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The temple of Aphrodite was the location where Melina decided to grieve. The races had been one of the worst events she had gone to, already her dreams seemed to be shattering day by day. A dream of a roguish smile from a royal, not directly a pursuit, but at least something that would remind her that she would one day have a chance with nobility. Even an apology or explanation from the two Mikaelidas men would have been nice. However, they treated her as if she were nothing more than a pest, and her father had decided that she was acting poorly. Still wrapped in the himation, she wished that she could sink into the carved stone, anything that would take away the hurt of the last few days.
Her muddy brown eyes watered as she looked up at the statue of the goddess, the thirteen-year-old girl whispering her plight. She hoped to get the words out, but they were hard to say. Already, she knew that Xanthippe would notice her absence and would perhaps see the note that mentioned where she would be. Hopefully, the servant would seek her out. She needed a friend to talk to about this. Why, her heart felt twisted each day as she began to favor muted colors, hiding instead of speaking up about her wants and needs.
Yet, she knew that it was foolish to tell Xan everything, for what could the teen do? Well, she supposed she could listen, and Melina would gladly take that versus being unable to voice her piteous thoughts to the stunning statue of Aphrodite. Fingertips lightly touched the smooth walls, eyes fluttering shut as she sat down finally in a corner. Gazing at Aphrodite's statuesque beauty only made Melina feel like she was lacking more. She wasn't a stunning beauty like her cousins, perhaps puberty had decided to treat her unkindly. Already, her opinion of herself began to lower as her expectations grew higher with her parents'.
"Xanthippe, are you here?" She whispered finally after sitting silently in the corner for quite some time, opening her eyes at last. "I want to talk to you, if I may." Of course, she knew that she could, Xan seemed to be one of the few who noticed Melina's withdrawal, perhaps because she was around the same age. Not that Melina had ever been outgoing, but at one time, she had been somewhat daring. Not clothed in subdued tones, but ones of colorful finery that her mother wanted her to wear.
"I don't know what to do Xanthippe, everything hurts." The depressions had only started recently, and Melina was unsure what to do with such emotions, such sadness that made her want to run away. "But it's inside. I have no wounds like a soldier." It was hard to articulate the emotions that overwhelmed her. Sadness, wasn't the right word. "But you should have seen them, Xan. I never thought I'd get to see the royals that close." However, excitement did not fill her words, as she instead returned to lowering her head to her chiton-covered knees. "But, they didn't want to see me. In fact, they rejected me as if I was a pest that ravaged crops."
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The temple of Aphrodite was the location where Melina decided to grieve. The races had been one of the worst events she had gone to, already her dreams seemed to be shattering day by day. A dream of a roguish smile from a royal, not directly a pursuit, but at least something that would remind her that she would one day have a chance with nobility. Even an apology or explanation from the two Mikaelidas men would have been nice. However, they treated her as if she were nothing more than a pest, and her father had decided that she was acting poorly. Still wrapped in the himation, she wished that she could sink into the carved stone, anything that would take away the hurt of the last few days.
Her muddy brown eyes watered as she looked up at the statue of the goddess, the thirteen-year-old girl whispering her plight. She hoped to get the words out, but they were hard to say. Already, she knew that Xanthippe would notice her absence and would perhaps see the note that mentioned where she would be. Hopefully, the servant would seek her out. She needed a friend to talk to about this. Why, her heart felt twisted each day as she began to favor muted colors, hiding instead of speaking up about her wants and needs.
Yet, she knew that it was foolish to tell Xan everything, for what could the teen do? Well, she supposed she could listen, and Melina would gladly take that versus being unable to voice her piteous thoughts to the stunning statue of Aphrodite. Fingertips lightly touched the smooth walls, eyes fluttering shut as she sat down finally in a corner. Gazing at Aphrodite's statuesque beauty only made Melina feel like she was lacking more. She wasn't a stunning beauty like her cousins, perhaps puberty had decided to treat her unkindly. Already, her opinion of herself began to lower as her expectations grew higher with her parents'.
"Xanthippe, are you here?" She whispered finally after sitting silently in the corner for quite some time, opening her eyes at last. "I want to talk to you, if I may." Of course, she knew that she could, Xan seemed to be one of the few who noticed Melina's withdrawal, perhaps because she was around the same age. Not that Melina had ever been outgoing, but at one time, she had been somewhat daring. Not clothed in subdued tones, but ones of colorful finery that her mother wanted her to wear.
"I don't know what to do Xanthippe, everything hurts." The depressions had only started recently, and Melina was unsure what to do with such emotions, such sadness that made her want to run away. "But it's inside. I have no wounds like a soldier." It was hard to articulate the emotions that overwhelmed her. Sadness, wasn't the right word. "But you should have seen them, Xan. I never thought I'd get to see the royals that close." However, excitement did not fill her words, as she instead returned to lowering her head to her chiton-covered knees. "But, they didn't want to see me. In fact, they rejected me as if I was a pest that ravaged crops."
The temple of Aphrodite was the location where Melina decided to grieve. The races had been one of the worst events she had gone to, already her dreams seemed to be shattering day by day. A dream of a roguish smile from a royal, not directly a pursuit, but at least something that would remind her that she would one day have a chance with nobility. Even an apology or explanation from the two Mikaelidas men would have been nice. However, they treated her as if she were nothing more than a pest, and her father had decided that she was acting poorly. Still wrapped in the himation, she wished that she could sink into the carved stone, anything that would take away the hurt of the last few days.
Her muddy brown eyes watered as she looked up at the statue of the goddess, the thirteen-year-old girl whispering her plight. She hoped to get the words out, but they were hard to say. Already, she knew that Xanthippe would notice her absence and would perhaps see the note that mentioned where she would be. Hopefully, the servant would seek her out. She needed a friend to talk to about this. Why, her heart felt twisted each day as she began to favor muted colors, hiding instead of speaking up about her wants and needs.
Yet, she knew that it was foolish to tell Xan everything, for what could the teen do? Well, she supposed she could listen, and Melina would gladly take that versus being unable to voice her piteous thoughts to the stunning statue of Aphrodite. Fingertips lightly touched the smooth walls, eyes fluttering shut as she sat down finally in a corner. Gazing at Aphrodite's statuesque beauty only made Melina feel like she was lacking more. She wasn't a stunning beauty like her cousins, perhaps puberty had decided to treat her unkindly. Already, her opinion of herself began to lower as her expectations grew higher with her parents'.
