pleased you are well, my Queen.” The corners of his mouth turned slightly upward. ”I am sorry I took so long.” He didn’t elaborate on why it had taken him as long as it did. He would keep the line of bodies that had accumulated to himself.
”And the baby, my lady?” He asked quietly, hoping to learn about the child without prodding. There was a gentle concern in his voice, that the baby hadn’t made it or that something had gone wrong. But Alastair wanted to know, regardless.
Alastair wasn’t sure what condition he was going to find her in. Half expecting her to still be abed after giving birth (for his experience in the action was limited), it was shocking to see her looking so… wild. But then again, she had been to hell and back. And he was certain that it would be a while before she found her feet.
He didn’t expect her to launch herself into his arms, didn’t expect her to greet him in such an informal manner. But he caught her, as she expected him to do. There was a slight hesitation in his arms moving around her waist to hold her close. He tried not to note the difference in her smell, or the depression so evident on her face. It wasn’t his place to judge her condition or to worry about anything other than the fact that she was alive.
The man wasn’t sure who was watching, knowing that eyes were everywhere. But he allowed himself a moment to appreciate how he hadn’t truly failed her in that she was not dead. The baby, he could only assume, was also alive. His job to keep the woman alive had been a success. At least in that, he could be thankful.
He ignored the way his heart seemed to want more. And he ignored the need he had to pull her back and check for injuries to her person. Instead, he pulled back enough to see her face, to meet her eyes. ”I am pleased you are well, my Queen.” The corners of his mouth turned slightly upward. ”I am sorry I took so long.” He didn’t elaborate on why it had taken him as long as it did. He would keep the line of bodies that had accumulated to himself.
”And the baby, my lady?” He asked quietly, hoping to learn about the child without prodding. There was a gentle concern in his voice, that the baby hadn’t made it or that something had gone wrong. But Alastair wanted to know, regardless.
She didn't want to let go, desperate to keep a hold of him as her one anchor to reality and home. He was the one who had kept her grounded and safe in the palace throughout Stephanos' fits of rage and affairs, and she in return had discarded him it seemed when her husband had finally begun to care for her. But this was a different time, and she was a different person. Now he gave nothing to her but silence and disappointed stares. She'd failed in birthing a daughter, after being confident she could have a son. At least that wouldn't matter to Alastair.
Her lower lip trembled as he pushed her away, slumping in at the shoulders before shaking her head and looking back to him at last. Tears hung in her eyes as it seemed they always would from here on out. Not even he wanted her close anymore. "I'm not well. And I'm not a queen."
Pushing herself back from him, Olympia turned away and started back toward the sound of a crying baby. Tisiphone had clearly not taken well to the nurse she had been handed to and was making her displeasure known. Instinctively, she knew he would follow her as he had in times past. He had been her constant silent shadow ever since her coronation, kept her safe, stayed in her room when she had nearly lost the baby, made sure they got out safe when she had to flee for her life. The maid holding Tisiphone looked relieved to see her return, and as Olympia took the crying child into her arms she gave a sigh. The crying died down to whimpers of unhappiness, little fists waving and grabbing at her hair as if to share her annoyance.
Olympia turned to look at him, sinking down onto the bed as the child took a fistfull of her dark hair in her tiny hands. It was no doubt a disappointment to him as well. Seeing her in this state after everything he had done to get them to safety. There had been little point in it after all. "My daughter. Tisiphone. A disappointment to her father. Proof of my failing as wife and queen."
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
She didn't want to let go, desperate to keep a hold of him as her one anchor to reality and home. He was the one who had kept her grounded and safe in the palace throughout Stephanos' fits of rage and affairs, and she in return had discarded him it seemed when her husband had finally begun to care for her. But this was a different time, and she was a different person. Now he gave nothing to her but silence and disappointed stares. She'd failed in birthing a daughter, after being confident she could have a son. At least that wouldn't matter to Alastair.
Her lower lip trembled as he pushed her away, slumping in at the shoulders before shaking her head and looking back to him at last. Tears hung in her eyes as it seemed they always would from here on out. Not even he wanted her close anymore. "I'm not well. And I'm not a queen."
Pushing herself back from him, Olympia turned away and started back toward the sound of a crying baby. Tisiphone had clearly not taken well to the nurse she had been handed to and was making her displeasure known. Instinctively, she knew he would follow her as he had in times past. He had been her constant silent shadow ever since her coronation, kept her safe, stayed in her room when she had nearly lost the baby, made sure they got out safe when she had to flee for her life. The maid holding Tisiphone looked relieved to see her return, and as Olympia took the crying child into her arms she gave a sigh. The crying died down to whimpers of unhappiness, little fists waving and grabbing at her hair as if to share her annoyance.
Olympia turned to look at him, sinking down onto the bed as the child took a fistfull of her dark hair in her tiny hands. It was no doubt a disappointment to him as well. Seeing her in this state after everything he had done to get them to safety. There had been little point in it after all. "My daughter. Tisiphone. A disappointment to her father. Proof of my failing as wife and queen."
She didn't want to let go, desperate to keep a hold of him as her one anchor to reality and home. He was the one who had kept her grounded and safe in the palace throughout Stephanos' fits of rage and affairs, and she in return had discarded him it seemed when her husband had finally begun to care for her. But this was a different time, and she was a different person. Now he gave nothing to her but silence and disappointed stares. She'd failed in birthing a daughter, after being confident she could have a son. At least that wouldn't matter to Alastair.
