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Forced not to look over her should as they had gone into the palati and the men prepared to depart. She was torn. Aikaterine longed to look into Stephanos' blue eyes once again. She wasn't allowed. She couldn't. There was no moment to take him into her arms in front of all those people. Even in the middle of preparing for a battle, the man was blessed. She feared for the life of him and all those around him. If his comrades died, he could be to blame, even if the real evil was the Creed. She knew nothing of the group that had plagued the royal family. She just knew that they were wreaking terror on Taengea right now.
Because she could not look back, the only option was to look forward. The beautiful, brand new chiton flowed as her steps kept her closely behind the queen and the queen mother. Elise was an elegant lady, but aging. Aikaterine wondered what it was like to have all the stresses of being Queen gone in an instant and then to place that title on another so quickly. Did she like Olympia? Did she hope for the best? Or did she miss the station she had once held? Kat had always been a curious one and the questions flooded her mind as she continued until the group came to a stop.
There was a layer of tension in the air. The women were all worried about the men as they were going into a bee's hive. Or that was Aikaterine's opinion of it. Stephanos was always so adamant about spies. What if there was one that found out his plan and he was heading into death. Someone wanted the royal family dead and Kat didn't think for a minute it was Stephanos that had murdered his father and brother. There had never been anything about him to make her think that way. Her impression was the farthest from a cruel heartless killer than anything else.
When they stopped, she stopped. Aikaterine was at the command of Queen Olympia and looked to her to do what she wanted. Though she had a conversation with the Princess Xene the night before that made her uneasy, she kept her good posture about her as they retreated to somewhere safest. There was an exit strategy. If the King didn't come back, she had to get out. They all had to leave. Xene was suspicious of Kat, but wasn't Pia also? She had been under scrutiny since the moment she had been appointed. No matter how great the sex was, the eyes she suffered through the day was still one of the hardest things she had ever endured.
There were so many questions she had. But, no one to ask. Not really. Not when she wasn't the one who should speak first. Instead, her fingers moved from fidgeting with her dress to toiled with one of the long brown tendrils of her hair. It wasn't that ladylike, but hopefully, she would be forgiven given the tense seriousness of the situation.
JD
Staff Team
JD
Staff Team
This post was created by our staff team.
Please contact us with your queries and questions.
Forced not to look over her should as they had gone into the palati and the men prepared to depart. She was torn. Aikaterine longed to look into Stephanos' blue eyes once again. She wasn't allowed. She couldn't. There was no moment to take him into her arms in front of all those people. Even in the middle of preparing for a battle, the man was blessed. She feared for the life of him and all those around him. If his comrades died, he could be to blame, even if the real evil was the Creed. She knew nothing of the group that had plagued the royal family. She just knew that they were wreaking terror on Taengea right now.
Because she could not look back, the only option was to look forward. The beautiful, brand new chiton flowed as her steps kept her closely behind the queen and the queen mother. Elise was an elegant lady, but aging. Aikaterine wondered what it was like to have all the stresses of being Queen gone in an instant and then to place that title on another so quickly. Did she like Olympia? Did she hope for the best? Or did she miss the station she had once held? Kat had always been a curious one and the questions flooded her mind as she continued until the group came to a stop.
There was a layer of tension in the air. The women were all worried about the men as they were going into a bee's hive. Or that was Aikaterine's opinion of it. Stephanos was always so adamant about spies. What if there was one that found out his plan and he was heading into death. Someone wanted the royal family dead and Kat didn't think for a minute it was Stephanos that had murdered his father and brother. There had never been anything about him to make her think that way. Her impression was the farthest from a cruel heartless killer than anything else.
When they stopped, she stopped. Aikaterine was at the command of Queen Olympia and looked to her to do what she wanted. Though she had a conversation with the Princess Xene the night before that made her uneasy, she kept her good posture about her as they retreated to somewhere safest. There was an exit strategy. If the King didn't come back, she had to get out. They all had to leave. Xene was suspicious of Kat, but wasn't Pia also? She had been under scrutiny since the moment she had been appointed. No matter how great the sex was, the eyes she suffered through the day was still one of the hardest things she had ever endured.
