The chatbox has been hidden for this page. It will reopen upon refresh. To hide the CBox permanently, select "Permanently Toggle Cbox" in your profile User Settings.
This chatbox is hidden. To reopen, edit your User Settings.
There were private areas of the hot springs set aside for the royal family. Athanasia had always been given one of them whenever she visited. She had no idea what it was like to enjoy the baths with other women, and it was better if she didn’t. Usually confident, she was a bit insecure about her body, which was toned and athletic instead of soft and curvy. She would rather not have rumors running rampant about the boyish form of the Princess of Colchis.
It had been a few years since she had heard that baseless gossip that her parents had wanted a daughter so badly, that they had given their youngest son a female name and dressed him like a girl. She had been amused at first, but the insult to her family had angered her. Though she had often wished she had been born a boy, she was happy to be a girl who excelled in masculine activities such as archery and fighting. And sometimes she pretended to be male when she went into the city in disguise.
There was absolutely no doubt that she was a girl. All she had to do was undress for that to be apparent. Her handmaidens knew the truth and she had instructed them to quell that hearsay. Luckily, nobody had asked her to prove it.
Her thoughts were interrupted by her cousin’s arrival. Despite the steam curling over the water, Athanasia felt a chill in the air when Imeeya smiled at her. “You’re welcome,” she replied, her voice courteous but lacking the warmth of their surroundings. There were few secrets among the nobility. She had known that her aunt had confined her eldest daughter to their manor, and despite their current animosity, had felt sorry for her. The young princess would go crazy if she was unable to leave her own house, even if she was given access to the archery range. Eventually her arms would become too tired to hold her bow. Then what would she do?
Athanasia undressed when Imeeya did, not a bit self-conscious in her presence. They had seen each other naked many times over the years and her cousin know of her tomboyish ways and why she had well-developed muscles in her arms and legs. She was unaware that some of those muscles came from acrobatics, an activity unsuitable for a princess. Nobody could know of those skills, which she used often on her late-night excursions. Both of those things were the only secrets she kept from Imeeya.
But how many secrets was the other girl keeping from her?
Slipping into the water, she held her breath and ducked. Her hands pushed back her long hair as she came up. It floated behind her on the surface of the pool. She kept her distance from Imeeya. “I’m sorry I blew up at you at the gathering,” she began, wiping water from her face. “My emotions were out of control. I thought I had lost my father forever and then when I found him again, he was almost murdered protecting me. I didn’t know what to think or what to feel. Lord Mihail sympathized with me and we were ready to defend our King together until we discovered who the invaders really were. When you glared at him and implied that he was bothering me, I just snapped.
“I admit I’m still a bit angry that you ignored my advice about Lord Silanos. Why were you sitting with him when we agreed to avoid him?”
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
There were private areas of the hot springs set aside for the royal family. Athanasia had always been given one of them whenever she visited. She had no idea what it was like to enjoy the baths with other women, and it was better if she didn’t. Usually confident, she was a bit insecure about her body, which was toned and athletic instead of soft and curvy. She would rather not have rumors running rampant about the boyish form of the Princess of Colchis.
It had been a few years since she had heard that baseless gossip that her parents had wanted a daughter so badly, that they had given their youngest son a female name and dressed him like a girl. She had been amused at first, but the insult to her family had angered her. Though she had often wished she had been born a boy, she was happy to be a girl who excelled in masculine activities such as archery and fighting. And sometimes she pretended to be male when she went into the city in disguise.
There was absolutely no doubt that she was a girl. All she had to do was undress for that to be apparent. Her handmaidens knew the truth and she had instructed them to quell that hearsay. Luckily, nobody had asked her to prove it.
Her thoughts were interrupted by her cousin’s arrival. Despite the steam curling over the water, Athanasia felt a chill in the air when Imeeya smiled at her. “You’re welcome,” she replied, her voice courteous but lacking the warmth of their surroundings. There were few secrets among the nobility. She had known that her aunt had confined her eldest daughter to their manor, and despite their current animosity, had felt sorry for her. The young princess would go crazy if she was unable to leave her own house, even if she was given access to the archery range. Eventually her arms would become too tired to hold her bow. Then what would she do?
Athanasia undressed when Imeeya did, not a bit self-conscious in her presence. They had seen each other naked many times over the years and her cousin know of her tomboyish ways and why she had well-developed muscles in her arms and legs. She was unaware that some of those muscles came from acrobatics, an activity unsuitable for a princess. Nobody could know of those skills, which she used often on her late-night excursions. Both of those things were the only secrets she kept from Imeeya.
But how many secrets was the other girl keeping from her?
Slipping into the water, she held her breath and ducked. Her hands pushed back her long hair as she came up. It floated behind her on the surface of the pool. She kept her distance from Imeeya. “I’m sorry I blew up at you at the gathering,” she began, wiping water from her face. “My emotions were out of control. I thought I had lost my father forever and then when I found him again, he was almost murdered protecting me. I didn’t know what to think or what to feel. Lord Mihail sympathized with me and we were ready to defend our King together until we discovered who the invaders really were. When you glared at him and implied that he was bothering me, I just snapped.
“I admit I’m still a bit angry that you ignored my advice about Lord Silanos. Why were you sitting with him when we agreed to avoid him?”
There were private areas of the hot springs set aside for the royal family. Athanasia had always been given one of them whenever she visited. She had no idea what it was like to enjoy the baths with other women, and it was better if she didn’t. Usually confident, she was a bit insecure about her body, which was toned and athletic instead of soft and curvy. She would rather not have rumors running rampant about the boyish form of the Princess of Colchis.
It had been a few years since she had heard that baseless gossip that her parents had wanted a daughter so badly, that they had given their youngest son a female name and dressed him like a girl. She had been amused at first, but the insult to her family had angered her. Though she had often wished she had been born a boy, she was happy to be a girl who excelled in masculine activities such as archery and fighting. And sometimes she pretended to be male when she went into the city in disguise.
There was absolutely no doubt that she was a girl. All she had to do was undress for that to be apparent. Her handmaidens knew the truth and she had instructed them to quell that hearsay. Luckily, nobody had asked her to prove it.
Her thoughts were interrupted by her cousin’s arrival. Despite the steam curling over the water, Athanasia felt a chill in the air when Imeeya smiled at her. “You’re welcome,” she replied, her voice courteous but lacking the warmth of their surroundings. There were few secrets among the nobility. She had known that her aunt had confined her eldest daughter to their manor, and despite their current animosity, had felt sorry for her. The young princess would go crazy if she was unable to leave her own house, even if she was given access to the archery range. Eventually her arms would become too tired to hold her bow. Then what would she do?
Athanasia undressed when Imeeya did, not a bit self-conscious in her presence. They had seen each other naked many times over the years and her cousin know of her tomboyish ways and why she had well-developed muscles in her arms and legs. She was unaware that some of those muscles came from acrobatics, an activity unsuitable for a princess. Nobody could know of those skills, which she used often on her late-night excursions. Both of those things were the only secrets she kept from Imeeya.
But how many secrets was the other girl keeping from her?
Slipping into the water, she held her breath and ducked. Her hands pushed back her long hair as she came up. It floated behind her on the surface of the pool. She kept her distance from Imeeya. “I’m sorry I blew up at you at the gathering,” she began, wiping water from her face. “My emotions were out of control. I thought I had lost my father forever and then when I found him again, he was almost murdered protecting me. I didn’t know what to think or what to feel. Lord Mihail sympathized with me and we were ready to defend our King together until we discovered who the invaders really were. When you glared at him and implied that he was bothering me, I just snapped.
“I admit I’m still a bit angry that you ignored my advice about Lord Silanos. Why were you sitting with him when we agreed to avoid him?”
Imeeya was glad to finally get an opportunity to get out of the house and away from her mother’s watchful eye. Imeeya would have taken any chance that presented itself to find just a modicum of freedom. The fact that she had even accepted the invitation from her cousin was a testament to her boredom. Though, this would also be a place where Asia could apologize if she wanted to. Imeeya certainly hoped that she would.
Sliding into the warm water released some of the tension of the situation. Well, it certainly released the tension of her muscles. She had been under a good deal of stress recently what with the tension between her and her mother, not to mention all of the dramatic events that had happened at the dinner when she and Asia had last met. In preparation for visiting the baths, Imeeya had braided her hair up so that it framed her head. She sunk in only as far as her shoulders, not wanting to get her hair wet. Imeeya sat on the ledge in the edge of the pool waiting for Asia to say something. As far as Imeeya was concerned, she needed to hear from Asia first before she could say whether or not she was willing to forgive how Asia responded to her at the banquet.
There it was. The apology. That got a flicker of a smile from Imeeya. In fact, the whole story made her sympathetic to what had been going on with her cousin that night. It was true that tensions were high that evening. Imeeya could certainly understand how Vang’s poisoning and the reappearance of Asia’s father would put anyone on edge. The fact that Mihail had been cozying up to the princess didn’t make Imeeya overly happy, and Imeeya began to frown as Asia continued talking. Still, Asia making a bad judgment about who to befriend wasn’t something that Imeeya was going to be angry about. Not right now.
Imeeya was willing to make amends for what had happened, at least until Asia brought up Silanos. That man, he seemed to be appearing everywhere these days. She didn’t seem to be able to get rid of him, no matter what she tried. Imeeya’s jaw clenched at the mere mention of his name. “I can assure you, I did not sit with Lord Silanos. He sat with me. I didn’t have time to remove myself from the situation before the food was served. His presence was very much not desired. Though he doesn’t seem to be getting the message, no matter how many times I say it.”
Imeeya had not told her cousin of her other two meetings with Silanos since she had returned to Taengea. Neither of them had been desired and neither of them had ended well. The first, before the banquet, had ended with her drugged to the point where she had forgotten to be angry with the man. The most recent meeting, since the dinner, had resulted in only insults from Silanos, who seemed determined that she was lying about having a pirate lover. If that man would just drop off the face of the earth, she would not be more pleased.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
Imeeya was glad to finally get an opportunity to get out of the house and away from her mother’s watchful eye. Imeeya would have taken any chance that presented itself to find just a modicum of freedom. The fact that she had even accepted the invitation from her cousin was a testament to her boredom. Though, this would also be a place where Asia could apologize if she wanted to. Imeeya certainly hoped that she would.
Sliding into the warm water released some of the tension of the situation. Well, it certainly released the tension of her muscles. She had been under a good deal of stress recently what with the tension between her and her mother, not to mention all of the dramatic events that had happened at the dinner when she and Asia had last met. In preparation for visiting the baths, Imeeya had braided her hair up so that it framed her head. She sunk in only as far as her shoulders, not wanting to get her hair wet. Imeeya sat on the ledge in the edge of the pool waiting for Asia to say something. As far as Imeeya was concerned, she needed to hear from Asia first before she could say whether or not she was willing to forgive how Asia responded to her at the banquet.
There it was. The apology. That got a flicker of a smile from Imeeya. In fact, the whole story made her sympathetic to what had been going on with her cousin that night. It was true that tensions were high that evening. Imeeya could certainly understand how Vang’s poisoning and the reappearance of Asia’s father would put anyone on edge. The fact that Mihail had been cozying up to the princess didn’t make Imeeya overly happy, and Imeeya began to frown as Asia continued talking. Still, Asia making a bad judgment about who to befriend wasn’t something that Imeeya was going to be angry about. Not right now.