Her lower lip trembled as he pushed her away, slumping in at the shoulders before shaking her head and looking back to him at last. Tears hung in her eyes as it seemed they always would from here on out. Not even he wanted her close anymore. "I'm not well. And I'm not a queen."
Pushing herself back from him, Olympia turned away and started back toward the sound of a crying baby. Tisiphone had clearly not taken well to the nurse she had been handed to and was making her displeasure known. Instinctively, she knew he would follow her as he had in times past. He had been her constant silent shadow ever since her coronation, kept her safe, stayed in her room when she had nearly lost the baby, made sure they got out safe when she had to flee for her life. The maid holding Tisiphone looked relieved to see her return, and as Olympia took the crying child into her arms she gave a sigh. The crying died down to whimpers of unhappiness, little fists waving and grabbing at her hair as if to share her annoyance.
Olympia turned to look at him, sinking down onto the bed as the child took a fistfull of her dark hair in her tiny hands. It was no doubt a disappointment to him as well. Seeing her in this state after everything he had done to get them to safety. There had been little point in it after all. "My daughter. Tisiphone. A disappointment to her father. Proof of my failing as wife and queen."
He wished he knew what to say to her, but there was a very fine line that he had to walk. She was Queen, the woman he was paid to protect. And his sense of duty rarely let him think of her as anything but that. And yet he found himself lingering in her embrace too long, but not stopping himself from enjoying it. He needed to protect his heart and hers, but would he be able to? He knew he wouldn't have a choice. She belonged to Stephanos, and Alastair knew what his role in her life was to be. He was to be on the outside looking in.
Her shadow and nothing more.
“You are alive, my lady. And you are still my Queen. The throne shall be reclaimed, and you will sit upon it as you should.” He offered her a smile, but she missed it as she pulled away. As she expected, he followed behind her. And was surprised by how much relief came in reassuring his duty to her. He could protect her as he should once more, there to offer security. Perhaps she was not currently the monarch, but he had every faith that she would be again. But, even if she didn't, that would be for the Gods to decide. It wasn't like being Queen had been as she had hoped. It was heavy with sorrow and disappointment, as she seemed to point out now as she held the child.
Keeping his distance, he watched from afar as she sat down on the bed with the child. It wasn't until she told the princess’s name that he slowly approached the bed. Dropping to his knees, he bowed his head, ”Let it be known that I am pledging my life for this child. Should anyone attempt to harm her, I shall do whatever is necessary to ensure her safety, above all else.” His arm came over his heart, ”Death shall befall me before a hand is laid against this child. I vow this to both you and the Gods.” He needed the assistance of the bed to stand, but once he was back on his feet, he leaned cautiously over the little girl. ”Worry not, my lady. Most daughters are only a disappointment initially. She will have her father wrapped around her finger soon enough. Regardless, she has a large family, and she will know love and support.” He placed a hand on Pia’s shoulder as he moved closer.
And she smiled up at him.
”I did not expect that.” He said of the little girl, reaching out to brush a finger over her cheek.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
He wished he knew what to say to her, but there was a very fine line that he had to walk. She was Queen, the woman he was paid to protect. And his sense of duty rarely let him think of her as anything but that. And yet he found himself lingering in her embrace too long, but not stopping himself from enjoying it. He needed to protect his heart and hers, but would he be able to? He knew he wouldn't have a choice. She belonged to Stephanos, and Alastair knew what his role in her life was to be. He was to be on the outside looking in.
Her shadow and nothing more.
“You are alive, my lady. And you are still my Queen. The throne shall be reclaimed, and you will sit upon it as you should.” He offered her a smile, but she missed it as she pulled away. As she expected, he followed behind her. And was surprised by how much relief came in reassuring his duty to her. He could protect her as he should once more, there to offer security. Perhaps she was not currently the monarch, but he had every faith that she would be again. But, even if she didn't, that would be for the Gods to decide. It wasn't like being Queen had been as she had hoped. It was heavy with sorrow and disappointment, as she seemed to point out now as she held the child.
Keeping his distance, he watched from afar as she sat down on the bed with the child. It wasn't until she told the princess’s name that he slowly approached the bed. Dropping to his knees, he bowed his head, ”Let it be known that I am pledging my life for this child. Should anyone attempt to harm her, I shall do whatever is necessary to ensure her safety, above all else.” His arm came over his heart, ”Death shall befall me before a hand is laid against this child. I vow this to both you and the Gods.” He needed the assistance of the bed to stand, but once he was back on his feet, he leaned cautiously over the little girl. ”Worry not, my lady. Most daughters are only a disappointment initially. She will have her father wrapped around her finger soon enough. Regardless, she has a large family, and she will know love and support.” He placed a hand on Pia’s shoulder as he moved closer.
And she smiled up at him.
”I did not expect that.” He said of the little girl, reaching out to brush a finger over her cheek.
He wished he knew what to say to her, but there was a very fine line that he had to walk. She was Queen, the woman he was paid to protect. And his sense of duty rarely let him think of her as anything but that. And yet he found himself lingering in her embrace too long, but not stopping himself from enjoying it. He needed to protect his heart and hers, but would he be able to? He knew he wouldn't have a choice. She belonged to Stephanos, and Alastair knew what his role in her life was to be. He was to be on the outside looking in.
Her shadow and nothing more.
“You are alive, my lady. And you are still my Queen. The throne shall be reclaimed, and you will sit upon it as you should.” He offered her a smile, but she missed it as she pulled away. As she expected, he followed behind her. And was surprised by how much relief came in reassuring his duty to her. He could protect her as he should once more, there to offer security. Perhaps she was not currently the monarch, but he had every faith that she would be again. But, even if she didn't, that would be for the Gods to decide. It wasn't like being Queen had been as she had hoped. It was heavy with sorrow and disappointment, as she seemed to point out now as she held the child.
