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Her skin felt as if it were crawling with a thousand spiders, prickling and skittering across her pale arms. Sara shuffled nervously, tugging at the fibulae at her shoulders which pinned the navy chiton closed. She hoped that she looked presentable enough. She had hardly slept the night through because she was nervous to begin a new chapter of her life.
Emilios had been amicable to her request to stay, seeming relieved somehow that she had wanted to. She had no idea how she was going to thank him, but she was certain that she would. The rumors were that Melina Leventi was a kind woman, but that still had not kept her overactive imagination from ruminating on all the possible ways that she could mess everything up.
The Lady was not much older than Sara, only a handful of years -- but she was anxious to be useful and helpful, earning her place and proving that she had some sort of value. She had meekly followed the servant, who had been sent to fetch her, silently wondering to herself if her lady would permit her to have friends and guests. Surely?
It was not long before the servant brought Sara to a modest set of rooms, indicating that this is where she would be staying. The girl thanked her guide, and he quickly departed to leave her own devices for the time being. She was grateful to have a little bit of time, although she was not sure how much, to focus on something other than her prickling nerves -- her lips quirking slightly at how normal it was becoming for her to change rooms. How many times had it been now? Three?
There was a stack of crates with her sparse belongings that had been brought to the palati, and word had been sent to her mother’s home to prepare the rest. This was no longer just a short term visit which meant that she would need more than she had brought. The familiar bindings of her books beneath her fingers were calming, and she quickly tucked them away on a set of small shelves near the bed.
Her thoughts drifted to Alastor, knowing that she would have to write to him soon. Hopefully, she could share that her first day with Lady Melina had gone well. She frowned, wishing that she had thought to ask the servant who had brought her up whether or not she should wait to be summoned, or if she was meant to go to meet her new Lady as soon as she had arrived.
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Her skin felt as if it were crawling with a thousand spiders, prickling and skittering across her pale arms. Sara shuffled nervously, tugging at the fibulae at her shoulders which pinned the navy chiton closed. She hoped that she looked presentable enough. She had hardly slept the night through because she was nervous to begin a new chapter of her life.
Emilios had been amicable to her request to stay, seeming relieved somehow that she had wanted to. She had no idea how she was going to thank him, but she was certain that she would. The rumors were that Melina Leventi was a kind woman, but that still had not kept her overactive imagination from ruminating on all the possible ways that she could mess everything up.
The Lady was not much older than Sara, only a handful of years -- but she was anxious to be useful and helpful, earning her place and proving that she had some sort of value. She had meekly followed the servant, who had been sent to fetch her, silently wondering to herself if her lady would permit her to have friends and guests. Surely?
It was not long before the servant brought Sara to a modest set of rooms, indicating that this is where she would be staying. The girl thanked her guide, and he quickly departed to leave her own devices for the time being. She was grateful to have a little bit of time, although she was not sure how much, to focus on something other than her prickling nerves -- her lips quirking slightly at how normal it was becoming for her to change rooms. How many times had it been now? Three?
There was a stack of crates with her sparse belongings that had been brought to the palati, and word had been sent to her mother’s home to prepare the rest. This was no longer just a short term visit which meant that she would need more than she had brought. The familiar bindings of her books beneath her fingers were calming, and she quickly tucked them away on a set of small shelves near the bed.
Her thoughts drifted to Alastor, knowing that she would have to write to him soon. Hopefully, she could share that her first day with Lady Melina had gone well. She frowned, wishing that she had thought to ask the servant who had brought her up whether or not she should wait to be summoned, or if she was meant to go to meet her new Lady as soon as she had arrived.
Her skin felt as if it were crawling with a thousand spiders, prickling and skittering across her pale arms. Sara shuffled nervously, tugging at the fibulae at her shoulders which pinned the navy chiton closed. She hoped that she looked presentable enough. She had hardly slept the night through because she was nervous to begin a new chapter of her life.
Emilios had been amicable to her request to stay, seeming relieved somehow that she had wanted to. She had no idea how she was going to thank him, but she was certain that she would. The rumors were that Melina Leventi was a kind woman, but that still had not kept her overactive imagination from ruminating on all the possible ways that she could mess everything up.
The Lady was not much older than Sara, only a handful of years -- but she was anxious to be useful and helpful, earning her place and proving that she had some sort of value. She had meekly followed the servant, who had been sent to fetch her, silently wondering to herself if her lady would permit her to have friends and guests. Surely?
It was not long before the servant brought Sara to a modest set of rooms, indicating that this is where she would be staying. The girl thanked her guide, and he quickly departed to leave her own devices for the time being. She was grateful to have a little bit of time, although she was not sure how much, to focus on something other than her prickling nerves -- her lips quirking slightly at how normal it was becoming for her to change rooms. How many times had it been now? Three?
There was a stack of crates with her sparse belongings that had been brought to the palati, and word had been sent to her mother’s home to prepare the rest. This was no longer just a short term visit which meant that she would need more than she had brought. The familiar bindings of her books beneath her fingers were calming, and she quickly tucked them away on a set of small shelves near the bed.
Her thoughts drifted to Alastor, knowing that she would have to write to him soon. Hopefully, she could share that her first day with Lady Melina had gone well. She frowned, wishing that she had thought to ask the servant who had brought her up whether or not she should wait to be summoned, or if she was meant to go to meet her new Lady as soon as she had arrived.
Xanthippe was not happy that Melina was gaining a new maid into her service.
When she had been told the news, she had not taken it… well. That was perhaps too kind a way of putting it. The news had incited one of the woman’s worst temper tantrums since childhood, shattering two vases against the wall before simply leaving the manor entirely, heading off into the woods to get her hands bloody as she often did when she could no longer control the racket inside her head. And to say they were vocal…
Your lord no longer trusts you.
What are they thinking?
Your care is not enough.
This new maid will seek to steal Melina from you.
What if Melina even likes her better?
Can you all be silent for just a MOMENT?!
Ineffectually covering her ears, Xanthippe growled and did her best to block them out, bagging a boar in her gods-inflicted rage. It silenced them for all of half an hour, but by the next morning, they were roaring in her head again, needling her nerves and reminding her of the imminent change in her life.
She’s probably prettier than you.
Smarter too.
But don’t forget she bleeds the same as you.
If she is a threat, threats can be disposed of.
Don’t think I’ve forgotten.
That afternoon saw her return to the manor, her rage suppressed for the time being as she dropped the boar in the kitchens and headed for the bathing chambers. Cleaned and scrubbed of blood and dirt, she made her way back to her ladyship’s suite of rooms, locking herself in the one she claimed as her own.
Xanthippe was… moping.
What if the gods were right and Lord Fotios really didn’t trust her any more? Hadn’t she proven herself time and time again? Why wouldn’t he trust her? But… what if he was just testing her to see what she would do? Maybe that was it! Maybe he wanted her to prove herself yet again, to reaffirm that she was cut out for this job. Yes, that’s what she would do. She would simply show him that she did not need any help. That Lady Melina was safe and sound in her charge, and hers alone. Then they could just get rid of this new girl and go on like nothing had happened.
And if that didn’t work. Well. Xanthippe had other means of ensuring this girl wouldn’t last very long.
A sound in the next room over alerted the handmaid to another’s arrival, sitting up a little straighter on her bed. Was that her? Lord Fotios had said she was arriving today, cautioning her to be friendly and show her what all the job entailed. She supposed she could fake it for a while. Long enough to find out what sort of threat this girl might really be, anyway.
Rising from her bed, she smoothed out the fabric of her charcoal chiton, straightening her posture as she exited the room. Knocking on the other’s door, she waited only a moment before entering, azure gaze impassive as it took in the newcomer. She was younger than Xanthippe had expected, which only served to make her angrier. What could this child do for Melina that Xan wasn’t capable of? Were they just deliberately trying to insult her now?
Steady. You won’t get anything you want if you act out now.
Or you could simply break her neck and be done with it.
Such dramatics would only serve to upset Lady Melina. Think of her first.
Quiet, all of you.
“Are you Sara?” she asked, her face expressionless as she questioned the girl on her identity, no sign of her internal conversation to be seen on her features. “I’m Xanthippe. I’m supposed to show you around.”
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Xanthippe was not happy that Melina was gaining a new maid into her service.
When she had been told the news, she had not taken it… well. That was perhaps too kind a way of putting it. The news had incited one of the woman’s worst temper tantrums since childhood, shattering two vases against the wall before simply leaving the manor entirely, heading off into the woods to get her hands bloody as she often did when she could no longer control the racket inside her head. And to say they were vocal…
Your lord no longer trusts you.
What are they thinking?
Your care is not enough.
This new maid will seek to steal Melina from you.
What if Melina even likes her better?
Can you all be silent for just a MOMENT?!
Ineffectually covering her ears, Xanthippe growled and did her best to block them out, bagging a boar in her gods-inflicted rage. It silenced them for all of half an hour, but by the next morning, they were roaring in her head again, needling her nerves and reminding her of the imminent change in her life.
She’s probably prettier than you.
Smarter too.
But don’t forget she bleeds the same as you.
If she is a threat, threats can be disposed of.
Don’t think I’ve forgotten.
That afternoon saw her return to the manor, her rage suppressed for the time being as she dropped the boar in the kitchens and headed for the bathing chambers. Cleaned and scrubbed of blood and dirt, she made her way back to her ladyship’s suite of rooms, locking herself in the one she claimed as her own.
Xanthippe was… moping.
What if the gods were right and Lord Fotios really didn’t trust her any more? Hadn’t she proven herself time and time again? Why wouldn’t he trust her? But… what if he was just testing her to see what she would do? Maybe that was it! Maybe he wanted her to prove herself yet again, to reaffirm that she was cut out for this job. Yes, that’s what she would do. She would simply show him that she did not need any help. That Lady Melina was safe and sound in her charge, and hers alone. Then they could just get rid of this new girl and go on like nothing had happened.
And if that didn’t work. Well. Xanthippe had other means of ensuring this girl wouldn’t last very long.
A sound in the next room over alerted the handmaid to another’s arrival, sitting up a little straighter on her bed. Was that her? Lord Fotios had said she was arriving today, cautioning her to be friendly and show her what all the job entailed. She supposed she could fake it for a while. Long enough to find out what sort of threat this girl might really be, anyway.
Rising from her bed, she smoothed out the fabric of her charcoal chiton, straightening her posture as she exited the room. Knocking on the other’s door, she waited only a moment before entering, azure gaze impassive as it took in the newcomer. She was younger than Xanthippe had expected, which only served to make her angrier. What could this child do for Melina that Xan wasn’t capable of? Were they just deliberately trying to insult her now?
Steady. You won’t get anything you want if you act out now.
Or you could simply break her neck and be done with it.
Such dramatics would only serve to upset Lady Melina. Think of her first.
Quiet, all of you.
“Are you Sara?” she asked, her face expressionless as she questioned the girl on her identity, no sign of her internal conversation to be seen on her features. “I’m Xanthippe. I’m supposed to show you around.”
Xanthippe was not happy that Melina was gaining a new maid into her service.
When she had been told the news, she had not taken it… well. That was perhaps too kind a way of putting it. The news had incited one of the woman’s worst temper tantrums since childhood, shattering two vases against the wall before simply leaving the manor entirely, heading off into the woods to get her hands bloody as she often did when she could no longer control the racket inside her head. And to say they were vocal…
Your lord no longer trusts you.
What are they thinking?
Your care is not enough.
This new maid will seek to steal Melina from you.
What if Melina even likes her better?
Can you all be silent for just a MOMENT?!
Ineffectually covering her ears, Xanthippe growled and did her best to block them out, bagging a boar in her gods-inflicted rage. It silenced them for all of half an hour, but by the next morning, they were roaring in her head again, needling her nerves and reminding her of the imminent change in her life.
She’s probably prettier than you.
Smarter too.
But don’t forget she bleeds the same as you.
If she is a threat, threats can be disposed of.
Don’t think I’ve forgotten.
That afternoon saw her return to the manor, her rage suppressed for the time being as she dropped the boar in the kitchens and headed for the bathing chambers. Cleaned and scrubbed of blood and dirt, she made her way back to her ladyship’s suite of rooms, locking herself in the one she claimed as her own.
Xanthippe was… moping.