Imeeya was willing to make amends for what had happened, at least until Asia brought up Silanos. That man, he seemed to be appearing everywhere these days. She didn’t seem to be able to get rid of him, no matter what she tried. Imeeya’s jaw clenched at the mere mention of his name. “I can assure you, I did not sit with Lord Silanos. He sat with me. I didn’t have time to remove myself from the situation before the food was served. His presence was very much not desired. Though he doesn’t seem to be getting the message, no matter how many times I say it.”
Imeeya had not told her cousin of her other two meetings with Silanos since she had returned to Taengea. Neither of them had been desired and neither of them had ended well. The first, before the banquet, had ended with her drugged to the point where she had forgotten to be angry with the man. The most recent meeting, since the dinner, had resulted in only insults from Silanos, who seemed determined that she was lying about having a pirate lover. If that man would just drop off the face of the earth, she would not be more pleased.
Imeeya was glad to finally get an opportunity to get out of the house and away from her mother’s watchful eye. Imeeya would have taken any chance that presented itself to find just a modicum of freedom. The fact that she had even accepted the invitation from her cousin was a testament to her boredom. Though, this would also be a place where Asia could apologize if she wanted to. Imeeya certainly hoped that she would.
Sliding into the warm water released some of the tension of the situation. Well, it certainly released the tension of her muscles. She had been under a good deal of stress recently what with the tension between her and her mother, not to mention all of the dramatic events that had happened at the dinner when she and Asia had last met. In preparation for visiting the baths, Imeeya had braided her hair up so that it framed her head. She sunk in only as far as her shoulders, not wanting to get her hair wet. Imeeya sat on the ledge in the edge of the pool waiting for Asia to say something. As far as Imeeya was concerned, she needed to hear from Asia first before she could say whether or not she was willing to forgive how Asia responded to her at the banquet.
There it was. The apology. That got a flicker of a smile from Imeeya. In fact, the whole story made her sympathetic to what had been going on with her cousin that night. It was true that tensions were high that evening. Imeeya could certainly understand how Vang’s poisoning and the reappearance of Asia’s father would put anyone on edge. The fact that Mihail had been cozying up to the princess didn’t make Imeeya overly happy, and Imeeya began to frown as Asia continued talking. Still, Asia making a bad judgment about who to befriend wasn’t something that Imeeya was going to be angry about. Not right now.
Imeeya was willing to make amends for what had happened, at least until Asia brought up Silanos. That man, he seemed to be appearing everywhere these days. She didn’t seem to be able to get rid of him, no matter what she tried. Imeeya’s jaw clenched at the mere mention of his name. “I can assure you, I did not sit with Lord Silanos. He sat with me. I didn’t have time to remove myself from the situation before the food was served. His presence was very much not desired. Though he doesn’t seem to be getting the message, no matter how many times I say it.”
Imeeya had not told her cousin of her other two meetings with Silanos since she had returned to Taengea. Neither of them had been desired and neither of them had ended well. The first, before the banquet, had ended with her drugged to the point where she had forgotten to be angry with the man. The most recent meeting, since the dinner, had resulted in only insults from Silanos, who seemed determined that she was lying about having a pirate lover. If that man would just drop off the face of the earth, she would not be more pleased.
For some reason, Imeeya’s smile irritated Athanasia. Had her cousin been expecting her to apologize? Did she think she deserved it? The princess had been wrong to rage at her, but she was still angry that Imeeya had ignored her advice. Then there was those rumors about her pirate lover. She wasn’t as innocent as she looked, sitting on the ledge with her hair pinned up so it wouldn’t be ruined by whatever mythical filth she thought Athanasia was dirtying the water with.
I’m being unfair, the young princess thought. Maybe she smiled because she was relieved I apologized. Perhaps she had expected me to blame the entire thing on her. Trying to calm herself, she ducked her head underwater again, and then glided to the other side of the bath with a few strong strokes.
She should be grateful that I got her out of the house. She had heard that Lady Tythra had confined her daughter to the manor, though Athanasia couldn’t be certain that there was even a grain of truth in servants’ gossip. It sounded like something her aunt would do, and she wouldn’t be foolish enough to turn down the invitation the Princess of Colchis had extended to Imeeya.
Athanasia made two more laps across the small pool, stopping again on the far side. If she didn’t get rid of some pent-up tension, she would say something else that she would regret. She truly was sorry for her outburst, not just because she had hurt her cousin, but that she had lost control of her feelings, as she'd done on that hunting trip with Vangelis a few days after they had found a body with their father's crown. Her intention had been to show support for her eldest brother as the new king, and she had ended up crying in his arms instead.
She was a Kotas and a Kotas never showed weakness of any kind. Athanasia had never had trouble being stoic until she thought that her father was dead. Since then, her strength had faltered a few times and she was disgusted by her own behavior. It was fine to smile and laugh, but showing anger, fear, or other negative emotions went against her family’s honor. The young princess wanted to make them proud of her, and she wanted to be proud of herself as well.
Athanasia didn’t miss the way Imeeya’s jaw clenched at the mention of Lord Silanos. She didn’t seem to be the least bit fond of him. The princess understood that her cousin had been trapped, unable to extract herself from his company once the food was brought out. Everyone was supposed to be at the table at which they intended to eat. Moving to another one would have inspired even more gossip about the Drakos heir.
She glided back to Imeeya’s side of the bath, keeping her shoulders covered by the gently lapping water. Athanasia noted that her cousin spoke in the present tense instead of the past. “What do you mean? Have you seen him since that dinner?” She kept the annoyance out of her voice and instead sounded curious.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
For some reason, Imeeya’s smile irritated Athanasia. Had her cousin been expecting her to apologize? Did she think she deserved it? The princess had been wrong to rage at her, but she was still angry that Imeeya had ignored her advice. Then there was those rumors about her pirate lover. She wasn’t as innocent as she looked, sitting on the ledge with her hair pinned up so it wouldn’t be ruined by whatever mythical filth she thought Athanasia was dirtying the water with.
I’m being unfair, the young princess thought. Maybe she smiled because she was relieved I apologized. Perhaps she had expected me to blame the entire thing on her. Trying to calm herself, she ducked her head underwater again, and then glided to the other side of the bath with a few strong strokes.
She should be grateful that I got her out of the house. She had heard that Lady Tythra had confined her daughter to the manor, though Athanasia couldn’t be certain that there was even a grain of truth in servants’ gossip. It sounded like something her aunt would do, and she wouldn’t be foolish enough to turn down the invitation the Princess of Colchis had extended to Imeeya.
Athanasia made two more laps across the small pool, stopping again on the far side. If she didn’t get rid of some pent-up tension, she would say something else that she would regret. She truly was sorry for her outburst, not just because she had hurt her cousin, but that she had lost control of her feelings, as she'd done on that hunting trip with Vangelis a few days after they had found a body with their father's crown. Her intention had been to show support for her eldest brother as the new king, and she had ended up crying in his arms instead.
She was a Kotas and a Kotas never showed weakness of any kind. Athanasia had never had trouble being stoic until she thought that her father was dead. Since then, her strength had faltered a few times and she was disgusted by her own behavior. It was fine to smile and laugh, but showing anger, fear, or other negative emotions went against her family’s honor. The young princess wanted to make them proud of her, and she wanted to be proud of herself as well.
Athanasia didn’t miss the way Imeeya’s jaw clenched at the mention of Lord Silanos. She didn’t seem to be the least bit fond of him. The princess understood that her cousin had been trapped, unable to extract herself from his company once the food was brought out. Everyone was supposed to be at the table at which they intended to eat. Moving to another one would have inspired even more gossip about the Drakos heir.
She glided back to Imeeya’s side of the bath, keeping her shoulders covered by the gently lapping water. Athanasia noted that her cousin spoke in the present tense instead of the past. “What do you mean? Have you seen him since that dinner?” She kept the annoyance out of her voice and instead sounded curious.
For some reason, Imeeya’s smile irritated Athanasia. Had her cousin been expecting her to apologize? Did she think she deserved it? The princess had been wrong to rage at her, but she was still angry that Imeeya had ignored her advice. Then there was those rumors about her pirate lover. She wasn’t as innocent as she looked, sitting on the ledge with her hair pinned up so it wouldn’t be ruined by whatever mythical filth she thought Athanasia was dirtying the water with.
I’m being unfair, the young princess thought. Maybe she smiled because she was relieved I apologized. Perhaps she had expected me to blame the entire thing on her. Trying to calm herself, she ducked her head underwater again, and then glided to the other side of the bath with a few strong strokes.
She should be grateful that I got her out of the house. She had heard that Lady Tythra had confined her daughter to the manor, though Athanasia couldn’t be certain that there was even a grain of truth in servants’ gossip. It sounded like something her aunt would do, and she wouldn’t be foolish enough to turn down the invitation the Princess of Colchis had extended to Imeeya.
Athanasia made two more laps across the small pool, stopping again on the far side. If she didn’t get rid of some pent-up tension, she would say something else that she would regret. She truly was sorry for her outburst, not just because she had hurt her cousin, but that she had lost control of her feelings, as she'd done on that hunting trip with Vangelis a few days after they had found a body with their father's crown. Her intention had been to show support for her eldest brother as the new king, and she had ended up crying in his arms instead.
She was a Kotas and a Kotas never showed weakness of any kind. Athanasia had never had trouble being stoic until she thought that her father was dead. Since then, her strength had faltered a few times and she was disgusted by her own behavior. It was fine to smile and laugh, but showing anger, fear, or other negative emotions went against her family’s honor. The young princess wanted to make them proud of her, and she wanted to be proud of herself as well.
Athanasia didn’t miss the way Imeeya’s jaw clenched at the mention of Lord Silanos. She didn’t seem to be the least bit fond of him. The princess understood that her cousin had been trapped, unable to extract herself from his company once the food was brought out. Everyone was supposed to be at the table at which they intended to eat. Moving to another one would have inspired even more gossip about the Drakos heir.
She glided back to Imeeya’s side of the bath, keeping her shoulders covered by the gently lapping water. Athanasia noted that her cousin spoke in the present tense instead of the past. “What do you mean? Have you seen him since that dinner?” She kept the annoyance out of her voice and instead sounded curious.
Imeeya was relieved for the chance to let the tension diffuse for a few moments as Asia swam around the bathing pool. Imeeya smiled a bit, relaxing into the familiarity of her cousin’s company. The princess had never been one to stay still for very long, even in the middle of a conversation. Even with the tension between them, she knew that she and Asia could never stay angry at each other for long.
Imeeya took a moment to dunk her head under the water letting the warm water seep into the curls of her hairdo. Under the water, she undid the strip of fabric that held her hairdo in place and shook out her hair, emerging from under the water with her hair draped down over her face by the motion of the water. She pushed the hair back off her face, forming a ridiculous style as her wet hair folded into a large wave. It almost reminded her of the days when she and Asia were younger and would use the water to twist their hair into ever more strange hairstyles.
