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The last place Eirini expected to find herself that evening was at the royal palati, secretly being ushered through the halls by one of the palace servants, to whom she had offered a hefty coin purse to in return for discretion. It was a precarious matter that saw her keep to the shadows, taking extra precautions to ensure that she was not seen by other servants or perhaps the wandering royal – gods forbid she'd have to explain her presence here to Irakles or Meena, or worse, that she reported back to Fotios.
Her intentions were innocent (for the most part) and the reason for her late night arrival had been on behalf of her brother, who - according to his note - was currently rotting within the Taegean cells, where undoubtedly he likely belonged. At first Eirini had half a mind to dismiss the note entirely and leave Lukos to his fate; of all the foolhardy situations he could have gotten himself into, brawling with Achilleas truly reigned supreme. Then again, what could she really expect from a pirate?
It was true that Eirini was not bound by sentimental familial ties to Lukos, she had known him but a short while and the memories his mere presence conjured of their father were not entirely pleasant. Yet, his position had weighed upon her heavily and the more she tried to ignore it, the more his image came to mind and suddenly she could not bear it any longer.
Not usually one to do things behind Fotios’ back, an uneasiness had settled within her stomach and although she had thought he had not been made aware of her absence, Eirini couldn’t be entirely sure… her husband did have eyes everywhere after all.
Regardless, such thoughts and explanations were best kept until later, Eirini had more pressing matter at present.
Before them the doors to Achillaes’ chambers loomed, the servant going on ahead to ensure that the prince was awake and aware of her arrival before returning to usher her inside. Her chest rose as she breathed in deeply, exhaling as she crossed the threshold and pushed back the epiblema that covered her raven tresses, allowing the material to slip from her shoulders into the crook of her arms as she approached the younger man.
“Your highness, I pray to the gods that you can forgive my intrusion at such an hour, but it is imperative that I speak with you.”
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The last place Eirini expected to find herself that evening was at the royal palati, secretly being ushered through the halls by one of the palace servants, to whom she had offered a hefty coin purse to in return for discretion. It was a precarious matter that saw her keep to the shadows, taking extra precautions to ensure that she was not seen by other servants or perhaps the wandering royal – gods forbid she'd have to explain her presence here to Irakles or Meena, or worse, that she reported back to Fotios.
Her intentions were innocent (for the most part) and the reason for her late night arrival had been on behalf of her brother, who - according to his note - was currently rotting within the Taegean cells, where undoubtedly he likely belonged. At first Eirini had half a mind to dismiss the note entirely and leave Lukos to his fate; of all the foolhardy situations he could have gotten himself into, brawling with Achilleas truly reigned supreme. Then again, what could she really expect from a pirate?
It was true that Eirini was not bound by sentimental familial ties to Lukos, she had known him but a short while and the memories his mere presence conjured of their father were not entirely pleasant. Yet, his position had weighed upon her heavily and the more she tried to ignore it, the more his image came to mind and suddenly she could not bear it any longer.
Not usually one to do things behind Fotios’ back, an uneasiness had settled within her stomach and although she had thought he had not been made aware of her absence, Eirini couldn’t be entirely sure… her husband did have eyes everywhere after all.
Regardless, such thoughts and explanations were best kept until later, Eirini had more pressing matter at present.
Before them the doors to Achillaes’ chambers loomed, the servant going on ahead to ensure that the prince was awake and aware of her arrival before returning to usher her inside. Her chest rose as she breathed in deeply, exhaling as she crossed the threshold and pushed back the epiblema that covered her raven tresses, allowing the material to slip from her shoulders into the crook of her arms as she approached the younger man.
“Your highness, I pray to the gods that you can forgive my intrusion at such an hour, but it is imperative that I speak with you.”
The last place Eirini expected to find herself that evening was at the royal palati, secretly being ushered through the halls by one of the palace servants, to whom she had offered a hefty coin purse to in return for discretion. It was a precarious matter that saw her keep to the shadows, taking extra precautions to ensure that she was not seen by other servants or perhaps the wandering royal – gods forbid she'd have to explain her presence here to Irakles or Meena, or worse, that she reported back to Fotios.
Her intentions were innocent (for the most part) and the reason for her late night arrival had been on behalf of her brother, who - according to his note - was currently rotting within the Taegean cells, where undoubtedly he likely belonged. At first Eirini had half a mind to dismiss the note entirely and leave Lukos to his fate; of all the foolhardy situations he could have gotten himself into, brawling with Achilleas truly reigned supreme. Then again, what could she really expect from a pirate?
It was true that Eirini was not bound by sentimental familial ties to Lukos, she had known him but a short while and the memories his mere presence conjured of their father were not entirely pleasant. Yet, his position had weighed upon her heavily and the more she tried to ignore it, the more his image came to mind and suddenly she could not bear it any longer.
Not usually one to do things behind Fotios’ back, an uneasiness had settled within her stomach and although she had thought he had not been made aware of her absence, Eirini couldn’t be entirely sure… her husband did have eyes everywhere after all.
Regardless, such thoughts and explanations were best kept until later, Eirini had more pressing matter at present.
Before them the doors to Achillaes’ chambers loomed, the servant going on ahead to ensure that the prince was awake and aware of her arrival before returning to usher her inside. Her chest rose as she breathed in deeply, exhaling as she crossed the threshold and pushed back the epiblema that covered her raven tresses, allowing the material to slip from her shoulders into the crook of her arms as she approached the younger man.
“Your highness, I pray to the gods that you can forgive my intrusion at such an hour, but it is imperative that I speak with you.”
Achilleas was not expecting company. Indeed he had retired to his quarters of the mind that he would be undisturbed until morning came, and was lounging rather uncharastically on a kline, staring into space vacantly. Only the Mikaelidas Lord’s thoughts were not vacant, not at all. He was trying to string together the little snippets he knew about the allegations made against his cousin, hoping that at some point he would stumble across the one thing that would undermine them all.
He did not believe it of his cousin, had been incensed enough that it had led to him not moving to support the motion his own father had put forward, for all the good that had done him. Now, with his father venting his displeasure by privately stripping Achilleas of his responsibilities, the lord had little to do but think. And it was more than frustrating that as of yet he had come up with nothing that they could use to exonerate his cousin.
His conversation with Princess Xene had been interesting, and Achilleas could only hope that when she saw her brother that Stephanos would have something to add that they could build upon. With a sigh, he pushed his fingers into his temples, rubbing absently as he hoped it would ease some of the tension he felt. Inaction always left him irritable, as had been proven by the events of the past days. Public brawling was far beneath the standards that he usually held himself to.
Not for the first time, Achilleas bemoaned the absence of Briseis in his nights. It would have been a comfort and a sweet relief to have her come to him, but he had knocked their arrangement on the head as soon as his betrothal to Theodora had become official. Perhaps less delicately than he ought to have, and instead of the willing affection he was used to receiving from the servant, Achilleas had borne her tearful stares and miserable countenance whenever they happened to share the same space. It was embarrassing and a rather unwelcome reminder of how he’d mishandled that whole affair.
Perhaps he would not think of that now. Instead, he succumbed to temptation and rose to pour a cup of wine from the jug that usually sat untouched in his chambers every night. The Lord was not given to drink, disliked the lack of control that it brought about, but there were times where he could welcome the slight easing of tension it offered. With any luck, it would allow him to sleep.
The knock on his door had him frowning, for it was late and there was no need for any to disturb him at this hour. And when the servant appeared and announced his visitor, the frown only deepened. But Achilleas nodded to the maid to admit the guest into his own private sitting room, glancing down at himself and deeming his appearance presentable enough. The wine was set down upon a side table, the lord turning to face the door and offering a small nod of his head as the Lady Leventi lowered the hood that had covered her. Odd.
At her words, his thoughts first turned to Theodora, and there was a concern that he did not attempt to veil in the blue gaze that rested upon his betrothed’s Aunt.
“Of course, Lady Eirini. You are welcome at any time, though I find myself worried at your demeanour. Is all well with your family? With Lady Theodora?”
