The Arcus was a familiar place to Irakles. He had practically grown up there after all, watching as a child learning, and then eventually participating as he grew old enough to take his own seat in the senate as the Head of House. He was an anomaly in the debate and bluster of the open arena forum, however - unlike others who were outspoken, Irakles preferred to observe and remain silence everytime he arrived to watch the proceedings. But his silence did not mean him to be one of no value or substance. It was common knowledge that if and when Prince Irakles spoke, it was one of great import and knowledge behind his decisions. His words were never taken lightly, and they came from years of wisdom he had collected from his many years as a military leader and political leader.

The morning of the coronation, Irakles had given strict instructions to his family - be it legitimate or otherwise - to arrive at an appropriate time for the events and proceedings. It would reflect poorly on him if any of them were to saunter in after the start of the events. His missives to each of his sons, his wife, and his daughters had been delivered the day before yesterday, further imposing the importance of their timely arrival at the event. The revered Prince Irakles never does things in half-measures, and he would not stand for dawdling on his families part.

His servants had been duly on time the moment dawn broke, arriving at his quarters to prepare him for the day. Sending Meena off (she had her own quarters to ready herself, plus she had two daughters to see to), Irakles was presented with a scented oil bath in which he soaked in, allowing slaves to wash the night away. Leaning back in the warm water, he allowed his muscles to relax for the morning. It was likely the only time of today that he would get to lean back, but that did not mean his mind was not at work - actively going over the plans he had for the day. All noble families were slated to be there, on top of the commoners in Taengea, all eager to see the new monarch of their kingdom. Preparations for the coronation had gone underway just a few days prior, and the Arcus had been decked out with a new dais where the King and his new Queen would be aptly coronated and crowned.

Stepping out, the prince was quickly dried off. The white, lower layer of his chiton was placed upon his shoulders, tightened and cinched around his waist with a leather waistband that was pinned up at the back. The trimmings around the white chiton were a mix of black and gold, which played up the fact that despite being the second prince, Irakles was still royalty. That done, his servants were quick to bring him the crimson red himation that would go over his left shoulder, before it was pinned to the lower half of his white lower chiton. Silver threads were woven around the edges of the crimson material, the stark contrast between the colors making Irakles stand out further.

His dark, curled hair was brushed quickly, detangling it before a crown of ivy leaves and embedded emeralds were placed gingerly on the top. Around his upper right arm, a golden arm cuff was snapped in place, the welded figure of a peacock made all the more enchanting by the encrusted emerald for the peacock's eye. He tilted his head down to allow the slaves to slip the necklace of a gold, oval shape plate which would rest just below his collarbone. Above the previous leather waistband, another gold, slightly narrower waistband was secured, and on his left wrist, a simple jewel-encrusted bracelet was slipped over. Irakles himself picked up the ring that held his house crest, slipping it on to his fingers.

On his way out, he slipped his feet into the simple sandals which were laced around his ankles. At the courtyard, his gelded warhorse waited for him, throwing his great head in anxiety - a common sight for his restless warhorse. With an affectionate hand on the satin neck of his steed, Irakles easily vaulted himself on the back, a place he was more comfortable in then being in senate.

The coronation - lets be real, it wasn't something Irakles had enjoyed. As long as it wasn't him on the receiving end of the crown anyway. But he knew better, and when Queen Mother Elise had insisted that her son have a proper coronation ceremony, the second prince had had no choice. So he had suggested the Arcus because, why not? It was a public arena, and the more people saw the inability and stoicness of his nephew, the better, wasn't it? He suspected Stephanos would not do well with big crowds, not so soon after the events of his father's death anyway. And Elise had jumped on the suggestion, eager to see her son and new daughter in law on a public stage. To the Queen, Irakles stated the clear facts; that it will be a display of confidence against the aggressors, and that the crown will not cower. It will show Stephanos's capability, he had said.

Privately, Irakles hopes Stephanos will muck the whole ceremony up in public eye.

