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He hadn’t been expecting the reprieve, but when Silanos had arrived at the Kotas Manor early that morning and been told it was the Queen who he was to report to, he hadn’t asked twice. Whilst he was beginning to learn the Crown Prince’s habits and to understand a little more what was being asked of him, Vangelis was still a hard taskmaster, and Sil had enjoyed the time he’d spent with Queen Yanni when she’d summoned him before.
Something to be said for the newly enforced routine he found himself in was that Sil was coping with mornings a lot better than he had at the beginning of this exercise. Without wine or opium as a device to send himself to sleep, and being too exhausted to stay awake, it had surprised Silanos that his nights had been unbroken five in a row now. No nightmares, no waking in a sweat. He almost felt refreshed in the morning. Or he was sure he would do if he wasn’t woken at such a fucking inhospitable hour. Either way, he looked less bleary-eyed day by day, the shadows that had been an almost permanent fixture under his eyes fading. And though he still hated it with a passion, the drills and exercise were starting to have an effect too, muscles starting to show where there hadn’t been before. It was a little galling to be presented with physical evidence that sometimes people made better choices for him than he did for himself, but he couldn’t deny he felt better.
Such it was that he was pretty cheerful as he paused outside the door to the Queen’s study, the very same room he’d found himself in that fateful day where he was almost asleep on his feet. And then was asleep. It could have gone a much different direction, but he’d been fortunate in that it had been Queen Yanni to find him and that she had found some sympathy for his plight, not only covering for him but also offering him some respite from his duties those few days later.
Now Silanos wondered what she had in mind for the day. Last time, he’d trailed around the agora after her and carried a few packages. It had hardly been a taxing day, and after the taciturn manner of her eldest son, the Queen was like a breath of fresh air. Aside from a couple of moments where he’d had to sidestep some awkward line of questioning it had been a pleasant encounter. And whilst he didn’t pretends to know why the Queen was seemingly taking him under her wing a little, he wasn’t about to complain about it. Having an ally of sorts was no bad thing.
If there was anything that didn’t sit so well, it was the knowledge that if the Queen knew why he had been forced into service, that she might not be quite so kindly toward the younger Valaoritis lord. Sil knew that, and yet hadn’t volunteered the information. It gave him pause a moment before he swallowed and rapped on the door anyway. It wasn’t his place to tell, he told himself. If Vangelis had chosen not to share then he would be speaking out of turn, that was it.
“Good Morning, your majesty” The lord bowed when he was bid to enter, offering a bright and easy smile to the older woman as he stepped inside. “ I believe I am to thank you once again for the pleasure of another day in your company?”
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He hadn’t been expecting the reprieve, but when Silanos had arrived at the Kotas Manor early that morning and been told it was the Queen who he was to report to, he hadn’t asked twice. Whilst he was beginning to learn the Crown Prince’s habits and to understand a little more what was being asked of him, Vangelis was still a hard taskmaster, and Sil had enjoyed the time he’d spent with Queen Yanni when she’d summoned him before.
Something to be said for the newly enforced routine he found himself in was that Sil was coping with mornings a lot better than he had at the beginning of this exercise. Without wine or opium as a device to send himself to sleep, and being too exhausted to stay awake, it had surprised Silanos that his nights had been unbroken five in a row now. No nightmares, no waking in a sweat. He almost felt refreshed in the morning. Or he was sure he would do if he wasn’t woken at such a fucking inhospitable hour. Either way, he looked less bleary-eyed day by day, the shadows that had been an almost permanent fixture under his eyes fading. And though he still hated it with a passion, the drills and exercise were starting to have an effect too, muscles starting to show where there hadn’t been before. It was a little galling to be presented with physical evidence that sometimes people made better choices for him than he did for himself, but he couldn’t deny he felt better.
Such it was that he was pretty cheerful as he paused outside the door to the Queen’s study, the very same room he’d found himself in that fateful day where he was almost asleep on his feet. And then was asleep. It could have gone a much different direction, but he’d been fortunate in that it had been Queen Yanni to find him and that she had found some sympathy for his plight, not only covering for him but also offering him some respite from his duties those few days later.
Now Silanos wondered what she had in mind for the day. Last time, he’d trailed around the agora after her and carried a few packages. It had hardly been a taxing day, and after the taciturn manner of her eldest son, the Queen was like a breath of fresh air. Aside from a couple of moments where he’d had to sidestep some awkward line of questioning it had been a pleasant encounter. And whilst he didn’t pretends to know why the Queen was seemingly taking him under her wing a little, he wasn’t about to complain about it. Having an ally of sorts was no bad thing.
If there was anything that didn’t sit so well, it was the knowledge that if the Queen knew why he had been forced into service, that she might not be quite so kindly toward the younger Valaoritis lord. Sil knew that, and yet hadn’t volunteered the information. It gave him pause a moment before he swallowed and rapped on the door anyway. It wasn’t his place to tell, he told himself. If Vangelis had chosen not to share then he would be speaking out of turn, that was it.
“Good Morning, your majesty” The lord bowed when he was bid to enter, offering a bright and easy smile to the older woman as he stepped inside. “ I believe I am to thank you once again for the pleasure of another day in your company?”
He hadn’t been expecting the reprieve, but when Silanos had arrived at the Kotas Manor early that morning and been told it was the Queen who he was to report to, he hadn’t asked twice. Whilst he was beginning to learn the Crown Prince’s habits and to understand a little more what was being asked of him, Vangelis was still a hard taskmaster, and Sil had enjoyed the time he’d spent with Queen Yanni when she’d summoned him before.
Something to be said for the newly enforced routine he found himself in was that Sil was coping with mornings a lot better than he had at the beginning of this exercise. Without wine or opium as a device to send himself to sleep, and being too exhausted to stay awake, it had surprised Silanos that his nights had been unbroken five in a row now. No nightmares, no waking in a sweat. He almost felt refreshed in the morning. Or he was sure he would do if he wasn’t woken at such a fucking inhospitable hour. Either way, he looked less bleary-eyed day by day, the shadows that had been an almost permanent fixture under his eyes fading. And though he still hated it with a passion, the drills and exercise were starting to have an effect too, muscles starting to show where there hadn’t been before. It was a little galling to be presented with physical evidence that sometimes people made better choices for him than he did for himself, but he couldn’t deny he felt better.
Such it was that he was pretty cheerful as he paused outside the door to the Queen’s study, the very same room he’d found himself in that fateful day where he was almost asleep on his feet. And then was asleep. It could have gone a much different direction, but he’d been fortunate in that it had been Queen Yanni to find him and that she had found some sympathy for his plight, not only covering for him but also offering him some respite from his duties those few days later.
Now Silanos wondered what she had in mind for the day. Last time, he’d trailed around the agora after her and carried a few packages. It had hardly been a taxing day, and after the taciturn manner of her eldest son, the Queen was like a breath of fresh air. Aside from a couple of moments where he’d had to sidestep some awkward line of questioning it had been a pleasant encounter. And whilst he didn’t pretends to know why the Queen was seemingly taking him under her wing a little, he wasn’t about to complain about it. Having an ally of sorts was no bad thing.
If there was anything that didn’t sit so well, it was the knowledge that if the Queen knew why he had been forced into service, that she might not be quite so kindly toward the younger Valaoritis lord. Sil knew that, and yet hadn’t volunteered the information. It gave him pause a moment before he swallowed and rapped on the door anyway. It wasn’t his place to tell, he told himself. If Vangelis had chosen not to share then he would be speaking out of turn, that was it.
“Good Morning, your majesty” The lord bowed when he was bid to enter, offering a bright and easy smile to the older woman as he stepped inside. “ I believe I am to thank you once again for the pleasure of another day in your company?”
Yanni was set to visit her sister in law, partially for business but mostly because she just enjoyed the woman’s company. Yanni hadn’t been aware of it, but when they first met all those years ago, apparently Tythra had been trying to push her away, to wreck the planned marriage between Yanni and her brother because she did not want her brother to forget about her. Looking back now, it was quite amusing. She and Tython had been married well over thirty years now, and in that time Yanni and Tythra had become very close. So much so, that Yanni considered her a blood sister, even if it wasn’t true.
Tythra had always been an anchor for Yanni, a pivotal point that helped keep her grounded and stable, whether the other woman knew it or not. She had been one of the only things that had helped Yanni keep her sanity both times she had thought her husband dead. And Yanni hoped that she had done the same for Tythra when she had faced such things with her own husband.
She had dressed in some light summer clothing, though she had covered herself modestly, as she always had as Queen, especially in her advancing age. Wearing a sleeveless dress in a pale pink colour, her dark hair was done up in a rather simple way, since the visit would only take her to see her sister in law and she knew she would not be judged by the woman for her lack of pomp.
Silanos had crossed her mind that day, and figuring the boy could likely use another break from her son, she had made demands for him to be released to her for the day, stating that she needed assistance, and not needing to elaborate due to her title. She knew that her son would not allow her to continue stealing the man, but for now she had not faced an argument.
She was just preparing the documents that needed to go to Tythra when she heard the knock, not looking up from her writing she called out.
“Enter.”
Hearing the door open and his greeting, Yanni did not speak or look up until she finished what she was writing. She waved the paper to dry the ink and then folded it carefully. It was then that she looked up, giving him a gentle smile.
“Good morning Lord Silanos, you are correct.” She said, standing from her desk, she gathered the documents and held them out for Silanos to take.
“You will be accompanying me to visit Princess Tythra.” She stated simply, putting a hand briefly on her shoulder, as she would have done with one of her sons.
“Come, she is expecting me and I do not wish to keep her waiting long.” She said, making her way out the door and towards the front doors of the manor. She had a covered carriage ready to take them both over to see Tythra.
The ride was pleasant, the two of them idly chatting. Upon arrival, Yanni let Silanos out of the carriage first, then stepped out herself. She made her way towards the door, not needing to announce herself. They had a long standing agreement with her husbands sister, that unless they were dealing with private matters, each was welcome in the other’s home.
One of Tythra’s slaves lead her to where Tythra was, and a big smile came across her face.
“Tythra.” She greeted, her tone soft and loving.
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Yanni was set to visit her sister in law, partially for business but mostly because she just enjoyed the woman’s company. Yanni hadn’t been aware of it, but when they first met all those years ago, apparently Tythra had been trying to push her away, to wreck the planned marriage between Yanni and her brother because she did not want her brother to forget about her. Looking back now, it was quite amusing. She and Tython had been married well over thirty years now, and in that time Yanni and Tythra had become very close. So much so, that Yanni considered her a blood sister, even if it wasn’t true.
Tythra had always been an anchor for Yanni, a pivotal point that helped keep her grounded and stable, whether the other woman knew it or not. She had been one of the only things that had helped Yanni keep her sanity both times she had thought her husband dead. And Yanni hoped that she had done the same for Tythra when she had faced such things with her own husband.
She had dressed in some light summer clothing, though she had covered herself modestly, as she always had as Queen, especially in her advancing age. Wearing a sleeveless dress in a pale pink colour, her dark hair was done up in a rather simple way, since the visit would only take her to see her sister in law and she knew she would not be judged by the woman for her lack of pomp.
Silanos had crossed her mind that day, and figuring the boy could likely use another break from her son, she had made demands for him to be released to her for the day, stating that she needed assistance, and not needing to elaborate due to her title. She knew that her son would not allow her to continue stealing the man, but for now she had not faced an argument.
She was just preparing the documents that needed to go to Tythra when she heard the knock, not looking up from her writing she called out.
“Enter.”
Hearing the door open and his greeting, Yanni did not speak or look up until she finished what she was writing. She waved the paper to dry the ink and then folded it carefully. It was then that she looked up, giving him a gentle smile.
“Good morning Lord Silanos, you are correct.” She said, standing from her desk, she gathered the documents and held them out for Silanos to take.
“You will be accompanying me to visit Princess Tythra.” She stated simply, putting a hand briefly on her shoulder, as she would have done with one of her sons.
“Come, she is expecting me and I do not wish to keep her waiting long.” She said, making her way out the door and towards the front doors of the manor. She had a covered carriage ready to take them both over to see Tythra.
The ride was pleasant, the two of them idly chatting. Upon arrival, Yanni let Silanos out of the carriage first, then stepped out herself. She made her way towards the door, not needing to announce herself. They had a long standing agreement with her husbands sister, that unless they were dealing with private matters, each was welcome in the other’s home.
