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Riding in the carriage with her sister and Theodora had been a solemn affair, a fitting succession to the dinner Achilleas had called the previous evening. Little was said as the Mikaelidas family gathered together, their final chance as Achilleas would soon depart to lead the effort against Egypt’s forces in an attempt to avoid a full-blown war. Gianna had little patience for the politics and even less comprehension of the tactics. While she had of course studied a number of wars in her history lessons, her only personal experience was with the gruesome consequences.
Flanking her cousin as they stood on the shore, just a step behind her sister, the youngest Royal refused to allow her mind to entertain any outcome but a Taengean victory. She could not bear to see the crown on yet another head due to unnatural causes. Accepting the well wishes of other nobles did little to quiet her nerves. She knew why she stood by her cousin—her King, but she could not suppress the nervous energy that seemed to radiate from her slender frame. Gianna felt quite trapped, helpless in her position as both a woman and a child of the recently ousted Royal line.
The Fates seemed to favor her, she mused, as Achilleas and Theodora stepped away for a private moment during a brief lull in activity on the beach. Glancing at Emilios, Gianna found him caught in conversation with Lord Fotios. With luck, her sister would find her way into conversation with the Lord as well. Taking advantage of the opportunity as it had been presented to her, Gianna murmured her departure to Xene, not sticking around to hear the older woman’s response. She did not need to seek out an excuse for long as she spied Evangelina making her own escape.
Gianna met Evangelina within a handful of paces, catching the shorter girl by the elbow. In a single motion, the blonde had pulled her companion close and changed their direction of travel so they were strolling alongside the water, just out of reach of the waves and curious ears. “What a lovely day for such a melancholy event, wouldn’t you agree Lady Evangelina?” she offered the other woman the customary and superficial pleasantries in greeting before lowering her voice to confide in her friend, “I must admit that I harbor some unease regarding the coming months. Do you think that would be considered normal?”
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Riding in the carriage with her sister and Theodora had been a solemn affair, a fitting succession to the dinner Achilleas had called the previous evening. Little was said as the Mikaelidas family gathered together, their final chance as Achilleas would soon depart to lead the effort against Egypt’s forces in an attempt to avoid a full-blown war. Gianna had little patience for the politics and even less comprehension of the tactics. While she had of course studied a number of wars in her history lessons, her only personal experience was with the gruesome consequences.
Flanking her cousin as they stood on the shore, just a step behind her sister, the youngest Royal refused to allow her mind to entertain any outcome but a Taengean victory. She could not bear to see the crown on yet another head due to unnatural causes. Accepting the well wishes of other nobles did little to quiet her nerves. She knew why she stood by her cousin—her King, but she could not suppress the nervous energy that seemed to radiate from her slender frame. Gianna felt quite trapped, helpless in her position as both a woman and a child of the recently ousted Royal line.
The Fates seemed to favor her, she mused, as Achilleas and Theodora stepped away for a private moment during a brief lull in activity on the beach. Glancing at Emilios, Gianna found him caught in conversation with Lord Fotios. With luck, her sister would find her way into conversation with the Lord as well. Taking advantage of the opportunity as it had been presented to her, Gianna murmured her departure to Xene, not sticking around to hear the older woman’s response. She did not need to seek out an excuse for long as she spied Evangelina making her own escape.
Gianna met Evangelina within a handful of paces, catching the shorter girl by the elbow. In a single motion, the blonde had pulled her companion close and changed their direction of travel so they were strolling alongside the water, just out of reach of the waves and curious ears. “What a lovely day for such a melancholy event, wouldn’t you agree Lady Evangelina?” she offered the other woman the customary and superficial pleasantries in greeting before lowering her voice to confide in her friend, “I must admit that I harbor some unease regarding the coming months. Do you think that would be considered normal?”
Riding in the carriage with her sister and Theodora had been a solemn affair, a fitting succession to the dinner Achilleas had called the previous evening. Little was said as the Mikaelidas family gathered together, their final chance as Achilleas would soon depart to lead the effort against Egypt’s forces in an attempt to avoid a full-blown war. Gianna had little patience for the politics and even less comprehension of the tactics. While she had of course studied a number of wars in her history lessons, her only personal experience was with the gruesome consequences.
Flanking her cousin as they stood on the shore, just a step behind her sister, the youngest Royal refused to allow her mind to entertain any outcome but a Taengean victory. She could not bear to see the crown on yet another head due to unnatural causes. Accepting the well wishes of other nobles did little to quiet her nerves. She knew why she stood by her cousin—her King, but she could not suppress the nervous energy that seemed to radiate from her slender frame. Gianna felt quite trapped, helpless in her position as both a woman and a child of the recently ousted Royal line.
The Fates seemed to favor her, she mused, as Achilleas and Theodora stepped away for a private moment during a brief lull in activity on the beach. Glancing at Emilios, Gianna found him caught in conversation with Lord Fotios. With luck, her sister would find her way into conversation with the Lord as well. Taking advantage of the opportunity as it had been presented to her, Gianna murmured her departure to Xene, not sticking around to hear the older woman’s response. She did not need to seek out an excuse for long as she spied Evangelina making her own escape.
Gianna met Evangelina within a handful of paces, catching the shorter girl by the elbow. In a single motion, the blonde had pulled her companion close and changed their direction of travel so they were strolling alongside the water, just out of reach of the waves and curious ears. “What a lovely day for such a melancholy event, wouldn’t you agree Lady Evangelina?” she offered the other woman the customary and superficial pleasantries in greeting before lowering her voice to confide in her friend, “I must admit that I harbor some unease regarding the coming months. Do you think that would be considered normal?”
Nodding to the queen, and Prince Emilios, Gavriil gave a last bow to Achilleas and moved away. He might have moved over to Evangelina but she was now surrounded by her own kin and he had nothing at all to say apart from polite greetings to the girls she spoke with. That meant it was easiest to rejoin Nikolias. Gavriil trudged over to the man and stood next to him, hands affixed behind his back. It was strange not to be going. Strange and a sign that time had moved on, irrespective of Gavriil or Nikolias or even Fotios. The soldiers going to fight this war were thirsting for glory, whereas Gavriil would have done it simply for duty, if he’d been called to do so. With the king having left it up to volunteers for the moment, since the contingent was so small, Gavriil hadn’t seen the need to go. Especially not being much of a sailor. There would always be a need of archers but he’d sent some men from his own provinces in his stead; young men who wanted to prove their worth.
Glancing over at Nikolias, he searched the man’s face, seeing anxiety there, and some bit of frustration. They’d discussed before that Nikolias was not a great lover of war, but indeed, who did like sending sons to die? It was a necessity, however, and Gavriil would never have stood in the way. He agreed that a preemptive strike was best, given the nature of the information and thought that Achilleas, while probably trying to cement his place on the throne, was making a wise decision. Though, as it was not his habit to fill the air with idle thoughts, Gavriil stood grave, resolute, and silent beside Nikolias, eyes on the ships and the men boarding. If someone was going to speak, Nikolias would have to break the silence first.
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Nodding to the queen, and Prince Emilios, Gavriil gave a last bow to Achilleas and moved away. He might have moved over to Evangelina but she was now surrounded by her own kin and he had nothing at all to say apart from polite greetings to the girls she spoke with. That meant it was easiest to rejoin Nikolias. Gavriil trudged over to the man and stood next to him, hands affixed behind his back. It was strange not to be going. Strange and a sign that time had moved on, irrespective of Gavriil or Nikolias or even Fotios. The soldiers going to fight this war were thirsting for glory, whereas Gavriil would have done it simply for duty, if he’d been called to do so. With the king having left it up to volunteers for the moment, since the contingent was so small, Gavriil hadn’t seen the need to go. Especially not being much of a sailor. There would always be a need of archers but he’d sent some men from his own provinces in his stead; young men who wanted to prove their worth.
Glancing over at Nikolias, he searched the man’s face, seeing anxiety there, and some bit of frustration. They’d discussed before that Nikolias was not a great lover of war, but indeed, who did like sending sons to die? It was a necessity, however, and Gavriil would never have stood in the way. He agreed that a preemptive strike was best, given the nature of the information and thought that Achilleas, while probably trying to cement his place on the throne, was making a wise decision. Though, as it was not his habit to fill the air with idle thoughts, Gavriil stood grave, resolute, and silent beside Nikolias, eyes on the ships and the men boarding. If someone was going to speak, Nikolias would have to break the silence first.