"Xanthippe, are you here?" She whispered finally after sitting silently in the corner for quite some time, opening her eyes at last. "I want to talk to you, if I may." Of course, she knew that she could, Xan seemed to be one of the few who noticed Melina's withdrawal, perhaps because she was around the same age. Not that Melina had ever been outgoing, but at one time, she had been somewhat daring. Not clothed in subdued tones, but ones of colorful finery that her mother wanted her to wear.
"I don't know what to do Xanthippe, everything hurts." The depressions had only started recently, and Melina was unsure what to do with such emotions, such sadness that made her want to run away. "But it's inside. I have no wounds like a soldier." It was hard to articulate the emotions that overwhelmed her. Sadness, wasn't the right word. "But you should have seen them, Xan. I never thought I'd get to see the royals that close." However, excitement did not fill her words, as she instead returned to lowering her head to her chiton-covered knees. "But, they didn't want to see me. In fact, they rejected me as if I was a pest that ravaged crops."
As soon as Xanthippe saw the note, she left the Leventi manor and headed off toward the temple of Aphrodite, a fury simmering under her skin that had no outlet. Closest to Melina of all the Leventi girls, both in age and regard, she hated to see the young woman in pain. There was something about the middle daughter that struck a chord in Xan, something that triggered a fierce protective instinct in her that she felt around no one else. To know Melina was in pain and there was nothing she could do to stop it only made Xan rage. She would see that whoever was responsible paid for such a grievous error.
Striding into the temple, she gazed around for the girl, blue eyes narrowing when she finally spotted her. Gathering up the skirt of her charcoal chiton, she practically ran for the corner where Melina was curled up, stopping to kneel in front of her. “I’m here,” she answered simply to the girl’s whispered plea, reaching to brush a lock of hair from her face. “What’s troubling you?”
Cut out their hearts.
Make them pay.
Gouge their eyes from their heads.
While she didn’t respond to the chattering voices, she didn’t disagree with them, either. Her young mistress was hurting, and it was all the fault of those stupid Mikaelidas boys. How could they be so cruel? Melina’s blood was just as worthy as theirs; no matter that her father didn’t sit the throne. As far as Xanthippe was concerned, he should, and was far more deserving than King Zenon could ever hope to be. But that was neither here nor there. What concerned her now was what those wretched boys had done to Melina for her to be curled up in the corner of a temple bemoaning their attention.
Serve her their heads on a plate.
Make them eat their own tongues first.
A gentle hand stroked over Melina’s hair when she buried her face in her knees, Xan’s brow furrowed in anger. “What did they say to you, sweetness?” she asked as she imagined the different ways she could cause their deaths. An ‘accidental’ fall, poison slipped into their food, a deadly snake released into their beds… No, no, she couldn’t kill any of the royals, but that didn’t mean she wouldn’t fantasize about it. They were unworthy, and such filth ought to be cleansed.
Kill them all and snatch the crown.
The speakers in her head were often filled with such grandiose ideas, and while many were appealing, the gods failed to consider how such endeavors were meant to be achieved. She was a divine vessel, yes, but did they not understand she was merely a girl, and a flesh and blood one, at that? She could not simply change her form and creep up on her adversaries in the middle of the night. If only she could…
“Tell me what happened, my lady. I doubt there’s much I can do for you, but I am happy to listen.”
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As soon as Xanthippe saw the note, she left the Leventi manor and headed off toward the temple of Aphrodite, a fury simmering under her skin that had no outlet. Closest to Melina of all the Leventi girls, both in age and regard, she hated to see the young woman in pain. There was something about the middle daughter that struck a chord in Xan, something that triggered a fierce protective instinct in her that she felt around no one else. To know Melina was in pain and there was nothing she could do to stop it only made Xan rage. She would see that whoever was responsible paid for such a grievous error.
Striding into the temple, she gazed around for the girl, blue eyes narrowing when she finally spotted her. Gathering up the skirt of her charcoal chiton, she practically ran for the corner where Melina was curled up, stopping to kneel in front of her. “I’m here,” she answered simply to the girl’s whispered plea, reaching to brush a lock of hair from her face. “What’s troubling you?”
Cut out their hearts.
Make them pay.
Gouge their eyes from their heads.
While she didn’t respond to the chattering voices, she didn’t disagree with them, either. Her young mistress was hurting, and it was all the fault of those stupid Mikaelidas boys. How could they be so cruel? Melina’s blood was just as worthy as theirs; no matter that her father didn’t sit the throne. As far as Xanthippe was concerned, he should, and was far more deserving than King Zenon could ever hope to be. But that was neither here nor there. What concerned her now was what those wretched boys had done to Melina for her to be curled up in the corner of a temple bemoaning their attention.
Serve her their heads on a plate.
Make them eat their own tongues first.
A gentle hand stroked over Melina’s hair when she buried her face in her knees, Xan’s brow furrowed in anger. “What did they say to you, sweetness?” she asked as she imagined the different ways she could cause their deaths. An ‘accidental’ fall, poison slipped into their food, a deadly snake released into their beds… No, no, she couldn’t kill any of the royals, but that didn’t mean she wouldn’t fantasize about it. They were unworthy, and such filth ought to be cleansed.
Kill them all and snatch the crown.
The speakers in her head were often filled with such grandiose ideas, and while many were appealing, the gods failed to consider how such endeavors were meant to be achieved. She was a divine vessel, yes, but did they not understand she was merely a girl, and a flesh and blood one, at that? She could not simply change her form and creep up on her adversaries in the middle of the night. If only she could…
“Tell me what happened, my lady. I doubt there’s much I can do for you, but I am happy to listen.”
As soon as Xanthippe saw the note, she left the Leventi manor and headed off toward the temple of Aphrodite, a fury simmering under her skin that had no outlet. Closest to Melina of all the Leventi girls, both in age and regard, she hated to see the young woman in pain. There was something about the middle daughter that struck a chord in Xan, something that triggered a fierce protective instinct in her that she felt around no one else. To know Melina was in pain and there was nothing she could do to stop it only made Xan rage. She would see that whoever was responsible paid for such a grievous error.