One of Tythra’s slaves lead her to where Tythra was, and a big smile came across her face.
“Tythra.” She greeted, her tone soft and loving.
Yanni was set to visit her sister in law, partially for business but mostly because she just enjoyed the woman’s company. Yanni hadn’t been aware of it, but when they first met all those years ago, apparently Tythra had been trying to push her away, to wreck the planned marriage between Yanni and her brother because she did not want her brother to forget about her. Looking back now, it was quite amusing. She and Tython had been married well over thirty years now, and in that time Yanni and Tythra had become very close. So much so, that Yanni considered her a blood sister, even if it wasn’t true.
Tythra had always been an anchor for Yanni, a pivotal point that helped keep her grounded and stable, whether the other woman knew it or not. She had been one of the only things that had helped Yanni keep her sanity both times she had thought her husband dead. And Yanni hoped that she had done the same for Tythra when she had faced such things with her own husband.
She had dressed in some light summer clothing, though she had covered herself modestly, as she always had as Queen, especially in her advancing age. Wearing a sleeveless dress in a pale pink colour, her dark hair was done up in a rather simple way, since the visit would only take her to see her sister in law and she knew she would not be judged by the woman for her lack of pomp.
Silanos had crossed her mind that day, and figuring the boy could likely use another break from her son, she had made demands for him to be released to her for the day, stating that she needed assistance, and not needing to elaborate due to her title. She knew that her son would not allow her to continue stealing the man, but for now she had not faced an argument.
She was just preparing the documents that needed to go to Tythra when she heard the knock, not looking up from her writing she called out.
“Enter.”
Hearing the door open and his greeting, Yanni did not speak or look up until she finished what she was writing. She waved the paper to dry the ink and then folded it carefully. It was then that she looked up, giving him a gentle smile.
“Good morning Lord Silanos, you are correct.” She said, standing from her desk, she gathered the documents and held them out for Silanos to take.
“You will be accompanying me to visit Princess Tythra.” She stated simply, putting a hand briefly on her shoulder, as she would have done with one of her sons.
“Come, she is expecting me and I do not wish to keep her waiting long.” She said, making her way out the door and towards the front doors of the manor. She had a covered carriage ready to take them both over to see Tythra.
The ride was pleasant, the two of them idly chatting. Upon arrival, Yanni let Silanos out of the carriage first, then stepped out herself. She made her way towards the door, not needing to announce herself. They had a long standing agreement with her husbands sister, that unless they were dealing with private matters, each was welcome in the other’s home.
One of Tythra’s slaves lead her to where Tythra was, and a big smile came across her face.
“Tythra.” She greeted, her tone soft and loving.
Oh, today was going to be just lovely. Tythra felt she hardly had time for her sister or brother with the war ever looming. Work had kept her busier than usual. There was much to prepare should the men want a kingdom to return to. But Tythra saw a gap in her schedule, and once communicating with Yanni she found that she too had time. The girl she once hated for instilling fear that her brother would be stolen away was now Tythra’s dearest and closest friend and family, one that she would die to protect. There was nothing better than spending time with Yanni.
When she arrived, a smile grew on Tythra’s face. “Yanni!” She moved to embrace her sister, and she did though when she stepped back she saw something that nearly wiped the smile from her lips. It may have succeeded in fact if she were less trained and rude like the boy before her. “Ah, Lord Silanos. What a pleasant surprise. I hadn’t expected that you would be here.”
Eyes slid to Yanni. This was… unusual. She would not expect any Valaoritis to join her, least of all Silanos. He was… well, a waste of time as Tythra had gathered when meeting him earlier at the Drakos home. He was rude, lazy, and impatient. Tythra did not expect Yanni to be associating with the likes of him. Well, to be fair, she did not expect Vangelis would either if not for that… what did he say? Ah yes, debt.
“No matter, there is plenty of tea to go around. Please, sit.” Tythra gestured to the cushioned chairs. While Tythra took care to preserve much of the home as her forebearers did, she also strove to make it better. It was evident in these chairs, with pulled straight from their mines, silks imported from the east, and crafted all in Taengea with the best worker money could buy. Tythra spared no expense showing off their wealth while maintaining the strong Drakos pride evident in the tapestry that hung around the manor.
“We have much to catch up on, Yanni.” She said as the tea was being poured and appetizers set. It was a wonderful selection made by the best chef that was available to Tythra. She had trialed many people before settling on the one, and she certainly overpaid the woman to ensure that she remains under her employment.
Tythra was a very gracious host.
“And Lord Silanos, after our previous conversation was cut short now is the perfect time to continue it, yes?” Tythra’s gaze returned to the young man. He would not be able to run away this time. “You mentioned you were under Prince Vangelis’s debt? Oh, I do hope it’s not an issue with money. It can be such a fickle thing, can it not? Always wanting for more, but when it’s truly needed, there’s never enough.” Not that Tythra ever knew what it was like to be without money. She was born rich and married richer. “It breaks my heart to hear the Valaoritis has fallen under hard times. Do let me know if there’s something I can do to help. After all, your brother did assist in the saving of my daughter’s life from that terrible fire. It’s the least I can do.” She reached over and took a sip of the tea.
Ever the gracious host.
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Oh, today was going to be just lovely. Tythra felt she hardly had time for her sister or brother with the war ever looming. Work had kept her busier than usual. There was much to prepare should the men want a kingdom to return to. But Tythra saw a gap in her schedule, and once communicating with Yanni she found that she too had time. The girl she once hated for instilling fear that her brother would be stolen away was now Tythra’s dearest and closest friend and family, one that she would die to protect. There was nothing better than spending time with Yanni.
When she arrived, a smile grew on Tythra’s face. “Yanni!” She moved to embrace her sister, and she did though when she stepped back she saw something that nearly wiped the smile from her lips. It may have succeeded in fact if she were less trained and rude like the boy before her. “Ah, Lord Silanos. What a pleasant surprise. I hadn’t expected that you would be here.”
Eyes slid to Yanni. This was… unusual. She would not expect any Valaoritis to join her, least of all Silanos. He was… well, a waste of time as Tythra had gathered when meeting him earlier at the Drakos home. He was rude, lazy, and impatient. Tythra did not expect Yanni to be associating with the likes of him. Well, to be fair, she did not expect Vangelis would either if not for that… what did he say? Ah yes, debt.
“No matter, there is plenty of tea to go around. Please, sit.” Tythra gestured to the cushioned chairs. While Tythra took care to preserve much of the home as her forebearers did, she also strove to make it better. It was evident in these chairs, with pulled straight from their mines, silks imported from the east, and crafted all in Taengea with the best worker money could buy. Tythra spared no expense showing off their wealth while maintaining the strong Drakos pride evident in the tapestry that hung around the manor.
“We have much to catch up on, Yanni.” She said as the tea was being poured and appetizers set. It was a wonderful selection made by the best chef that was available to Tythra. She had trialed many people before settling on the one, and she certainly overpaid the woman to ensure that she remains under her employment.
Tythra was a very gracious host.
“And Lord Silanos, after our previous conversation was cut short now is the perfect time to continue it, yes?” Tythra’s gaze returned to the young man. He would not be able to run away this time. “You mentioned you were under Prince Vangelis’s debt? Oh, I do hope it’s not an issue with money. It can be such a fickle thing, can it not? Always wanting for more, but when it’s truly needed, there’s never enough.” Not that Tythra ever knew what it was like to be without money. She was born rich and married richer. “It breaks my heart to hear the Valaoritis has fallen under hard times. Do let me know if there’s something I can do to help. After all, your brother did assist in the saving of my daughter’s life from that terrible fire. It’s the least I can do.” She reached over and took a sip of the tea.
Ever the gracious host.
Oh, today was going to be just lovely. Tythra felt she hardly had time for her sister or brother with the war ever looming. Work had kept her busier than usual. There was much to prepare should the men want a kingdom to return to. But Tythra saw a gap in her schedule, and once communicating with Yanni she found that she too had time. The girl she once hated for instilling fear that her brother would be stolen away was now Tythra’s dearest and closest friend and family, one that she would die to protect. There was nothing better than spending time with Yanni.
When she arrived, a smile grew on Tythra’s face. “Yanni!” She moved to embrace her sister, and she did though when she stepped back she saw something that nearly wiped the smile from her lips. It may have succeeded in fact if she were less trained and rude like the boy before her. “Ah, Lord Silanos. What a pleasant surprise. I hadn’t expected that you would be here.”
Eyes slid to Yanni. This was… unusual. She would not expect any Valaoritis to join her, least of all Silanos. He was… well, a waste of time as Tythra had gathered when meeting him earlier at the Drakos home. He was rude, lazy, and impatient. Tythra did not expect Yanni to be associating with the likes of him. Well, to be fair, she did not expect Vangelis would either if not for that… what did he say? Ah yes, debt.
“No matter, there is plenty of tea to go around. Please, sit.” Tythra gestured to the cushioned chairs. While Tythra took care to preserve much of the home as her forebearers did, she also strove to make it better. It was evident in these chairs, with pulled straight from their mines, silks imported from the east, and crafted all in Taengea with the best worker money could buy. Tythra spared no expense showing off their wealth while maintaining the strong Drakos pride evident in the tapestry that hung around the manor.
“We have much to catch up on, Yanni.” She said as the tea was being poured and appetizers set. It was a wonderful selection made by the best chef that was available to Tythra. She had trialed many people before settling on the one, and she certainly overpaid the woman to ensure that she remains under her employment.
Tythra was a very gracious host.
“And Lord Silanos, after our previous conversation was cut short now is the perfect time to continue it, yes?” Tythra’s gaze returned to the young man. He would not be able to run away this time. “You mentioned you were under Prince Vangelis’s debt? Oh, I do hope it’s not an issue with money. It can be such a fickle thing, can it not? Always wanting for more, but when it’s truly needed, there’s never enough.” Not that Tythra ever knew what it was like to be without money. She was born rich and married richer. “It breaks my heart to hear the Valaoritis has fallen under hard times. Do let me know if there’s something I can do to help. After all, your brother did assist in the saving of my daughter’s life from that terrible fire. It’s the least I can do.” She reached over and took a sip of the tea.
Ever the gracious host.
Upon receiving no response from the Queen as he entered, Silanos was entertaining himself inspecting a piece of dried coral that sat upon a shelf by the door. He was tracing one of the delicate fronds with his finger when a piece of it crumbled and he hastily turned it around so that part was facing away. Shoving his hands behind his back so he couldn’t inflict any more damage on unsuspecting ornaments he blinked over at the Queen as she finally addressed him.
The smile he was wearing dimmed rapidly as the woman went on to explain what they would be doing, Sil struggling to keep the expression in place when he heard the name Princess Tythra. He’d had a brief encounter with the Lady Imeeya’s mother only a few days previously, and it had not been the most comfortable conversation he’d ever had. He certainly wouldn’t be choosing to spend any more time with her, and he had a feeling the sentiment would be mutual. Fuck.
The desire to open his mouth and protest was very real, and instead satisfied himself with a quick “Princess Tythra? How...lovely” The pause was accidental as he sought out a suitable word to surmise his feelings about the woman.
He chewed on the inside of his cheek, gave a brief nod and a tight smile as the Queen chivvied him along. Gods forbid the Drakos witch was kept waiting.
He tried not to let his dismay show through the carriage ride with Queen Yanni, made polite chitter-chatter and when they arrived, he climbed out of the carriage and shot a doubtful look at the imposing manor house. The thought of how Imeeya might react if she walked in and found him having tea with her mother was enough to bring a moments humour, but even that faded when he imagined the turn conversation could take, should that happen.
He trailed obediently after the Queen as she moved through the place like she owned it, his mood growing sourer with every step. Fuck it, listening to Vangelis and whoever prattle on about war strategies for the day would have been preferable to this. He’d been borderline rude to the Princess he knew, a decision which was coming back to haunt him now, but she’d been so fucking nosey he hadn’t known what else to do. He could only hope that with the Queen to gossip with, his own situation wouldn't be such a source of interest to her. It’d be fine.
Or...not. For a flicker, barely long enough for Sil to be sure he’d seen it, the Princess looked as though she was sucking lemons when she caught sight of him, and that brief flash of honesty would have been enough to make him laugh had he not been in the situation he was in. Instead, Silanos bowed deeply to the Drakos woman.