Since it was just her and Asia in the private room alone, Imeeya didn’t bother to fix her hair into a more presentable style. Instead, she turned to Asia with a grin on her face. “What do you think? Should I wear this to the next court event? I think it might start a new fashion, don’t you think?” Imeeya’s eyes twinkled with mischief at the idea. Not that she would have ever dared to do such a thing, but the idea was exciting and scandalous and made her laugh to imagine the expressions she would see on the faces of the various lords and ladies.
Imeeya’s grin quickly faded when the topic of conversation turned back to Silanos. “That man seems to be showing up everywhere these days. I’m sure you can appreciate that this is nothing that I have been encouraging. Unless he particularly likes having wine thrown on him.” She couldn’t imagine the man would like something like that, but given how much he seemed to enjoy angering her, she was starting to suspect he might like being yelled at. “Last time he ran into me right outside my house and had the gall to ask me about the rumors of a pirate lover. Just out in the open! Where anyone could hear!” Imeeya was still annoyed about that encounter. How dare he continue to spread such rumors about her?
“And he even wrote a letter to apologize for the wine thing,” Imeeya continued, not realizing that she had never reported that incident to Asia, as they hadn’t had much opportunity to talk since they had returned to Colchis. “If my mom had found that letter, could you imagine the questions? How on earth am I supposed to explain to my mother why Silanos of Valaoritis of all people is writing to me to apologize?” All of Imeeya’s irritations at the man just seemed to spill from her mouth in a jumble of words and emotions. The man was extremely frustrating and she wished that he would just go away and leave her alone.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
Imeeya was relieved for the chance to let the tension diffuse for a few moments as Asia swam around the bathing pool. Imeeya smiled a bit, relaxing into the familiarity of her cousin’s company. The princess had never been one to stay still for very long, even in the middle of a conversation. Even with the tension between them, she knew that she and Asia could never stay angry at each other for long.
Imeeya took a moment to dunk her head under the water letting the warm water seep into the curls of her hairdo. Under the water, she undid the strip of fabric that held her hairdo in place and shook out her hair, emerging from under the water with her hair draped down over her face by the motion of the water. She pushed the hair back off her face, forming a ridiculous style as her wet hair folded into a large wave. It almost reminded her of the days when she and Asia were younger and would use the water to twist their hair into ever more strange hairstyles.
Since it was just her and Asia in the private room alone, Imeeya didn’t bother to fix her hair into a more presentable style. Instead, she turned to Asia with a grin on her face. “What do you think? Should I wear this to the next court event? I think it might start a new fashion, don’t you think?” Imeeya’s eyes twinkled with mischief at the idea. Not that she would have ever dared to do such a thing, but the idea was exciting and scandalous and made her laugh to imagine the expressions she would see on the faces of the various lords and ladies.
Imeeya’s grin quickly faded when the topic of conversation turned back to Silanos. “That man seems to be showing up everywhere these days. I’m sure you can appreciate that this is nothing that I have been encouraging. Unless he particularly likes having wine thrown on him.” She couldn’t imagine the man would like something like that, but given how much he seemed to enjoy angering her, she was starting to suspect he might like being yelled at. “Last time he ran into me right outside my house and had the gall to ask me about the rumors of a pirate lover. Just out in the open! Where anyone could hear!” Imeeya was still annoyed about that encounter. How dare he continue to spread such rumors about her?
“And he even wrote a letter to apologize for the wine thing,” Imeeya continued, not realizing that she had never reported that incident to Asia, as they hadn’t had much opportunity to talk since they had returned to Colchis. “If my mom had found that letter, could you imagine the questions? How on earth am I supposed to explain to my mother why Silanos of Valaoritis of all people is writing to me to apologize?” All of Imeeya’s irritations at the man just seemed to spill from her mouth in a jumble of words and emotions. The man was extremely frustrating and she wished that he would just go away and leave her alone.
Imeeya was relieved for the chance to let the tension diffuse for a few moments as Asia swam around the bathing pool. Imeeya smiled a bit, relaxing into the familiarity of her cousin’s company. The princess had never been one to stay still for very long, even in the middle of a conversation. Even with the tension between them, she knew that she and Asia could never stay angry at each other for long.
Imeeya took a moment to dunk her head under the water letting the warm water seep into the curls of her hairdo. Under the water, she undid the strip of fabric that held her hairdo in place and shook out her hair, emerging from under the water with her hair draped down over her face by the motion of the water. She pushed the hair back off her face, forming a ridiculous style as her wet hair folded into a large wave. It almost reminded her of the days when she and Asia were younger and would use the water to twist their hair into ever more strange hairstyles.
Since it was just her and Asia in the private room alone, Imeeya didn’t bother to fix her hair into a more presentable style. Instead, she turned to Asia with a grin on her face. “What do you think? Should I wear this to the next court event? I think it might start a new fashion, don’t you think?” Imeeya’s eyes twinkled with mischief at the idea. Not that she would have ever dared to do such a thing, but the idea was exciting and scandalous and made her laugh to imagine the expressions she would see on the faces of the various lords and ladies.
Imeeya’s grin quickly faded when the topic of conversation turned back to Silanos. “That man seems to be showing up everywhere these days. I’m sure you can appreciate that this is nothing that I have been encouraging. Unless he particularly likes having wine thrown on him.” She couldn’t imagine the man would like something like that, but given how much he seemed to enjoy angering her, she was starting to suspect he might like being yelled at. “Last time he ran into me right outside my house and had the gall to ask me about the rumors of a pirate lover. Just out in the open! Where anyone could hear!” Imeeya was still annoyed about that encounter. How dare he continue to spread such rumors about her?
“And he even wrote a letter to apologize for the wine thing,” Imeeya continued, not realizing that she had never reported that incident to Asia, as they hadn’t had much opportunity to talk since they had returned to Colchis. “If my mom had found that letter, could you imagine the questions? How on earth am I supposed to explain to my mother why Silanos of Valaoritis of all people is writing to me to apologize?” All of Imeeya’s irritations at the man just seemed to spill from her mouth in a jumble of words and emotions. The man was extremely frustrating and she wished that he would just go away and leave her alone.
On the far side of the bathing pool, Athanasia watched as Imeeya dunked her head under the water and came up with her blonde hair over her face. No matter how angry she was with her best friend, she couldn’t resist a quiet chuckle. Had she done that on purpose just to get a laugh out of her? She was quite certain that she knew the best way to emerge from under water was while pushing your hair back, which was what the princess had done. If they had been swimming in the ocean, she would have dived under because when you rose above the water’s surface, your hair was naturally pushed away from your face.
Imeeya’s hair formed a funny wave when she pushed it back, reminding the princess of the game they used to play when they were younger. Long wet tresses could be arranged in an infinite number of ways and Athanasia was certain that she and her cousin had tried them all. “It will certainly make waves,” she replied drily, one corner of her mouth curling slightly upward in a semblance of a smile. “But I think you’ve already made plenty of those.” She wasn’t ready to let go of her ire quite yet, not until her cousin explained herself fully. A Kotas was not only strong of will but they often held grudges. After confiding that Lord Silanos had kissed her to Vangelis, she had no doubt that he would always hold it against him.
Speaking of that audacious lord, it seemed as if Imeeya had no interest in him and had even thrown a glass of wine in his face. Was he hoping to charm her into marriage? Their union could do much to raise the influence of his own family, as Imeeya was the heir to her own. Or did he just want to get her into bed? It was a good thing he had not decided to pursue the princess instead. He wouldn’t have lived very long if he had. She had four older brothers to defend her.
He had even confronted her about the pirate rumor. Had he been jealous? She almost pointed out that those speculations weren’t exactly a secret. They had been openly discussed at that dinner. But she didn’t. Neither did Imeeya deny that she had a pirate lover. Maybe she was shocked that Silanos mentioned it because it was true. Gliding over to her cousin’s side of the bath, she asked: “Is he stalking you?”
Athanasia’s eyes widened at the mention of a letter. “He wrote to me too, to apologize for that kiss in the market I burned it right after I read it. If it had gotten into the wrong hands, he would never have bothered anybody again. I told you that Vang threatened to kill him if he tried to contact me again. He always keeps his word."
The princess’ irritation began to fade away. “I hope you did the same.” She looked her best friend in the eyes, her own hazel orbs curious. “How did the pirate rumor start? Did you actually meet one?”
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
On the far side of the bathing pool, Athanasia watched as Imeeya dunked her head under the water and came up with her blonde hair over her face. No matter how angry she was with her best friend, she couldn’t resist a quiet chuckle. Had she done that on purpose just to get a laugh out of her? She was quite certain that she knew the best way to emerge from under water was while pushing your hair back, which was what the princess had done. If they had been swimming in the ocean, she would have dived under because when you rose above the water’s surface, your hair was naturally pushed away from your face.
Imeeya’s hair formed a funny wave when she pushed it back, reminding the princess of the game they used to play when they were younger. Long wet tresses could be arranged in an infinite number of ways and Athanasia was certain that she and her cousin had tried them all. “It will certainly make waves,” she replied drily, one corner of her mouth curling slightly upward in a semblance of a smile. “But I think you’ve already made plenty of those.” She wasn’t ready to let go of her ire quite yet, not until her cousin explained herself fully. A Kotas was not only strong of will but they often held grudges. After confiding that Lord Silanos had kissed her to Vangelis, she had no doubt that he would always hold it against him.
Speaking of that audacious lord, it seemed as if Imeeya had no interest in him and had even thrown a glass of wine in his face. Was he hoping to charm her into marriage? Their union could do much to raise the influence of his own family, as Imeeya was the heir to her own. Or did he just want to get her into bed? It was a good thing he had not decided to pursue the princess instead. He wouldn’t have lived very long if he had. She had four older brothers to defend her.
He had even confronted her about the pirate rumor. Had he been jealous? She almost pointed out that those speculations weren’t exactly a secret. They had been openly discussed at that dinner. But she didn’t. Neither did Imeeya deny that she had a pirate lover. Maybe she was shocked that Silanos mentioned it because it was true. Gliding over to her cousin’s side of the bath, she asked: “Is he stalking you?”
Athanasia’s eyes widened at the mention of a letter. “He wrote to me too, to apologize for that kiss in the market I burned it right after I read it. If it had gotten into the wrong hands, he would never have bothered anybody again. I told you that Vang threatened to kill him if he tried to contact me again. He always keeps his word."
The princess’ irritation began to fade away. “I hope you did the same.” She looked her best friend in the eyes, her own hazel orbs curious. “How did the pirate rumor start? Did you actually meet one?”
On the far side of the bathing pool, Athanasia watched as Imeeya dunked her head under the water and came up with her blonde hair over her face. No matter how angry she was with her best friend, she couldn’t resist a quiet chuckle. Had she done that on purpose just to get a laugh out of her? She was quite certain that she knew the best way to emerge from under water was while pushing your hair back, which was what the princess had done. If they had been swimming in the ocean, she would have dived under because when you rose above the water’s surface, your hair was naturally pushed away from your face.
