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The sound of squawking brought Imma out of her hiding place behind the tree. Peafowl! They were so beautiful! Munching on a tasty piece of marinated and grilled octopus, she watched as they walked through crowd. The female screeched and the male screeched back, fanning his fabulous plumage. Oh, how I wish I had brought my sketchbook! She had tried to paint the peacocks that strutted around the palati before, but she had never been able to make the peacocks fan their tails. Instead of looking at him, the female inclined her head toward Evie and Lord Gavriil. Did that mean that Hera had blessed their union?
The female kept strolling while the male tried to get her attention. Her gaze eventually landed on Theo and she squawked in a way that made Imma think of her mother’s voice when she was disappointed in her. Certainly her sister hadn’t done anything to earn Hera’s disapproval! She was an excellent queen and she cared deeply for her family. Didn’t those things please the goddess? Perhaps the peahen’s strange sound meant something else entirely. The peacock's train folded back into its usual position as if he, too, was showing his displeasure. They then began to saunter back towards the gardens and soon disappeared from sight.
Imma pondered the meaning of the impromptu performance as she walked back to the refreshment table and set her empty plate on a stack of used dishes. Noticing Lord Nikos walking past her, her eyes followed his fine form, more than a bit disappointed that he had not seen her. Had he forgotten her so soon? He was carrying a bottle of wine, so maybe he was too drunk to recognize her. Or perhaps he planned to share the bottle with a lady he fancied. The youngest of the Leventi sisters sighed, wishing that she was the lady he wished to spend time with.
Suddenly he turned and approached her, an alluring grin curving his lips. Her entire body burst into bloom, like a flower nourished lovingly by the sun. The world seemed brighter now for some odd reason. Even his bow was charming and made her feel as if she was more important to him than she really was … unless he was falling under her spell. It felt more like she was falling under his.
“I was hoping to see you hear as well, Lord Nikos,” she replied with a shy but mischievous smile." He asked her to walk with him, but the guests were moving to where the ceremony was going to take place. What an inconvenient moment to have a wedding! “I would love to, but if we don't join our families now, we'll be missed,"
She grinned winsomely. "Find me after the meal is over and everyone starts mingling again." Blowing him a playful kiss, she turned around and reluctantly joined the rest of the Leventis.
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The sound of squawking brought Imma out of her hiding place behind the tree. Peafowl! They were so beautiful! Munching on a tasty piece of marinated and grilled octopus, she watched as they walked through crowd. The female screeched and the male screeched back, fanning his fabulous plumage. Oh, how I wish I had brought my sketchbook! She had tried to paint the peacocks that strutted around the palati before, but she had never been able to make the peacocks fan their tails. Instead of looking at him, the female inclined her head toward Evie and Lord Gavriil. Did that mean that Hera had blessed their union?
The female kept strolling while the male tried to get her attention. Her gaze eventually landed on Theo and she squawked in a way that made Imma think of her mother’s voice when she was disappointed in her. Certainly her sister hadn’t done anything to earn Hera’s disapproval! She was an excellent queen and she cared deeply for her family. Didn’t those things please the goddess? Perhaps the peahen’s strange sound meant something else entirely. The peacock's train folded back into its usual position as if he, too, was showing his displeasure. They then began to saunter back towards the gardens and soon disappeared from sight.
Imma pondered the meaning of the impromptu performance as she walked back to the refreshment table and set her empty plate on a stack of used dishes. Noticing Lord Nikos walking past her, her eyes followed his fine form, more than a bit disappointed that he had not seen her. Had he forgotten her so soon? He was carrying a bottle of wine, so maybe he was too drunk to recognize her. Or perhaps he planned to share the bottle with a lady he fancied. The youngest of the Leventi sisters sighed, wishing that she was the lady he wished to spend time with.
Suddenly he turned and approached her, an alluring grin curving his lips. Her entire body burst into bloom, like a flower nourished lovingly by the sun. The world seemed brighter now for some odd reason. Even his bow was charming and made her feel as if she was more important to him than she really was … unless he was falling under her spell. It felt more like she was falling under his.
“I was hoping to see you hear as well, Lord Nikos,” she replied with a shy but mischievous smile." He asked her to walk with him, but the guests were moving to where the ceremony was going to take place. What an inconvenient moment to have a wedding! “I would love to, but if we don't join our families now, we'll be missed,"
She grinned winsomely. "Find me after the meal is over and everyone starts mingling again." Blowing him a playful kiss, she turned around and reluctantly joined the rest of the Leventis.
The sound of squawking brought Imma out of her hiding place behind the tree. Peafowl! They were so beautiful! Munching on a tasty piece of marinated and grilled octopus, she watched as they walked through crowd. The female screeched and the male screeched back, fanning his fabulous plumage. Oh, how I wish I had brought my sketchbook! She had tried to paint the peacocks that strutted around the palati before, but she had never been able to make the peacocks fan their tails. Instead of looking at him, the female inclined her head toward Evie and Lord Gavriil. Did that mean that Hera had blessed their union?
The female kept strolling while the male tried to get her attention. Her gaze eventually landed on Theo and she squawked in a way that made Imma think of her mother’s voice when she was disappointed in her. Certainly her sister hadn’t done anything to earn Hera’s disapproval! She was an excellent queen and she cared deeply for her family. Didn’t those things please the goddess? Perhaps the peahen’s strange sound meant something else entirely. The peacock's train folded back into its usual position as if he, too, was showing his displeasure. They then began to saunter back towards the gardens and soon disappeared from sight.
Imma pondered the meaning of the impromptu performance as she walked back to the refreshment table and set her empty plate on a stack of used dishes. Noticing Lord Nikos walking past her, her eyes followed his fine form, more than a bit disappointed that he had not seen her. Had he forgotten her so soon? He was carrying a bottle of wine, so maybe he was too drunk to recognize her. Or perhaps he planned to share the bottle with a lady he fancied. The youngest of the Leventi sisters sighed, wishing that she was the lady he wished to spend time with.
Suddenly he turned and approached her, an alluring grin curving his lips. Her entire body burst into bloom, like a flower nourished lovingly by the sun. The world seemed brighter now for some odd reason. Even his bow was charming and made her feel as if she was more important to him than she really was … unless he was falling under her spell. It felt more like she was falling under his.
“I was hoping to see you hear as well, Lord Nikos,” she replied with a shy but mischievous smile." He asked her to walk with him, but the guests were moving to where the ceremony was going to take place. What an inconvenient moment to have a wedding! “I would love to, but if we don't join our families now, we'll be missed,"
She grinned winsomely. "Find me after the meal is over and everyone starts mingling again." Blowing him a playful kiss, she turned around and reluctantly joined the rest of the Leventis.
Sara had been trying to keep her head down during the wedding festivities. She had a rather sour taste in her mouth from the last wedding that she had attended, and thus -- had mostly kept close to Melina without being too close to Melina. It was clear to her now that Xanthippe was not an ally, and their shared responsibility in Melina was something of a sore point. She had no intentions of drawing the blonde’s ire any further.
The brunette had chosen the same chiton that she had worn to her very first official outing, the one where she had subsequently offended her eldest brother and then snuck her childhood friend into the party to meet her other dear friend. The crimson fabric complimented her skin tone quite nicely, falling in such a fashion that made her feel much older than her fifteen years. That, coupled with her extremely nice jewelry and her attempts at doing her own hair -- which hadn’t been too awful -- she looked every inch a respectable lady.
She had mostly faded into the background up to this point, content to be ignored and be there simply as moral support. She did not know Evangelina or Gavriil all that well, although she did remember the latter’s support during that one embarrassing incident in the temple of Artemis. She was rather hoping he’d forgotten her face after that, too embarrassed by her weak inclinations to even send him that word that he’d made her promise to send once she’d made it home.
Her eyebrows had risen in surprise at the appearance of a pair of peacocks. A sign? Her eyes were trained on the male, quite enchanted by the brilliant display of his plumage. She had seen similar birds at the palati, but it was quite the sight to see the feathers spread so prettily. She smiled, glancing at her Lady to see what she thought of this development. She was giving her and Xanthippe their space, preferring not to incur any further...incidents just by standing too close to her intended charge. Her attention snapped back at a loud squawk, gaze traveling from the sound up to its seeming recipient…Theo? She frowned, slightly concerned. Was Hera...saying something? Fear surged through her. Had something happened to Achilleas? No...no, Theodora would have sent word if anything drastic had changed. She had promised.