Nodding to the queen, and Prince Emilios, Gavriil gave a last bow to Achilleas and moved away. He might have moved over to Evangelina but she was now surrounded by her own kin and he had nothing at all to say apart from polite greetings to the girls she spoke with. That meant it was easiest to rejoin Nikolias. Gavriil trudged over to the man and stood next to him, hands affixed behind his back. It was strange not to be going. Strange and a sign that time had moved on, irrespective of Gavriil or Nikolias or even Fotios. The soldiers going to fight this war were thirsting for glory, whereas Gavriil would have done it simply for duty, if he’d been called to do so. With the king having left it up to volunteers for the moment, since the contingent was so small, Gavriil hadn’t seen the need to go. Especially not being much of a sailor. There would always be a need of archers but he’d sent some men from his own provinces in his stead; young men who wanted to prove their worth.
Glancing over at Nikolias, he searched the man’s face, seeing anxiety there, and some bit of frustration. They’d discussed before that Nikolias was not a great lover of war, but indeed, who did like sending sons to die? It was a necessity, however, and Gavriil would never have stood in the way. He agreed that a preemptive strike was best, given the nature of the information and thought that Achilleas, while probably trying to cement his place on the throne, was making a wise decision. Though, as it was not his habit to fill the air with idle thoughts, Gavriil stood grave, resolute, and silent beside Nikolias, eyes on the ships and the men boarding. If someone was going to speak, Nikolias would have to break the silence first.
As he watched the men board at last, it was as if, now that he'd vented his frustration, Nikolias finally realized what had to be done. As Gavriil joined him, Nikolias did not say more than he felt he had to, knowing that his friend was not fond of long speeches any more than he himself was.
"My frustration and anxiety is only for Taengea. While I agree- at least in theory- (for he meant by adding that that anything could happen) that a preemptive strike is a good measure, I feel that it also leaves us especially vulnerable at this time, and I feel as though it is possible that every country around knows that our king was only shortly crowned- not just Egypt. Therefore, it is possible that we must be prepared for an attack to come from anywhere. If I were onlyworried about the Egyptians, perhaps it would be different, but as it is, in any case, protective measures cannot wait long. Perhaps, given the unrest in Taengea even before this moment, we have waited too long already. What do you think, Lord Gavriil? I, for one, hope we have not waited too long, but would still guess that there is little time to waste."
Yes, he thought it was time to act. The city's defenses no doubt needed to be strengthened and improved in some areas, though by what means and to what extent Nikolias was still trying to figure out. Perhaps later, he ought to go outside and take a look at Vasiliadon from the perspective of a warrior trying to enter the city.
At least the experience in the most recent war that had almost both physically and mentally killed him finally felt like it might be good for something.
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As he watched the men board at last, it was as if, now that he'd vented his frustration, Nikolias finally realized what had to be done. As Gavriil joined him, Nikolias did not say more than he felt he had to, knowing that his friend was not fond of long speeches any more than he himself was.
"My frustration and anxiety is only for Taengea. While I agree- at least in theory- (for he meant by adding that that anything could happen) that a preemptive strike is a good measure, I feel that it also leaves us especially vulnerable at this time, and I feel as though it is possible that every country around knows that our king was only shortly crowned- not just Egypt. Therefore, it is possible that we must be prepared for an attack to come from anywhere. If I were onlyworried about the Egyptians, perhaps it would be different, but as it is, in any case, protective measures cannot wait long. Perhaps, given the unrest in Taengea even before this moment, we have waited too long already. What do you think, Lord Gavriil? I, for one, hope we have not waited too long, but would still guess that there is little time to waste."
Yes, he thought it was time to act. The city's defenses no doubt needed to be strengthened and improved in some areas, though by what means and to what extent Nikolias was still trying to figure out. Perhaps later, he ought to go outside and take a look at Vasiliadon from the perspective of a warrior trying to enter the city.
At least the experience in the most recent war that had almost both physically and mentally killed him finally felt like it might be good for something.
As he watched the men board at last, it was as if, now that he'd vented his frustration, Nikolias finally realized what had to be done. As Gavriil joined him, Nikolias did not say more than he felt he had to, knowing that his friend was not fond of long speeches any more than he himself was.
"My frustration and anxiety is only for Taengea. While I agree- at least in theory- (for he meant by adding that that anything could happen) that a preemptive strike is a good measure, I feel that it also leaves us especially vulnerable at this time, and I feel as though it is possible that every country around knows that our king was only shortly crowned- not just Egypt. Therefore, it is possible that we must be prepared for an attack to come from anywhere. If I were onlyworried about the Egyptians, perhaps it would be different, but as it is, in any case, protective measures cannot wait long. Perhaps, given the unrest in Taengea even before this moment, we have waited too long already. What do you think, Lord Gavriil? I, for one, hope we have not waited too long, but would still guess that there is little time to waste."
Yes, he thought it was time to act. The city's defenses no doubt needed to be strengthened and improved in some areas, though by what means and to what extent Nikolias was still trying to figure out. Perhaps later, he ought to go outside and take a look at Vasiliadon from the perspective of a warrior trying to enter the city.
At least the experience in the most recent war that had almost both physically and mentally killed him finally felt like it might be good for something.
Without paying really attention to exactly where she’d been headed, she had hardly realized it’d been in the direction of Lord Gavriil and his companions. Before she could get close enough to actually greet him though, Princess Gianna swooped in linking arms with her and letting her fellow horsewoman and friend turn her around and pull her down by the water where they could walk in peace. Glancing over her shoulder, she wondered what the chances were to catch Gavriil’s eye and send him a smile before she turned back around to give her attention to the Princess.
‘What a lovely day for such a melancholy event, wouldn’t you agree, Lady Evangelina?’ Evangelina bumped her hips softly against the Princess as she granted the princess a smile and a shake of her head in reply, “It is perhaps a good thing that the weather does not match the mood in this case… let us hope all the days of their travel are as lovely as this one.”
Evangelina didn’t discuss the weather further, not because she couldn’t but rather the taller princess’ voice dropped into hushed tones of confidence. ‘I must admit that I harbor some unease regarding the coming months. Do you think that would be considered normal?’ Considering it for a moment, she shook her head softly. The truth was she’d been fighting her own concerns, burying them under her trivial insecurities… some of which she’d unfairly taken out on other people. But that was neither here nor there…
“If I am perfectly frank about it, then I must admit my own concern,” Catching her bottom lip between her teeth, she chewed on it a moment as she studied the sand and water in front of her. Shifting, she turned her head to glance at Gianna again, “I do not like all the changes that are happening so suddenly. If it feels like one disaster happens and we barely recover before we are struck down with something else.” She didn’t want to say it out loud but a small part of her wondered what they had done to anger the Gods so much to have brought these transformations down upon them.
It had only been a handful of months since the disaster at the circus and already they’d seen the coronation of two kings, one who was charged with treason, and the death of an influential prince. She pursed her lips and felt no need to remind Gianna of those details considering they had directly affected her so tragically. Instead, her free hand came to rest over their linked arms and she gave Gianna’s hand a soft squeeze of solidarity.
“Is there anything in particular that is causing your worry?” She murmured softly, she cast a gaze over her shoulder to the King and Queen and those milling about near him. The pint-sized Leventi wondered if it was the fact that King Achilleas was yet another King leaving their country, one who may or may not return. Or if it was perhaps, the idea of the War itself that was causing the princess’ unease? Maybe it was just how quickly their worlds were changing that was bothering the princess. Evangelina could understand all of those things and if given the opportunity could have listed a few more things that combined to create her own worries. Her dark eyes swept over to Gianna’s again as she softly asked, “Can I ease your mind in any way, your highness?”
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Without paying really attention to exactly where she’d been headed, she had hardly realized it’d been in the direction of Lord Gavriil and his companions. Before she could get close enough to actually greet him though, Princess Gianna swooped in linking arms with her and letting her fellow horsewoman and friend turn her around and pull her down by the water where they could walk in peace. Glancing over her shoulder, she wondered what the chances were to catch Gavriil’s eye and send him a smile before she turned back around to give her attention to the Princess.
‘What a lovely day for such a melancholy event, wouldn’t you agree, Lady Evangelina?’ Evangelina bumped her hips softly against the Princess as she granted the princess a smile and a shake of her head in reply, “It is perhaps a good thing that the weather does not match the mood in this case… let us hope all the days of their travel are as lovely as this one.”