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Achilleas was not expecting company. Indeed he had retired to his quarters of the mind that he would be undisturbed until morning came, and was lounging rather uncharastically on a kline, staring into space vacantly. Only the Mikaelidas Lord’s thoughts were not vacant, not at all. He was trying to string together the little snippets he knew about the allegations made against his cousin, hoping that at some point he would stumble across the one thing that would undermine them all.
He did not believe it of his cousin, had been incensed enough that it had led to him not moving to support the motion his own father had put forward, for all the good that had done him. Now, with his father venting his displeasure by privately stripping Achilleas of his responsibilities, the lord had little to do but think. And it was more than frustrating that as of yet he had come up with nothing that they could use to exonerate his cousin.
His conversation with Princess Xene had been interesting, and Achilleas could only hope that when she saw her brother that Stephanos would have something to add that they could build upon. With a sigh, he pushed his fingers into his temples, rubbing absently as he hoped it would ease some of the tension he felt. Inaction always left him irritable, as had been proven by the events of the past days. Public brawling was far beneath the standards that he usually held himself to.
Not for the first time, Achilleas bemoaned the absence of Briseis in his nights. It would have been a comfort and a sweet relief to have her come to him, but he had knocked their arrangement on the head as soon as his betrothal to Theodora had become official. Perhaps less delicately than he ought to have, and instead of the willing affection he was used to receiving from the servant, Achilleas had borne her tearful stares and miserable countenance whenever they happened to share the same space. It was embarrassing and a rather unwelcome reminder of how he’d mishandled that whole affair.
Perhaps he would not think of that now. Instead, he succumbed to temptation and rose to pour a cup of wine from the jug that usually sat untouched in his chambers every night. The Lord was not given to drink, disliked the lack of control that it brought about, but there were times where he could welcome the slight easing of tension it offered. With any luck, it would allow him to sleep.
The knock on his door had him frowning, for it was late and there was no need for any to disturb him at this hour. And when the servant appeared and announced his visitor, the frown only deepened. But Achilleas nodded to the maid to admit the guest into his own private sitting room, glancing down at himself and deeming his appearance presentable enough. The wine was set down upon a side table, the lord turning to face the door and offering a small nod of his head as the Lady Leventi lowered the hood that had covered her. Odd.
At her words, his thoughts first turned to Theodora, and there was a concern that he did not attempt to veil in the blue gaze that rested upon his betrothed’s Aunt.
“Of course, Lady Eirini. You are welcome at any time, though I find myself worried at your demeanour. Is all well with your family? With Lady Theodora?”
Achilleas was not expecting company. Indeed he had retired to his quarters of the mind that he would be undisturbed until morning came, and was lounging rather uncharastically on a kline, staring into space vacantly. Only the Mikaelidas Lord’s thoughts were not vacant, not at all. He was trying to string together the little snippets he knew about the allegations made against his cousin, hoping that at some point he would stumble across the one thing that would undermine them all.
He did not believe it of his cousin, had been incensed enough that it had led to him not moving to support the motion his own father had put forward, for all the good that had done him. Now, with his father venting his displeasure by privately stripping Achilleas of his responsibilities, the lord had little to do but think. And it was more than frustrating that as of yet he had come up with nothing that they could use to exonerate his cousin.
His conversation with Princess Xene had been interesting, and Achilleas could only hope that when she saw her brother that Stephanos would have something to add that they could build upon. With a sigh, he pushed his fingers into his temples, rubbing absently as he hoped it would ease some of the tension he felt. Inaction always left him irritable, as had been proven by the events of the past days. Public brawling was far beneath the standards that he usually held himself to.
Not for the first time, Achilleas bemoaned the absence of Briseis in his nights. It would have been a comfort and a sweet relief to have her come to him, but he had knocked their arrangement on the head as soon as his betrothal to Theodora had become official. Perhaps less delicately than he ought to have, and instead of the willing affection he was used to receiving from the servant, Achilleas had borne her tearful stares and miserable countenance whenever they happened to share the same space. It was embarrassing and a rather unwelcome reminder of how he’d mishandled that whole affair.
Perhaps he would not think of that now. Instead, he succumbed to temptation and rose to pour a cup of wine from the jug that usually sat untouched in his chambers every night. The Lord was not given to drink, disliked the lack of control that it brought about, but there were times where he could welcome the slight easing of tension it offered. With any luck, it would allow him to sleep.
The knock on his door had him frowning, for it was late and there was no need for any to disturb him at this hour. And when the servant appeared and announced his visitor, the frown only deepened. But Achilleas nodded to the maid to admit the guest into his own private sitting room, glancing down at himself and deeming his appearance presentable enough. The wine was set down upon a side table, the lord turning to face the door and offering a small nod of his head as the Lady Leventi lowered the hood that had covered her. Odd.
At her words, his thoughts first turned to Theodora, and there was a concern that he did not attempt to veil in the blue gaze that rested upon his betrothed’s Aunt.
“Of course, Lady Eirini. You are welcome at any time, though I find myself worried at your demeanour. Is all well with your family? With Lady Theodora?”
It was touching, the concern in his eyes and Eirini could not blame him for assuming such things regarding Theodora – what possible other motive could she, the matriarch of the Leventi family, have to visit the Lord Achilleas? Some faint part of her even wished that a calamity had befallen his bride-to-be, at least that wouldn't have jeopardised her pride.
"Please, do not concern yourself, my lord, all is well with my family and your Theodora." Eirini answered him finally, a small smile curling at her lips to draw a line under his concerns. It dawned on her then that this was perhaps the first intimate conversation that she had shared with the man, a regret she now felt keenly for undoubtedly her task would have been a great deal easier had a former rapport been established.
She was acquainted more with the father than the sons and through her husband's friendship with Irakles, and her own with Meena ... a connection she would be wise to keep muted, Eirini deduced, especially given the predicament with Achilleas's mother. In any regard, this was a private matter and one that would hopefully be kept between the participants of the room in which they stood.
With a lady-like clearing of her throat, Eirini held her head high and tried to stomached the uncertainty churning in her gut. Approaching the man, her fingers curled around the chalice in his grasp, "allow me to replenish your wine." It was blatant that she was stalling. Inwardly she fought the temptation to just let Lukos rot in whichever prison cell he was being kept, but ultimately her former conviction to aide him bolstered her once more.
"I was informed of a brawl that occurred upon the streets.." Eirini began, watching the crimson ichor fill the chalice and only when it reached the rim did she glance back over her shoulder at Achilleas, her soulful eyes peering beneath a set of thick lashes. "... one that involved yourself, my lord." Setting the jug back down, Eirini turned back to him fully, the lip of the chalice against her own as she stole a sip before handing it over. "Fear not, I have not come to lecture of threaten... I dare say that the assailant deserved the thrashing you gave him, but it is because of that wretch that I have come."
Fingers curled around his as she took a step closer to him, her eyes searching his –– all tricks of her trade. "I hope I might appeal to your merciful nature, my lord, and ask as humbly as I possible can that you let that undeserving wretch go."
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It was touching, the concern in his eyes and Eirini could not blame him for assuming such things regarding Theodora – what possible other motive could she, the matriarch of the Leventi family, have to visit the Lord Achilleas? Some faint part of her even wished that a calamity had befallen his bride-to-be, at least that wouldn't have jeopardised her pride.
"Please, do not concern yourself, my lord, all is well with my family and your Theodora." Eirini answered him finally, a small smile curling at her lips to draw a line under his concerns. It dawned on her then that this was perhaps the first intimate conversation that she had shared with the man, a regret she now felt keenly for undoubtedly her task would have been a great deal easier had a former rapport been established.
She was acquainted more with the father than the sons and through her husband's friendship with Irakles, and her own with Meena ... a connection she would be wise to keep muted, Eirini deduced, especially given the predicament with Achilleas's mother. In any regard, this was a private matter and one that would hopefully be kept between the participants of the room in which they stood.