Keeping his distance, he watched from afar as she sat down on the bed with the child. It wasn't until she told the princess’s name that he slowly approached the bed. Dropping to his knees, he bowed his head, ”Let it be known that I am pledging my life for this child. Should anyone attempt to harm her, I shall do whatever is necessary to ensure her safety, above all else.” His arm came over his heart, ”Death shall befall me before a hand is laid against this child. I vow this to both you and the Gods.” He needed the assistance of the bed to stand, but once he was back on his feet, he leaned cautiously over the little girl. ”Worry not, my lady. Most daughters are only a disappointment initially. She will have her father wrapped around her finger soon enough. Regardless, she has a large family, and she will know love and support.” He placed a hand on Pia’s shoulder as he moved closer.
And she smiled up at him.
”I did not expect that.” He said of the little girl, reaching out to brush a finger over her cheek.
His words were kind, but as she rocked the child in her arms she wondered if it would ever be possible. Irakles’ hold on everyone in the senate was remarkable, in spite of everything he had done, all the good Stephanos had tried to do, with his uncle’s schemes he had fallen too easily. It even looked as if her own uncle had attempted to help orchestrate his fall, a blow of betrayal that stung more than she liked to admit. Her relationship with Fotios was strange. There were moments she thought he despised her, and others where he seemed almost proud. It left her in a sort of limbo and thinking of it made her only miss her family more.
Pia lifted her gaze from the screwed up face of her child, anticipating a hefty cry to echo from the infant’s lips when instead a gurgling sound mingled with Alastair’s declaration. Seeing him there, bent down on his knees when she knew full well how difficult it must have been with his injury, that alone brought her forward slightly, a hand reaching for his shoulder to try to raise him up. Instead of pushing him away though, her touch lingered until he stood, silent tears sliding down her cheeks brought on by the devotion of this man who had known her for far less time than others. His pledge to protect her daughter meant more than he could know. For how could he have any idea that her own father had yet to hold her? Barely looked at her, much less bothered to check in to see how mother and daughter were faring. No ever since she had been declared a disappointment Stephanos’ love for her, for them, seemed to have vanished.
Letting her hand drop to the bed as he stood, she brushed away her tears and tilted Tisiphone slightly so he could see her. His hand on her shoulder was a weight of comfort she hadn’t felt in too long. Aside from her sister, no one had touched her since before the birth. Not even Stephanos during their fight which had destroyed a good portion of the decor in the chambers they were kept in. He’d been far away. Pia leaned her head against his arm, smiling for the first time that day as Tisi seemingly understood what her mother did, that this man cared for them. Her tiny toothless smile and little gurgles as Alastair’s finger brushed her cheek was how Olympia had expected to feel when looking after her daughter, the only difference was she had thought a different man would be by her side.
“Will you not hold her?”
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
His words were kind, but as she rocked the child in her arms she wondered if it would ever be possible. Irakles’ hold on everyone in the senate was remarkable, in spite of everything he had done, all the good Stephanos had tried to do, with his uncle’s schemes he had fallen too easily. It even looked as if her own uncle had attempted to help orchestrate his fall, a blow of betrayal that stung more than she liked to admit. Her relationship with Fotios was strange. There were moments she thought he despised her, and others where he seemed almost proud. It left her in a sort of limbo and thinking of it made her only miss her family more.
Pia lifted her gaze from the screwed up face of her child, anticipating a hefty cry to echo from the infant’s lips when instead a gurgling sound mingled with Alastair’s declaration. Seeing him there, bent down on his knees when she knew full well how difficult it must have been with his injury, that alone brought her forward slightly, a hand reaching for his shoulder to try to raise him up. Instead of pushing him away though, her touch lingered until he stood, silent tears sliding down her cheeks brought on by the devotion of this man who had known her for far less time than others. His pledge to protect her daughter meant more than he could know. For how could he have any idea that her own father had yet to hold her? Barely looked at her, much less bothered to check in to see how mother and daughter were faring. No ever since she had been declared a disappointment Stephanos’ love for her, for them, seemed to have vanished.
Letting her hand drop to the bed as he stood, she brushed away her tears and tilted Tisiphone slightly so he could see her. His hand on her shoulder was a weight of comfort she hadn’t felt in too long. Aside from her sister, no one had touched her since before the birth. Not even Stephanos during their fight which had destroyed a good portion of the decor in the chambers they were kept in. He’d been far away. Pia leaned her head against his arm, smiling for the first time that day as Tisi seemingly understood what her mother did, that this man cared for them. Her tiny toothless smile and little gurgles as Alastair’s finger brushed her cheek was how Olympia had expected to feel when looking after her daughter, the only difference was she had thought a different man would be by her side.
“Will you not hold her?”
His words were kind, but as she rocked the child in her arms she wondered if it would ever be possible. Irakles’ hold on everyone in the senate was remarkable, in spite of everything he had done, all the good Stephanos had tried to do, with his uncle’s schemes he had fallen too easily. It even looked as if her own uncle had attempted to help orchestrate his fall, a blow of betrayal that stung more than she liked to admit. Her relationship with Fotios was strange. There were moments she thought he despised her, and others where he seemed almost proud. It left her in a sort of limbo and thinking of it made her only miss her family more.