There were so many questions she had. But, no one to ask. Not really. Not when she wasn't the one who should speak first. Instead, her fingers moved from fidgeting with her dress to toiled with one of the long brown tendrils of her hair. It wasn't that ladylike, but hopefully, she would be forgiven given the tense seriousness of the situation.
Forced not to look over her should as they had gone into the palati and the men prepared to depart. She was torn. Aikaterine longed to look into Stephanos' blue eyes once again. She wasn't allowed. She couldn't. There was no moment to take him into her arms in front of all those people. Even in the middle of preparing for a battle, the man was blessed. She feared for the life of him and all those around him. If his comrades died, he could be to blame, even if the real evil was the Creed. She knew nothing of the group that had plagued the royal family. She just knew that they were wreaking terror on Taengea right now.
Because she could not look back, the only option was to look forward. The beautiful, brand new chiton flowed as her steps kept her closely behind the queen and the queen mother. Elise was an elegant lady, but aging. Aikaterine wondered what it was like to have all the stresses of being Queen gone in an instant and then to place that title on another so quickly. Did she like Olympia? Did she hope for the best? Or did she miss the station she had once held? Kat had always been a curious one and the questions flooded her mind as she continued until the group came to a stop.
There was a layer of tension in the air. The women were all worried about the men as they were going into a bee's hive. Or that was Aikaterine's opinion of it. Stephanos was always so adamant about spies. What if there was one that found out his plan and he was heading into death. Someone wanted the royal family dead and Kat didn't think for a minute it was Stephanos that had murdered his father and brother. There had never been anything about him to make her think that way. Her impression was the farthest from a cruel heartless killer than anything else.
When they stopped, she stopped. Aikaterine was at the command of Queen Olympia and looked to her to do what she wanted. Though she had a conversation with the Princess Xene the night before that made her uneasy, she kept her good posture about her as they retreated to somewhere safest. There was an exit strategy. If the King didn't come back, she had to get out. They all had to leave. Xene was suspicious of Kat, but wasn't Pia also? She had been under scrutiny since the moment she had been appointed. No matter how great the sex was, the eyes she suffered through the day was still one of the hardest things she had ever endured.
There were so many questions she had. But, no one to ask. Not really. Not when she wasn't the one who should speak first. Instead, her fingers moved from fidgeting with her dress to toiled with one of the long brown tendrils of her hair. It wasn't that ladylike, but hopefully, she would be forgiven given the tense seriousness of the situation.
The tears that had flowed as soon as the doors had been closed behind them were nonstop, and Olympia was as doubled over as she could be with her belly in the way. In front of Stephanos and the men she had been strong but now terror gripped her and she wanted nothing more than for her mother to be here at her side. If they didn’t come back, if things failed, they needed to be ready to run and though she knew rationally that she couldn’t take everyone with her, she couldn’t imagine leaving her family behind. As if sensing his mother’s fear the baby was still, dormant as Elise reached out and held Olympia as upright as she could. Most of her sisters who were here were still outside saying their goodbyes, it had been forgiven for the queen and a small retinue to depart early due to her condition but she needed their strength around her.
“Come, back to your chambers. We can watch and wait from there. You, help her majesty up until her sisters can attend her.” Even at her age the dowager queen knew how to bark orders and keep calm, holding her daughter-in-law upright as she looked to Aikaterine for assistance, blue eyes so like the king’s own in their sharpness. There was a concern there as well, but nowhere near the level of desperation the younger queen was exhibiting. She had no reason to doubt Irakles’ trustworthiness, nor that anything out of the ordinary fears of a husband going to battle were amiss. Didn’t know that tucked in her her breast Pia held a poison that she would not hesitate to take if there came a moment it was too late to flee.