Striding into the temple, she gazed around for the girl, blue eyes narrowing when she finally spotted her. Gathering up the skirt of her charcoal chiton, she practically ran for the corner where Melina was curled up, stopping to kneel in front of her. “I’m here,” she answered simply to the girl’s whispered plea, reaching to brush a lock of hair from her face. “What’s troubling you?”
Cut out their hearts.
Make them pay.
Gouge their eyes from their heads.
While she didn’t respond to the chattering voices, she didn’t disagree with them, either. Her young mistress was hurting, and it was all the fault of those stupid Mikaelidas boys. How could they be so cruel? Melina’s blood was just as worthy as theirs; no matter that her father didn’t sit the throne. As far as Xanthippe was concerned, he should, and was far more deserving than King Zenon could ever hope to be. But that was neither here nor there. What concerned her now was what those wretched boys had done to Melina for her to be curled up in the corner of a temple bemoaning their attention.
Serve her their heads on a plate.
Make them eat their own tongues first.
A gentle hand stroked over Melina’s hair when she buried her face in her knees, Xan’s brow furrowed in anger. “What did they say to you, sweetness?” she asked as she imagined the different ways she could cause their deaths. An ‘accidental’ fall, poison slipped into their food, a deadly snake released into their beds… No, no, she couldn’t kill any of the royals, but that didn’t mean she wouldn’t fantasize about it. They were unworthy, and such filth ought to be cleansed.
Kill them all and snatch the crown.
The speakers in her head were often filled with such grandiose ideas, and while many were appealing, the gods failed to consider how such endeavors were meant to be achieved. She was a divine vessel, yes, but did they not understand she was merely a girl, and a flesh and blood one, at that? She could not simply change her form and creep up on her adversaries in the middle of the night. If only she could…
“Tell me what happened, my lady. I doubt there’s much I can do for you, but I am happy to listen.”
Melina rested against smooth stone of marble, her gaze clouded with dismay. What had she done wrong? Father hadn’t even stood up for her as the Mikaelidas men decided she wasn’t even worth the time to at least say hello to. Perhaps she was naïve enough to dream of marrying one of the royal family members, but her mother said that she could marry royalty, that she could genuinely do so if she believed in herself. What was she doing wrong?
Xan might find her tears to be foolish, especially over royals, but she hoped the woman felt kindred and sympathy over their plight. Peering up from her knees, the himation she wore covering her features, Melina let out a sniffle. As her hair was brushed away, Melina let out a sigh giving Xanthippe a sad smile. "I just wanted to say hello to the royal family, and they treated me as if I weren’t worthy. It was going to be perfect Xan, I never had seen a prince that close before, but something must be wrong with me because I blew it.”
Melina didn’t have vengeance in her heart, and she knew that Xanthippe, sweet Xan, couldn’t do anything to solve her plight, but she could listen, and that was all that Melina needed. A listening ear. Wiping at her eyes with the sleeve of her peplos, the brunette closed her eyes. “Achilleas looked as if I was an infestation disturbing his crops, and Stephanos, he didn’t even bother to learn my name, nor Dorothea’s”
She had indeed made a good friend, but what made it worse was her father. However, she knew that her father was right. Royals didn’t need to play by the same rules as nobility, especially not the Mikaelidas. “There has to be something wrong with me, Xan. Father threw a himation on me afterwards as if I had shamed him for daring to just say hello.” And stand up for herself, or at least rebuke the royals for not bothering to at least acknowledge her existence.
Brown eyes closed. “It must be because of how I look. I’ve noticed my cousins always seem to shine the brightest, and they are even blessed by Gods. I’m just an ugly duckling in a family of swans.” And in her despair, the seed of self-loathing began to grow, along with the wilting of her self-confidence, setting in motion her demeanor for years to come.
“Well, looks can only get me so far, right, Xan? That means I will simply have to read and write more.” Maybe then, someone, maybe even a prince would see her worth. Though none of the Mikaelidas men would. So perhaps she would have to travel to other parts of Greece. It was at least a nice dream, even if she knew father wouldn’t allow it.
“Can you do me a favor, Xanthippe. When we go home, I need you to help me burn something. I don’t want anyone else to see those letters I’ve been prone to writing.” She was talking about those love letters, innocent ones of admiration for the Mikaelidas men and their feats. “I’m never going to send them at this rate, especially as they looked at me as if I was horse dung.”
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Melina rested against smooth stone of marble, her gaze clouded with dismay. What had she done wrong? Father hadn’t even stood up for her as the Mikaelidas men decided she wasn’t even worth the time to at least say hello to. Perhaps she was naïve enough to dream of marrying one of the royal family members, but her mother said that she could marry royalty, that she could genuinely do so if she believed in herself. What was she doing wrong?
Xan might find her tears to be foolish, especially over royals, but she hoped the woman felt kindred and sympathy over their plight. Peering up from her knees, the himation she wore covering her features, Melina let out a sniffle. As her hair was brushed away, Melina let out a sigh giving Xanthippe a sad smile. "I just wanted to say hello to the royal family, and they treated me as if I weren’t worthy. It was going to be perfect Xan, I never had seen a prince that close before, but something must be wrong with me because I blew it.”
Melina didn’t have vengeance in her heart, and she knew that Xanthippe, sweet Xan, couldn’t do anything to solve her plight, but she could listen, and that was all that Melina needed. A listening ear. Wiping at her eyes with the sleeve of her peplos, the brunette closed her eyes. “Achilleas looked as if I was an infestation disturbing his crops, and Stephanos, he didn’t even bother to learn my name, nor Dorothea’s”
She had indeed made a good friend, but what made it worse was her father. However, she knew that her father was right. Royals didn’t need to play by the same rules as nobility, especially not the Mikaelidas. “There has to be something wrong with me, Xan. Father threw a himation on me afterwards as if I had shamed him for daring to just say hello.” And stand up for herself, or at least rebuke the royals for not bothering to at least acknowledge her existence.