The festivities continued, doubled it seemed after the appearance of the birds. Yes, no one would want to incur the wrath of Hera on a wedding day…. Sara’s gaze flickered up, floating lazily across the crowd. She didn’t think that Alastor would be here, even though part of her sort of hoped that she might see him. Sara sighed, drawing herself up -- preparing to ask permission to depart the grouping of Leventi’s to visit the Queen. She wasn’t even sure that Theo would see her, not in such a public setting but it was a chance she knew she would take. She wanted to check in and intended to ask where Emilios was, eager to see her brother even if just for a brief moment. That, and she rather hoped to hear some news about how her cat was adjusting. Portokali had seemed to like the Queen, but she couldn’t recall a time that they’d been apart for so long.
It was at that moment that Imma came to join the small group, so Sara hesitated. She had noticed her speaking with Lord Nikos and it had been a while since she’d seen Imma too. She glanced at the Queen, then back to Imma. Surely the Queen wasn’t going to be departing any time soon.
“Imma.” Sara said pleasantly. “Always lovely to see you.” She glanced over the young blonde’s shoulder, to where Nikos had been standing and gave her friend an expression of interest. “What was that?” She asked, raising an eyebrow. “That’s Nikos of Condos isn’t it?” She murmured, trying to remember how old he was compared to them. She and Imma were the same age, though Imma was a little older she thought...unable to remember right away.
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Sara had been trying to keep her head down during the wedding festivities. She had a rather sour taste in her mouth from the last wedding that she had attended, and thus -- had mostly kept close to Melina without being too close to Melina. It was clear to her now that Xanthippe was not an ally, and their shared responsibility in Melina was something of a sore point. She had no intentions of drawing the blonde’s ire any further.
The brunette had chosen the same chiton that she had worn to her very first official outing, the one where she had subsequently offended her eldest brother and then snuck her childhood friend into the party to meet her other dear friend. The crimson fabric complimented her skin tone quite nicely, falling in such a fashion that made her feel much older than her fifteen years. That, coupled with her extremely nice jewelry and her attempts at doing her own hair -- which hadn’t been too awful -- she looked every inch a respectable lady.
She had mostly faded into the background up to this point, content to be ignored and be there simply as moral support. She did not know Evangelina or Gavriil all that well, although she did remember the latter’s support during that one embarrassing incident in the temple of Artemis. She was rather hoping he’d forgotten her face after that, too embarrassed by her weak inclinations to even send him that word that he’d made her promise to send once she’d made it home.
Her eyebrows had risen in surprise at the appearance of a pair of peacocks. A sign? Her eyes were trained on the male, quite enchanted by the brilliant display of his plumage. She had seen similar birds at the palati, but it was quite the sight to see the feathers spread so prettily. She smiled, glancing at her Lady to see what she thought of this development. She was giving her and Xanthippe their space, preferring not to incur any further...incidents just by standing too close to her intended charge. Her attention snapped back at a loud squawk, gaze traveling from the sound up to its seeming recipient…Theo? She frowned, slightly concerned. Was Hera...saying something? Fear surged through her. Had something happened to Achilleas? No...no, Theodora would have sent word if anything drastic had changed. She had promised.
The festivities continued, doubled it seemed after the appearance of the birds. Yes, no one would want to incur the wrath of Hera on a wedding day…. Sara’s gaze flickered up, floating lazily across the crowd. She didn’t think that Alastor would be here, even though part of her sort of hoped that she might see him. Sara sighed, drawing herself up -- preparing to ask permission to depart the grouping of Leventi’s to visit the Queen. She wasn’t even sure that Theo would see her, not in such a public setting but it was a chance she knew she would take. She wanted to check in and intended to ask where Emilios was, eager to see her brother even if just for a brief moment. That, and she rather hoped to hear some news about how her cat was adjusting. Portokali had seemed to like the Queen, but she couldn’t recall a time that they’d been apart for so long.
It was at that moment that Imma came to join the small group, so Sara hesitated. She had noticed her speaking with Lord Nikos and it had been a while since she’d seen Imma too. She glanced at the Queen, then back to Imma. Surely the Queen wasn’t going to be departing any time soon.
“Imma.” Sara said pleasantly. “Always lovely to see you.” She glanced over the young blonde’s shoulder, to where Nikos had been standing and gave her friend an expression of interest. “What was that?” She asked, raising an eyebrow. “That’s Nikos of Condos isn’t it?” She murmured, trying to remember how old he was compared to them. She and Imma were the same age, though Imma was a little older she thought...unable to remember right away.
Sara had been trying to keep her head down during the wedding festivities. She had a rather sour taste in her mouth from the last wedding that she had attended, and thus -- had mostly kept close to Melina without being too close to Melina. It was clear to her now that Xanthippe was not an ally, and their shared responsibility in Melina was something of a sore point. She had no intentions of drawing the blonde’s ire any further.
The brunette had chosen the same chiton that she had worn to her very first official outing, the one where she had subsequently offended her eldest brother and then snuck her childhood friend into the party to meet her other dear friend. The crimson fabric complimented her skin tone quite nicely, falling in such a fashion that made her feel much older than her fifteen years. That, coupled with her extremely nice jewelry and her attempts at doing her own hair -- which hadn’t been too awful -- she looked every inch a respectable lady.
She had mostly faded into the background up to this point, content to be ignored and be there simply as moral support. She did not know Evangelina or Gavriil all that well, although she did remember the latter’s support during that one embarrassing incident in the temple of Artemis. She was rather hoping he’d forgotten her face after that, too embarrassed by her weak inclinations to even send him that word that he’d made her promise to send once she’d made it home.
Her eyebrows had risen in surprise at the appearance of a pair of peacocks. A sign? Her eyes were trained on the male, quite enchanted by the brilliant display of his plumage. She had seen similar birds at the palati, but it was quite the sight to see the feathers spread so prettily. She smiled, glancing at her Lady to see what she thought of this development. She was giving her and Xanthippe their space, preferring not to incur any further...incidents just by standing too close to her intended charge. Her attention snapped back at a loud squawk, gaze traveling from the sound up to its seeming recipient…Theo? She frowned, slightly concerned. Was Hera...saying something? Fear surged through her. Had something happened to Achilleas? No...no, Theodora would have sent word if anything drastic had changed. She had promised.
The festivities continued, doubled it seemed after the appearance of the birds. Yes, no one would want to incur the wrath of Hera on a wedding day…. Sara’s gaze flickered up, floating lazily across the crowd. She didn’t think that Alastor would be here, even though part of her sort of hoped that she might see him. Sara sighed, drawing herself up -- preparing to ask permission to depart the grouping of Leventi’s to visit the Queen. She wasn’t even sure that Theo would see her, not in such a public setting but it was a chance she knew she would take. She wanted to check in and intended to ask where Emilios was, eager to see her brother even if just for a brief moment. That, and she rather hoped to hear some news about how her cat was adjusting. Portokali had seemed to like the Queen, but she couldn’t recall a time that they’d been apart for so long.
It was at that moment that Imma came to join the small group, so Sara hesitated. She had noticed her speaking with Lord Nikos and it had been a while since she’d seen Imma too. She glanced at the Queen, then back to Imma. Surely the Queen wasn’t going to be departing any time soon.
“Imma.” Sara said pleasantly. “Always lovely to see you.” She glanced over the young blonde’s shoulder, to where Nikos had been standing and gave her friend an expression of interest. “What was that?” She asked, raising an eyebrow. “That’s Nikos of Condos isn’t it?” She murmured, trying to remember how old he was compared to them. She and Imma were the same age, though Imma was a little older she thought...unable to remember right away.
’I was hoping to see you here as well, Lord Nikos.’
Good. She’d been thinking about him too. That was very good. The guests were gathering together. The ceremony would be happening soon. Nik didn’t want to see it at this point. Evie would never walk away now. So he’d asked Imma to walk with him.
’I would love to, but if we don’t join our families now, we’ll be missed.’
Nikos stepped closer to the young woman he meant to spend the rest of the day with. He met her gaze with a wicked glint in his blue eyes. ”Then let them miss us,” he whispered emphatically.
’Find me after the meal is over and everyone starts mingling again.’