Evangelina didn’t discuss the weather further, not because she couldn’t but rather the taller princess’ voice dropped into hushed tones of confidence. ‘I must admit that I harbor some unease regarding the coming months. Do you think that would be considered normal?’ Considering it for a moment, she shook her head softly. The truth was she’d been fighting her own concerns, burying them under her trivial insecurities… some of which she’d unfairly taken out on other people. But that was neither here nor there…
“If I am perfectly frank about it, then I must admit my own concern,” Catching her bottom lip between her teeth, she chewed on it a moment as she studied the sand and water in front of her. Shifting, she turned her head to glance at Gianna again, “I do not like all the changes that are happening so suddenly. If it feels like one disaster happens and we barely recover before we are struck down with something else.” She didn’t want to say it out loud but a small part of her wondered what they had done to anger the Gods so much to have brought these transformations down upon them.
It had only been a handful of months since the disaster at the circus and already they’d seen the coronation of two kings, one who was charged with treason, and the death of an influential prince. She pursed her lips and felt no need to remind Gianna of those details considering they had directly affected her so tragically. Instead, her free hand came to rest over their linked arms and she gave Gianna’s hand a soft squeeze of solidarity.
“Is there anything in particular that is causing your worry?” She murmured softly, she cast a gaze over her shoulder to the King and Queen and those milling about near him. The pint-sized Leventi wondered if it was the fact that King Achilleas was yet another King leaving their country, one who may or may not return. Or if it was perhaps, the idea of the War itself that was causing the princess’ unease? Maybe it was just how quickly their worlds were changing that was bothering the princess. Evangelina could understand all of those things and if given the opportunity could have listed a few more things that combined to create her own worries. Her dark eyes swept over to Gianna’s again as she softly asked, “Can I ease your mind in any way, your highness?”
Without paying really attention to exactly where she’d been headed, she had hardly realized it’d been in the direction of Lord Gavriil and his companions. Before she could get close enough to actually greet him though, Princess Gianna swooped in linking arms with her and letting her fellow horsewoman and friend turn her around and pull her down by the water where they could walk in peace. Glancing over her shoulder, she wondered what the chances were to catch Gavriil’s eye and send him a smile before she turned back around to give her attention to the Princess.
‘What a lovely day for such a melancholy event, wouldn’t you agree, Lady Evangelina?’ Evangelina bumped her hips softly against the Princess as she granted the princess a smile and a shake of her head in reply, “It is perhaps a good thing that the weather does not match the mood in this case… let us hope all the days of their travel are as lovely as this one.”
Evangelina didn’t discuss the weather further, not because she couldn’t but rather the taller princess’ voice dropped into hushed tones of confidence. ‘I must admit that I harbor some unease regarding the coming months. Do you think that would be considered normal?’ Considering it for a moment, she shook her head softly. The truth was she’d been fighting her own concerns, burying them under her trivial insecurities… some of which she’d unfairly taken out on other people. But that was neither here nor there…
“If I am perfectly frank about it, then I must admit my own concern,” Catching her bottom lip between her teeth, she chewed on it a moment as she studied the sand and water in front of her. Shifting, she turned her head to glance at Gianna again, “I do not like all the changes that are happening so suddenly. If it feels like one disaster happens and we barely recover before we are struck down with something else.” She didn’t want to say it out loud but a small part of her wondered what they had done to anger the Gods so much to have brought these transformations down upon them.
It had only been a handful of months since the disaster at the circus and already they’d seen the coronation of two kings, one who was charged with treason, and the death of an influential prince. She pursed her lips and felt no need to remind Gianna of those details considering they had directly affected her so tragically. Instead, her free hand came to rest over their linked arms and she gave Gianna’s hand a soft squeeze of solidarity.
“Is there anything in particular that is causing your worry?” She murmured softly, she cast a gaze over her shoulder to the King and Queen and those milling about near him. The pint-sized Leventi wondered if it was the fact that King Achilleas was yet another King leaving their country, one who may or may not return. Or if it was perhaps, the idea of the War itself that was causing the princess’ unease? Maybe it was just how quickly their worlds were changing that was bothering the princess. Evangelina could understand all of those things and if given the opportunity could have listed a few more things that combined to create her own worries. Her dark eyes swept over to Gianna’s again as she softly asked, “Can I ease your mind in any way, your highness?”
The shift in Achilleas’ expression as he unfurled the gift she had given him only solidified her certainty that she had been right to wait to give him the surprise. Oh, and the wait had been so worth it! She was glad that she had asked Imma to do this favor for her - she would have to make sure to thank her sister properly the first chance she got. Her husband’s reaction told her everything she needed to know, which was fortunate, seeing as he appeared to have momentarily lost the ability to form a proper sentence. She had to fight off the urge to laugh as he hastily stuffed the parchment beneath his cuirass, where it was not in danger of being spotted by any prying eyes.
“I nearly forgot to give it to you at all, although I cannot bring myself to regret that. I feel like this reaction was far more entertaining than the one I would have received had I given it to you in private.”
It delighted the young woman to see the hint of a blush in his cheeks, and she had to bite her lip to keep it from showing. Surely, he would think she was laughing at him, and this was not the case – no, rather, she suspected she would replay such a happy memory many times throughout his absence. The flush in his face, the shock in his blue eyes, maybe even a touch of amusement in the curve of his lips that she suddenly wanted to kiss; yes, this would be something to remember when she was missing him.
It seemed her husband’s train of thought was, rather suddenly, in tune with her own. His hand that grasped hers offered a pleasant warmth, and the touch of his lips, however fleeting, only served to ignite that same, sudden desire to keep him here – Egypt and the war be damned. “I believe that, rather than make your leaving harder, I have made it easier for you to hurry home when the time comes – and here is to hoping it comes sooner rather than later.”
Theo offered him a sweet smile when she found his gaze locked upon her, finding a glimmer of something new in his eyes as he studied her; and she could only hope that he could not spy the brief longing in her eyes, that she might be able to keep him here after all. Rather than accept his thanks, she would stretch up to steal another kiss from him; just as quick as the one that he had given her, but immediately followed by murmured words, where nobody would be able to hear her or see the way her mouth moved, lest her lips be read by prying eyes.
“You had best return to me in one piece, Achi.”
The words left her in a serious tone not suited to the flirtatious conversation they had shared only a moment before – practically an order by the sound of her voice. But then her expression shifted back into the mask from before, and she stepped away, putting a more appropriate distance between them; and although she could feel many curious pairs of eyes on them both, she held her head high as she followed him back towards the gathered nobility awaiting them.
It would not do to let them see her slipping; would not do to let anyone see the way her stomach quivered when Achilleas told the guard to pass his message along to Krysto. This day meant so many different things; her husband’s departure, and her first time in Taengea ruling as Queen without her King by her side. Worse still, she didn’t know if she was even properly prepared to rule as Queen without him there – which meant she would be relying more on Emilios than she had originally planned.
Theo’s gaze wandered to the other Mikaelidas boy as her thoughts turned towards him, and it occurred to her then that he had been uncharacteristically quiet, in the time she had seen him so far at least. She knew why; knew what torture it must be for him to stand on the shore, knowing he would not be leaving with his brother and the rest of the men. Yet there seemed to be something more to it lurking behind his bright eyes; a sort of desperation, as though he was trying to prove he could be the serious leader they all needed him to be in his brother’s absence.
The sudden urge to speak to him, to reassure him that there would be other battles for him to participate in, too many tomorrows to count for him to wage war, caught her by surprise. A brief, faint frown crossed the woman’s face before she looked away, quickly returning her attention to her husband at her side and vowing to keep her eyes off Emilios for the remainder of the day. The man, looking so somber, did dangerous things to her already turbulent mind.
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The shift in Achilleas’ expression as he unfurled the gift she had given him only solidified her certainty that she had been right to wait to give him the surprise. Oh, and the wait had been so worth it! She was glad that she had asked Imma to do this favor for her - she would have to make sure to thank her sister properly the first chance she got. Her husband’s reaction told her everything she needed to know, which was fortunate, seeing as he appeared to have momentarily lost the ability to form a proper sentence. She had to fight off the urge to laugh as he hastily stuffed the parchment beneath his cuirass, where it was not in danger of being spotted by any prying eyes.
“I nearly forgot to give it to you at all, although I cannot bring myself to regret that. I feel like this reaction was far more entertaining than the one I would have received had I given it to you in private.”