Brown eyes closed. “It must be because of how I look. I’ve noticed my cousins always seem to shine the brightest, and they are even blessed by Gods. I’m just an ugly duckling in a family of swans.” And in her despair, the seed of self-loathing began to grow, along with the wilting of her self-confidence, setting in motion her demeanor for years to come.
“Well, looks can only get me so far, right, Xan? That means I will simply have to read and write more.” Maybe then, someone, maybe even a prince would see her worth. Though none of the Mikaelidas men would. So perhaps she would have to travel to other parts of Greece. It was at least a nice dream, even if she knew father wouldn’t allow it.
“Can you do me a favor, Xanthippe. When we go home, I need you to help me burn something. I don’t want anyone else to see those letters I’ve been prone to writing.” She was talking about those love letters, innocent ones of admiration for the Mikaelidas men and their feats. “I’m never going to send them at this rate, especially as they looked at me as if I was horse dung.”
Melina rested against smooth stone of marble, her gaze clouded with dismay. What had she done wrong? Father hadn’t even stood up for her as the Mikaelidas men decided she wasn’t even worth the time to at least say hello to. Perhaps she was naïve enough to dream of marrying one of the royal family members, but her mother said that she could marry royalty, that she could genuinely do so if she believed in herself. What was she doing wrong?
Xan might find her tears to be foolish, especially over royals, but she hoped the woman felt kindred and sympathy over their plight. Peering up from her knees, the himation she wore covering her features, Melina let out a sniffle. As her hair was brushed away, Melina let out a sigh giving Xanthippe a sad smile. "I just wanted to say hello to the royal family, and they treated me as if I weren’t worthy. It was going to be perfect Xan, I never had seen a prince that close before, but something must be wrong with me because I blew it.”
Melina didn’t have vengeance in her heart, and she knew that Xanthippe, sweet Xan, couldn’t do anything to solve her plight, but she could listen, and that was all that Melina needed. A listening ear. Wiping at her eyes with the sleeve of her peplos, the brunette closed her eyes. “Achilleas looked as if I was an infestation disturbing his crops, and Stephanos, he didn’t even bother to learn my name, nor Dorothea’s”
She had indeed made a good friend, but what made it worse was her father. However, she knew that her father was right. Royals didn’t need to play by the same rules as nobility, especially not the Mikaelidas. “There has to be something wrong with me, Xan. Father threw a himation on me afterwards as if I had shamed him for daring to just say hello.” And stand up for herself, or at least rebuke the royals for not bothering to at least acknowledge her existence.
Brown eyes closed. “It must be because of how I look. I’ve noticed my cousins always seem to shine the brightest, and they are even blessed by Gods. I’m just an ugly duckling in a family of swans.” And in her despair, the seed of self-loathing began to grow, along with the wilting of her self-confidence, setting in motion her demeanor for years to come.
“Well, looks can only get me so far, right, Xan? That means I will simply have to read and write more.” Maybe then, someone, maybe even a prince would see her worth. Though none of the Mikaelidas men would. So perhaps she would have to travel to other parts of Greece. It was at least a nice dream, even if she knew father wouldn’t allow it.
“Can you do me a favor, Xanthippe. When we go home, I need you to help me burn something. I don’t want anyone else to see those letters I’ve been prone to writing.” She was talking about those love letters, innocent ones of admiration for the Mikaelidas men and their feats. “I’m never going to send them at this rate, especially as they looked at me as if I was horse dung.”
Melina’s words tore at Xanthippe’s soul, the divine creature before her expressing doubts to her own validity and shattering her own sense of self-worth. What right did those wretched boys have to draw such a light down so low? Who did they think they were to so demean her?
Filthy nobodies.
Detestable scum.
There was a rage building in her, one without outlet. Not at the young woman who trembled before her, no, never her, but at the ones who would treat her so foully. Even her beloved Lord Fotios was included in that anger, for once—for how could he treat his precious daughter in such a way? How could he discard her so casually? None of this was acceptable. None of it.
Taking both of Melina’s hands, Xanthippe sought out her gaze and held it, trying to keep the rage hidden in her own. The last thing she wanted was for her lady to believe it was directed at her, when that was the furthest thing from the truth. “You listen to me, my lady,” she began, fighting to keep her voice calm and even. “There is nothing wrong with you. Nothing, you understand?”
The fervor was clear in her tone, every word dripping with complete and utter sincerity. “You are beautiful, kind, and intelligent, and not one of those royal fools has any right to make you feel otherwise.” Squeezing the girl’s fingers, Xan went on, “You are not an ugly duckling, by any means. You are a stunning swan, and it won’t be long before everyone else starts to realize it. Mark my words, those same boys who dared to make you feel so inferior will be the same ones that come busting down your door one day. I guarantee it.”
And if they didn’t, good riddance to them all. Melina deserved someone worthy and true, not just a prince lucky enough to be born to such a title. As far as Xanthippe was concerned, there wasn’t a single man in Taengea worthy of her beloved mistress, but perhaps her mind could be changed. If they made Melina smile, if they spent every day telling her how lovely and perfect she was, then, maybe, they might prove themselves worthy of her. Just maybe.
Tugging at her hands, the handmaid urged her lady to her feet, once more reaching to push the protective cover of her hair from her face. “You are a Leventi, my lady, one of a proud noble family whose blood is just as worthy as the Mikaelidas. None of them have any right to make you feel like you are lesser than they. You are not. And I promise they will all rue the moment they made you feel that way.”
At Melina’s request for help in burning her unsent letters, Xanthippe nodded, dropping her hands and tucking her own in the crook of her lady’s arm. “Of course, my lady,” she replied, her jaw still tight with repressed anger. “It will be as if they never existed.”
And perhaps one day the objects of those letters can follow suit.
Fire is the ultimate cleanser, after all.
Turning her face away from her mistress, the barest hint of a smile curled Xan’s lips.
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Melina’s words tore at Xanthippe’s soul, the divine creature before her expressing doubts to her own validity and shattering her own sense of self-worth. What right did those wretched boys have to draw such a light down so low? Who did they think they were to so demean her?
Filthy nobodies.
Detestable scum.