That smile, that playfully offered kiss as she parted. Nik couldn’t help but smile in triumph. The hook was baited and the fish was nibbling. The Baron of Doralis watched the Leventi Lady skip off to join the rest of her attending family to witness the exchange of the dowry. Steeling his jaw, Nikos joined his father off to the side, the bottle of wine he’d commandeered still in hand. He took a drink from it as he stood next to the Head of House Condos. Petros came to stand on Nikos’ other side. Nik didn’t speak, just sipped at his wine and prayed for it to all be over.
Nikos purposefully sat where he had a view of Imma as everyone gathered for food and drink. He snuck glances her way, and whenever she caught him looking, he would smirk and look away, only to cut her another look a second later to see if she was still looking his way. It was a youthful and flirtatious game. One that he hoped she was enjoying as much as he was. He could not wait for this tedious meal to be over. Petros would likely try to talk him out of wandering off alone with young Imma. But the Condos lord had no intention of listening to such things. Evie had told him to keep his distance from Imma. But Evangelina was married now. He listened to her before because there was a chance he could have her back one day. That chance was gone now. Imma of Leventi was fair game as far as he was concerned.
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’I was hoping to see you here as well, Lord Nikos.’
Good. She’d been thinking about him too. That was very good. The guests were gathering together. The ceremony would be happening soon. Nik didn’t want to see it at this point. Evie would never walk away now. So he’d asked Imma to walk with him.
’I would love to, but if we don’t join our families now, we’ll be missed.’
Nikos stepped closer to the young woman he meant to spend the rest of the day with. He met her gaze with a wicked glint in his blue eyes. ”Then let them miss us,” he whispered emphatically.
’Find me after the meal is over and everyone starts mingling again.’
That smile, that playfully offered kiss as she parted. Nik couldn’t help but smile in triumph. The hook was baited and the fish was nibbling. The Baron of Doralis watched the Leventi Lady skip off to join the rest of her attending family to witness the exchange of the dowry. Steeling his jaw, Nikos joined his father off to the side, the bottle of wine he’d commandeered still in hand. He took a drink from it as he stood next to the Head of House Condos. Petros came to stand on Nikos’ other side. Nik didn’t speak, just sipped at his wine and prayed for it to all be over.
Nikos purposefully sat where he had a view of Imma as everyone gathered for food and drink. He snuck glances her way, and whenever she caught him looking, he would smirk and look away, only to cut her another look a second later to see if she was still looking his way. It was a youthful and flirtatious game. One that he hoped she was enjoying as much as he was. He could not wait for this tedious meal to be over. Petros would likely try to talk him out of wandering off alone with young Imma. But the Condos lord had no intention of listening to such things. Evie had told him to keep his distance from Imma. But Evangelina was married now. He listened to her before because there was a chance he could have her back one day. That chance was gone now. Imma of Leventi was fair game as far as he was concerned.
’I was hoping to see you here as well, Lord Nikos.’
Good. She’d been thinking about him too. That was very good. The guests were gathering together. The ceremony would be happening soon. Nik didn’t want to see it at this point. Evie would never walk away now. So he’d asked Imma to walk with him.
’I would love to, but if we don’t join our families now, we’ll be missed.’
Nikos stepped closer to the young woman he meant to spend the rest of the day with. He met her gaze with a wicked glint in his blue eyes. ”Then let them miss us,” he whispered emphatically.
’Find me after the meal is over and everyone starts mingling again.’
That smile, that playfully offered kiss as she parted. Nik couldn’t help but smile in triumph. The hook was baited and the fish was nibbling. The Baron of Doralis watched the Leventi Lady skip off to join the rest of her attending family to witness the exchange of the dowry. Steeling his jaw, Nikos joined his father off to the side, the bottle of wine he’d commandeered still in hand. He took a drink from it as he stood next to the Head of House Condos. Petros came to stand on Nikos’ other side. Nik didn’t speak, just sipped at his wine and prayed for it to all be over.
Nikos purposefully sat where he had a view of Imma as everyone gathered for food and drink. He snuck glances her way, and whenever she caught him looking, he would smirk and look away, only to cut her another look a second later to see if she was still looking his way. It was a youthful and flirtatious game. One that he hoped she was enjoying as much as he was. He could not wait for this tedious meal to be over. Petros would likely try to talk him out of wandering off alone with young Imma. But the Condos lord had no intention of listening to such things. Evie had told him to keep his distance from Imma. But Evangelina was married now. He listened to her before because there was a chance he could have her back one day. That chance was gone now. Imma of Leventi was fair game as far as he was concerned.
Imma wished she could skip the rest of the festivities and stay with Lord Nikos, especially when he looked at her with mischief dancing in his eyes. However, if she wanted to spend any more time with him at all, she couldn’t give in. If they were both conspicuously absent from the ceremony and the feast, tongues would wag, her reputation would be ruined, and Uncle Fotios would send her back to Macendia in disgrace. It was her uncle’s disappointment that she feared the most. He had given her an opportunity to make something of herself and she didn’t want to ruin that chance on a whim. It was better to meet later when nobody would miss either of them.
She had to resist the urge to look back at him as she went to join her family. He was probably not standing in the same place anyway. Imma smiled when she saw Sara among the Leventis. It seemed like forever since they had spent time together. Hopefully, they could remedy that soon. They had been friends all their lives even if the difference in their status was pulling them apart the older they became. She was determined not to lose Sara’s companionship. They were so much alike and nobody understood her like Sara did. “I’m pleased to see you again as well.”
The other girl was also quite perceptive. She had noticed Imma speaking with Lord Nikos and seemed to think there was more to their conversation than mere trivialities. “Yes, that was Nikos of Condos. He just walked up to the refreshment table and started talking to me.” Imma shrugged. “My mother has wanted me to meet him ever since my first court event. Now I can tell her that I have.” That was all that she could say with her sisters present. If they were alone, she might have revealed much more. “We need to get together soon,” she said. “It seems like we never see each other anymore.”
The ceremony was brief and soon they were all seated and the food was brought in. Though she had already stuffed herself, Imma was still hungry and after Evie’s speech, she dug into her meal, her eyes searching for Lord Nikos. When she found him, she noticed that he was gazing at her. He quickly looked away and so did she, though a pretty blush suffused her cheeks. She kept stealing glances at him and as she caught his eyes on her several times, she knew he was doing the same.
Her body shimmered with those lovely sensations again while they played their flirty little game. She could hardly wait until the dinner was over and they could walk in the gardens together.
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Imma wished she could skip the rest of the festivities and stay with Lord Nikos, especially when he looked at her with mischief dancing in his eyes. However, if she wanted to spend any more time with him at all, she couldn’t give in. If they were both conspicuously absent from the ceremony and the feast, tongues would wag, her reputation would be ruined, and Uncle Fotios would send her back to Macendia in disgrace. It was her uncle’s disappointment that she feared the most. He had given her an opportunity to make something of herself and she didn’t want to ruin that chance on a whim. It was better to meet later when nobody would miss either of them.
She had to resist the urge to look back at him as she went to join her family. He was probably not standing in the same place anyway. Imma smiled when she saw Sara among the Leventis. It seemed like forever since they had spent time together. Hopefully, they could remedy that soon. They had been friends all their lives even if the difference in their status was pulling them apart the older they became. She was determined not to lose Sara’s companionship. They were so much alike and nobody understood her like Sara did. “I’m pleased to see you again as well.”
The other girl was also quite perceptive. She had noticed Imma speaking with Lord Nikos and seemed to think there was more to their conversation than mere trivialities. “Yes, that was Nikos of Condos. He just walked up to the refreshment table and started talking to me.” Imma shrugged. “My mother has wanted me to meet him ever since my first court event. Now I can tell her that I have.” That was all that she could say with her sisters present. If they were alone, she might have revealed much more. “We need to get together soon,” she said. “It seems like we never see each other anymore.”
The ceremony was brief and soon they were all seated and the food was brought in. Though she had already stuffed herself, Imma was still hungry and after Evie’s speech, she dug into her meal, her eyes searching for Lord Nikos. When she found him, she noticed that he was gazing at her. He quickly looked away and so did she, though a pretty blush suffused her cheeks. She kept stealing glances at him and as she caught his eyes on her several times, she knew he was doing the same.
Her body shimmered with those lovely sensations again while they played their flirty little game. She could hardly wait until the dinner was over and they could walk in the gardens together.