What if the gods were right and Lord Fotios really didn’t trust her any more? Hadn’t she proven herself time and time again? Why wouldn’t he trust her? But… what if he was just testing her to see what she would do? Maybe that was it! Maybe he wanted her to prove herself yet again, to reaffirm that she was cut out for this job. Yes, that’s what she would do. She would simply show him that she did not need any help. That Lady Melina was safe and sound in her charge, and hers alone. Then they could just get rid of this new girl and go on like nothing had happened.
And if that didn’t work. Well. Xanthippe had other means of ensuring this girl wouldn’t last very long.
A sound in the next room over alerted the handmaid to another’s arrival, sitting up a little straighter on her bed. Was that her? Lord Fotios had said she was arriving today, cautioning her to be friendly and show her what all the job entailed. She supposed she could fake it for a while. Long enough to find out what sort of threat this girl might really be, anyway.
Rising from her bed, she smoothed out the fabric of her charcoal chiton, straightening her posture as she exited the room. Knocking on the other’s door, she waited only a moment before entering, azure gaze impassive as it took in the newcomer. She was younger than Xanthippe had expected, which only served to make her angrier. What could this child do for Melina that Xan wasn’t capable of? Were they just deliberately trying to insult her now?
Steady. You won’t get anything you want if you act out now.
Or you could simply break her neck and be done with it.
Such dramatics would only serve to upset Lady Melina. Think of her first.
Quiet, all of you.
“Are you Sara?” she asked, her face expressionless as she questioned the girl on her identity, no sign of her internal conversation to be seen on her features. “I’m Xanthippe. I’m supposed to show you around.”
Sara was crouched to place her books on the bottom shelves, the leather bindings familiar under her fingers as she arranged them. They were not all of her books, but a fair share of the important ones. Their topics ranged although most tended to be about the various ways to grow things, a few more about the medicinal uses of plants and remedies that could be made, and fewer still were actual fiction texts. She was practical, preferring to know things of use than to escape reality. She had to come back, so what was the point?
A knock at her door, and only enough time for it to register passed before someone was coming in. The girl turned, blue gaze wide and suddenly nervous as she took in the woman before her. The other woman was pretty, blonde and cerulean-eyed with a slightly rounded jawbone and high cheekbones. She was taller than Sara by a fair amount, but Sara had always been on the shorter side of things. She hoped that she’d grown another inch or two, but that seemed less and less likely.
Are you Sara?
The brunette nodded, before remembering her manners and dropping into a bow. ”Uhm, yes.” She said from her bent position. She felt flustered, not having expected anyone to simply show up. She actually was not sure what she had expected.
“I’m Xanthippe. I’m supposed to show you around.”
Sara looked up, knowing very little about her place here but she had been told about Xanthippe. She was Lady Melina’s other handmaid. A smile curved its way onto her features, but she had not yet made a move to step forward. She straightened her posture until she was standing upright again. ”It’s nice to meet you, Xanthippe.” The girl said earnestly, hoping to draw something warmer from the expressionless woman. ”Please consider me your helpmate. I know that I am to serve the Lady Melina, but honestly...I would work as your right hand if you’d allow me that honor.”
She stepped forward then, the dark navy fabric of her chiton rustling as she stepped around her belongings. The things she had were sparse, but important. She was missing her cat, Portokali, but he was safely tucked away at the palati with Queen Theodora to take care of him. She had no idea if he would have been welcomed, unsure of her lady’s tastes. It had been safer to leave him where she knew he was welcomed.
”I’ve never been a lady’s maid before.” She admitted, laughing softly as she brushed back a piece of unruly hair. ”But I’ll do my best not to be a hindrance to you.” She added quickly, looking worried at being found incompetent already.
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Sara was crouched to place her books on the bottom shelves, the leather bindings familiar under her fingers as she arranged them. They were not all of her books, but a fair share of the important ones. Their topics ranged although most tended to be about the various ways to grow things, a few more about the medicinal uses of plants and remedies that could be made, and fewer still were actual fiction texts. She was practical, preferring to know things of use than to escape reality. She had to come back, so what was the point?
A knock at her door, and only enough time for it to register passed before someone was coming in. The girl turned, blue gaze wide and suddenly nervous as she took in the woman before her. The other woman was pretty, blonde and cerulean-eyed with a slightly rounded jawbone and high cheekbones. She was taller than Sara by a fair amount, but Sara had always been on the shorter side of things. She hoped that she’d grown another inch or two, but that seemed less and less likely.
Are you Sara?
The brunette nodded, before remembering her manners and dropping into a bow. ”Uhm, yes.” She said from her bent position. She felt flustered, not having expected anyone to simply show up. She actually was not sure what she had expected.
“I’m Xanthippe. I’m supposed to show you around.”
Sara looked up, knowing very little about her place here but she had been told about Xanthippe. She was Lady Melina’s other handmaid. A smile curved its way onto her features, but she had not yet made a move to step forward. She straightened her posture until she was standing upright again. ”It’s nice to meet you, Xanthippe.” The girl said earnestly, hoping to draw something warmer from the expressionless woman. ”Please consider me your helpmate. I know that I am to serve the Lady Melina, but honestly...I would work as your right hand if you’d allow me that honor.”
She stepped forward then, the dark navy fabric of her chiton rustling as she stepped around her belongings. The things she had were sparse, but important. She was missing her cat, Portokali, but he was safely tucked away at the palati with Queen Theodora to take care of him. She had no idea if he would have been welcomed, unsure of her lady’s tastes. It had been safer to leave him where she knew he was welcomed.
”I’ve never been a lady’s maid before.” She admitted, laughing softly as she brushed back a piece of unruly hair. ”But I’ll do my best not to be a hindrance to you.” She added quickly, looking worried at being found incompetent already.
Sara was crouched to place her books on the bottom shelves, the leather bindings familiar under her fingers as she arranged them. They were not all of her books, but a fair share of the important ones. Their topics ranged although most tended to be about the various ways to grow things, a few more about the medicinal uses of plants and remedies that could be made, and fewer still were actual fiction texts. She was practical, preferring to know things of use than to escape reality. She had to come back, so what was the point?
A knock at her door, and only enough time for it to register passed before someone was coming in. The girl turned, blue gaze wide and suddenly nervous as she took in the woman before her. The other woman was pretty, blonde and cerulean-eyed with a slightly rounded jawbone and high cheekbones. She was taller than Sara by a fair amount, but Sara had always been on the shorter side of things. She hoped that she’d grown another inch or two, but that seemed less and less likely.
Are you Sara?
The brunette nodded, before remembering her manners and dropping into a bow. ”Uhm, yes.” She said from her bent position. She felt flustered, not having expected anyone to simply show up. She actually was not sure what she had expected.
“I’m Xanthippe. I’m supposed to show you around.”
Sara looked up, knowing very little about her place here but she had been told about Xanthippe. She was Lady Melina’s other handmaid. A smile curved its way onto her features, but she had not yet made a move to step forward. She straightened her posture until she was standing upright again. ”It’s nice to meet you, Xanthippe.” The girl said earnestly, hoping to draw something warmer from the expressionless woman. ”Please consider me your helpmate. I know that I am to serve the Lady Melina, but honestly...I would work as your right hand if you’d allow me that honor.”
She stepped forward then, the dark navy fabric of her chiton rustling as she stepped around her belongings. The things she had were sparse, but important. She was missing her cat, Portokali, but he was safely tucked away at the palati with Queen Theodora to take care of him. She had no idea if he would have been welcomed, unsure of her lady’s tastes. It had been safer to leave him where she knew he was welcomed.
”I’ve never been a lady’s maid before.” She admitted, laughing softly as she brushed back a piece of unruly hair. ”But I’ll do my best not to be a hindrance to you.” She added quickly, looking worried at being found incompetent already.
Xanthippe was summarily unimpressed by the girl’s introduction, her expression carefully neutral as she drank in her words. Young, inexperienced, and full of flattery. Already, she hated her, and the insult against her grew. What did Lord Fotios think this girl could do that Xanthippe wasn’t capable of? Was it because she was sister to the king? A bastard sister, though, and one undeserving of any honor. Was this post meant as punishment or reward?
Whatever it was, Xanthippe didn’t like it. She was very jealous of her position, and she did not relish the idea of sharing it. Sara could go on and on all she liked about being her right hand, of being worthy of it, but she was having none of it. ‘But I’ll do my best not to be a hindrance to you.’ It was too late for that. She was already a hindrance, as Xanthippe would have to take time out of her day to teach her to do the things she was already capable of doing herself.
She would have to have a talk with Lord Fotios about all this.
Her only response was a noncommittal sound in the back of her throat and a nod, not deigning to speak. She would not be mean to the girl, not yet, but she didn’t want her getting any false ideas of friendship either. She was here for a job, a job she didn’t want to do. There would be little chance of any warmth on her part.
Her entire existence is an affront to you.
What were they thinking to bring her here?
Get rid of her.
For a moment, she eyed the room, taking in the scarcity of the girl’s belongings and the nature of what they contained. Books, a lot of books. Melina would like that, she thought, only just barely keeping her lip from curling. She didn’t want Melina to like this girl. Any bond they shared would only lessen the bond she and Xan shared. She didn’t like that.
“Come on, then,” she said abruptly, turning on her heel and walking out the door, not even bothering to look back to see if Sara followed. “I’ll show you around the house, let you get a feel of where everything is. I hope you have a good memory, because I don’t like to repeat myself.”
Truthfully, Xanthippe didn’t like to speak at all outside of where she had to, and this girl was about the last person she wanted to waste that energy on. She’d rather be with Melina, talking to her, not training her new maid to take her place.
Leading her down the hall, she gestured back to where they just came from. “That is Lady Melina’s suite, obviously.” Gesturing to the next set of rooms they came across, she said, “Lady Agape is here, and Lady Dafni is in the suite beside hers. Lord Fotios and Lady Eirini are further within the wing and with a much larger suite, which I’m sure is no surprise. There will be little reason for you to go there.”
More accurately, she would ensure that Sara never had a reason to be there. She may be forced to share Melina, but she would not share her lord, as well.
She only barely glanced over her shoulder, remembering belatedly she ought to let Sara speak too. Begrudgingly, she asked, “Any questions so far? Anywhere you want to see first?”
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Xanthippe was summarily unimpressed by the girl’s introduction, her expression carefully neutral as she drank in her words. Young, inexperienced, and full of flattery. Already, she hated her, and the insult against her grew. What did Lord Fotios think this girl could do that Xanthippe wasn’t capable of? Was it because she was sister to the king? A bastard sister, though, and one undeserving of any honor. Was this post meant as punishment or reward?
Whatever it was, Xanthippe didn’t like it. She was very jealous of her position, and she did not relish the idea of sharing it. Sara could go on and on all she liked about being her right hand, of being worthy of it, but she was having none of it. ‘But I’ll do my best not to be a hindrance to you.’ It was too late for that. She was already a hindrance, as Xanthippe would have to take time out of her day to teach her to do the things she was already capable of doing herself.
She would have to have a talk with Lord Fotios about all this.
Her only response was a noncommittal sound in the back of her throat and a nod, not deigning to speak. She would not be mean to the girl, not yet, but she didn’t want her getting any false ideas of friendship either. She was here for a job, a job she didn’t want to do. There would be little chance of any warmth on her part.
Her entire existence is an affront to you.
What were they thinking to bring her here?
Get rid of her.
For a moment, she eyed the room, taking in the scarcity of the girl’s belongings and the nature of what they contained. Books, a lot of books. Melina would like that, she thought, only just barely keeping her lip from curling. She didn’t want Melina to like this girl. Any bond they shared would only lessen the bond she and Xan shared. She didn’t like that.
“Come on, then,” she said abruptly, turning on her heel and walking out the door, not even bothering to look back to see if Sara followed. “I’ll show you around the house, let you get a feel of where everything is. I hope you have a good memory, because I don’t like to repeat myself.”
Truthfully, Xanthippe didn’t like to speak at all outside of where she had to, and this girl was about the last person she wanted to waste that energy on. She’d rather be with Melina, talking to her, not training her new maid to take her place.
Leading her down the hall, she gestured back to where they just came from. “That is Lady Melina’s suite, obviously.” Gesturing to the next set of rooms they came across, she said, “Lady Agape is here, and Lady Dafni is in the suite beside hers. Lord Fotios and Lady Eirini are further within the wing and with a much larger suite, which I’m sure is no surprise. There will be little reason for you to go there.”
More accurately, she would ensure that Sara never had a reason to be there. She may be forced to share Melina, but she would not share her lord, as well.