Struggling upright, Pia looked to Kat for assistance as she continued her silent sobs. By the time they made it back to her chambers the tears had mostly dried down and her expression was closed off again, her mask back in place. It had been foolish of her to lose her cool in such a time as this with spies watching her from every corner. A chaise had been placed in the shade of the doorway of her balcony, cushions piled about it as she took slow, halting steps to her new post. From here they would be able to hear the first cries of a return and hopefully discern whether it was victory or loss. Desma was the only one who knew of Stephanos’ request to her, as soon as Selene returned to her she would relay the message to the eldest of Leventi sisters.
There was hope, that if she fled those who chose to remain would stay protected. They could go to Theodora and Achilleas, and that might be enough to keep them safe from any retaliation Irakles threw at them. Selene was the only one who she questioned, depending how her relationship with Vangelis had progressed, Colchis might be her choice if only to get more time with him. Her parents would remain, and she prayed to all of the gods that they would not be harmed for any connection to her. It was to their benefit really that she had done this without their knowledge or permission. Not even her mother had encouraged her to seek out the king’s bed, it had been her own desire that had driven her actions. In silence now Olympia settled, gaze fixed on the distant cloud of dust that would be the king’s men headed out to battle.
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This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
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The tears that had flowed as soon as the doors had been closed behind them were nonstop, and Olympia was as doubled over as she could be with her belly in the way. In front of Stephanos and the men she had been strong but now terror gripped her and she wanted nothing more than for her mother to be here at her side. If they didn’t come back, if things failed, they needed to be ready to run and though she knew rationally that she couldn’t take everyone with her, she couldn’t imagine leaving her family behind. As if sensing his mother’s fear the baby was still, dormant as Elise reached out and held Olympia as upright as she could. Most of her sisters who were here were still outside saying their goodbyes, it had been forgiven for the queen and a small retinue to depart early due to her condition but she needed their strength around her.
“Come, back to your chambers. We can watch and wait from there. You, help her majesty up until her sisters can attend her.” Even at her age the dowager queen knew how to bark orders and keep calm, holding her daughter-in-law upright as she looked to Aikaterine for assistance, blue eyes so like the king’s own in their sharpness. There was a concern there as well, but nowhere near the level of desperation the younger queen was exhibiting. She had no reason to doubt Irakles’ trustworthiness, nor that anything out of the ordinary fears of a husband going to battle were amiss. Didn’t know that tucked in her her breast Pia held a poison that she would not hesitate to take if there came a moment it was too late to flee.
Struggling upright, Pia looked to Kat for assistance as she continued her silent sobs. By the time they made it back to her chambers the tears had mostly dried down and her expression was closed off again, her mask back in place. It had been foolish of her to lose her cool in such a time as this with spies watching her from every corner. A chaise had been placed in the shade of the doorway of her balcony, cushions piled about it as she took slow, halting steps to her new post. From here they would be able to hear the first cries of a return and hopefully discern whether it was victory or loss. Desma was the only one who knew of Stephanos’ request to her, as soon as Selene returned to her she would relay the message to the eldest of Leventi sisters.
There was hope, that if she fled those who chose to remain would stay protected. They could go to Theodora and Achilleas, and that might be enough to keep them safe from any retaliation Irakles threw at them. Selene was the only one who she questioned, depending how her relationship with Vangelis had progressed, Colchis might be her choice if only to get more time with him. Her parents would remain, and she prayed to all of the gods that they would not be harmed for any connection to her. It was to their benefit really that she had done this without their knowledge or permission. Not even her mother had encouraged her to seek out the king’s bed, it had been her own desire that had driven her actions. In silence now Olympia settled, gaze fixed on the distant cloud of dust that would be the king’s men headed out to battle.