It delighted the young woman to see the hint of a blush in his cheeks, and she had to bite her lip to keep it from showing. Surely, he would think she was laughing at him, and this was not the case – no, rather, she suspected she would replay such a happy memory many times throughout his absence. The flush in his face, the shock in his blue eyes, maybe even a touch of amusement in the curve of his lips that she suddenly wanted to kiss; yes, this would be something to remember when she was missing him.
It seemed her husband’s train of thought was, rather suddenly, in tune with her own. His hand that grasped hers offered a pleasant warmth, and the touch of his lips, however fleeting, only served to ignite that same, sudden desire to keep him here – Egypt and the war be damned. “I believe that, rather than make your leaving harder, I have made it easier for you to hurry home when the time comes – and here is to hoping it comes sooner rather than later.”
Theo offered him a sweet smile when she found his gaze locked upon her, finding a glimmer of something new in his eyes as he studied her; and she could only hope that he could not spy the brief longing in her eyes, that she might be able to keep him here after all. Rather than accept his thanks, she would stretch up to steal another kiss from him; just as quick as the one that he had given her, but immediately followed by murmured words, where nobody would be able to hear her or see the way her mouth moved, lest her lips be read by prying eyes.
“You had best return to me in one piece, Achi.”
The words left her in a serious tone not suited to the flirtatious conversation they had shared only a moment before – practically an order by the sound of her voice. But then her expression shifted back into the mask from before, and she stepped away, putting a more appropriate distance between them; and although she could feel many curious pairs of eyes on them both, she held her head high as she followed him back towards the gathered nobility awaiting them.
It would not do to let them see her slipping; would not do to let anyone see the way her stomach quivered when Achilleas told the guard to pass his message along to Krysto. This day meant so many different things; her husband’s departure, and her first time in Taengea ruling as Queen without her King by her side. Worse still, she didn’t know if she was even properly prepared to rule as Queen without him there – which meant she would be relying more on Emilios than she had originally planned.
Theo’s gaze wandered to the other Mikaelidas boy as her thoughts turned towards him, and it occurred to her then that he had been uncharacteristically quiet, in the time she had seen him so far at least. She knew why; knew what torture it must be for him to stand on the shore, knowing he would not be leaving with his brother and the rest of the men. Yet there seemed to be something more to it lurking behind his bright eyes; a sort of desperation, as though he was trying to prove he could be the serious leader they all needed him to be in his brother’s absence.
The sudden urge to speak to him, to reassure him that there would be other battles for him to participate in, too many tomorrows to count for him to wage war, caught her by surprise. A brief, faint frown crossed the woman’s face before she looked away, quickly returning her attention to her husband at her side and vowing to keep her eyes off Emilios for the remainder of the day. The man, looking so somber, did dangerous things to her already turbulent mind.
The shift in Achilleas’ expression as he unfurled the gift she had given him only solidified her certainty that she had been right to wait to give him the surprise. Oh, and the wait had been so worth it! She was glad that she had asked Imma to do this favor for her - she would have to make sure to thank her sister properly the first chance she got. Her husband’s reaction told her everything she needed to know, which was fortunate, seeing as he appeared to have momentarily lost the ability to form a proper sentence. She had to fight off the urge to laugh as he hastily stuffed the parchment beneath his cuirass, where it was not in danger of being spotted by any prying eyes.
“I nearly forgot to give it to you at all, although I cannot bring myself to regret that. I feel like this reaction was far more entertaining than the one I would have received had I given it to you in private.”
It delighted the young woman to see the hint of a blush in his cheeks, and she had to bite her lip to keep it from showing. Surely, he would think she was laughing at him, and this was not the case – no, rather, she suspected she would replay such a happy memory many times throughout his absence. The flush in his face, the shock in his blue eyes, maybe even a touch of amusement in the curve of his lips that she suddenly wanted to kiss; yes, this would be something to remember when she was missing him.
It seemed her husband’s train of thought was, rather suddenly, in tune with her own. His hand that grasped hers offered a pleasant warmth, and the touch of his lips, however fleeting, only served to ignite that same, sudden desire to keep him here – Egypt and the war be damned. “I believe that, rather than make your leaving harder, I have made it easier for you to hurry home when the time comes – and here is to hoping it comes sooner rather than later.”
Theo offered him a sweet smile when she found his gaze locked upon her, finding a glimmer of something new in his eyes as he studied her; and she could only hope that he could not spy the brief longing in her eyes, that she might be able to keep him here after all. Rather than accept his thanks, she would stretch up to steal another kiss from him; just as quick as the one that he had given her, but immediately followed by murmured words, where nobody would be able to hear her or see the way her mouth moved, lest her lips be read by prying eyes.
“You had best return to me in one piece, Achi.”
The words left her in a serious tone not suited to the flirtatious conversation they had shared only a moment before – practically an order by the sound of her voice. But then her expression shifted back into the mask from before, and she stepped away, putting a more appropriate distance between them; and although she could feel many curious pairs of eyes on them both, she held her head high as she followed him back towards the gathered nobility awaiting them.
It would not do to let them see her slipping; would not do to let anyone see the way her stomach quivered when Achilleas told the guard to pass his message along to Krysto. This day meant so many different things; her husband’s departure, and her first time in Taengea ruling as Queen without her King by her side. Worse still, she didn’t know if she was even properly prepared to rule as Queen without him there – which meant she would be relying more on Emilios than she had originally planned.
Theo’s gaze wandered to the other Mikaelidas boy as her thoughts turned towards him, and it occurred to her then that he had been uncharacteristically quiet, in the time she had seen him so far at least. She knew why; knew what torture it must be for him to stand on the shore, knowing he would not be leaving with his brother and the rest of the men. Yet there seemed to be something more to it lurking behind his bright eyes; a sort of desperation, as though he was trying to prove he could be the serious leader they all needed him to be in his brother’s absence.
The sudden urge to speak to him, to reassure him that there would be other battles for him to participate in, too many tomorrows to count for him to wage war, caught her by surprise. A brief, faint frown crossed the woman’s face before she looked away, quickly returning her attention to her husband at her side and vowing to keep her eyes off Emilios for the remainder of the day. The man, looking so somber, did dangerous things to her already turbulent mind.
He didn’t know what those around him were thinking, wasn't wholly sure that his own stature was giving them the reassurance he was going for. He wanted to appear calm and prepared, but this unknown chapter was something he wasn’t quite feeling confident about. He was a soldier, a leader of men on a much smaller scale. Those men had earned his trust from years of battles together, fighting side by side. The comradery that was formed on the battlefield was a powerfully uniting tool. Even as much of a joker as he was, his men could put it aside with trust as he commanded them to do his bidding.
But that was not a kingdom in peril. That was not thousands of people looking to him for security. It was a task he was not sure he was ready for, and yet what choice did he really have? His brother would trust few with such a responsibility, and they had spoken at length before now. There was much that may have been unknown, but at least the pair was mostly on the same page. Emilios’s mind was focused elsewhere when Fotios joined him, interrupting his thoughts. He wanted to roll his eyes, wishing to say something to the man as he made it known that he would be watching the young regent.
He was not pleased that the man felt it necessary to say anything at all, wondering why there was the need to add salt to the wound. Fotios may have felt like it was an appropriate time to try and reassure him, Emilios though differently. ”I shall do my duty-- there is little need to stand out in a time like this. If the kingdom makes it in one piece, then that will be enough.” He wanted to say more, to maybe make a jab about how this was supposed to be about family, rub in the lack of sons once more. Instead, he sighed and put aside his own petty thoughts, ”Right now, my most important duty is as a brother. If you will excuse me?” With a polite bow (far more civil than he was actually feeling), he turned and focused back on his family.
By the time he was focused back on the king, it seemed that the newlyweds had said their piece and were separating. He couldn’t even wonder if Stephanos had ever felt this way, since he was never forced to stay behind as the heir. There had been two in between his rule, and even then, it only took one event to destroy that as well. His father was dead, so it wasn’t like he could look to him either for guidance. He was on his own in this, his emotions required to be wholly his own. He felt eyes on him, surprised to find Theo giving him a sympathetic look. There was no telling what was going on in her mind, not with the way she was looking at him. But for the moment, he brushed it off.
Stepping forward, he offered his brother a parting hand. ”Give them hell, brother.” He said with a smile, reaching out to grip his forearm. ”I shall hold down the kingdom here.” They had already talked so much about the plans that it felt like overkill to go over it again. So instead, he gave his brother a grin. ”I doubt she will let me screw things up too badly.” He said, tossing his head back toward Theo with a smile. ”She’s got a good head on her shoulders-- she will do fine.” He was trying to lighten the mood a bit, but knew that there was little he could say to truly do that.