Imeeya’s hair formed a funny wave when she pushed it back, reminding the princess of the game they used to play when they were younger. Long wet tresses could be arranged in an infinite number of ways and Athanasia was certain that she and her cousin had tried them all. “It will certainly make waves,” she replied drily, one corner of her mouth curling slightly upward in a semblance of a smile. “But I think you’ve already made plenty of those.” She wasn’t ready to let go of her ire quite yet, not until her cousin explained herself fully. A Kotas was not only strong of will but they often held grudges. After confiding that Lord Silanos had kissed her to Vangelis, she had no doubt that he would always hold it against him.
Speaking of that audacious lord, it seemed as if Imeeya had no interest in him and had even thrown a glass of wine in his face. Was he hoping to charm her into marriage? Their union could do much to raise the influence of his own family, as Imeeya was the heir to her own. Or did he just want to get her into bed? It was a good thing he had not decided to pursue the princess instead. He wouldn’t have lived very long if he had. She had four older brothers to defend her.
He had even confronted her about the pirate rumor. Had he been jealous? She almost pointed out that those speculations weren’t exactly a secret. They had been openly discussed at that dinner. But she didn’t. Neither did Imeeya deny that she had a pirate lover. Maybe she was shocked that Silanos mentioned it because it was true. Gliding over to her cousin’s side of the bath, she asked: “Is he stalking you?”
Athanasia’s eyes widened at the mention of a letter. “He wrote to me too, to apologize for that kiss in the market I burned it right after I read it. If it had gotten into the wrong hands, he would never have bothered anybody again. I told you that Vang threatened to kill him if he tried to contact me again. He always keeps his word."
The princess’ irritation began to fade away. “I hope you did the same.” She looked her best friend in the eyes, her own hazel orbs curious. “How did the pirate rumor start? Did you actually meet one?”
Imeeya had only been trying to break the tension between her and Asia when she had laughed about her own ridiculous hairstyle. It was nice to evoke a time when they were younger and things were less complicated between the two cousins. They had always been close when they were younger, but it seemed as if they had been drifting apart as they grew older. Of course, Asia had to bring the topic back around to the obviously untrue rumors that had been swirling about her. The rumors had not been her fault, so she didn’t know what Asia was so annoyed about.
At least when they finally got onto the topic of Silanos, Asia seemed to be more sympathetic to her plight. She even looked shocked at the idea that the man might be stalking her. To be honest, Imeeya felt similarly. “Gods I hope not,” she responded to Asia’s question. Imeeya didn’t even want to think about the possibility of seeing that man even more than she absolutely had to. He had managed to insult her and even drug her, a fact that she had yet to tell her cousin. She was sure that Athanasia would completely overreact if she heard that story. It had been an accident on Sil’s part, and nothing bad had happened. He’d even made sure that she made it home safely. And he had protected her when they thought they were being attacked….
As Imeeya had gotten lost in her own thoughts, Asia had moved on to the topic of the letter that she had been from Silanos. “He put that in writing?” Imeeya’s anger towards the man returned with a vengeance. If anyone had found that letter she was much less concerned about Silanos’s wellbeing, but with Asia’s. Having evidence of such a liaison between the Princess and some minor lord was something that could be used to destroy Athanasia’s reputation if someone so desired.
The fact that Silanos would write such a letter to Asia after he had been told of Vang’s threats to his life didn’t speak well for the man’s wisdom. “Believe me, he knows of those threats,” Imeeya had told him personally on that night when she slapped him, right before he had accidentally given her the poppy-laced wine. The encounter with Silanos that Asia still did not know of. “I don’t know if the man is malicious, or just stupid.” As far as Imeeya was concerned he had to be one or the other if he was going to put such rumor
“You can be sure that I burned that letter. And sent a reply telling him to leave me alone.” “He then not only didn’t listen to me he sent two letters in reply. It’s like he was trying to annoy me!” One of the letters had been particularly unkind. He obviously had not liked her response telling him to leave her alone, although the second letter had been quickly followed up with an apology for the first. Still, she had sent no reply, not wanting to encourage further letters to her address.
“Can you imagine if such rumors about having been drunk with Lord Silanos were to spread?” It had not occurred to Imeeya that Asia wouldn’t know the context to that story because she hadn’t explained it. She, of course, would never have gotten drunk with Silanos of her own accord. It was only that with the drugged wine, she must have appeared to be drunk had anyone observed her behavior. “At least Daxos was there and could speak to the truth of the matter.”
Then, of course, Asia turned the topic of conversation back to the pirate rumors. Imeeya sighed, she was tired of the topic, but she knew that Asia deserved an explanation. At least she wasn’t just assuming that the rumors were true as everyone else had seemed to do. “It was after the storms, I was down at the docks trying to help with the repairs and there was the pirate who saved me from some of the other men down at the docks. You know how rough they can be, only I hadn’t considered that it might be the case.” It had been an oversight on Imeeya’s part, and she had been lucky enough that nothing had actually happened. “Of course, being a pirate, he then tried to extort me for money for his help. It was only when Lady Thea showed up that I finally got him to leave me alone.”
Imeeya’s eyes narrowed, making a connection that she hadn’t previously considered. “I bet she’s the one who started the rumors. You know we can’t trust the Thanasis.” At least that’s what her mother was always saying.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
Imeeya had only been trying to break the tension between her and Asia when she had laughed about her own ridiculous hairstyle. It was nice to evoke a time when they were younger and things were less complicated between the two cousins. They had always been close when they were younger, but it seemed as if they had been drifting apart as they grew older. Of course, Asia had to bring the topic back around to the obviously untrue rumors that had been swirling about her. The rumors had not been her fault, so she didn’t know what Asia was so annoyed about.
At least when they finally got onto the topic of Silanos, Asia seemed to be more sympathetic to her plight. She even looked shocked at the idea that the man might be stalking her. To be honest, Imeeya felt similarly. “Gods I hope not,” she responded to Asia’s question. Imeeya didn’t even want to think about the possibility of seeing that man even more than she absolutely had to. He had managed to insult her and even drug her, a fact that she had yet to tell her cousin. She was sure that Athanasia would completely overreact if she heard that story. It had been an accident on Sil’s part, and nothing bad had happened. He’d even made sure that she made it home safely. And he had protected her when they thought they were being attacked….
As Imeeya had gotten lost in her own thoughts, Asia had moved on to the topic of the letter that she had been from Silanos. “He put that in writing?” Imeeya’s anger towards the man returned with a vengeance. If anyone had found that letter she was much less concerned about Silanos’s wellbeing, but with Asia’s. Having evidence of such a liaison between the Princess and some minor lord was something that could be used to destroy Athanasia’s reputation if someone so desired.
The fact that Silanos would write such a letter to Asia after he had been told of Vang’s threats to his life didn’t speak well for the man’s wisdom. “Believe me, he knows of those threats,” Imeeya had told him personally on that night when she slapped him, right before he had accidentally given her the poppy-laced wine. The encounter with Silanos that Asia still did not know of. “I don’t know if the man is malicious, or just stupid.” As far as Imeeya was concerned he had to be one or the other if he was going to put such rumor
“You can be sure that I burned that letter. And sent a reply telling him to leave me alone.” “He then not only didn’t listen to me he sent two letters in reply. It’s like he was trying to annoy me!” One of the letters had been particularly unkind. He obviously had not liked her response telling him to leave her alone, although the second letter had been quickly followed up with an apology for the first. Still, she had sent no reply, not wanting to encourage further letters to her address.
“Can you imagine if such rumors about having been drunk with Lord Silanos were to spread?” It had not occurred to Imeeya that Asia wouldn’t know the context to that story because she hadn’t explained it. She, of course, would never have gotten drunk with Silanos of her own accord. It was only that with the drugged wine, she must have appeared to be drunk had anyone observed her behavior. “At least Daxos was there and could speak to the truth of the matter.”
Then, of course, Asia turned the topic of conversation back to the pirate rumors. Imeeya sighed, she was tired of the topic, but she knew that Asia deserved an explanation. At least she wasn’t just assuming that the rumors were true as everyone else had seemed to do. “It was after the storms, I was down at the docks trying to help with the repairs and there was the pirate who saved me from some of the other men down at the docks. You know how rough they can be, only I hadn’t considered that it might be the case.” It had been an oversight on Imeeya’s part, and she had been lucky enough that nothing had actually happened. “Of course, being a pirate, he then tried to extort me for money for his help. It was only when Lady Thea showed up that I finally got him to leave me alone.”
Imeeya’s eyes narrowed, making a connection that she hadn’t previously considered. “I bet she’s the one who started the rumors. You know we can’t trust the Thanasis.” At least that’s what her mother was always saying.
Imeeya had only been trying to break the tension between her and Asia when she had laughed about her own ridiculous hairstyle. It was nice to evoke a time when they were younger and things were less complicated between the two cousins. They had always been close when they were younger, but it seemed as if they had been drifting apart as they grew older. Of course, Asia had to bring the topic back around to the obviously untrue rumors that had been swirling about her. The rumors had not been her fault, so she didn’t know what Asia was so annoyed about.
At least when they finally got onto the topic of Silanos, Asia seemed to be more sympathetic to her plight. She even looked shocked at the idea that the man might be stalking her. To be honest, Imeeya felt similarly. “Gods I hope not,” she responded to Asia’s question. Imeeya didn’t even want to think about the possibility of seeing that man even more than she absolutely had to. He had managed to insult her and even drug her, a fact that she had yet to tell her cousin. She was sure that Athanasia would completely overreact if she heard that story. It had been an accident on Sil’s part, and nothing bad had happened. He’d even made sure that she made it home safely. And he had protected her when they thought they were being attacked….
As Imeeya had gotten lost in her own thoughts, Asia had moved on to the topic of the letter that she had been from Silanos. “He put that in writing?” Imeeya’s anger towards the man returned with a vengeance. If anyone had found that letter she was much less concerned about Silanos’s wellbeing, but with Asia’s. Having evidence of such a liaison between the Princess and some minor lord was something that could be used to destroy Athanasia’s reputation if someone so desired.
The fact that Silanos would write such a letter to Asia after he had been told of Vang’s threats to his life didn’t speak well for the man’s wisdom. “Believe me, he knows of those threats,” Imeeya had told him personally on that night when she slapped him, right before he had accidentally given her the poppy-laced wine. The encounter with Silanos that Asia still did not know of. “I don’t know if the man is malicious, or just stupid.” As far as Imeeya was concerned he had to be one or the other if he was going to put such rumor
“You can be sure that I burned that letter. And sent a reply telling him to leave me alone.” “He then not only didn’t listen to me he sent two letters in reply. It’s like he was trying to annoy me!” One of the letters had been particularly unkind. He obviously had not liked her response telling him to leave her alone, although the second letter had been quickly followed up with an apology for the first. Still, she had sent no reply, not wanting to encourage further letters to her address.
“Can you imagine if such rumors about having been drunk with Lord Silanos were to spread?” It had not occurred to Imeeya that Asia wouldn’t know the context to that story because she hadn’t explained it. She, of course, would never have gotten drunk with Silanos of her own accord. It was only that with the drugged wine, she must have appeared to be drunk had anyone observed her behavior. “At least Daxos was there and could speak to the truth of the matter.”