The tears that had flowed as soon as the doors had been closed behind them were nonstop, and Olympia was as doubled over as she could be with her belly in the way. In front of Stephanos and the men she had been strong but now terror gripped her and she wanted nothing more than for her mother to be here at her side. If they didn’t come back, if things failed, they needed to be ready to run and though she knew rationally that she couldn’t take everyone with her, she couldn’t imagine leaving her family behind. As if sensing his mother’s fear the baby was still, dormant as Elise reached out and held Olympia as upright as she could. Most of her sisters who were here were still outside saying their goodbyes, it had been forgiven for the queen and a small retinue to depart early due to her condition but she needed their strength around her.
“Come, back to your chambers. We can watch and wait from there. You, help her majesty up until her sisters can attend her.” Even at her age the dowager queen knew how to bark orders and keep calm, holding her daughter-in-law upright as she looked to Aikaterine for assistance, blue eyes so like the king’s own in their sharpness. There was a concern there as well, but nowhere near the level of desperation the younger queen was exhibiting. She had no reason to doubt Irakles’ trustworthiness, nor that anything out of the ordinary fears of a husband going to battle were amiss. Didn’t know that tucked in her her breast Pia held a poison that she would not hesitate to take if there came a moment it was too late to flee.
Struggling upright, Pia looked to Kat for assistance as she continued her silent sobs. By the time they made it back to her chambers the tears had mostly dried down and her expression was closed off again, her mask back in place. It had been foolish of her to lose her cool in such a time as this with spies watching her from every corner. A chaise had been placed in the shade of the doorway of her balcony, cushions piled about it as she took slow, halting steps to her new post. From here they would be able to hear the first cries of a return and hopefully discern whether it was victory or loss. Desma was the only one who knew of Stephanos’ request to her, as soon as Selene returned to her she would relay the message to the eldest of Leventi sisters.
There was hope, that if she fled those who chose to remain would stay protected. They could go to Theodora and Achilleas, and that might be enough to keep them safe from any retaliation Irakles threw at them. Selene was the only one who she questioned, depending how her relationship with Vangelis had progressed, Colchis might be her choice if only to get more time with him. Her parents would remain, and she prayed to all of the gods that they would not be harmed for any connection to her. It was to their benefit really that she had done this without their knowledge or permission. Not even her mother had encouraged her to seek out the king’s bed, it had been her own desire that had driven her actions. In silence now Olympia settled, gaze fixed on the distant cloud of dust that would be the king’s men headed out to battle.
Aikaterine was taken back by the amount of crying the queen continued on with. Perhaps it was because she had been at the palace for such a short time and becoming emotionally attached to any of it had been a struggle. Or that she just wasn't allowed to show that she was physically or emotionally involved with anyone at all. Her eyes went wide when Olympia was now coming to her for some comfort. There were hardly the right words for a situation like this.
There was no refusing the dowager queen's orders and so she pleasantly nodded silently and took Pia's hands on to her arm. Kat remained quiet the entire walk back to the chambers. She had faith that Stephanos would be back. She had no reason to doubt, that even with Irakles in the way, the King was a determined man. And he was prepared for and anticipated the worst. Though, it was a consequence of being around a shorter amount of time. She didn't completely read all the dynamics and the more she thought about it, the more she wondered if she should have been more frightened through this whole ordeal. She didn't want to go back home. Not yet.
Once in the confines of the room, she heard the cries slow to a stop. Aikaterine was rather relieved. She wasn't sure she would be able to bear the sound of her anguish the entire time this mission was supposed to take. Actually, she didn't even know how long it would take. The details were something that Stephanos was unwilling to share. Just that it would be days before he would have her again. And she had to prepare for that. As Pia was settled into her chaise, Kat's green eyes were distracted while on the balcony. She had a momentary daze where she zoned looking out of the city. Should she have been more scared? She was expendable, the queen was not.