She only barely glanced over her shoulder, remembering belatedly she ought to let Sara speak too. Begrudgingly, she asked, “Any questions so far? Anywhere you want to see first?”
Xanthippe was summarily unimpressed by the girl’s introduction, her expression carefully neutral as she drank in her words. Young, inexperienced, and full of flattery. Already, she hated her, and the insult against her grew. What did Lord Fotios think this girl could do that Xanthippe wasn’t capable of? Was it because she was sister to the king? A bastard sister, though, and one undeserving of any honor. Was this post meant as punishment or reward?
Whatever it was, Xanthippe didn’t like it. She was very jealous of her position, and she did not relish the idea of sharing it. Sara could go on and on all she liked about being her right hand, of being worthy of it, but she was having none of it. ‘But I’ll do my best not to be a hindrance to you.’ It was too late for that. She was already a hindrance, as Xanthippe would have to take time out of her day to teach her to do the things she was already capable of doing herself.
She would have to have a talk with Lord Fotios about all this.
Her only response was a noncommittal sound in the back of her throat and a nod, not deigning to speak. She would not be mean to the girl, not yet, but she didn’t want her getting any false ideas of friendship either. She was here for a job, a job she didn’t want to do. There would be little chance of any warmth on her part.
Her entire existence is an affront to you.
What were they thinking to bring her here?
Get rid of her.
For a moment, she eyed the room, taking in the scarcity of the girl’s belongings and the nature of what they contained. Books, a lot of books. Melina would like that, she thought, only just barely keeping her lip from curling. She didn’t want Melina to like this girl. Any bond they shared would only lessen the bond she and Xan shared. She didn’t like that.
“Come on, then,” she said abruptly, turning on her heel and walking out the door, not even bothering to look back to see if Sara followed. “I’ll show you around the house, let you get a feel of where everything is. I hope you have a good memory, because I don’t like to repeat myself.”
Truthfully, Xanthippe didn’t like to speak at all outside of where she had to, and this girl was about the last person she wanted to waste that energy on. She’d rather be with Melina, talking to her, not training her new maid to take her place.
Leading her down the hall, she gestured back to where they just came from. “That is Lady Melina’s suite, obviously.” Gesturing to the next set of rooms they came across, she said, “Lady Agape is here, and Lady Dafni is in the suite beside hers. Lord Fotios and Lady Eirini are further within the wing and with a much larger suite, which I’m sure is no surprise. There will be little reason for you to go there.”
More accurately, she would ensure that Sara never had a reason to be there. She may be forced to share Melina, but she would not share her lord, as well.
She only barely glanced over her shoulder, remembering belatedly she ought to let Sara speak too. Begrudgingly, she asked, “Any questions so far? Anywhere you want to see first?”
Sara was not accustomed to people not liking her. It was an odd feeling that weighed on her like a fat cat sitting on her chest, watching the dead eyes of the blonde pass over her face impassively. Her hands went clammy, and she fidgeted nervously now -- although she tried to keep the smile. Maybe the other woman was not happy about having to teach her, maybe she would think Sara to be another responsibility like a child. It made the girl more determined to both do her best, and win over the woman. She would prove herself to be invaluable to Xanthippe.
Come on then. The woman said, turning on her heel to leave the room. Sara started forward, nearly stumbling over herself in her haste not to be left behind. She glanced back only once at her things in a poor state of disarray, supposing that she would have time later -- perhaps before bed, to set things to proper rights. Maybe by then she would have more of her things, brought from her mother’s house too. Meena was not exactly thrilled that her daughter had taken on the role of a glorified servant, but Sara would do anything to escape her smothering influence.
Sara tucked her hands behind her back, quietly and quickly following Xanthippe until they reached Lady Melina’s suite. Her gaze swept from room to room, hoping that she would remember all of these rooms and names. She was familiar with the Leventi’s, but not overly so. She knew more about Imma than anyone else, but this wasn’t Imma’s home. Why could she not have been assigned to her friend’s service? At least then, it would have been familiar.
She nodded, keeping her usual chatter to a minimum as she tried to feel out the other woman. ”I don’t...think so.” She said slowly, wishing she had thought to take notes. ”At least, not about the rooms.” Sara doubted that she would have a reason to be going into much of anyone’s rooms besides Melina’s. ”Do you help everyone? Or just Lady Melina?” She asked, straightening a little whenever Xan’s eyes met hers. ”I am just not sure if I should offer to help any of the other ladies?”
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Sara was not accustomed to people not liking her. It was an odd feeling that weighed on her like a fat cat sitting on her chest, watching the dead eyes of the blonde pass over her face impassively. Her hands went clammy, and she fidgeted nervously now -- although she tried to keep the smile. Maybe the other woman was not happy about having to teach her, maybe she would think Sara to be another responsibility like a child. It made the girl more determined to both do her best, and win over the woman. She would prove herself to be invaluable to Xanthippe.
Come on then. The woman said, turning on her heel to leave the room. Sara started forward, nearly stumbling over herself in her haste not to be left behind. She glanced back only once at her things in a poor state of disarray, supposing that she would have time later -- perhaps before bed, to set things to proper rights. Maybe by then she would have more of her things, brought from her mother’s house too. Meena was not exactly thrilled that her daughter had taken on the role of a glorified servant, but Sara would do anything to escape her smothering influence.
Sara tucked her hands behind her back, quietly and quickly following Xanthippe until they reached Lady Melina’s suite. Her gaze swept from room to room, hoping that she would remember all of these rooms and names. She was familiar with the Leventi’s, but not overly so. She knew more about Imma than anyone else, but this wasn’t Imma’s home. Why could she not have been assigned to her friend’s service? At least then, it would have been familiar.
She nodded, keeping her usual chatter to a minimum as she tried to feel out the other woman. ”I don’t...think so.” She said slowly, wishing she had thought to take notes. ”At least, not about the rooms.” Sara doubted that she would have a reason to be going into much of anyone’s rooms besides Melina’s. ”Do you help everyone? Or just Lady Melina?” She asked, straightening a little whenever Xan’s eyes met hers. ”I am just not sure if I should offer to help any of the other ladies?”
Sara was not accustomed to people not liking her. It was an odd feeling that weighed on her like a fat cat sitting on her chest, watching the dead eyes of the blonde pass over her face impassively. Her hands went clammy, and she fidgeted nervously now -- although she tried to keep the smile. Maybe the other woman was not happy about having to teach her, maybe she would think Sara to be another responsibility like a child. It made the girl more determined to both do her best, and win over the woman. She would prove herself to be invaluable to Xanthippe.
Come on then. The woman said, turning on her heel to leave the room. Sara started forward, nearly stumbling over herself in her haste not to be left behind. She glanced back only once at her things in a poor state of disarray, supposing that she would have time later -- perhaps before bed, to set things to proper rights. Maybe by then she would have more of her things, brought from her mother’s house too. Meena was not exactly thrilled that her daughter had taken on the role of a glorified servant, but Sara would do anything to escape her smothering influence.
Sara tucked her hands behind her back, quietly and quickly following Xanthippe until they reached Lady Melina’s suite. Her gaze swept from room to room, hoping that she would remember all of these rooms and names. She was familiar with the Leventi’s, but not overly so. She knew more about Imma than anyone else, but this wasn’t Imma’s home. Why could she not have been assigned to her friend’s service? At least then, it would have been familiar.
She nodded, keeping her usual chatter to a minimum as she tried to feel out the other woman. ”I don’t...think so.” She said slowly, wishing she had thought to take notes. ”At least, not about the rooms.” Sara doubted that she would have a reason to be going into much of anyone’s rooms besides Melina’s. ”Do you help everyone? Or just Lady Melina?” She asked, straightening a little whenever Xan’s eyes met hers. ”I am just not sure if I should offer to help any of the other ladies?”
At least this girl was quiet, which was more complimentary than anything else Xan could say about her. She wasn’t interrupting her with inane chatter or foolish questions. Hopefully, if she was forced to share her post, this trend would continue. The handmaid saw no need to fill silence with pointless words when there was nothing to say. And she didn’t want to talk to Sara any more than she had to.
“I mostly tend to Lady Melina,” was her neutral response to one of the only questions the younger woman asked. “On the rare occasion, I will assist Lady Eirini, and on even rarer occasion, the ladies Dafni and Agape. But I am primarily in Lady Melina’s service.” Why Sara couldn’t have been assigned to Agape or Dafni, she didn’t understand. Why did Melina need another retainer? Agape was kind-hearted enough, and the vain Dafni could use all the help she could get. So why Melina?
The answer is simple. You aren’t trusted.
Lord Fotios trusts me above all others. He has told me so.
He lies. Why shouldn’t he lie to you?
He would never.
She didn’t like it when the gods spoke poorly of Lord Fotios, however rare the occasion was. He was everything, didn’t they understand that? Even more so than Melina, Xanthippe would give her life for him. He was her world, and she knew he felt the same. No matter what the trickster gods might try to say.
So, as she often did when they said things she didn’t like, she ignored them and looked at Sara again. “As far as I am aware, you are assigned to Lady Melina.” Unfortunately. “If any of the others have need of you, you will be called on. You do not need to offer your help unless it is necessary.”
Leading the way back down the hall, she said, “If you don’t have any questions, come on, then. There is more to see.” The Leventi manor was vastly large, and though Sara would be spending most of her time in select areas, she still needed to be able to navigate it. Even if Xanthippe would be happier if she got lost somewhere among the wings. Or even better, fell down a flight of stairs. Wouldn’t that be lovely?
She was silent as she led Sara to the kitchen, stopping only when they reached the open-aired room. “Though we do not cook, you will often be expected to bring meals to Lady Melina. The family dines together for supper most nights, but she often takes breakfast on her own. Occasionally other meals when Lord Fotios or Lady Eirini are called away.” For a moment, she went quiet again, eyes bright with something unnamed before she went on, “Lady Melina’s favorite breakfast is goat sausage.” A lie. “Perhaps you ought to bring her that one morning. She likes surprises.”
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At least this girl was quiet, which was more complimentary than anything else Xan could say about her. She wasn’t interrupting her with inane chatter or foolish questions. Hopefully, if she was forced to share her post, this trend would continue. The handmaid saw no need to fill silence with pointless words when there was nothing to say. And she didn’t want to talk to Sara any more than she had to.
“I mostly tend to Lady Melina,” was her neutral response to one of the only questions the younger woman asked. “On the rare occasion, I will assist Lady Eirini, and on even rarer occasion, the ladies Dafni and Agape. But I am primarily in Lady Melina’s service.” Why Sara couldn’t have been assigned to Agape or Dafni, she didn’t understand. Why did Melina need another retainer? Agape was kind-hearted enough, and the vain Dafni could use all the help she could get. So why Melina?
The answer is simple. You aren’t trusted.
Lord Fotios trusts me above all others. He has told me so.
He lies. Why shouldn’t he lie to you?
He would never.
She didn’t like it when the gods spoke poorly of Lord Fotios, however rare the occasion was. He was everything, didn’t they understand that? Even more so than Melina, Xanthippe would give her life for him. He was her world, and she knew he felt the same. No matter what the trickster gods might try to say.
So, as she often did when they said things she didn’t like, she ignored them and looked at Sara again. “As far as I am aware, you are assigned to Lady Melina.” Unfortunately. “If any of the others have need of you, you will be called on. You do not need to offer your help unless it is necessary.”
Leading the way back down the hall, she said, “If you don’t have any questions, come on, then. There is more to see.” The Leventi manor was vastly large, and though Sara would be spending most of her time in select areas, she still needed to be able to navigate it. Even if Xanthippe would be happier if she got lost somewhere among the wings. Or even better, fell down a flight of stairs. Wouldn’t that be lovely?
She was silent as she led Sara to the kitchen, stopping only when they reached the open-aired room. “Though we do not cook, you will often be expected to bring meals to Lady Melina. The family dines together for supper most nights, but she often takes breakfast on her own. Occasionally other meals when Lord Fotios or Lady Eirini are called away.” For a moment, she went quiet again, eyes bright with something unnamed before she went on, “Lady Melina’s favorite breakfast is goat sausage.” A lie. “Perhaps you ought to bring her that one morning. She likes surprises.”
At least this girl was quiet, which was more complimentary than anything else Xan could say about her. She wasn’t interrupting her with inane chatter or foolish questions. Hopefully, if she was forced to share her post, this trend would continue. The handmaid saw no need to fill silence with pointless words when there was nothing to say. And she didn’t want to talk to Sara any more than she had to.