There was a rage building in her, one without outlet. Not at the young woman who trembled before her, no, never her, but at the ones who would treat her so foully. Even her beloved Lord Fotios was included in that anger, for once—for how could he treat his precious daughter in such a way? How could he discard her so casually? None of this was acceptable. None of it.
Taking both of Melina’s hands, Xanthippe sought out her gaze and held it, trying to keep the rage hidden in her own. The last thing she wanted was for her lady to believe it was directed at her, when that was the furthest thing from the truth. “You listen to me, my lady,” she began, fighting to keep her voice calm and even. “There is nothing wrong with you. Nothing, you understand?”
The fervor was clear in her tone, every word dripping with complete and utter sincerity. “You are beautiful, kind, and intelligent, and not one of those royal fools has any right to make you feel otherwise.” Squeezing the girl’s fingers, Xan went on, “You are not an ugly duckling, by any means. You are a stunning swan, and it won’t be long before everyone else starts to realize it. Mark my words, those same boys who dared to make you feel so inferior will be the same ones that come busting down your door one day. I guarantee it.”
And if they didn’t, good riddance to them all. Melina deserved someone worthy and true, not just a prince lucky enough to be born to such a title. As far as Xanthippe was concerned, there wasn’t a single man in Taengea worthy of her beloved mistress, but perhaps her mind could be changed. If they made Melina smile, if they spent every day telling her how lovely and perfect she was, then, maybe, they might prove themselves worthy of her. Just maybe.
Tugging at her hands, the handmaid urged her lady to her feet, once more reaching to push the protective cover of her hair from her face. “You are a Leventi, my lady, one of a proud noble family whose blood is just as worthy as the Mikaelidas. None of them have any right to make you feel like you are lesser than they. You are not. And I promise they will all rue the moment they made you feel that way.”
At Melina’s request for help in burning her unsent letters, Xanthippe nodded, dropping her hands and tucking her own in the crook of her lady’s arm. “Of course, my lady,” she replied, her jaw still tight with repressed anger. “It will be as if they never existed.”
And perhaps one day the objects of those letters can follow suit.
Fire is the ultimate cleanser, after all.
Turning her face away from her mistress, the barest hint of a smile curled Xan’s lips.
Melina’s words tore at Xanthippe’s soul, the divine creature before her expressing doubts to her own validity and shattering her own sense of self-worth. What right did those wretched boys have to draw such a light down so low? Who did they think they were to so demean her?
Filthy nobodies.
Detestable scum.
There was a rage building in her, one without outlet. Not at the young woman who trembled before her, no, never her, but at the ones who would treat her so foully. Even her beloved Lord Fotios was included in that anger, for once—for how could he treat his precious daughter in such a way? How could he discard her so casually? None of this was acceptable. None of it.
Taking both of Melina’s hands, Xanthippe sought out her gaze and held it, trying to keep the rage hidden in her own. The last thing she wanted was for her lady to believe it was directed at her, when that was the furthest thing from the truth. “You listen to me, my lady,” she began, fighting to keep her voice calm and even. “There is nothing wrong with you. Nothing, you understand?”
The fervor was clear in her tone, every word dripping with complete and utter sincerity. “You are beautiful, kind, and intelligent, and not one of those royal fools has any right to make you feel otherwise.” Squeezing the girl’s fingers, Xan went on, “You are not an ugly duckling, by any means. You are a stunning swan, and it won’t be long before everyone else starts to realize it. Mark my words, those same boys who dared to make you feel so inferior will be the same ones that come busting down your door one day. I guarantee it.”
And if they didn’t, good riddance to them all. Melina deserved someone worthy and true, not just a prince lucky enough to be born to such a title. As far as Xanthippe was concerned, there wasn’t a single man in Taengea worthy of her beloved mistress, but perhaps her mind could be changed. If they made Melina smile, if they spent every day telling her how lovely and perfect she was, then, maybe, they might prove themselves worthy of her. Just maybe.
Tugging at her hands, the handmaid urged her lady to her feet, once more reaching to push the protective cover of her hair from her face. “You are a Leventi, my lady, one of a proud noble family whose blood is just as worthy as the Mikaelidas. None of them have any right to make you feel like you are lesser than they. You are not. And I promise they will all rue the moment they made you feel that way.”
At Melina’s request for help in burning her unsent letters, Xanthippe nodded, dropping her hands and tucking her own in the crook of her lady’s arm. “Of course, my lady,” she replied, her jaw still tight with repressed anger. “It will be as if they never existed.”
And perhaps one day the objects of those letters can follow suit.
Fire is the ultimate cleanser, after all.
Turning her face away from her mistress, the barest hint of a smile curled Xan’s lips.
She should burn all of it, truthfully. Those letters were incriminating and humiliating, but her journals were even more… embarrassing. She hated that feeling, embarrassment. No matter how many times Melina felt it, no matter how many times she messed up, she would never get used to it. All it did was serve to make her hate herself even more.
Melina listened to Xan, she always did. She listened to her friend very well. But it was so hard to believe her when she knew it to be untrue. If she were beautiful, why did people always look over her? Why did their eyes glaze over Melina to find the other Leventis. Her cousins were blessed, and even her younger sister Dafni was gorgeous. Melina on the other hand was far from beautiful.
She was average.
But there was one thing that was correct. Melina was a Leventi. “Sometimes I wish I wasn’t a Leventi,” Melina admitted softly. “I wish you were in my place, Xan. If our roles were reversed, you would be a favored daughter. Father and mother wouldn’t have to worry about you. People wouldn’t look over you.”
But Xan wasn’t a Leventi. It was Melina. Melina was the one who had to fight to make her father happy. Melina was the one who had to smile and pretend to be womanly when she knew no matter how hard she tried she wouldn’t ever be like her cousins.
And this wasn’t fair. Melina felt tears spring to her eyes. She didn’t like being like this. She didn’t want to be this awkward girl that felt uncomfortable in her own skin. She didn’t want to feel like she looked like the help when standing next to her cousins, or even Xan! Xan had beautiful blond locks, breasts that drew a man’s eye, and a figure that Melina would kill for. She was perhaps odd to some, off-putting to others, but Melina knew from experience that Xan was brilliant. She should have been the Leventi. Melina should have been… nothing.