Then, of course, Asia turned the topic of conversation back to the pirate rumors. Imeeya sighed, she was tired of the topic, but she knew that Asia deserved an explanation. At least she wasn’t just assuming that the rumors were true as everyone else had seemed to do. “It was after the storms, I was down at the docks trying to help with the repairs and there was the pirate who saved me from some of the other men down at the docks. You know how rough they can be, only I hadn’t considered that it might be the case.” It had been an oversight on Imeeya’s part, and she had been lucky enough that nothing had actually happened. “Of course, being a pirate, he then tried to extort me for money for his help. It was only when Lady Thea showed up that I finally got him to leave me alone.”
Imeeya’s eyes narrowed, making a connection that she hadn’t previously considered. “I bet she’s the one who started the rumors. You know we can’t trust the Thanasis.” At least that’s what her mother was always saying.
“He put that in writing?”
Athanasia nodded. Lord Silanos had seemed sincere in that letter. He had sounded hopeful too, as if they could still be friends after he had nearly ruined her reputation. She had been drawn to him on the day they met, when he had been lost in the manor and she had taken him to his destination. That was why she had approached him the night of the festival. She had thought that he was avoiding her for some unknown reason.
The young princess had not expected him to pull her against him, kiss her and run off. That kiss … her first ever … had confused her. He had confused her. Her talk with Vang on the ship had set her straight. He was too low in status for her and if he bothered again, he wouldn’t live to tell about it. Even had she fancied him, she would have stayed away from him after that. Her eldest brother never made idle threats. He had meant every word he said.
“Believe me, he knows of those threats.”
Athanasia frowned. “Do you know how he found out?” The only person she had told was Imeeya, and she didn’t think her cousin would warn Silanos, as she wasn’t the least bit fond of him. She had not told her to keep it to herself, so if she had told him, the princess wouldn’t mind. Perhaps Vang had been behind it, wanting everyone to know what would happen to any man who dared to dishonor his only sister. It didn’t really matter as long as Silanos left her alone. Maybe her brother would extend his protection to Imeeya.
As for whether he was malicious or stupid, Athanasia believed that he was a bit of both, aided by his copious drinking and use of drugs. He had admitted in his letter that he had been drinking too much when he had kissed her. She had hated him with a passion then, for it had sounded like he wouldn’t have found her worth kissing without being inebriated.
She also remembered how high he had been that night she had been dragged into a brothel with him and two pirates. He had unknowingly set himself up for being robbed because of how much wine and opium he had consumed. It had resulted in him vomiting on the floor of a pirate ship and tossed overboard after the pirate had swept his deck with him. Maybe he was usually stoned and not in his right mind. She wouldn’t be a bit surprised. He might not even be aware that she and Imeeya were wary of him.
Athanasia couldn’t tell her cousin any of this without explaining that she went slumming on the nights she could get away from the manor. Imeeya would never tell, but if her illicit excursions were discovered, rumors would fly all over the kingdom and they would be much worse than those about her cousin and a pirate. Princesses didn’t go traipsing around in the dead of night in disguise. Her parents would be livid and ground her forever and her reputation would be ruined, Her foremost duty as a princess of Colchis was to marry for political advantage, and nobody would want her if gossip painted her as a slut.
“You sent him a reply?” Athanasia’s eyes widened in horror. “You should try to get it back. If he keeps it, he could use it to blackmail you, even if you did tell him to leave you alone. Just corresponding with him could make you look bad. You don’t want to give him anything to use against you.”
“Can you imagine if such rumors about having been drunk with Lord Silanos were to spread?”
What!?
The princess ducked her head underwater so that Imeeya couldn’t see the shock on her face. She had gone drinking with Lord Silanos? When? Why? Most importantly, why had she not told her before this? They were supposed to be best friends and yet Imeeya was keeping secrets from her. I’m keeping secrets too, she had to admit. I don’t know whether hers or mine are more damaging. She supposed she could forgive her cousin, but she still wanted to know the details.
When Athanasia came up for air, Imeeya began speaking of her meeting with the pirate. It sounded innocent enough, and much like the pirates she had met in the taverns in Midas. They wouldn’t hesitate to rescue a damsel in distress as long as said damsel paid them for it. The entire thing could have been a set up, with all the men working together. There was no telling what would have happened to Imeeya if Lady Thea had not come along.
“Maybe,” she said to her cousin’s remark that Lady Thea had started the rumors. Athanasia didn’t know her as well as she knew Evras, and to a lesser extent, Mihail. Those two members of the Thanasi family did not seem the least bit antagonistic toward her. In her opinion, it was time for the feud between the two Houses to end as well as those rumors about the Thanasi being witches. “Or it could have somebody else who was there.”
She held her cousin’s gaze, trying to keep her voice steady. “I’m more interested in what you said about getting drunk with Lord Silanos. I thought you didn’t want anything to do with him and now you say that the two of you were hanging out together. Why didn’t you tell me before, Imeeya? Do you really like him and just want me to believe you don’t?”
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
“He put that in writing?”
Athanasia nodded. Lord Silanos had seemed sincere in that letter. He had sounded hopeful too, as if they could still be friends after he had nearly ruined her reputation. She had been drawn to him on the day they met, when he had been lost in the manor and she had taken him to his destination. That was why she had approached him the night of the festival. She had thought that he was avoiding her for some unknown reason.
The young princess had not expected him to pull her against him, kiss her and run off. That kiss … her first ever … had confused her. He had confused her. Her talk with Vang on the ship had set her straight. He was too low in status for her and if he bothered again, he wouldn’t live to tell about it. Even had she fancied him, she would have stayed away from him after that. Her eldest brother never made idle threats. He had meant every word he said.
“Believe me, he knows of those threats.”
Athanasia frowned. “Do you know how he found out?” The only person she had told was Imeeya, and she didn’t think her cousin would warn Silanos, as she wasn’t the least bit fond of him. She had not told her to keep it to herself, so if she had told him, the princess wouldn’t mind. Perhaps Vang had been behind it, wanting everyone to know what would happen to any man who dared to dishonor his only sister. It didn’t really matter as long as Silanos left her alone. Maybe her brother would extend his protection to Imeeya.
As for whether he was malicious or stupid, Athanasia believed that he was a bit of both, aided by his copious drinking and use of drugs. He had admitted in his letter that he had been drinking too much when he had kissed her. She had hated him with a passion then, for it had sounded like he wouldn’t have found her worth kissing without being inebriated.
She also remembered how high he had been that night she had been dragged into a brothel with him and two pirates. He had unknowingly set himself up for being robbed because of how much wine and opium he had consumed. It had resulted in him vomiting on the floor of a pirate ship and tossed overboard after the pirate had swept his deck with him. Maybe he was usually stoned and not in his right mind. She wouldn’t be a bit surprised. He might not even be aware that she and Imeeya were wary of him.
Athanasia couldn’t tell her cousin any of this without explaining that she went slumming on the nights she could get away from the manor. Imeeya would never tell, but if her illicit excursions were discovered, rumors would fly all over the kingdom and they would be much worse than those about her cousin and a pirate. Princesses didn’t go traipsing around in the dead of night in disguise. Her parents would be livid and ground her forever and her reputation would be ruined, Her foremost duty as a princess of Colchis was to marry for political advantage, and nobody would want her if gossip painted her as a slut.
“You sent him a reply?” Athanasia’s eyes widened in horror. “You should try to get it back. If he keeps it, he could use it to blackmail you, even if you did tell him to leave you alone. Just corresponding with him could make you look bad. You don’t want to give him anything to use against you.”
“Can you imagine if such rumors about having been drunk with Lord Silanos were to spread?”
What!?
The princess ducked her head underwater so that Imeeya couldn’t see the shock on her face. She had gone drinking with Lord Silanos? When? Why? Most importantly, why had she not told her before this? They were supposed to be best friends and yet Imeeya was keeping secrets from her. I’m keeping secrets too, she had to admit. I don’t know whether hers or mine are more damaging. She supposed she could forgive her cousin, but she still wanted to know the details.
When Athanasia came up for air, Imeeya began speaking of her meeting with the pirate. It sounded innocent enough, and much like the pirates she had met in the taverns in Midas. They wouldn’t hesitate to rescue a damsel in distress as long as said damsel paid them for it. The entire thing could have been a set up, with all the men working together. There was no telling what would have happened to Imeeya if Lady Thea had not come along.
“Maybe,” she said to her cousin’s remark that Lady Thea had started the rumors. Athanasia didn’t know her as well as she knew Evras, and to a lesser extent, Mihail. Those two members of the Thanasi family did not seem the least bit antagonistic toward her. In her opinion, it was time for the feud between the two Houses to end as well as those rumors about the Thanasi being witches. “Or it could have somebody else who was there.”
She held her cousin’s gaze, trying to keep her voice steady. “I’m more interested in what you said about getting drunk with Lord Silanos. I thought you didn’t want anything to do with him and now you say that the two of you were hanging out together. Why didn’t you tell me before, Imeeya? Do you really like him and just want me to believe you don’t?”
“He put that in writing?”
Athanasia nodded. Lord Silanos had seemed sincere in that letter. He had sounded hopeful too, as if they could still be friends after he had nearly ruined her reputation. She had been drawn to him on the day they met, when he had been lost in the manor and she had taken him to his destination. That was why she had approached him the night of the festival. She had thought that he was avoiding her for some unknown reason.
The young princess had not expected him to pull her against him, kiss her and run off. That kiss … her first ever … had confused her. He had confused her. Her talk with Vang on the ship had set her straight. He was too low in status for her and if he bothered again, he wouldn’t live to tell about it. Even had she fancied him, she would have stayed away from him after that. Her eldest brother never made idle threats. He had meant every word he said.
“Believe me, he knows of those threats.”
Athanasia frowned. “Do you know how he found out?” The only person she had told was Imeeya, and she didn’t think her cousin would warn Silanos, as she wasn’t the least bit fond of him. She had not told her to keep it to herself, so if she had told him, the princess wouldn’t mind. Perhaps Vang had been behind it, wanting everyone to know what would happen to any man who dared to dishonor his only sister. It didn’t really matter as long as Silanos left her alone. Maybe her brother would extend his protection to Imeeya.
As for whether he was malicious or stupid, Athanasia believed that he was a bit of both, aided by his copious drinking and use of drugs. He had admitted in his letter that he had been drinking too much when he had kissed her. She had hated him with a passion then, for it had sounded like he wouldn’t have found her worth kissing without being inebriated.
She also remembered how high he had been that night she had been dragged into a brothel with him and two pirates. He had unknowingly set himself up for being robbed because of how much wine and opium he had consumed. It had resulted in him vomiting on the floor of a pirate ship and tossed overboard after the pirate had swept his deck with him. Maybe he was usually stoned and not in his right mind. She wouldn’t be a bit surprised. He might not even be aware that she and Imeeya were wary of him.
Athanasia couldn’t tell her cousin any of this without explaining that she went slumming on the nights she could get away from the manor. Imeeya would never tell, but if her illicit excursions were discovered, rumors would fly all over the kingdom and they would be much worse than those about her cousin and a pirate. Princesses didn’t go traipsing around in the dead of night in disguise. Her parents would be livid and ground her forever and her reputation would be ruined, Her foremost duty as a princess of Colchis was to marry for political advantage, and nobody would want her if gossip painted her as a slut.
