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There had been a reason he’d kicked Meena to the curb as soon as possible, and he had a hard time feeling any sort of hard feelings about it. She had come into their lives, was paraded around openly in front of his mother without any consideration to her feelings. While the marriage had been a political one, it didn’t mean that it was alright for him to openly mock his wife. And furthermore, Emilios had always thought it tacky the way his father carried on.
Those things should have been kept secret and private. There was no reason to openly disrespect the person you were wed to.
It was better that Irakles was dead. At least he could right the wrong of the other woman being in the forefront. Just like his father, she was gone, left no means to care for herself. And Emilios had seen minimal funding for her. She had never been a fan of him, and he wasn’t about to show her any additional consideration.
And yet, the matter of his sisters did bring him pause. It was hard for him to be mad at them fully-- they had lost their father, too. They had suffered the embarrassment of not belonging, of never being fully accepted by him. And in that, Emilios could understand their struggle. He did not like the first one, finding her too much like her mother to even think of her as related. But Sara was far too sweet and innocent for him to hold much ill-will to. And while he felt the need to care for her further, there was little he could openly do that would not also benefit her mother.
The decision to invite her to stay with him awhile was an easy one. His brother may have found his sisters to be problematic, but for Emilios, Sara was someone who needed protection from her mother. It would be easy for the woman to corrupt her against her brothers, to see them as evil. And while he wasn’t sure he should care, he still found himself worrying about her and her happiness. So he had written to her (ignoring Meena altogether) and summoned her into the city. He’d sent a carriage a week after the letter was written, along with a guard to see to her safety.
He had received word that her carriage was approaching. His father would have had her brought to him, insisting that no one was more important that the task he was doing. But the warmer, softer side of Emilios wanted to see to her himself. So once he was told that she had been spotted in the city, he’d made his way outside. Dressed in a simple pair of pants and a tunic, he was spinning a late autumn flower in his hand, whistling as her carriage pulled through the gates and stopped directly in front of him.
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There had been a reason he’d kicked Meena to the curb as soon as possible, and he had a hard time feeling any sort of hard feelings about it. She had come into their lives, was paraded around openly in front of his mother without any consideration to her feelings. While the marriage had been a political one, it didn’t mean that it was alright for him to openly mock his wife. And furthermore, Emilios had always thought it tacky the way his father carried on.
Those things should have been kept secret and private. There was no reason to openly disrespect the person you were wed to.
It was better that Irakles was dead. At least he could right the wrong of the other woman being in the forefront. Just like his father, she was gone, left no means to care for herself. And Emilios had seen minimal funding for her. She had never been a fan of him, and he wasn’t about to show her any additional consideration.
And yet, the matter of his sisters did bring him pause. It was hard for him to be mad at them fully-- they had lost their father, too. They had suffered the embarrassment of not belonging, of never being fully accepted by him. And in that, Emilios could understand their struggle. He did not like the first one, finding her too much like her mother to even think of her as related. But Sara was far too sweet and innocent for him to hold much ill-will to. And while he felt the need to care for her further, there was little he could openly do that would not also benefit her mother.
The decision to invite her to stay with him awhile was an easy one. His brother may have found his sisters to be problematic, but for Emilios, Sara was someone who needed protection from her mother. It would be easy for the woman to corrupt her against her brothers, to see them as evil. And while he wasn’t sure he should care, he still found himself worrying about her and her happiness. So he had written to her (ignoring Meena altogether) and summoned her into the city. He’d sent a carriage a week after the letter was written, along with a guard to see to her safety.
He had received word that her carriage was approaching. His father would have had her brought to him, insisting that no one was more important that the task he was doing. But the warmer, softer side of Emilios wanted to see to her himself. So once he was told that she had been spotted in the city, he’d made his way outside. Dressed in a simple pair of pants and a tunic, he was spinning a late autumn flower in his hand, whistling as her carriage pulled through the gates and stopped directly in front of him.
There had been a reason he’d kicked Meena to the curb as soon as possible, and he had a hard time feeling any sort of hard feelings about it. She had come into their lives, was paraded around openly in front of his mother without any consideration to her feelings. While the marriage had been a political one, it didn’t mean that it was alright for him to openly mock his wife. And furthermore, Emilios had always thought it tacky the way his father carried on.
Those things should have been kept secret and private. There was no reason to openly disrespect the person you were wed to.
It was better that Irakles was dead. At least he could right the wrong of the other woman being in the forefront. Just like his father, she was gone, left no means to care for herself. And Emilios had seen minimal funding for her. She had never been a fan of him, and he wasn’t about to show her any additional consideration.
And yet, the matter of his sisters did bring him pause. It was hard for him to be mad at them fully-- they had lost their father, too. They had suffered the embarrassment of not belonging, of never being fully accepted by him. And in that, Emilios could understand their struggle. He did not like the first one, finding her too much like her mother to even think of her as related. But Sara was far too sweet and innocent for him to hold much ill-will to. And while he felt the need to care for her further, there was little he could openly do that would not also benefit her mother.
The decision to invite her to stay with him awhile was an easy one. His brother may have found his sisters to be problematic, but for Emilios, Sara was someone who needed protection from her mother. It would be easy for the woman to corrupt her against her brothers, to see them as evil. And while he wasn’t sure he should care, he still found himself worrying about her and her happiness. So he had written to her (ignoring Meena altogether) and summoned her into the city. He’d sent a carriage a week after the letter was written, along with a guard to see to her safety.
He had received word that her carriage was approaching. His father would have had her brought to him, insisting that no one was more important that the task he was doing. But the warmer, softer side of Emilios wanted to see to her himself. So once he was told that she had been spotted in the city, he’d made his way outside. Dressed in a simple pair of pants and a tunic, he was spinning a late autumn flower in his hand, whistling as her carriage pulled through the gates and stopped directly in front of him.
The letter had been like a lifeline thrown to her, unexpected... but desperately needed. The young woman held it even now, her fingers rubbing against the paper as if to be sure of its solidity. Her orange cat, Portokali, gave an annoyed chirp as the roving fingers of his mistress’ hand moved from the nape of his neck and along his back, smoothing down his fluffy coat. She glanced down at his handwriting, a soft smile touching her lips as she read his invitation again.
Things at home had been as good as could be expected. Her mother was not a stupid woman, she had put away enough over the years to leave them comfortable. What had been difficult was the sudden drop in status. Those that had tolerated them no longer felt the need to be civil, friends that she had thought were true had turned their backs on her as soon as she ceased to be useful. And for a time, she had thought the same of her brothers -- abandoned by them as well.
She looked up again as the carriage he had sent for her had rolled to a stop, reaching past Portokali to look out the window. The palati, finally. And standing there outside, waiting for her was Emilios. Sara was not graceful as she flung open the door, and her cat took off past Emilios and into the palati as if he belonged there. The guard frowned, but she ignored his attempts to help her down to the ground. She was quick, but careful, as she departed the carriage and ran to her brother. Her smile was bright and wide, and she had no shame at all as she threw her arms around him and slammed into him with all of her force.
“Emilios!” She said, unable to hide her joy. She buried her face against his tunic, surprised to hear her own laughter -- something she did to hide the fact that she was near to tears. ”Brother, how have you been?” She asked, holding to him tightly for a moment longer before pulling back to look at him. She wasn’t sure that he had changed much in the last few weeks since she had seen him, though maybe…maybe a little tired, a little weathered.
She smiled up at him. ”It’s so good to see you.” She said, her voice thicker than she wanted. She had only thought that she had missed him, but now seeing him here again -- in the flesh and warm, it was different. Somehow her heart was already hurting, like a bruise she had forgotten about but had been touched. She pulled back more so now, a blush coloring her cheeks as she realized just how childish she was being. Yet, she found that she would not apologize for it.
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This character is currently a work in progress.
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The letter had been like a lifeline thrown to her, unexpected... but desperately needed. The young woman held it even now, her fingers rubbing against the paper as if to be sure of its solidity. Her orange cat, Portokali, gave an annoyed chirp as the roving fingers of his mistress’ hand moved from the nape of his neck and along his back, smoothing down his fluffy coat. She glanced down at his handwriting, a soft smile touching her lips as she read his invitation again.