A few blinks and she twisted to look towards the queen. With the men on their way out, her sister's would be coming up. It would be a busy place considering how many of them she had. Kat was only a tad jealous since she had come from a place of being the only child. There were no built-in best friends, or enemies, for that matter. She was back to reality looking over all of the pillows to be sure they were all in place and that Pia was comfortable. "Is there anything else you require, your majesty?" It was only asked to be sure before she sat down for the sake of being the company she had for the time being. But, what did anyone even talk about when danger was on the horizon.
Maybe something frivolous. Though that seemed to be an insult to the occasion. They could obsess about the outcomes, but that was trying on the emotions. "He will come back to you. He said it himself." Though, somewhere deep in her stomach had hoped that he was speaking to herself, it was obvious he was having an interesting time balancing the two of them. The words were cryptic and mostly nonspecific. The kind that made her wonder and her mind wander when it shouldn't have been.
JD
Staff Team
JD
Staff Team
This post was created by our staff team.
Please contact us with your queries and questions.
Aikaterine was taken back by the amount of crying the queen continued on with. Perhaps it was because she had been at the palace for such a short time and becoming emotionally attached to any of it had been a struggle. Or that she just wasn't allowed to show that she was physically or emotionally involved with anyone at all. Her eyes went wide when Olympia was now coming to her for some comfort. There were hardly the right words for a situation like this.
There was no refusing the dowager queen's orders and so she pleasantly nodded silently and took Pia's hands on to her arm. Kat remained quiet the entire walk back to the chambers. She had faith that Stephanos would be back. She had no reason to doubt, that even with Irakles in the way, the King was a determined man. And he was prepared for and anticipated the worst. Though, it was a consequence of being around a shorter amount of time. She didn't completely read all the dynamics and the more she thought about it, the more she wondered if she should have been more frightened through this whole ordeal. She didn't want to go back home. Not yet.
Once in the confines of the room, she heard the cries slow to a stop. Aikaterine was rather relieved. She wasn't sure she would be able to bear the sound of her anguish the entire time this mission was supposed to take. Actually, she didn't even know how long it would take. The details were something that Stephanos was unwilling to share. Just that it would be days before he would have her again. And she had to prepare for that. As Pia was settled into her chaise, Kat's green eyes were distracted while on the balcony. She had a momentary daze where she zoned looking out of the city. Should she have been more scared? She was expendable, the queen was not.
A few blinks and she twisted to look towards the queen. With the men on their way out, her sister's would be coming up. It would be a busy place considering how many of them she had. Kat was only a tad jealous since she had come from a place of being the only child. There were no built-in best friends, or enemies, for that matter. She was back to reality looking over all of the pillows to be sure they were all in place and that Pia was comfortable. "Is there anything else you require, your majesty?" It was only asked to be sure before she sat down for the sake of being the company she had for the time being. But, what did anyone even talk about when danger was on the horizon.
Maybe something frivolous. Though that seemed to be an insult to the occasion. They could obsess about the outcomes, but that was trying on the emotions. "He will come back to you. He said it himself." Though, somewhere deep in her stomach had hoped that he was speaking to herself, it was obvious he was having an interesting time balancing the two of them. The words were cryptic and mostly nonspecific. The kind that made her wonder and her mind wander when it shouldn't have been.
Aikaterine was taken back by the amount of crying the queen continued on with. Perhaps it was because she had been at the palace for such a short time and becoming emotionally attached to any of it had been a struggle. Or that she just wasn't allowed to show that she was physically or emotionally involved with anyone at all. Her eyes went wide when Olympia was now coming to her for some comfort. There were hardly the right words for a situation like this.
There was no refusing the dowager queen's orders and so she pleasantly nodded silently and took Pia's hands on to her arm. Kat remained quiet the entire walk back to the chambers. She had faith that Stephanos would be back. She had no reason to doubt, that even with Irakles in the way, the King was a determined man. And he was prepared for and anticipated the worst. Though, it was a consequence of being around a shorter amount of time. She didn't completely read all the dynamics and the more she thought about it, the more she wondered if she should have been more frightened through this whole ordeal. She didn't want to go back home. Not yet.