“You sent him a reply?” Athanasia’s eyes widened in horror. “You should try to get it back. If he keeps it, he could use it to blackmail you, even if you did tell him to leave you alone. Just corresponding with him could make you look bad. You don’t want to give him anything to use against you.”
“Can you imagine if such rumors about having been drunk with Lord Silanos were to spread?”
What!?
The princess ducked her head underwater so that Imeeya couldn’t see the shock on her face. She had gone drinking with Lord Silanos? When? Why? Most importantly, why had she not told her before this? They were supposed to be best friends and yet Imeeya was keeping secrets from her. I’m keeping secrets too, she had to admit. I don’t know whether hers or mine are more damaging. She supposed she could forgive her cousin, but she still wanted to know the details.
When Athanasia came up for air, Imeeya began speaking of her meeting with the pirate. It sounded innocent enough, and much like the pirates she had met in the taverns in Midas. They wouldn’t hesitate to rescue a damsel in distress as long as said damsel paid them for it. The entire thing could have been a set up, with all the men working together. There was no telling what would have happened to Imeeya if Lady Thea had not come along.
“Maybe,” she said to her cousin’s remark that Lady Thea had started the rumors. Athanasia didn’t know her as well as she knew Evras, and to a lesser extent, Mihail. Those two members of the Thanasi family did not seem the least bit antagonistic toward her. In her opinion, it was time for the feud between the two Houses to end as well as those rumors about the Thanasi being witches. “Or it could have somebody else who was there.”
She held her cousin’s gaze, trying to keep her voice steady. “I’m more interested in what you said about getting drunk with Lord Silanos. I thought you didn’t want anything to do with him and now you say that the two of you were hanging out together. Why didn’t you tell me before, Imeeya? Do you really like him and just want me to believe you don’t?”
Imeeya was a bit surprised her cousin asked who had told Silanos about Vangelis’s threats towards Silanos. She had thought her implications were clear. “I told him. I thought it would get him to back off. It doesn’t seem to have worked as well as intended. You would think that he would care more about self-preservation.” That hadn’t stopped the man from showing up everywhere in her life and making a complete idiot of himself, so it clearly hadn’t worked as intended.
Imeeya’s eyes went wide at her cousin’s implications about what Silanos might do with the letters that she had sent. She had only meant to discourage him. Besides he didn’t seem malicious, just annoying. She highly doubted he’d keep the letters for any nefarious purpose. “I can’t imagine Lord Silanos blackmailing anyone,” Imeeya laughed. “He doesn’t seem smart enough.” He certainly hadn’t caught onto any of the hints or even her outright saying that she wished to be left alone.
“Well...she was the only other person I saw,” Imeeya said decisively. In her mind, that settled the matter. Though it certainly wasn’t true that she was the only other person around, just the only other person who Imeeya would have considered of consequence. It wasn’t a conversation topic Imeeya especially wished to pursue. As far as she was concerned, it didn’t matter who had started the rumor, only that the rumor was now out in the world and it had made her look like a silly girl who only followed her passions instead of her head.
“I wasn’t hanging out with him. I just accepted a glass of wine from him, which was a mistake. I only stayed because it turned out…” Imeeya stopped abruptly. It had turned out the wine was drugged. That wasn’t something she had wanted to just come out and say. She should have known better than to just accept a drink from someone like Silanos.
Gods, was she bad at lying to Asia. Usually, the only way she kept things from her cousin was by not bringing them up, which she had been doing because it was all so embarrassing. She was going to have to come out with the whole story, and let the chips fall where they may. There was no saving it at this point.
Imeeya sighed. She wished she could just duck under the water and hide from this discussion, but then it would be obvious she was trying to hide something. “The wine, it was drugged. I should have never accepted.” Imeeya shook her head. She was sure that Asia would think she was a complete idiot. “But it was fine, at least once I was no longer convinced I was dying.” She looked at her cousin’s expression and realized she needed to clarify further. “He didn’t try anything. It was an accident.” That Silanos could drug wine and then forgot that he had done it was something Imeeya could believe easily enough given the man’s propensity towards drinking and drugs so she had never thought to question that explanation.
But her cousin’s final question niggled at the back of her head. No, she didn’t like Silanos, not even a little bit. In fact, she would say her emotions towards him were quite frosty. She could not stand the man. The fact that he and she had seemed to continuously find themselves in the same place was one of the most annoying things in her life at the moment. Even more so than her current grounding by her mother.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
Imeeya was a bit surprised her cousin asked who had told Silanos about Vangelis’s threats towards Silanos. She had thought her implications were clear. “I told him. I thought it would get him to back off. It doesn’t seem to have worked as well as intended. You would think that he would care more about self-preservation.” That hadn’t stopped the man from showing up everywhere in her life and making a complete idiot of himself, so it clearly hadn’t worked as intended.
Imeeya’s eyes went wide at her cousin’s implications about what Silanos might do with the letters that she had sent. She had only meant to discourage him. Besides he didn’t seem malicious, just annoying. She highly doubted he’d keep the letters for any nefarious purpose. “I can’t imagine Lord Silanos blackmailing anyone,” Imeeya laughed. “He doesn’t seem smart enough.” He certainly hadn’t caught onto any of the hints or even her outright saying that she wished to be left alone.
“Well...she was the only other person I saw,” Imeeya said decisively. In her mind, that settled the matter. Though it certainly wasn’t true that she was the only other person around, just the only other person who Imeeya would have considered of consequence. It wasn’t a conversation topic Imeeya especially wished to pursue. As far as she was concerned, it didn’t matter who had started the rumor, only that the rumor was now out in the world and it had made her look like a silly girl who only followed her passions instead of her head.
“I wasn’t hanging out with him. I just accepted a glass of wine from him, which was a mistake. I only stayed because it turned out…” Imeeya stopped abruptly. It had turned out the wine was drugged. That wasn’t something she had wanted to just come out and say. She should have known better than to just accept a drink from someone like Silanos.
Gods, was she bad at lying to Asia. Usually, the only way she kept things from her cousin was by not bringing them up, which she had been doing because it was all so embarrassing. She was going to have to come out with the whole story, and let the chips fall where they may. There was no saving it at this point.
Imeeya sighed. She wished she could just duck under the water and hide from this discussion, but then it would be obvious she was trying to hide something. “The wine, it was drugged. I should have never accepted.” Imeeya shook her head. She was sure that Asia would think she was a complete idiot. “But it was fine, at least once I was no longer convinced I was dying.” She looked at her cousin’s expression and realized she needed to clarify further. “He didn’t try anything. It was an accident.” That Silanos could drug wine and then forgot that he had done it was something Imeeya could believe easily enough given the man’s propensity towards drinking and drugs so she had never thought to question that explanation.
But her cousin’s final question niggled at the back of her head. No, she didn’t like Silanos, not even a little bit. In fact, she would say her emotions towards him were quite frosty. She could not stand the man. The fact that he and she had seemed to continuously find themselves in the same place was one of the most annoying things in her life at the moment. Even more so than her current grounding by her mother.
Imeeya was a bit surprised her cousin asked who had told Silanos about Vangelis’s threats towards Silanos. She had thought her implications were clear. “I told him. I thought it would get him to back off. It doesn’t seem to have worked as well as intended. You would think that he would care more about self-preservation.” That hadn’t stopped the man from showing up everywhere in her life and making a complete idiot of himself, so it clearly hadn’t worked as intended.
Imeeya’s eyes went wide at her cousin’s implications about what Silanos might do with the letters that she had sent. She had only meant to discourage him. Besides he didn’t seem malicious, just annoying. She highly doubted he’d keep the letters for any nefarious purpose. “I can’t imagine Lord Silanos blackmailing anyone,” Imeeya laughed. “He doesn’t seem smart enough.” He certainly hadn’t caught onto any of the hints or even her outright saying that she wished to be left alone.
“Well...she was the only other person I saw,” Imeeya said decisively. In her mind, that settled the matter. Though it certainly wasn’t true that she was the only other person around, just the only other person who Imeeya would have considered of consequence. It wasn’t a conversation topic Imeeya especially wished to pursue. As far as she was concerned, it didn’t matter who had started the rumor, only that the rumor was now out in the world and it had made her look like a silly girl who only followed her passions instead of her head.
“I wasn’t hanging out with him. I just accepted a glass of wine from him, which was a mistake. I only stayed because it turned out…” Imeeya stopped abruptly. It had turned out the wine was drugged. That wasn’t something she had wanted to just come out and say. She should have known better than to just accept a drink from someone like Silanos.
Gods, was she bad at lying to Asia. Usually, the only way she kept things from her cousin was by not bringing them up, which she had been doing because it was all so embarrassing. She was going to have to come out with the whole story, and let the chips fall where they may. There was no saving it at this point.
Imeeya sighed. She wished she could just duck under the water and hide from this discussion, but then it would be obvious she was trying to hide something. “The wine, it was drugged. I should have never accepted.” Imeeya shook her head. She was sure that Asia would think she was a complete idiot. “But it was fine, at least once I was no longer convinced I was dying.” She looked at her cousin’s expression and realized she needed to clarify further. “He didn’t try anything. It was an accident.” That Silanos could drug wine and then forgot that he had done it was something Imeeya could believe easily enough given the man’s propensity towards drinking and drugs so she had never thought to question that explanation.
But her cousin’s final question niggled at the back of her head. No, she didn’t like Silanos, not even a little bit. In fact, she would say her emotions towards him were quite frosty. She could not stand the man. The fact that he and she had seemed to continuously find themselves in the same place was one of the most annoying things in her life at the moment. Even more so than her current grounding by her mother.
So Imeeya had told Silanos about the threats Vangelis made against him. Athanasia couldn’t be angry at her cousin, as she had done it so that he would leave her alone. She wondered if that was before he had sent the letter to her or after. He had not bothered her after that written apology, so maybe he had more of a self-preservation instinct than Imeeya gave him credit for.
She had thought he was her friend at one time. When they had first met and he was lost in the manor, she had liked him. He had been courteous and attentive to her. When he kissed her, she had entertained the notion that he might have feelings for her, which of course, he didn’t. He wasn’t high enough in status for a princess anyway. Nor was he good enough for a baroness like her cousin.
“I can’t imagine Lord Silanos blackmailing anyone. He doesn’t seem smart enough.”
Athanasia laughed too. “You’re probably right. But because he’s an idiot, he might leave your letter lying around. One of his friends … assuming he has any … might come across it and try to get money out of you. I still think you should try to get it back. It’s the safest option. That just means you’ll have to contact him again, as distasteful as that is.”
Or was it distasteful at all? Apparently not, as she had gone out drinking with him. The princess felt betrayed. Did Imeeya not trust her anymore? Or had she known that she would disapprove? Maybe she had not mentioned it because she was ashamed. Perhaps she had gotten drunk at a party and had not realized that she was hanging out with him until she sobered up. Nobles held parties all the time. Athanasia received many invitations but turned most of them down. She didn’t want the fun to be spoiled because the host or hostess felt that they had to cater to a member of the royal family.