Things at home had been as good as could be expected. Her mother was not a stupid woman, she had put away enough over the years to leave them comfortable. What had been difficult was the sudden drop in status. Those that had tolerated them no longer felt the need to be civil, friends that she had thought were true had turned their backs on her as soon as she ceased to be useful. And for a time, she had thought the same of her brothers -- abandoned by them as well.
She looked up again as the carriage he had sent for her had rolled to a stop, reaching past Portokali to look out the window. The palati, finally. And standing there outside, waiting for her was Emilios. Sara was not graceful as she flung open the door, and her cat took off past Emilios and into the palati as if he belonged there. The guard frowned, but she ignored his attempts to help her down to the ground. She was quick, but careful, as she departed the carriage and ran to her brother. Her smile was bright and wide, and she had no shame at all as she threw her arms around him and slammed into him with all of her force.
“Emilios!” She said, unable to hide her joy. She buried her face against his tunic, surprised to hear her own laughter -- something she did to hide the fact that she was near to tears. ”Brother, how have you been?” She asked, holding to him tightly for a moment longer before pulling back to look at him. She wasn’t sure that he had changed much in the last few weeks since she had seen him, though maybe…maybe a little tired, a little weathered.
She smiled up at him. ”It’s so good to see you.” She said, her voice thicker than she wanted. She had only thought that she had missed him, but now seeing him here again -- in the flesh and warm, it was different. Somehow her heart was already hurting, like a bruise she had forgotten about but had been touched. She pulled back more so now, a blush coloring her cheeks as she realized just how childish she was being. Yet, she found that she would not apologize for it.
The letter had been like a lifeline thrown to her, unexpected... but desperately needed. The young woman held it even now, her fingers rubbing against the paper as if to be sure of its solidity. Her orange cat, Portokali, gave an annoyed chirp as the roving fingers of his mistress’ hand moved from the nape of his neck and along his back, smoothing down his fluffy coat. She glanced down at his handwriting, a soft smile touching her lips as she read his invitation again.
Things at home had been as good as could be expected. Her mother was not a stupid woman, she had put away enough over the years to leave them comfortable. What had been difficult was the sudden drop in status. Those that had tolerated them no longer felt the need to be civil, friends that she had thought were true had turned their backs on her as soon as she ceased to be useful. And for a time, she had thought the same of her brothers -- abandoned by them as well.
She looked up again as the carriage he had sent for her had rolled to a stop, reaching past Portokali to look out the window. The palati, finally. And standing there outside, waiting for her was Emilios. Sara was not graceful as she flung open the door, and her cat took off past Emilios and into the palati as if he belonged there. The guard frowned, but she ignored his attempts to help her down to the ground. She was quick, but careful, as she departed the carriage and ran to her brother. Her smile was bright and wide, and she had no shame at all as she threw her arms around him and slammed into him with all of her force.
“Emilios!” She said, unable to hide her joy. She buried her face against his tunic, surprised to hear her own laughter -- something she did to hide the fact that she was near to tears. ”Brother, how have you been?” She asked, holding to him tightly for a moment longer before pulling back to look at him. She wasn’t sure that he had changed much in the last few weeks since she had seen him, though maybe…maybe a little tired, a little weathered.
She smiled up at him. ”It’s so good to see you.” She said, her voice thicker than she wanted. She had only thought that she had missed him, but now seeing him here again -- in the flesh and warm, it was different. Somehow her heart was already hurting, like a bruise she had forgotten about but had been touched. She pulled back more so now, a blush coloring her cheeks as she realized just how childish she was being. Yet, she found that she would not apologize for it.
The sound of a familiar whistle pricked Theo’s ears as she walked by on her way to the stables, intending on giving Calista a good brush down to clear her head. Of course, there were grooms and stablehands aplenty to do such things, but Calista was her horse, and she wanted to tend to the mare herself. It was rare she was able to snatch a moment alone without some responsibility or other breathing over her shoulder, and in those rare moments she could, she preferred to spend them with the horses. They didn’t judge her or whisper about her when they thought she wasn’t listening. She didn’t have to be anything but herself when she was with them, and that was such a rare feeling, especially these days.
But when she heard that whistle, it was like she couldn’t help herself. Almost against her will, her steps carried her in the direction of their source, stopping a few yards away when she saw him. Emilios, just as she had known it was. It looked like he was waiting for someone, and with the flower in his hand, she felt a sharp pang of unwelcome jealousy. Who was he giving a flower to? Not that it was any of her business, of course; she was married, and he could court who he wanted. But that didn’t stop the sick feeling in her stomach or the stuttering of her heart.
Deciding she would just hang back for a few minutes, busying herself as she leaned down to adjust a sandal that was starting to come loose, she looked back up as a carriage approached. Was this it? Did this carriage bear the prince’s new lover? What if-?
Theodora could have slapped herself when she saw who it was that stepped out, shaking her head at her own foolish jealousy. It was only his sister, the younger of Meena’s two daughters. While she couldn’t deny the blissful relief that had her sighing and relaxing muscles she hadn’t even realized were tensing, she felt stupid for being jealous at all. Emilios wasn’t hers now. Even if that was a new lover stepping from the carriage, the handsome prince was no longer her concern.
Or he shouldn’t have been, anyway. But old feelings did not simply die overnight.
Stepping forward, she thought she might just stumble on them ‘on accident,’ rather than heading for the stables like she had originally intended. Even as she knew she ought to avoid her husband’s brother at every turn, there was always something that kept her coming back to him, no matter how hard she tried. Even with such poor excuses as this.
“Your Highness,” she greeted the man as she approached, smiling and inclining her head in a brief hello. Her smile widened as she turned to the younger girl, keeping a respectful distance as she hugged her brother so fiercely. “And sweet Sara. What a delightful surprise! It seems I have not seen you or your sister in ages.” Of course, they and their mother had been sent away nearly as soon as Irakles hit the floor, and Theo understood why. But there was a part of her, a part she didn’t speak aloud, that found it unfair the children should suffer for the sins of their mother. They hadn’t asked for any of this, no more than she had asked for the position she was now in.
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The sound of a familiar whistle pricked Theo’s ears as she walked by on her way to the stables, intending on giving Calista a good brush down to clear her head. Of course, there were grooms and stablehands aplenty to do such things, but Calista was her horse, and she wanted to tend to the mare herself. It was rare she was able to snatch a moment alone without some responsibility or other breathing over her shoulder, and in those rare moments she could, she preferred to spend them with the horses. They didn’t judge her or whisper about her when they thought she wasn’t listening. She didn’t have to be anything but herself when she was with them, and that was such a rare feeling, especially these days.
But when she heard that whistle, it was like she couldn’t help herself. Almost against her will, her steps carried her in the direction of their source, stopping a few yards away when she saw him. Emilios, just as she had known it was. It looked like he was waiting for someone, and with the flower in his hand, she felt a sharp pang of unwelcome jealousy. Who was he giving a flower to? Not that it was any of her business, of course; she was married, and he could court who he wanted. But that didn’t stop the sick feeling in her stomach or the stuttering of her heart.
Deciding she would just hang back for a few minutes, busying herself as she leaned down to adjust a sandal that was starting to come loose, she looked back up as a carriage approached. Was this it? Did this carriage bear the prince’s new lover? What if-?
Theodora could have slapped herself when she saw who it was that stepped out, shaking her head at her own foolish jealousy. It was only his sister, the younger of Meena’s two daughters. While she couldn’t deny the blissful relief that had her sighing and relaxing muscles she hadn’t even realized were tensing, she felt stupid for being jealous at all. Emilios wasn’t hers now. Even if that was a new lover stepping from the carriage, the handsome prince was no longer her concern.
Or he shouldn’t have been, anyway. But old feelings did not simply die overnight.
Stepping forward, she thought she might just stumble on them ‘on accident,’ rather than heading for the stables like she had originally intended. Even as she knew she ought to avoid her husband’s brother at every turn, there was always something that kept her coming back to him, no matter how hard she tried. Even with such poor excuses as this.