With a lady-like clearing of her throat, Eirini held her head high and tried to stomached the uncertainty churning in her gut. Approaching the man, her fingers curled around the chalice in his grasp, "allow me to replenish your wine." It was blatant that she was stalling. Inwardly she fought the temptation to just let Lukos rot in whichever prison cell he was being kept, but ultimately her former conviction to aide him bolstered her once more.
"I was informed of a brawl that occurred upon the streets.." Eirini began, watching the crimson ichor fill the chalice and only when it reached the rim did she glance back over her shoulder at Achilleas, her soulful eyes peering beneath a set of thick lashes. "... one that involved yourself, my lord." Setting the jug back down, Eirini turned back to him fully, the lip of the chalice against her own as she stole a sip before handing it over. "Fear not, I have not come to lecture of threaten... I dare say that the assailant deserved the thrashing you gave him, but it is because of that wretch that I have come."
Fingers curled around his as she took a step closer to him, her eyes searching his –– all tricks of her trade. "I hope I might appeal to your merciful nature, my lord, and ask as humbly as I possible can that you let that undeserving wretch go."
It was touching, the concern in his eyes and Eirini could not blame him for assuming such things regarding Theodora – what possible other motive could she, the matriarch of the Leventi family, have to visit the Lord Achilleas? Some faint part of her even wished that a calamity had befallen his bride-to-be, at least that wouldn't have jeopardised her pride.
"Please, do not concern yourself, my lord, all is well with my family and your Theodora." Eirini answered him finally, a small smile curling at her lips to draw a line under his concerns. It dawned on her then that this was perhaps the first intimate conversation that she had shared with the man, a regret she now felt keenly for undoubtedly her task would have been a great deal easier had a former rapport been established.
She was acquainted more with the father than the sons and through her husband's friendship with Irakles, and her own with Meena ... a connection she would be wise to keep muted, Eirini deduced, especially given the predicament with Achilleas's mother. In any regard, this was a private matter and one that would hopefully be kept between the participants of the room in which they stood.
With a lady-like clearing of her throat, Eirini held her head high and tried to stomached the uncertainty churning in her gut. Approaching the man, her fingers curled around the chalice in his grasp, "allow me to replenish your wine." It was blatant that she was stalling. Inwardly she fought the temptation to just let Lukos rot in whichever prison cell he was being kept, but ultimately her former conviction to aide him bolstered her once more.
"I was informed of a brawl that occurred upon the streets.." Eirini began, watching the crimson ichor fill the chalice and only when it reached the rim did she glance back over her shoulder at Achilleas, her soulful eyes peering beneath a set of thick lashes. "... one that involved yourself, my lord." Setting the jug back down, Eirini turned back to him fully, the lip of the chalice against her own as she stole a sip before handing it over. "Fear not, I have not come to lecture of threaten... I dare say that the assailant deserved the thrashing you gave him, but it is because of that wretch that I have come."
Fingers curled around his as she took a step closer to him, her eyes searching his –– all tricks of her trade. "I hope I might appeal to your merciful nature, my lord, and ask as humbly as I possible can that you let that undeserving wretch go."
The knot of tension that had twisted with the worry that Lady Eirini brought bad news untangled itself with her reassurance, Achilleas feeling his shoulders drop with relief. He looked at the woman briefly at the your Theodora, an almost imperceptible frown on his brow as he wondered if he were too obvious. He might have held a candle for the second daughter of Georgios Leventi for a good while, but he had hoped everyone did not know such a thing. Though he reminded himself, it was different now, with the wedding within touching distance.
“That is good” he offered in reply, a puzzled expression crossing his face. For if it were not to do with Theodora, then what had brought the Lady Leventi to his door? He watched on curiously as she took the cup from him, turning to busy herself refilling it whilst not revealing her purpose in being there.
They did not have the sort of acquaintance that would make a visit at such an hour casual, nor one that would let the Lord feel anything approaching relaxed in her presence. Achilleas rocked back on his heels, trying to pinpoint anything that would have the need for her to seek him out. He had drawn blanks, and so when Lady Eirini deigned to speak finally, the man was all ears.
‘I was informed of a brawl that occurred upon the streets..’
The Mikaelidas lord cleared his throat and kept his face carefully neutral. There was no reason to think that…
‘... one that involved yourself, my lord’
Oh. Achilleas met the Lady Eirini’s gaze with a level one of his own, but something about the set of his jaw suggested he could easily be tipped into defensiveness, so it was a wise move for the Leventi matriarch to continue as she did. Watching her, Achilleas blinked as she took a sip from the wine before pressing it back upon him, wondering where on earth this was leading.
“I am glad, my lady, for I would not take well to either, given that it was I who was attacked, and in the temple grounds none the less.” He replied, gaze narrowing a little on hers before his eyes dropped to watch where her fingers brushed softly against his own, the touch unexpected and therefore distracting. And when he looked up it was to find her right before him, dark eyes slanted up towards his own. She was, despite her advanced years, a beauty still, and had it not been for her words, it might have been easy for the man to find her proximity more distracting still.
‘I hope I might appeal to your merciful nature, my lord, and ask as humbly as I possible can that you let that undeserving wretch go’
This time Achilleas did nothing to hide the frown that drew his dark brows together. She wanted the man released? “Why on earth would you wish me to do that?” he queried, voice betraying his indignation at the idea. “The man is a reprobate. A spell in the pit can only do him good”
He was more perturbed that news of that undignified scramble had somehow reached the woman before him. Achilleas did not want his good name sullied because some idiot didn't know when to hold his tongue. Whatever the man’s behaviour had been - and it was unpardonable- the Mikaelidas Lord did not like being crowded into losing his cool, as he had been.
“How did you even come to hear of it?” he asked, and then as he processed the strangeness of the request “...and who is he to you that it would see you come to see me, specifically to ask such a thing?”
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The knot of tension that had twisted with the worry that Lady Eirini brought bad news untangled itself with her reassurance, Achilleas feeling his shoulders drop with relief. He looked at the woman briefly at the your Theodora, an almost imperceptible frown on his brow as he wondered if he were too obvious. He might have held a candle for the second daughter of Georgios Leventi for a good while, but he had hoped everyone did not know such a thing. Though he reminded himself, it was different now, with the wedding within touching distance.
“That is good” he offered in reply, a puzzled expression crossing his face. For if it were not to do with Theodora, then what had brought the Lady Leventi to his door? He watched on curiously as she took the cup from him, turning to busy herself refilling it whilst not revealing her purpose in being there.
They did not have the sort of acquaintance that would make a visit at such an hour casual, nor one that would let the Lord feel anything approaching relaxed in her presence. Achilleas rocked back on his heels, trying to pinpoint anything that would have the need for her to seek him out. He had drawn blanks, and so when Lady Eirini deigned to speak finally, the man was all ears.
‘I was informed of a brawl that occurred upon the streets..’
The Mikaelidas lord cleared his throat and kept his face carefully neutral. There was no reason to think that…
‘... one that involved yourself, my lord’
Oh. Achilleas met the Lady Eirini’s gaze with a level one of his own, but something about the set of his jaw suggested he could easily be tipped into defensiveness, so it was a wise move for the Leventi matriarch to continue as she did. Watching her, Achilleas blinked as she took a sip from the wine before pressing it back upon him, wondering where on earth this was leading.
“I am glad, my lady, for I would not take well to either, given that it was I who was attacked, and in the temple grounds none the less.” He replied, gaze narrowing a little on hers before his eyes dropped to watch where her fingers brushed softly against his own, the touch unexpected and therefore distracting. And when he looked up it was to find her right before him, dark eyes slanted up towards his own. She was, despite her advanced years, a beauty still, and had it not been for her words, it might have been easy for the man to find her proximity more distracting still.
‘I hope I might appeal to your merciful nature, my lord, and ask as humbly as I possible can that you let that undeserving wretch go’
This time Achilleas did nothing to hide the frown that drew his dark brows together. She wanted the man released? “Why on earth would you wish me to do that?” he queried, voice betraying his indignation at the idea. “The man is a reprobate. A spell in the pit can only do him good”
He was more perturbed that news of that undignified scramble had somehow reached the woman before him. Achilleas did not want his good name sullied because some idiot didn't know when to hold his tongue. Whatever the man’s behaviour had been - and it was unpardonable- the Mikaelidas Lord did not like being crowded into losing his cool, as he had been.