“I mostly tend to Lady Melina,” was her neutral response to one of the only questions the younger woman asked. “On the rare occasion, I will assist Lady Eirini, and on even rarer occasion, the ladies Dafni and Agape. But I am primarily in Lady Melina’s service.” Why Sara couldn’t have been assigned to Agape or Dafni, she didn’t understand. Why did Melina need another retainer? Agape was kind-hearted enough, and the vain Dafni could use all the help she could get. So why Melina?
The answer is simple. You aren’t trusted.
Lord Fotios trusts me above all others. He has told me so.
He lies. Why shouldn’t he lie to you?
He would never.
She didn’t like it when the gods spoke poorly of Lord Fotios, however rare the occasion was. He was everything, didn’t they understand that? Even more so than Melina, Xanthippe would give her life for him. He was her world, and she knew he felt the same. No matter what the trickster gods might try to say.
So, as she often did when they said things she didn’t like, she ignored them and looked at Sara again. “As far as I am aware, you are assigned to Lady Melina.” Unfortunately. “If any of the others have need of you, you will be called on. You do not need to offer your help unless it is necessary.”
Leading the way back down the hall, she said, “If you don’t have any questions, come on, then. There is more to see.” The Leventi manor was vastly large, and though Sara would be spending most of her time in select areas, she still needed to be able to navigate it. Even if Xanthippe would be happier if she got lost somewhere among the wings. Or even better, fell down a flight of stairs. Wouldn’t that be lovely?
She was silent as she led Sara to the kitchen, stopping only when they reached the open-aired room. “Though we do not cook, you will often be expected to bring meals to Lady Melina. The family dines together for supper most nights, but she often takes breakfast on her own. Occasionally other meals when Lord Fotios or Lady Eirini are called away.” For a moment, she went quiet again, eyes bright with something unnamed before she went on, “Lady Melina’s favorite breakfast is goat sausage.” A lie. “Perhaps you ought to bring her that one morning. She likes surprises.”
Sara wished that she had thought to bring one of her journals. Usually filled with the names of plants, the recipes for the remedies that she made and other little notes (namely scribbles with Alastor’s name on them...embarrassingly enough), she thought it could have been helpful now with all of the small details that she needed to know. It sounded like being a lady’s maid was going to be equal parts challenging and easy, at least until she got the hang of things. She kept just behind Xanthippe, not wanting to get into the older woman’s way.
There was also something less...intimidating about the woman when she was not facing Sara directly. There was an unease sliding through her, her usual charms doing nothing to soften her mentor at all. Then she would work all the hard, her resolve firm. She could do it. She could win Xanthippe over. Although, if her fellow servant was this way...it made her all the more curious about their shared responsibility. Was Melina also going to be so standoffish and cold? She wondered, worried about what she was going to do if that were the case.
They made their way to the kitchens, and Sara felt something akin to relief. Kitchens and gardens were something familiar to her at least. They all tended to be laid out in the same way, or at least similar enough that it wasn’t confusing. It was comforting to say the least. She let the silence stretch on, breathing in the smell of warm things cooking until Xanthippe began to speak again. Meals. Breakfast. Surprises.
Sara nodded eagerly, happy to see the first kernels of kindness beginning to sprout.]”Oh yes, I will remember that. Thank you.” She nodded, blue gaze shining. She had no qualms at all about working her way into her new lady’s good graces. There was not the slightest hint in the girl that she thought she might be being misled, utterly trusting of her new partner.
The girl rocked on her heels, her hands tucked carefully behind her back. “How long have you been in Lady Melina’s service?” She asked then, brows raised in curiosity. “You seem so young, but you obviously know a lot about the household.”
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Sara wished that she had thought to bring one of her journals. Usually filled with the names of plants, the recipes for the remedies that she made and other little notes (namely scribbles with Alastor’s name on them...embarrassingly enough), she thought it could have been helpful now with all of the small details that she needed to know. It sounded like being a lady’s maid was going to be equal parts challenging and easy, at least until she got the hang of things. She kept just behind Xanthippe, not wanting to get into the older woman’s way.
There was also something less...intimidating about the woman when she was not facing Sara directly. There was an unease sliding through her, her usual charms doing nothing to soften her mentor at all. Then she would work all the hard, her resolve firm. She could do it. She could win Xanthippe over. Although, if her fellow servant was this way...it made her all the more curious about their shared responsibility. Was Melina also going to be so standoffish and cold? She wondered, worried about what she was going to do if that were the case.
They made their way to the kitchens, and Sara felt something akin to relief. Kitchens and gardens were something familiar to her at least. They all tended to be laid out in the same way, or at least similar enough that it wasn’t confusing. It was comforting to say the least. She let the silence stretch on, breathing in the smell of warm things cooking until Xanthippe began to speak again. Meals. Breakfast. Surprises.
Sara nodded eagerly, happy to see the first kernels of kindness beginning to sprout.]”Oh yes, I will remember that. Thank you.” She nodded, blue gaze shining. She had no qualms at all about working her way into her new lady’s good graces. There was not the slightest hint in the girl that she thought she might be being misled, utterly trusting of her new partner.
The girl rocked on her heels, her hands tucked carefully behind her back. “How long have you been in Lady Melina’s service?” She asked then, brows raised in curiosity. “You seem so young, but you obviously know a lot about the household.”
Sara wished that she had thought to bring one of her journals. Usually filled with the names of plants, the recipes for the remedies that she made and other little notes (namely scribbles with Alastor’s name on them...embarrassingly enough), she thought it could have been helpful now with all of the small details that she needed to know. It sounded like being a lady’s maid was going to be equal parts challenging and easy, at least until she got the hang of things. She kept just behind Xanthippe, not wanting to get into the older woman’s way.
There was also something less...intimidating about the woman when she was not facing Sara directly. There was an unease sliding through her, her usual charms doing nothing to soften her mentor at all. Then she would work all the hard, her resolve firm. She could do it. She could win Xanthippe over. Although, if her fellow servant was this way...it made her all the more curious about their shared responsibility. Was Melina also going to be so standoffish and cold? She wondered, worried about what she was going to do if that were the case.
They made their way to the kitchens, and Sara felt something akin to relief. Kitchens and gardens were something familiar to her at least. They all tended to be laid out in the same way, or at least similar enough that it wasn’t confusing. It was comforting to say the least. She let the silence stretch on, breathing in the smell of warm things cooking until Xanthippe began to speak again. Meals. Breakfast. Surprises.
Sara nodded eagerly, happy to see the first kernels of kindness beginning to sprout.]”Oh yes, I will remember that. Thank you.” She nodded, blue gaze shining. She had no qualms at all about working her way into her new lady’s good graces. There was not the slightest hint in the girl that she thought she might be being misled, utterly trusting of her new partner.
The girl rocked on her heels, her hands tucked carefully behind her back. “How long have you been in Lady Melina’s service?” She asked then, brows raised in curiosity. “You seem so young, but you obviously know a lot about the household.”
It was clear the girl believed her, and that was good. A trusting idiot was far more preferable to a suspicious one. If Xanthippe could get her to believe more lies, she could have her out of Melina’s service in an instant. Melina would never want to keep someone around who did the job so poorly, nor would she ever believe that Xan was the one to misdirect the other in the first place. Her lady trusted her implicitly. If she told her that she wasn’t responsible, that was that. Surely she would never believe this newcomer over her.
But she would have to be subtle. She could not feed her all lies, or suspicions would be raised, no matter what she said. Sprinkling lies among truth was the best way to go to give herself the benefit of the doubt. She would just have to be selective about which lies she told. Good thing she’d been raised to lie practically since birth.
Speaking of… “I have been here even longer than Lady Melina,” was her response to Sara’s question. Which was true—Xanthippe had been in the household before Agape was even born, though not by much. It was part of why she considered herself a rightful member of the household, why she viewed Eirini and Fotios as her own parents. They had raised her nearly as one of their children. “Longer than Lady Agape, as well. Lord Fotios took me in as a baby. I’ve known nothing else.” All she knew was that she was the orphan of a whore and a man she couldn’t name, but her birth parents didn’t matter. They were inconsequential compared to those who reared her.
“I started attending Lady Melina when I was fourteen. So, eleven years.” It was why she was so offended that Lord Fotios brought Sara on as another retainer. She had been doing the job this long without the need for assistance, why now? What had happened that he would suddenly feel the need to assign his daughter another retainer?
We told you he doesn’t trust you.
And I told you that isn’t true!
What other reason could there be?
There has to be something!
The gods were truly trying to vex her today, weren’t they? Wasn’t it enough that she had to surrender precious time to training this useless girl? Why must they interfere, as well? Xanthippe didn’t offer any questions in return to Sara to further their conversation; she didn’t want the girl too encouraged. The handmaid preferred to work in silence, unless that silence was filled by Lady Melina. She did not need the inane chatter of a teenage girl filling her ears, particularly when she didn’t care a bit what she had to say. All she was focused on was finding a way to get rid of her.
“Come on. We still have other things to see.”
Not waiting to see if Sara followed, Xanthippe led her outside to the gardens beyond and gestured toward the falling blooms. “Here are the gardens,” she stated, somewhat unnecessarily. “Lady Melina enjoys flowers. You will probably spend a lot of time here.” There, a truth mixed with her lie. It was much to Xanthippe’s frustration that Melina liked the flowers so much; the handmaid did not see much use for them. But it made Melina happy, and that’s what mattered.
Turning toward Sara, her gaze narrowed a little, and she thought perhaps she would question her some. Just to satiate her own curiosity, perhaps bring some sense to why this girl was here. “How did you get this job?” she asked a little too bluntly. Xan wanted to know, after all, and maybe Sara herself would know why, if Fotios did not indeed have some hidden motive. “Is it because you’re the king’s sister? Because he married Lady Theodora? I’m surprised you weren’t sent to attend her, if that’s the case.” Maybe a little offensive, but Xan didn’t care. The girl was a bastard, and that was likely why she wasn’t with the Queen, but was she really worthy of being here, either? Since when did the Leventi require nameless bastards to attend them?
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It was clear the girl believed her, and that was good. A trusting idiot was far more preferable to a suspicious one. If Xanthippe could get her to believe more lies, she could have her out of Melina’s service in an instant. Melina would never want to keep someone around who did the job so poorly, nor would she ever believe that Xan was the one to misdirect the other in the first place. Her lady trusted her implicitly. If she told her that she wasn’t responsible, that was that. Surely she would never believe this newcomer over her.
But she would have to be subtle. She could not feed her all lies, or suspicions would be raised, no matter what she said. Sprinkling lies among truth was the best way to go to give herself the benefit of the doubt. She would just have to be selective about which lies she told. Good thing she’d been raised to lie practically since birth.
Speaking of… “I have been here even longer than Lady Melina,” was her response to Sara’s question. Which was true—Xanthippe had been in the household before Agape was even born, though not by much. It was part of why she considered herself a rightful member of the household, why she viewed Eirini and Fotios as her own parents. They had raised her nearly as one of their children. “Longer than Lady Agape, as well. Lord Fotios took me in as a baby. I’ve known nothing else.” All she knew was that she was the orphan of a whore and a man she couldn’t name, but her birth parents didn’t matter. They were inconsequential compared to those who reared her.
“I started attending Lady Melina when I was fourteen. So, eleven years.” It was why she was so offended that Lord Fotios brought Sara on as another retainer. She had been doing the job this long without the need for assistance, why now? What had happened that he would suddenly feel the need to assign his daughter another retainer?
We told you he doesn’t trust you.
And I told you that isn’t true!
What other reason could there be?
There has to be something!
The gods were truly trying to vex her today, weren’t they? Wasn’t it enough that she had to surrender precious time to training this useless girl? Why must they interfere, as well? Xanthippe didn’t offer any questions in return to Sara to further their conversation; she didn’t want the girl too encouraged. The handmaid preferred to work in silence, unless that silence was filled by Lady Melina. She did not need the inane chatter of a teenage girl filling her ears, particularly when she didn’t care a bit what she had to say. All she was focused on was finding a way to get rid of her.
“Come on. We still have other things to see.”
Not waiting to see if Sara followed, Xanthippe led her outside to the gardens beyond and gestured toward the falling blooms. “Here are the gardens,” she stated, somewhat unnecessarily. “Lady Melina enjoys flowers. You will probably spend a lot of time here.” There, a truth mixed with her lie. It was much to Xanthippe’s frustration that Melina liked the flowers so much; the handmaid did not see much use for them. But it made Melina happy, and that’s what mattered.