Imma wished she could skip the rest of the festivities and stay with Lord Nikos, especially when he looked at her with mischief dancing in his eyes. However, if she wanted to spend any more time with him at all, she couldn’t give in. If they were both conspicuously absent from the ceremony and the feast, tongues would wag, her reputation would be ruined, and Uncle Fotios would send her back to Macendia in disgrace. It was her uncle’s disappointment that she feared the most. He had given her an opportunity to make something of herself and she didn’t want to ruin that chance on a whim. It was better to meet later when nobody would miss either of them.
She had to resist the urge to look back at him as she went to join her family. He was probably not standing in the same place anyway. Imma smiled when she saw Sara among the Leventis. It seemed like forever since they had spent time together. Hopefully, they could remedy that soon. They had been friends all their lives even if the difference in their status was pulling them apart the older they became. She was determined not to lose Sara’s companionship. They were so much alike and nobody understood her like Sara did. “I’m pleased to see you again as well.”
The other girl was also quite perceptive. She had noticed Imma speaking with Lord Nikos and seemed to think there was more to their conversation than mere trivialities. “Yes, that was Nikos of Condos. He just walked up to the refreshment table and started talking to me.” Imma shrugged. “My mother has wanted me to meet him ever since my first court event. Now I can tell her that I have.” That was all that she could say with her sisters present. If they were alone, she might have revealed much more. “We need to get together soon,” she said. “It seems like we never see each other anymore.”
The ceremony was brief and soon they were all seated and the food was brought in. Though she had already stuffed herself, Imma was still hungry and after Evie’s speech, she dug into her meal, her eyes searching for Lord Nikos. When she found him, she noticed that he was gazing at her. He quickly looked away and so did she, though a pretty blush suffused her cheeks. She kept stealing glances at him and as she caught his eyes on her several times, she knew he was doing the same.
Her body shimmered with those lovely sensations again while they played their flirty little game. She could hardly wait until the dinner was over and they could walk in the gardens together.
No sooner had she said the word ‘happy’ then she noticed a tall, divinely beautiful figure approaching. It was impossible to ignore the glittering jewels and rustling, delicate fabric of Theodora’s person. If their roles were reversed, Elise would have been flapping and fluttering over to Theodora, wine goblet in hand, and declaring that she loved every inch of Theodora, from her dress to her jewels, to her hair. She’d have dropped a kiss on the girl’s cheek and swept her off to mix and mingle. But not now. Now Theodora was Queen instead of dear Olympia and her nephew held the throne instead of her darling golden boy, wherever he may be.
She sighed dramatically and dabbed at the corner of her eye discreetly. Theodora hovered on the edges of Elise’s vision and the dowager finally realized that the other was waiting respectfully. Oh. Well how delightful. Manners. Pasting on a smile, Elise whirled around, gauzy fabric of her dress swirling about her person. She positively beamed at Theodora. Even at the ‘highness’ greeting, Elise didn’t falter.
“Theodora, darling. Queen Theodora, I mean.” She beamed and smiled while inwardly wondering what Theodora made of all these changes. The girl didn’t orchestrate anything, of course she didn’t, but she did benefit, though. First darling Irakles’s death at her wedding, now here she stood..queen. Alone, of all things. She needed children, Elise decided.
“It’s a joyous day, is it not?” Theodora said in that smooth, melting voice of hers.
“Joyous? Yes, rapturously so, I believe. Though Lord Gavriil could do with more of a smile on his face…” Elise observed the Dimitrou Lord looking not exactly grim but stoic. “Those are so rare, though. I believe he smiled once today. That should serve.”
The group was approached by another young woman who greeted them. Elise looked her over, putting a name to the face about thirty seconds later. Oh yes, this was Orion’s girl. She nodded and inquired how Eliana was doing, where was her sister? This was the twin, wasn’t it? Oh she longed for the days when she’d had a page whispering in her ear who these people all were and their connections. Now she was having to do it on her own and this was going...sort of well.
Though she was saved from more talk when Lord Diogenes approached. His handsome bow and his lips pressing softly to her knuckles had her giggling in the back of her throat. She was past blushing, but she turned her head demurely and fluttered her lashes for him as though the reminder was somehow embarrassing. “My lord,” she teasingly chastised. “Lady Evangelina outshines me today.” She said it but she didn’t believe it. She had been gorgeous on her own wedding day. Radiant and divine in her own right...she sighed for days long past.
The group was called to the feast and Elise seized Diogenes by the arm. “Sit with me, won’t you?” she beamed at him. “I want to be flattered some more and no one does as lovely a job as you do. Except perhaps my poor Irakles, may he be resting in peace right now…” It was as though all of Irakles’s recent sins had drained from her mind and perhaps they had. She couldn’t handle the thought of a betrayal so close to home and she’d been working diligently to put it out of her mind. Happy thoughts, happy thoughts.
Eliana, Theodora, Xene, and Gianna were all left to their own devices as Elise swept Diogenes away.
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No sooner had she said the word ‘happy’ then she noticed a tall, divinely beautiful figure approaching. It was impossible to ignore the glittering jewels and rustling, delicate fabric of Theodora’s person. If their roles were reversed, Elise would have been flapping and fluttering over to Theodora, wine goblet in hand, and declaring that she loved every inch of Theodora, from her dress to her jewels, to her hair. She’d have dropped a kiss on the girl’s cheek and swept her off to mix and mingle. But not now. Now Theodora was Queen instead of dear Olympia and her nephew held the throne instead of her darling golden boy, wherever he may be.
She sighed dramatically and dabbed at the corner of her eye discreetly. Theodora hovered on the edges of Elise’s vision and the dowager finally realized that the other was waiting respectfully. Oh. Well how delightful. Manners. Pasting on a smile, Elise whirled around, gauzy fabric of her dress swirling about her person. She positively beamed at Theodora. Even at the ‘highness’ greeting, Elise didn’t falter.
“Theodora, darling. Queen Theodora, I mean.” She beamed and smiled while inwardly wondering what Theodora made of all these changes. The girl didn’t orchestrate anything, of course she didn’t, but she did benefit, though. First darling Irakles’s death at her wedding, now here she stood..queen. Alone, of all things. She needed children, Elise decided.
“It’s a joyous day, is it not?” Theodora said in that smooth, melting voice of hers.
“Joyous? Yes, rapturously so, I believe. Though Lord Gavriil could do with more of a smile on his face…” Elise observed the Dimitrou Lord looking not exactly grim but stoic. “Those are so rare, though. I believe he smiled once today. That should serve.”
The group was approached by another young woman who greeted them. Elise looked her over, putting a name to the face about thirty seconds later. Oh yes, this was Orion’s girl. She nodded and inquired how Eliana was doing, where was her sister? This was the twin, wasn’t it? Oh she longed for the days when she’d had a page whispering in her ear who these people all were and their connections. Now she was having to do it on her own and this was going...sort of well.
Though she was saved from more talk when Lord Diogenes approached. His handsome bow and his lips pressing softly to her knuckles had her giggling in the back of her throat. She was past blushing, but she turned her head demurely and fluttered her lashes for him as though the reminder was somehow embarrassing. “My lord,” she teasingly chastised. “Lady Evangelina outshines me today.” She said it but she didn’t believe it. She had been gorgeous on her own wedding day. Radiant and divine in her own right...she sighed for days long past.
The group was called to the feast and Elise seized Diogenes by the arm. “Sit with me, won’t you?” she beamed at him. “I want to be flattered some more and no one does as lovely a job as you do. Except perhaps my poor Irakles, may he be resting in peace right now…” It was as though all of Irakles’s recent sins had drained from her mind and perhaps they had. She couldn’t handle the thought of a betrayal so close to home and she’d been working diligently to put it out of her mind. Happy thoughts, happy thoughts.
Eliana, Theodora, Xene, and Gianna were all left to their own devices as Elise swept Diogenes away.
No sooner had she said the word ‘happy’ then she noticed a tall, divinely beautiful figure approaching. It was impossible to ignore the glittering jewels and rustling, delicate fabric of Theodora’s person. If their roles were reversed, Elise would have been flapping and fluttering over to Theodora, wine goblet in hand, and declaring that she loved every inch of Theodora, from her dress to her jewels, to her hair. She’d have dropped a kiss on the girl’s cheek and swept her off to mix and mingle. But not now. Now Theodora was Queen instead of dear Olympia and her nephew held the throne instead of her darling golden boy, wherever he may be.
She sighed dramatically and dabbed at the corner of her eye discreetly. Theodora hovered on the edges of Elise’s vision and the dowager finally realized that the other was waiting respectfully. Oh. Well how delightful. Manners. Pasting on a smile, Elise whirled around, gauzy fabric of her dress swirling about her person. She positively beamed at Theodora. Even at the ‘highness’ greeting, Elise didn’t falter.