Pia lifted her gaze from the screwed up face of her child, anticipating a hefty cry to echo from the infant’s lips when instead a gurgling sound mingled with Alastair’s declaration. Seeing him there, bent down on his knees when she knew full well how difficult it must have been with his injury, that alone brought her forward slightly, a hand reaching for his shoulder to try to raise him up. Instead of pushing him away though, her touch lingered until he stood, silent tears sliding down her cheeks brought on by the devotion of this man who had known her for far less time than others. His pledge to protect her daughter meant more than he could know. For how could he have any idea that her own father had yet to hold her? Barely looked at her, much less bothered to check in to see how mother and daughter were faring. No ever since she had been declared a disappointment Stephanos’ love for her, for them, seemed to have vanished.
Letting her hand drop to the bed as he stood, she brushed away her tears and tilted Tisiphone slightly so he could see her. His hand on her shoulder was a weight of comfort she hadn’t felt in too long. Aside from her sister, no one had touched her since before the birth. Not even Stephanos during their fight which had destroyed a good portion of the decor in the chambers they were kept in. He’d been far away. Pia leaned her head against his arm, smiling for the first time that day as Tisi seemingly understood what her mother did, that this man cared for them. Her tiny toothless smile and little gurgles as Alastair’s finger brushed her cheek was how Olympia had expected to feel when looking after her daughter, the only difference was she had thought a different man would be by her side.
“Will you not hold her?”
He didn’t focus on the pain in his leg with his pledge, only the action of it. Alastair, as always, was a soldier first and foremost. He had never been one who had power, nor had he ever been in charge of so many people. But he had been a skilled tactician anyway, quick to learn and easy to rely on. The loss of his military career meant that he had to strive elsewhere, and he seemed to do just that with hired privately.
As he watched her, looking beautiful and vulnerable, he had to push down any feelings he may have had. She was his Queen, was untouchable. And he could not let it go farther than that. There was a fine line, and he was not sure he could cross it without causing danger to those involved. And with her emotions, as they were, he wasn’t sure that she knew what she was doing when she looked at him like that.
”I have never held a baby before, my Queen.” He said, a rare pinkness coming to his ears. ”I would not want to hurt her, nor do I even know where to start.” Still, the baby smiled up at him again, and he let his fingers trace the curve of her jaw. The little princess’s head turned, seeking to suck on the warmth it found. Chuckling, he pulled away. ”She is precious indeed.”
Looking back at the Queen, he gave her a smile. ”She is perfect, like her mother.” His throat cleared, knowing that this was a bit too much for him. He should step back, should remember that he was just a guard, hired to protect her and nothing more. Regardless of the quiet bond they had shared. ”Maybe when she is not so fragile.”
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
He didn’t focus on the pain in his leg with his pledge, only the action of it. Alastair, as always, was a soldier first and foremost. He had never been one who had power, nor had he ever been in charge of so many people. But he had been a skilled tactician anyway, quick to learn and easy to rely on. The loss of his military career meant that he had to strive elsewhere, and he seemed to do just that with hired privately.
As he watched her, looking beautiful and vulnerable, he had to push down any feelings he may have had. She was his Queen, was untouchable. And he could not let it go farther than that. There was a fine line, and he was not sure he could cross it without causing danger to those involved. And with her emotions, as they were, he wasn’t sure that she knew what she was doing when she looked at him like that.
”I have never held a baby before, my Queen.” He said, a rare pinkness coming to his ears. ”I would not want to hurt her, nor do I even know where to start.” Still, the baby smiled up at him again, and he let his fingers trace the curve of her jaw. The little princess’s head turned, seeking to suck on the warmth it found. Chuckling, he pulled away. ”She is precious indeed.”
Looking back at the Queen, he gave her a smile. ”She is perfect, like her mother.” His throat cleared, knowing that this was a bit too much for him. He should step back, should remember that he was just a guard, hired to protect her and nothing more. Regardless of the quiet bond they had shared. ”Maybe when she is not so fragile.”
He didn’t focus on the pain in his leg with his pledge, only the action of it. Alastair, as always, was a soldier first and foremost. He had never been one who had power, nor had he ever been in charge of so many people. But he had been a skilled tactician anyway, quick to learn and easy to rely on. The loss of his military career meant that he had to strive elsewhere, and he seemed to do just that with hired privately.
As he watched her, looking beautiful and vulnerable, he had to push down any feelings he may have had. She was his Queen, was untouchable. And he could not let it go farther than that. There was a fine line, and he was not sure he could cross it without causing danger to those involved. And with her emotions, as they were, he wasn’t sure that she knew what she was doing when she looked at him like that.
”I have never held a baby before, my Queen.” He said, a rare pinkness coming to his ears. ”I would not want to hurt her, nor do I even know where to start.” Still, the baby smiled up at him again, and he let his fingers trace the curve of her jaw. The little princess’s head turned, seeking to suck on the warmth it found. Chuckling, he pulled away. ”She is precious indeed.”
Looking back at the Queen, he gave her a smile. ”She is perfect, like her mother.” His throat cleared, knowing that this was a bit too much for him. He should step back, should remember that he was just a guard, hired to protect her and nothing more. Regardless of the quiet bond they had shared. ”Maybe when she is not so fragile.”
Olympia tried not to let disappointment fill her as he refused to take the baby, his reasons at least understandable. Those who had little experience with children so young were nervous around the fragile beings, she herself had been terrified to hold her daughter when she had first been born. Whether that was due to the fact she was afraid of hurting her or because she had been declared a disappointment, she wasn't sure. Only once they had come to the Kotas manor had she begun to care for her child more consistently, allowing Selene as much time as she could to be with Vangelis and her friends, though she felt guilt at how much she relied on her sister.