He sobered a bit, giving his arm a squeeze. ”You know I won’t let anything happen to her.”
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He didn’t know what those around him were thinking, wasn't wholly sure that his own stature was giving them the reassurance he was going for. He wanted to appear calm and prepared, but this unknown chapter was something he wasn’t quite feeling confident about. He was a soldier, a leader of men on a much smaller scale. Those men had earned his trust from years of battles together, fighting side by side. The comradery that was formed on the battlefield was a powerfully uniting tool. Even as much of a joker as he was, his men could put it aside with trust as he commanded them to do his bidding.
But that was not a kingdom in peril. That was not thousands of people looking to him for security. It was a task he was not sure he was ready for, and yet what choice did he really have? His brother would trust few with such a responsibility, and they had spoken at length before now. There was much that may have been unknown, but at least the pair was mostly on the same page. Emilios’s mind was focused elsewhere when Fotios joined him, interrupting his thoughts. He wanted to roll his eyes, wishing to say something to the man as he made it known that he would be watching the young regent.
He was not pleased that the man felt it necessary to say anything at all, wondering why there was the need to add salt to the wound. Fotios may have felt like it was an appropriate time to try and reassure him, Emilios though differently. ”I shall do my duty-- there is little need to stand out in a time like this. If the kingdom makes it in one piece, then that will be enough.” He wanted to say more, to maybe make a jab about how this was supposed to be about family, rub in the lack of sons once more. Instead, he sighed and put aside his own petty thoughts, ”Right now, my most important duty is as a brother. If you will excuse me?” With a polite bow (far more civil than he was actually feeling), he turned and focused back on his family.
By the time he was focused back on the king, it seemed that the newlyweds had said their piece and were separating. He couldn’t even wonder if Stephanos had ever felt this way, since he was never forced to stay behind as the heir. There had been two in between his rule, and even then, it only took one event to destroy that as well. His father was dead, so it wasn’t like he could look to him either for guidance. He was on his own in this, his emotions required to be wholly his own. He felt eyes on him, surprised to find Theo giving him a sympathetic look. There was no telling what was going on in her mind, not with the way she was looking at him. But for the moment, he brushed it off.
Stepping forward, he offered his brother a parting hand. ”Give them hell, brother.” He said with a smile, reaching out to grip his forearm. ”I shall hold down the kingdom here.” They had already talked so much about the plans that it felt like overkill to go over it again. So instead, he gave his brother a grin. ”I doubt she will let me screw things up too badly.” He said, tossing his head back toward Theo with a smile. ”She’s got a good head on her shoulders-- she will do fine.” He was trying to lighten the mood a bit, but knew that there was little he could say to truly do that.
He sobered a bit, giving his arm a squeeze. ”You know I won’t let anything happen to her.”
He didn’t know what those around him were thinking, wasn't wholly sure that his own stature was giving them the reassurance he was going for. He wanted to appear calm and prepared, but this unknown chapter was something he wasn’t quite feeling confident about. He was a soldier, a leader of men on a much smaller scale. Those men had earned his trust from years of battles together, fighting side by side. The comradery that was formed on the battlefield was a powerfully uniting tool. Even as much of a joker as he was, his men could put it aside with trust as he commanded them to do his bidding.
But that was not a kingdom in peril. That was not thousands of people looking to him for security. It was a task he was not sure he was ready for, and yet what choice did he really have? His brother would trust few with such a responsibility, and they had spoken at length before now. There was much that may have been unknown, but at least the pair was mostly on the same page. Emilios’s mind was focused elsewhere when Fotios joined him, interrupting his thoughts. He wanted to roll his eyes, wishing to say something to the man as he made it known that he would be watching the young regent.
He was not pleased that the man felt it necessary to say anything at all, wondering why there was the need to add salt to the wound. Fotios may have felt like it was an appropriate time to try and reassure him, Emilios though differently. ”I shall do my duty-- there is little need to stand out in a time like this. If the kingdom makes it in one piece, then that will be enough.” He wanted to say more, to maybe make a jab about how this was supposed to be about family, rub in the lack of sons once more. Instead, he sighed and put aside his own petty thoughts, ”Right now, my most important duty is as a brother. If you will excuse me?” With a polite bow (far more civil than he was actually feeling), he turned and focused back on his family.
By the time he was focused back on the king, it seemed that the newlyweds had said their piece and were separating. He couldn’t even wonder if Stephanos had ever felt this way, since he was never forced to stay behind as the heir. There had been two in between his rule, and even then, it only took one event to destroy that as well. His father was dead, so it wasn’t like he could look to him either for guidance. He was on his own in this, his emotions required to be wholly his own. He felt eyes on him, surprised to find Theo giving him a sympathetic look. There was no telling what was going on in her mind, not with the way she was looking at him. But for the moment, he brushed it off.
Stepping forward, he offered his brother a parting hand. ”Give them hell, brother.” He said with a smile, reaching out to grip his forearm. ”I shall hold down the kingdom here.” They had already talked so much about the plans that it felt like overkill to go over it again. So instead, he gave his brother a grin. ”I doubt she will let me screw things up too badly.” He said, tossing his head back toward Theo with a smile. ”She’s got a good head on her shoulders-- she will do fine.” He was trying to lighten the mood a bit, but knew that there was little he could say to truly do that.
He sobered a bit, giving his arm a squeeze. ”You know I won’t let anything happen to her.”
Xene had not questioned the request to ride with the queen. SHe had not argued this day, especially sine it was so vital to appear united as a family. The Mikaelidas needed to be united now and for many days to come. While Achilleas was heading off to war, Lord Emilios was not. How that was going to settle, the princess truly was not concerned nor curious. She had long some to the assertion that things would fall as they did and her little moments of grasping for some bit of control did not have to be so grand. Sure, she would not sit back and let herself be ruled by the world around her, but she also would not fight so hard to keep things as she thought they should be. She did not think it wise for their new King to head right off to war with an inexperienced Queen left behind.
But the princess did not get an opinion, and neither did she give it. The carriage ride was quiet and entirely somber. The three of them: the queen, Princess Gianna, and Xene herself knew what was at stake with King Achilleas and the other men leaving to go to war. But they had been at war for a number of months. Not with Egypt, but with the Kingdom itself as monarch after monarch tried to claw for control.
No, Xene did not think it right or necessary that Achilleas went to war. With so much unrest already gripping the Kingdom, Xene found it more dangerous than she really wanted to admit to anyone. The carriage landed and the three of them filed out. Xene initially followed the Queen to meet King Achilleas, but quickly found that the two needed their privacy. Princess Gianna was also quick to detach from her and Xene admittedly found herself standing alone in the sand. The light blue chiton she wore fluttered in the salty breeze and her icy gaze observed the ships. The people who were carrying supplies up onto the ships and down into the cargo holds. The men who were saying goodbye to wives, daughters, sons, and friends.
For a moment, Xene thought herself numb from the sheer heartbreak of it, remaining unmoving and contemplative in her momentary isolation. She was aware that she would have her own chance to say goodbye to her cousin, one of her closest friends recently rekindled. With her gaze dragging away from the preparing ships and settling on Achilleas and Theodora, Xene tried to put a peaceful smile on her features, though it appeared watery, as if she were hardly keeping herself together.
All of the men in her family were slowly disappearing from her life. The women were being left behind and expected to remain strong. The princess wasn't sure that Achilleas realized how hard that silent request might be. Swallowing slightly, she looked away from them once more, her hands settled before her and her blue gaze remaining fixed on the ocean. She was not keen to walk about and socialize. It did not seem like a time for such energy, nor did it seem a time to gossip.
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Xene had not questioned the request to ride with the queen. SHe had not argued this day, especially sine it was so vital to appear united as a family. The Mikaelidas needed to be united now and for many days to come. While Achilleas was heading off to war, Lord Emilios was not. How that was going to settle, the princess truly was not concerned nor curious. She had long some to the assertion that things would fall as they did and her little moments of grasping for some bit of control did not have to be so grand. Sure, she would not sit back and let herself be ruled by the world around her, but she also would not fight so hard to keep things as she thought they should be. She did not think it wise for their new King to head right off to war with an inexperienced Queen left behind.
But the princess did not get an opinion, and neither did she give it. The carriage ride was quiet and entirely somber. The three of them: the queen, Princess Gianna, and Xene herself knew what was at stake with King Achilleas and the other men leaving to go to war. But they had been at war for a number of months. Not with Egypt, but with the Kingdom itself as monarch after monarch tried to claw for control.