She thought that her cousin should have told her about the pirate too. Again, she could have been too embarrassed, The young princess wanted to give her the benefit of the doubt. “Just because Lady Thea was the one person you recognized doesn’t mean that she did it. I heard that there were a lot of people at the docks that day. Any of them could have spread that rumor. It could have been her, but don’t tell anyone else you suspect her unless you have proof.”
Finally Imeeya spoke of the incident with Lord Silanos. He had given her a drugged drink. Probably on purpose. Athanasia didn’t believe for one moment that it was an accident. “You need to be wary of him, Imeeya. It sounds to me that he really is stalking you. He's dangerous. Maybe you should tell your mother. If anyone can put an end to it, it’s Aunt Tythra.”
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
So Imeeya had told Silanos about the threats Vangelis made against him. Athanasia couldn’t be angry at her cousin, as she had done it so that he would leave her alone. She wondered if that was before he had sent the letter to her or after. He had not bothered her after that written apology, so maybe he had more of a self-preservation instinct than Imeeya gave him credit for.
She had thought he was her friend at one time. When they had first met and he was lost in the manor, she had liked him. He had been courteous and attentive to her. When he kissed her, she had entertained the notion that he might have feelings for her, which of course, he didn’t. He wasn’t high enough in status for a princess anyway. Nor was he good enough for a baroness like her cousin.
“I can’t imagine Lord Silanos blackmailing anyone. He doesn’t seem smart enough.”
Athanasia laughed too. “You’re probably right. But because he’s an idiot, he might leave your letter lying around. One of his friends … assuming he has any … might come across it and try to get money out of you. I still think you should try to get it back. It’s the safest option. That just means you’ll have to contact him again, as distasteful as that is.”
Or was it distasteful at all? Apparently not, as she had gone out drinking with him. The princess felt betrayed. Did Imeeya not trust her anymore? Or had she known that she would disapprove? Maybe she had not mentioned it because she was ashamed. Perhaps she had gotten drunk at a party and had not realized that she was hanging out with him until she sobered up. Nobles held parties all the time. Athanasia received many invitations but turned most of them down. She didn’t want the fun to be spoiled because the host or hostess felt that they had to cater to a member of the royal family.
She thought that her cousin should have told her about the pirate too. Again, she could have been too embarrassed, The young princess wanted to give her the benefit of the doubt. “Just because Lady Thea was the one person you recognized doesn’t mean that she did it. I heard that there were a lot of people at the docks that day. Any of them could have spread that rumor. It could have been her, but don’t tell anyone else you suspect her unless you have proof.”
Finally Imeeya spoke of the incident with Lord Silanos. He had given her a drugged drink. Probably on purpose. Athanasia didn’t believe for one moment that it was an accident. “You need to be wary of him, Imeeya. It sounds to me that he really is stalking you. He's dangerous. Maybe you should tell your mother. If anyone can put an end to it, it’s Aunt Tythra.”
So Imeeya had told Silanos about the threats Vangelis made against him. Athanasia couldn’t be angry at her cousin, as she had done it so that he would leave her alone. She wondered if that was before he had sent the letter to her or after. He had not bothered her after that written apology, so maybe he had more of a self-preservation instinct than Imeeya gave him credit for.
She had thought he was her friend at one time. When they had first met and he was lost in the manor, she had liked him. He had been courteous and attentive to her. When he kissed her, she had entertained the notion that he might have feelings for her, which of course, he didn’t. He wasn’t high enough in status for a princess anyway. Nor was he good enough for a baroness like her cousin.
“I can’t imagine Lord Silanos blackmailing anyone. He doesn’t seem smart enough.”
Athanasia laughed too. “You’re probably right. But because he’s an idiot, he might leave your letter lying around. One of his friends … assuming he has any … might come across it and try to get money out of you. I still think you should try to get it back. It’s the safest option. That just means you’ll have to contact him again, as distasteful as that is.”
Or was it distasteful at all? Apparently not, as she had gone out drinking with him. The princess felt betrayed. Did Imeeya not trust her anymore? Or had she known that she would disapprove? Maybe she had not mentioned it because she was ashamed. Perhaps she had gotten drunk at a party and had not realized that she was hanging out with him until she sobered up. Nobles held parties all the time. Athanasia received many invitations but turned most of them down. She didn’t want the fun to be spoiled because the host or hostess felt that they had to cater to a member of the royal family.
She thought that her cousin should have told her about the pirate too. Again, she could have been too embarrassed, The young princess wanted to give her the benefit of the doubt. “Just because Lady Thea was the one person you recognized doesn’t mean that she did it. I heard that there were a lot of people at the docks that day. Any of them could have spread that rumor. It could have been her, but don’t tell anyone else you suspect her unless you have proof.”
Finally Imeeya spoke of the incident with Lord Silanos. He had given her a drugged drink. Probably on purpose. Athanasia didn’t believe for one moment that it was an accident. “You need to be wary of him, Imeeya. It sounds to me that he really is stalking you. He's dangerous. Maybe you should tell your mother. If anyone can put an end to it, it’s Aunt Tythra.”
As far as Imeeya was concerned, there was no reason to trust the Thanasi, but she wasn’t about to have that argument with Asia. Besides, just because Thea was the one who she had talked to didn’t mean that she was the one who had told everyone what had happened. Imeeya still wasn’t entirely convinced. “Ok, I won’t tell anyone. I’m not going to spread unsubstantiated rumors. I wouldn’t want to stoop to her level.” Imeeya had to get that last little dig in. She might not be willing to accuse Thea publicly, but that didn’t mean she wasn’t convinced that she was the one who had done it.
Imeeya was willing to admit that Sil might be dangerous after all. It wasn’t like Asia to be worried for no reason. Perhaps it wasn’t an accident that he had drugged her. But if that was the case why hadn’t he tried anything? Was she sure he hadn’t tried anything? Her own fuzzy memories of the night had never seemed unpleasant, and while “Yeah, she’d put an end to it. And an end to him, and to me. No thank you. There are some things that I just can’t tell her.” Besides, even if he was dangerous it didn’t mean she wanted Silanos dead. He might be annoying, but there was no reason for him to die for that fact. “You’ve seen what my mother is doing just because there was some hint of me fraternizing with a pirate at the docks. Can you imagine if she so much as heard the words ‘Lord Silanos’, ‘drugs’ and ‘Imeeya’ in the same sentence? I’m sure I’d be safely locked away in my room until she finally found that prince to marry me off to that she’s been looking for. I can deal with it myself.”
Imeeya sighed and dipped beneath the water. Why did men have to be so complicated? She was sure she had done nothing to encourage this behavior. Just as she was sure now that Asia had done nothing to encourage Sil’s attentions either. Maybe he was just a bad apple. Well, she’d just have to do her best to avoid him from now on. She didn’t need any more scandal in her life.
As Imeeya reemerged from the water, she looked back at Asia. “It’s good to have someone I can talk to about stuff like this. It’s just all so complicated. And you know I can’t talk to my mom about it. Or Essa, she’d just run to mom.” Asia had always been there for her growing up. She was always someone who her secrets were safe with. Even if they had been at odds more often than not recently, that much was still true. “And I’m glad you invited me here. I don’t know if my mom would have let me out of the house if you hadn’t invited me specifically.” Hopefully, if she showed her mother that she could leave the house without causing any trouble, she’d go back to giving her more freedom to do what she wished.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
As far as Imeeya was concerned, there was no reason to trust the Thanasi, but she wasn’t about to have that argument with Asia. Besides, just because Thea was the one who she had talked to didn’t mean that she was the one who had told everyone what had happened. Imeeya still wasn’t entirely convinced. “Ok, I won’t tell anyone. I’m not going to spread unsubstantiated rumors. I wouldn’t want to stoop to her level.” Imeeya had to get that last little dig in. She might not be willing to accuse Thea publicly, but that didn’t mean she wasn’t convinced that she was the one who had done it.
Imeeya was willing to admit that Sil might be dangerous after all. It wasn’t like Asia to be worried for no reason. Perhaps it wasn’t an accident that he had drugged her. But if that was the case why hadn’t he tried anything? Was she sure he hadn’t tried anything? Her own fuzzy memories of the night had never seemed unpleasant, and while “Yeah, she’d put an end to it. And an end to him, and to me. No thank you. There are some things that I just can’t tell her.” Besides, even if he was dangerous it didn’t mean she wanted Silanos dead. He might be annoying, but there was no reason for him to die for that fact. “You’ve seen what my mother is doing just because there was some hint of me fraternizing with a pirate at the docks. Can you imagine if she so much as heard the words ‘Lord Silanos’, ‘drugs’ and ‘Imeeya’ in the same sentence? I’m sure I’d be safely locked away in my room until she finally found that prince to marry me off to that she’s been looking for. I can deal with it myself.”
Imeeya sighed and dipped beneath the water. Why did men have to be so complicated? She was sure she had done nothing to encourage this behavior. Just as she was sure now that Asia had done nothing to encourage Sil’s attentions either. Maybe he was just a bad apple. Well, she’d just have to do her best to avoid him from now on. She didn’t need any more scandal in her life.
As Imeeya reemerged from the water, she looked back at Asia. “It’s good to have someone I can talk to about stuff like this. It’s just all so complicated. And you know I can’t talk to my mom about it. Or Essa, she’d just run to mom.” Asia had always been there for her growing up. She was always someone who her secrets were safe with. Even if they had been at odds more often than not recently, that much was still true. “And I’m glad you invited me here. I don’t know if my mom would have let me out of the house if you hadn’t invited me specifically.” Hopefully, if she showed her mother that she could leave the house without causing any trouble, she’d go back to giving her more freedom to do what she wished.
As far as Imeeya was concerned, there was no reason to trust the Thanasi, but she wasn’t about to have that argument with Asia. Besides, just because Thea was the one who she had talked to didn’t mean that she was the one who had told everyone what had happened. Imeeya still wasn’t entirely convinced. “Ok, I won’t tell anyone. I’m not going to spread unsubstantiated rumors. I wouldn’t want to stoop to her level.” Imeeya had to get that last little dig in. She might not be willing to accuse Thea publicly, but that didn’t mean she wasn’t convinced that she was the one who had done it.
Imeeya was willing to admit that Sil might be dangerous after all. It wasn’t like Asia to be worried for no reason. Perhaps it wasn’t an accident that he had drugged her. But if that was the case why hadn’t he tried anything? Was she sure he hadn’t tried anything? Her own fuzzy memories of the night had never seemed unpleasant, and while “Yeah, she’d put an end to it. And an end to him, and to me. No thank you. There are some things that I just can’t tell her.” Besides, even if he was dangerous it didn’t mean she wanted Silanos dead. He might be annoying, but there was no reason for him to die for that fact. “You’ve seen what my mother is doing just because there was some hint of me fraternizing with a pirate at the docks. Can you imagine if she so much as heard the words ‘Lord Silanos’, ‘drugs’ and ‘Imeeya’ in the same sentence? I’m sure I’d be safely locked away in my room until she finally found that prince to marry me off to that she’s been looking for. I can deal with it myself.”
Imeeya sighed and dipped beneath the water. Why did men have to be so complicated? She was sure she had done nothing to encourage this behavior. Just as she was sure now that Asia had done nothing to encourage Sil’s attentions either. Maybe he was just a bad apple. Well, she’d just have to do her best to avoid him from now on. She didn’t need any more scandal in her life.