“How did you even come to hear of it?” he asked, and then as he processed the strangeness of the request “...and who is he to you that it would see you come to see me, specifically to ask such a thing?”
The knot of tension that had twisted with the worry that Lady Eirini brought bad news untangled itself with her reassurance, Achilleas feeling his shoulders drop with relief. He looked at the woman briefly at the your Theodora, an almost imperceptible frown on his brow as he wondered if he were too obvious. He might have held a candle for the second daughter of Georgios Leventi for a good while, but he had hoped everyone did not know such a thing. Though he reminded himself, it was different now, with the wedding within touching distance.
“That is good” he offered in reply, a puzzled expression crossing his face. For if it were not to do with Theodora, then what had brought the Lady Leventi to his door? He watched on curiously as she took the cup from him, turning to busy herself refilling it whilst not revealing her purpose in being there.
They did not have the sort of acquaintance that would make a visit at such an hour casual, nor one that would let the Lord feel anything approaching relaxed in her presence. Achilleas rocked back on his heels, trying to pinpoint anything that would have the need for her to seek him out. He had drawn blanks, and so when Lady Eirini deigned to speak finally, the man was all ears.
‘I was informed of a brawl that occurred upon the streets..’
The Mikaelidas lord cleared his throat and kept his face carefully neutral. There was no reason to think that…
‘... one that involved yourself, my lord’
Oh. Achilleas met the Lady Eirini’s gaze with a level one of his own, but something about the set of his jaw suggested he could easily be tipped into defensiveness, so it was a wise move for the Leventi matriarch to continue as she did. Watching her, Achilleas blinked as she took a sip from the wine before pressing it back upon him, wondering where on earth this was leading.
“I am glad, my lady, for I would not take well to either, given that it was I who was attacked, and in the temple grounds none the less.” He replied, gaze narrowing a little on hers before his eyes dropped to watch where her fingers brushed softly against his own, the touch unexpected and therefore distracting. And when he looked up it was to find her right before him, dark eyes slanted up towards his own. She was, despite her advanced years, a beauty still, and had it not been for her words, it might have been easy for the man to find her proximity more distracting still.
‘I hope I might appeal to your merciful nature, my lord, and ask as humbly as I possible can that you let that undeserving wretch go’
This time Achilleas did nothing to hide the frown that drew his dark brows together. She wanted the man released? “Why on earth would you wish me to do that?” he queried, voice betraying his indignation at the idea. “The man is a reprobate. A spell in the pit can only do him good”
He was more perturbed that news of that undignified scramble had somehow reached the woman before him. Achilleas did not want his good name sullied because some idiot didn't know when to hold his tongue. Whatever the man’s behaviour had been - and it was unpardonable- the Mikaelidas Lord did not like being crowded into losing his cool, as he had been.
“How did you even come to hear of it?” he asked, and then as he processed the strangeness of the request “...and who is he to you that it would see you come to see me, specifically to ask such a thing?”
Eirini had little knowledge of her own as to where this was going and for a woman who excelled in the art of charm and subtle flirtation, she must confess to have felt truly out of her depth before Achilleas. Getting what she wanted was usually far easier when she had spent time getting to know a person – only then were they more pliable when it came to fulfilling her demands. As it were, their relationship (or perhaps acquaintance would have been a more accurate term) was practically non-existent.
This situation was uncomfortable for many reasons, mostly because the topic was a sensitive one for her; most knew of her humble origins, though the true depths of obscurity she had risen from were a closely guarded secret. Not even her children knew the truth, only Fotios, and here she was about to make herself vulnerable before a man she barely knew and had barely cared to get to know – he had been no use to her, until now.
A honeyed gaze peered at him beneath a thick set of dark lashes, a gaze that was warm to meet and yet Eirini bit down on her bottom lip as though she was hesitant to answer any questions he might have, and naturally there were a few. Her nose wrinkled slightly at his frown, and a slight irritation rose within her at his more that reasonable question – why could he not just spare her the humiliation?
Just as Eirini felt one response upon the tip of her tongue, Achilleas’ questions kept coming and suddenly she found herself at square one once again.
“How did you even come to hear of it?”
“…and who is her to you that it would see you come to see me, specifically to ask such a thing?”
These were no easier for her to find answers to than the first and so she paused for a moment, her mind frantically searching as she studied his demeanour, trying to sense if there were more questions to come. “There is very little that happens in this city that does not reach my ear, my lord… especially when it involves a member of nobility. People like to gossip.” Eirini spoke as though she was uttering a quiet warning towards any future transgressions he might partake in – not as a threat, but as a lesson yet to be learned.
“The who and why is a little more difficult for me to explain.” She stated truthfully. Arms folded across her chest as she tore her gaze from him a moment, it was evident that her tussle with the truth was grating on her. “Would you accept the explanation that he is simultaneously inconsequential and important to me?” Eirini voiced, though left him no room to answer as she shook her head. “No, I do not suppose you would.”
Turning back to face him, she sighed heavily before continuing. “I ask for your assurance that what I am going to say will not leave this room…” She paused, waiting for a response before continuing. “The barbarian is my brother, well, we share the same father anyway. I trust that you understand the predicament this puts me in, I would much rather deal with it privately with you than have his association to me humiliate my husband.”
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Eirini had little knowledge of her own as to where this was going and for a woman who excelled in the art of charm and subtle flirtation, she must confess to have felt truly out of her depth before Achilleas. Getting what she wanted was usually far easier when she had spent time getting to know a person – only then were they more pliable when it came to fulfilling her demands. As it were, their relationship (or perhaps acquaintance would have been a more accurate term) was practically non-existent.
This situation was uncomfortable for many reasons, mostly because the topic was a sensitive one for her; most knew of her humble origins, though the true depths of obscurity she had risen from were a closely guarded secret. Not even her children knew the truth, only Fotios, and here she was about to make herself vulnerable before a man she barely knew and had barely cared to get to know – he had been no use to her, until now.
A honeyed gaze peered at him beneath a thick set of dark lashes, a gaze that was warm to meet and yet Eirini bit down on her bottom lip as though she was hesitant to answer any questions he might have, and naturally there were a few. Her nose wrinkled slightly at his frown, and a slight irritation rose within her at his more that reasonable question – why could he not just spare her the humiliation?
Just as Eirini felt one response upon the tip of her tongue, Achilleas’ questions kept coming and suddenly she found herself at square one once again.
“How did you even come to hear of it?”
“…and who is her to you that it would see you come to see me, specifically to ask such a thing?”
These were no easier for her to find answers to than the first and so she paused for a moment, her mind frantically searching as she studied his demeanour, trying to sense if there were more questions to come. “There is very little that happens in this city that does not reach my ear, my lord… especially when it involves a member of nobility. People like to gossip.” Eirini spoke as though she was uttering a quiet warning towards any future transgressions he might partake in – not as a threat, but as a lesson yet to be learned.
“The who and why is a little more difficult for me to explain.” She stated truthfully. Arms folded across her chest as she tore her gaze from him a moment, it was evident that her tussle with the truth was grating on her. “Would you accept the explanation that he is simultaneously inconsequential and important to me?” Eirini voiced, though left him no room to answer as she shook her head. “No, I do not suppose you would.”
Turning back to face him, she sighed heavily before continuing. “I ask for your assurance that what I am going to say will not leave this room…” She paused, waiting for a response before continuing. “The barbarian is my brother, well, we share the same father anyway. I trust that you understand the predicament this puts me in, I would much rather deal with it privately with you than have his association to me humiliate my husband.”
Eirini had little knowledge of her own as to where this was going and for a woman who excelled in the art of charm and subtle flirtation, she must confess to have felt truly out of her depth before Achilleas. Getting what she wanted was usually far easier when she had spent time getting to know a person – only then were they more pliable when it came to fulfilling her demands. As it were, their relationship (or perhaps acquaintance would have been a more accurate term) was practically non-existent.