No, Xene did not think it right or necessary that Achilleas went to war. With so much unrest already gripping the Kingdom, Xene found it more dangerous than she really wanted to admit to anyone. The carriage landed and the three of them filed out. Xene initially followed the Queen to meet King Achilleas, but quickly found that the two needed their privacy. Princess Gianna was also quick to detach from her and Xene admittedly found herself standing alone in the sand. The light blue chiton she wore fluttered in the salty breeze and her icy gaze observed the ships. The people who were carrying supplies up onto the ships and down into the cargo holds. The men who were saying goodbye to wives, daughters, sons, and friends.
For a moment, Xene thought herself numb from the sheer heartbreak of it, remaining unmoving and contemplative in her momentary isolation. She was aware that she would have her own chance to say goodbye to her cousin, one of her closest friends recently rekindled. With her gaze dragging away from the preparing ships and settling on Achilleas and Theodora, Xene tried to put a peaceful smile on her features, though it appeared watery, as if she were hardly keeping herself together.
All of the men in her family were slowly disappearing from her life. The women were being left behind and expected to remain strong. The princess wasn't sure that Achilleas realized how hard that silent request might be. Swallowing slightly, she looked away from them once more, her hands settled before her and her blue gaze remaining fixed on the ocean. She was not keen to walk about and socialize. It did not seem like a time for such energy, nor did it seem a time to gossip.
Xene had not questioned the request to ride with the queen. SHe had not argued this day, especially sine it was so vital to appear united as a family. The Mikaelidas needed to be united now and for many days to come. While Achilleas was heading off to war, Lord Emilios was not. How that was going to settle, the princess truly was not concerned nor curious. She had long some to the assertion that things would fall as they did and her little moments of grasping for some bit of control did not have to be so grand. Sure, she would not sit back and let herself be ruled by the world around her, but she also would not fight so hard to keep things as she thought they should be. She did not think it wise for their new King to head right off to war with an inexperienced Queen left behind.
But the princess did not get an opinion, and neither did she give it. The carriage ride was quiet and entirely somber. The three of them: the queen, Princess Gianna, and Xene herself knew what was at stake with King Achilleas and the other men leaving to go to war. But they had been at war for a number of months. Not with Egypt, but with the Kingdom itself as monarch after monarch tried to claw for control.
No, Xene did not think it right or necessary that Achilleas went to war. With so much unrest already gripping the Kingdom, Xene found it more dangerous than she really wanted to admit to anyone. The carriage landed and the three of them filed out. Xene initially followed the Queen to meet King Achilleas, but quickly found that the two needed their privacy. Princess Gianna was also quick to detach from her and Xene admittedly found herself standing alone in the sand. The light blue chiton she wore fluttered in the salty breeze and her icy gaze observed the ships. The people who were carrying supplies up onto the ships and down into the cargo holds. The men who were saying goodbye to wives, daughters, sons, and friends.
For a moment, Xene thought herself numb from the sheer heartbreak of it, remaining unmoving and contemplative in her momentary isolation. She was aware that she would have her own chance to say goodbye to her cousin, one of her closest friends recently rekindled. With her gaze dragging away from the preparing ships and settling on Achilleas and Theodora, Xene tried to put a peaceful smile on her features, though it appeared watery, as if she were hardly keeping herself together.
All of the men in her family were slowly disappearing from her life. The women were being left behind and expected to remain strong. The princess wasn't sure that Achilleas realized how hard that silent request might be. Swallowing slightly, she looked away from them once more, her hands settled before her and her blue gaze remaining fixed on the ocean. She was not keen to walk about and socialize. It did not seem like a time for such energy, nor did it seem a time to gossip.
Though he could not deny being mildly exasperated by the humour Theodora seemed to find in her little gift giving exercise, beyond that, Achilleas felt absurdly pleased that she had put so much thought into something for him. The past week - ever since he had promised her at least some of his time each day - had seen their tentative connection grow into something more, he thought. And whilst Achilleas had never been reticent in his regard for the Queen, both now and before their marriage, there had been moments where she had made him wonder if she actually wanted him in the same way. That doubt at least had dulled and faded in the quiet moments they’d shared, and now, in the knowledge that he thought she might miss him as he was sure to miss her. Admittedly, their affections were still new, but perhaps it was being dropped so unexpectedly into the unknown that had brought them closer?
Either way, he was glad of both her lightheartedness, and the more sombre instruction to return safely, smiling a little at the shortening of his name that she seemed to have claimed entirely as her own. “Understood” he responded, with a nod and another squeeze to the hand gripped within his own, before their time was no longer their own once more and King and Queen returned to assemble family and friends. Achilleas had given his instruction for Krysto to muster the men and turned his gaze over those who lingered, frowning a little as he caught sight of his cousin Xene standing silent. Her expression was set and distant and he felt a stirring of guilt that he had not spoken with her yet. After the dismal non-success of the dinner last evening, it was no wonder the Mikaelidas contingent seemed a little ..flat. What he had hoped would bring them together had in fact only seemed to underscore their losses, and Achilleas thought he did not have to wonder too hard at what had Princess Xene looking so unhappy. Taking half a step forward so he might address her, he was stopped short by his brother.
Emilios’ grip around his forearm was strong and reassuring, and Achilleas studied his younger sibling a moment, a serious expression upon his face but a fondness too. “I do not doubt it, Emilios. If ever you have wanted an opportunity to prove yourself then this is it”
It was true that the brothers had spoken more in the past few days than they had in months...or ever really, but if nothing else it had assured Achilleas that the younger was at least taking this as seriously as was warranted, whatever his light-hearted jesting now might suggest. And when Emilios’ gaze drifted towards Theodora, the King was reminded sharply that it would not be the first time his brother had stood in his stead when it came to protecting the Leventi woman. He drew a slow breath,and when his eyes found those of Emilios’ again his expression was grave. “Let us hope it will not come to that. But I appreciate it, brother, and you.”
They were not..close like some siblings, but Achilleas had never been more glad of Emilios than in the past two weeks. They had both born at least some of the same scorn from their father, and both were now acutely aware of how precarious events had left their homeland. It was not ideal for the new King to be leaving her shores so soon, but he had faith in those he left in his stead. “Keep well, Emilios”
There was no time, ships readied and waiting, and Achilleas knew he could not delay much longer. It would not do for the King to be shown as tarrying. Still, he broke away from his brother a moment to stand before Princess Xene, his expression questioning as he waited for her to acknowledge him. “Will I go without a farewell then, cousin?”
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Though he could not deny being mildly exasperated by the humour Theodora seemed to find in her little gift giving exercise, beyond that, Achilleas felt absurdly pleased that she had put so much thought into something for him. The past week - ever since he had promised her at least some of his time each day - had seen their tentative connection grow into something more, he thought. And whilst Achilleas had never been reticent in his regard for the Queen, both now and before their marriage, there had been moments where she had made him wonder if she actually wanted him in the same way. That doubt at least had dulled and faded in the quiet moments they’d shared, and now, in the knowledge that he thought she might miss him as he was sure to miss her. Admittedly, their affections were still new, but perhaps it was being dropped so unexpectedly into the unknown that had brought them closer?
Either way, he was glad of both her lightheartedness, and the more sombre instruction to return safely, smiling a little at the shortening of his name that she seemed to have claimed entirely as her own. “Understood” he responded, with a nod and another squeeze to the hand gripped within his own, before their time was no longer their own once more and King and Queen returned to assemble family and friends. Achilleas had given his instruction for Krysto to muster the men and turned his gaze over those who lingered, frowning a little as he caught sight of his cousin Xene standing silent. Her expression was set and distant and he felt a stirring of guilt that he had not spoken with her yet. After the dismal non-success of the dinner last evening, it was no wonder the Mikaelidas contingent seemed a little ..flat. What he had hoped would bring them together had in fact only seemed to underscore their losses, and Achilleas thought he did not have to wonder too hard at what had Princess Xene looking so unhappy. Taking half a step forward so he might address her, he was stopped short by his brother.
Emilios’ grip around his forearm was strong and reassuring, and Achilleas studied his younger sibling a moment, a serious expression upon his face but a fondness too. “I do not doubt it, Emilios. If ever you have wanted an opportunity to prove yourself then this is it”
It was true that the brothers had spoken more in the past few days than they had in months...or ever really, but if nothing else it had assured Achilleas that the younger was at least taking this as seriously as was warranted, whatever his light-hearted jesting now might suggest. And when Emilios’ gaze drifted towards Theodora, the King was reminded sharply that it would not be the first time his brother had stood in his stead when it came to protecting the Leventi woman. He drew a slow breath,and when his eyes found those of Emilios’ again his expression was grave. “Let us hope it will not come to that. But I appreciate it, brother, and you.”