“No your Highness. I wasn’t expecting to be either, but what can I say, Ithe Gods must be smiling upon me” He lied through his teeth, waiting for both of the royal women to seat themselves before he selected a chair that seemed a polite distance. Well, what the fuck was going to happen now? Did the Queen really think spending the day chatting about...whatever women his mother’s age chatted about was a relief for him? Or maybe this was actually a punishment? Silanos stared into the cup of tea he now held and felt bad for thinking it because really, Queen Yanni had been nothing but good to him. He was stirring in too much honey when he heard his name fall from that dreadful woman’s lips again and looked up to find her attention on him. The question, though polite, sounded awfully much like a threat, and he stopped stirring as she went on, glancing briefly at the Queen as Lady Tythra leapt straight on what he didn’t want to talk about. Bitch.
Keeping the same mild smile upon his face as she went on, Sil ducked his head as she finished, as if he were humbled by her kindness or shamed by the idea of his house having fallen on hard times.
He was actually somewhere between panicked and furious, but that needed to stay off his face.
“You are too kind, your highness. And honestly, I am flattered that you remembered, but no, my obligation to Prince Vangelis is of a more personal nature, thank you.” He met the Drakos woman’s eyes steadily before turning to Queen Yanni. “ He has been more than fair in allowing me to atone” he added. “But please, don’t let my presence be an impediment to you two catching up. I don’t want to be an intrusion”
Shut up, shut up, shut up was what he wanted to say as he instead took an overlarge sip of tea that scalded his throat. This was going to be a long day, he could feel it.
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Upon receiving no response from the Queen as he entered, Silanos was entertaining himself inspecting a piece of dried coral that sat upon a shelf by the door. He was tracing one of the delicate fronds with his finger when a piece of it crumbled and he hastily turned it around so that part was facing away. Shoving his hands behind his back so he couldn’t inflict any more damage on unsuspecting ornaments he blinked over at the Queen as she finally addressed him.
The smile he was wearing dimmed rapidly as the woman went on to explain what they would be doing, Sil struggling to keep the expression in place when he heard the name Princess Tythra. He’d had a brief encounter with the Lady Imeeya’s mother only a few days previously, and it had not been the most comfortable conversation he’d ever had. He certainly wouldn’t be choosing to spend any more time with her, and he had a feeling the sentiment would be mutual. Fuck.
The desire to open his mouth and protest was very real, and instead satisfied himself with a quick “Princess Tythra? How...lovely” The pause was accidental as he sought out a suitable word to surmise his feelings about the woman.
He chewed on the inside of his cheek, gave a brief nod and a tight smile as the Queen chivvied him along. Gods forbid the Drakos witch was kept waiting.
He tried not to let his dismay show through the carriage ride with Queen Yanni, made polite chitter-chatter and when they arrived, he climbed out of the carriage and shot a doubtful look at the imposing manor house. The thought of how Imeeya might react if she walked in and found him having tea with her mother was enough to bring a moments humour, but even that faded when he imagined the turn conversation could take, should that happen.
He trailed obediently after the Queen as she moved through the place like she owned it, his mood growing sourer with every step. Fuck it, listening to Vangelis and whoever prattle on about war strategies for the day would have been preferable to this. He’d been borderline rude to the Princess he knew, a decision which was coming back to haunt him now, but she’d been so fucking nosey he hadn’t known what else to do. He could only hope that with the Queen to gossip with, his own situation wouldn't be such a source of interest to her. It’d be fine.
Or...not. For a flicker, barely long enough for Sil to be sure he’d seen it, the Princess looked as though she was sucking lemons when she caught sight of him, and that brief flash of honesty would have been enough to make him laugh had he not been in the situation he was in. Instead, Silanos bowed deeply to the Drakos woman.
“No your Highness. I wasn’t expecting to be either, but what can I say, Ithe Gods must be smiling upon me” He lied through his teeth, waiting for both of the royal women to seat themselves before he selected a chair that seemed a polite distance. Well, what the fuck was going to happen now? Did the Queen really think spending the day chatting about...whatever women his mother’s age chatted about was a relief for him? Or maybe this was actually a punishment? Silanos stared into the cup of tea he now held and felt bad for thinking it because really, Queen Yanni had been nothing but good to him. He was stirring in too much honey when he heard his name fall from that dreadful woman’s lips again and looked up to find her attention on him. The question, though polite, sounded awfully much like a threat, and he stopped stirring as she went on, glancing briefly at the Queen as Lady Tythra leapt straight on what he didn’t want to talk about. Bitch.
Keeping the same mild smile upon his face as she went on, Sil ducked his head as she finished, as if he were humbled by her kindness or shamed by the idea of his house having fallen on hard times.
He was actually somewhere between panicked and furious, but that needed to stay off his face.
“You are too kind, your highness. And honestly, I am flattered that you remembered, but no, my obligation to Prince Vangelis is of a more personal nature, thank you.” He met the Drakos woman’s eyes steadily before turning to Queen Yanni. “ He has been more than fair in allowing me to atone” he added. “But please, don’t let my presence be an impediment to you two catching up. I don’t want to be an intrusion”
Shut up, shut up, shut up was what he wanted to say as he instead took an overlarge sip of tea that scalded his throat. This was going to be a long day, he could feel it.
Upon receiving no response from the Queen as he entered, Silanos was entertaining himself inspecting a piece of dried coral that sat upon a shelf by the door. He was tracing one of the delicate fronds with his finger when a piece of it crumbled and he hastily turned it around so that part was facing away. Shoving his hands behind his back so he couldn’t inflict any more damage on unsuspecting ornaments he blinked over at the Queen as she finally addressed him.
The smile he was wearing dimmed rapidly as the woman went on to explain what they would be doing, Sil struggling to keep the expression in place when he heard the name Princess Tythra. He’d had a brief encounter with the Lady Imeeya’s mother only a few days previously, and it had not been the most comfortable conversation he’d ever had. He certainly wouldn’t be choosing to spend any more time with her, and he had a feeling the sentiment would be mutual. Fuck.
The desire to open his mouth and protest was very real, and instead satisfied himself with a quick “Princess Tythra? How...lovely” The pause was accidental as he sought out a suitable word to surmise his feelings about the woman.
He chewed on the inside of his cheek, gave a brief nod and a tight smile as the Queen chivvied him along. Gods forbid the Drakos witch was kept waiting.
He tried not to let his dismay show through the carriage ride with Queen Yanni, made polite chitter-chatter and when they arrived, he climbed out of the carriage and shot a doubtful look at the imposing manor house. The thought of how Imeeya might react if she walked in and found him having tea with her mother was enough to bring a moments humour, but even that faded when he imagined the turn conversation could take, should that happen.
He trailed obediently after the Queen as she moved through the place like she owned it, his mood growing sourer with every step. Fuck it, listening to Vangelis and whoever prattle on about war strategies for the day would have been preferable to this. He’d been borderline rude to the Princess he knew, a decision which was coming back to haunt him now, but she’d been so fucking nosey he hadn’t known what else to do. He could only hope that with the Queen to gossip with, his own situation wouldn't be such a source of interest to her. It’d be fine.
Or...not. For a flicker, barely long enough for Sil to be sure he’d seen it, the Princess looked as though she was sucking lemons when she caught sight of him, and that brief flash of honesty would have been enough to make him laugh had he not been in the situation he was in. Instead, Silanos bowed deeply to the Drakos woman.
“No your Highness. I wasn’t expecting to be either, but what can I say, Ithe Gods must be smiling upon me” He lied through his teeth, waiting for both of the royal women to seat themselves before he selected a chair that seemed a polite distance. Well, what the fuck was going to happen now? Did the Queen really think spending the day chatting about...whatever women his mother’s age chatted about was a relief for him? Or maybe this was actually a punishment? Silanos stared into the cup of tea he now held and felt bad for thinking it because really, Queen Yanni had been nothing but good to him. He was stirring in too much honey when he heard his name fall from that dreadful woman’s lips again and looked up to find her attention on him. The question, though polite, sounded awfully much like a threat, and he stopped stirring as she went on, glancing briefly at the Queen as Lady Tythra leapt straight on what he didn’t want to talk about. Bitch.
Keeping the same mild smile upon his face as she went on, Sil ducked his head as she finished, as if he were humbled by her kindness or shamed by the idea of his house having fallen on hard times.
He was actually somewhere between panicked and furious, but that needed to stay off his face.
“You are too kind, your highness. And honestly, I am flattered that you remembered, but no, my obligation to Prince Vangelis is of a more personal nature, thank you.” He met the Drakos woman’s eyes steadily before turning to Queen Yanni. “ He has been more than fair in allowing me to atone” he added. “But please, don’t let my presence be an impediment to you two catching up. I don’t want to be an intrusion”
Shut up, shut up, shut up was what he wanted to say as he instead took an overlarge sip of tea that scalded his throat. This was going to be a long day, he could feel it.
The Queen was unaware of any ill feelings between Tythra and Silanos, as far she she knew, the two had never really had anything to do with each other. Little did Yanni know, she was very wrong when it came to that.
Yanni took a seat when Tythra offered one, getting herself comfortable in the cushioned seat, as she planned on being there for awhile and catching up with her sister in law. They didn’t have much time together a lot of the time, so when they did it tended to go on longer than initially planned. Yanni tried to make as much time for Tythra as possible, but both women were busy. They were even more so when they had been helping the men prepare for war, and it was a miracle really that they had the time now to meet.
“Previous conversation?” She asked, an eyebrow raised as she realized the two had conversed before. Her gaze when to Silanos, and she couldn’t help but wonder if her sister in law’s distaste of the man had something to do with Vang and the debt that Silanos was working off for him. She had yet to discover the truth behind the arrangement, but she had no doubts that she would.
Yanni herself took a cup of tea when it was poured, and took a sip as she listened to Tythra, her usual sharp tongue showing itself as she spoke. The distaste could be heard subtly in her tone, but Yanni had known her long enough to recognize it.
“I asked Lord Silanos to join me todauy to get a little reprieve from Vangelis. You know how intense the Prince can get.” She said, making it clear that Silanos was her guest, and he deserved respect as such. She would find out the nature of their relationship later, from one of them. For now, she was hoping for some polite conversation, not witty snaps at each other.
“Tythra, how are the girls? I feel it has been ages since I have seen my nieces well and truly.” She said, trying to turn the subject to the well being of her family instead of what ever was going on between Tythra and Silanos.
Yanni took a sip of her tea, getting more curious as time passed as to the nature of the relationship between the two people sat in her view now. Eventually she caved, and she wanted to dig a little, to see what she could find out.
“You two have met then? I was not aware of such meetings.” She stated, bringing it up as casually as she could, trying to dig without directly asking what the conflict was between them. She was hoping that the topic might come up without an argument or anything, preferring to avoid drama, she also liked to stay as informed as possible. Perhaps Tythra had an experience that might show Yanni that she should not be trusting Lord Silanos as much as she was.
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The Queen was unaware of any ill feelings between Tythra and Silanos, as far she she knew, the two had never really had anything to do with each other. Little did Yanni know, she was very wrong when it came to that.
Yanni took a seat when Tythra offered one, getting herself comfortable in the cushioned seat, as she planned on being there for awhile and catching up with her sister in law. They didn’t have much time together a lot of the time, so when they did it tended to go on longer than initially planned. Yanni tried to make as much time for Tythra as possible, but both women were busy. They were even more so when they had been helping the men prepare for war, and it was a miracle really that they had the time now to meet.
“Previous conversation?” She asked, an eyebrow raised as she realized the two had conversed before. Her gaze when to Silanos, and she couldn’t help but wonder if her sister in law’s distaste of the man had something to do with Vang and the debt that Silanos was working off for him. She had yet to discover the truth behind the arrangement, but she had no doubts that she would.
Yanni herself took a cup of tea when it was poured, and took a sip as she listened to Tythra, her usual sharp tongue showing itself as she spoke. The distaste could be heard subtly in her tone, but Yanni had known her long enough to recognize it.
“I asked Lord Silanos to join me todauy to get a little reprieve from Vangelis. You know how intense the Prince can get.” She said, making it clear that Silanos was her guest, and he deserved respect as such. She would find out the nature of their relationship later, from one of them. For now, she was hoping for some polite conversation, not witty snaps at each other.
“Tythra, how are the girls? I feel it has been ages since I have seen my nieces well and truly.” She said, trying to turn the subject to the well being of her family instead of what ever was going on between Tythra and Silanos.