This situation was uncomfortable for many reasons, mostly because the topic was a sensitive one for her; most knew of her humble origins, though the true depths of obscurity she had risen from were a closely guarded secret. Not even her children knew the truth, only Fotios, and here she was about to make herself vulnerable before a man she barely knew and had barely cared to get to know – he had been no use to her, until now.
A honeyed gaze peered at him beneath a thick set of dark lashes, a gaze that was warm to meet and yet Eirini bit down on her bottom lip as though she was hesitant to answer any questions he might have, and naturally there were a few. Her nose wrinkled slightly at his frown, and a slight irritation rose within her at his more that reasonable question – why could he not just spare her the humiliation?
Just as Eirini felt one response upon the tip of her tongue, Achilleas’ questions kept coming and suddenly she found herself at square one once again.
“How did you even come to hear of it?”
“…and who is her to you that it would see you come to see me, specifically to ask such a thing?”
These were no easier for her to find answers to than the first and so she paused for a moment, her mind frantically searching as she studied his demeanour, trying to sense if there were more questions to come. “There is very little that happens in this city that does not reach my ear, my lord… especially when it involves a member of nobility. People like to gossip.” Eirini spoke as though she was uttering a quiet warning towards any future transgressions he might partake in – not as a threat, but as a lesson yet to be learned.
“The who and why is a little more difficult for me to explain.” She stated truthfully. Arms folded across her chest as she tore her gaze from him a moment, it was evident that her tussle with the truth was grating on her. “Would you accept the explanation that he is simultaneously inconsequential and important to me?” Eirini voiced, though left him no room to answer as she shook her head. “No, I do not suppose you would.”
Turning back to face him, she sighed heavily before continuing. “I ask for your assurance that what I am going to say will not leave this room…” She paused, waiting for a response before continuing. “The barbarian is my brother, well, we share the same father anyway. I trust that you understand the predicament this puts me in, I would much rather deal with it privately with you than have his association to me humiliate my husband.”
The Lady Eirini might have been considering how little she knew of the man before her, but she chose well in her answer it would seem, because Achilleas seemed a little abashed at the thought that his conduct would be the subject of gossip. He pushed a hand through his hair and thought how the last thing he needed was some further wrongdoing for his father to chastise him over. It threw him off a little from the indignation that her words had initially stirred in him, as the Mikaelidas lord regretted, not for the first time, how he had allowed himself to be goaded into an unbecoming brawl.
It was that insufferable lout who was to blame, and Achilleas found it hard to fathom why a woman such as Lady Eirini of Leventi would hold any interest in such a fool. But she was being cagey with her responses, and that further provoked his curiosity, tugging his thoughts away from the worry that he might have tarnished his own name. The slightest tilt of his head to the side suggested that he would not be satisfied with her non-answer, but Achilleas had barely opened his mouth to speak when the Leventi woman continued.
“Of course,” he said, in answer to her request for his discretion, the lord growing more confused with every moment. Usually, a man who stayed well clear of the scheming and plotting that he knew went on amongst the courtiers of Vasiliadon, he was beginning to wonder about this late-night visit. What had he unwittingly stumbled into here?
Whatever he had thought might fall from Eirini’s perfectly sweet lips, it was not what she said next, and Achilleas failed at measuring his expression, the surprise clear upon his face. Her brother? He gaped at the Leventi woman for a moment.
It was known, but not spoken of, that the Lord Fotios’ wife was not of noble birth, but in truth, Achilleas had thought perhaps she was just from money if not title. But the man he had tussled within the gardens had hardly given such an impression and now the lord wondered more of the story of the woman before him.
Truth be told, he had perhaps carried a secret flame the dark-haired beauty in his youth, for the Lady Eirini had a certain provocative appeal that any hot-blooded man would be hard pushed to ignore, let alone a teenage boy. And now as he blinked at this knowledge that she had a ruffian fool for a brother currently sitting in jail at his behest. Well it was not a situation that teenage or adult Achilleas would have foreseen.
“Oh” he managed, buying himself a little time before he responded properly. This was..complicated.
“Your...brother? He is known to you then? I confess I find it hard to believe that one such as he can lay claim to familial connection with you. But if it is true..” he paused and frowned a little “..then yes, I see your dilemma. Though there is no reason Lord Fotios need hear about the incarceration of some petty criminal. I do not think you need worry”
And then Achilleas looked up at her sharply “Unless you mean that the ingrate is threatening you somehow, Lady Eirini? For if it is so, I assure you I would be delighted to see his head removed from his shoulders for daring”
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The Lady Eirini might have been considering how little she knew of the man before her, but she chose well in her answer it would seem, because Achilleas seemed a little abashed at the thought that his conduct would be the subject of gossip. He pushed a hand through his hair and thought how the last thing he needed was some further wrongdoing for his father to chastise him over. It threw him off a little from the indignation that her words had initially stirred in him, as the Mikaelidas lord regretted, not for the first time, how he had allowed himself to be goaded into an unbecoming brawl.
It was that insufferable lout who was to blame, and Achilleas found it hard to fathom why a woman such as Lady Eirini of Leventi would hold any interest in such a fool. But she was being cagey with her responses, and that further provoked his curiosity, tugging his thoughts away from the worry that he might have tarnished his own name. The slightest tilt of his head to the side suggested that he would not be satisfied with her non-answer, but Achilleas had barely opened his mouth to speak when the Leventi woman continued.
“Of course,” he said, in answer to her request for his discretion, the lord growing more confused with every moment. Usually, a man who stayed well clear of the scheming and plotting that he knew went on amongst the courtiers of Vasiliadon, he was beginning to wonder about this late-night visit. What had he unwittingly stumbled into here?
Whatever he had thought might fall from Eirini’s perfectly sweet lips, it was not what she said next, and Achilleas failed at measuring his expression, the surprise clear upon his face. Her brother? He gaped at the Leventi woman for a moment.
It was known, but not spoken of, that the Lord Fotios’ wife was not of noble birth, but in truth, Achilleas had thought perhaps she was just from money if not title. But the man he had tussled within the gardens had hardly given such an impression and now the lord wondered more of the story of the woman before him.
Truth be told, he had perhaps carried a secret flame the dark-haired beauty in his youth, for the Lady Eirini had a certain provocative appeal that any hot-blooded man would be hard pushed to ignore, let alone a teenage boy. And now as he blinked at this knowledge that she had a ruffian fool for a brother currently sitting in jail at his behest. Well it was not a situation that teenage or adult Achilleas would have foreseen.
“Oh” he managed, buying himself a little time before he responded properly. This was..complicated.
“Your...brother? He is known to you then? I confess I find it hard to believe that one such as he can lay claim to familial connection with you. But if it is true..” he paused and frowned a little “..then yes, I see your dilemma. Though there is no reason Lord Fotios need hear about the incarceration of some petty criminal. I do not think you need worry”
And then Achilleas looked up at her sharply “Unless you mean that the ingrate is threatening you somehow, Lady Eirini? For if it is so, I assure you I would be delighted to see his head removed from his shoulders for daring”
The Lady Eirini might have been considering how little she knew of the man before her, but she chose well in her answer it would seem, because Achilleas seemed a little abashed at the thought that his conduct would be the subject of gossip. He pushed a hand through his hair and thought how the last thing he needed was some further wrongdoing for his father to chastise him over. It threw him off a little from the indignation that her words had initially stirred in him, as the Mikaelidas lord regretted, not for the first time, how he had allowed himself to be goaded into an unbecoming brawl.
It was that insufferable lout who was to blame, and Achilleas found it hard to fathom why a woman such as Lady Eirini of Leventi would hold any interest in such a fool. But she was being cagey with her responses, and that further provoked his curiosity, tugging his thoughts away from the worry that he might have tarnished his own name. The slightest tilt of his head to the side suggested that he would not be satisfied with her non-answer, but Achilleas had barely opened his mouth to speak when the Leventi woman continued.