As Imeeya reemerged from the water, she looked back at Asia. “It’s good to have someone I can talk to about stuff like this. It’s just all so complicated. And you know I can’t talk to my mom about it. Or Essa, she’d just run to mom.” Asia had always been there for her growing up. She was always someone who her secrets were safe with. Even if they had been at odds more often than not recently, that much was still true. “And I’m glad you invited me here. I don’t know if my mom would have let me out of the house if you hadn’t invited me specifically.” Hopefully, if she showed her mother that she could leave the house without causing any trouble, she’d go back to giving her more freedom to do what she wished.
Athanasia wasn’t sure why she was defending Lady Thea. In truth, she barely knew her. Perhaps it was just that Kotas honesty she had been born with. One should never accuse another person of anything unless they had undeniable proof. False allegations did not change the truth. She doubted that the individual who had spread those rumors about her cousin and the pirate would ever be caught. The culprit was probably a noble girl who was jealous of Imeeya and wanted to see her reputation ruined. Or perhaps Imeeya had argued with the girl and she was angry at her. The young princess never ceased to be amazed at the malicious lengths some people would go to in order to avenge a real or imagined slight.
As Athanasia expected. Imeeya didn’t want to tell her mother about Lord Silanos, even if he was putting her in danger by stalking her. Aunt Tythra was a formidable woman and took no nonsense from her daughters. But she wanted them to be safe, and Imeeya wasn’t safe as long as Lord Silanos wouldn't leave her alone. Athanasia had told Vang about the kiss, knowing that he would not punish her for something that had not been her fault. Neither would her parents. If she had been drinking with him, then she would have been partially responsible and probably grounded for months. Not that grounding her ever did any good. In the last three years, she had become quite adept at sneaking out of the manor without being seen.
“Well, if you need any help, let me know.” Athanasia splashed Imeeya playfully. Now that she knew the truth, she was no longer angry, though she was a bit disappointed that her cousin had kept this from her. “I have four brothers who can make short work of him if he continues to stalk you.” Vangelis wouldn’t even need any prompting. He was already furious at Lord Silanos for taking unwanted liberties with his only sister.
“It’s good to have someone I can talk to about stuff like this. It’s just all so complicated. And you know I can’t talk to my mom about it. Or Essa, she’d just run to mom. And I’m glad you invited me here. I don’t know if my mom would have let me out of the house if you hadn’t invited me specifically.”
Athanasia smiled. “Being a princess has some advantages.” Not even her aunt would refuse a request from a member of the royal family. “You know you can talk to me about anything, Imeeya. I wish you had told me sooner. I will never repeat anything you say to me in confidence.” She splashed her cousin again. “Let’s not keep secrets from each other anymore, okay?”
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
Athanasia wasn’t sure why she was defending Lady Thea. In truth, she barely knew her. Perhaps it was just that Kotas honesty she had been born with. One should never accuse another person of anything unless they had undeniable proof. False allegations did not change the truth. She doubted that the individual who had spread those rumors about her cousin and the pirate would ever be caught. The culprit was probably a noble girl who was jealous of Imeeya and wanted to see her reputation ruined. Or perhaps Imeeya had argued with the girl and she was angry at her. The young princess never ceased to be amazed at the malicious lengths some people would go to in order to avenge a real or imagined slight.
As Athanasia expected. Imeeya didn’t want to tell her mother about Lord Silanos, even if he was putting her in danger by stalking her. Aunt Tythra was a formidable woman and took no nonsense from her daughters. But she wanted them to be safe, and Imeeya wasn’t safe as long as Lord Silanos wouldn't leave her alone. Athanasia had told Vang about the kiss, knowing that he would not punish her for something that had not been her fault. Neither would her parents. If she had been drinking with him, then she would have been partially responsible and probably grounded for months. Not that grounding her ever did any good. In the last three years, she had become quite adept at sneaking out of the manor without being seen.
“Well, if you need any help, let me know.” Athanasia splashed Imeeya playfully. Now that she knew the truth, she was no longer angry, though she was a bit disappointed that her cousin had kept this from her. “I have four brothers who can make short work of him if he continues to stalk you.” Vangelis wouldn’t even need any prompting. He was already furious at Lord Silanos for taking unwanted liberties with his only sister.
“It’s good to have someone I can talk to about stuff like this. It’s just all so complicated. And you know I can’t talk to my mom about it. Or Essa, she’d just run to mom. And I’m glad you invited me here. I don’t know if my mom would have let me out of the house if you hadn’t invited me specifically.”
Athanasia smiled. “Being a princess has some advantages.” Not even her aunt would refuse a request from a member of the royal family. “You know you can talk to me about anything, Imeeya. I wish you had told me sooner. I will never repeat anything you say to me in confidence.” She splashed her cousin again. “Let’s not keep secrets from each other anymore, okay?”
Athanasia wasn’t sure why she was defending Lady Thea. In truth, she barely knew her. Perhaps it was just that Kotas honesty she had been born with. One should never accuse another person of anything unless they had undeniable proof. False allegations did not change the truth. She doubted that the individual who had spread those rumors about her cousin and the pirate would ever be caught. The culprit was probably a noble girl who was jealous of Imeeya and wanted to see her reputation ruined. Or perhaps Imeeya had argued with the girl and she was angry at her. The young princess never ceased to be amazed at the malicious lengths some people would go to in order to avenge a real or imagined slight.
As Athanasia expected. Imeeya didn’t want to tell her mother about Lord Silanos, even if he was putting her in danger by stalking her. Aunt Tythra was a formidable woman and took no nonsense from her daughters. But she wanted them to be safe, and Imeeya wasn’t safe as long as Lord Silanos wouldn't leave her alone. Athanasia had told Vang about the kiss, knowing that he would not punish her for something that had not been her fault. Neither would her parents. If she had been drinking with him, then she would have been partially responsible and probably grounded for months. Not that grounding her ever did any good. In the last three years, she had become quite adept at sneaking out of the manor without being seen.
“Well, if you need any help, let me know.” Athanasia splashed Imeeya playfully. Now that she knew the truth, she was no longer angry, though she was a bit disappointed that her cousin had kept this from her. “I have four brothers who can make short work of him if he continues to stalk you.” Vangelis wouldn’t even need any prompting. He was already furious at Lord Silanos for taking unwanted liberties with his only sister.
“It’s good to have someone I can talk to about stuff like this. It’s just all so complicated. And you know I can’t talk to my mom about it. Or Essa, she’d just run to mom. And I’m glad you invited me here. I don’t know if my mom would have let me out of the house if you hadn’t invited me specifically.”
Athanasia smiled. “Being a princess has some advantages.” Not even her aunt would refuse a request from a member of the royal family. “You know you can talk to me about anything, Imeeya. I wish you had told me sooner. I will never repeat anything you say to me in confidence.” She splashed her cousin again. “Let’s not keep secrets from each other anymore, okay?”
In truth, Imeeya didn’t care whether or not her cousin defended Thea or not. It wasn’t like she had any proof of the woman’s involvement. It was only her own instinctive distrust of the Thanasis that made her think that since Thea was there she had to be involved. Since the belief wasn’t based on any real evidence, it also was one she would not easily be dissuaded from, but she had no desire to argue the point when she was having such a good time with her cousin.
Imeeya leaned back in the warm water. It almost felt like the water could let her soak all of her worries away. Here there was nothing that she needed to deal with. No war on the horizon, no annoying Silanos, no people insisting that she had slept with a pirate, just her and the woman who had been her best friend since birth. She could get used to this.
Imeeya laughed a bit as Asia suggested that her brothers would be more than willing to deal with her Silanos problem for her. “That’s kind of what I was afraid of. He might be showing up everywhere, but that doesn’t mean he deserves to die for it. I don’t think he’s actually dangerous. Just annoying.” Something about the idea of him being just gone from her life bothered her, but she couldn’t quite put a finger on why. Every time they had met, she had only grown more annoyed by the man.
It was good to actually have some time where she could actually talk alone with her cousin. There had been so many misunderstandings between the two of them lately that had needed to be resolved. She had to admit, being a princess definitely had advantages. Imeeya splashed Asia back. “Agreed. I was just so embarrassed about what you might think of me. I should have known better.” Imeeya smiled broadly, splashing her cousin again. “No more secrets.”
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
In truth, Imeeya didn’t care whether or not her cousin defended Thea or not. It wasn’t like she had any proof of the woman’s involvement. It was only her own instinctive distrust of the Thanasis that made her think that since Thea was there she had to be involved. Since the belief wasn’t based on any real evidence, it also was one she would not easily be dissuaded from, but she had no desire to argue the point when she was having such a good time with her cousin.
Imeeya leaned back in the warm water. It almost felt like the water could let her soak all of her worries away. Here there was nothing that she needed to deal with. No war on the horizon, no annoying Silanos, no people insisting that she had slept with a pirate, just her and the woman who had been her best friend since birth. She could get used to this.
Imeeya laughed a bit as Asia suggested that her brothers would be more than willing to deal with her Silanos problem for her. “That’s kind of what I was afraid of. He might be showing up everywhere, but that doesn’t mean he deserves to die for it. I don’t think he’s actually dangerous. Just annoying.” Something about the idea of him being just gone from her life bothered her, but she couldn’t quite put a finger on why. Every time they had met, she had only grown more annoyed by the man.
It was good to actually have some time where she could actually talk alone with her cousin. There had been so many misunderstandings between the two of them lately that had needed to be resolved. She had to admit, being a princess definitely had advantages. Imeeya splashed Asia back. “Agreed. I was just so embarrassed about what you might think of me. I should have known better.” Imeeya smiled broadly, splashing her cousin again. “No more secrets.”
In truth, Imeeya didn’t care whether or not her cousin defended Thea or not. It wasn’t like she had any proof of the woman’s involvement. It was only her own instinctive distrust of the Thanasis that made her think that since Thea was there she had to be involved. Since the belief wasn’t based on any real evidence, it also was one she would not easily be dissuaded from, but she had no desire to argue the point when she was having such a good time with her cousin.
Imeeya leaned back in the warm water. It almost felt like the water could let her soak all of her worries away. Here there was nothing that she needed to deal with. No war on the horizon, no annoying Silanos, no people insisting that she had slept with a pirate, just her and the woman who had been her best friend since birth. She could get used to this.
Imeeya laughed a bit as Asia suggested that her brothers would be more than willing to deal with her Silanos problem for her. “That’s kind of what I was afraid of. He might be showing up everywhere, but that doesn’t mean he deserves to die for it. I don’t think he’s actually dangerous. Just annoying.” Something about the idea of him being just gone from her life bothered her, but she couldn’t quite put a finger on why. Every time they had met, she had only grown more annoyed by the man.
It was good to actually have some time where she could actually talk alone with her cousin. There had been so many misunderstandings between the two of them lately that had needed to be resolved. She had to admit, being a princess definitely had advantages. Imeeya splashed Asia back. “Agreed. I was just so embarrassed about what you might think of me. I should have known better.” Imeeya smiled broadly, splashing her cousin again. “No more secrets.”