They were not..close like some siblings, but Achilleas had never been more glad of Emilios than in the past two weeks. They had both born at least some of the same scorn from their father, and both were now acutely aware of how precarious events had left their homeland. It was not ideal for the new King to be leaving her shores so soon, but he had faith in those he left in his stead. “Keep well, Emilios”
There was no time, ships readied and waiting, and Achilleas knew he could not delay much longer. It would not do for the King to be shown as tarrying. Still, he broke away from his brother a moment to stand before Princess Xene, his expression questioning as he waited for her to acknowledge him. “Will I go without a farewell then, cousin?”
Though he could not deny being mildly exasperated by the humour Theodora seemed to find in her little gift giving exercise, beyond that, Achilleas felt absurdly pleased that she had put so much thought into something for him. The past week - ever since he had promised her at least some of his time each day - had seen their tentative connection grow into something more, he thought. And whilst Achilleas had never been reticent in his regard for the Queen, both now and before their marriage, there had been moments where she had made him wonder if she actually wanted him in the same way. That doubt at least had dulled and faded in the quiet moments they’d shared, and now, in the knowledge that he thought she might miss him as he was sure to miss her. Admittedly, their affections were still new, but perhaps it was being dropped so unexpectedly into the unknown that had brought them closer?
Either way, he was glad of both her lightheartedness, and the more sombre instruction to return safely, smiling a little at the shortening of his name that she seemed to have claimed entirely as her own. “Understood” he responded, with a nod and another squeeze to the hand gripped within his own, before their time was no longer their own once more and King and Queen returned to assemble family and friends. Achilleas had given his instruction for Krysto to muster the men and turned his gaze over those who lingered, frowning a little as he caught sight of his cousin Xene standing silent. Her expression was set and distant and he felt a stirring of guilt that he had not spoken with her yet. After the dismal non-success of the dinner last evening, it was no wonder the Mikaelidas contingent seemed a little ..flat. What he had hoped would bring them together had in fact only seemed to underscore their losses, and Achilleas thought he did not have to wonder too hard at what had Princess Xene looking so unhappy. Taking half a step forward so he might address her, he was stopped short by his brother.
Emilios’ grip around his forearm was strong and reassuring, and Achilleas studied his younger sibling a moment, a serious expression upon his face but a fondness too. “I do not doubt it, Emilios. If ever you have wanted an opportunity to prove yourself then this is it”
It was true that the brothers had spoken more in the past few days than they had in months...or ever really, but if nothing else it had assured Achilleas that the younger was at least taking this as seriously as was warranted, whatever his light-hearted jesting now might suggest. And when Emilios’ gaze drifted towards Theodora, the King was reminded sharply that it would not be the first time his brother had stood in his stead when it came to protecting the Leventi woman. He drew a slow breath,and when his eyes found those of Emilios’ again his expression was grave. “Let us hope it will not come to that. But I appreciate it, brother, and you.”
They were not..close like some siblings, but Achilleas had never been more glad of Emilios than in the past two weeks. They had both born at least some of the same scorn from their father, and both were now acutely aware of how precarious events had left their homeland. It was not ideal for the new King to be leaving her shores so soon, but he had faith in those he left in his stead. “Keep well, Emilios”
There was no time, ships readied and waiting, and Achilleas knew he could not delay much longer. It would not do for the King to be shown as tarrying. Still, he broke away from his brother a moment to stand before Princess Xene, his expression questioning as he waited for her to acknowledge him. “Will I go without a farewell then, cousin?”
Blue eyes settled on the ocean, the princess had been content to let Xene's mere presence on this beach be enough of a farewell for the King and the men. Honestly, she was so tired of saying goodbye to the men in her life that she hadn't wanted to show up at all. But Achilleas depended on her to be one of the few very steady, very sure things in his life. And she prided herself in being one of those people who did not change, who did not disappear, and who remained at least minutely constant.
That didn't make this any easier. Not at all. She was relieved to notice Emilios pull Achilleas aside on his way over to herself. It gave her a few more moments to compose herself and her emotions. Her want for her cousin not to leave her alone here and be yet another one of the men that could soon be lost to her. All it took was the wrong placement of a blade or a misstep in battle. Then there was just Emilios, the man of which she still did not know how to feel even after their discussion days prior.
But as quickly as Emilios had pulled Achilleas aside, Achilleas had detached himself from his younger brother and continued his trek to stand before her. For a woman who had slowly lost everything that she could reach for with her own two hands, she was taking his surprisingly well. The King's words had her looking up, her eyes somewhat glassy, though she swallowed down the sharpness of the emotion as soon as they hit her.
Turning more toward him, the princess bowed first and then thought better of it once she had risen to her full height. Stepping forward, Xene wrapped her arms around Achilleas' torso in a firm and almost lingering hug, though she said nothing at first, keeping her ear pressed to his chest. Then she steeled herself, pulling back to look up into his face.
"Why must all of the men in my life leave me behind, hm?" the princess asked softly, trying to keep a good-natured humor to her tone. "Selfishly, I was hoping that maybe you'd decide not to go," the princess admitted. There was a pause as Xene glanced to the rest of their family. She carefully slid out of his embrace, taking both of his hands instead. "Please come back to us, cousin," she said slowly, "And to me because I think you're one of the only people I can stand anymore." It was somewhat true. Her temper had shifted over the months and there were few people she felt she could put her trust into.
Shaking her golden curls, she glanced once more toward Queen Theodora, "I'll look after her for you," she said slowly, "I'll help her get her bearings and we will be here waiting for you. Don't dwadle, my King, but don't be reckless either." And then the princess was letting her cousin go and giving a slow, reverent bow to make up for the shallow one she had given him before.
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Blue eyes settled on the ocean, the princess had been content to let Xene's mere presence on this beach be enough of a farewell for the King and the men. Honestly, she was so tired of saying goodbye to the men in her life that she hadn't wanted to show up at all. But Achilleas depended on her to be one of the few very steady, very sure things in his life. And she prided herself in being one of those people who did not change, who did not disappear, and who remained at least minutely constant.
That didn't make this any easier. Not at all. She was relieved to notice Emilios pull Achilleas aside on his way over to herself. It gave her a few more moments to compose herself and her emotions. Her want for her cousin not to leave her alone here and be yet another one of the men that could soon be lost to her. All it took was the wrong placement of a blade or a misstep in battle. Then there was just Emilios, the man of which she still did not know how to feel even after their discussion days prior.
But as quickly as Emilios had pulled Achilleas aside, Achilleas had detached himself from his younger brother and continued his trek to stand before her. For a woman who had slowly lost everything that she could reach for with her own two hands, she was taking his surprisingly well. The King's words had her looking up, her eyes somewhat glassy, though she swallowed down the sharpness of the emotion as soon as they hit her.
Turning more toward him, the princess bowed first and then thought better of it once she had risen to her full height. Stepping forward, Xene wrapped her arms around Achilleas' torso in a firm and almost lingering hug, though she said nothing at first, keeping her ear pressed to his chest. Then she steeled herself, pulling back to look up into his face.
"Why must all of the men in my life leave me behind, hm?" the princess asked softly, trying to keep a good-natured humor to her tone. "Selfishly, I was hoping that maybe you'd decide not to go," the princess admitted. There was a pause as Xene glanced to the rest of their family. She carefully slid out of his embrace, taking both of his hands instead. "Please come back to us, cousin," she said slowly, "And to me because I think you're one of the only people I can stand anymore." It was somewhat true. Her temper had shifted over the months and there were few people she felt she could put her trust into.
Shaking her golden curls, she glanced once more toward Queen Theodora, "I'll look after her for you," she said slowly, "I'll help her get her bearings and we will be here waiting for you. Don't dwadle, my King, but don't be reckless either." And then the princess was letting her cousin go and giving a slow, reverent bow to make up for the shallow one she had given him before.
Blue eyes settled on the ocean, the princess had been content to let Xene's mere presence on this beach be enough of a farewell for the King and the men. Honestly, she was so tired of saying goodbye to the men in her life that she hadn't wanted to show up at all. But Achilleas depended on her to be one of the few very steady, very sure things in his life. And she prided herself in being one of those people who did not change, who did not disappear, and who remained at least minutely constant.