“Have you read the Odyssey, Xan? Do you remember this quote? My name is Nobody.” That quote defined Melina. When she read it, she felt it in her soul. It pierced her heart like a dagger and left a wound that would never heal. “That’s how they made me feel. When they didn’t even bother to know my name, it was as if I was Nobody. You’re right, I am a Leventi. But why don’t I feel that way? Why doesn’t anyone else… treat me that way?”
There was one kind girl there. Dorothea. Melina would remember her. She liked her a lot. Xan would like her too, Melina thought. But one person’s kindness did not remove the other’s rudeness. “Xan if I am a swan, like you say, why is it… why is it only you who sees it?” Melina’s lip quivered. She dropped her eyes to the floor. “Not even I can see it.”
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She should burn all of it, truthfully. Those letters were incriminating and humiliating, but her journals were even more… embarrassing. She hated that feeling, embarrassment. No matter how many times Melina felt it, no matter how many times she messed up, she would never get used to it. All it did was serve to make her hate herself even more.
Melina listened to Xan, she always did. She listened to her friend very well. But it was so hard to believe her when she knew it to be untrue. If she were beautiful, why did people always look over her? Why did their eyes glaze over Melina to find the other Leventis. Her cousins were blessed, and even her younger sister Dafni was gorgeous. Melina on the other hand was far from beautiful.
She was average.
But there was one thing that was correct. Melina was a Leventi. “Sometimes I wish I wasn’t a Leventi,” Melina admitted softly. “I wish you were in my place, Xan. If our roles were reversed, you would be a favored daughter. Father and mother wouldn’t have to worry about you. People wouldn’t look over you.”
But Xan wasn’t a Leventi. It was Melina. Melina was the one who had to fight to make her father happy. Melina was the one who had to smile and pretend to be womanly when she knew no matter how hard she tried she wouldn’t ever be like her cousins.
And this wasn’t fair. Melina felt tears spring to her eyes. She didn’t like being like this. She didn’t want to be this awkward girl that felt uncomfortable in her own skin. She didn’t want to feel like she looked like the help when standing next to her cousins, or even Xan! Xan had beautiful blond locks, breasts that drew a man’s eye, and a figure that Melina would kill for. She was perhaps odd to some, off-putting to others, but Melina knew from experience that Xan was brilliant. She should have been the Leventi. Melina should have been… nothing.
“Have you read the Odyssey, Xan? Do you remember this quote? My name is Nobody.” That quote defined Melina. When she read it, she felt it in her soul. It pierced her heart like a dagger and left a wound that would never heal. “That’s how they made me feel. When they didn’t even bother to know my name, it was as if I was Nobody. You’re right, I am a Leventi. But why don’t I feel that way? Why doesn’t anyone else… treat me that way?”
There was one kind girl there. Dorothea. Melina would remember her. She liked her a lot. Xan would like her too, Melina thought. But one person’s kindness did not remove the other’s rudeness. “Xan if I am a swan, like you say, why is it… why is it only you who sees it?” Melina’s lip quivered. She dropped her eyes to the floor. “Not even I can see it.”
She should burn all of it, truthfully. Those letters were incriminating and humiliating, but her journals were even more… embarrassing. She hated that feeling, embarrassment. No matter how many times Melina felt it, no matter how many times she messed up, she would never get used to it. All it did was serve to make her hate herself even more.
Melina listened to Xan, she always did. She listened to her friend very well. But it was so hard to believe her when she knew it to be untrue. If she were beautiful, why did people always look over her? Why did their eyes glaze over Melina to find the other Leventis. Her cousins were blessed, and even her younger sister Dafni was gorgeous. Melina on the other hand was far from beautiful.
She was average.
But there was one thing that was correct. Melina was a Leventi. “Sometimes I wish I wasn’t a Leventi,” Melina admitted softly. “I wish you were in my place, Xan. If our roles were reversed, you would be a favored daughter. Father and mother wouldn’t have to worry about you. People wouldn’t look over you.”
But Xan wasn’t a Leventi. It was Melina. Melina was the one who had to fight to make her father happy. Melina was the one who had to smile and pretend to be womanly when she knew no matter how hard she tried she wouldn’t ever be like her cousins.
And this wasn’t fair. Melina felt tears spring to her eyes. She didn’t like being like this. She didn’t want to be this awkward girl that felt uncomfortable in her own skin. She didn’t want to feel like she looked like the help when standing next to her cousins, or even Xan! Xan had beautiful blond locks, breasts that drew a man’s eye, and a figure that Melina would kill for. She was perhaps odd to some, off-putting to others, but Melina knew from experience that Xan was brilliant. She should have been the Leventi. Melina should have been… nothing.
“Have you read the Odyssey, Xan? Do you remember this quote? My name is Nobody.” That quote defined Melina. When she read it, she felt it in her soul. It pierced her heart like a dagger and left a wound that would never heal. “That’s how they made me feel. When they didn’t even bother to know my name, it was as if I was Nobody. You’re right, I am a Leventi. But why don’t I feel that way? Why doesn’t anyone else… treat me that way?”
There was one kind girl there. Dorothea. Melina would remember her. She liked her a lot. Xan would like her too, Melina thought. But one person’s kindness did not remove the other’s rudeness. “Xan if I am a swan, like you say, why is it… why is it only you who sees it?” Melina’s lip quivered. She dropped her eyes to the floor. “Not even I can see it.”
Xanthippe’s frown deepened as Melina voiced her wishes, that she was not a Leventi and that the handmaid was in her place instead. No, Melina did not understand what she wished for. Xanthippe could never be a Leventi, not with her… afflictions. They were much easier to hide in a servant, but a young woman constantly at Court? A woman who would have to marry? No. It was better it was not that way.
“People already overlook me, my lady,” she murmured as Melina continued to speak, shaking her head. “But they are supposed to. I do not wish for your place any more than you do.” Reaching out, she lightly squeezed the woman’s hand. “But we are what the gods made us. And we will endure, for there is no other choice.” It was a mantra Lord Fotios had repeated to her on her hardest days, and it was one she would give Lady Melina, too.