Yanni took a sip of her tea, getting more curious as time passed as to the nature of the relationship between the two people sat in her view now. Eventually she caved, and she wanted to dig a little, to see what she could find out.
“You two have met then? I was not aware of such meetings.” She stated, bringing it up as casually as she could, trying to dig without directly asking what the conflict was between them. She was hoping that the topic might come up without an argument or anything, preferring to avoid drama, she also liked to stay as informed as possible. Perhaps Tythra had an experience that might show Yanni that she should not be trusting Lord Silanos as much as she was.
The Queen was unaware of any ill feelings between Tythra and Silanos, as far she she knew, the two had never really had anything to do with each other. Little did Yanni know, she was very wrong when it came to that.
Yanni took a seat when Tythra offered one, getting herself comfortable in the cushioned seat, as she planned on being there for awhile and catching up with her sister in law. They didn’t have much time together a lot of the time, so when they did it tended to go on longer than initially planned. Yanni tried to make as much time for Tythra as possible, but both women were busy. They were even more so when they had been helping the men prepare for war, and it was a miracle really that they had the time now to meet.
“Previous conversation?” She asked, an eyebrow raised as she realized the two had conversed before. Her gaze when to Silanos, and she couldn’t help but wonder if her sister in law’s distaste of the man had something to do with Vang and the debt that Silanos was working off for him. She had yet to discover the truth behind the arrangement, but she had no doubts that she would.
Yanni herself took a cup of tea when it was poured, and took a sip as she listened to Tythra, her usual sharp tongue showing itself as she spoke. The distaste could be heard subtly in her tone, but Yanni had known her long enough to recognize it.
“I asked Lord Silanos to join me todauy to get a little reprieve from Vangelis. You know how intense the Prince can get.” She said, making it clear that Silanos was her guest, and he deserved respect as such. She would find out the nature of their relationship later, from one of them. For now, she was hoping for some polite conversation, not witty snaps at each other.
“Tythra, how are the girls? I feel it has been ages since I have seen my nieces well and truly.” She said, trying to turn the subject to the well being of her family instead of what ever was going on between Tythra and Silanos.
Yanni took a sip of her tea, getting more curious as time passed as to the nature of the relationship between the two people sat in her view now. Eventually she caved, and she wanted to dig a little, to see what she could find out.
“You two have met then? I was not aware of such meetings.” She stated, bringing it up as casually as she could, trying to dig without directly asking what the conflict was between them. She was hoping that the topic might come up without an argument or anything, preferring to avoid drama, she also liked to stay as informed as possible. Perhaps Tythra had an experience that might show Yanni that she should not be trusting Lord Silanos as much as she was.
Princess Tythra understood Yanni’s tone, but Tythra saw nothing wrong with what she had said. She was polite, as she always was. She offered her assistance once again to Lord Silanos just for it to be turned away. Tythra was innocent in this exchange, just as she was in the last one. Tythra took care to always be the better person… she had other people to be bad for her. So she could not even fathom Yanni thinking her as rude or sharp. That simply was not what Tythra was.
Curious, would be a better adjective.
“Atone, hm?” Tythra took another sip of her tea, one brow rising slightly. So it was not a matter of money but of grievance. What had Lord Silanos done that was so drastic that would have him working for the Prince, for free no less. Curiouser and curiouser, every word out of Silanos was certainly interesting. Tythra just had to know more. “The event certainly must be large to require atonement from the Prince.”
Tythra’s eyes then flickered to Yanni and her smile got ever wider. “Ah, yes, Yanni. Just recently, in fact, when I was visiting my brother. It was a lovely time, we… strolled around the garden.” More Silanos wasted time when he should have been working, taking the long way to return to the manor. “It was such a shame when Silanos had to run off. I was enjoying our conversation so.”
She reached for the honey that Silanos had been overusing and offered some to Yanni. “Yanni, you must try this. I have no kind heart for Egyptians,” Sand rats, “but they do make impeccable honey. This is from Luxfa and it has this… floral sweetness to it. Lord Silanos clearly has taken a liking to it.” Tythra feared his cup was more honey than tea. “Would you like me to have my servants pack some for you to take home, my Lord? I’m sure your brother would appreciate it as well.”
Oh yes, Yanni had also asked of the girls. “Excuse me, in my excitement of the honey I simply forgot your previous question. Imeeya and Essa are doing quite fine, I’m pleased to say. Imeeya reminds me of myself more and more every day.” As much as Tythra hated to admit at times. She was exactly like Imeeya, rebellion, and all. In fact, she was worse. Not that she would ever tell Imeeya that… or allow Yanni and Tython to tell her stories. “Essa is also the reflection of her father. Does she not remind you of Thesus?” Her heart was far too large, just like Thesus’s was. And with her dark locks, had her gender been male then you would not be able to tell the difference between the two. If only she… was a little more like her mother. “I swear though some days those girls make me well…” Tythra shook her head. “You know how children are.”
Once more, her eyes slid to Silanos. “More tea?”
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Princess Tythra understood Yanni’s tone, but Tythra saw nothing wrong with what she had said. She was polite, as she always was. She offered her assistance once again to Lord Silanos just for it to be turned away. Tythra was innocent in this exchange, just as she was in the last one. Tythra took care to always be the better person… she had other people to be bad for her. So she could not even fathom Yanni thinking her as rude or sharp. That simply was not what Tythra was.
Curious, would be a better adjective.
“Atone, hm?” Tythra took another sip of her tea, one brow rising slightly. So it was not a matter of money but of grievance. What had Lord Silanos done that was so drastic that would have him working for the Prince, for free no less. Curiouser and curiouser, every word out of Silanos was certainly interesting. Tythra just had to know more. “The event certainly must be large to require atonement from the Prince.”
Tythra’s eyes then flickered to Yanni and her smile got ever wider. “Ah, yes, Yanni. Just recently, in fact, when I was visiting my brother. It was a lovely time, we… strolled around the garden.” More Silanos wasted time when he should have been working, taking the long way to return to the manor. “It was such a shame when Silanos had to run off. I was enjoying our conversation so.”
She reached for the honey that Silanos had been overusing and offered some to Yanni. “Yanni, you must try this. I have no kind heart for Egyptians,” Sand rats, “but they do make impeccable honey. This is from Luxfa and it has this… floral sweetness to it. Lord Silanos clearly has taken a liking to it.” Tythra feared his cup was more honey than tea. “Would you like me to have my servants pack some for you to take home, my Lord? I’m sure your brother would appreciate it as well.”
Oh yes, Yanni had also asked of the girls. “Excuse me, in my excitement of the honey I simply forgot your previous question. Imeeya and Essa are doing quite fine, I’m pleased to say. Imeeya reminds me of myself more and more every day.” As much as Tythra hated to admit at times. She was exactly like Imeeya, rebellion, and all. In fact, she was worse. Not that she would ever tell Imeeya that… or allow Yanni and Tython to tell her stories. “Essa is also the reflection of her father. Does she not remind you of Thesus?” Her heart was far too large, just like Thesus’s was. And with her dark locks, had her gender been male then you would not be able to tell the difference between the two. If only she… was a little more like her mother. “I swear though some days those girls make me well…” Tythra shook her head. “You know how children are.”
Once more, her eyes slid to Silanos. “More tea?”
Princess Tythra understood Yanni’s tone, but Tythra saw nothing wrong with what she had said. She was polite, as she always was. She offered her assistance once again to Lord Silanos just for it to be turned away. Tythra was innocent in this exchange, just as she was in the last one. Tythra took care to always be the better person… she had other people to be bad for her. So she could not even fathom Yanni thinking her as rude or sharp. That simply was not what Tythra was.
Curious, would be a better adjective.
“Atone, hm?” Tythra took another sip of her tea, one brow rising slightly. So it was not a matter of money but of grievance. What had Lord Silanos done that was so drastic that would have him working for the Prince, for free no less. Curiouser and curiouser, every word out of Silanos was certainly interesting. Tythra just had to know more. “The event certainly must be large to require atonement from the Prince.”
Tythra’s eyes then flickered to Yanni and her smile got ever wider. “Ah, yes, Yanni. Just recently, in fact, when I was visiting my brother. It was a lovely time, we… strolled around the garden.” More Silanos wasted time when he should have been working, taking the long way to return to the manor. “It was such a shame when Silanos had to run off. I was enjoying our conversation so.”
She reached for the honey that Silanos had been overusing and offered some to Yanni. “Yanni, you must try this. I have no kind heart for Egyptians,” Sand rats, “but they do make impeccable honey. This is from Luxfa and it has this… floral sweetness to it. Lord Silanos clearly has taken a liking to it.” Tythra feared his cup was more honey than tea. “Would you like me to have my servants pack some for you to take home, my Lord? I’m sure your brother would appreciate it as well.”
Oh yes, Yanni had also asked of the girls. “Excuse me, in my excitement of the honey I simply forgot your previous question. Imeeya and Essa are doing quite fine, I’m pleased to say. Imeeya reminds me of myself more and more every day.” As much as Tythra hated to admit at times. She was exactly like Imeeya, rebellion, and all. In fact, she was worse. Not that she would ever tell Imeeya that… or allow Yanni and Tython to tell her stories. “Essa is also the reflection of her father. Does she not remind you of Thesus?” Her heart was far too large, just like Thesus’s was. And with her dark locks, had her gender been male then you would not be able to tell the difference between the two. If only she… was a little more like her mother. “I swear though some days those girls make me well…” Tythra shook her head. “You know how children are.”
Once more, her eyes slid to Silanos. “More tea?”
‘Previous conversation?’ The Queen’s words and the way her eyes shifted towards him made Sil feel like he had inadvertently walked into a dangerous scenario. Queen Yanni had not pried into his business, not in a way that had made it difficult for him to steer the conversation away, and that had made it easy enough to spend time in her company, pleasant even. He couldn’t say the same of the Lady Tythra, and as he looked between the two women, he began to feel a little uncomfortable.
That his transgressions could be counted against both their daughters was less than ideal, and so not letting discussion linger on his arrangement with Vangelis seemed critical. He did his best to shut down Tythra’s enquiry quickly and politely, and couldn't help the grateful way in which his gaze shot toward the Queen when she spoke up to deflect some of the Drakos woman’s thinly veiled disdain.
Of course, it didn’t stop the Princess from picking up on the one thing he had slipped up on in his response, and Silanos could only paste a bland smile upon his face even a he got the distinct impression that Tythra was not going to let her curiosity lie now. Fuck it all. He cleared his throat and managed to get out a brief “Only briefly” before the Drakos was telling that story, and he busied himself noisily stirring his tea in his agitation, only to glance up sharply at the news that Tythra had been ‘so enjoying their conversation’
Like Tartarus, more like she had scented blood. He wasn’t about to get on that road again. The less talk was centred around him the better. The tea, which he had massively oversweetened, was hot and sickly, but he choked it down anyway, and of course, the Drakos woman had noticed that too. His smile was as sweet as the honey that she offered.
“I’m sure he’d be delighted, your highness. My brother has long had a sweet tooth. It's from Egypt you say?”
Thankfully, Queen Yanni once again came to his aid -unknowingly this time - as she enquired after the Drakos daughters, and here Silanos could just keep quiet without it seeming odd. He had no significant acquaintance with either of the girls anyway… not unless you counted his run-ins with Imeeya and there was nothing on earth that was going to persuade him to enter in that conversation. The ruckus at the dikastirio seemed to have meant no one had noticed the impromptu wine shower he’d been given at Imeeya’s hand, and the fact that he’d survived the garden conversation at all suggested that Imeeya’s motivations for that had remained secret to, for which he was grateful. It probably should have seen him hold his tongue, but if there was anything to be said for Silanos, it was that he didn’t always do what he should. And so when there was a slight pause, he found himself interjecting.
“It must have been quite a shock, those dreadful rumours at the dikastirio. Gossip can be so unkind. I hope Lady Imeeya isn’t too upset about it. I would offer some reassurance that no one would believe it true” Then, without missing a beat. “More tea would be lovely, thank you”
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‘Previous conversation?’ The Queen’s words and the way her eyes shifted towards him made Sil feel like he had inadvertently walked into a dangerous scenario. Queen Yanni had not pried into his business, not in a way that had made it difficult for him to steer the conversation away, and that had made it easy enough to spend time in her company, pleasant even. He couldn’t say the same of the Lady Tythra, and as he looked between the two women, he began to feel a little uncomfortable.