“Of course,” he said, in answer to her request for his discretion, the lord growing more confused with every moment. Usually, a man who stayed well clear of the scheming and plotting that he knew went on amongst the courtiers of Vasiliadon, he was beginning to wonder about this late-night visit. What had he unwittingly stumbled into here?
Whatever he had thought might fall from Eirini’s perfectly sweet lips, it was not what she said next, and Achilleas failed at measuring his expression, the surprise clear upon his face. Her brother? He gaped at the Leventi woman for a moment.
It was known, but not spoken of, that the Lord Fotios’ wife was not of noble birth, but in truth, Achilleas had thought perhaps she was just from money if not title. But the man he had tussled within the gardens had hardly given such an impression and now the lord wondered more of the story of the woman before him.
Truth be told, he had perhaps carried a secret flame the dark-haired beauty in his youth, for the Lady Eirini had a certain provocative appeal that any hot-blooded man would be hard pushed to ignore, let alone a teenage boy. And now as he blinked at this knowledge that she had a ruffian fool for a brother currently sitting in jail at his behest. Well it was not a situation that teenage or adult Achilleas would have foreseen.
“Oh” he managed, buying himself a little time before he responded properly. This was..complicated.
“Your...brother? He is known to you then? I confess I find it hard to believe that one such as he can lay claim to familial connection with you. But if it is true..” he paused and frowned a little “..then yes, I see your dilemma. Though there is no reason Lord Fotios need hear about the incarceration of some petty criminal. I do not think you need worry”
And then Achilleas looked up at her sharply “Unless you mean that the ingrate is threatening you somehow, Lady Eirini? For if it is so, I assure you I would be delighted to see his head removed from his shoulders for daring”
Being so close to Achilleas, Eirini admired the handsomeness of his features. Of course, there had never been any doubt that he nor his brothers would favour their father, even as children she recalled their dark and sculptured countenances... the type of sons she had often envisioned and craved herself to have, had the gods ever decided to bless her.
Alas, the days of his boyhood were behind him now and before Eirini stood a man, but a man of what character remained to be seen. From their interactions at courtly events Achilleas had always proved himself to be of polite and affable character, but beyond that Eirini would admit to knowing very little of him – something that she would endeavour to rectify after this evening, that was for certain!
Yet, Eirini still prided herself on her ability to read people and so she was able to cater her own actions around what she deduced from the other. Thus her honesty and damsel-in-distress demeanour had replaced the usual charming vixen that often came to the surface when she wanted something from a man, though such characteristics did still linger.
"We share that sentiment, my lord." The disgust in her tone was not completely forged, for Eirini was nothing if not a woman who valued appearances and she could only imagine the gossip should it become public knowledge of her affiliation to this man. Relief shone in her amber hues as he relayed that Fotios need not learn of such events; pushing herself up on her toes, Eirini's body pressed against his young and hardened one, her lips upon his cheek as she displayed her gratitude. "Gods bless you.." her breathy words hummed in his ear as she pulled back a little but kept her hands upon his upper arms.
Eirini's expression brightened tremendously at his following remark, eyes warming and a small smile curled at her lips. "No, my sweet lord, he does not threaten me and whilst I would confess to his presence being a nuisance to me, especially after this evenings events – I dare he would deserve such a fate for provoking a man as fine as yourself.." Her hand raised to lightly cup his cheek. "But like it or not, he is my family... the only family I have left from that part of my life and I feel a need to help him if I can. I hope you can forgive my womanly sentiments, I know they might appear to be... naive." Glancing down, she bit her lip and wiped away a lone tear that rolled over her cheek.
"As I say, I would be indebted to you, my lord.."
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Being so close to Achilleas, Eirini admired the handsomeness of his features. Of course, there had never been any doubt that he nor his brothers would favour their father, even as children she recalled their dark and sculptured countenances... the type of sons she had often envisioned and craved herself to have, had the gods ever decided to bless her.
Alas, the days of his boyhood were behind him now and before Eirini stood a man, but a man of what character remained to be seen. From their interactions at courtly events Achilleas had always proved himself to be of polite and affable character, but beyond that Eirini would admit to knowing very little of him – something that she would endeavour to rectify after this evening, that was for certain!
Yet, Eirini still prided herself on her ability to read people and so she was able to cater her own actions around what she deduced from the other. Thus her honesty and damsel-in-distress demeanour had replaced the usual charming vixen that often came to the surface when she wanted something from a man, though such characteristics did still linger.
"We share that sentiment, my lord." The disgust in her tone was not completely forged, for Eirini was nothing if not a woman who valued appearances and she could only imagine the gossip should it become public knowledge of her affiliation to this man. Relief shone in her amber hues as he relayed that Fotios need not learn of such events; pushing herself up on her toes, Eirini's body pressed against his young and hardened one, her lips upon his cheek as she displayed her gratitude. "Gods bless you.." her breathy words hummed in his ear as she pulled back a little but kept her hands upon his upper arms.
Eirini's expression brightened tremendously at his following remark, eyes warming and a small smile curled at her lips. "No, my sweet lord, he does not threaten me and whilst I would confess to his presence being a nuisance to me, especially after this evenings events – I dare he would deserve such a fate for provoking a man as fine as yourself.." Her hand raised to lightly cup his cheek. "But like it or not, he is my family... the only family I have left from that part of my life and I feel a need to help him if I can. I hope you can forgive my womanly sentiments, I know they might appear to be... naive." Glancing down, she bit her lip and wiped away a lone tear that rolled over her cheek.
"As I say, I would be indebted to you, my lord.."
Being so close to Achilleas, Eirini admired the handsomeness of his features. Of course, there had never been any doubt that he nor his brothers would favour their father, even as children she recalled their dark and sculptured countenances... the type of sons she had often envisioned and craved herself to have, had the gods ever decided to bless her.
Alas, the days of his boyhood were behind him now and before Eirini stood a man, but a man of what character remained to be seen. From their interactions at courtly events Achilleas had always proved himself to be of polite and affable character, but beyond that Eirini would admit to knowing very little of him – something that she would endeavour to rectify after this evening, that was for certain!
Yet, Eirini still prided herself on her ability to read people and so she was able to cater her own actions around what she deduced from the other. Thus her honesty and damsel-in-distress demeanour had replaced the usual charming vixen that often came to the surface when she wanted something from a man, though such characteristics did still linger.
"We share that sentiment, my lord." The disgust in her tone was not completely forged, for Eirini was nothing if not a woman who valued appearances and she could only imagine the gossip should it become public knowledge of her affiliation to this man. Relief shone in her amber hues as he relayed that Fotios need not learn of such events; pushing herself up on her toes, Eirini's body pressed against his young and hardened one, her lips upon his cheek as she displayed her gratitude. "Gods bless you.." her breathy words hummed in his ear as she pulled back a little but kept her hands upon his upper arms.
Eirini's expression brightened tremendously at his following remark, eyes warming and a small smile curled at her lips. "No, my sweet lord, he does not threaten me and whilst I would confess to his presence being a nuisance to me, especially after this evenings events – I dare he would deserve such a fate for provoking a man as fine as yourself.." Her hand raised to lightly cup his cheek. "But like it or not, he is my family... the only family I have left from that part of my life and I feel a need to help him if I can. I hope you can forgive my womanly sentiments, I know they might appear to be... naive." Glancing down, she bit her lip and wiped away a lone tear that rolled over her cheek.
"As I say, I would be indebted to you, my lord.."
He had not been prepared for the Leventi woman’s show of gratitude, for her to eradicate the space between them so completely that he could feel the softness of her pressed up against his chest, and it would have been a lie to say that he remained entirely unaffected by the closeness or the kiss that she left upon his cheek.
And that she did not retreat entirely either, but kept her hands upon him, had Achilleas feeling a little flustered, and he took a sip of wine as a reason to create just a tiny bit more space for himself. He hadn’t followed the thought through to its logical conclusion immediately, but as he did, he realised that Lady Eirini’s words suggested that her husband did not know of her connection to the imprisoned man, and that was...well. He wasn’t a lover of secrets, and certainly not being the keeper of one that was an omission between a husband and a wife. Gods, what had he agreed to? Never mind the fact that he did not want to see that idiot released a day before he deserved because his pride still stung. The sheer insolence the other had shown...