“Your Highness,” she greeted the man as she approached, smiling and inclining her head in a brief hello. Her smile widened as she turned to the younger girl, keeping a respectful distance as she hugged her brother so fiercely. “And sweet Sara. What a delightful surprise! It seems I have not seen you or your sister in ages.” Of course, they and their mother had been sent away nearly as soon as Irakles hit the floor, and Theo understood why. But there was a part of her, a part she didn’t speak aloud, that found it unfair the children should suffer for the sins of their mother. They hadn’t asked for any of this, no more than she had asked for the position she was now in.
The sound of a familiar whistle pricked Theo’s ears as she walked by on her way to the stables, intending on giving Calista a good brush down to clear her head. Of course, there were grooms and stablehands aplenty to do such things, but Calista was her horse, and she wanted to tend to the mare herself. It was rare she was able to snatch a moment alone without some responsibility or other breathing over her shoulder, and in those rare moments she could, she preferred to spend them with the horses. They didn’t judge her or whisper about her when they thought she wasn’t listening. She didn’t have to be anything but herself when she was with them, and that was such a rare feeling, especially these days.
But when she heard that whistle, it was like she couldn’t help herself. Almost against her will, her steps carried her in the direction of their source, stopping a few yards away when she saw him. Emilios, just as she had known it was. It looked like he was waiting for someone, and with the flower in his hand, she felt a sharp pang of unwelcome jealousy. Who was he giving a flower to? Not that it was any of her business, of course; she was married, and he could court who he wanted. But that didn’t stop the sick feeling in her stomach or the stuttering of her heart.
Deciding she would just hang back for a few minutes, busying herself as she leaned down to adjust a sandal that was starting to come loose, she looked back up as a carriage approached. Was this it? Did this carriage bear the prince’s new lover? What if-?
Theodora could have slapped herself when she saw who it was that stepped out, shaking her head at her own foolish jealousy. It was only his sister, the younger of Meena’s two daughters. While she couldn’t deny the blissful relief that had her sighing and relaxing muscles she hadn’t even realized were tensing, she felt stupid for being jealous at all. Emilios wasn’t hers now. Even if that was a new lover stepping from the carriage, the handsome prince was no longer her concern.
Or he shouldn’t have been, anyway. But old feelings did not simply die overnight.
Stepping forward, she thought she might just stumble on them ‘on accident,’ rather than heading for the stables like she had originally intended. Even as she knew she ought to avoid her husband’s brother at every turn, there was always something that kept her coming back to him, no matter how hard she tried. Even with such poor excuses as this.
“Your Highness,” she greeted the man as she approached, smiling and inclining her head in a brief hello. Her smile widened as she turned to the younger girl, keeping a respectful distance as she hugged her brother so fiercely. “And sweet Sara. What a delightful surprise! It seems I have not seen you or your sister in ages.” Of course, they and their mother had been sent away nearly as soon as Irakles hit the floor, and Theo understood why. But there was a part of her, a part she didn’t speak aloud, that found it unfair the children should suffer for the sins of their mother. They hadn’t asked for any of this, no more than she had asked for the position she was now in.
Perhaps part of the reason he had developed a relationship with Sara was because it pissed people off. His father hated the childish way he would act around her. Her mother hated the fact that he even existed, so her connection to him meant that she had to at least think of him every once and a while. His brother saw it as a dishonest gesture towards their mother. It was only Mytro who knew the reason behind her affection for the girl, and seemed to be the only one who didn’t just him for it.
Well, her and Theo.
Mytro had been upset by it when he was younger, but it took a quiet conversation between mother and son for her to learn that he had always wanted a little sister. He had been worried about connecting to Tasia, but Sara had been young and sweet and safe. And he had wanted, more than anything, a sibling to be able to love like his brother had loved him. And so, much like a mother would, Mytro accepted his affection for a child that wasn’t hers. And she agreed to at least be civil to the girl, for it wasn’t her fault that Irakles was a jackass.
He had taken a chance when inviting her to stay, partially to piss off Meena, partially because he missed the heck out of her. And so the way she burst from the carriage and straight into his arms had him laughing from joy as well. His arms easily wrapped around her, spinning her around before he put her back on the ground. As soon as she asked of his condition, he set her back on her feet, hand moving to tug on the ends of her hair. “Oh, you know, just managing a kingdom in the absence of the King, spending his money, that kind of thing.” He pulled her in for another hug, this one a bit softer than the first.
As much as he was hesitant to admit it, he was glad for the presence of another family member under the roof.
It was as he pulled back that he realized they weren’t alone. Looking up, he spotted Theo coming towards them. Releasing Sara enough that she could properly greet the Queen, he bowed (then nudged her into remembering her manners) before wrapping an arm around her shoulder again. “My Lady Theo, how kind of you to join us! I hope you do not find it to be a bother, but I thought we could use another friendly face in the house. You are used to so many sisters and I,” He pressed a kiss to the top of her head, “I have missed this little Duckling.” His hands came playfully over his sister’s ears, loudly whispering, “But if you tell her I said that, I will deny it fiercely.”
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Perhaps part of the reason he had developed a relationship with Sara was because it pissed people off. His father hated the childish way he would act around her. Her mother hated the fact that he even existed, so her connection to him meant that she had to at least think of him every once and a while. His brother saw it as a dishonest gesture towards their mother. It was only Mytro who knew the reason behind her affection for the girl, and seemed to be the only one who didn’t just him for it.
Well, her and Theo.
Mytro had been upset by it when he was younger, but it took a quiet conversation between mother and son for her to learn that he had always wanted a little sister. He had been worried about connecting to Tasia, but Sara had been young and sweet and safe. And he had wanted, more than anything, a sibling to be able to love like his brother had loved him. And so, much like a mother would, Mytro accepted his affection for a child that wasn’t hers. And she agreed to at least be civil to the girl, for it wasn’t her fault that Irakles was a jackass.
He had taken a chance when inviting her to stay, partially to piss off Meena, partially because he missed the heck out of her. And so the way she burst from the carriage and straight into his arms had him laughing from joy as well. His arms easily wrapped around her, spinning her around before he put her back on the ground. As soon as she asked of his condition, he set her back on her feet, hand moving to tug on the ends of her hair. “Oh, you know, just managing a kingdom in the absence of the King, spending his money, that kind of thing.” He pulled her in for another hug, this one a bit softer than the first.
As much as he was hesitant to admit it, he was glad for the presence of another family member under the roof.
It was as he pulled back that he realized they weren’t alone. Looking up, he spotted Theo coming towards them. Releasing Sara enough that she could properly greet the Queen, he bowed (then nudged her into remembering her manners) before wrapping an arm around her shoulder again. “My Lady Theo, how kind of you to join us! I hope you do not find it to be a bother, but I thought we could use another friendly face in the house. You are used to so many sisters and I,” He pressed a kiss to the top of her head, “I have missed this little Duckling.” His hands came playfully over his sister’s ears, loudly whispering, “But if you tell her I said that, I will deny it fiercely.”
Perhaps part of the reason he had developed a relationship with Sara was because it pissed people off. His father hated the childish way he would act around her. Her mother hated the fact that he even existed, so her connection to him meant that she had to at least think of him every once and a while. His brother saw it as a dishonest gesture towards their mother. It was only Mytro who knew the reason behind her affection for the girl, and seemed to be the only one who didn’t just him for it.
Well, her and Theo.
Mytro had been upset by it when he was younger, but it took a quiet conversation between mother and son for her to learn that he had always wanted a little sister. He had been worried about connecting to Tasia, but Sara had been young and sweet and safe. And he had wanted, more than anything, a sibling to be able to love like his brother had loved him. And so, much like a mother would, Mytro accepted his affection for a child that wasn’t hers. And she agreed to at least be civil to the girl, for it wasn’t her fault that Irakles was a jackass.
He had taken a chance when inviting her to stay, partially to piss off Meena, partially because he missed the heck out of her. And so the way she burst from the carriage and straight into his arms had him laughing from joy as well. His arms easily wrapped around her, spinning her around before he put her back on the ground. As soon as she asked of his condition, he set her back on her feet, hand moving to tug on the ends of her hair. “Oh, you know, just managing a kingdom in the absence of the King, spending his money, that kind of thing.” He pulled her in for another hug, this one a bit softer than the first.