“Theodora, darling. Queen Theodora, I mean.” She beamed and smiled while inwardly wondering what Theodora made of all these changes. The girl didn’t orchestrate anything, of course she didn’t, but she did benefit, though. First darling Irakles’s death at her wedding, now here she stood..queen. Alone, of all things. She needed children, Elise decided.
“It’s a joyous day, is it not?” Theodora said in that smooth, melting voice of hers.
“Joyous? Yes, rapturously so, I believe. Though Lord Gavriil could do with more of a smile on his face…” Elise observed the Dimitrou Lord looking not exactly grim but stoic. “Those are so rare, though. I believe he smiled once today. That should serve.”
The group was approached by another young woman who greeted them. Elise looked her over, putting a name to the face about thirty seconds later. Oh yes, this was Orion’s girl. She nodded and inquired how Eliana was doing, where was her sister? This was the twin, wasn’t it? Oh she longed for the days when she’d had a page whispering in her ear who these people all were and their connections. Now she was having to do it on her own and this was going...sort of well.
Though she was saved from more talk when Lord Diogenes approached. His handsome bow and his lips pressing softly to her knuckles had her giggling in the back of her throat. She was past blushing, but she turned her head demurely and fluttered her lashes for him as though the reminder was somehow embarrassing. “My lord,” she teasingly chastised. “Lady Evangelina outshines me today.” She said it but she didn’t believe it. She had been gorgeous on her own wedding day. Radiant and divine in her own right...she sighed for days long past.
The group was called to the feast and Elise seized Diogenes by the arm. “Sit with me, won’t you?” she beamed at him. “I want to be flattered some more and no one does as lovely a job as you do. Except perhaps my poor Irakles, may he be resting in peace right now…” It was as though all of Irakles’s recent sins had drained from her mind and perhaps they had. She couldn’t handle the thought of a betrayal so close to home and she’d been working diligently to put it out of her mind. Happy thoughts, happy thoughts.
Eliana, Theodora, Xene, and Gianna were all left to their own devices as Elise swept Diogenes away.
Theodora smiled at the greetings both the princess and the former queen bestowed upon her, grateful, at least, that Elise had not portrayed any of the same behavior she had at the coronation. Dipping in a respectful curtsy to the older woman as well as inclining her head in greeting to the Lord Diogenes, she watched as the pair left together and released a breath she hadn’t even realized she’d been holding.
Xene then asked if she and Eliana would join them for the feast, and before the Queen could open her mouth to respond, she heard the sound of the peacock’s rustling feathers. Watching in mystified awe for several moments as the pair of peafowl first stopped in front of Evangelina and Gavriil, she felt her mouth draw up in a smile of delight. Surely, such an appearance was a good omen for the new couple, and her heart went out to her cousin. While others might mutter speculations on the nature of the unusual union, the sudden entrance of Hera’s most beloved creatures ought to put those mutters to rest. Maybe all Leventi unions weren’t cursed.
However, delighted mystification soon morphed to unease as the female turned on her with a peculiar sound, meeting her eye in an eerily humanlike fashion. Swallowing uncomfortably, she dropped her gaze and cleared her throat. If she took their appearance to Evangelina and Gavriil as an omen and yet disregarded this… Well, maybe they were just ordinary peafowl, after all. Or maybe not.
Once the birds were out of sight and the lull in the celebration was over, Theodora turned back to Xene with a forced smile. She’d already come into this wedding with a quiet sort of trepidation; she’d hardly exchanged two words with her retinue for the entire journey here. Now? Now, all she wanted was to leave before anyone happened to comment on the peahen’s odd look. She was paranoid enough about what she’d done, and this wedding wasn’t about her, anyway. With the announcement official and the feast in full swing, perhaps she might find a way to slip out before anyone noticed. She’d done her duty, made her greetings. Surely her presence was no longer required.
“Forgive me, Your Highness, but I’m not feeling very well, and I don’t think all this food would sit well with me. Please, enjoy without me. Another time.” Gently squeezing Xene’s shoulder, she turned to Eliana with another forced smile. “Feel free to mingle as you’d like. I think I’m going to make a few more rounds and then turn in early. I’d like to leave at first light.”
Regardless of whether Eliana chose to stay with her or the other celebrants, Theodora made herself scarce for the remainder of the evening, exchanging a few amiable words with her sisters and cousins here and there before finding the opportunity to slip to the chambers given to her for the night. Once inside, she was finally able to release a shuddering sigh of relief, wandering over to the window where she looked out on the remaining well-wishers. While she was happy for her cousin, pleased that the match seemed to suit her so well, she couldn’t help her own melancholy. Would that her wedding had been such a joyous affair.
The Queen was awake and ready by the time first light dawned, waiting patiently as her retainers readied themselves to go. Some were a bit worse for the wear, and she couldn’t help but laugh at their hungover slog through the morning, a few gentle teases offered when they all piled back into the carriage. As the scenery of Meganea passed them by, she retreated back into herself again, the peahen’s glare still resting at the forefront of her mind.
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Theodora smiled at the greetings both the princess and the former queen bestowed upon her, grateful, at least, that Elise had not portrayed any of the same behavior she had at the coronation. Dipping in a respectful curtsy to the older woman as well as inclining her head in greeting to the Lord Diogenes, she watched as the pair left together and released a breath she hadn’t even realized she’d been holding.
Xene then asked if she and Eliana would join them for the feast, and before the Queen could open her mouth to respond, she heard the sound of the peacock’s rustling feathers. Watching in mystified awe for several moments as the pair of peafowl first stopped in front of Evangelina and Gavriil, she felt her mouth draw up in a smile of delight. Surely, such an appearance was a good omen for the new couple, and her heart went out to her cousin. While others might mutter speculations on the nature of the unusual union, the sudden entrance of Hera’s most beloved creatures ought to put those mutters to rest. Maybe all Leventi unions weren’t cursed.
However, delighted mystification soon morphed to unease as the female turned on her with a peculiar sound, meeting her eye in an eerily humanlike fashion. Swallowing uncomfortably, she dropped her gaze and cleared her throat. If she took their appearance to Evangelina and Gavriil as an omen and yet disregarded this… Well, maybe they were just ordinary peafowl, after all. Or maybe not.
Once the birds were out of sight and the lull in the celebration was over, Theodora turned back to Xene with a forced smile. She’d already come into this wedding with a quiet sort of trepidation; she’d hardly exchanged two words with her retinue for the entire journey here. Now? Now, all she wanted was to leave before anyone happened to comment on the peahen’s odd look. She was paranoid enough about what she’d done, and this wedding wasn’t about her, anyway. With the announcement official and the feast in full swing, perhaps she might find a way to slip out before anyone noticed. She’d done her duty, made her greetings. Surely her presence was no longer required.
“Forgive me, Your Highness, but I’m not feeling very well, and I don’t think all this food would sit well with me. Please, enjoy without me. Another time.” Gently squeezing Xene’s shoulder, she turned to Eliana with another forced smile. “Feel free to mingle as you’d like. I think I’m going to make a few more rounds and then turn in early. I’d like to leave at first light.”
Regardless of whether Eliana chose to stay with her or the other celebrants, Theodora made herself scarce for the remainder of the evening, exchanging a few amiable words with her sisters and cousins here and there before finding the opportunity to slip to the chambers given to her for the night. Once inside, she was finally able to release a shuddering sigh of relief, wandering over to the window where she looked out on the remaining well-wishers. While she was happy for her cousin, pleased that the match seemed to suit her so well, she couldn’t help her own melancholy. Would that her wedding had been such a joyous affair.
The Queen was awake and ready by the time first light dawned, waiting patiently as her retainers readied themselves to go. Some were a bit worse for the wear, and she couldn’t help but laugh at their hungover slog through the morning, a few gentle teases offered when they all piled back into the carriage. As the scenery of Meganea passed them by, she retreated back into herself again, the peahen’s glare still resting at the forefront of her mind.
Theodora smiled at the greetings both the princess and the former queen bestowed upon her, grateful, at least, that Elise had not portrayed any of the same behavior she had at the coronation. Dipping in a respectful curtsy to the older woman as well as inclining her head in greeting to the Lord Diogenes, she watched as the pair left together and released a breath she hadn’t even realized she’d been holding.