With the absence of Stephanos' assistance, Selene had become her rock and the one she turned to for everything. On nights when Tisiphone was crying and did not stop, when Olympia herself was crying from the stress and exhaustion, Selene was the one who calmed her and took over, encouraging the young mother to bed for rest and taking over the walking and soothing. She would be forever indebted to her eldest sister for all of her help and care.
Her thoughts were interrupted as the young princess turned to the warmth of Alastair's hand and attempted to suckle from it. Cheeks turning pink, Pia laughed softly at the baby's antics and pressed a kiss to the girl's forehead. Affection was becoming easier as her daughter grew and the instincts of motherhood she hadn't felt at first kicked in, and she met Alastair's gaze with a warmth she hadn't shared with anyone in a time. When he called her perfect, even indirectly, looking at her the way he was, a heat built in her chest and she wished she could lay her head against his shoulder and hide in his arms until all was well again.
"Yes, I imagine when she is older we will need to take turns following her about. If she is anything like my sisters she will be a handful."
The attempt at speaking of innocent topics was not helping to still the beating of her heart, and for a horribly reckless moment she wanted to close the space between them. With the hand that wasn't supporting Tisi, Olympia reached for her guard, touching his cheek softly as if to reassure herself he was really there. For the first time in a long time, she felt safe.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
Olympia tried not to let disappointment fill her as he refused to take the baby, his reasons at least understandable. Those who had little experience with children so young were nervous around the fragile beings, she herself had been terrified to hold her daughter when she had first been born. Whether that was due to the fact she was afraid of hurting her or because she had been declared a disappointment, she wasn't sure. Only once they had come to the Kotas manor had she begun to care for her child more consistently, allowing Selene as much time as she could to be with Vangelis and her friends, though she felt guilt at how much she relied on her sister.
With the absence of Stephanos' assistance, Selene had become her rock and the one she turned to for everything. On nights when Tisiphone was crying and did not stop, when Olympia herself was crying from the stress and exhaustion, Selene was the one who calmed her and took over, encouraging the young mother to bed for rest and taking over the walking and soothing. She would be forever indebted to her eldest sister for all of her help and care.
Her thoughts were interrupted as the young princess turned to the warmth of Alastair's hand and attempted to suckle from it. Cheeks turning pink, Pia laughed softly at the baby's antics and pressed a kiss to the girl's forehead. Affection was becoming easier as her daughter grew and the instincts of motherhood she hadn't felt at first kicked in, and she met Alastair's gaze with a warmth she hadn't shared with anyone in a time. When he called her perfect, even indirectly, looking at her the way he was, a heat built in her chest and she wished she could lay her head against his shoulder and hide in his arms until all was well again.
"Yes, I imagine when she is older we will need to take turns following her about. If she is anything like my sisters she will be a handful."
The attempt at speaking of innocent topics was not helping to still the beating of her heart, and for a horribly reckless moment she wanted to close the space between them. With the hand that wasn't supporting Tisi, Olympia reached for her guard, touching his cheek softly as if to reassure herself he was really there. For the first time in a long time, she felt safe.
Olympia tried not to let disappointment fill her as he refused to take the baby, his reasons at least understandable. Those who had little experience with children so young were nervous around the fragile beings, she herself had been terrified to hold her daughter when she had first been born. Whether that was due to the fact she was afraid of hurting her or because she had been declared a disappointment, she wasn't sure. Only once they had come to the Kotas manor had she begun to care for her child more consistently, allowing Selene as much time as she could to be with Vangelis and her friends, though she felt guilt at how much she relied on her sister.
With the absence of Stephanos' assistance, Selene had become her rock and the one she turned to for everything. On nights when Tisiphone was crying and did not stop, when Olympia herself was crying from the stress and exhaustion, Selene was the one who calmed her and took over, encouraging the young mother to bed for rest and taking over the walking and soothing. She would be forever indebted to her eldest sister for all of her help and care.
Her thoughts were interrupted as the young princess turned to the warmth of Alastair's hand and attempted to suckle from it. Cheeks turning pink, Pia laughed softly at the baby's antics and pressed a kiss to the girl's forehead. Affection was becoming easier as her daughter grew and the instincts of motherhood she hadn't felt at first kicked in, and she met Alastair's gaze with a warmth she hadn't shared with anyone in a time. When he called her perfect, even indirectly, looking at her the way he was, a heat built in her chest and she wished she could lay her head against his shoulder and hide in his arms until all was well again.
"Yes, I imagine when she is older we will need to take turns following her about. If she is anything like my sisters she will be a handful."
The attempt at speaking of innocent topics was not helping to still the beating of her heart, and for a horribly reckless moment she wanted to close the space between them. With the hand that wasn't supporting Tisi, Olympia reached for her guard, touching his cheek softly as if to reassure herself he was really there. For the first time in a long time, she felt safe.
She made it easy for him to forget his duty, forget his place. He was not supposed to be a friend, although that sort of connection never really hurt to have. Alastair was supposed to be a man who kept his distance, who watched closely but did nothing unless his duty required him to. His reputation was one of steadfast responsibility and unwavering trust-- he was often hired because he could be relied on. Throughout all the kingdoms, he was known as a man who could be trusted with the delicate issues. And yet, here he was, staring at the Queen as if she was his.