That his transgressions could be counted against both their daughters was less than ideal, and so not letting discussion linger on his arrangement with Vangelis seemed critical. He did his best to shut down Tythra’s enquiry quickly and politely, and couldn't help the grateful way in which his gaze shot toward the Queen when she spoke up to deflect some of the Drakos woman’s thinly veiled disdain.
Of course, it didn’t stop the Princess from picking up on the one thing he had slipped up on in his response, and Silanos could only paste a bland smile upon his face even a he got the distinct impression that Tythra was not going to let her curiosity lie now. Fuck it all. He cleared his throat and managed to get out a brief “Only briefly” before the Drakos was telling that story, and he busied himself noisily stirring his tea in his agitation, only to glance up sharply at the news that Tythra had been ‘so enjoying their conversation’
Like Tartarus, more like she had scented blood. He wasn’t about to get on that road again. The less talk was centred around him the better. The tea, which he had massively oversweetened, was hot and sickly, but he choked it down anyway, and of course, the Drakos woman had noticed that too. His smile was as sweet as the honey that she offered.
“I’m sure he’d be delighted, your highness. My brother has long had a sweet tooth. It's from Egypt you say?”
Thankfully, Queen Yanni once again came to his aid -unknowingly this time - as she enquired after the Drakos daughters, and here Silanos could just keep quiet without it seeming odd. He had no significant acquaintance with either of the girls anyway… not unless you counted his run-ins with Imeeya and there was nothing on earth that was going to persuade him to enter in that conversation. The ruckus at the dikastirio seemed to have meant no one had noticed the impromptu wine shower he’d been given at Imeeya’s hand, and the fact that he’d survived the garden conversation at all suggested that Imeeya’s motivations for that had remained secret to, for which he was grateful. It probably should have seen him hold his tongue, but if there was anything to be said for Silanos, it was that he didn’t always do what he should. And so when there was a slight pause, he found himself interjecting.
“It must have been quite a shock, those dreadful rumours at the dikastirio. Gossip can be so unkind. I hope Lady Imeeya isn’t too upset about it. I would offer some reassurance that no one would believe it true” Then, without missing a beat. “More tea would be lovely, thank you”
‘Previous conversation?’ The Queen’s words and the way her eyes shifted towards him made Sil feel like he had inadvertently walked into a dangerous scenario. Queen Yanni had not pried into his business, not in a way that had made it difficult for him to steer the conversation away, and that had made it easy enough to spend time in her company, pleasant even. He couldn’t say the same of the Lady Tythra, and as he looked between the two women, he began to feel a little uncomfortable.
That his transgressions could be counted against both their daughters was less than ideal, and so not letting discussion linger on his arrangement with Vangelis seemed critical. He did his best to shut down Tythra’s enquiry quickly and politely, and couldn't help the grateful way in which his gaze shot toward the Queen when she spoke up to deflect some of the Drakos woman’s thinly veiled disdain.
Of course, it didn’t stop the Princess from picking up on the one thing he had slipped up on in his response, and Silanos could only paste a bland smile upon his face even a he got the distinct impression that Tythra was not going to let her curiosity lie now. Fuck it all. He cleared his throat and managed to get out a brief “Only briefly” before the Drakos was telling that story, and he busied himself noisily stirring his tea in his agitation, only to glance up sharply at the news that Tythra had been ‘so enjoying their conversation’
Like Tartarus, more like she had scented blood. He wasn’t about to get on that road again. The less talk was centred around him the better. The tea, which he had massively oversweetened, was hot and sickly, but he choked it down anyway, and of course, the Drakos woman had noticed that too. His smile was as sweet as the honey that she offered.
“I’m sure he’d be delighted, your highness. My brother has long had a sweet tooth. It's from Egypt you say?”
Thankfully, Queen Yanni once again came to his aid -unknowingly this time - as she enquired after the Drakos daughters, and here Silanos could just keep quiet without it seeming odd. He had no significant acquaintance with either of the girls anyway… not unless you counted his run-ins with Imeeya and there was nothing on earth that was going to persuade him to enter in that conversation. The ruckus at the dikastirio seemed to have meant no one had noticed the impromptu wine shower he’d been given at Imeeya’s hand, and the fact that he’d survived the garden conversation at all suggested that Imeeya’s motivations for that had remained secret to, for which he was grateful. It probably should have seen him hold his tongue, but if there was anything to be said for Silanos, it was that he didn’t always do what he should. And so when there was a slight pause, he found himself interjecting.
“It must have been quite a shock, those dreadful rumours at the dikastirio. Gossip can be so unkind. I hope Lady Imeeya isn’t too upset about it. I would offer some reassurance that no one would believe it true” Then, without missing a beat. “More tea would be lovely, thank you”
Once again her sister in law was making underhanded comments towards Silanos, musing on why he was in service to Vangelis exactly, but this time Yanni did not move to defend the man against the line of questioning this time. She herself was curious, and while when she had first taken Silanos into her company, she had not cared enough to really dig into it, she had to admit the longer he served Vangelis, the more curious she became. What could have happened to in debt Silanos in her sons service for this length of time?
Perhaps Tythra could pull it out of the man, she always always better at manipulating people into the truth than Yanni was. While the Queen was not an easily deceived person, she had never been the type to manipulate others to get what she wanted. She had other ways of getting what she wanted, and had the title and influence to do so.
Yanni smiled as Tythra mentioned that Essa was much like her late husband, and the Queen nodded. She could definitely see his traits in her, and she remembered the man well. He was not a Kotas by blood, but he had been part of the family as any Kotas had been.
“I definitely know how children are.” She agreed with a little laugh. “Essa is much like her father, but has her traits from you as well.” She stated, glad to hear that her daughters were both doing well. Yanni made a mental note to try and make some time to visit her nieces in the near future.
In the mean time, she put a small amount of the honey in her tea as Tythra offered. She didn’t have much of a sweet tooth, but she could appreciate a bit of sweetness, especially from a quality honey. Though she felt a little conflicted enjoying the honey from Egypt with a war on the horizon with the exact people who harvested the honey.
Her attention turned to Silanos as he brought up the unsavoury rumours about Tythra’s daughter. Yanni had never put much stock in rumours, and have never given them much attention. There had been plenty of rumours about her in her lifetime, and people would believe what ever they wanted to believe. It did not matter what one said, if people chose to believe something, they could not be easily swayed otherwise.
“Perhaps we should avoid discussion of such topics. Is there not enough discussion of such things among the court? Perhaps here, among friends and family, we can stick to truthful subjects.” Yanni said, a bit of a warning this time to Silanos. So far she felt like she was just here to keep the two of them in check. Had she known about the conflict here between them, she would have left Silanos back with Vangelis to do what ever her son would have the Lord doing. She had come to visit her sister in law despite not really having the time, and she wanted to enjoy the visit.
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Once again her sister in law was making underhanded comments towards Silanos, musing on why he was in service to Vangelis exactly, but this time Yanni did not move to defend the man against the line of questioning this time. She herself was curious, and while when she had first taken Silanos into her company, she had not cared enough to really dig into it, she had to admit the longer he served Vangelis, the more curious she became. What could have happened to in debt Silanos in her sons service for this length of time?
Perhaps Tythra could pull it out of the man, she always always better at manipulating people into the truth than Yanni was. While the Queen was not an easily deceived person, she had never been the type to manipulate others to get what she wanted. She had other ways of getting what she wanted, and had the title and influence to do so.
Yanni smiled as Tythra mentioned that Essa was much like her late husband, and the Queen nodded. She could definitely see his traits in her, and she remembered the man well. He was not a Kotas by blood, but he had been part of the family as any Kotas had been.
“I definitely know how children are.” She agreed with a little laugh. “Essa is much like her father, but has her traits from you as well.” She stated, glad to hear that her daughters were both doing well. Yanni made a mental note to try and make some time to visit her nieces in the near future.
In the mean time, she put a small amount of the honey in her tea as Tythra offered. She didn’t have much of a sweet tooth, but she could appreciate a bit of sweetness, especially from a quality honey. Though she felt a little conflicted enjoying the honey from Egypt with a war on the horizon with the exact people who harvested the honey.
Her attention turned to Silanos as he brought up the unsavoury rumours about Tythra’s daughter. Yanni had never put much stock in rumours, and have never given them much attention. There had been plenty of rumours about her in her lifetime, and people would believe what ever they wanted to believe. It did not matter what one said, if people chose to believe something, they could not be easily swayed otherwise.
“Perhaps we should avoid discussion of such topics. Is there not enough discussion of such things among the court? Perhaps here, among friends and family, we can stick to truthful subjects.” Yanni said, a bit of a warning this time to Silanos. So far she felt like she was just here to keep the two of them in check. Had she known about the conflict here between them, she would have left Silanos back with Vangelis to do what ever her son would have the Lord doing. She had come to visit her sister in law despite not really having the time, and she wanted to enjoy the visit.
Once again her sister in law was making underhanded comments towards Silanos, musing on why he was in service to Vangelis exactly, but this time Yanni did not move to defend the man against the line of questioning this time. She herself was curious, and while when she had first taken Silanos into her company, she had not cared enough to really dig into it, she had to admit the longer he served Vangelis, the more curious she became. What could have happened to in debt Silanos in her sons service for this length of time?
Perhaps Tythra could pull it out of the man, she always always better at manipulating people into the truth than Yanni was. While the Queen was not an easily deceived person, she had never been the type to manipulate others to get what she wanted. She had other ways of getting what she wanted, and had the title and influence to do so.
Yanni smiled as Tythra mentioned that Essa was much like her late husband, and the Queen nodded. She could definitely see his traits in her, and she remembered the man well. He was not a Kotas by blood, but he had been part of the family as any Kotas had been.
“I definitely know how children are.” She agreed with a little laugh. “Essa is much like her father, but has her traits from you as well.” She stated, glad to hear that her daughters were both doing well. Yanni made a mental note to try and make some time to visit her nieces in the near future.
In the mean time, she put a small amount of the honey in her tea as Tythra offered. She didn’t have much of a sweet tooth, but she could appreciate a bit of sweetness, especially from a quality honey. Though she felt a little conflicted enjoying the honey from Egypt with a war on the horizon with the exact people who harvested the honey.
Her attention turned to Silanos as he brought up the unsavoury rumours about Tythra’s daughter. Yanni had never put much stock in rumours, and have never given them much attention. There had been plenty of rumours about her in her lifetime, and people would believe what ever they wanted to believe. It did not matter what one said, if people chose to believe something, they could not be easily swayed otherwise.
“Perhaps we should avoid discussion of such topics. Is there not enough discussion of such things among the court? Perhaps here, among friends and family, we can stick to truthful subjects.” Yanni said, a bit of a warning this time to Silanos. So far she felt like she was just here to keep the two of them in check. Had she known about the conflict here between them, she would have left Silanos back with Vangelis to do what ever her son would have the Lord doing. She had come to visit her sister in law despite not really having the time, and she wanted to enjoy the visit.
Oh in many ways Essa was certainly like her mother. But the child would never want to admit to it, nor would she believe it. She had the kindness that Theseus had, but she did have her mother’s intelligence. Essa would grow up to be a fine, strong Drakos woman once she learned how to control her emotions and shield herself from the cruelty life could bring. Tythra nodded at Yanni’s words with an “Of course. And she’s ever better for it.”
But of course Lord Silanos just had to keep talking. The moment there was a pause in the conversation and he had to just slip his way into it and bring up unfounded rumors about her daughter. As if Imeeya would be so idiotic to involve herself with pirates. She was raised to know better, to be better and not associate with those that might bring scandal upon the Drakos name.
What an annoying little...
Tythra’s face didn’t waver. She just signaled for more tea to be poured for the Lord. And even with her sister in law’s obvious attempt to steer the conversation, Tythra ignored her. She brought the rude Lord into her home without so much of a warning. Though, of course, this would not have changed anything Tythra said even if she did know Silanos would be arriving to her home.
Well, except for the fact that she would have used a lesser quality of honey.
Tythra laughed, nodding to her sister. “Oh, Yanni, you know how the youth grasp onto even the smallest of rumors and run with it. It doesn’t bother me any.” Annoy her, yes, but truly bother her… well, Lord Silanos would have to try harder than that. “My daughter is just fine, thank you for your concern. I, for one, had a laugh,” and a conversation with her guards, “when it reached my ears. That rumor is just as ridiculous as the Thanasi coven don’t you think? The imagination people have never ceased to amaze me.”