Xene then asked if she and Eliana would join them for the feast, and before the Queen could open her mouth to respond, she heard the sound of the peacock’s rustling feathers. Watching in mystified awe for several moments as the pair of peafowl first stopped in front of Evangelina and Gavriil, she felt her mouth draw up in a smile of delight. Surely, such an appearance was a good omen for the new couple, and her heart went out to her cousin. While others might mutter speculations on the nature of the unusual union, the sudden entrance of Hera’s most beloved creatures ought to put those mutters to rest. Maybe all Leventi unions weren’t cursed.
However, delighted mystification soon morphed to unease as the female turned on her with a peculiar sound, meeting her eye in an eerily humanlike fashion. Swallowing uncomfortably, she dropped her gaze and cleared her throat. If she took their appearance to Evangelina and Gavriil as an omen and yet disregarded this… Well, maybe they were just ordinary peafowl, after all. Or maybe not.
Once the birds were out of sight and the lull in the celebration was over, Theodora turned back to Xene with a forced smile. She’d already come into this wedding with a quiet sort of trepidation; she’d hardly exchanged two words with her retinue for the entire journey here. Now? Now, all she wanted was to leave before anyone happened to comment on the peahen’s odd look. She was paranoid enough about what she’d done, and this wedding wasn’t about her, anyway. With the announcement official and the feast in full swing, perhaps she might find a way to slip out before anyone noticed. She’d done her duty, made her greetings. Surely her presence was no longer required.
“Forgive me, Your Highness, but I’m not feeling very well, and I don’t think all this food would sit well with me. Please, enjoy without me. Another time.” Gently squeezing Xene’s shoulder, she turned to Eliana with another forced smile. “Feel free to mingle as you’d like. I think I’m going to make a few more rounds and then turn in early. I’d like to leave at first light.”
Regardless of whether Eliana chose to stay with her or the other celebrants, Theodora made herself scarce for the remainder of the evening, exchanging a few amiable words with her sisters and cousins here and there before finding the opportunity to slip to the chambers given to her for the night. Once inside, she was finally able to release a shuddering sigh of relief, wandering over to the window where she looked out on the remaining well-wishers. While she was happy for her cousin, pleased that the match seemed to suit her so well, she couldn’t help her own melancholy. Would that her wedding had been such a joyous affair.
The Queen was awake and ready by the time first light dawned, waiting patiently as her retainers readied themselves to go. Some were a bit worse for the wear, and she couldn’t help but laugh at their hungover slog through the morning, a few gentle teases offered when they all piled back into the carriage. As the scenery of Meganea passed them by, she retreated back into herself again, the peahen’s glare still resting at the forefront of her mind.
This was definitely an event he’d never thought or planned to do again. Maybe if he’d considered it for a very long time, it might be painful or others might assume it so. It wasn’t, though. This was as different to his first wedding as could possibly be. This one was no less eccentric but a lot more politically satisfying for those in attendance. Evangelina was a born and bred lady, for one thing. Sibyl had been a farmer’s daughter. Where he and Sibyl had been the same age, though, Gavriil and Evangelina certainly were not. Despite her years, however, her soul seemed a lot older than that. Her thoughts and desires and aspirations weren’t silly or supercilious. She wasn’t burdened with the idiotic thoughts that plagued the young. The only marks against her was lack of experience and that was easily remedied by time. Gavriil would not have been in the least bit interested in her if she had been vapid or childish.
He listened to her toast and smiled and clapped when everyone else did. His toast was a lot more halting than hers. Never good with public speeches, he kept his clipped and short, toasting his children and his new wife, thanking guests for coming, and then mercifully was able to sit back down. If there was anything Gavriil didn’t like about his life, it was that it sometimes had to be very public. An intensely private person, he’d have preferred not to have to do this song and dance ceremony but with Hera’s blessing on it and the social requirements, they’d obviously made the right decision.
When everyone was turning towards each other and conversation was a dull roar, Evie turned to him and lay her hand on his shoulder. ”I have something in the stable for you.” Her voice was quiet but close and he frowned. Now? But then...it was their wedding. They could leave the tables if they wanted to. Without speaking, he took her hand from his shoulder and held it in his. Rising from his chair drew looks but obviously no one stopped them.
The only person who did speak to them as they made their way from the feasting tables and towards the barn was his steward. Charios move swiftly to his side, hands tucked behind his back, head tilted, and the ever present frown marring the man’s craggy face. Charios was older than Gavriil by about fifteen years and hadn’t a hair left on his head, save for a very impressive beard. ”Is something the matter, my lord?” The steward’s eyes drifted from his master to his new mistress and back again.
“Nothing,” Gavriil waved him back towards the tables. “We’ll be right back.” Maybe. He didn’t know what it was that Evie wanted, so he amended with, “Probably.”
Charios moved away from them and Gavriil continued on to the stables with Evie. He asked no questions of her but his curiosity was piqued. If someone wanted to keep their own secrets until the last, Gavriil was an excellent person to do this with. He rarely pressed someone unless it was necessary.
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This was definitely an event he’d never thought or planned to do again. Maybe if he’d considered it for a very long time, it might be painful or others might assume it so. It wasn’t, though. This was as different to his first wedding as could possibly be. This one was no less eccentric but a lot more politically satisfying for those in attendance. Evangelina was a born and bred lady, for one thing. Sibyl had been a farmer’s daughter. Where he and Sibyl had been the same age, though, Gavriil and Evangelina certainly were not. Despite her years, however, her soul seemed a lot older than that. Her thoughts and desires and aspirations weren’t silly or supercilious. She wasn’t burdened with the idiotic thoughts that plagued the young. The only marks against her was lack of experience and that was easily remedied by time. Gavriil would not have been in the least bit interested in her if she had been vapid or childish.
He listened to her toast and smiled and clapped when everyone else did. His toast was a lot more halting than hers. Never good with public speeches, he kept his clipped and short, toasting his children and his new wife, thanking guests for coming, and then mercifully was able to sit back down. If there was anything Gavriil didn’t like about his life, it was that it sometimes had to be very public. An intensely private person, he’d have preferred not to have to do this song and dance ceremony but with Hera’s blessing on it and the social requirements, they’d obviously made the right decision.
When everyone was turning towards each other and conversation was a dull roar, Evie turned to him and lay her hand on his shoulder. ”I have something in the stable for you.” Her voice was quiet but close and he frowned. Now? But then...it was their wedding. They could leave the tables if they wanted to. Without speaking, he took her hand from his shoulder and held it in his. Rising from his chair drew looks but obviously no one stopped them.
The only person who did speak to them as they made their way from the feasting tables and towards the barn was his steward. Charios move swiftly to his side, hands tucked behind his back, head tilted, and the ever present frown marring the man’s craggy face. Charios was older than Gavriil by about fifteen years and hadn’t a hair left on his head, save for a very impressive beard. ”Is something the matter, my lord?” The steward’s eyes drifted from his master to his new mistress and back again.
“Nothing,” Gavriil waved him back towards the tables. “We’ll be right back.” Maybe. He didn’t know what it was that Evie wanted, so he amended with, “Probably.”
Charios moved away from them and Gavriil continued on to the stables with Evie. He asked no questions of her but his curiosity was piqued. If someone wanted to keep their own secrets until the last, Gavriil was an excellent person to do this with. He rarely pressed someone unless it was necessary.
This was definitely an event he’d never thought or planned to do again. Maybe if he’d considered it for a very long time, it might be painful or others might assume it so. It wasn’t, though. This was as different to his first wedding as could possibly be. This one was no less eccentric but a lot more politically satisfying for those in attendance. Evangelina was a born and bred lady, for one thing. Sibyl had been a farmer’s daughter. Where he and Sibyl had been the same age, though, Gavriil and Evangelina certainly were not. Despite her years, however, her soul seemed a lot older than that. Her thoughts and desires and aspirations weren’t silly or supercilious. She wasn’t burdened with the idiotic thoughts that plagued the young. The only marks against her was lack of experience and that was easily remedied by time. Gavriil would not have been in the least bit interested in her if she had been vapid or childish.
He listened to her toast and smiled and clapped when everyone else did. His toast was a lot more halting than hers. Never good with public speeches, he kept his clipped and short, toasting his children and his new wife, thanking guests for coming, and then mercifully was able to sit back down. If there was anything Gavriil didn’t like about his life, it was that it sometimes had to be very public. An intensely private person, he’d have preferred not to have to do this song and dance ceremony but with Hera’s blessing on it and the social requirements, they’d obviously made the right decision.