That didn't make this any easier. Not at all. She was relieved to notice Emilios pull Achilleas aside on his way over to herself. It gave her a few more moments to compose herself and her emotions. Her want for her cousin not to leave her alone here and be yet another one of the men that could soon be lost to her. All it took was the wrong placement of a blade or a misstep in battle. Then there was just Emilios, the man of which she still did not know how to feel even after their discussion days prior.
But as quickly as Emilios had pulled Achilleas aside, Achilleas had detached himself from his younger brother and continued his trek to stand before her. For a woman who had slowly lost everything that she could reach for with her own two hands, she was taking his surprisingly well. The King's words had her looking up, her eyes somewhat glassy, though she swallowed down the sharpness of the emotion as soon as they hit her.
Turning more toward him, the princess bowed first and then thought better of it once she had risen to her full height. Stepping forward, Xene wrapped her arms around Achilleas' torso in a firm and almost lingering hug, though she said nothing at first, keeping her ear pressed to his chest. Then she steeled herself, pulling back to look up into his face.
"Why must all of the men in my life leave me behind, hm?" the princess asked softly, trying to keep a good-natured humor to her tone. "Selfishly, I was hoping that maybe you'd decide not to go," the princess admitted. There was a pause as Xene glanced to the rest of their family. She carefully slid out of his embrace, taking both of his hands instead. "Please come back to us, cousin," she said slowly, "And to me because I think you're one of the only people I can stand anymore." It was somewhat true. Her temper had shifted over the months and there were few people she felt she could put her trust into.
Shaking her golden curls, she glanced once more toward Queen Theodora, "I'll look after her for you," she said slowly, "I'll help her get her bearings and we will be here waiting for you. Don't dwadle, my King, but don't be reckless either." And then the princess was letting her cousin go and giving a slow, reverent bow to make up for the shallow one she had given him before.
The hug took him by surprise. Xene was usually more measured in her affections, and in the tight grip she took around him, she said more than in all the words that would follow. Achilleas’ expression softened as she pulled back and spoke, his arms having lifted to return her embrace, though lightly.
“How could I not go?” he chided gently as she tipped her face up to look at him. “Would you have me a King who sits at the back and shouts orders? That’s not my way, Xene, and you know it. I will lead from the front, face our enemies as I ask our soldiers to do”
He knew though where her fears came from. Her father, his father. Zacharias. All gone. And Stephanos too, though at least they had the comfort of knowing he was safe and well. Achilleas kept his gaze steady on her for a moment, almost wanted to remind her of that fact, but it was unwise in such open company and so he held his tongue.
The brief moment of vulnerability in his careful cousin did not last long, and his cousin slid out of the embrace as deftly as she had stepped into it. The King’s hands, warm but with the callouses that marked a swordsman, enclosed hers gently.
“If the Gods will it I shall not be long gone” he said, wondering if repeating the sentiment so often made it more likely to be true. There were no promises to be made in war. All he could do was prepare as thoroughly as possible, and then lead their men with courage and conviction, whatever awaited them. The rest would lie in the hands of their immortal saviours.
Achilleas followed Princess Xene’s gaze back to his wife, and he found it hard not to let his eyes linger there. She would have the support of his family, he knew, and yet he wished it was not so soon after the coronation that he was leaving. A very real part of him wished he was not leaving at all, but it was tempered by the sense of duty, his responsibility to Taengea and to these men that went forwards with him. Such was the path the fates had laid for him, and now it was just for him to walk it. Swallowing, he turned away from Theodora and back to his cousin, a faint smile for her before he gave a quiet. “Thankyou”
There was little else to be said then. The King turned to survey the progress of the men boarding the ships, the stragglers climbing aboard now and leaving Achilleas to finally take his leave of his family and of the shores of Taengea. And as he finally set foot upon the ship that would carry him to Egypt and to their enemies, he felt the familiar flutter of anticipation stir in his belly, the same that preceded each and every campaign he had led. He clung to that instead of the somber notion of leaving behind those he loved. This was for all of them. His success across the seas would keep Taengea safe.
Now he just had to deliver it.
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The hug took him by surprise. Xene was usually more measured in her affections, and in the tight grip she took around him, she said more than in all the words that would follow. Achilleas’ expression softened as she pulled back and spoke, his arms having lifted to return her embrace, though lightly.
“How could I not go?” he chided gently as she tipped her face up to look at him. “Would you have me a King who sits at the back and shouts orders? That’s not my way, Xene, and you know it. I will lead from the front, face our enemies as I ask our soldiers to do”
He knew though where her fears came from. Her father, his father. Zacharias. All gone. And Stephanos too, though at least they had the comfort of knowing he was safe and well. Achilleas kept his gaze steady on her for a moment, almost wanted to remind her of that fact, but it was unwise in such open company and so he held his tongue.
The brief moment of vulnerability in his careful cousin did not last long, and his cousin slid out of the embrace as deftly as she had stepped into it. The King’s hands, warm but with the callouses that marked a swordsman, enclosed hers gently.
“If the Gods will it I shall not be long gone” he said, wondering if repeating the sentiment so often made it more likely to be true. There were no promises to be made in war. All he could do was prepare as thoroughly as possible, and then lead their men with courage and conviction, whatever awaited them. The rest would lie in the hands of their immortal saviours.
Achilleas followed Princess Xene’s gaze back to his wife, and he found it hard not to let his eyes linger there. She would have the support of his family, he knew, and yet he wished it was not so soon after the coronation that he was leaving. A very real part of him wished he was not leaving at all, but it was tempered by the sense of duty, his responsibility to Taengea and to these men that went forwards with him. Such was the path the fates had laid for him, and now it was just for him to walk it. Swallowing, he turned away from Theodora and back to his cousin, a faint smile for her before he gave a quiet. “Thankyou”
There was little else to be said then. The King turned to survey the progress of the men boarding the ships, the stragglers climbing aboard now and leaving Achilleas to finally take his leave of his family and of the shores of Taengea. And as he finally set foot upon the ship that would carry him to Egypt and to their enemies, he felt the familiar flutter of anticipation stir in his belly, the same that preceded each and every campaign he had led. He clung to that instead of the somber notion of leaving behind those he loved. This was for all of them. His success across the seas would keep Taengea safe.
Now he just had to deliver it.
The hug took him by surprise. Xene was usually more measured in her affections, and in the tight grip she took around him, she said more than in all the words that would follow. Achilleas’ expression softened as she pulled back and spoke, his arms having lifted to return her embrace, though lightly.
“How could I not go?” he chided gently as she tipped her face up to look at him. “Would you have me a King who sits at the back and shouts orders? That’s not my way, Xene, and you know it. I will lead from the front, face our enemies as I ask our soldiers to do”
He knew though where her fears came from. Her father, his father. Zacharias. All gone. And Stephanos too, though at least they had the comfort of knowing he was safe and well. Achilleas kept his gaze steady on her for a moment, almost wanted to remind her of that fact, but it was unwise in such open company and so he held his tongue.
The brief moment of vulnerability in his careful cousin did not last long, and his cousin slid out of the embrace as deftly as she had stepped into it. The King’s hands, warm but with the callouses that marked a swordsman, enclosed hers gently.
“If the Gods will it I shall not be long gone” he said, wondering if repeating the sentiment so often made it more likely to be true. There were no promises to be made in war. All he could do was prepare as thoroughly as possible, and then lead their men with courage and conviction, whatever awaited them. The rest would lie in the hands of their immortal saviours.
Achilleas followed Princess Xene’s gaze back to his wife, and he found it hard not to let his eyes linger there. She would have the support of his family, he knew, and yet he wished it was not so soon after the coronation that he was leaving. A very real part of him wished he was not leaving at all, but it was tempered by the sense of duty, his responsibility to Taengea and to these men that went forwards with him. Such was the path the fates had laid for him, and now it was just for him to walk it. Swallowing, he turned away from Theodora and back to his cousin, a faint smile for her before he gave a quiet. “Thankyou”
There was little else to be said then. The King turned to survey the progress of the men boarding the ships, the stragglers climbing aboard now and leaving Achilleas to finally take his leave of his family and of the shores of Taengea. And as he finally set foot upon the ship that would carry him to Egypt and to their enemies, he felt the familiar flutter of anticipation stir in his belly, the same that preceded each and every campaign he had led. He clung to that instead of the somber notion of leaving behind those he loved. This was for all of them. His success across the seas would keep Taengea safe.