He knew his place. It was with her hand against his cheek, looking down at the baby as if he longed for a child of his own. Family had never been his goal, had never been something he’d been willing to consider. His work was dangerous, and leaving behind people who rely on him was not something he could do, in good conscious. So instead, he cut ties emotionally and kept his life simple. But, looking down at the little baby now, with a soft woman’s hand on his face, Alastair found himself doubting his resolve to be alone.
And yet, he knew what he must do.
Clearing his throat, he was about to step away as her hand came to his cheek. He wanted to pull away, as if it burned his very skin. But he couldn’t, not with it so gentle and comforting. It was just further proof that everything he had done was worth it in the end. ”Your Majesty…” He said, faltering in his smile, knowing that this was not as it should be. He swallowed down the lump in his throat and sighed, ”I should report to the King, for he will want to know what has taken place since you’ve left.” He was hesitant to leave, but even more so to stay.
Staying meant implying something he did not know he was ready to do. And leaving may just break her heart. But he was undecided on which would hurt worse in the end.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
She made it easy for him to forget his duty, forget his place. He was not supposed to be a friend, although that sort of connection never really hurt to have. Alastair was supposed to be a man who kept his distance, who watched closely but did nothing unless his duty required him to. His reputation was one of steadfast responsibility and unwavering trust-- he was often hired because he could be relied on. Throughout all the kingdoms, he was known as a man who could be trusted with the delicate issues. And yet, here he was, staring at the Queen as if she was his.
He knew his place. It was with her hand against his cheek, looking down at the baby as if he longed for a child of his own. Family had never been his goal, had never been something he’d been willing to consider. His work was dangerous, and leaving behind people who rely on him was not something he could do, in good conscious. So instead, he cut ties emotionally and kept his life simple. But, looking down at the little baby now, with a soft woman’s hand on his face, Alastair found himself doubting his resolve to be alone.
And yet, he knew what he must do.
Clearing his throat, he was about to step away as her hand came to his cheek. He wanted to pull away, as if it burned his very skin. But he couldn’t, not with it so gentle and comforting. It was just further proof that everything he had done was worth it in the end. ”Your Majesty…” He said, faltering in his smile, knowing that this was not as it should be. He swallowed down the lump in his throat and sighed, ”I should report to the King, for he will want to know what has taken place since you’ve left.” He was hesitant to leave, but even more so to stay.
Staying meant implying something he did not know he was ready to do. And leaving may just break her heart. But he was undecided on which would hurt worse in the end.
She made it easy for him to forget his duty, forget his place. He was not supposed to be a friend, although that sort of connection never really hurt to have. Alastair was supposed to be a man who kept his distance, who watched closely but did nothing unless his duty required him to. His reputation was one of steadfast responsibility and unwavering trust-- he was often hired because he could be relied on. Throughout all the kingdoms, he was known as a man who could be trusted with the delicate issues. And yet, here he was, staring at the Queen as if she was his.
He knew his place. It was with her hand against his cheek, looking down at the baby as if he longed for a child of his own. Family had never been his goal, had never been something he’d been willing to consider. His work was dangerous, and leaving behind people who rely on him was not something he could do, in good conscious. So instead, he cut ties emotionally and kept his life simple. But, looking down at the little baby now, with a soft woman’s hand on his face, Alastair found himself doubting his resolve to be alone.
And yet, he knew what he must do.
Clearing his throat, he was about to step away as her hand came to his cheek. He wanted to pull away, as if it burned his very skin. But he couldn’t, not with it so gentle and comforting. It was just further proof that everything he had done was worth it in the end. ”Your Majesty…” He said, faltering in his smile, knowing that this was not as it should be. He swallowed down the lump in his throat and sighed, ”I should report to the King, for he will want to know what has taken place since you’ve left.” He was hesitant to leave, but even more so to stay.
Staying meant implying something he did not know he was ready to do. And leaving may just break her heart. But he was undecided on which would hurt worse in the end.
For two breaths she stayed where she was, allowing herself to linger in this moment where she trusted completely the man holding her child, wanted nothing more than for him to stay close to keep her safe. She wanted him to wrap her up in his arms and hold her there forever and promise her that all would be well. The spell was broken by a whine of hunger from the baby between them, and she blinked in surprise as if for a moment she had truly believed that something could come to be.
Alastair was the opposite of Stephanos in every way, but in his own manner just as handsome. Certainly her husband had not been faithful to her since their marriage, and a stubborn bit of her wondered why she should have to be, but the weight of her daughter in her arms was taken with a resignation that this was the life she had chosen.
"I suppose. You would be better at finding him than I, he has taken to avoiding us since she was born. Perhaps one day she will know her father. You have held her more often than he."
Perhaps it was a testament to how secure she felt with him, but as she took Tisiphone fully back in her arms and the babe began nuzzling at her chest in search of the promised meal, Olympia didn't think twice as she sat on the bed in pulling aside her chiton. With a wince as her daughter began nursing, she tucked the blanket closer about them, covering the little hand on her breast. A wet nurse had been necessary in the beginning, but in an attempt to bond to her child she had taken it on herself and though it was not always successful and caused her occasional pain, there was something soothing in the action. Proof that she wasn't a complete failure.
"Will you come back to us once you have spoken to him?"
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
For two breaths she stayed where she was, allowing herself to linger in this moment where she trusted completely the man holding her child, wanted nothing more than for him to stay close to keep her safe. She wanted him to wrap her up in his arms and hold her there forever and promise her that all would be well. The spell was broken by a whine of hunger from the baby between them, and she blinked in surprise as if for a moment she had truly believed that something could come to be.