The tears in her mistress’s eyes made Xanthippe see red, urged her to destroy whoever put them there in the first place. Melina should never be made to cry or feel pain, especially not because of some silly boys who couldn’t see the true wonder she was. The handmaid’s jaw clenched, her fingers tightening too before she realized they might hurt her lady. Releasing Melina’s hand when she realized how tight they had gotten, she didn’t have time to say anything before her companion was asking her about The Odyssey, if she had ever read it. Shaking her head, her frown only deepened at the reference Melina drew from it, unable to hide her fury.
“They are the nobodies, my lady,” she hissed, glaring toward the entrance of the temple as if the Mikaelidas boys would suddenly appear. Her tone softened as she spoke again to Melina, “Not you. Never you.”
You are a nobody, too.
No, she is ours. We have made her into a somebody.
I will happily be a nobody if it pushes Melina into the light.
Why didn’t they treat her with the respect she deserved? She mirrored Melina’s question in her own head, but she didn’t have an answer. Much as she might want to, she couldn’t control their reactions—not without rather drastic intervention. And unfortunately for them all, that was an intervention she could not take, not without outing her own strangeness, as Lord Fotios had so repeatedly warned her against.
“They do not see you because they are blind, my lady,” Xanthippe said as she turned back to her mistress, conviction in her tone. “And you blind yourself, as well. You believe you are wrong, and so you become that way. Or you think you do.” Taking Melina’s hand again, she threaded their fingers together. “But you aren’t, you understand? The only way they will see it is if you make them see.”
Reaching with her other hand, she pushed a lank of hair from the younger woman’s face. “I would make them all see if I could. Then they would understand.” If they could all see Melina through Xanthippe’s eyes, none would ever doubt again. They would know her for the jewel she was.
Glancing back toward the open door of the temple, she nodded in that direction. “Come on, my lady. Let’s head back home. I do not think our Lady Aphrodite can help us any longer, but I know those burnings will.”
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Xanthippe’s frown deepened as Melina voiced her wishes, that she was not a Leventi and that the handmaid was in her place instead. No, Melina did not understand what she wished for. Xanthippe could never be a Leventi, not with her… afflictions. They were much easier to hide in a servant, but a young woman constantly at Court? A woman who would have to marry? No. It was better it was not that way.
“People already overlook me, my lady,” she murmured as Melina continued to speak, shaking her head. “But they are supposed to. I do not wish for your place any more than you do.” Reaching out, she lightly squeezed the woman’s hand. “But we are what the gods made us. And we will endure, for there is no other choice.” It was a mantra Lord Fotios had repeated to her on her hardest days, and it was one she would give Lady Melina, too.
The tears in her mistress’s eyes made Xanthippe see red, urged her to destroy whoever put them there in the first place. Melina should never be made to cry or feel pain, especially not because of some silly boys who couldn’t see the true wonder she was. The handmaid’s jaw clenched, her fingers tightening too before she realized they might hurt her lady. Releasing Melina’s hand when she realized how tight they had gotten, she didn’t have time to say anything before her companion was asking her about The Odyssey, if she had ever read it. Shaking her head, her frown only deepened at the reference Melina drew from it, unable to hide her fury.
“They are the nobodies, my lady,” she hissed, glaring toward the entrance of the temple as if the Mikaelidas boys would suddenly appear. Her tone softened as she spoke again to Melina, “Not you. Never you.”
You are a nobody, too.
No, she is ours. We have made her into a somebody.
I will happily be a nobody if it pushes Melina into the light.
Why didn’t they treat her with the respect she deserved? She mirrored Melina’s question in her own head, but she didn’t have an answer. Much as she might want to, she couldn’t control their reactions—not without rather drastic intervention. And unfortunately for them all, that was an intervention she could not take, not without outing her own strangeness, as Lord Fotios had so repeatedly warned her against.
“They do not see you because they are blind, my lady,” Xanthippe said as she turned back to her mistress, conviction in her tone. “And you blind yourself, as well. You believe you are wrong, and so you become that way. Or you think you do.” Taking Melina’s hand again, she threaded their fingers together. “But you aren’t, you understand? The only way they will see it is if you make them see.”
Reaching with her other hand, she pushed a lank of hair from the younger woman’s face. “I would make them all see if I could. Then they would understand.” If they could all see Melina through Xanthippe’s eyes, none would ever doubt again. They would know her for the jewel she was.
Glancing back toward the open door of the temple, she nodded in that direction. “Come on, my lady. Let’s head back home. I do not think our Lady Aphrodite can help us any longer, but I know those burnings will.”
Xanthippe’s frown deepened as Melina voiced her wishes, that she was not a Leventi and that the handmaid was in her place instead. No, Melina did not understand what she wished for. Xanthippe could never be a Leventi, not with her… afflictions. They were much easier to hide in a servant, but a young woman constantly at Court? A woman who would have to marry? No. It was better it was not that way.
“People already overlook me, my lady,” she murmured as Melina continued to speak, shaking her head. “But they are supposed to. I do not wish for your place any more than you do.” Reaching out, she lightly squeezed the woman’s hand. “But we are what the gods made us. And we will endure, for there is no other choice.” It was a mantra Lord Fotios had repeated to her on her hardest days, and it was one she would give Lady Melina, too.
The tears in her mistress’s eyes made Xanthippe see red, urged her to destroy whoever put them there in the first place. Melina should never be made to cry or feel pain, especially not because of some silly boys who couldn’t see the true wonder she was. The handmaid’s jaw clenched, her fingers tightening too before she realized they might hurt her lady. Releasing Melina’s hand when she realized how tight they had gotten, she didn’t have time to say anything before her companion was asking her about The Odyssey, if she had ever read it. Shaking her head, her frown only deepened at the reference Melina drew from it, unable to hide her fury.
“They are the nobodies, my lady,” she hissed, glaring toward the entrance of the temple as if the Mikaelidas boys would suddenly appear. Her tone softened as she spoke again to Melina, “Not you. Never you.”
You are a nobody, too.
No, she is ours. We have made her into a somebody.
I will happily be a nobody if it pushes Melina into the light.
Why didn’t they treat her with the respect she deserved? She mirrored Melina’s question in her own head, but she didn’t have an answer. Much as she might want to, she couldn’t control their reactions—not without rather drastic intervention. And unfortunately for them all, that was an intervention she could not take, not without outing her own strangeness, as Lord Fotios had so repeatedly warned her against.