It did not take long for him to arrive at the entrance, and the congenial smile appeared on his face again as he waved at the adoring public. Irakles had gotten a good reputation - first for opening up the Mikaelidas residence for the injured and needy upon the first week of the attack, and then for constantly being seen patrolling the streets. Many were quoted to say that his presence made them feel safe, exactly what he had wanted. He was warmly greeted as he dismounted, his guards managing to keep the general public at bay until he mounted the steps that would eventually bring him to the royal box.

Halfway up, however, he made a detour to the area where the noblemen would seat, his eyes searching, and smiling when he met with the few senators he had shared meals with over the past few weeks. "Lord Nikolias, I see you've arrived fairly early." Irakles greeted his cousin with a respectful dip of his head. Waving their formalities away when the Head of the Condos House and his wife bowed to greet the prince. "We were... anxious to see the new King. Are you sure he will do well by his duty, Prince Irakles?" From his face, it was obvious that Nikolias of Condos held skepticism as he glanced over to where a dais had been raised to prepare for the coronation. Slaves scurried back and forth to prepare the final touches.

Another strolled to join them, and Irakles smiled when he saw the confident stride of Lord Konstanos, brother to his partner and a powerful lord in the Taengean senate as well. The three of them had shared a meal in his residence just a week prior, and both were realizing they had plenty in common with the vision Irakles had for Taengea. "Ah, the young King." Konstanos sneered after greeting Nikolias and Irakles. His gaze was more than skeptical as he too, swept his eyes over the stage where two regal thrones were set up, and a crown was under careful guard by half a dozen guards, resting on a red velveteen cushion.

"I'm... ah, I'm afraid I have failed, gentleman." Irakles's tone was accurately regretful as he again dipped his head, and then looked up to meet the questions in the eyes of the two lords. "I tried to offer my help to my nephew, I really did. He... did not seem to want it? It was quite a scene, sadly. I think much time was wasted recopying a few documents for he had been... unfortunate enough to damage them through a series of events with his ink bottle." the prince paused, resisting the soft sneer that would curl his lips upwards. Instead, his features were arranged to one that was appropriately contrite, and he made a show of heaving a heavy, regretful sigh. "I do hope he will do well, but it seems that my brother has failed to do well by his second son. I... am sure he is trying his best, however."

"Well... he does seem to be enjoying the other... well, not so responsible parts of being the monarch, is he not, Prince Irakles?" Nikolias spoke up, eyes now sparkling with interest. Konstanos too now wore a slow, thoughtful smile. "It would seem so." the Leventi lord agreed slowly with Nikolias, turning his gaze to Irakles. "Perhaps... we can change matters? We hold great sway in the Senate after all, and... the people are in full adoration of you after the past few weeks. You have shown yourself to be one of great character and a capable leader to the Taengean kingdom."

A swell of pride expanded Irakles chest. In the subtlest of movements, the confidence boost that both lords offered made Irakles subconsciously pull his shoulders back, making him look as if he's standing even taller and prouder then he previously was, all the conviction of being a prince bolstered by many years of experience and wisdom shining through. Giving both lords a brief smile, he nodded again at them. "I thank you for your words of praise, Lord Konstanos." he turned to his cousin, "Perhaps we can, Lord Nikolias. The senate will convene soon enough, and... well, let's just say the court is not happy with the past histories of the new King being brought to light. It is too laissez-faire for the behavior of our new monarch, it seems."

"Exactly what we thought, Prince Irakles." Nikolias responded, shrugging and giving an off-handed chuckle. "Considering his wife is almost on the crux of giving birth, and their marriage only took place a month or so ago... it does reflect quite poorly on your nephew." Irakles joined the soft chuckle of both lords. Oh, he knew the implications of a pregnant Olympia and how it made Stephanos look. It wasn't as if his nephew had managed to keep his affairs and mistresses on the down-low. He never cared. And he always thought it would never matter.

Irakles couldn't help but wryly shake his head at how much it did matter now, in the situation that he found himself in. It was a shame, really. Lady Olympia was one of great ambition - just the kind of person that Irakles would enjoy having by his side, really. The way she headed straight to get what she wanted was admirable in his books... what a waste that she was married to his buffoon of a nephew. His poor display at handling all the new affairs and responsibilities that came with being a King simply added fuel to the fire that Irakles was slowly stoking throughout all senators and the gossips in court. Aided by Tasia, Meena, and Eirini, whispers of unrest were growing louder by the day, and each convening of the court merely had more shaded looks thrown in his nephew's direction. Konstanos appeared thoughtful for a moment as if something had just occurred to him, one that he voiced out to the trusted second prince. "Not to mention, the late King Zenon would have been in the palace just before the arcus races - one does wonder how would an assassin manage to get in a palace with fortified security."