But as he reluctantly lowered the cup that he’d used to create a barrier between he and the Leventi Matriarch - his soon to be Aunt he reminded himself sternly - he realised he could hardly bear to go back on his word now, not with how happy Lady Eirini looked. And it was very difficult for him to be concerned about who knew what when she reached up to cup his face with her hand, looking up at him with those big dark eyes that shone almost so he thought...
Fuck. Fuck. Yes she was crying.
“Its fine” Achilleas said hurriedly, settling his own hand over the smaller one of the Lady Leventi’s and drawing it away from his face. “Honestly..don’t give another thought to it. Our Houses have enough ties to one another that it is hardly a great favour to ask. Had I known his relationship to you, my Lady I would…” though then Achilleas stopped himself because he did not much like to lie, and to imply he would not have been moved to teach the man some manners anyway would have been edging into dishonesty “...well I might not have had him thrown in the Fylaki.”
Frowning, he continued, keen to defer any further womanly setiments. “I will write the guardsman to have your brother released come the morro.” Under the immediate threat of tears, the promise was easily made, though the words tasted bitter.
“I would ask you bid him stay out of my way though ,my Lady. I have not infinite patience and your brother is very trying of it”
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He had not been prepared for the Leventi woman’s show of gratitude, for her to eradicate the space between them so completely that he could feel the softness of her pressed up against his chest, and it would have been a lie to say that he remained entirely unaffected by the closeness or the kiss that she left upon his cheek.
And that she did not retreat entirely either, but kept her hands upon him, had Achilleas feeling a little flustered, and he took a sip of wine as a reason to create just a tiny bit more space for himself. He hadn’t followed the thought through to its logical conclusion immediately, but as he did, he realised that Lady Eirini’s words suggested that her husband did not know of her connection to the imprisoned man, and that was...well. He wasn’t a lover of secrets, and certainly not being the keeper of one that was an omission between a husband and a wife. Gods, what had he agreed to? Never mind the fact that he did not want to see that idiot released a day before he deserved because his pride still stung. The sheer insolence the other had shown...
But as he reluctantly lowered the cup that he’d used to create a barrier between he and the Leventi Matriarch - his soon to be Aunt he reminded himself sternly - he realised he could hardly bear to go back on his word now, not with how happy Lady Eirini looked. And it was very difficult for him to be concerned about who knew what when she reached up to cup his face with her hand, looking up at him with those big dark eyes that shone almost so he thought...
Fuck. Fuck. Yes she was crying.
“Its fine” Achilleas said hurriedly, settling his own hand over the smaller one of the Lady Leventi’s and drawing it away from his face. “Honestly..don’t give another thought to it. Our Houses have enough ties to one another that it is hardly a great favour to ask. Had I known his relationship to you, my Lady I would…” though then Achilleas stopped himself because he did not much like to lie, and to imply he would not have been moved to teach the man some manners anyway would have been edging into dishonesty “...well I might not have had him thrown in the Fylaki.”
Frowning, he continued, keen to defer any further womanly setiments. “I will write the guardsman to have your brother released come the morro.” Under the immediate threat of tears, the promise was easily made, though the words tasted bitter.
“I would ask you bid him stay out of my way though ,my Lady. I have not infinite patience and your brother is very trying of it”
He had not been prepared for the Leventi woman’s show of gratitude, for her to eradicate the space between them so completely that he could feel the softness of her pressed up against his chest, and it would have been a lie to say that he remained entirely unaffected by the closeness or the kiss that she left upon his cheek.
And that she did not retreat entirely either, but kept her hands upon him, had Achilleas feeling a little flustered, and he took a sip of wine as a reason to create just a tiny bit more space for himself. He hadn’t followed the thought through to its logical conclusion immediately, but as he did, he realised that Lady Eirini’s words suggested that her husband did not know of her connection to the imprisoned man, and that was...well. He wasn’t a lover of secrets, and certainly not being the keeper of one that was an omission between a husband and a wife. Gods, what had he agreed to? Never mind the fact that he did not want to see that idiot released a day before he deserved because his pride still stung. The sheer insolence the other had shown...
But as he reluctantly lowered the cup that he’d used to create a barrier between he and the Leventi Matriarch - his soon to be Aunt he reminded himself sternly - he realised he could hardly bear to go back on his word now, not with how happy Lady Eirini looked. And it was very difficult for him to be concerned about who knew what when she reached up to cup his face with her hand, looking up at him with those big dark eyes that shone almost so he thought...
Fuck. Fuck. Yes she was crying.
“Its fine” Achilleas said hurriedly, settling his own hand over the smaller one of the Lady Leventi’s and drawing it away from his face. “Honestly..don’t give another thought to it. Our Houses have enough ties to one another that it is hardly a great favour to ask. Had I known his relationship to you, my Lady I would…” though then Achilleas stopped himself because he did not much like to lie, and to imply he would not have been moved to teach the man some manners anyway would have been edging into dishonesty “...well I might not have had him thrown in the Fylaki.”
Frowning, he continued, keen to defer any further womanly setiments. “I will write the guardsman to have your brother released come the morro.” Under the immediate threat of tears, the promise was easily made, though the words tasted bitter.
“I would ask you bid him stay out of my way though ,my Lady. I have not infinite patience and your brother is very trying of it”
Eirini knew a flustered man when she saw one, and it was with no small amount of pride that she boasted her ability to achieve such a reaction within the opposite sex. She often likened it to a philanderer managing to coax a blush upon the cheeks of a virgin –– not overtly difficult but wickedly fun and deeply satisfying. Of course, Achilleas was far from a blushing starry-eyed virgin, which only made his reaction all-the-more utterly delightful.
Yet being a woman who ate, slept and breathed the art of seduction, as though it was some religious tome, she also knew when to press and when to withdraw. Thus, Achilleas' attempts to put a little space between them was noted and acted upon, subtly she took a step back, though gripped his hand as he pulled their now entwined appendages from his cheek.
Bless his heart, she mused to herself, was it his tears or arousal that shifted him uncomfortably?
Eirini smiled almost bashfully, her head dipping slightly at his words and from her chest rose a lightly but melodic chortle, "you had every right. The man is a great embarrassment to me and I shall carry his shame with me... oh but you, Achilleas, your noble gesture has spared me a great deal of embarrassment and I thank you sincerely, from the bottom of my heart." Bringing their entwined hands to her chest, she sipped her head once more to place a kiss upon his knuckles before releasing him completely.
"Of course, he shall not be a bother you again, my lord! As I say, I am humbly in your debt and if there is anything else I can do for you, anything at all... my door is always open."
With a deep breath, Eirini mimicked regaining her composure, hands smoothed along her the material of her chiton and her chest rose and fell with every breath. "On the morrow, you say?" She repeated his words, "Well, do feel free to make his final night in the cell as uncomfortable as you desire... gods know that he deserves it."
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Eirini knew a flustered man when she saw one, and it was with no small amount of pride that she boasted her ability to achieve such a reaction within the opposite sex. She often likened it to a philanderer managing to coax a blush upon the cheeks of a virgin –– not overtly difficult but wickedly fun and deeply satisfying. Of course, Achilleas was far from a blushing starry-eyed virgin, which only made his reaction all-the-more utterly delightful.
Yet being a woman who ate, slept and breathed the art of seduction, as though it was some religious tome, she also knew when to press and when to withdraw. Thus, Achilleas' attempts to put a little space between them was noted and acted upon, subtly she took a step back, though gripped his hand as he pulled their now entwined appendages from his cheek.
Bless his heart, she mused to herself, was it his tears or arousal that shifted him uncomfortably?