As much as he was hesitant to admit it, he was glad for the presence of another family member under the roof.
It was as he pulled back that he realized they weren’t alone. Looking up, he spotted Theo coming towards them. Releasing Sara enough that she could properly greet the Queen, he bowed (then nudged her into remembering her manners) before wrapping an arm around her shoulder again. “My Lady Theo, how kind of you to join us! I hope you do not find it to be a bother, but I thought we could use another friendly face in the house. You are used to so many sisters and I,” He pressed a kiss to the top of her head, “I have missed this little Duckling.” His hands came playfully over his sister’s ears, loudly whispering, “But if you tell her I said that, I will deny it fiercely.”
Her feet left the ground as Emilios swung her around, causing the girl to clutch at her brother tighter still. Emotion threatened to strangle her, the heaviness that had weighed her down over the last couple of weeks seeming to dissipate in the embrace between them. She was grinning when he spoke, hoping that it could keep the tears welling up at the corners of her eyes away. This was a happy moment! She was happy to see her brother. Her nose wrinkled when he pulled back and tugged on her hair, the familiarity of it all making her throat tighten all the more.
Her eyebrows rose, the deep blue of her eyes starting to clear again. ”Tell me that you’ve bought something utterly ridiculous.” She teased, surrendering to his arms again when he pulled her in for another hug. She slid her arms around his middle and squeezed, and she was glad to find that he seemed to have missed her too.
She hesitated when he pulled back, about to ask him another question when he bowed. Turning, she was surprised to see the Queen having joined them. Color flooded her face, and she was grateful for Emilios’ nudge as she fumbled to remember her manners. She did not know Theodora very well, their interactions in the past having been fairly limited. Sara had befriended Imma, and had shyly used her friend as something of a wall between herself and her friend’s sisters.
Sara gave the correct social graces, inclining her head respectfully once she had straightened back to her full height. ”Thank you, your majesty. It is always a pleasure to be in your company.” She said, hoping that was the right title to use. There had been so much shuffling of titles and names that Sara quite honestly wasn’t sure who was supposed to be called what. She shuffled a little uncomfortably at the Queen’s mention of having not seen them in quite some time -- knowing that their dismissal hadn’t exactly been a surprise to anyone.
Emilios’ arm across her shoulders was a comfort as she found herself unsure of what else to say. Her cheeks heated as her brother decided that now was the time to be a bit mischievous, marking Sara’s shoulders hunch up around her neck as he covered her ears to not whisper. She swatted at his hands playfully, ducking out of the light hold with an amused grin that she could stop from spreading across her features.
Her hands closed around his wrist, tugging it in an attempt to pull him off balance. It felt a little strange to be so playful in front of someone as important as the new Queen, but she could not help but be drawn into her brother’s merriment. She shook her head, rolling her eyes as she turned back to Theo. ”I apologize.” She said wryly. ”My brother is only half as funny as he thinks that he is.”
”I’m honored to be invited back to the palati.” She said earnestly. ”I will do my best not to be a bother.”
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Her feet left the ground as Emilios swung her around, causing the girl to clutch at her brother tighter still. Emotion threatened to strangle her, the heaviness that had weighed her down over the last couple of weeks seeming to dissipate in the embrace between them. She was grinning when he spoke, hoping that it could keep the tears welling up at the corners of her eyes away. This was a happy moment! She was happy to see her brother. Her nose wrinkled when he pulled back and tugged on her hair, the familiarity of it all making her throat tighten all the more.
Her eyebrows rose, the deep blue of her eyes starting to clear again. ”Tell me that you’ve bought something utterly ridiculous.” She teased, surrendering to his arms again when he pulled her in for another hug. She slid her arms around his middle and squeezed, and she was glad to find that he seemed to have missed her too.
She hesitated when he pulled back, about to ask him another question when he bowed. Turning, she was surprised to see the Queen having joined them. Color flooded her face, and she was grateful for Emilios’ nudge as she fumbled to remember her manners. She did not know Theodora very well, their interactions in the past having been fairly limited. Sara had befriended Imma, and had shyly used her friend as something of a wall between herself and her friend’s sisters.
Sara gave the correct social graces, inclining her head respectfully once she had straightened back to her full height. ”Thank you, your majesty. It is always a pleasure to be in your company.” She said, hoping that was the right title to use. There had been so much shuffling of titles and names that Sara quite honestly wasn’t sure who was supposed to be called what. She shuffled a little uncomfortably at the Queen’s mention of having not seen them in quite some time -- knowing that their dismissal hadn’t exactly been a surprise to anyone.
Emilios’ arm across her shoulders was a comfort as she found herself unsure of what else to say. Her cheeks heated as her brother decided that now was the time to be a bit mischievous, marking Sara’s shoulders hunch up around her neck as he covered her ears to not whisper. She swatted at his hands playfully, ducking out of the light hold with an amused grin that she could stop from spreading across her features.
Her hands closed around his wrist, tugging it in an attempt to pull him off balance. It felt a little strange to be so playful in front of someone as important as the new Queen, but she could not help but be drawn into her brother’s merriment. She shook her head, rolling her eyes as she turned back to Theo. ”I apologize.” She said wryly. ”My brother is only half as funny as he thinks that he is.”
”I’m honored to be invited back to the palati.” She said earnestly. ”I will do my best not to be a bother.”
Her feet left the ground as Emilios swung her around, causing the girl to clutch at her brother tighter still. Emotion threatened to strangle her, the heaviness that had weighed her down over the last couple of weeks seeming to dissipate in the embrace between them. She was grinning when he spoke, hoping that it could keep the tears welling up at the corners of her eyes away. This was a happy moment! She was happy to see her brother. Her nose wrinkled when he pulled back and tugged on her hair, the familiarity of it all making her throat tighten all the more.
Her eyebrows rose, the deep blue of her eyes starting to clear again. ”Tell me that you’ve bought something utterly ridiculous.” She teased, surrendering to his arms again when he pulled her in for another hug. She slid her arms around his middle and squeezed, and she was glad to find that he seemed to have missed her too.
She hesitated when he pulled back, about to ask him another question when he bowed. Turning, she was surprised to see the Queen having joined them. Color flooded her face, and she was grateful for Emilios’ nudge as she fumbled to remember her manners. She did not know Theodora very well, their interactions in the past having been fairly limited. Sara had befriended Imma, and had shyly used her friend as something of a wall between herself and her friend’s sisters.
Sara gave the correct social graces, inclining her head respectfully once she had straightened back to her full height. ”Thank you, your majesty. It is always a pleasure to be in your company.” She said, hoping that was the right title to use. There had been so much shuffling of titles and names that Sara quite honestly wasn’t sure who was supposed to be called what. She shuffled a little uncomfortably at the Queen’s mention of having not seen them in quite some time -- knowing that their dismissal hadn’t exactly been a surprise to anyone.
Emilios’ arm across her shoulders was a comfort as she found herself unsure of what else to say. Her cheeks heated as her brother decided that now was the time to be a bit mischievous, marking Sara’s shoulders hunch up around her neck as he covered her ears to not whisper. She swatted at his hands playfully, ducking out of the light hold with an amused grin that she could stop from spreading across her features.
Her hands closed around his wrist, tugging it in an attempt to pull him off balance. It felt a little strange to be so playful in front of someone as important as the new Queen, but she could not help but be drawn into her brother’s merriment. She shook her head, rolling her eyes as she turned back to Theo. ”I apologize.” She said wryly. ”My brother is only half as funny as he thinks that he is.”
”I’m honored to be invited back to the palati.” She said earnestly. ”I will do my best not to be a bother.”
A gentle warmth flooded her at the sight of Emilios with the younger girl, the playful camaraderie they shared. It was obvious the affection between them was mutual and genuine, and her heart lightened to see it. There was another part of her though, one that she kept carefully hidden, that ached at the vision, unbidden memories clawing their way to the surface of that day in the woods—fanciful dreams of filling their little house in the woods with scampering barefoot children. Another world, another life, and it could have been their daughter held so affectionately in his arms… The Queen abruptly cut off that line of thought before it could show on her face, before she ruined a heartwarming moment between brother and sister with her own self-pity.