Once in the confines of the room, she heard the cries slow to a stop. Aikaterine was rather relieved. She wasn't sure she would be able to bear the sound of her anguish the entire time this mission was supposed to take. Actually, she didn't even know how long it would take. The details were something that Stephanos was unwilling to share. Just that it would be days before he would have her again. And she had to prepare for that. As Pia was settled into her chaise, Kat's green eyes were distracted while on the balcony. She had a momentary daze where she zoned looking out of the city. Should she have been more scared? She was expendable, the queen was not.
A few blinks and she twisted to look towards the queen. With the men on their way out, her sister's would be coming up. It would be a busy place considering how many of them she had. Kat was only a tad jealous since she had come from a place of being the only child. There were no built-in best friends, or enemies, for that matter. She was back to reality looking over all of the pillows to be sure they were all in place and that Pia was comfortable. "Is there anything else you require, your majesty?" It was only asked to be sure before she sat down for the sake of being the company she had for the time being. But, what did anyone even talk about when danger was on the horizon.
Maybe something frivolous. Though that seemed to be an insult to the occasion. They could obsess about the outcomes, but that was trying on the emotions. "He will come back to you. He said it himself." Though, somewhere deep in her stomach had hoped that he was speaking to herself, it was obvious he was having an interesting time balancing the two of them. The words were cryptic and mostly nonspecific. The kind that made her wonder and her mind wander when it shouldn't have been.
The anxiety that gnawed at the princess was unlike anything she'd ever felt before. She'd been used to Zach going off to fight, and even Stephanos... but this time was different. This time, there was the life of the king on the line. The happiness of his family. The safety of his queen and unborn child. But... there was also the closure that none of them had been graced with these last months.
Her father's head on a pike... her brother's bloodied cloak flying over the stadium. They had gotten no rest, no reprieve, and no proper closure, revenge, for what had happened to their own kin. And while Xene would have begged her brother to stay, to remain safe in the Palati in any other moment, Xene simply hadn't been able to ask it of him.
They knew more than anyone that they needed answers. Whether this battle would give it to them? That was an entirely different story.
Slipping through the halls of the Palati, Xene had been unable to watch as the men left for the battlefield. Her gaze had settled anywhere but at their backs, her fists clenched sharply at her sides while she worked at holding her composure steady. It wouldn't do for one of the princesses to falter when they were required to be strong in the eyes of their people.
She couldn't watch the trail of dust left by stomping feet or the landing of spears on the roads. Because she couldn't think about the fact that her last living brother might not come back. It was the one thought that she couldn't stomach. The one thought that had left her breakfast settled in her room, untouched.
Her only thought had initially been how well the queen was taking the separation. The potential for danger. While not on awful terms, Xene had made little effort to inject herself into the lives of Stephanos and Olympia. Stephanos' blatant avoidance of her had been enough to keep her to her own devices. But this was a different situation. In that moment, she felt she needed to be with someone who also knew her brother as well as she did.
Xene ignored the stoic expression of her guard as she approached the doors to the queen's chambers. Waving a hand behind her for him to stop, she glanced backward briefly as if to silently note that he was to remain until she returned. Turning to look at the guard at Olympia's door, Xene lifted an eyebrow as if in questioning what was taking him so long to inquire. The man seemed to balk before bowing his head sharply and turning toward the door, knocking lightly.
Opening the door slightly, the man said quietly into the room so as not to disturb the queen, "The Princess Xene has arrived, my Queen," he noted calmly. Unannounced, his words seemed to say without blatantly calling her out. He seemed unsure of what else to say, waiting patiently for any affirmation of rejection of the princess' presence. Xene resorted to settling back a bit, her hands behind her back and her gaze fixed on the door.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
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The anxiety that gnawed at the princess was unlike anything she'd ever felt before. She'd been used to Zach going off to fight, and even Stephanos... but this time was different. This time, there was the life of the king on the line. The happiness of his family. The safety of his queen and unborn child. But... there was also the closure that none of them had been graced with these last months.