Turning toward Sara, her gaze narrowed a little, and she thought perhaps she would question her some. Just to satiate her own curiosity, perhaps bring some sense to why this girl was here. “How did you get this job?” she asked a little too bluntly. Xan wanted to know, after all, and maybe Sara herself would know why, if Fotios did not indeed have some hidden motive. “Is it because you’re the king’s sister? Because he married Lady Theodora? I’m surprised you weren’t sent to attend her, if that’s the case.” Maybe a little offensive, but Xan didn’t care. The girl was a bastard, and that was likely why she wasn’t with the Queen, but was she really worthy of being here, either? Since when did the Leventi require nameless bastards to attend them?
It was clear the girl believed her, and that was good. A trusting idiot was far more preferable to a suspicious one. If Xanthippe could get her to believe more lies, she could have her out of Melina’s service in an instant. Melina would never want to keep someone around who did the job so poorly, nor would she ever believe that Xan was the one to misdirect the other in the first place. Her lady trusted her implicitly. If she told her that she wasn’t responsible, that was that. Surely she would never believe this newcomer over her.
But she would have to be subtle. She could not feed her all lies, or suspicions would be raised, no matter what she said. Sprinkling lies among truth was the best way to go to give herself the benefit of the doubt. She would just have to be selective about which lies she told. Good thing she’d been raised to lie practically since birth.
Speaking of… “I have been here even longer than Lady Melina,” was her response to Sara’s question. Which was true—Xanthippe had been in the household before Agape was even born, though not by much. It was part of why she considered herself a rightful member of the household, why she viewed Eirini and Fotios as her own parents. They had raised her nearly as one of their children. “Longer than Lady Agape, as well. Lord Fotios took me in as a baby. I’ve known nothing else.” All she knew was that she was the orphan of a whore and a man she couldn’t name, but her birth parents didn’t matter. They were inconsequential compared to those who reared her.
“I started attending Lady Melina when I was fourteen. So, eleven years.” It was why she was so offended that Lord Fotios brought Sara on as another retainer. She had been doing the job this long without the need for assistance, why now? What had happened that he would suddenly feel the need to assign his daughter another retainer?
We told you he doesn’t trust you.
And I told you that isn’t true!
What other reason could there be?
There has to be something!
The gods were truly trying to vex her today, weren’t they? Wasn’t it enough that she had to surrender precious time to training this useless girl? Why must they interfere, as well? Xanthippe didn’t offer any questions in return to Sara to further their conversation; she didn’t want the girl too encouraged. The handmaid preferred to work in silence, unless that silence was filled by Lady Melina. She did not need the inane chatter of a teenage girl filling her ears, particularly when she didn’t care a bit what she had to say. All she was focused on was finding a way to get rid of her.
“Come on. We still have other things to see.”
Not waiting to see if Sara followed, Xanthippe led her outside to the gardens beyond and gestured toward the falling blooms. “Here are the gardens,” she stated, somewhat unnecessarily. “Lady Melina enjoys flowers. You will probably spend a lot of time here.” There, a truth mixed with her lie. It was much to Xanthippe’s frustration that Melina liked the flowers so much; the handmaid did not see much use for them. But it made Melina happy, and that’s what mattered.
Turning toward Sara, her gaze narrowed a little, and she thought perhaps she would question her some. Just to satiate her own curiosity, perhaps bring some sense to why this girl was here. “How did you get this job?” she asked a little too bluntly. Xan wanted to know, after all, and maybe Sara herself would know why, if Fotios did not indeed have some hidden motive. “Is it because you’re the king’s sister? Because he married Lady Theodora? I’m surprised you weren’t sent to attend her, if that’s the case.” Maybe a little offensive, but Xan didn’t care. The girl was a bastard, and that was likely why she wasn’t with the Queen, but was she really worthy of being here, either? Since when did the Leventi require nameless bastards to attend them?
Sara was quite thoroughly impressed with the blonde woman even if she couldn’t see what a dirty, rotten liar she was. ”Wow.” She murmured. ”That was incredibly generous of them. You’ve been blessed by the gods, for certain.” She had no idea how close to the mark that statement would be. ”You and Lady Melina must be very close then?”
She followed Xan out into the gardens, trying to keep her thoughts solely on the task in front of her. But it was hard not to think about other things, like...Alastor. She wondered if she would be permitted to invite him here, or Tasia! It would be so nice to invite her sister for a visit. She wanted to ask the other woman if such a thing would be permitted, but it was too soon. She had to get things settled, it was only her first day here and she did not want to seem too forward or greedy.
The brunette followed dutifully out to the gardens, grinning at the site of them. They were pretty, not practical. The rows of blooming flowers were curated to be pleasant to the senses, a garden of pleasantries rather than necessity. Sara wondered if the family might permit her a place to start her own gardens again. Another question for another day. She smiled. ”Everything looks beautiful.” She said cheerfully, nodding. ”I don’t think I’ll mind spending time here at all.”
Her brows crept up at the blunt questioning, the first seeds of doubt being sown. Was Xanthippe upset to have her here? Was she not...a welcome addition? Doubt flickered in her eyes, before she tugged at her hair nervously. ”Well, I…” She cleared her throat, busying her hands with her dress before bringing them together. ”My brother Emilios actually.” She glanced away, wishing she had more confidence. ”I don’t know why I was sent here, but I was..and I’ll make the best of it.”
She straightened a little, squaring her shoulders and lifting her chin. ”My relationship with my brothers is complicated, at best. Since my father died, there are those at court that don’t wish for me or my sister to be there so...I’m doing what I can. I just want to work, and be able to be close to my family.”
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Sara was quite thoroughly impressed with the blonde woman even if she couldn’t see what a dirty, rotten liar she was. ”Wow.” She murmured. ”That was incredibly generous of them. You’ve been blessed by the gods, for certain.” She had no idea how close to the mark that statement would be. ”You and Lady Melina must be very close then?”
She followed Xan out into the gardens, trying to keep her thoughts solely on the task in front of her. But it was hard not to think about other things, like...Alastor. She wondered if she would be permitted to invite him here, or Tasia! It would be so nice to invite her sister for a visit. She wanted to ask the other woman if such a thing would be permitted, but it was too soon. She had to get things settled, it was only her first day here and she did not want to seem too forward or greedy.
The brunette followed dutifully out to the gardens, grinning at the site of them. They were pretty, not practical. The rows of blooming flowers were curated to be pleasant to the senses, a garden of pleasantries rather than necessity. Sara wondered if the family might permit her a place to start her own gardens again. Another question for another day. She smiled. ”Everything looks beautiful.” She said cheerfully, nodding. ”I don’t think I’ll mind spending time here at all.”
Her brows crept up at the blunt questioning, the first seeds of doubt being sown. Was Xanthippe upset to have her here? Was she not...a welcome addition? Doubt flickered in her eyes, before she tugged at her hair nervously. ”Well, I…” She cleared her throat, busying her hands with her dress before bringing them together. ”My brother Emilios actually.” She glanced away, wishing she had more confidence. ”I don’t know why I was sent here, but I was..and I’ll make the best of it.”
She straightened a little, squaring her shoulders and lifting her chin. ”My relationship with my brothers is complicated, at best. Since my father died, there are those at court that don’t wish for me or my sister to be there so...I’m doing what I can. I just want to work, and be able to be close to my family.”
Sara was quite thoroughly impressed with the blonde woman even if she couldn’t see what a dirty, rotten liar she was. ”Wow.” She murmured. ”That was incredibly generous of them. You’ve been blessed by the gods, for certain.” She had no idea how close to the mark that statement would be. ”You and Lady Melina must be very close then?”
She followed Xan out into the gardens, trying to keep her thoughts solely on the task in front of her. But it was hard not to think about other things, like...Alastor. She wondered if she would be permitted to invite him here, or Tasia! It would be so nice to invite her sister for a visit. She wanted to ask the other woman if such a thing would be permitted, but it was too soon. She had to get things settled, it was only her first day here and she did not want to seem too forward or greedy.
The brunette followed dutifully out to the gardens, grinning at the site of them. They were pretty, not practical. The rows of blooming flowers were curated to be pleasant to the senses, a garden of pleasantries rather than necessity. Sara wondered if the family might permit her a place to start her own gardens again. Another question for another day. She smiled. ”Everything looks beautiful.” She said cheerfully, nodding. ”I don’t think I’ll mind spending time here at all.”
Her brows crept up at the blunt questioning, the first seeds of doubt being sown. Was Xanthippe upset to have her here? Was she not...a welcome addition? Doubt flickered in her eyes, before she tugged at her hair nervously. ”Well, I…” She cleared her throat, busying her hands with her dress before bringing them together. ”My brother Emilios actually.” She glanced away, wishing she had more confidence. ”I don’t know why I was sent here, but I was..and I’ll make the best of it.”
She straightened a little, squaring her shoulders and lifting her chin. ”My relationship with my brothers is complicated, at best. Since my father died, there are those at court that don’t wish for me or my sister to be there so...I’m doing what I can. I just want to work, and be able to be close to my family.”
‘You’ve been blessed by the gods, for certain.’
“You could say that.” Xanthippe knew it to be true, though she doubted this girl meant it as anything but a platitude. The only other person who knew of her blessing was Lord Fotios himself, and she doubted he would have any reason to tell Sara about it. “I was very fortunate his lordship took pity on me. I have a better life here than I would have had anywhere else.”
Sara then asked if she and Melina were close, and the handmaid gave a single nod. “Yes.” She didn’t elaborate or go into any detail, simply agreeing and falling silent. They were close, and Sara could not hope to find that same level of attachment to their mistress, not in her wildest dreams. Their bond was far deeper than a normal lady and her servant, and that was intentional. While she certainly held a genuine love and affection for Melina, it also served her well to keep another of the Leventi so close to her, particularly one who was so… suggestible.
She didn’t speak again until they were in the gardens and she began to pose her own questions, though she was seemingly unsatisfied by the answers they received. So, Prince Emilios was the reason for this. But why? Didn’t he have a cousin he could place her with? Why here? And why had Fotios agreed to it?
We keep telling you why, but you won’t listen.
Because you lie.
We have never lied to you.
Another lie.
Unmoved by the young woman’s desire to ‘work and be close to her family,’ Xan simply made a noncommittal sound in response and nodded. Whatever. She could go be close to her family somewhere else. There were other noble daughters who could take on another useless retainer, even other Leventis, if she was so intent on this family in particular. All Xan cared about was getting her away from her Leventi.
“Do you have any skills?” she asked in an abrupt change of topic, glancing sidelong at the girl beside her. “Do you know how to sew? How to balance another person’s schedule? How to cook or mend an injury or do another’s hair?” Really, she needed to know just how useless Sara was, and how much she would end up having to teach her.
“I just want to ensure your brother hasn’t sent you into a position that might be over your head.” She tried her best to sound sympathetic, but she wasn’t sure how successful she was. Normally, she was better at pretending, but this was not a situation she’d ever found herself in before, and her possessiveness was warring with the practical need to remain an unthreatening figure. How could she smile and act like nothing was wrong, when this whole situation was wrong?
You’ll give yourself away if you don’t calm your anger.
Yeah, no shit.
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‘You’ve been blessed by the gods, for certain.’
“You could say that.” Xanthippe knew it to be true, though she doubted this girl meant it as anything but a platitude. The only other person who knew of her blessing was Lord Fotios himself, and she doubted he would have any reason to tell Sara about it. “I was very fortunate his lordship took pity on me. I have a better life here than I would have had anywhere else.”
Sara then asked if she and Melina were close, and the handmaid gave a single nod. “Yes.” She didn’t elaborate or go into any detail, simply agreeing and falling silent. They were close, and Sara could not hope to find that same level of attachment to their mistress, not in her wildest dreams. Their bond was far deeper than a normal lady and her servant, and that was intentional. While she certainly held a genuine love and affection for Melina, it also served her well to keep another of the Leventi so close to her, particularly one who was so… suggestible.
She didn’t speak again until they were in the gardens and she began to pose her own questions, though she was seemingly unsatisfied by the answers they received. So, Prince Emilios was the reason for this. But why? Didn’t he have a cousin he could place her with? Why here? And why had Fotios agreed to it?
We keep telling you why, but you won’t listen.
Because you lie.
We have never lied to you.
Another lie.