When everyone was turning towards each other and conversation was a dull roar, Evie turned to him and lay her hand on his shoulder. ”I have something in the stable for you.” Her voice was quiet but close and he frowned. Now? But then...it was their wedding. They could leave the tables if they wanted to. Without speaking, he took her hand from his shoulder and held it in his. Rising from his chair drew looks but obviously no one stopped them.
The only person who did speak to them as they made their way from the feasting tables and towards the barn was his steward. Charios move swiftly to his side, hands tucked behind his back, head tilted, and the ever present frown marring the man’s craggy face. Charios was older than Gavriil by about fifteen years and hadn’t a hair left on his head, save for a very impressive beard. ”Is something the matter, my lord?” The steward’s eyes drifted from his master to his new mistress and back again.
“Nothing,” Gavriil waved him back towards the tables. “We’ll be right back.” Maybe. He didn’t know what it was that Evie wanted, so he amended with, “Probably.”
Charios moved away from them and Gavriil continued on to the stables with Evie. He asked no questions of her but his curiosity was piqued. If someone wanted to keep their own secrets until the last, Gavriil was an excellent person to do this with. He rarely pressed someone unless it was necessary.
Gossip Innocence Claimed
It is said that a wedding is not a wedding without a fight, and when the nobility of Taengea are gathered together in one place then such thing seems an inevitability. This time, it was the newly returned Olympia of Mikaelidas that had stirred the disquiet, with a few scornful glances and narrowed eyes shot towards the former queen and her newborn child.
One voice, braver than the rest, said loud enough to be heard:
“It’s disgraceful. Parading around with that traitor’s babe as if she has a right to be here. After what he did. I don’t know how the family stand it. I don’t see why any of us should”
JD
Staff Team
JD
Staff Team
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It is said that a wedding is not a wedding without a fight, and when the nobility of Taengea are gathered together in one place then such thing seems an inevitability. This time, it was the newly returned Olympia of Mikaelidas that had stirred the disquiet, with a few scornful glances and narrowed eyes shot towards the former queen and her newborn child.
One voice, braver than the rest, said loud enough to be heard:
“It’s disgraceful. Parading around with that traitor’s babe as if she has a right to be here. After what he did. I don’t know how the family stand it. I don’t see why any of us should”
Gossip Innocence Claimed
It is said that a wedding is not a wedding without a fight, and when the nobility of Taengea are gathered together in one place then such thing seems an inevitability. This time, it was the newly returned Olympia of Mikaelidas that had stirred the disquiet, with a few scornful glances and narrowed eyes shot towards the former queen and her newborn child.
One voice, braver than the rest, said loud enough to be heard:
“It’s disgraceful. Parading around with that traitor’s babe as if she has a right to be here. After what he did. I don’t know how the family stand it. I don’t see why any of us should”
Despite the tumultuous months, she was at heart still a young girl. Her eyebrows raised as Imma brushed aside the conversation with the eligible young lord as nothing. How strange! But Sara would not pry, and perhaps she could understand not whispering and gossiping so close to the rest of the Leventi clan. ”If you say so.” She murmured, offering her dear friend a smile. She could not help but feel as though a chasm had opened between them since her father had died. She had never truly been of noble blood, but it had been part of her life since birth that it felt strange now to truly be lesser in the sense of actually feeling that way.
Sara turned her eyes away from Imma, giving a non-committal sound at the idea of spending time together. Would it be too strange? Would Sara even have anything decent to say? Surely Imma would not want to hear about her life as a ladies’ maid to Melina. A depression settled in her heart, even as she reached out to squeeze Imma’s arm and give him the best smile she could muster. ”Of course. I’ll see if you are free on the next day I am.” She leaned in, giving the blonde girl a hug before pulling away and wandering into the crowd of celebrators.
She had been trying to reach Theodora, but it seemed she had already departed the gathering which made Sara frown. She had really hoped to speak with her before, and made a promise that she would actually pen the letter she’d been meaning to send to the Queen. She had been so swept up in learning her new place, getting to know Melina and avoiding Xanthippe -- and it seemed that every time she picked up the pen she didn’t know what to say. Their meeting and time together had been so brief, still so surface level by the time she’d gone to join Melina and the Leventis.
It wasn’t long before the swirling of rumors caught her attention, quiet at first but growing in volume and they all seemed to focus on one person in particular. Sara did not know Olympia very well, perhaps just the briefest of interactions but that was only because she’d not been allowed at court due to her age. Then of course, all of the...dying had started. Still, Sara knew what it was like to be at the heart of terrible rumors. She’d been subject to whispers too, even as a small child. Bastard child. Whore’s child. She felt sympathy for Olympia and the small child she had.
And somehow that was enough to draw Irakles’ bastard to Pia. She was timid, her cheeks already flushed with color as she tucked her hands behind her back. “She’s very cute.” Sara said, looking down at the baby before getting abruptly flustered. “N-n-not that you’re not cute too...I mean pretty...I mean…beautiful.” More heat flooded her face.
Her gaze passed from the baby to the woman and back again, not sure where to look to hide her embarrassment. She was not even sure why she'd come over, all of a sudden, inexplicably drawn to the woman who was once Queen even for just the briefest moment in time. She started to pull back, afraid that she'd overstepped somehow -- a simple ladies' maid talking to someone so important.
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Despite the tumultuous months, she was at heart still a young girl. Her eyebrows raised as Imma brushed aside the conversation with the eligible young lord as nothing. How strange! But Sara would not pry, and perhaps she could understand not whispering and gossiping so close to the rest of the Leventi clan. ”If you say so.” She murmured, offering her dear friend a smile. She could not help but feel as though a chasm had opened between them since her father had died. She had never truly been of noble blood, but it had been part of her life since birth that it felt strange now to truly be lesser in the sense of actually feeling that way.
Sara turned her eyes away from Imma, giving a non-committal sound at the idea of spending time together. Would it be too strange? Would Sara even have anything decent to say? Surely Imma would not want to hear about her life as a ladies’ maid to Melina. A depression settled in her heart, even as she reached out to squeeze Imma’s arm and give him the best smile she could muster. ”Of course. I’ll see if you are free on the next day I am.” She leaned in, giving the blonde girl a hug before pulling away and wandering into the crowd of celebrators.
She had been trying to reach Theodora, but it seemed she had already departed the gathering which made Sara frown. She had really hoped to speak with her before, and made a promise that she would actually pen the letter she’d been meaning to send to the Queen. She had been so swept up in learning her new place, getting to know Melina and avoiding Xanthippe -- and it seemed that every time she picked up the pen she didn’t know what to say. Their meeting and time together had been so brief, still so surface level by the time she’d gone to join Melina and the Leventis.
It wasn’t long before the swirling of rumors caught her attention, quiet at first but growing in volume and they all seemed to focus on one person in particular. Sara did not know Olympia very well, perhaps just the briefest of interactions but that was only because she’d not been allowed at court due to her age. Then of course, all of the...dying had started. Still, Sara knew what it was like to be at the heart of terrible rumors. She’d been subject to whispers too, even as a small child. Bastard child. Whore’s child. She felt sympathy for Olympia and the small child she had.
And somehow that was enough to draw Irakles’ bastard to Pia. She was timid, her cheeks already flushed with color as she tucked her hands behind her back. “She’s very cute.” Sara said, looking down at the baby before getting abruptly flustered. “N-n-not that you’re not cute too...I mean pretty...I mean…beautiful.” More heat flooded her face.
Her gaze passed from the baby to the woman and back again, not sure where to look to hide her embarrassment. She was not even sure why she'd come over, all of a sudden, inexplicably drawn to the woman who was once Queen even for just the briefest moment in time. She started to pull back, afraid that she'd overstepped somehow -- a simple ladies' maid talking to someone so important.
Despite the tumultuous months, she was at heart still a young girl. Her eyebrows raised as Imma brushed aside the conversation with the eligible young lord as nothing. How strange! But Sara would not pry, and perhaps she could understand not whispering and gossiping so close to the rest of the Leventi clan. ”If you say so.” She murmured, offering her dear friend a smile. She could not help but feel as though a chasm had opened between them since her father had died. She had never truly been of noble blood, but it had been part of her life since birth that it felt strange now to truly be lesser in the sense of actually feeling that way.