Alastair was the opposite of Stephanos in every way, but in his own manner just as handsome. Certainly her husband had not been faithful to her since their marriage, and a stubborn bit of her wondered why she should have to be, but the weight of her daughter in her arms was taken with a resignation that this was the life she had chosen.
"I suppose. You would be better at finding him than I, he has taken to avoiding us since she was born. Perhaps one day she will know her father. You have held her more often than he."
Perhaps it was a testament to how secure she felt with him, but as she took Tisiphone fully back in her arms and the babe began nuzzling at her chest in search of the promised meal, Olympia didn't think twice as she sat on the bed in pulling aside her chiton. With a wince as her daughter began nursing, she tucked the blanket closer about them, covering the little hand on her breast. A wet nurse had been necessary in the beginning, but in an attempt to bond to her child she had taken it on herself and though it was not always successful and caused her occasional pain, there was something soothing in the action. Proof that she wasn't a complete failure.
"Will you come back to us once you have spoken to him?"
For two breaths she stayed where she was, allowing herself to linger in this moment where she trusted completely the man holding her child, wanted nothing more than for him to stay close to keep her safe. She wanted him to wrap her up in his arms and hold her there forever and promise her that all would be well. The spell was broken by a whine of hunger from the baby between them, and she blinked in surprise as if for a moment she had truly believed that something could come to be.
Alastair was the opposite of Stephanos in every way, but in his own manner just as handsome. Certainly her husband had not been faithful to her since their marriage, and a stubborn bit of her wondered why she should have to be, but the weight of her daughter in her arms was taken with a resignation that this was the life she had chosen.
"I suppose. You would be better at finding him than I, he has taken to avoiding us since she was born. Perhaps one day she will know her father. You have held her more often than he."
Perhaps it was a testament to how secure she felt with him, but as she took Tisiphone fully back in her arms and the babe began nuzzling at her chest in search of the promised meal, Olympia didn't think twice as she sat on the bed in pulling aside her chiton. With a wince as her daughter began nursing, she tucked the blanket closer about them, covering the little hand on her breast. A wet nurse had been necessary in the beginning, but in an attempt to bond to her child she had taken it on herself and though it was not always successful and caused her occasional pain, there was something soothing in the action. Proof that she wasn't a complete failure.
"Will you come back to us once you have spoken to him?"
He couldn’t lie-- this moment felt like a dream. He would never consider himself fortunate enough to get to spend time with her like this. She was a Queen, and even without a Kingdom, she was still a titled lady that would have never given him a second look. His job was to be invisible, to take to the shadows and hopefully never have to use the skills he was hired to do. Olympia had been different, had looked to him for a bit of comfort during a trying time, and now he found himself unable to deny the emotions that rushed to his chest.
Luckily, the cry of the baby broke the spell, and he was able to step back and remind himself who he was.
From what he had known of the King during his time in his employment, there was no surprise that he hadn’t been present much. He seemed like a man who liked space to process events before confronting the reality of it. Hiding from responsibility didn’t make it disappear, and he was sure that it wouldn’t be long before the King realized that as well. Sooner or later, he would have to accept that he had a daughter to protect, to love and cherish and a wife who deserved the same. He had no place to try and remind the man.
Having spent so little time around new infants, he didn’t really give much thought to the care of them. So he watched, with fascination, as she pulled the hungry child close to her chest. She didn’t pause, nor turn, as she opened up her dress to a bare breast. There was a slight flush in his ears as he angled himself away from her, giving her privacy in what was such an intimate act. It took a minute for him to register that she had asked him a question. “Uhh…” He cleared his throat, his hand moving nervously to the back of his neck. “If you wish me here, my Queen, I shall come back as soon as I am able.”
That seemed as if she was asking for trouble, already half naked in front of him. But he had enough willpower to resist. Stepping back, he bowed to her, “My lady,” before turning back to the door and leaving to find her husband. He hoped the King was outside, as the fresh air would do him some good.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
He couldn’t lie-- this moment felt like a dream. He would never consider himself fortunate enough to get to spend time with her like this. She was a Queen, and even without a Kingdom, she was still a titled lady that would have never given him a second look. His job was to be invisible, to take to the shadows and hopefully never have to use the skills he was hired to do. Olympia had been different, had looked to him for a bit of comfort during a trying time, and now he found himself unable to deny the emotions that rushed to his chest.
Luckily, the cry of the baby broke the spell, and he was able to step back and remind himself who he was.
From what he had known of the King during his time in his employment, there was no surprise that he hadn’t been present much. He seemed like a man who liked space to process events before confronting the reality of it. Hiding from responsibility didn’t make it disappear, and he was sure that it wouldn’t be long before the King realized that as well. Sooner or later, he would have to accept that he had a daughter to protect, to love and cherish and a wife who deserved the same. He had no place to try and remind the man.
Having spent so little time around new infants, he didn’t really give much thought to the care of them. So he watched, with fascination, as she pulled the hungry child close to her chest. She didn’t pause, nor turn, as she opened up her dress to a bare breast. There was a slight flush in his ears as he angled himself away from her, giving her privacy in what was such an intimate act. It took a minute for him to register that she had asked him a question. “Uhh…” He cleared his throat, his hand moving nervously to the back of his neck. “If you wish me here, my Queen, I shall come back as soon as I am able.”
That seemed as if she was asking for trouble, already half naked in front of him. But he had enough willpower to resist. Stepping back, he bowed to her, “My lady,” before turning back to the door and leaving to find her husband. He hoped the King was outside, as the fresh air would do him some good.