He heaved another heavy sigh and patted the two lords on their shoulders. "I see your argument, Lord Konstanos. This topic requires further discussion and this is not the appropriate place to continue. Shall we convene again over a meal at my residence? We have much to discuss before the next senate meeting if we want our collective decision to be a strong voice." Upon the collective agreeing of both lords to meet, Irakles swept away, greeting whichever nobles he saw on his way to the royal box.

His entrance to the royal box was easily greeted by his servants, and he easily settled into his seat, one just behind the Queen Mother and the rest of her brethren. Next to him, his wife would seat herself, along with his two sons upon their arrival. Irakles had always liked to arrive early, to assess the area and get an early read on situations. Back in the battlefield, he had been the epitome of a servant leader, who would go down to the field to ensure all was in place, fight alongside his men. It was there that he had first won their respect, and subsequently their loyalty.

And now, he wanted more.

'He wanted to be remembered? Well let him be remembered.' he thought, the slow smile almost calculative as he waited for the entrance of the royal family. 'I'll show them the poisoned truth - and then he'll be remembered for centuries... just not in the way he wanted.'

Lady Ava was not an easy woman to stand net too. She was the paragon of feminine beauty and power in her daughter’s eyes. Her mother was dressed in a midnight blue chiton, adorned in some of her best jewelry. She looked every bit of a Leventi. Evangelina stood next to her mother as she spoke with a couple of her friends. She’d stopped paying attention to what they were saying almost ten minutes ago.

The rich wine red chiton, Evie wore suited her perfectly. The dark shade of red, vivid and alive with a hint of something just a bit darker. She felt almost like a grown up in it today with the way it tapered and tucked into the right places showing off a soft and feminine figure. Her chestnut brown hair had been twisted into a low ponytail tied at the nape with tendrils framing her soft face. She’d even went so far as to wear a little bit of jewelry today at the urging of her mother.

“Do you want to see what kind of trouble we can get into?”

The words were muffled but Evie could make them out perfectly. Standing to her right was her brother, Konstantinos. Over the last year he’d shot up and was now a little taller then she was. He casually rested his elbow on her shoulder. Evie knocked her brother’s arm off her shoulder and giggled, shaking her head.

“Sweet gods! You are going to get us into trouble today, aren’t you?” Turning her head she replied almost as quietly to him. The warmth in her words couldn’t be hidden, nor could the look of affection in her gaze when she looked at him. Of all the people in the world, she perhaps loved him the most.

“Come on E! It’s coronation day. I know how to restrain myself.”

Her brother’s almost cocky reply was so typical of him. He was at an age where he felt invincible. The world was his oyster.

“You absolutely do not.” Evie giggled in return, brushing a lock of her hair out of her face again as she whispered to him. Everyone believed Evie led Konstantinos astray but that was hardly the case. Despite being older, it was often her brother that led Evie astray. For one reason or another, she could never tell him no.

The answering grin from her brother was enough to make Evie groan and causing their mother to glance from her daughter to her son with a raised eyebrow.

“E wants me to go walk with her to go find Father.” Konstantinos offered up. Evangelina’s dark eyes flitted through the crowd. One look at her mother would be admitting that was not what her brother had wanted to do. Lady Ava studied them for a moment then nodded, “Fine, but I want that slingshot you thought you hid from your father.” There was a small groan and Konstantinos handed over the small slingshot. Her mother’s gaze flickered to her and Evie shrugged. “I didn’t think to hide any.” Evie chimed in wide-eyed. Why did everyone always think she had something nefarious planned?

One final look from their mother before she waved them away.

“Did you bring any of that dried rhubarb powder you used on Agnes?” Konstantinos muttered, clearly a bit put off still that his slingshot had been confiscated.