“They do not see you because they are blind, my lady,” Xanthippe said as she turned back to her mistress, conviction in her tone. “And you blind yourself, as well. You believe you are wrong, and so you become that way. Or you think you do.” Taking Melina’s hand again, she threaded their fingers together. “But you aren’t, you understand? The only way they will see it is if you make them see.”
Reaching with her other hand, she pushed a lank of hair from the younger woman’s face. “I would make them all see if I could. Then they would understand.” If they could all see Melina through Xanthippe’s eyes, none would ever doubt again. They would know her for the jewel she was.
Glancing back toward the open door of the temple, she nodded in that direction. “Come on, my lady. Let’s head back home. I do not think our Lady Aphrodite can help us any longer, but I know those burnings will.”
Melina wished she could see the world through Xan’s eyes. She wondered how Melina actually looked to her. Did she see Melina just like Melina saw her cousins: With beauty blessed by Aphrodite? Just for a second Melina wished she could see that. It would make her dream come true. It would make her feel… special.
Was she blind, like Xan said? Was there something hidden within? Melina wanted to believe that. She had to believe that. She had to believe that the Mikaeidas were nobodies, that they were rude. But they weren’t, were they? People looked up to them. They ruled Taengea after all. Maybe not those two individuals, but certainly the family. Meanwhile, the only thing Melina had was her name, and she would never have anything more.
Well, no, that wasn’t true. Melina had something. She had something that no one else had. She had something that was truly special and that was Xan. People could go their entire lives without that one person they knew they could trust. People could go their entire lives feeling deceived or filtering their words so they won’t harm them. But Melina had Xan, her closest friend. And though a commoner, she was as much a family as her sisters were. And that was something that made Melina special. Even though she might go unnoticed by the world, at least someone noticed her, someone who made Melina truly happy.
So the Lady brushed the tears that had fallen down her cheeks and nodded. “I know you would, Xan. You’d do anything for me, and I, you. You don’t know how much this means to me.” And Melina meant every word. Melina would do anything for Xan. It was only fair. If Xan asked her to do something, Melina would do it without question. Because she spent her entire life leaning on her friend. She depended on Xan for everything.
And she was right. Aphrodite could do nothing for them any longer. Melina had said her peace and her prayers, and it was up to the Goddess as to whether or not that she wished to answer them. And though she was still saddened by her previous experience, just getting it off her chest left her with a lighter feeling. Knowing Xan would listen with no judgment was all that Melina could ask for.
“Yes, those burnings!” Melina smiled at Xan. “Thank you.” For listening.
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Melina wished she could see the world through Xan’s eyes. She wondered how Melina actually looked to her. Did she see Melina just like Melina saw her cousins: With beauty blessed by Aphrodite? Just for a second Melina wished she could see that. It would make her dream come true. It would make her feel… special.
Was she blind, like Xan said? Was there something hidden within? Melina wanted to believe that. She had to believe that. She had to believe that the Mikaeidas were nobodies, that they were rude. But they weren’t, were they? People looked up to them. They ruled Taengea after all. Maybe not those two individuals, but certainly the family. Meanwhile, the only thing Melina had was her name, and she would never have anything more.
Well, no, that wasn’t true. Melina had something. She had something that no one else had. She had something that was truly special and that was Xan. People could go their entire lives without that one person they knew they could trust. People could go their entire lives feeling deceived or filtering their words so they won’t harm them. But Melina had Xan, her closest friend. And though a commoner, she was as much a family as her sisters were. And that was something that made Melina special. Even though she might go unnoticed by the world, at least someone noticed her, someone who made Melina truly happy.
So the Lady brushed the tears that had fallen down her cheeks and nodded. “I know you would, Xan. You’d do anything for me, and I, you. You don’t know how much this means to me.” And Melina meant every word. Melina would do anything for Xan. It was only fair. If Xan asked her to do something, Melina would do it without question. Because she spent her entire life leaning on her friend. She depended on Xan for everything.
And she was right. Aphrodite could do nothing for them any longer. Melina had said her peace and her prayers, and it was up to the Goddess as to whether or not that she wished to answer them. And though she was still saddened by her previous experience, just getting it off her chest left her with a lighter feeling. Knowing Xan would listen with no judgment was all that Melina could ask for.
“Yes, those burnings!” Melina smiled at Xan. “Thank you.” For listening.
Melina wished she could see the world through Xan’s eyes. She wondered how Melina actually looked to her. Did she see Melina just like Melina saw her cousins: With beauty blessed by Aphrodite? Just for a second Melina wished she could see that. It would make her dream come true. It would make her feel… special.
Was she blind, like Xan said? Was there something hidden within? Melina wanted to believe that. She had to believe that. She had to believe that the Mikaeidas were nobodies, that they were rude. But they weren’t, were they? People looked up to them. They ruled Taengea after all. Maybe not those two individuals, but certainly the family. Meanwhile, the only thing Melina had was her name, and she would never have anything more.
Well, no, that wasn’t true. Melina had something. She had something that no one else had. She had something that was truly special and that was Xan. People could go their entire lives without that one person they knew they could trust. People could go their entire lives feeling deceived or filtering their words so they won’t harm them. But Melina had Xan, her closest friend. And though a commoner, she was as much a family as her sisters were. And that was something that made Melina special. Even though she might go unnoticed by the world, at least someone noticed her, someone who made Melina truly happy.
So the Lady brushed the tears that had fallen down her cheeks and nodded. “I know you would, Xan. You’d do anything for me, and I, you. You don’t know how much this means to me.” And Melina meant every word. Melina would do anything for Xan. It was only fair. If Xan asked her to do something, Melina would do it without question. Because she spent her entire life leaning on her friend. She depended on Xan for everything.
And she was right. Aphrodite could do nothing for them any longer. Melina had said her peace and her prayers, and it was up to the Goddess as to whether or not that she wished to answer them. And though she was still saddened by her previous experience, just getting it off her chest left her with a lighter feeling. Knowing Xan would listen with no judgment was all that Melina could ask for.
“Yes, those burnings!” Melina smiled at Xan. “Thank you.” For listening.