Unmoved by the young woman’s desire to ‘work and be close to her family,’ Xan simply made a noncommittal sound in response and nodded. Whatever. She could go be close to her family somewhere else. There were other noble daughters who could take on another useless retainer, even other Leventis, if she was so intent on this family in particular. All Xan cared about was getting her away from her Leventi.
“Do you have any skills?” she asked in an abrupt change of topic, glancing sidelong at the girl beside her. “Do you know how to sew? How to balance another person’s schedule? How to cook or mend an injury or do another’s hair?” Really, she needed to know just how useless Sara was, and how much she would end up having to teach her.
“I just want to ensure your brother hasn’t sent you into a position that might be over your head.” She tried her best to sound sympathetic, but she wasn’t sure how successful she was. Normally, she was better at pretending, but this was not a situation she’d ever found herself in before, and her possessiveness was warring with the practical need to remain an unthreatening figure. How could she smile and act like nothing was wrong, when this whole situation was wrong?
You’ll give yourself away if you don’t calm your anger.
Yeah, no shit.
‘You’ve been blessed by the gods, for certain.’
“You could say that.” Xanthippe knew it to be true, though she doubted this girl meant it as anything but a platitude. The only other person who knew of her blessing was Lord Fotios himself, and she doubted he would have any reason to tell Sara about it. “I was very fortunate his lordship took pity on me. I have a better life here than I would have had anywhere else.”
Sara then asked if she and Melina were close, and the handmaid gave a single nod. “Yes.” She didn’t elaborate or go into any detail, simply agreeing and falling silent. They were close, and Sara could not hope to find that same level of attachment to their mistress, not in her wildest dreams. Their bond was far deeper than a normal lady and her servant, and that was intentional. While she certainly held a genuine love and affection for Melina, it also served her well to keep another of the Leventi so close to her, particularly one who was so… suggestible.
She didn’t speak again until they were in the gardens and she began to pose her own questions, though she was seemingly unsatisfied by the answers they received. So, Prince Emilios was the reason for this. But why? Didn’t he have a cousin he could place her with? Why here? And why had Fotios agreed to it?
We keep telling you why, but you won’t listen.
Because you lie.
We have never lied to you.
Another lie.
Unmoved by the young woman’s desire to ‘work and be close to her family,’ Xan simply made a noncommittal sound in response and nodded. Whatever. She could go be close to her family somewhere else. There were other noble daughters who could take on another useless retainer, even other Leventis, if she was so intent on this family in particular. All Xan cared about was getting her away from her Leventi.
“Do you have any skills?” she asked in an abrupt change of topic, glancing sidelong at the girl beside her. “Do you know how to sew? How to balance another person’s schedule? How to cook or mend an injury or do another’s hair?” Really, she needed to know just how useless Sara was, and how much she would end up having to teach her.
“I just want to ensure your brother hasn’t sent you into a position that might be over your head.” She tried her best to sound sympathetic, but she wasn’t sure how successful she was. Normally, she was better at pretending, but this was not a situation she’d ever found herself in before, and her possessiveness was warring with the practical need to remain an unthreatening figure. How could she smile and act like nothing was wrong, when this whole situation was wrong?
You’ll give yourself away if you don’t calm your anger.
Yeah, no shit.
A rush of embarrassment came over her. Sara was not accustomed to strongly sharing her feelings about much of anything, let alone with someone that she’d only just met. The urge to apologize for being short with the other woman rose like the tide, but she pushed it down. No, she had to stand her ground somewhere. Even if it was unsteady. It didn’t seem to have bothered Xanthippe, however, as the woman made a non-committal sound and nodded before moving on. It was a rapid fire interrogation, and with each one she felt herself shrink a little more.
”I suppose it depends.” She admitted, dropping her gaze to the floor. She shuffled her feet, twisting her hands nervously behind her back. ”I can sew, but I’m not the best at it.” She rather hated sewing actually. She had no patience or talent for it, and could repair on the smallest of tears. She had no idea how to tackle anything particularly grand or elegant, used to having her own servants for such things. ”I can’t say I’ve ever tried...to balance a schedule?” She rocked on her heels, the hem of her chiton swinging.
Handling tasks like the ones Xanthippe was laying out had been beneath her up until recently, not necessarily on a personal level but the things that her mother would or would not allow her to do as the daughter of the late Irakles. She had always been looked down upon, but ultimately it didn’t matter so long as she had kept her standing -- which had of course, disappeared as soon as her father had hit the floor on the day of Achilleas’ wedding.
She ran a hand up to her hair, tucking a dark strand behind her ear. ”I would sometimes help my sister with her hair and I can make very simple things in the kitchen, but I am fairly useful with small injuries and the like. I used to keep a garden at home and would grow my own herbs for remedies. I still have a few jars of a healing balm, if you’d like to see.” Her blue gaze traveled from the floor back to the blonde standing just a few feet away.
”It might be over my head.” She admitted. ”But I will do my best not to be a hindrance. I will work hard and show everyone that I can be just as good as you are!” She set her jaw as she spoke, promising it in her heart as well as aloud. She would work hard to become the very best, like no one ever was.
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A rush of embarrassment came over her. Sara was not accustomed to strongly sharing her feelings about much of anything, let alone with someone that she’d only just met. The urge to apologize for being short with the other woman rose like the tide, but she pushed it down. No, she had to stand her ground somewhere. Even if it was unsteady. It didn’t seem to have bothered Xanthippe, however, as the woman made a non-committal sound and nodded before moving on. It was a rapid fire interrogation, and with each one she felt herself shrink a little more.
”I suppose it depends.” She admitted, dropping her gaze to the floor. She shuffled her feet, twisting her hands nervously behind her back. ”I can sew, but I’m not the best at it.” She rather hated sewing actually. She had no patience or talent for it, and could repair on the smallest of tears. She had no idea how to tackle anything particularly grand or elegant, used to having her own servants for such things. ”I can’t say I’ve ever tried...to balance a schedule?” She rocked on her heels, the hem of her chiton swinging.
Handling tasks like the ones Xanthippe was laying out had been beneath her up until recently, not necessarily on a personal level but the things that her mother would or would not allow her to do as the daughter of the late Irakles. She had always been looked down upon, but ultimately it didn’t matter so long as she had kept her standing -- which had of course, disappeared as soon as her father had hit the floor on the day of Achilleas’ wedding.
She ran a hand up to her hair, tucking a dark strand behind her ear. ”I would sometimes help my sister with her hair and I can make very simple things in the kitchen, but I am fairly useful with small injuries and the like. I used to keep a garden at home and would grow my own herbs for remedies. I still have a few jars of a healing balm, if you’d like to see.” Her blue gaze traveled from the floor back to the blonde standing just a few feet away.
”It might be over my head.” She admitted. ”But I will do my best not to be a hindrance. I will work hard and show everyone that I can be just as good as you are!” She set her jaw as she spoke, promising it in her heart as well as aloud. She would work hard to become the very best, like no one ever was.
A rush of embarrassment came over her. Sara was not accustomed to strongly sharing her feelings about much of anything, let alone with someone that she’d only just met. The urge to apologize for being short with the other woman rose like the tide, but she pushed it down. No, she had to stand her ground somewhere. Even if it was unsteady. It didn’t seem to have bothered Xanthippe, however, as the woman made a non-committal sound and nodded before moving on. It was a rapid fire interrogation, and with each one she felt herself shrink a little more.
”I suppose it depends.” She admitted, dropping her gaze to the floor. She shuffled her feet, twisting her hands nervously behind her back. ”I can sew, but I’m not the best at it.” She rather hated sewing actually. She had no patience or talent for it, and could repair on the smallest of tears. She had no idea how to tackle anything particularly grand or elegant, used to having her own servants for such things. ”I can’t say I’ve ever tried...to balance a schedule?” She rocked on her heels, the hem of her chiton swinging.
Handling tasks like the ones Xanthippe was laying out had been beneath her up until recently, not necessarily on a personal level but the things that her mother would or would not allow her to do as the daughter of the late Irakles. She had always been looked down upon, but ultimately it didn’t matter so long as she had kept her standing -- which had of course, disappeared as soon as her father had hit the floor on the day of Achilleas’ wedding.
She ran a hand up to her hair, tucking a dark strand behind her ear. ”I would sometimes help my sister with her hair and I can make very simple things in the kitchen, but I am fairly useful with small injuries and the like. I used to keep a garden at home and would grow my own herbs for remedies. I still have a few jars of a healing balm, if you’d like to see.” Her blue gaze traveled from the floor back to the blonde standing just a few feet away.
”It might be over my head.” She admitted. ”But I will do my best not to be a hindrance. I will work hard and show everyone that I can be just as good as you are!” She set her jaw as she spoke, promising it in her heart as well as aloud. She would work hard to become the very best, like no one ever was.
“My lady you really must allow the gardeners to be the ones to prune and arrange the flowers.” One of the old housemaids chastised Melina as she bandaged her hand. Melina stared at the ceiling, refusing to look at the blood that she had shed when her grip slipped on the blade. “You enjoy reading, do you not? Perhaps it’s best you stick with that.”
“Yes, yes,” Melina replied, a forced smile on her face. Why? Because I’m not good at this? This is just another thing I mess up?
“Really, my lady, you are quite clumsy. And with your aversion to blood you are tempting the fates when you hold that blade,” She continued to tsk at Melina, oblivious to the fact that this was the last thing Melina wanted to hear right now.
“Mmm,” Melina merely said, while in her head she was thinking bitch. Where was Xan? Xan wouldn’t be so rude to her.
I will work hard and show everyone that I can be just as good as you are! The voice was bright, chipper, and completely out of character to anyone she had heard at the Leventi home before (Well… perhaps beside Imma). Melina’s eyes flickered to the source, seeing Xan walking with a girl. Melina was surprised for a moment. Xan wasn’t the type for vis- Oh right! Sara!
“That would be all,” Melina said suddenly taking her bandaged hand away from the woman.
“My lady, I must in-” She cut herself off. Melina liked to think it was the look of her face that did just that. What Melina failed to notice was how her gaze had followed her’s to find Xan as she walked the gardens. A “Very well,” quickly followed.
Melina gathered her blade and the picked roses from a table and hurried over to the pair. “Xan!” Melina said quickly, the forced smile turning to something much more genuine. “And you must be Sara! I’m so excited to meet you!”
In truth Melina was nervous. She wasn’t used to anyone but Xan on her service. Occasionally others might help, but it was Xan who was her handmaiden. She didn’t know what to think- and was in truth afraid Sara might be just like the other maids and servants that walked the halls that Melina had to pretend not to notice when they gossiped and insulted her and her family.
“A rose for each of you. Careful of the thorns.” Melina said brightly, passing the flower to the pair, masking the nerves that were bubbling in her stomach. “Did Xan give you the tour? Did she show you your accommodations? I hope they are amenable. Mama prides herself on the look and feel of our home. Even slaves find their lodgings to be better than handmaidens of other homes. At least that’s what mama says.” Was that awkward or rude? Wait- did she just call Sara a slave? “Not that you’re a slave!” Melina corrected quickly, before casting a nervous glance at Xan.
“Anyway…” Melina cleared her throat nervously. “I’m Melina. I supposed I should have started with that.”
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“My lady you really must allow the gardeners to be the ones to prune and arrange the flowers.” One of the old housemaids chastised Melina as she bandaged her hand. Melina stared at the ceiling, refusing to look at the blood that she had shed when her grip slipped on the blade. “You enjoy reading, do you not? Perhaps it’s best you stick with that.”
“Yes, yes,” Melina replied, a forced smile on her face. Why? Because I’m not good at this? This is just another thing I mess up?
“Really, my lady, you are quite clumsy. And with your aversion to blood you are tempting the fates when you hold that blade,” She continued to tsk at Melina, oblivious to the fact that this was the last thing Melina wanted to hear right now.
“Mmm,” Melina merely said, while in her head she was thinking bitch. Where was Xan? Xan wouldn’t be so rude to her.
I will work hard and show everyone that I can be just as good as you are! The voice was bright, chipper, and completely out of character to anyone she had heard at the Leventi home before (Well… perhaps beside Imma). Melina’s eyes flickered to the source, seeing Xan walking with a girl. Melina was surprised for a moment. Xan wasn’t the type for vis- Oh right! Sara!
“That would be all,” Melina said suddenly taking her bandaged hand away from the woman.
“My lady, I must in-” She cut herself off. Melina liked to think it was the look of her face that did just that. What Melina failed to notice was how her gaze had followed her’s to find Xan as she walked the gardens. A “Very well,” quickly followed.