“Absolutely not.” Evie laughed and elbowed her brother. “I don’t just carry that stuff around on me.” The pair wandered through the crowd, keeping an eye open for their father or well… anything that might prove interesting. After a few minutes, Konstantinos found some of his friends and trotted off, leaving Evie hissing at him not to do anything. Not that her brother heard what she was saying. They’d be lucky if he didn’t find a way to set something on fire or indecently expose himself to the Queen Mother. Maybe she should double back and keep an eye on him? She sighed. He couldn’t get into too much trouble before the coronation started, could he? No. no… surely he couldn’t. It was a lie, she knew it but she had agreed that after a little while she’d go and fetch him but that she wanted to look around a little bit on her own first.

One of her father’s guards had stayed with her, while the other had followed after her brother. Byrony had already disappeared to enjoy the festivals. And like that Evangelina found herself wondering about on a fool’s errand.

With the tragic deaths of his family members weeks gone, and the constant fear of being next ebbing, lifelong habits began to reassert themselves. The familiar queasy churn of his stomach and the pounding headache should have been punishment enough. But the sight of Elise, standing subdued in front of him was somehow worse. Her blue eyes clouded as she peered into his pale face. “Stephanos…” His name came out in the softest of reproofs.

Heat burned in his face as Elise stepped from the doorway to brush her fingertips across his damp forehead. “How much did you drink last night?” she asked. The disappointment in her voice was a bit more than he could take and he swung away from her.

“This isn’t Olympia’s.” Elise bent down to pick up a jeweled hairpin. She turned it around and around in her palm as if doing so would hide the truth of what he’d done. “Is it?” she added in one last, vain hope to clear him of the misdeed.

“No. It’s not,” he muttered.

“Who does it need to be returned to?” she asked quietly. He winced. Thinking hurt. There was a real threat he may throw up what he hadn’t already and he didn’t want to do this with her right now.

“I don’t know-”

“Stephanos-”

“I know!” he snatched the pin out of her hand and flung it out onto the balcony. It pinged and skittered out of sight. “I know,” he hissed, avoiding eye contact. She didn’t need to tell him he shouldn’t have drank until he puked and then kept going. Both of them were well aware that this was spiraling out of control. Elise smoothed her dress and glanced around, asking if anyone had seen whoever it was that had been here last night.

“I don’t know,” he pressed a hand to his stomach. “Maybe.”

“We’ll tell Irakles,” Elise nodded to herself. “He’ll fix it.”

He sucked in air through his nose. “Do not breathe a word of this to that man,” he hissed.

“Stephanos, I’m shocked,” Elise snapped, finally losing her temper. “Irakles has been doing nothing but being useful. And you’ve been doing so well with his guidance!!” A pause and then, “Had been doing so well! And now…” she swept her arm around the room. It was a mess. The sheets on the bed were half stripped, chitons and sandals lay strewn about. Someone’s pearl bracelet lay on the corner table among scattered, half read or half written correspondents. A dried out ink pot sat under the table, it’s lid lost under the mountain of work he’d ignored for two days.

“And now,” he said evenly. “You’ve finally figured out the wrong son was murdered.”

His mother gaped at him and he side stepped her to avoid the hug she tried to thrust upon him. “No one thinks that!” she followed him, grabbed the back of his chiton and pulled him to a stop. “Now, finish getting dressed. Olympia is ready and waiting.”

As his wife had done, he stood as Elise flitted here and there, fussing over his appearance until she was satisfied. With the wet cloth that she smoothed over his face, he looked a little better but he was still pale and he refused to smile, even when badgered to do so. Like Irakles, his chiton was white, the only difference being the scrollwork on his trim was blue and gold, rather than with black. The himation was deep azure and he hugged it to him as he led the way out into the main corridor with his mother trailing behind, still fussing with his clothing. The crown of golden olive leaves felt out of place because, unlike his uncle, he didn’t usually wear it.

They found Olympia and the rest of the entourage waiting for them and he felt his mother’s eyes boring into his back. To his wife, he gave a tight smile as he looked her over. “Lovely. Mother fuss over you too?” There was no hiding her belly and he felt odd every time he saw it for some reason. It gave him an odd disquiet that he usually ignored and chose not to think about. Until the baby was born, until he was actually holding a son, he would not be easy about the pregnancy.