Grinning at the man’s antics, she shook her head indulgently as he covered Sara’s ears, holding a finger to her mouth and teasing in return, “My lips are sealed. But I think she may have heard you.” Laughing softly as Sara broke away from her brother’s grasp, she ignored the blush that stained the young woman’s cheeks, nodding when Sara bowed and offered the polite niceties expected of her. Theo wished she could simply tell her not to worry about such things; she didn’t want her presence and any expectations of formality to mar her reunion with her brother. But, she supposed such things just came along now with her newfound status, and so she said nothing, determined not to give any reason to spoil the light-hearted air of the girl’s return.
Her smile widened to a grin once more as Sara apologized for her brother’s idea of comedy, Theo shaking her head before her gaze lingered briefly on Emilios. “I don’t know,” she demurred, dark eyes sparkling as they rested on him, travelling for a moment over the smile that rested so comfortably on his face. “I believe he’s almost as funny as he thinks he is.” Gods knew he’d brought laughter to her lips more often than not, but perhaps that wasn’t a detail she ought to be sharing with his sister.
Turning her gaze back to the girl, she assured her, “We are happy to have you, Sara; I’m sure it will be no bother. Since most of my sisters have returned to Macendia, Imma spends a lot of her time here now too. Much as she claims to enjoy my company, I’m sure she’ll be happier to have someone closer to her own age to scheme with.” ‘Scheme’ hardly seemed the right word to associate with the sweetest and most innocent of her sisters, but she knew there was a mischievous streak in the younger girl, just as there had always been one in her.
Glancing over at Emilios, she grinned before looking back to Sara with a wink. “I think your brother’s the one we need to look out for, though. If anyone’s getting into trouble around here, it’s him.” Snorting, she teased in her own mock whisper, “Don’t let him bring you down with him.”
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A gentle warmth flooded her at the sight of Emilios with the younger girl, the playful camaraderie they shared. It was obvious the affection between them was mutual and genuine, and her heart lightened to see it. There was another part of her though, one that she kept carefully hidden, that ached at the vision, unbidden memories clawing their way to the surface of that day in the woods—fanciful dreams of filling their little house in the woods with scampering barefoot children. Another world, another life, and it could have been their daughter held so affectionately in his arms… The Queen abruptly cut off that line of thought before it could show on her face, before she ruined a heartwarming moment between brother and sister with her own self-pity.
Grinning at the man’s antics, she shook her head indulgently as he covered Sara’s ears, holding a finger to her mouth and teasing in return, “My lips are sealed. But I think she may have heard you.” Laughing softly as Sara broke away from her brother’s grasp, she ignored the blush that stained the young woman’s cheeks, nodding when Sara bowed and offered the polite niceties expected of her. Theo wished she could simply tell her not to worry about such things; she didn’t want her presence and any expectations of formality to mar her reunion with her brother. But, she supposed such things just came along now with her newfound status, and so she said nothing, determined not to give any reason to spoil the light-hearted air of the girl’s return.
Her smile widened to a grin once more as Sara apologized for her brother’s idea of comedy, Theo shaking her head before her gaze lingered briefly on Emilios. “I don’t know,” she demurred, dark eyes sparkling as they rested on him, travelling for a moment over the smile that rested so comfortably on his face. “I believe he’s almost as funny as he thinks he is.” Gods knew he’d brought laughter to her lips more often than not, but perhaps that wasn’t a detail she ought to be sharing with his sister.
Turning her gaze back to the girl, she assured her, “We are happy to have you, Sara; I’m sure it will be no bother. Since most of my sisters have returned to Macendia, Imma spends a lot of her time here now too. Much as she claims to enjoy my company, I’m sure she’ll be happier to have someone closer to her own age to scheme with.” ‘Scheme’ hardly seemed the right word to associate with the sweetest and most innocent of her sisters, but she knew there was a mischievous streak in the younger girl, just as there had always been one in her.
Glancing over at Emilios, she grinned before looking back to Sara with a wink. “I think your brother’s the one we need to look out for, though. If anyone’s getting into trouble around here, it’s him.” Snorting, she teased in her own mock whisper, “Don’t let him bring you down with him.”
A gentle warmth flooded her at the sight of Emilios with the younger girl, the playful camaraderie they shared. It was obvious the affection between them was mutual and genuine, and her heart lightened to see it. There was another part of her though, one that she kept carefully hidden, that ached at the vision, unbidden memories clawing their way to the surface of that day in the woods—fanciful dreams of filling their little house in the woods with scampering barefoot children. Another world, another life, and it could have been their daughter held so affectionately in his arms… The Queen abruptly cut off that line of thought before it could show on her face, before she ruined a heartwarming moment between brother and sister with her own self-pity.
Grinning at the man’s antics, she shook her head indulgently as he covered Sara’s ears, holding a finger to her mouth and teasing in return, “My lips are sealed. But I think she may have heard you.” Laughing softly as Sara broke away from her brother’s grasp, she ignored the blush that stained the young woman’s cheeks, nodding when Sara bowed and offered the polite niceties expected of her. Theo wished she could simply tell her not to worry about such things; she didn’t want her presence and any expectations of formality to mar her reunion with her brother. But, she supposed such things just came along now with her newfound status, and so she said nothing, determined not to give any reason to spoil the light-hearted air of the girl’s return.
Her smile widened to a grin once more as Sara apologized for her brother’s idea of comedy, Theo shaking her head before her gaze lingered briefly on Emilios. “I don’t know,” she demurred, dark eyes sparkling as they rested on him, travelling for a moment over the smile that rested so comfortably on his face. “I believe he’s almost as funny as he thinks he is.” Gods knew he’d brought laughter to her lips more often than not, but perhaps that wasn’t a detail she ought to be sharing with his sister.
Turning her gaze back to the girl, she assured her, “We are happy to have you, Sara; I’m sure it will be no bother. Since most of my sisters have returned to Macendia, Imma spends a lot of her time here now too. Much as she claims to enjoy my company, I’m sure she’ll be happier to have someone closer to her own age to scheme with.” ‘Scheme’ hardly seemed the right word to associate with the sweetest and most innocent of her sisters, but she knew there was a mischievous streak in the younger girl, just as there had always been one in her.
Glancing over at Emilios, she grinned before looking back to Sara with a wink. “I think your brother’s the one we need to look out for, though. If anyone’s getting into trouble around here, it’s him.” Snorting, she teased in her own mock whisper, “Don’t let him bring you down with him.”
There was something missing about this situation, and he wished he could have made it more obvious as to what it was. He wanted Theo as his wife, and he knew that had to be it. There was nothing he could do about it, no way he could make it feel absolutely right. So he had to accept it, and decided to just enjoy what he could get. And that was time with them both, watching his two favorite women joking with him, and he was happy to be the reason they were laughing.
Emilios watched as his little sister tried to be proper, trying to remember her place. And for the most part, she did well. Though it did start the wheels turning on a way to get her out from under her horrible mother for a better chance at something… what, he wasn’t sure. But for now, he looked between the two and just smiled. “I’m deeply offended by that, Duckling. I am hilarious, thank you very much.” He didn’t comment on how he was spending the money, knowing that she would most likely figure it out as soon as she went into the stables.
Watching Theo, he tried to keep his gauze from taking a more personal, affectionate look. He knew that he shouldn’t be looking at her as if he knew every inch of her. He shouldn’t be wishing that he could openly kiss her. There was a brief moment where he wished he could be like his father had been-- love whom he wanted to love without caring what others thought. Meena was no secret to anyone in court. She was known, had been openly shown to the people. And no one seemed to care, save for the family who bore it as they did.
But this was different.
And he wasn’t willing to cross that line so openly.
Theo’s comment about being almost as funny made him smile back, turning to her sister with her nose in the air. “See, she thinks I’m funny. Carefully-- she may become my favorite sister with that attitude, and perhaps I will find you a bother.” Unable to help himself, his tongue darted out at her. But regardless of his taunts, there was no way he would send her home. He wanted her here with him, and thought it would be good for her to be away from Meena. “Yes, I am sure Imma would be happy to have you around as well. You can keep her entertained while her sisters are back home.” He didn’t mind Imma-- she seemed shy and kept to herself.