Eirini smiled almost bashfully, her head dipping slightly at his words and from her chest rose a lightly but melodic chortle, "you had every right. The man is a great embarrassment to me and I shall carry his shame with me... oh but you, Achilleas, your noble gesture has spared me a great deal of embarrassment and I thank you sincerely, from the bottom of my heart." Bringing their entwined hands to her chest, she sipped her head once more to place a kiss upon his knuckles before releasing him completely.
"Of course, he shall not be a bother you again, my lord! As I say, I am humbly in your debt and if there is anything else I can do for you, anything at all... my door is always open."
With a deep breath, Eirini mimicked regaining her composure, hands smoothed along her the material of her chiton and her chest rose and fell with every breath. "On the morrow, you say?" She repeated his words, "Well, do feel free to make his final night in the cell as uncomfortable as you desire... gods know that he deserves it."
Eirini knew a flustered man when she saw one, and it was with no small amount of pride that she boasted her ability to achieve such a reaction within the opposite sex. She often likened it to a philanderer managing to coax a blush upon the cheeks of a virgin –– not overtly difficult but wickedly fun and deeply satisfying. Of course, Achilleas was far from a blushing starry-eyed virgin, which only made his reaction all-the-more utterly delightful.
Yet being a woman who ate, slept and breathed the art of seduction, as though it was some religious tome, she also knew when to press and when to withdraw. Thus, Achilleas' attempts to put a little space between them was noted and acted upon, subtly she took a step back, though gripped his hand as he pulled their now entwined appendages from his cheek.
Bless his heart, she mused to herself, was it his tears or arousal that shifted him uncomfortably?
Eirini smiled almost bashfully, her head dipping slightly at his words and from her chest rose a lightly but melodic chortle, "you had every right. The man is a great embarrassment to me and I shall carry his shame with me... oh but you, Achilleas, your noble gesture has spared me a great deal of embarrassment and I thank you sincerely, from the bottom of my heart." Bringing their entwined hands to her chest, she sipped her head once more to place a kiss upon his knuckles before releasing him completely.
"Of course, he shall not be a bother you again, my lord! As I say, I am humbly in your debt and if there is anything else I can do for you, anything at all... my door is always open."
With a deep breath, Eirini mimicked regaining her composure, hands smoothed along her the material of her chiton and her chest rose and fell with every breath. "On the morrow, you say?" She repeated his words, "Well, do feel free to make his final night in the cell as uncomfortable as you desire... gods know that he deserves it."
Achilleas was comfortable with neither the easy way Lady Eirini seemed to stir his interest, nor her tears. It was difficult to pick one over the other, but it was perhaps the unhindered show of emotion that had him concede so easily to her request. He had never been good with tears, he disliked thinking that he had somehow contributed to the cause, nor was he particularly adept at offering comfort. His recent interactions with his bride to be had left him in no doubt as to that.
This time though, it seemed as if the Leventi lady was fairly easily pacified. All it took was his setting aside his own wounded pride. Perhaps he might usually have fought harder for his cause, but Achilleas would pick his battles. And he swallowed as Eirina captured his hand to drop a kiss upon it, resisted the urge to snatch it back to himself and away from the warmth of her skin that she cradled it to.
“As I have said, had I known he was your brother…”
Because he was not stupid, and Achilleas knew well enough how mch trouble he would be in if he managed to do anything to throw off his upcoming nuptuals. His father had left him in no doubt that they were to be his only focus for this time, to the extent of yanking away his other responsibilities. Not offending the Leventi matriarch factored quite highly in his list of priorities at that point, then.
Judging by Eirini’s words, he had avoided doing that, and perhaps losing the satisfaction of knowing that ingrate was in the pit where he belonged could be offset at having created some goodwill between himself and his soon-to-be family. Though of course Lord Fotios was not to know.
“I am only hopeful that he has had time to reflect already, my lady” Achilleas said, looking momentarily irritated at the thought of the man’s release. But he had given his word now, and that was as good as written in blood when it came to the Mikaelidas man’s own code of honour.
“Please do not speak of debts. I can offer my sympathies that you have such a man to contend with”
But perhaps the less said about that the better, Achilleas already uncomfortable bearing the secret she had shared with him that evening. With the Lady Eirini seemingly recovered from her emotional outburst, he would ensure she had an escort home, before trying to dull the feeling that his triumph over the lout from the temple was less resounding than he might have liked.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
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Achilleas was comfortable with neither the easy way Lady Eirini seemed to stir his interest, nor her tears. It was difficult to pick one over the other, but it was perhaps the unhindered show of emotion that had him concede so easily to her request. He had never been good with tears, he disliked thinking that he had somehow contributed to the cause, nor was he particularly adept at offering comfort. His recent interactions with his bride to be had left him in no doubt as to that.
This time though, it seemed as if the Leventi lady was fairly easily pacified. All it took was his setting aside his own wounded pride. Perhaps he might usually have fought harder for his cause, but Achilleas would pick his battles. And he swallowed as Eirina captured his hand to drop a kiss upon it, resisted the urge to snatch it back to himself and away from the warmth of her skin that she cradled it to.
“As I have said, had I known he was your brother…”
Because he was not stupid, and Achilleas knew well enough how mch trouble he would be in if he managed to do anything to throw off his upcoming nuptuals. His father had left him in no doubt that they were to be his only focus for this time, to the extent of yanking away his other responsibilities. Not offending the Leventi matriarch factored quite highly in his list of priorities at that point, then.
Judging by Eirini’s words, he had avoided doing that, and perhaps losing the satisfaction of knowing that ingrate was in the pit where he belonged could be offset at having created some goodwill between himself and his soon-to-be family. Though of course Lord Fotios was not to know.
“I am only hopeful that he has had time to reflect already, my lady” Achilleas said, looking momentarily irritated at the thought of the man’s release. But he had given his word now, and that was as good as written in blood when it came to the Mikaelidas man’s own code of honour.
“Please do not speak of debts. I can offer my sympathies that you have such a man to contend with”
But perhaps the less said about that the better, Achilleas already uncomfortable bearing the secret she had shared with him that evening. With the Lady Eirini seemingly recovered from her emotional outburst, he would ensure she had an escort home, before trying to dull the feeling that his triumph over the lout from the temple was less resounding than he might have liked.
Achilleas was comfortable with neither the easy way Lady Eirini seemed to stir his interest, nor her tears. It was difficult to pick one over the other, but it was perhaps the unhindered show of emotion that had him concede so easily to her request. He had never been good with tears, he disliked thinking that he had somehow contributed to the cause, nor was he particularly adept at offering comfort. His recent interactions with his bride to be had left him in no doubt as to that.
This time though, it seemed as if the Leventi lady was fairly easily pacified. All it took was his setting aside his own wounded pride. Perhaps he might usually have fought harder for his cause, but Achilleas would pick his battles. And he swallowed as Eirina captured his hand to drop a kiss upon it, resisted the urge to snatch it back to himself and away from the warmth of her skin that she cradled it to.
“As I have said, had I known he was your brother…”
Because he was not stupid, and Achilleas knew well enough how mch trouble he would be in if he managed to do anything to throw off his upcoming nuptuals. His father had left him in no doubt that they were to be his only focus for this time, to the extent of yanking away his other responsibilities. Not offending the Leventi matriarch factored quite highly in his list of priorities at that point, then.
Judging by Eirini’s words, he had avoided doing that, and perhaps losing the satisfaction of knowing that ingrate was in the pit where he belonged could be offset at having created some goodwill between himself and his soon-to-be family. Though of course Lord Fotios was not to know.
“I am only hopeful that he has had time to reflect already, my lady” Achilleas said, looking momentarily irritated at the thought of the man’s release. But he had given his word now, and that was as good as written in blood when it came to the Mikaelidas man’s own code of honour.
“Please do not speak of debts. I can offer my sympathies that you have such a man to contend with”
But perhaps the less said about that the better, Achilleas already uncomfortable bearing the secret she had shared with him that evening. With the Lady Eirini seemingly recovered from her emotional outburst, he would ensure she had an escort home, before trying to dull the feeling that his triumph over the lout from the temple was less resounding than he might have liked.