The whole retinue made their way to the Arcus but the closer they got, the more agitated he became. Irakles was right; he did not like large crowds anymore. His mother hadn’t been there to see her husband’s head with the crown he now wore sitting askew. He stood stock still, his hand on his head, toying with the idea of ripping the crown off, until Elise gave him a soft push from behind. Rather than walk out where the crowd of people could see him, he stood in the shadow of the arcus.

His hand reached out and found Pia’s. “If we’re both brutally murdered by lunatics,” he muttered. “I just want you to know that you probably won’t see me in the Asphodel Meadows.” He was most definitely going to end up in the Fields of Punishment. From where he stood, he could not see Gianna, or Irakles, or any of the rest of them. He was only facing Olympia and wondering why he was starting to calm down at the thought of being killed. It almost seemed nice by now.

Theodora stared out the window of the elaborate carriage as it paraded towards the Arcos; absently ignoring her younger sisters as they prattled on about who they might see at the coronation. As the Leventi clan was rather large, they’d needed several vehicles to carry them all and after speaking to her father, she still didn’t have the ability to look him in the eye. A rift had grown between them. A rift that had only been deepened due to her uncle’s presence when she spoke to him, but one nonetheless and they’d entered into this awkward and uncomfortable phase where he didn’t see her the same as he had before, and she couldn’t do anything about it.

Since their meeting, Theo drew inwards on herself. Replying tursley to Irakles that she would await further instructions. She’d put the letter informing her of her temple tour on the bottom of a stack of parchment and had all but forgotten about it. Her subsequent days that would lead up to the temple tour were spent being in the presence of her sisters, but not being present. Her heart was breaking and there was nothing she could do about it. Coupled with the fact that she hadn’t seen Emilios since the night she’d told him, she had no idea what he was thinking and she was beginning to doubt herself, and him. They’d said forever. He’d given his word and she’d given hers and now….

Imma watched Theo silently. The youngest of the Leventi’s, she was often the tag-along little sister. But Theo was the one she tended to tag along with the most and she’d noticed the change in her sister’s demeanor. How could she not? With only Nana in the carriage with them, she nudged Theo with her foot. Theo looked up from the window at the girl who stared at her curiously. “What’s going on with you? ...We’re going to see our sister and your future cousin be coronated. You’ll be marrying the third most powerful man in the country… You should be just as excited as we are!”

Theo stared at her for a long moment before giving her a weak smile. “Yes I suppose I should, shouldn’t, I?” But whatever ambition Theo once had to climb social ranks; to stake her flag into wealth and power had been overshadowed by her adoration of Emilios. She’d gone against every Leventi code her mother had put in place for them, even as young girls, and chose love over power.

Imma was prevented from asking any more questions as the carriage pulled up to the main entrance to the arcus. The door was opened and they were escorted out in turn. Theo was dressed simply in a long flowing, dark blue gown with a gold collar and gold leather laced into her hair to keep the dark curls atop her head. The girls fell in line behind their parents as they’d always done; Theo taking her place beside Selene. The only saving grace was that she’d be able to see Emilios today. He had to be here...Stephanos was his cousin. And while he could avoid her, he couldn’t avoid his obligations.

….Well.. at least not this one.

Their box was down near the ring; close to the platform, Stephanos would be crowned upon. As they were wealthy and powerful, their seats were lined with marble and shaded from the elements. It was large so there was plenty of room for all of the girls, their parents, cousins, and relatives. Upon entering the box, they settled in and Theo immediately began searching for Emilios, but she only saw Irakles and Achilleas.

There was a dull ripple of excitement in the arcus. The last time most of them had been together was when the king had been beheaded. It was ironic now that they would watch his son crowned now. Theo was thankful she hadn’t been there that day, as while her experience afterward was just as horrible, she didn’t think she could be in such a large group without seeing black cloaked figures everywhere.

The day was warm; the sun unmerciful where it beat down on the crowds. The shade where they stood was scarce but adequate. Beside her, Imma fanned herself and Theo reached forward; lowering her hand as the girl had a tendency to fidget still. When Emilios finally joined his father on the royal platform, she tightened her hold on the girl's wrist. Imma gasped and tugged at her fingers. “Theo, let me go!”