Melina gathered her blade and the picked roses from a table and hurried over to the pair. “Xan!” Melina said quickly, the forced smile turning to something much more genuine. “And you must be Sara! I’m so excited to meet you!”
In truth Melina was nervous. She wasn’t used to anyone but Xan on her service. Occasionally others might help, but it was Xan who was her handmaiden. She didn’t know what to think- and was in truth afraid Sara might be just like the other maids and servants that walked the halls that Melina had to pretend not to notice when they gossiped and insulted her and her family.
“A rose for each of you. Careful of the thorns.” Melina said brightly, passing the flower to the pair, masking the nerves that were bubbling in her stomach. “Did Xan give you the tour? Did she show you your accommodations? I hope they are amenable. Mama prides herself on the look and feel of our home. Even slaves find their lodgings to be better than handmaidens of other homes. At least that’s what mama says.” Was that awkward or rude? Wait- did she just call Sara a slave? “Not that you’re a slave!” Melina corrected quickly, before casting a nervous glance at Xan.
“Anyway…” Melina cleared her throat nervously. “I’m Melina. I supposed I should have started with that.”
“My lady you really must allow the gardeners to be the ones to prune and arrange the flowers.” One of the old housemaids chastised Melina as she bandaged her hand. Melina stared at the ceiling, refusing to look at the blood that she had shed when her grip slipped on the blade. “You enjoy reading, do you not? Perhaps it’s best you stick with that.”
“Yes, yes,” Melina replied, a forced smile on her face. Why? Because I’m not good at this? This is just another thing I mess up?
“Really, my lady, you are quite clumsy. And with your aversion to blood you are tempting the fates when you hold that blade,” She continued to tsk at Melina, oblivious to the fact that this was the last thing Melina wanted to hear right now.
“Mmm,” Melina merely said, while in her head she was thinking bitch. Where was Xan? Xan wouldn’t be so rude to her.
I will work hard and show everyone that I can be just as good as you are! The voice was bright, chipper, and completely out of character to anyone she had heard at the Leventi home before (Well… perhaps beside Imma). Melina’s eyes flickered to the source, seeing Xan walking with a girl. Melina was surprised for a moment. Xan wasn’t the type for vis- Oh right! Sara!
“That would be all,” Melina said suddenly taking her bandaged hand away from the woman.
“My lady, I must in-” She cut herself off. Melina liked to think it was the look of her face that did just that. What Melina failed to notice was how her gaze had followed her’s to find Xan as she walked the gardens. A “Very well,” quickly followed.
Melina gathered her blade and the picked roses from a table and hurried over to the pair. “Xan!” Melina said quickly, the forced smile turning to something much more genuine. “And you must be Sara! I’m so excited to meet you!”
In truth Melina was nervous. She wasn’t used to anyone but Xan on her service. Occasionally others might help, but it was Xan who was her handmaiden. She didn’t know what to think- and was in truth afraid Sara might be just like the other maids and servants that walked the halls that Melina had to pretend not to notice when they gossiped and insulted her and her family.
“A rose for each of you. Careful of the thorns.” Melina said brightly, passing the flower to the pair, masking the nerves that were bubbling in her stomach. “Did Xan give you the tour? Did she show you your accommodations? I hope they are amenable. Mama prides herself on the look and feel of our home. Even slaves find their lodgings to be better than handmaidens of other homes. At least that’s what mama says.” Was that awkward or rude? Wait- did she just call Sara a slave? “Not that you’re a slave!” Melina corrected quickly, before casting a nervous glance at Xan.
“Anyway…” Melina cleared her throat nervously. “I’m Melina. I supposed I should have started with that.”
Xanthippe made another noncommittal sound in her throat as Sara answered her questions and gave only a single nod. Well, it was better than her knowing nothing at all. But really? They sent some inexperienced child to be her ‘helper?’ One who insisted she would someday be as good as her? Ha. Gods, but this was insulting.
Don’t blame us. We had nothing to do with this.
Don’t you have your hands in everything?
We can but nudge.
Unless it’s me, right?
When have we ever forced you to do anything?
Don’t get me started.
However, at the sound of Melina’s approaching voice, the woman’s demeanor very noticeably shifted—a bright smile resting on formerly unfriendly features as she turned to greet her mistress. “My lady, how lovely of you to join us,” she said warmly as she accepted the rose, minding the thorns as Melina said. She dipped into a quick curtsy of greeting. “Thank you, it’s beautiful.”
It was then Melina turned her notice to Sara, welcoming her with a bright effusiveness that made Xan’s stomach ache with jealousy. Why was she already being so nice to her? What if all her fears were true, and Sara truly was here just to replace her? No. No, that wouldn’t happen. Melina was only being nice because she was nice. Nothing more. She had to stop being so paranoid.
“Yes, this is Sara,” she said, gesturing to the girl at her side. “I’ve been showing her around, giving her a rundown on what’s expected of her. I’m sure she’ll have it down in no time.” It was all she could to swallow the bile in the back of her throat, forcing her expression to remain gentle and open. She even hazarded a smile in Sara’s direction, though it made her want to throw up. Xan didn’t want to play nice with her. She just wanted her gone.
Looking back at Melina, her smile turned to a frown when she saw the bandage wrapped around her hand. Gentle grabbing her fingers and straightening out her arm, she turned her hand so it was palm up, glancing between the covered wound and her mistress’s face. “What happened?” she asked, looking for signs of any other injury. “Are you all right?”
Though she knew Melina was just clumsy, she always got this way when she saw her hurt, no matter how frequent an occurrence it was. Prone to blaming herself for not being there to prevent it, her lips narrowed into a thinner line, though she bit back her words. She hadn’t forgotten what Melina said so long ago about not taking the blame for everything. So, she’d simply do it silently.
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Xanthippe made another noncommittal sound in her throat as Sara answered her questions and gave only a single nod. Well, it was better than her knowing nothing at all. But really? They sent some inexperienced child to be her ‘helper?’ One who insisted she would someday be as good as her? Ha. Gods, but this was insulting.
Don’t blame us. We had nothing to do with this.
Don’t you have your hands in everything?
We can but nudge.
Unless it’s me, right?
When have we ever forced you to do anything?
Don’t get me started.
However, at the sound of Melina’s approaching voice, the woman’s demeanor very noticeably shifted—a bright smile resting on formerly unfriendly features as she turned to greet her mistress. “My lady, how lovely of you to join us,” she said warmly as she accepted the rose, minding the thorns as Melina said. She dipped into a quick curtsy of greeting. “Thank you, it’s beautiful.”
It was then Melina turned her notice to Sara, welcoming her with a bright effusiveness that made Xan’s stomach ache with jealousy. Why was she already being so nice to her? What if all her fears were true, and Sara truly was here just to replace her? No. No, that wouldn’t happen. Melina was only being nice because she was nice. Nothing more. She had to stop being so paranoid.
“Yes, this is Sara,” she said, gesturing to the girl at her side. “I’ve been showing her around, giving her a rundown on what’s expected of her. I’m sure she’ll have it down in no time.” It was all she could to swallow the bile in the back of her throat, forcing her expression to remain gentle and open. She even hazarded a smile in Sara’s direction, though it made her want to throw up. Xan didn’t want to play nice with her. She just wanted her gone.
Looking back at Melina, her smile turned to a frown when she saw the bandage wrapped around her hand. Gentle grabbing her fingers and straightening out her arm, she turned her hand so it was palm up, glancing between the covered wound and her mistress’s face. “What happened?” she asked, looking for signs of any other injury. “Are you all right?”
Though she knew Melina was just clumsy, she always got this way when she saw her hurt, no matter how frequent an occurrence it was. Prone to blaming herself for not being there to prevent it, her lips narrowed into a thinner line, though she bit back her words. She hadn’t forgotten what Melina said so long ago about not taking the blame for everything. So, she’d simply do it silently.
Xanthippe made another noncommittal sound in her throat as Sara answered her questions and gave only a single nod. Well, it was better than her knowing nothing at all. But really? They sent some inexperienced child to be her ‘helper?’ One who insisted she would someday be as good as her? Ha. Gods, but this was insulting.
Don’t blame us. We had nothing to do with this.
Don’t you have your hands in everything?
We can but nudge.
Unless it’s me, right?
When have we ever forced you to do anything?
Don’t get me started.
However, at the sound of Melina’s approaching voice, the woman’s demeanor very noticeably shifted—a bright smile resting on formerly unfriendly features as she turned to greet her mistress. “My lady, how lovely of you to join us,” she said warmly as she accepted the rose, minding the thorns as Melina said. She dipped into a quick curtsy of greeting. “Thank you, it’s beautiful.”
It was then Melina turned her notice to Sara, welcoming her with a bright effusiveness that made Xan’s stomach ache with jealousy. Why was she already being so nice to her? What if all her fears were true, and Sara truly was here just to replace her? No. No, that wouldn’t happen. Melina was only being nice because she was nice. Nothing more. She had to stop being so paranoid.
“Yes, this is Sara,” she said, gesturing to the girl at her side. “I’ve been showing her around, giving her a rundown on what’s expected of her. I’m sure she’ll have it down in no time.” It was all she could to swallow the bile in the back of her throat, forcing her expression to remain gentle and open. She even hazarded a smile in Sara’s direction, though it made her want to throw up. Xan didn’t want to play nice with her. She just wanted her gone.
Looking back at Melina, her smile turned to a frown when she saw the bandage wrapped around her hand. Gentle grabbing her fingers and straightening out her arm, she turned her hand so it was palm up, glancing between the covered wound and her mistress’s face. “What happened?” she asked, looking for signs of any other injury. “Are you all right?”
Though she knew Melina was just clumsy, she always got this way when she saw her hurt, no matter how frequent an occurrence it was. Prone to blaming herself for not being there to prevent it, her lips narrowed into a thinner line, though she bit back her words. She hadn’t forgotten what Melina said so long ago about not taking the blame for everything. So, she’d simply do it silently.
Sara could feel her fingers shaking even as she had curled them into fists at her sides. It felt as if she were already at odds with Xanthippe and it hadn’t even been an hour. Could she be right? Sara could be an eager and willing study, but it could not replace the years of experience that the other maid had to have on her. Even if it was not about being the best, or trying to outshine the other -- was she capable enough? How hard could it be to fetch tea and help a lady dress? Her teeth ground together, set stubbornly as she took a breath to say something because it was clear the Xanthippe didn’t intend to -- even though she had no idea what was about to come out.
Luckily, perhaps, it was at that moment that Melina appeared. Sara’s shoulders went straight to her ears as she ducked, taken by surprise at the Lady’s appearance. The nerves returned, having been temporarily forgotten due to her indignant insistence that she would be useful. The beautiful brunette smiled, lighting up her features and encouraging a smile from her too. She had known that they would meet eventually, but gods above, she hoped that her new Lady hadn’t heard that particularly enthusiastic declaration.
A rose for each of you. Careful of the thorns.
It was Xanthippe’s smile that surprised her, as Sara hadn’t realized that she was capable of such an expression. Her blue gaze flickered nervously between the two before ultimately settling on Melina and accepting the rose offered to her. ”Thank you, my Lady.” She said as she lifted to smell the bloom. Was she supposed to have brought a gift? She quickly followed Xan’s example of a curtsey, though it was a little out of practice. She had spent a little time in the palati before moving here, but she’d done her best to keep away from social situations. She had arguably always been an outsider before, but she wasn’t sure if she was welcome much of anywhere anymore.
She let Xan speak, introduce her and answer all the questions that Melina had posed. She was surprised to hear the blonde offer her even the smallest shred of a compliment, after such a cold reception. It didn’t seem that Xanthippe wanted her there, though perhaps she could not say as much in front of the Lady.
Sara let her small smile linger, carefully thumbing her finger over one of the sharp thorns. It was admittedly shocking to hear her lodgings compared to the lower class, so much so that it warranted a startled burst of laughter. She covered her mouth, before brushing a long dark lock of her hair over her shoulder. ”No, no...that’s not how I took it at all.” She said, flashing her teeth with another smile. It was a tiny lie. She knew that the lady hadn’t meant any harm. ”Your home is lovely, and I appreciate being welcomed into it.” She gave another small bow out of respect.
Xan cut in at that moment, reaching forward to grab Melina’s hand which Sara only then noticed was bandaged. Her eyebrows raised in mild concern, her thumb still poised over the rose’s thorn. They weren’t that sharp. How had Melina managed that?