She gently set her cup on the table before her. “But Yanni is correct. We should stick to more truthful subjects. There is not much to say about fantasy. Returning to the previous subject, is there anything that I or my sister-in-law can help you with, Lord Silanos? I find it surprising that Vangelis would have you working for atonement. Surely there must have been a simple miscommunication between you two that could be cleared with a more… womanly touch. Isn’t that right, Yanni?” Tythra quirked an eyebrow at her sister-in-law.”I hardly doubt Lord Silanos is capable of something so terrible that he is now indebted to the Prince.”
Maybe it was his mouth. Tythra wouldn’t find that surprising. Although, Tythra wouldn’t want someone like Silanos working for her just because of his mouth. Did he slight Prince Vangelis in some way? Curiouser and curiouser, Tythra just had to know.
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Oh in many ways Essa was certainly like her mother. But the child would never want to admit to it, nor would she believe it. She had the kindness that Theseus had, but she did have her mother’s intelligence. Essa would grow up to be a fine, strong Drakos woman once she learned how to control her emotions and shield herself from the cruelty life could bring. Tythra nodded at Yanni’s words with an “Of course. And she’s ever better for it.”
But of course Lord Silanos just had to keep talking. The moment there was a pause in the conversation and he had to just slip his way into it and bring up unfounded rumors about her daughter. As if Imeeya would be so idiotic to involve herself with pirates. She was raised to know better, to be better and not associate with those that might bring scandal upon the Drakos name.
What an annoying little...
Tythra’s face didn’t waver. She just signaled for more tea to be poured for the Lord. And even with her sister in law’s obvious attempt to steer the conversation, Tythra ignored her. She brought the rude Lord into her home without so much of a warning. Though, of course, this would not have changed anything Tythra said even if she did know Silanos would be arriving to her home.
Well, except for the fact that she would have used a lesser quality of honey.
Tythra laughed, nodding to her sister. “Oh, Yanni, you know how the youth grasp onto even the smallest of rumors and run with it. It doesn’t bother me any.” Annoy her, yes, but truly bother her… well, Lord Silanos would have to try harder than that. “My daughter is just fine, thank you for your concern. I, for one, had a laugh,” and a conversation with her guards, “when it reached my ears. That rumor is just as ridiculous as the Thanasi coven don’t you think? The imagination people have never ceased to amaze me.”
She gently set her cup on the table before her. “But Yanni is correct. We should stick to more truthful subjects. There is not much to say about fantasy. Returning to the previous subject, is there anything that I or my sister-in-law can help you with, Lord Silanos? I find it surprising that Vangelis would have you working for atonement. Surely there must have been a simple miscommunication between you two that could be cleared with a more… womanly touch. Isn’t that right, Yanni?” Tythra quirked an eyebrow at her sister-in-law.”I hardly doubt Lord Silanos is capable of something so terrible that he is now indebted to the Prince.”
Maybe it was his mouth. Tythra wouldn’t find that surprising. Although, Tythra wouldn’t want someone like Silanos working for her just because of his mouth. Did he slight Prince Vangelis in some way? Curiouser and curiouser, Tythra just had to know.
Oh in many ways Essa was certainly like her mother. But the child would never want to admit to it, nor would she believe it. She had the kindness that Theseus had, but she did have her mother’s intelligence. Essa would grow up to be a fine, strong Drakos woman once she learned how to control her emotions and shield herself from the cruelty life could bring. Tythra nodded at Yanni’s words with an “Of course. And she’s ever better for it.”
But of course Lord Silanos just had to keep talking. The moment there was a pause in the conversation and he had to just slip his way into it and bring up unfounded rumors about her daughter. As if Imeeya would be so idiotic to involve herself with pirates. She was raised to know better, to be better and not associate with those that might bring scandal upon the Drakos name.
What an annoying little...
Tythra’s face didn’t waver. She just signaled for more tea to be poured for the Lord. And even with her sister in law’s obvious attempt to steer the conversation, Tythra ignored her. She brought the rude Lord into her home without so much of a warning. Though, of course, this would not have changed anything Tythra said even if she did know Silanos would be arriving to her home.
Well, except for the fact that she would have used a lesser quality of honey.
Tythra laughed, nodding to her sister. “Oh, Yanni, you know how the youth grasp onto even the smallest of rumors and run with it. It doesn’t bother me any.” Annoy her, yes, but truly bother her… well, Lord Silanos would have to try harder than that. “My daughter is just fine, thank you for your concern. I, for one, had a laugh,” and a conversation with her guards, “when it reached my ears. That rumor is just as ridiculous as the Thanasi coven don’t you think? The imagination people have never ceased to amaze me.”
She gently set her cup on the table before her. “But Yanni is correct. We should stick to more truthful subjects. There is not much to say about fantasy. Returning to the previous subject, is there anything that I or my sister-in-law can help you with, Lord Silanos? I find it surprising that Vangelis would have you working for atonement. Surely there must have been a simple miscommunication between you two that could be cleared with a more… womanly touch. Isn’t that right, Yanni?” Tythra quirked an eyebrow at her sister-in-law.”I hardly doubt Lord Silanos is capable of something so terrible that he is now indebted to the Prince.”
Maybe it was his mouth. Tythra wouldn’t find that surprising. Although, Tythra wouldn’t want someone like Silanos working for her just because of his mouth. Did he slight Prince Vangelis in some way? Curiouser and curiouser, Tythra just had to know.
He realised he’d fucked up when Queen Yanni rather blatantly withdrew her support, and Silanos shot her a repentant look and shifted a little in his seat. He really didn't want to displease the woman who had offered him that little bit of respite from Vangelis and his belief that a working day had at least twenty two hours in it. Yes, Lady Tythra might be a thorn in his side, but he could bear her. He’d try harder, he vowed as he held out his cup to be filled once more. “Of course, your majesty. Forgive me. I only meant to offer some reassurance than those I run with? Well, we had all dismissed it as nonsense” he lied smoothly because that wasn’t what he’d meant at all, but no one was fucking perfect, were they?
Even if his words managed to pacify the Queen though, Silanos was not expecting an easy ride from the Drakos woman, and she didn’t let him down. He smiled faintly, gave a small nod and kept his head ducked low. Let them just go back to talking about whatever, he could bite his tongue for an hour or so. Whatever polished disdain she had to throw at him next, he would just grin and bear it.
But that fucking woman. Sil darted a look at the Queen as the Drakos woman once again steered conversation exactly where he didn't want it, and then he just happened to be taking a sip as she came to a halt, his mind frantically whirring through possible escape plans. This wasn’t like in the gardens where he could lie about someplace he had to be. Queen Yanni knew his day was clear for as long as she wanted it to be. He thought about just throwing his tea everywhere and stored that as a possibility if he needed it, but that wouldn’t sate the woman’s curiosity. He just needed her to drop it. For one brief moment- amusing in its awfulness - he let himself imagine what it would be like if he just came out with it.
‘Oh well see I kissed your daughter, your majesty. And your daughter-in-law for that matter. And I drugged yours. Not that the Prince knows that. That was just an added extra.
He felt his mouth dry at the thought, envisioned the shocked silence that would follow before all bedlam broke loose and then swallowed. No. Perhaps not.
“Aaah, no. Thank you, your highness. But I don’t hold much respect for those who cannot address their own problems. I wouldn’t be able to rest if I became one such man myself.”
Chew on that one, he thought whilst doing his very best to appear earnest. He’d had plenty of practice when he was younger and trying to avoid consequences for whatever scrapes he’d gotten into with his brothers. Silanos was quite a good actor when he put his mind to it. “Besides, being around the Prince has been a wonderful learning experience too, and one that will stand me in good stead I am certain”
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He realised he’d fucked up when Queen Yanni rather blatantly withdrew her support, and Silanos shot her a repentant look and shifted a little in his seat. He really didn't want to displease the woman who had offered him that little bit of respite from Vangelis and his belief that a working day had at least twenty two hours in it. Yes, Lady Tythra might be a thorn in his side, but he could bear her. He’d try harder, he vowed as he held out his cup to be filled once more. “Of course, your majesty. Forgive me. I only meant to offer some reassurance than those I run with? Well, we had all dismissed it as nonsense” he lied smoothly because that wasn’t what he’d meant at all, but no one was fucking perfect, were they?
Even if his words managed to pacify the Queen though, Silanos was not expecting an easy ride from the Drakos woman, and she didn’t let him down. He smiled faintly, gave a small nod and kept his head ducked low. Let them just go back to talking about whatever, he could bite his tongue for an hour or so. Whatever polished disdain she had to throw at him next, he would just grin and bear it.
But that fucking woman. Sil darted a look at the Queen as the Drakos woman once again steered conversation exactly where he didn't want it, and then he just happened to be taking a sip as she came to a halt, his mind frantically whirring through possible escape plans. This wasn’t like in the gardens where he could lie about someplace he had to be. Queen Yanni knew his day was clear for as long as she wanted it to be. He thought about just throwing his tea everywhere and stored that as a possibility if he needed it, but that wouldn’t sate the woman’s curiosity. He just needed her to drop it. For one brief moment- amusing in its awfulness - he let himself imagine what it would be like if he just came out with it.
‘Oh well see I kissed your daughter, your majesty. And your daughter-in-law for that matter. And I drugged yours. Not that the Prince knows that. That was just an added extra.
He felt his mouth dry at the thought, envisioned the shocked silence that would follow before all bedlam broke loose and then swallowed. No. Perhaps not.
“Aaah, no. Thank you, your highness. But I don’t hold much respect for those who cannot address their own problems. I wouldn’t be able to rest if I became one such man myself.”
Chew on that one, he thought whilst doing his very best to appear earnest. He’d had plenty of practice when he was younger and trying to avoid consequences for whatever scrapes he’d gotten into with his brothers. Silanos was quite a good actor when he put his mind to it. “Besides, being around the Prince has been a wonderful learning experience too, and one that will stand me in good stead I am certain”
He realised he’d fucked up when Queen Yanni rather blatantly withdrew her support, and Silanos shot her a repentant look and shifted a little in his seat. He really didn't want to displease the woman who had offered him that little bit of respite from Vangelis and his belief that a working day had at least twenty two hours in it. Yes, Lady Tythra might be a thorn in his side, but he could bear her. He’d try harder, he vowed as he held out his cup to be filled once more. “Of course, your majesty. Forgive me. I only meant to offer some reassurance than those I run with? Well, we had all dismissed it as nonsense” he lied smoothly because that wasn’t what he’d meant at all, but no one was fucking perfect, were they?
Even if his words managed to pacify the Queen though, Silanos was not expecting an easy ride from the Drakos woman, and she didn’t let him down. He smiled faintly, gave a small nod and kept his head ducked low. Let them just go back to talking about whatever, he could bite his tongue for an hour or so. Whatever polished disdain she had to throw at him next, he would just grin and bear it.
But that fucking woman. Sil darted a look at the Queen as the Drakos woman once again steered conversation exactly where he didn't want it, and then he just happened to be taking a sip as she came to a halt, his mind frantically whirring through possible escape plans. This wasn’t like in the gardens where he could lie about someplace he had to be. Queen Yanni knew his day was clear for as long as she wanted it to be. He thought about just throwing his tea everywhere and stored that as a possibility if he needed it, but that wouldn’t sate the woman’s curiosity. He just needed her to drop it. For one brief moment- amusing in its awfulness - he let himself imagine what it would be like if he just came out with it.
‘Oh well see I kissed your daughter, your majesty. And your daughter-in-law for that matter. And I drugged yours. Not that the Prince knows that. That was just an added extra.
He felt his mouth dry at the thought, envisioned the shocked silence that would follow before all bedlam broke loose and then swallowed. No. Perhaps not.
“Aaah, no. Thank you, your highness. But I don’t hold much respect for those who cannot address their own problems. I wouldn’t be able to rest if I became one such man myself.”