In fact, he wasn’t sure that she even existed-- at least, that’s what it felt like.
He liked that they were charming each other, Theo whispering to his sister as a co-conspirator. “Don’t give away all my secrets!” He said, pressing a kiss to Sara’s temple. “Now she won’t help me pull pranks on Lord Fotios…” he pouted a little, as if he had been plotting for the longest time on how they could finally pull one over on Fotios. He was smiling sweetly at them both, “Now I have to do it on my own.” He sighed softly, “You will join us for dinner tonight, won’t you, Queen Theodora?”
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There was something missing about this situation, and he wished he could have made it more obvious as to what it was. He wanted Theo as his wife, and he knew that had to be it. There was nothing he could do about it, no way he could make it feel absolutely right. So he had to accept it, and decided to just enjoy what he could get. And that was time with them both, watching his two favorite women joking with him, and he was happy to be the reason they were laughing.
Emilios watched as his little sister tried to be proper, trying to remember her place. And for the most part, she did well. Though it did start the wheels turning on a way to get her out from under her horrible mother for a better chance at something… what, he wasn’t sure. But for now, he looked between the two and just smiled. “I’m deeply offended by that, Duckling. I am hilarious, thank you very much.” He didn’t comment on how he was spending the money, knowing that she would most likely figure it out as soon as she went into the stables.
Watching Theo, he tried to keep his gauze from taking a more personal, affectionate look. He knew that he shouldn’t be looking at her as if he knew every inch of her. He shouldn’t be wishing that he could openly kiss her. There was a brief moment where he wished he could be like his father had been-- love whom he wanted to love without caring what others thought. Meena was no secret to anyone in court. She was known, had been openly shown to the people. And no one seemed to care, save for the family who bore it as they did.
But this was different.
And he wasn’t willing to cross that line so openly.
Theo’s comment about being almost as funny made him smile back, turning to her sister with her nose in the air. “See, she thinks I’m funny. Carefully-- she may become my favorite sister with that attitude, and perhaps I will find you a bother.” Unable to help himself, his tongue darted out at her. But regardless of his taunts, there was no way he would send her home. He wanted her here with him, and thought it would be good for her to be away from Meena. “Yes, I am sure Imma would be happy to have you around as well. You can keep her entertained while her sisters are back home.” He didn’t mind Imma-- she seemed shy and kept to herself.
In fact, he wasn’t sure that she even existed-- at least, that’s what it felt like.
He liked that they were charming each other, Theo whispering to his sister as a co-conspirator. “Don’t give away all my secrets!” He said, pressing a kiss to Sara’s temple. “Now she won’t help me pull pranks on Lord Fotios…” he pouted a little, as if he had been plotting for the longest time on how they could finally pull one over on Fotios. He was smiling sweetly at them both, “Now I have to do it on my own.” He sighed softly, “You will join us for dinner tonight, won’t you, Queen Theodora?”
There was something missing about this situation, and he wished he could have made it more obvious as to what it was. He wanted Theo as his wife, and he knew that had to be it. There was nothing he could do about it, no way he could make it feel absolutely right. So he had to accept it, and decided to just enjoy what he could get. And that was time with them both, watching his two favorite women joking with him, and he was happy to be the reason they were laughing.
Emilios watched as his little sister tried to be proper, trying to remember her place. And for the most part, she did well. Though it did start the wheels turning on a way to get her out from under her horrible mother for a better chance at something… what, he wasn’t sure. But for now, he looked between the two and just smiled. “I’m deeply offended by that, Duckling. I am hilarious, thank you very much.” He didn’t comment on how he was spending the money, knowing that she would most likely figure it out as soon as she went into the stables.
Watching Theo, he tried to keep his gauze from taking a more personal, affectionate look. He knew that he shouldn’t be looking at her as if he knew every inch of her. He shouldn’t be wishing that he could openly kiss her. There was a brief moment where he wished he could be like his father had been-- love whom he wanted to love without caring what others thought. Meena was no secret to anyone in court. She was known, had been openly shown to the people. And no one seemed to care, save for the family who bore it as they did.
But this was different.
And he wasn’t willing to cross that line so openly.
Theo’s comment about being almost as funny made him smile back, turning to her sister with her nose in the air. “See, she thinks I’m funny. Carefully-- she may become my favorite sister with that attitude, and perhaps I will find you a bother.” Unable to help himself, his tongue darted out at her. But regardless of his taunts, there was no way he would send her home. He wanted her here with him, and thought it would be good for her to be away from Meena. “Yes, I am sure Imma would be happy to have you around as well. You can keep her entertained while her sisters are back home.” He didn’t mind Imma-- she seemed shy and kept to herself.
In fact, he wasn’t sure that she even existed-- at least, that’s what it felt like.
He liked that they were charming each other, Theo whispering to his sister as a co-conspirator. “Don’t give away all my secrets!” He said, pressing a kiss to Sara’s temple. “Now she won’t help me pull pranks on Lord Fotios…” he pouted a little, as if he had been plotting for the longest time on how they could finally pull one over on Fotios. He was smiling sweetly at them both, “Now I have to do it on my own.” He sighed softly, “You will join us for dinner tonight, won’t you, Queen Theodora?”
This, this was what she had missed so much. The warmth of her relationships at court had always been subtle, tempered with the knowledge that she could be forced to leave them at any moment -- but she had not been prepared to find out just how sheltered she had been all of her life. Now, all of the ice that had been building up since her departure seemed to melt away. Emilios’ smile, his mischievous ways...she had not realized how much they had meant to her. Not until now.
Although, she really would have to have a word with him about using her nickname so publicly. She did not mind being his little duckling when it was just the two of them, but he’d called her by it twice in front of the Queen and she could not stop the embarrassed flush spreading across her cheeks. ”Stop that.” She hissed quietly, giving him a pointed look that begged him not to embarrass her further.
She let her smile linger as she turned to Theodora, cheeks warm and pink. She did not seem to mind their antics, and it did not take more than a glance for Sara to know that Emilios trusted her. There was...something open between them, a warmth that ran far deeper than she could have imagined. But her thoughts did not linger long on that, realizing that she’d forgotten to speak while she was looking between them.
”Please don’t take his side.” She lamented, giving him a wry grin even as she spoke directly to Theodora. ”He already has a large enough head for two kings.” The tension was slowly easing from her shoulders, as she leaned in to the comfort of her brother’s presence. If there was anyone in this world that Sara trusted, it was Emilios. She gasped in mock offense when he told her that he would replace her as his favorite sister. She didn’t miss the tongue he stuck out at her either, though that earned him a far more authentic look of shock.
She put her hands against his upper arm, giving him a little shove in return. It was light and playful, still careful of the company that they were keeping. Her mother would have been downright horrified, but Sara was too far drawn into the comfort of her brother. ”You could never replace me, and you know it.” She teased with a shake of her head.
Imma?” She asked, brightening at the mention of the younger Leventi. Imma had been one of her dearest friends, her best friend in fact. Sara had not even had the chance to say goodbye to her beyond a short letter. There was so much that she needed to tell Imma, so much that could not be put into letters, so she was delighted to hear that Imma was a regular visitor at the palati.
Her smile widened glancing back at Emilios. ”If she’s not here now, could we send for her, Emmy?” She asked, suddenly just as young as he liked to pretend that she was. She hardly ever called him Emmy anymore. It was a nickname that she had called him as a small child, once she was old enough to chase him around. She coiled her arms around his elbow, holding on tightly with a glimmer of hope.
Her mood distinctly shifted at the mention of pranks, and she pulled back as if her brother’s arm had stung. Her playfulness faltered for a moment, her laughter weak. ”On Lord Fotios? Absolutely not.” She said, giving a shake of her head. ”I learned my lesson about pranks so there’s no way that he would ever convince me to prank Lord Fotios.” A fresh blush bloomed. ”Did you ever hear the story of how…” Her voice faltered, as she remembered Stephanos. Perhaps it wouldn’t be wise to mention the exiled prince, even if the story of the baby goats he’d let loose in Irakles’ house was funny.