He couldn’t lie-- this moment felt like a dream. He would never consider himself fortunate enough to get to spend time with her like this. She was a Queen, and even without a Kingdom, she was still a titled lady that would have never given him a second look. His job was to be invisible, to take to the shadows and hopefully never have to use the skills he was hired to do. Olympia had been different, had looked to him for a bit of comfort during a trying time, and now he found himself unable to deny the emotions that rushed to his chest.
Luckily, the cry of the baby broke the spell, and he was able to step back and remind himself who he was.
From what he had known of the King during his time in his employment, there was no surprise that he hadn’t been present much. He seemed like a man who liked space to process events before confronting the reality of it. Hiding from responsibility didn’t make it disappear, and he was sure that it wouldn’t be long before the King realized that as well. Sooner or later, he would have to accept that he had a daughter to protect, to love and cherish and a wife who deserved the same. He had no place to try and remind the man.
Having spent so little time around new infants, he didn’t really give much thought to the care of them. So he watched, with fascination, as she pulled the hungry child close to her chest. She didn’t pause, nor turn, as she opened up her dress to a bare breast. There was a slight flush in his ears as he angled himself away from her, giving her privacy in what was such an intimate act. It took a minute for him to register that she had asked him a question. “Uhh…” He cleared his throat, his hand moving nervously to the back of his neck. “If you wish me here, my Queen, I shall come back as soon as I am able.”
That seemed as if she was asking for trouble, already half naked in front of him. But he had enough willpower to resist. Stepping back, he bowed to her, “My lady,” before turning back to the door and leaving to find her husband. He hoped the King was outside, as the fresh air would do him some good.
His sudden shift and turn away didn't go unnoticed, and though she supposed she should have blushed and been ashamed and more careful about her actions, she didn't have it in her to care. Alastair had proven himself time and again to be one of the few people she could trust with her life, he would never hurt her, would not judge her for the things she did. The intimacy she craved could never be fulfilled, as much as she wished it might, her body was too broken and he was too honest, too good. Or perhaps he was disgusted by her post birth form as well, Stephanos had certainly not taken any interest in her. Maybe she was destined to be unwanted for the rest of her life.
At his assurance that he would return once he had spoken to the king she gave a nod. "I need you here, with me again. Perhaps having my favorite shadow back will give me the peace to sleep once more." Her smile was a faint mirror of one she might have given him before, but there was a relief on her face that only having him close could give her. Her favorite shadow had watched over her better than anyone else, and having him by her side again would hopefully give her the ability to rest.
Watching him go, she settled a hand softly against Tisiphone's forehead, the little blue eyes closed as the girl suckled. She had a sworn protector for life in Alastair. If things continued to go south for them, if anything was to happen to her or her husband, there would be no one else she would trust more than him to look after her daughter. When he returned she would have to make the request that if something were to take her away, he would get the girl to her family in Taengea. The Leventi family would be able to bring up another girl without raising too much suspicion.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
His sudden shift and turn away didn't go unnoticed, and though she supposed she should have blushed and been ashamed and more careful about her actions, she didn't have it in her to care. Alastair had proven himself time and again to be one of the few people she could trust with her life, he would never hurt her, would not judge her for the things she did. The intimacy she craved could never be fulfilled, as much as she wished it might, her body was too broken and he was too honest, too good. Or perhaps he was disgusted by her post birth form as well, Stephanos had certainly not taken any interest in her. Maybe she was destined to be unwanted for the rest of her life.
At his assurance that he would return once he had spoken to the king she gave a nod. "I need you here, with me again. Perhaps having my favorite shadow back will give me the peace to sleep once more." Her smile was a faint mirror of one she might have given him before, but there was a relief on her face that only having him close could give her. Her favorite shadow had watched over her better than anyone else, and having him by her side again would hopefully give her the ability to rest.
Watching him go, she settled a hand softly against Tisiphone's forehead, the little blue eyes closed as the girl suckled. She had a sworn protector for life in Alastair. If things continued to go south for them, if anything was to happen to her or her husband, there would be no one else she would trust more than him to look after her daughter. When he returned she would have to make the request that if something were to take her away, he would get the girl to her family in Taengea. The Leventi family would be able to bring up another girl without raising too much suspicion.
His sudden shift and turn away didn't go unnoticed, and though she supposed she should have blushed and been ashamed and more careful about her actions, she didn't have it in her to care. Alastair had proven himself time and again to be one of the few people she could trust with her life, he would never hurt her, would not judge her for the things she did. The intimacy she craved could never be fulfilled, as much as she wished it might, her body was too broken and he was too honest, too good. Or perhaps he was disgusted by her post birth form as well, Stephanos had certainly not taken any interest in her. Maybe she was destined to be unwanted for the rest of her life.
At his assurance that he would return once he had spoken to the king she gave a nod. "I need you here, with me again. Perhaps having my favorite shadow back will give me the peace to sleep once more." Her smile was a faint mirror of one she might have given him before, but there was a relief on her face that only having him close could give her. Her favorite shadow had watched over her better than anyone else, and having him by her side again would hopefully give her the ability to rest.
Watching him go, she settled a hand softly against Tisiphone's forehead, the little blue eyes closed as the girl suckled. She had a sworn protector for life in Alastair. If things continued to go south for them, if anything was to happen to her or her husband, there would be no one else she would trust more than him to look after her daughter. When he returned she would have to make the request that if something were to take her away, he would get the girl to her family in Taengea. The Leventi family would be able to bring up another girl without raising too much suspicion.