”I...have some healing balm that I made, my lady.” She offered timidly. ”If you would like me to fetch it, I can?” Anything to be useful, to not be in the way.
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Sara could feel her fingers shaking even as she had curled them into fists at her sides. It felt as if she were already at odds with Xanthippe and it hadn’t even been an hour. Could she be right? Sara could be an eager and willing study, but it could not replace the years of experience that the other maid had to have on her. Even if it was not about being the best, or trying to outshine the other -- was she capable enough? How hard could it be to fetch tea and help a lady dress? Her teeth ground together, set stubbornly as she took a breath to say something because it was clear the Xanthippe didn’t intend to -- even though she had no idea what was about to come out.
Luckily, perhaps, it was at that moment that Melina appeared. Sara’s shoulders went straight to her ears as she ducked, taken by surprise at the Lady’s appearance. The nerves returned, having been temporarily forgotten due to her indignant insistence that she would be useful. The beautiful brunette smiled, lighting up her features and encouraging a smile from her too. She had known that they would meet eventually, but gods above, she hoped that her new Lady hadn’t heard that particularly enthusiastic declaration.
A rose for each of you. Careful of the thorns.
It was Xanthippe’s smile that surprised her, as Sara hadn’t realized that she was capable of such an expression. Her blue gaze flickered nervously between the two before ultimately settling on Melina and accepting the rose offered to her. ”Thank you, my Lady.” She said as she lifted to smell the bloom. Was she supposed to have brought a gift? She quickly followed Xan’s example of a curtsey, though it was a little out of practice. She had spent a little time in the palati before moving here, but she’d done her best to keep away from social situations. She had arguably always been an outsider before, but she wasn’t sure if she was welcome much of anywhere anymore.
She let Xan speak, introduce her and answer all the questions that Melina had posed. She was surprised to hear the blonde offer her even the smallest shred of a compliment, after such a cold reception. It didn’t seem that Xanthippe wanted her there, though perhaps she could not say as much in front of the Lady.
Sara let her small smile linger, carefully thumbing her finger over one of the sharp thorns. It was admittedly shocking to hear her lodgings compared to the lower class, so much so that it warranted a startled burst of laughter. She covered her mouth, before brushing a long dark lock of her hair over her shoulder. ”No, no...that’s not how I took it at all.” She said, flashing her teeth with another smile. It was a tiny lie. She knew that the lady hadn’t meant any harm. ”Your home is lovely, and I appreciate being welcomed into it.” She gave another small bow out of respect.
Xan cut in at that moment, reaching forward to grab Melina’s hand which Sara only then noticed was bandaged. Her eyebrows raised in mild concern, her thumb still poised over the rose’s thorn. They weren’t that sharp. How had Melina managed that?
”I...have some healing balm that I made, my lady.” She offered timidly. ”If you would like me to fetch it, I can?” Anything to be useful, to not be in the way.
Sara could feel her fingers shaking even as she had curled them into fists at her sides. It felt as if she were already at odds with Xanthippe and it hadn’t even been an hour. Could she be right? Sara could be an eager and willing study, but it could not replace the years of experience that the other maid had to have on her. Even if it was not about being the best, or trying to outshine the other -- was she capable enough? How hard could it be to fetch tea and help a lady dress? Her teeth ground together, set stubbornly as she took a breath to say something because it was clear the Xanthippe didn’t intend to -- even though she had no idea what was about to come out.
Luckily, perhaps, it was at that moment that Melina appeared. Sara’s shoulders went straight to her ears as she ducked, taken by surprise at the Lady’s appearance. The nerves returned, having been temporarily forgotten due to her indignant insistence that she would be useful. The beautiful brunette smiled, lighting up her features and encouraging a smile from her too. She had known that they would meet eventually, but gods above, she hoped that her new Lady hadn’t heard that particularly enthusiastic declaration.
A rose for each of you. Careful of the thorns.
It was Xanthippe’s smile that surprised her, as Sara hadn’t realized that she was capable of such an expression. Her blue gaze flickered nervously between the two before ultimately settling on Melina and accepting the rose offered to her. ”Thank you, my Lady.” She said as she lifted to smell the bloom. Was she supposed to have brought a gift? She quickly followed Xan’s example of a curtsey, though it was a little out of practice. She had spent a little time in the palati before moving here, but she’d done her best to keep away from social situations. She had arguably always been an outsider before, but she wasn’t sure if she was welcome much of anywhere anymore.
She let Xan speak, introduce her and answer all the questions that Melina had posed. She was surprised to hear the blonde offer her even the smallest shred of a compliment, after such a cold reception. It didn’t seem that Xanthippe wanted her there, though perhaps she could not say as much in front of the Lady.
Sara let her small smile linger, carefully thumbing her finger over one of the sharp thorns. It was admittedly shocking to hear her lodgings compared to the lower class, so much so that it warranted a startled burst of laughter. She covered her mouth, before brushing a long dark lock of her hair over her shoulder. ”No, no...that’s not how I took it at all.” She said, flashing her teeth with another smile. It was a tiny lie. She knew that the lady hadn’t meant any harm. ”Your home is lovely, and I appreciate being welcomed into it.” She gave another small bow out of respect.
Xan cut in at that moment, reaching forward to grab Melina’s hand which Sara only then noticed was bandaged. Her eyebrows raised in mild concern, her thumb still poised over the rose’s thorn. They weren’t that sharp. How had Melina managed that?
”I...have some healing balm that I made, my lady.” She offered timidly. ”If you would like me to fetch it, I can?” Anything to be useful, to not be in the way.
As usual, Xan was instantly worried about Melina. Melina expected as much. If she had so much of a bee sting Xan was at her side ready to take care of her. That’s what made her such a good friend. If there was only one person in the world Melina could trust it was Xan. She did everything for Melina, and Melina would never be able to make that up to her.
That being said sometimes she fretted too much. Melina was as clumsy as they could come. If Xan worried about Melina every time she was hurt, then she would constantly be stressed. That wouldn’t do. She wouldn’t want that upon anyone- least of all her friend. Besides, she handled worse. A knife to the hand? The hardest part about it was listening to Bia drone on and on during her lecture. She’d rather be sliced into millions of tiny pieces than listen to another lecture from Bia.
“I sliced my hand while I was pruning the flowers, don’t you worry. Bia already wrapped it for me. She took over your duties while you gave Sara the tour.” Not very well, Melina might add. She was spoiled with having someone as good as Xanthippe. But Bia had been around the Leventi house for ages- far longer than even Xan.
It didn’t make Melina like her anymore. But she wasn’t a gossip, even if she was fairly strict and proper. So of all the people that could temporarily replace Xan, Bia wasn’t the worst. Even if she got an earful like she was some incompetent child. (Then again to many people she was).
I have some healing balm that I made. Sara offered. At first, Melina was worried. Was she going to be like Xan and fret over her too? Stressing one person out was hard enough, but two? But then Melina was impressed. “You made the healing balm? Oh, that’s so interesting!” Melina’s eyes widened. She wished she could have a skill that was useful, like creating healing objects. The only thing Melina knew how to do was read and arrange flowers- and the latter was questionable given the current state of my hand. “I once watched one of our healers make balm before. I thought I would understand it given my interest in flowers. Little did I know it was far more complex and precise. My head started spinning!” To be fair, it was one afternoon and the healer was speaking rather rapidly. Melina was quite intelligent. Should she put her mind to it she might have learned more.
If only her book of Coptic hadn’t been so interesting that day instead.
“But no worries, Sara. I’m fine. Truly! I would hate to interrupt you two.” Melina said honestly. “You two are going to work so closely together. Xan for the most part has been my only handmaiden since I was a child. It’ll be nice to see some of the work alleviated from her so she can relax. And the two of you would be fast friends I’m sure.” To that, Melina had no doubt. Xan was so charismatic. The two were probably already friends.
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As usual, Xan was instantly worried about Melina. Melina expected as much. If she had so much of a bee sting Xan was at her side ready to take care of her. That’s what made her such a good friend. If there was only one person in the world Melina could trust it was Xan. She did everything for Melina, and Melina would never be able to make that up to her.
That being said sometimes she fretted too much. Melina was as clumsy as they could come. If Xan worried about Melina every time she was hurt, then she would constantly be stressed. That wouldn’t do. She wouldn’t want that upon anyone- least of all her friend. Besides, she handled worse. A knife to the hand? The hardest part about it was listening to Bia drone on and on during her lecture. She’d rather be sliced into millions of tiny pieces than listen to another lecture from Bia.
“I sliced my hand while I was pruning the flowers, don’t you worry. Bia already wrapped it for me. She took over your duties while you gave Sara the tour.” Not very well, Melina might add. She was spoiled with having someone as good as Xanthippe. But Bia had been around the Leventi house for ages- far longer than even Xan.
It didn’t make Melina like her anymore. But she wasn’t a gossip, even if she was fairly strict and proper. So of all the people that could temporarily replace Xan, Bia wasn’t the worst. Even if she got an earful like she was some incompetent child. (Then again to many people she was).
I have some healing balm that I made. Sara offered. At first, Melina was worried. Was she going to be like Xan and fret over her too? Stressing one person out was hard enough, but two? But then Melina was impressed. “You made the healing balm? Oh, that’s so interesting!” Melina’s eyes widened. She wished she could have a skill that was useful, like creating healing objects. The only thing Melina knew how to do was read and arrange flowers- and the latter was questionable given the current state of my hand. “I once watched one of our healers make balm before. I thought I would understand it given my interest in flowers. Little did I know it was far more complex and precise. My head started spinning!” To be fair, it was one afternoon and the healer was speaking rather rapidly. Melina was quite intelligent. Should she put her mind to it she might have learned more.
If only her book of Coptic hadn’t been so interesting that day instead.
“But no worries, Sara. I’m fine. Truly! I would hate to interrupt you two.” Melina said honestly. “You two are going to work so closely together. Xan for the most part has been my only handmaiden since I was a child. It’ll be nice to see some of the work alleviated from her so she can relax. And the two of you would be fast friends I’m sure.” To that, Melina had no doubt. Xan was so charismatic. The two were probably already friends.
As usual, Xan was instantly worried about Melina. Melina expected as much. If she had so much of a bee sting Xan was at her side ready to take care of her. That’s what made her such a good friend. If there was only one person in the world Melina could trust it was Xan. She did everything for Melina, and Melina would never be able to make that up to her.
That being said sometimes she fretted too much. Melina was as clumsy as they could come. If Xan worried about Melina every time she was hurt, then she would constantly be stressed. That wouldn’t do. She wouldn’t want that upon anyone- least of all her friend. Besides, she handled worse. A knife to the hand? The hardest part about it was listening to Bia drone on and on during her lecture. She’d rather be sliced into millions of tiny pieces than listen to another lecture from Bia.
“I sliced my hand while I was pruning the flowers, don’t you worry. Bia already wrapped it for me. She took over your duties while you gave Sara the tour.” Not very well, Melina might add. She was spoiled with having someone as good as Xanthippe. But Bia had been around the Leventi house for ages- far longer than even Xan.
It didn’t make Melina like her anymore. But she wasn’t a gossip, even if she was fairly strict and proper. So of all the people that could temporarily replace Xan, Bia wasn’t the worst. Even if she got an earful like she was some incompetent child. (Then again to many people she was).
I have some healing balm that I made. Sara offered. At first, Melina was worried. Was she going to be like Xan and fret over her too? Stressing one person out was hard enough, but two? But then Melina was impressed. “You made the healing balm? Oh, that’s so interesting!” Melina’s eyes widened. She wished she could have a skill that was useful, like creating healing objects. The only thing Melina knew how to do was read and arrange flowers- and the latter was questionable given the current state of my hand. “I once watched one of our healers make balm before. I thought I would understand it given my interest in flowers. Little did I know it was far more complex and precise. My head started spinning!” To be fair, it was one afternoon and the healer was speaking rather rapidly. Melina was quite intelligent. Should she put her mind to it she might have learned more.
If only her book of Coptic hadn’t been so interesting that day instead.
“But no worries, Sara. I’m fine. Truly! I would hate to interrupt you two.” Melina said honestly. “You two are going to work so closely together. Xan for the most part has been my only handmaiden since I was a child. It’ll be nice to see some of the work alleviated from her so she can relax. And the two of you would be fast friends I’m sure.” To that, Melina had no doubt. Xan was so charismatic. The two were probably already friends.