She tore her attention from Emilios to her sister and pulled her hand away; forgetting herself. “I’m sorry….” Imma stared at her oddly so Theo mentioned something about the sun and looked away. But her gaze didn’t stray far for long; moving back to Emilios as he took his own place. She should be there with him. She should’ve been at his side during all that had taken place; to comfort him. Instead, she was left waiting for a man she didn’t love to put her in a place she had no desire to be.

She closed her eyes. She’d hoped seeing him again would make her feel better; to know he was safe, but instead, it only made his absence worse. She was used to being without him for weeks on end when he was off in battle. But all this time they’d been in the same city under the same stars and he’d not come to her even once. She felt like she was holding onto sand and it was quickly pouring out of her grasp.

Compared to the King's chambers the Queen-to-be's was well organized and spotless, that is until the Aged Cheese entered hernchamber and started fussing over the wardrobe. Then fine cloth and jewels were sprawled everywhere while they two elderly women fussed over Pia's garments.

Finally the decision was made, and as Desma turned to view the selection her eyes ever slightly widened and then shifted to the women who looked ever so pleased with themselves. A deep breathe was taken so as to silence her tongue directly. She moved to bring the fabric in hand and then help drape it over Pia's form whispering, "Think of it as a masquerade...for a farmer's market...your visage will be most delectable." She said trying to bring a smile to the young woman's lips, who unfortunately would be presented to her people for the first time as a festive eggplant.

Seriously she hoped after this that the dowagers choices would be limited after the coronation to breakfast: oatmeal or cottage cheese. Less the whole country fall out of date and the next event look something akin to the royal stable, before the morning chores.

Presentation prepared it was time to exit the private life and emerge into the light of the public. Desma let the others exit before quickly grabbing some more comfortable sandals for Pia to change into later, already noticing the straps cut into the flesh when she place them on her. She moved to leave when she paused at the window, that was Stephanos chambers. A shiny item had flown directly out of it, landing with a clink. Odd. She frowned, and stowed the casual shoes underneath her chifton before slipping out of the room.

Her mind tumbled over what she had witnessed? What would the King throw shiny out his window? Surely not something that belonged to Pia...then who did it belong to. As she thought she trailed behind the royal couple, cloaked in black, as was normal for her. Her hands crossed before her, and her gaze dipping down only to bare witness to Pia's feet. Could they at least offer the poor woman a seat, she was pregnant, her belly as bulbous as though of an eggplant...Oh poor dear Pia, her sweet Pia.

Xene had been up early that morning, slipping into the bath as soon as her servant had finished preparing the heated water. Padding along the cold stone in her bare feet, Xene silently pulled the ties of her short night time chiton, letting the fabric fall to the floor as she approached the bath. This was not a day that Xene have ever wanted to see.

Not for Stephanos. Not for a man who had never once been prepared to take the step. In fact, Xene had long prepared herself for Zacharius' coronation. Meticulous detail had been put into the placements, the plans, every detail in between. If Xene had been the one to prepare it, it would have been befitting her brother. Befitting the man who should have been taking to the dais to officially receive the crown.

But Zach was dead and Xene's focus was now Stephanos. He needed her support more than anything, and she'd promised to stay by his side through all of it.

Sinking into the water, Xene lazed for the longest time until her servant warned her that it was time to move if she wanted to be on time. Her carriage was already being prepared and was set to leave soon. The princess slipped silently out of the bath. Drying her hair quietly, her servant started to prepare her chiton of crimson red, edged in gold. Maybe it was a little flashy, but this was a bit step for the family and much of the court would look to Stephanos' sisters for a show of strength and confidence.

The world needed to think that there was little turmoil in the minds of the princesses.

Xene dressed herself in silence, preferring not to be fussed over. She adding small pieces of jewelry while the girl did her hair into a beautiful arrangement of braids and curls. The entire ensemble was completed with a gold, ruby, and aquamarine tiara. Slipping into a pair of simple sandals, Xene took only a few moments to check of her appearance. She had rouged her lips and dusted khol along under eyes.

She looked presentable. More than presentable, if she had anything to say about it.