Chew on that one, he thought whilst doing his very best to appear earnest. He’d had plenty of practice when he was younger and trying to avoid consequences for whatever scrapes he’d gotten into with his brothers. Silanos was quite a good actor when he put his mind to it. “Besides, being around the Prince has been a wonderful learning experience too, and one that will stand me in good stead I am certain”
Yanni was at least glad that Tythra seemed to brush Silanos’ comment off, not overly worried about any rumours about her daughter and pirates. But then of course she had to bring the subject of Silanos’ debt to her son once more, and though Yanni herself was curious about the circumstances, she was growing tired of the comments back and forth between the two of them. She had thought to spend a nice afternoon with her sister in law, and to give Silanos a reprieve from the hard work he was subjected to recently.
And neither of the other parties involved seemed to want to allow the afternoon to be a pleasant one. She was close to calling it a visit and taking her leave with Silanos. She could visit Tythra later, without the boy in tow.
But Yanni thought she would wait this out a little longer, and she would make further attempts at smoothing things over and getting both of them on track to not being at each other’s throats.
Silanos shot her a look that seemed genuinely apologetic, and while he was not yet out of her bad books for the moment, she at least appreciated that he seemed to be sorry for the words that came from him. She knew not everyone held the control to keep things from being said when they should not be. She could at least sort of understand that.
“Perhaps such things should stay between Prince Vangelis and Lord Silanos. It is after all business between the two of them. Business which does not include either of us, I am sure.” She said, shooting Tythra another look. An attempt to get her sister in law to back off, though she knew the woman was stubborn. She hoped that she could at least drop the topic for now. If she wanted to know so bad, Yanni was certain that Tythra had the resources to find out. Though the Queen wouldn’t be overly happy if she found out that Tythra was poking around her son’s business, whether it included Silanos or not.
She took the final drink of her tea, holding her cup out without a word, it was quickly refilled and she brought it once more to rest in her hands as she sat and looked at them both, giving a friendly smile as she hoped to change the topic.
“Perhaps once everyone has had their fill of tea, a walk outside on the grounds would be appropriate. The weather is rather nice, and some fresh air might do us all some good.” She said pointedly, a hint that they needed to clear the air and perhaps a bit of change of the scenery and the situation would help the two of them move from malicious topics and at least try to get along while Yanni was here. If not, it would be much easier to take Silanos and take their leave if they were already outside. She would do so as politely as possible of course, but she would not sit here and let her time be filled with bickering. She did not have much of it to spare these days, and she felt she already had enough to deal with.
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Yanni was at least glad that Tythra seemed to brush Silanos’ comment off, not overly worried about any rumours about her daughter and pirates. But then of course she had to bring the subject of Silanos’ debt to her son once more, and though Yanni herself was curious about the circumstances, she was growing tired of the comments back and forth between the two of them. She had thought to spend a nice afternoon with her sister in law, and to give Silanos a reprieve from the hard work he was subjected to recently.
And neither of the other parties involved seemed to want to allow the afternoon to be a pleasant one. She was close to calling it a visit and taking her leave with Silanos. She could visit Tythra later, without the boy in tow.
But Yanni thought she would wait this out a little longer, and she would make further attempts at smoothing things over and getting both of them on track to not being at each other’s throats.
Silanos shot her a look that seemed genuinely apologetic, and while he was not yet out of her bad books for the moment, she at least appreciated that he seemed to be sorry for the words that came from him. She knew not everyone held the control to keep things from being said when they should not be. She could at least sort of understand that.
“Perhaps such things should stay between Prince Vangelis and Lord Silanos. It is after all business between the two of them. Business which does not include either of us, I am sure.” She said, shooting Tythra another look. An attempt to get her sister in law to back off, though she knew the woman was stubborn. She hoped that she could at least drop the topic for now. If she wanted to know so bad, Yanni was certain that Tythra had the resources to find out. Though the Queen wouldn’t be overly happy if she found out that Tythra was poking around her son’s business, whether it included Silanos or not.
She took the final drink of her tea, holding her cup out without a word, it was quickly refilled and she brought it once more to rest in her hands as she sat and looked at them both, giving a friendly smile as she hoped to change the topic.
“Perhaps once everyone has had their fill of tea, a walk outside on the grounds would be appropriate. The weather is rather nice, and some fresh air might do us all some good.” She said pointedly, a hint that they needed to clear the air and perhaps a bit of change of the scenery and the situation would help the two of them move from malicious topics and at least try to get along while Yanni was here. If not, it would be much easier to take Silanos and take their leave if they were already outside. She would do so as politely as possible of course, but she would not sit here and let her time be filled with bickering. She did not have much of it to spare these days, and she felt she already had enough to deal with.
Yanni was at least glad that Tythra seemed to brush Silanos’ comment off, not overly worried about any rumours about her daughter and pirates. But then of course she had to bring the subject of Silanos’ debt to her son once more, and though Yanni herself was curious about the circumstances, she was growing tired of the comments back and forth between the two of them. She had thought to spend a nice afternoon with her sister in law, and to give Silanos a reprieve from the hard work he was subjected to recently.
And neither of the other parties involved seemed to want to allow the afternoon to be a pleasant one. She was close to calling it a visit and taking her leave with Silanos. She could visit Tythra later, without the boy in tow.
But Yanni thought she would wait this out a little longer, and she would make further attempts at smoothing things over and getting both of them on track to not being at each other’s throats.
Silanos shot her a look that seemed genuinely apologetic, and while he was not yet out of her bad books for the moment, she at least appreciated that he seemed to be sorry for the words that came from him. She knew not everyone held the control to keep things from being said when they should not be. She could at least sort of understand that.
“Perhaps such things should stay between Prince Vangelis and Lord Silanos. It is after all business between the two of them. Business which does not include either of us, I am sure.” She said, shooting Tythra another look. An attempt to get her sister in law to back off, though she knew the woman was stubborn. She hoped that she could at least drop the topic for now. If she wanted to know so bad, Yanni was certain that Tythra had the resources to find out. Though the Queen wouldn’t be overly happy if she found out that Tythra was poking around her son’s business, whether it included Silanos or not.
She took the final drink of her tea, holding her cup out without a word, it was quickly refilled and she brought it once more to rest in her hands as she sat and looked at them both, giving a friendly smile as she hoped to change the topic.
“Perhaps once everyone has had their fill of tea, a walk outside on the grounds would be appropriate. The weather is rather nice, and some fresh air might do us all some good.” She said pointedly, a hint that they needed to clear the air and perhaps a bit of change of the scenery and the situation would help the two of them move from malicious topics and at least try to get along while Yanni was here. If not, it would be much easier to take Silanos and take their leave if they were already outside. She would do so as politely as possible of course, but she would not sit here and let her time be filled with bickering. She did not have much of it to spare these days, and she felt she already had enough to deal with.
Tythra would typically be amused by Yanni’s looks. They were a motherly look if Tythra ever knew one. The ‘back off, I’m warning you’ type of glare that Tythra so often gave Imeeya and Essa. The fact that it was given to Tythra would be laughable.
Except this was her home. And this was Yanni’s guest that she invited along without giving her sister in law proper notice. And Tythra wasn’t saying anything rude. She was offering to help. Oh, sure the help came with conditions, like an understanding of the situation that Silanos so clearly wanted to keep secret, but no help was free. It was still an honor that Tythra would extend assistance, whether it be financially or otherwise. A little clarity wouldn’t hurt, would it?
But this whole conversation was getting nowhere. The war of veiled wars was beginning to annoy the Princess. The biggest insult was wasted time, and that was clearly what Silanos was. Why Yanni bothered to bring him to her home, she did not know. He was of no use, simply a body that occupied space that could otherwise be left empty.
But the secret at least did interest Tythra. And should she truly desire, she likely could find out. Whether it was talking to gossiping servants or reaching out to her contacts that were friendly with the Valaoritis, Tythra likely could position herself in the situation and uncover what Silanos is keeping so tight to his chest. But the fact of the matter was… Lord Silanos was so insignificant in the grand scheme of things that Tythra was sure when she did learn whatever the reason that landed him in his nephew’s employ it would only disappoint her and be a bigger waste of time than the two conversations they shared. The Princess had more important things to care about than whatever misdeeds a lower born noble got himself in.
So Tythra met Yanni’s look with a look of her own. A simple raised eyebrow and a brief, small nod. She’d relent, though not because Yanni asked. Tythra may listen more to Yanni than she ever did to Tython, but not so often that the word ‘stubborn’ could not be used to describe the Princess. Tythra was certainly the type of woman who made up her own mind and could rarely be swayed. At least… until she realized it simply was not worth her time.
And so with a smile that never once left her lips, she enthusiastically said, “Oh what a wonderful idea, Yanni. I simply do not get enough air, and if I recall correctly Lord Silanos loves a good stroll around the gardens.’The day is entirely too pleasant to ignore the chance to enjoy a moment’s fresh air’” Tythra quoted the lord, one of the very first things he said to her when Tythra found him wasting time in the Kotas courtyard. “Fresh air would do us all good indeed.”
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Tythra would typically be amused by Yanni’s looks. They were a motherly look if Tythra ever knew one. The ‘back off, I’m warning you’ type of glare that Tythra so often gave Imeeya and Essa. The fact that it was given to Tythra would be laughable.
Except this was her home. And this was Yanni’s guest that she invited along without giving her sister in law proper notice. And Tythra wasn’t saying anything rude. She was offering to help. Oh, sure the help came with conditions, like an understanding of the situation that Silanos so clearly wanted to keep secret, but no help was free. It was still an honor that Tythra would extend assistance, whether it be financially or otherwise. A little clarity wouldn’t hurt, would it?
But this whole conversation was getting nowhere. The war of veiled wars was beginning to annoy the Princess. The biggest insult was wasted time, and that was clearly what Silanos was. Why Yanni bothered to bring him to her home, she did not know. He was of no use, simply a body that occupied space that could otherwise be left empty.
But the secret at least did interest Tythra. And should she truly desire, she likely could find out. Whether it was talking to gossiping servants or reaching out to her contacts that were friendly with the Valaoritis, Tythra likely could position herself in the situation and uncover what Silanos is keeping so tight to his chest. But the fact of the matter was… Lord Silanos was so insignificant in the grand scheme of things that Tythra was sure when she did learn whatever the reason that landed him in his nephew’s employ it would only disappoint her and be a bigger waste of time than the two conversations they shared. The Princess had more important things to care about than whatever misdeeds a lower born noble got himself in.
So Tythra met Yanni’s look with a look of her own. A simple raised eyebrow and a brief, small nod. She’d relent, though not because Yanni asked. Tythra may listen more to Yanni than she ever did to Tython, but not so often that the word ‘stubborn’ could not be used to describe the Princess. Tythra was certainly the type of woman who made up her own mind and could rarely be swayed. At least… until she realized it simply was not worth her time.
And so with a smile that never once left her lips, she enthusiastically said, “Oh what a wonderful idea, Yanni. I simply do not get enough air, and if I recall correctly Lord Silanos loves a good stroll around the gardens.’The day is entirely too pleasant to ignore the chance to enjoy a moment’s fresh air’” Tythra quoted the lord, one of the very first things he said to her when Tythra found him wasting time in the Kotas courtyard. “Fresh air would do us all good indeed.”
Tythra would typically be amused by Yanni’s looks. They were a motherly look if Tythra ever knew one. The ‘back off, I’m warning you’ type of glare that Tythra so often gave Imeeya and Essa. The fact that it was given to Tythra would be laughable.
Except this was her home. And this was Yanni’s guest that she invited along without giving her sister in law proper notice. And Tythra wasn’t saying anything rude. She was offering to help. Oh, sure the help came with conditions, like an understanding of the situation that Silanos so clearly wanted to keep secret, but no help was free. It was still an honor that Tythra would extend assistance, whether it be financially or otherwise. A little clarity wouldn’t hurt, would it?
But this whole conversation was getting nowhere. The war of veiled wars was beginning to annoy the Princess. The biggest insult was wasted time, and that was clearly what Silanos was. Why Yanni bothered to bring him to her home, she did not know. He was of no use, simply a body that occupied space that could otherwise be left empty.
But the secret at least did interest Tythra. And should she truly desire, she likely could find out. Whether it was talking to gossiping servants or reaching out to her contacts that were friendly with the Valaoritis, Tythra likely could position herself in the situation and uncover what Silanos is keeping so tight to his chest. But the fact of the matter was… Lord Silanos was so insignificant in the grand scheme of things that Tythra was sure when she did learn whatever the reason that landed him in his nephew’s employ it would only disappoint her and be a bigger waste of time than the two conversations they shared. The Princess had more important things to care about than whatever misdeeds a lower born noble got himself in.