Sara turned her eyes away from Imma, giving a non-committal sound at the idea of spending time together. Would it be too strange? Would Sara even have anything decent to say? Surely Imma would not want to hear about her life as a ladies’ maid to Melina. A depression settled in her heart, even as she reached out to squeeze Imma’s arm and give him the best smile she could muster. ”Of course. I’ll see if you are free on the next day I am.” She leaned in, giving the blonde girl a hug before pulling away and wandering into the crowd of celebrators.
She had been trying to reach Theodora, but it seemed she had already departed the gathering which made Sara frown. She had really hoped to speak with her before, and made a promise that she would actually pen the letter she’d been meaning to send to the Queen. She had been so swept up in learning her new place, getting to know Melina and avoiding Xanthippe -- and it seemed that every time she picked up the pen she didn’t know what to say. Their meeting and time together had been so brief, still so surface level by the time she’d gone to join Melina and the Leventis.
It wasn’t long before the swirling of rumors caught her attention, quiet at first but growing in volume and they all seemed to focus on one person in particular. Sara did not know Olympia very well, perhaps just the briefest of interactions but that was only because she’d not been allowed at court due to her age. Then of course, all of the...dying had started. Still, Sara knew what it was like to be at the heart of terrible rumors. She’d been subject to whispers too, even as a small child. Bastard child. Whore’s child. She felt sympathy for Olympia and the small child she had.
And somehow that was enough to draw Irakles’ bastard to Pia. She was timid, her cheeks already flushed with color as she tucked her hands behind her back. “She’s very cute.” Sara said, looking down at the baby before getting abruptly flustered. “N-n-not that you’re not cute too...I mean pretty...I mean…beautiful.” More heat flooded her face.
Her gaze passed from the baby to the woman and back again, not sure where to look to hide her embarrassment. She was not even sure why she'd come over, all of a sudden, inexplicably drawn to the woman who was once Queen even for just the briefest moment in time. She started to pull back, afraid that she'd overstepped somehow -- a simple ladies' maid talking to someone so important.
Diogenes shook his head with a solemn expression, still holding Elise's hand as he rebuffed her claims. Anyone who had seen Elise and Zenon of Mikaelidas on their wedding day would know he spoke the truth, and as quaint and sweet as this country wedding was, nothing could compare to the fanfare the royals had. Nor how beautiful the bride had been. His heart gave a slight twinge as he ached to have his wife by his side once more, how cruel it was of the gods to take her away from him when all he'd wanted was to have her by his side.
"Forgive my, your majesty you know how I hate to contradict you." He'd done so many times over the years, usually in a teasing friendly manner as he and Hallia had spent time with the king and queen as companions and vassals. "No bride has been so beautiful since you, I daresay until my ladies Xene and Gianna meet their matches there will not be any that could compare."
He gave a chuckle as he finally released the dowager queen's hand with a final reassuring squeeze. Looking to Xene with a fond smile he waved his hand as she bowed, leaning in to kiss her cheek in greeting. He'd watched her grow up, along with the rest of this new Mikaelidas generation, she was the spitting image of her mother in all ways, except for her eyes. She had Zenon's eyes. "Nonsense my dear, I'm far too old to be bowed to, especially by you. I would be honored to join you this evening." The offer to join them was met with a smile and he gave a flourish, holding his arm out for Elise as she clung to him and placing his other hand over her own.
"My darling it is endlessly easy to flatter you." He said nothing about the comment of Irakles, not even allowing a perceptible sign of a shift on his face. He'd never cared for Zenon's brother, but he wouldn't speak ill of a dead man, whatever true or false rumors he'd spread. They found their place at the table and he kept close to Elise, the wine in their cups always full as they laughed like the old friends they were.
It was when he heard the whispers about her son and daughter-in-law that Diogenes tore his attention away from the dowager, shooting a disapproving look at the one who'd been bold enough to say anything. "Your majesty, surely we must have your granddaughter in our midst. A baby brings joy to events such as these, a promise for the future." Waving to the young woman, he stood to draw Olympia into a seat on the other side of her mother-in-law, wiggling his fingers at the baby before giving the women time to speak, his expression daring anyone within his earshot to say anything about his darling Elise's grandchild.
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This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
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Diogenes shook his head with a solemn expression, still holding Elise's hand as he rebuffed her claims. Anyone who had seen Elise and Zenon of Mikaelidas on their wedding day would know he spoke the truth, and as quaint and sweet as this country wedding was, nothing could compare to the fanfare the royals had. Nor how beautiful the bride had been. His heart gave a slight twinge as he ached to have his wife by his side once more, how cruel it was of the gods to take her away from him when all he'd wanted was to have her by his side.
"Forgive my, your majesty you know how I hate to contradict you." He'd done so many times over the years, usually in a teasing friendly manner as he and Hallia had spent time with the king and queen as companions and vassals. "No bride has been so beautiful since you, I daresay until my ladies Xene and Gianna meet their matches there will not be any that could compare."
He gave a chuckle as he finally released the dowager queen's hand with a final reassuring squeeze. Looking to Xene with a fond smile he waved his hand as she bowed, leaning in to kiss her cheek in greeting. He'd watched her grow up, along with the rest of this new Mikaelidas generation, she was the spitting image of her mother in all ways, except for her eyes. She had Zenon's eyes. "Nonsense my dear, I'm far too old to be bowed to, especially by you. I would be honored to join you this evening." The offer to join them was met with a smile and he gave a flourish, holding his arm out for Elise as she clung to him and placing his other hand over her own.
"My darling it is endlessly easy to flatter you." He said nothing about the comment of Irakles, not even allowing a perceptible sign of a shift on his face. He'd never cared for Zenon's brother, but he wouldn't speak ill of a dead man, whatever true or false rumors he'd spread. They found their place at the table and he kept close to Elise, the wine in their cups always full as they laughed like the old friends they were.
It was when he heard the whispers about her son and daughter-in-law that Diogenes tore his attention away from the dowager, shooting a disapproving look at the one who'd been bold enough to say anything. "Your majesty, surely we must have your granddaughter in our midst. A baby brings joy to events such as these, a promise for the future." Waving to the young woman, he stood to draw Olympia into a seat on the other side of her mother-in-law, wiggling his fingers at the baby before giving the women time to speak, his expression daring anyone within his earshot to say anything about his darling Elise's grandchild.
Diogenes shook his head with a solemn expression, still holding Elise's hand as he rebuffed her claims. Anyone who had seen Elise and Zenon of Mikaelidas on their wedding day would know he spoke the truth, and as quaint and sweet as this country wedding was, nothing could compare to the fanfare the royals had. Nor how beautiful the bride had been. His heart gave a slight twinge as he ached to have his wife by his side once more, how cruel it was of the gods to take her away from him when all he'd wanted was to have her by his side.
"Forgive my, your majesty you know how I hate to contradict you." He'd done so many times over the years, usually in a teasing friendly manner as he and Hallia had spent time with the king and queen as companions and vassals. "No bride has been so beautiful since you, I daresay until my ladies Xene and Gianna meet their matches there will not be any that could compare."
He gave a chuckle as he finally released the dowager queen's hand with a final reassuring squeeze. Looking to Xene with a fond smile he waved his hand as she bowed, leaning in to kiss her cheek in greeting. He'd watched her grow up, along with the rest of this new Mikaelidas generation, she was the spitting image of her mother in all ways, except for her eyes. She had Zenon's eyes. "Nonsense my dear, I'm far too old to be bowed to, especially by you. I would be honored to join you this evening." The offer to join them was met with a smile and he gave a flourish, holding his arm out for Elise as she clung to him and placing his other hand over her own.
"My darling it is endlessly easy to flatter you." He said nothing about the comment of Irakles, not even allowing a perceptible sign of a shift on his face. He'd never cared for Zenon's brother, but he wouldn't speak ill of a dead man, whatever true or false rumors he'd spread. They found their place at the table and he kept close to Elise, the wine in their cups always full as they laughed like the old friends they were.
It was when he heard the whispers about her son and daughter-in-law that Diogenes tore his attention away from the dowager, shooting a disapproving look at the one who'd been bold enough to say anything. "Your majesty, surely we must have your granddaughter in our midst. A baby brings joy to events such as these, a promise for the future." Waving to the young woman, he stood to draw Olympia into a seat on the other side of her mother-in-law, wiggling his fingers at the baby before giving the women time to speak, his expression daring anyone within his earshot to say anything about his darling Elise's grandchild.