Giving a silent nod to her servant, she stepped out of the palace and toward her carriage. Her guards followed quietly behind, helping her in. It was time to mentally prepare herself, and as the carriage started to move, she was finally able to let herself think. She didn't have long to herself, but it would be long enough to ready herself for the sights and sounds of courtiers and nobles.

The carriage had only gotten half way to their destination before one of the wheels seemed to snap, jerking the carriage to a sharp stop. Xene hissed in surprise and braced herself, brows furrowed. Leaning over the edge, she glanced to the driver, "Is everything alright?" the princess asked politely, holding her hand out to one of her guards. The man helped her down to steady ground, keeping close behind her as the princess moved around the other side of the carriage.

It was completely broken. This wouldn't do. Trying not to chew on the inside of her cheek, Xene glanced around before fixing her gaze on her guards. "It seems that we walk the rest of the way," she commented. The men tried to protest, but Xene was already moving in the direction of the Arcus, not paying any further attention to their complaints. The princess couldn't be late, and she wouldn't... even if she had to walk all the way there.

If there was one thing that Xene hadn't intended to happen, it was being late to her own brother's coronation. Not after she had vowed that she wouldn't leave Stephanos' side through any of this. The princess would always have her reservations about the situation as well as her brother's marriage to Queen Olympia, but she would support him nevertheless.

That was the exact reason that Xene had opted to walk to the Arcus instead of waiting for the driver to figure out how to fix the carriage, or even wait for another carriage. Each minute she wasted was another minute that she was late.

And it wouldn't do to be late. Not today. Not now. Not when her show of presence and mind were absolutely vital. When all eyes were on the Mikaelidas family, it was imperative that she was just as visible as the rest. Completely ignoring her guards that were shuffling to keep up with her quick gait while in heavy armor, Xene continued to power forward, not at all concerned with protests.

A woman on a mission.

However, the sound of heavy hooves on stone had Xene pausing. Especially when the voice of Lord Fotios broke through determined thoughts. Fotios was off his horse with such ease that Xene had to stop and blink at the lord for a single moment. "Lord Fotios," she greeted quietly, giving a slight bow in greeting. "It would do myself no more good to walk as it would for you to walk beside the horse," Xene commented, shaking her head as if in mild protest. "I had every intention of walking," the princess commented further. Then she glanced in the direction of the Arcus.

Knowing full well how persistent noble men often were, especially the chivalrous noble men like Fotios, the princess sighed deeply.

"I thank you for your thoughtfulness, Lord Leventi," she said softly, approaching him. Letting the man aid her ascent onto the horse, Xene sat side-saddle, not at all used to being atop a horse. It was one of the few things she hadn't been inclined to put much effort into. It was very rare that the princess would travel. Her focus had always been the court and the nobles within her own Kingdom. Besides, he eldest princess primarily traveled via carriage.

Xene said little as they rode along the street, Fotios leading the horse with Xene atop the creature. Her thoughts were caught up in the events of the day, her gaze remaining set forward. "This is the second time you've escorted me," Xene pointed out calmly once she was sure that her guards were far enough away to remain out of earshot. "It pleases me that a noble of your stature and standing still finds the time to perform acts of kindness," she commented, her gaze pulling slowly away from the Arcus to rest upon Fotios.

A soft but firm smile was all that Xene had left to give him at that moment, her attention returning to their short journey.

Before long, she and her escort had reached the Arcus. Xene allowed Fotios to help her from the horse. Finding steady ground once more, she gave a final smile to the lord before excusing herself to enter the Arcus. Xene paused at the entrance, having only been in the Arcus a few times in her life. Blue eyes scanned the large room, landing on the many members of the Leventi family first, and then her uncle and his cohorts second.

For a moment, she felt a slight chill trail her spine, immediately shifting her gaze in an effort to seek out her sister. Letting a soft smile grace her lips, Xene started forward once she had spotted Gianna, soft footsteps leading her straight to her younger sister's side. Instinctively, Xene looped her arm with Gianna's, giving her a kind smile.

"You look lovely this morning, Gianna," she complimented softly before continuing on, "Have you caught sight of our dear king this morning, or has he continued to hide away?"