Portokali chose that moment to reappear, the fluffy orange cat having apparently found the palati to his liking. He gave a chirping trill as he sauntered forward, pressing his entire body against the one of the queen’s legs and then the other. She didn’t hear Theo’s answer about dinner.
”Oh.” Sara said, glad for something else to talk about. ”Portokali, there you are. Silly cat.” She reached down to scoop up the orange cat, who meowed his displeasure at being handled. He would let her do as she pleased though, and she hugged him close. ”I couldn’t leave him behind.” She said to Emilios, giving him a knowing look. Her mother had sold almost everything of value that they’d had, and she had no love for the orange cat. If she had left him, her mother would have certainly tossed him out. ”I’ve been hiding him under my bed again...like when he was a baby.” She smiled softly at the memory. It hadn’t been the first time she’d hidden kittens under her bed.
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This, this was what she had missed so much. The warmth of her relationships at court had always been subtle, tempered with the knowledge that she could be forced to leave them at any moment -- but she had not been prepared to find out just how sheltered she had been all of her life. Now, all of the ice that had been building up since her departure seemed to melt away. Emilios’ smile, his mischievous ways...she had not realized how much they had meant to her. Not until now.
Although, she really would have to have a word with him about using her nickname so publicly. She did not mind being his little duckling when it was just the two of them, but he’d called her by it twice in front of the Queen and she could not stop the embarrassed flush spreading across her cheeks. ”Stop that.” She hissed quietly, giving him a pointed look that begged him not to embarrass her further.
She let her smile linger as she turned to Theodora, cheeks warm and pink. She did not seem to mind their antics, and it did not take more than a glance for Sara to know that Emilios trusted her. There was...something open between them, a warmth that ran far deeper than she could have imagined. But her thoughts did not linger long on that, realizing that she’d forgotten to speak while she was looking between them.
”Please don’t take his side.” She lamented, giving him a wry grin even as she spoke directly to Theodora. ”He already has a large enough head for two kings.” The tension was slowly easing from her shoulders, as she leaned in to the comfort of her brother’s presence. If there was anyone in this world that Sara trusted, it was Emilios. She gasped in mock offense when he told her that he would replace her as his favorite sister. She didn’t miss the tongue he stuck out at her either, though that earned him a far more authentic look of shock.
She put her hands against his upper arm, giving him a little shove in return. It was light and playful, still careful of the company that they were keeping. Her mother would have been downright horrified, but Sara was too far drawn into the comfort of her brother. ”You could never replace me, and you know it.” She teased with a shake of her head.
Imma?” She asked, brightening at the mention of the younger Leventi. Imma had been one of her dearest friends, her best friend in fact. Sara had not even had the chance to say goodbye to her beyond a short letter. There was so much that she needed to tell Imma, so much that could not be put into letters, so she was delighted to hear that Imma was a regular visitor at the palati.
Her smile widened glancing back at Emilios. ”If she’s not here now, could we send for her, Emmy?” She asked, suddenly just as young as he liked to pretend that she was. She hardly ever called him Emmy anymore. It was a nickname that she had called him as a small child, once she was old enough to chase him around. She coiled her arms around his elbow, holding on tightly with a glimmer of hope.
Her mood distinctly shifted at the mention of pranks, and she pulled back as if her brother’s arm had stung. Her playfulness faltered for a moment, her laughter weak. ”On Lord Fotios? Absolutely not.” She said, giving a shake of her head. ”I learned my lesson about pranks so there’s no way that he would ever convince me to prank Lord Fotios.” A fresh blush bloomed. ”Did you ever hear the story of how…” Her voice faltered, as she remembered Stephanos. Perhaps it wouldn’t be wise to mention the exiled prince, even if the story of the baby goats he’d let loose in Irakles’ house was funny.
Portokali chose that moment to reappear, the fluffy orange cat having apparently found the palati to his liking. He gave a chirping trill as he sauntered forward, pressing his entire body against the one of the queen’s legs and then the other. She didn’t hear Theo’s answer about dinner.
”Oh.” Sara said, glad for something else to talk about. ”Portokali, there you are. Silly cat.” She reached down to scoop up the orange cat, who meowed his displeasure at being handled. He would let her do as she pleased though, and she hugged him close. ”I couldn’t leave him behind.” She said to Emilios, giving him a knowing look. Her mother had sold almost everything of value that they’d had, and she had no love for the orange cat. If she had left him, her mother would have certainly tossed him out. ”I’ve been hiding him under my bed again...like when he was a baby.” She smiled softly at the memory. It hadn’t been the first time she’d hidden kittens under her bed.
This, this was what she had missed so much. The warmth of her relationships at court had always been subtle, tempered with the knowledge that she could be forced to leave them at any moment -- but she had not been prepared to find out just how sheltered she had been all of her life. Now, all of the ice that had been building up since her departure seemed to melt away. Emilios’ smile, his mischievous ways...she had not realized how much they had meant to her. Not until now.
Although, she really would have to have a word with him about using her nickname so publicly. She did not mind being his little duckling when it was just the two of them, but he’d called her by it twice in front of the Queen and she could not stop the embarrassed flush spreading across her cheeks. ”Stop that.” She hissed quietly, giving him a pointed look that begged him not to embarrass her further.
She let her smile linger as she turned to Theodora, cheeks warm and pink. She did not seem to mind their antics, and it did not take more than a glance for Sara to know that Emilios trusted her. There was...something open between them, a warmth that ran far deeper than she could have imagined. But her thoughts did not linger long on that, realizing that she’d forgotten to speak while she was looking between them.
”Please don’t take his side.” She lamented, giving him a wry grin even as she spoke directly to Theodora. ”He already has a large enough head for two kings.” The tension was slowly easing from her shoulders, as she leaned in to the comfort of her brother’s presence. If there was anyone in this world that Sara trusted, it was Emilios. She gasped in mock offense when he told her that he would replace her as his favorite sister. She didn’t miss the tongue he stuck out at her either, though that earned him a far more authentic look of shock.
She put her hands against his upper arm, giving him a little shove in return. It was light and playful, still careful of the company that they were keeping. Her mother would have been downright horrified, but Sara was too far drawn into the comfort of her brother. ”You could never replace me, and you know it.” She teased with a shake of her head.
Imma?” She asked, brightening at the mention of the younger Leventi. Imma had been one of her dearest friends, her best friend in fact. Sara had not even had the chance to say goodbye to her beyond a short letter. There was so much that she needed to tell Imma, so much that could not be put into letters, so she was delighted to hear that Imma was a regular visitor at the palati.
Her smile widened glancing back at Emilios. ”If she’s not here now, could we send for her, Emmy?” She asked, suddenly just as young as he liked to pretend that she was. She hardly ever called him Emmy anymore. It was a nickname that she had called him as a small child, once she was old enough to chase him around. She coiled her arms around his elbow, holding on tightly with a glimmer of hope.
Her mood distinctly shifted at the mention of pranks, and she pulled back as if her brother’s arm had stung. Her playfulness faltered for a moment, her laughter weak. ”On Lord Fotios? Absolutely not.” She said, giving a shake of her head. ”I learned my lesson about pranks so there’s no way that he would ever convince me to prank Lord Fotios.” A fresh blush bloomed. ”Did you ever hear the story of how…” Her voice faltered, as she remembered Stephanos. Perhaps it wouldn’t be wise to mention the exiled prince, even if the story of the baby goats he’d let loose in Irakles’ house was funny.
Portokali chose that moment to reappear, the fluffy orange cat having apparently found the palati to his liking. He gave a chirping trill as he sauntered forward, pressing his entire body against the one of the queen’s legs and then the other. She didn’t hear Theo’s answer about dinner.
”Oh.” Sara said, glad for something else to talk about. ”Portokali, there you are. Silly cat.” She reached down to scoop up the orange cat, who meowed his displeasure at being handled. He would let her do as she pleased though, and she hugged him close. ”I couldn’t leave him behind.” She said to Emilios, giving him a knowing look. Her mother had sold almost everything of value that they’d had, and she had no love for the orange cat. If she had left him, her mother would have certainly tossed him out. ”I’ve been hiding him under my bed again...like when he was a baby.” She smiled softly at the memory. It hadn’t been the first time she’d hidden kittens under her bed.