So Tythra met Yanni’s look with a look of her own. A simple raised eyebrow and a brief, small nod. She’d relent, though not because Yanni asked. Tythra may listen more to Yanni than she ever did to Tython, but not so often that the word ‘stubborn’ could not be used to describe the Princess. Tythra was certainly the type of woman who made up her own mind and could rarely be swayed. At least… until she realized it simply was not worth her time.
And so with a smile that never once left her lips, she enthusiastically said, “Oh what a wonderful idea, Yanni. I simply do not get enough air, and if I recall correctly Lord Silanos loves a good stroll around the gardens.’The day is entirely too pleasant to ignore the chance to enjoy a moment’s fresh air’” Tythra quoted the lord, one of the very first things he said to her when Tythra found him wasting time in the Kotas courtyard. “Fresh air would do us all good indeed.”
Silanos had decided which of the two women he was more concerned about offending, and it wasn’t the Drakos one. And so he did his best to appease Yanni and was sickeningly polite to the Princess Tythra even though it was painful to do so. It paid off though, with the Queen pretty much telling Tythra to shut the fuck up, a fact that amused Silanos so much he had to hide his smile in his cup until he’d wrestled back some control of his expression.
And when Queen Yanni suggested they get some fresh air, the young lord was more than amenable to the idea. He could go and wait elsewhere perhaps and let the ladies stroll. Or at least he wouldn’t be in a confined space with Princess Tythra baiting him every five minutes. Draining his cup and setting it down on the table, Sil was ready to move when their host spoke again and fuck if he didn’t do a double-take.
Had she memorised every fucking word of their conversation? Staring at her for a moment, Silanos’ teeth set together as he bit back on all the things that he wanted to say to her but couldn’t. Like, fuck off, fuck off fuck off.
Be nice, be nice shes the King’s sister.
Timaeus should have been proud because when Sil eventually did speak it was only to say mildly “I did say that, didn’t I”. Because he wasn’t going to bite and upset the one ally he’d found in the Kotas house, despite how hard it was. Let the Princess Tythra make herself look petty. It was no wonder Lady Imeeya had a stick up her ass with this harpy as a mother. Silanos found himself feeling a little sorry for her, all things considered.
And when they had all risen and he had followed the ladies out into the gardens, Silanos offered up a cordial “You have a lovely home, Princess Tythra”, because it seemed the polite thing to do and then maybe he could just lapse into silence and glare at her back as they walked instead. He deserved a medal or something.
Though perhaps the gods judged his ill-mood less favourably, for they had barely made half a circuit of the grounds when the sky clouded over and the first big fat droplet of rain fell.
Maybe it was divine justice. It would be a terrible pity if their visit was cut short.
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Silanos had decided which of the two women he was more concerned about offending, and it wasn’t the Drakos one. And so he did his best to appease Yanni and was sickeningly polite to the Princess Tythra even though it was painful to do so. It paid off though, with the Queen pretty much telling Tythra to shut the fuck up, a fact that amused Silanos so much he had to hide his smile in his cup until he’d wrestled back some control of his expression.
And when Queen Yanni suggested they get some fresh air, the young lord was more than amenable to the idea. He could go and wait elsewhere perhaps and let the ladies stroll. Or at least he wouldn’t be in a confined space with Princess Tythra baiting him every five minutes. Draining his cup and setting it down on the table, Sil was ready to move when their host spoke again and fuck if he didn’t do a double-take.
Had she memorised every fucking word of their conversation? Staring at her for a moment, Silanos’ teeth set together as he bit back on all the things that he wanted to say to her but couldn’t. Like, fuck off, fuck off fuck off.
Be nice, be nice shes the King’s sister.
Timaeus should have been proud because when Sil eventually did speak it was only to say mildly “I did say that, didn’t I”. Because he wasn’t going to bite and upset the one ally he’d found in the Kotas house, despite how hard it was. Let the Princess Tythra make herself look petty. It was no wonder Lady Imeeya had a stick up her ass with this harpy as a mother. Silanos found himself feeling a little sorry for her, all things considered.
And when they had all risen and he had followed the ladies out into the gardens, Silanos offered up a cordial “You have a lovely home, Princess Tythra”, because it seemed the polite thing to do and then maybe he could just lapse into silence and glare at her back as they walked instead. He deserved a medal or something.
Though perhaps the gods judged his ill-mood less favourably, for they had barely made half a circuit of the grounds when the sky clouded over and the first big fat droplet of rain fell.
Maybe it was divine justice. It would be a terrible pity if their visit was cut short.
Silanos had decided which of the two women he was more concerned about offending, and it wasn’t the Drakos one. And so he did his best to appease Yanni and was sickeningly polite to the Princess Tythra even though it was painful to do so. It paid off though, with the Queen pretty much telling Tythra to shut the fuck up, a fact that amused Silanos so much he had to hide his smile in his cup until he’d wrestled back some control of his expression.
And when Queen Yanni suggested they get some fresh air, the young lord was more than amenable to the idea. He could go and wait elsewhere perhaps and let the ladies stroll. Or at least he wouldn’t be in a confined space with Princess Tythra baiting him every five minutes. Draining his cup and setting it down on the table, Sil was ready to move when their host spoke again and fuck if he didn’t do a double-take.
Had she memorised every fucking word of their conversation? Staring at her for a moment, Silanos’ teeth set together as he bit back on all the things that he wanted to say to her but couldn’t. Like, fuck off, fuck off fuck off.
Be nice, be nice shes the King’s sister.
Timaeus should have been proud because when Sil eventually did speak it was only to say mildly “I did say that, didn’t I”. Because he wasn’t going to bite and upset the one ally he’d found in the Kotas house, despite how hard it was. Let the Princess Tythra make herself look petty. It was no wonder Lady Imeeya had a stick up her ass with this harpy as a mother. Silanos found himself feeling a little sorry for her, all things considered.
And when they had all risen and he had followed the ladies out into the gardens, Silanos offered up a cordial “You have a lovely home, Princess Tythra”, because it seemed the polite thing to do and then maybe he could just lapse into silence and glare at her back as they walked instead. He deserved a medal or something.
Though perhaps the gods judged his ill-mood less favourably, for they had barely made half a circuit of the grounds when the sky clouded over and the first big fat droplet of rain fell.
Maybe it was divine justice. It would be a terrible pity if their visit was cut short.
Yanni wished to remain and spend time with her sister in law, but at the same time she wished to leave. The way that both of them were acting, it reminded her of the court sessions she hated so much. The veiled words and false intent. This was not what she had planned upon visiting and taking Silanos with her. She would give the situation a bit longer, and then she would take her leave if it continued on. She had precious little spare time with her husband and sons gone, and she was not going to waste it here among the pettiness the two filled the air with.
The look shared between sisters seemed to settle the situation, at least Yanni hoped so. Though she knew Tythra, and she often did what ever she wanted to do. It was a trait that Yanni hated and loved in the other, and actually a trait she had as well. The two were a better match than anyone could have guessed, especially after their first meeting when Tythra seemed to hate Yanni right away.
But with Tythra’s words, Yanni had the sinking feeling that this would be one of those times that her sister in law was going to be stubborn. At least nothing bad had been said in the comment, unless there was something veiled well enough that Yanni could not detect it. Which could also be true. The two of them apparently had a history that Yanni had not known about.
They headed for the gardens, and Yanni noted that clouds had been moving in slowly, and the day was less beautiful than it had been. It seemed to be an omen of how her day was going. She came here for a quiet visit, and instead had apparently started some sort of battle between the two over who could be more petty.
But before their walk could proceed far, a few drops of rain hit Yanni and she let out a sigh.
“Apologies, dear Tythra, but it seems we must take our leave, lest this storm gets more intense.” Yanni spoke regretfully.
“Thank you for the lovely visit.” She said, stopping in their walk to give Tythra a smile, she took her sister in laws hand and gave it a little squeeze. “I will return for another visit soon.” She promised. She let go of the others hand and turned back towards the house, putting a hand on Silanos’ arm to get him to come with her.
She remained silent as they headed back out of the house and back towards the wagon that would take them back to the Kotas manor. She thought over the comments from both of them, not overly impressed with either of them. Though she had to admit, Silanos seemed to take her seriously enough to settle down near the end of the visit, to bit his tongue and hold his words. She had to give him credit for that, no matter how disappointed she was with her visit.
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Yanni wished to remain and spend time with her sister in law, but at the same time she wished to leave. The way that both of them were acting, it reminded her of the court sessions she hated so much. The veiled words and false intent. This was not what she had planned upon visiting and taking Silanos with her. She would give the situation a bit longer, and then she would take her leave if it continued on. She had precious little spare time with her husband and sons gone, and she was not going to waste it here among the pettiness the two filled the air with.
The look shared between sisters seemed to settle the situation, at least Yanni hoped so. Though she knew Tythra, and she often did what ever she wanted to do. It was a trait that Yanni hated and loved in the other, and actually a trait she had as well. The two were a better match than anyone could have guessed, especially after their first meeting when Tythra seemed to hate Yanni right away.
But with Tythra’s words, Yanni had the sinking feeling that this would be one of those times that her sister in law was going to be stubborn. At least nothing bad had been said in the comment, unless there was something veiled well enough that Yanni could not detect it. Which could also be true. The two of them apparently had a history that Yanni had not known about.
They headed for the gardens, and Yanni noted that clouds had been moving in slowly, and the day was less beautiful than it had been. It seemed to be an omen of how her day was going. She came here for a quiet visit, and instead had apparently started some sort of battle between the two over who could be more petty.
But before their walk could proceed far, a few drops of rain hit Yanni and she let out a sigh.
“Apologies, dear Tythra, but it seems we must take our leave, lest this storm gets more intense.” Yanni spoke regretfully.
“Thank you for the lovely visit.” She said, stopping in their walk to give Tythra a smile, she took her sister in laws hand and gave it a little squeeze. “I will return for another visit soon.” She promised. She let go of the others hand and turned back towards the house, putting a hand on Silanos’ arm to get him to come with her.
She remained silent as they headed back out of the house and back towards the wagon that would take them back to the Kotas manor. She thought over the comments from both of them, not overly impressed with either of them. Though she had to admit, Silanos seemed to take her seriously enough to settle down near the end of the visit, to bit his tongue and hold his words. She had to give him credit for that, no matter how disappointed she was with her visit.
Yanni wished to remain and spend time with her sister in law, but at the same time she wished to leave. The way that both of them were acting, it reminded her of the court sessions she hated so much. The veiled words and false intent. This was not what she had planned upon visiting and taking Silanos with her. She would give the situation a bit longer, and then she would take her leave if it continued on. She had precious little spare time with her husband and sons gone, and she was not going to waste it here among the pettiness the two filled the air with.
The look shared between sisters seemed to settle the situation, at least Yanni hoped so. Though she knew Tythra, and she often did what ever she wanted to do. It was a trait that Yanni hated and loved in the other, and actually a trait she had as well. The two were a better match than anyone could have guessed, especially after their first meeting when Tythra seemed to hate Yanni right away.
But with Tythra’s words, Yanni had the sinking feeling that this would be one of those times that her sister in law was going to be stubborn. At least nothing bad had been said in the comment, unless there was something veiled well enough that Yanni could not detect it. Which could also be true. The two of them apparently had a history that Yanni had not known about.
They headed for the gardens, and Yanni noted that clouds had been moving in slowly, and the day was less beautiful than it had been. It seemed to be an omen of how her day was going. She came here for a quiet visit, and instead had apparently started some sort of battle between the two over who could be more petty.
But before their walk could proceed far, a few drops of rain hit Yanni and she let out a sigh.
“Apologies, dear Tythra, but it seems we must take our leave, lest this storm gets more intense.” Yanni spoke regretfully.
“Thank you for the lovely visit.” She said, stopping in their walk to give Tythra a smile, she took her sister in laws hand and gave it a little squeeze. “I will return for another visit soon.” She promised. She let go of the others hand and turned back towards the house, putting a hand on Silanos’ arm to get him to come with her.
She remained silent as they headed back out of the house and back towards the wagon that would take them back to the Kotas manor. She thought over the comments from both of them, not overly impressed with either of them. Though she had to admit, Silanos seemed to take her seriously enough to settle down near the end of the visit, to bit his tongue and hold his words. She had to give him credit for that, no matter how disappointed she was with her visit.