Carefully—she may become my favorite sister with that attitude, and perhaps I will find you a bother.
Theodora felt a sting at that, though it was not one she could show. Sister. She was his sister now. It was still not an idea that she could grow accustomed to; they were meant to be family, yes, but not like this. She was not supposed to be his sister. Quickly, however, she discarded the thought; they were here in front of his actual sister now, and she was already having a harder time schooling her face than she would have liked.
“Don’t worry, Sara, I would never try to replace you,” she told the girl, her voice warm. “His Highness makes empty threats,” she said added with a look toward Emilios, a twinkle in her eyes as her lips pursed in contained laughter.
Sara’s face visibly brightened at the mention of Imma, Theodora’s smile growing. She turned to Emilios, asking if they could summon her, and Theo couldn’t help the laugh that bubbled past her lips at the nickname Sara gave him. Emmy? Well, she supposed it served him right for continuously calling the young woman ‘duckling.’
“I believe she’s due for a visit very soon, actually,” she told Sara once she managed to halt her giggles. “But I’m sure we can bring her even sooner, if you’d like. Isn’t that right, Prince Emmy?” She flashed a grin at the man, a grin that quickly faded at his mention of pranking her uncle.
She was most definitely on Sara’s side with this one; for all the anger she still bore Fotios for essentially forcing her to go through with her marriage, even after she’d plead so ardently against it, he was not a man to be trifled with. Pranking him sounded like about the worst idea in the world, not if any of them wanted to remain intact for any time following. “Perhaps I ought to give away even more of your secrets if it’ll keep you from doing something crazy like that.” There was a jest in her voice, but underneath it, there was truth; Emilios would have to be mad to even consider it. She’d like to see him remain alive and unharmed.
At his invitation to dinner, Theodora’s smile returned with a nod. “I’d be delighted,” she replied with genuine warmth, turning to the younger woman and adding, “As long as Sara doesn’t mind, of course. I don’t want to be in the way if you two would like some time alone.”
Sara didn’t even seem to hear her, a brush against Theo’s legs making her startle. Looking down, she laughed when she saw the fluffy orange cat, crouching to offer her hand for him to sniff. “Well, aren’t you a handsome little thing?” she crooned at the animal’s little chirrup of inquiry, scratching gently under his chin. Rising back to her feet as Sara scooped the cat up and claimed it as hers, she offered the cat one last little scratch behind his ear before stepping back. “Portokali,” she repeated his name with a nod. “Quite the fitting name.”
There was a lop-sided smile on her face as she looked at Sara, joking, “Is he any good at catching rats? The barn cats are getting a little too fat and content lately. I saw one yesterday just lay there and watch as a mouse scurried right past it. Lazy little freeloader.”
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Carefully—she may become my favorite sister with that attitude, and perhaps I will find you a bother.
Theodora felt a sting at that, though it was not one she could show. Sister. She was his sister now. It was still not an idea that she could grow accustomed to; they were meant to be family, yes, but not like this. She was not supposed to be his sister. Quickly, however, she discarded the thought; they were here in front of his actual sister now, and she was already having a harder time schooling her face than she would have liked.
“Don’t worry, Sara, I would never try to replace you,” she told the girl, her voice warm. “His Highness makes empty threats,” she said added with a look toward Emilios, a twinkle in her eyes as her lips pursed in contained laughter.
Sara’s face visibly brightened at the mention of Imma, Theodora’s smile growing. She turned to Emilios, asking if they could summon her, and Theo couldn’t help the laugh that bubbled past her lips at the nickname Sara gave him. Emmy? Well, she supposed it served him right for continuously calling the young woman ‘duckling.’
“I believe she’s due for a visit very soon, actually,” she told Sara once she managed to halt her giggles. “But I’m sure we can bring her even sooner, if you’d like. Isn’t that right, Prince Emmy?” She flashed a grin at the man, a grin that quickly faded at his mention of pranking her uncle.
She was most definitely on Sara’s side with this one; for all the anger she still bore Fotios for essentially forcing her to go through with her marriage, even after she’d plead so ardently against it, he was not a man to be trifled with. Pranking him sounded like about the worst idea in the world, not if any of them wanted to remain intact for any time following. “Perhaps I ought to give away even more of your secrets if it’ll keep you from doing something crazy like that.” There was a jest in her voice, but underneath it, there was truth; Emilios would have to be mad to even consider it. She’d like to see him remain alive and unharmed.
At his invitation to dinner, Theodora’s smile returned with a nod. “I’d be delighted,” she replied with genuine warmth, turning to the younger woman and adding, “As long as Sara doesn’t mind, of course. I don’t want to be in the way if you two would like some time alone.”
Sara didn’t even seem to hear her, a brush against Theo’s legs making her startle. Looking down, she laughed when she saw the fluffy orange cat, crouching to offer her hand for him to sniff. “Well, aren’t you a handsome little thing?” she crooned at the animal’s little chirrup of inquiry, scratching gently under his chin. Rising back to her feet as Sara scooped the cat up and claimed it as hers, she offered the cat one last little scratch behind his ear before stepping back. “Portokali,” she repeated his name with a nod. “Quite the fitting name.”
There was a lop-sided smile on her face as she looked at Sara, joking, “Is he any good at catching rats? The barn cats are getting a little too fat and content lately. I saw one yesterday just lay there and watch as a mouse scurried right past it. Lazy little freeloader.”
Carefully—she may become my favorite sister with that attitude, and perhaps I will find you a bother.
Theodora felt a sting at that, though it was not one she could show. Sister. She was his sister now. It was still not an idea that she could grow accustomed to; they were meant to be family, yes, but not like this. She was not supposed to be his sister. Quickly, however, she discarded the thought; they were here in front of his actual sister now, and she was already having a harder time schooling her face than she would have liked.
“Don’t worry, Sara, I would never try to replace you,” she told the girl, her voice warm. “His Highness makes empty threats,” she said added with a look toward Emilios, a twinkle in her eyes as her lips pursed in contained laughter.
Sara’s face visibly brightened at the mention of Imma, Theodora’s smile growing. She turned to Emilios, asking if they could summon her, and Theo couldn’t help the laugh that bubbled past her lips at the nickname Sara gave him. Emmy? Well, she supposed it served him right for continuously calling the young woman ‘duckling.’
“I believe she’s due for a visit very soon, actually,” she told Sara once she managed to halt her giggles. “But I’m sure we can bring her even sooner, if you’d like. Isn’t that right, Prince Emmy?” She flashed a grin at the man, a grin that quickly faded at his mention of pranking her uncle.
She was most definitely on Sara’s side with this one; for all the anger she still bore Fotios for essentially forcing her to go through with her marriage, even after she’d plead so ardently against it, he was not a man to be trifled with. Pranking him sounded like about the worst idea in the world, not if any of them wanted to remain intact for any time following. “Perhaps I ought to give away even more of your secrets if it’ll keep you from doing something crazy like that.” There was a jest in her voice, but underneath it, there was truth; Emilios would have to be mad to even consider it. She’d like to see him remain alive and unharmed.
At his invitation to dinner, Theodora’s smile returned with a nod. “I’d be delighted,” she replied with genuine warmth, turning to the younger woman and adding, “As long as Sara doesn’t mind, of course. I don’t want to be in the way if you two would like some time alone.”
Sara didn’t even seem to hear her, a brush against Theo’s legs making her startle. Looking down, she laughed when she saw the fluffy orange cat, crouching to offer her hand for him to sniff. “Well, aren’t you a handsome little thing?” she crooned at the animal’s little chirrup of inquiry, scratching gently under his chin. Rising back to her feet as Sara scooped the cat up and claimed it as hers, she offered the cat one last little scratch behind his ear before stepping back. “Portokali,” she repeated his name with a nod. “Quite the fitting name.”
There was a lop-sided smile on her face as she looked at Sara, joking, “Is he any good at catching rats? The barn cats are getting a little too fat and content lately. I saw one yesterday just lay there and watch as a mouse scurried right past it. Lazy little freeloader.”