Her father's head on a pike... her brother's bloodied cloak flying over the stadium. They had gotten no rest, no reprieve, and no proper closure, revenge, for what had happened to their own kin. And while Xene would have begged her brother to stay, to remain safe in the Palati in any other moment, Xene simply hadn't been able to ask it of him.
They knew more than anyone that they needed answers. Whether this battle would give it to them? That was an entirely different story.
Slipping through the halls of the Palati, Xene had been unable to watch as the men left for the battlefield. Her gaze had settled anywhere but at their backs, her fists clenched sharply at her sides while she worked at holding her composure steady. It wouldn't do for one of the princesses to falter when they were required to be strong in the eyes of their people.
She couldn't watch the trail of dust left by stomping feet or the landing of spears on the roads. Because she couldn't think about the fact that her last living brother might not come back. It was the one thought that she couldn't stomach. The one thought that had left her breakfast settled in her room, untouched.
Her only thought had initially been how well the queen was taking the separation. The potential for danger. While not on awful terms, Xene had made little effort to inject herself into the lives of Stephanos and Olympia. Stephanos' blatant avoidance of her had been enough to keep her to her own devices. But this was a different situation. In that moment, she felt she needed to be with someone who also knew her brother as well as she did.
Xene ignored the stoic expression of her guard as she approached the doors to the queen's chambers. Waving a hand behind her for him to stop, she glanced backward briefly as if to silently note that he was to remain until she returned. Turning to look at the guard at Olympia's door, Xene lifted an eyebrow as if in questioning what was taking him so long to inquire. The man seemed to balk before bowing his head sharply and turning toward the door, knocking lightly.
Opening the door slightly, the man said quietly into the room so as not to disturb the queen, "The Princess Xene has arrived, my Queen," he noted calmly. Unannounced, his words seemed to say without blatantly calling her out. He seemed unsure of what else to say, waiting patiently for any affirmation of rejection of the princess' presence. Xene resorted to settling back a bit, her hands behind her back and her gaze fixed on the door.
The anxiety that gnawed at the princess was unlike anything she'd ever felt before. She'd been used to Zach going off to fight, and even Stephanos... but this time was different. This time, there was the life of the king on the line. The happiness of his family. The safety of his queen and unborn child. But... there was also the closure that none of them had been graced with these last months.
Her father's head on a pike... her brother's bloodied cloak flying over the stadium. They had gotten no rest, no reprieve, and no proper closure, revenge, for what had happened to their own kin. And while Xene would have begged her brother to stay, to remain safe in the Palati in any other moment, Xene simply hadn't been able to ask it of him.
They knew more than anyone that they needed answers. Whether this battle would give it to them? That was an entirely different story.
Slipping through the halls of the Palati, Xene had been unable to watch as the men left for the battlefield. Her gaze had settled anywhere but at their backs, her fists clenched sharply at her sides while she worked at holding her composure steady. It wouldn't do for one of the princesses to falter when they were required to be strong in the eyes of their people.
She couldn't watch the trail of dust left by stomping feet or the landing of spears on the roads. Because she couldn't think about the fact that her last living brother might not come back. It was the one thought that she couldn't stomach. The one thought that had left her breakfast settled in her room, untouched.
Her only thought had initially been how well the queen was taking the separation. The potential for danger. While not on awful terms, Xene had made little effort to inject herself into the lives of Stephanos and Olympia. Stephanos' blatant avoidance of her had been enough to keep her to her own devices. But this was a different situation. In that moment, she felt she needed to be with someone who also knew her brother as well as she did.
Xene ignored the stoic expression of her guard as she approached the doors to the queen's chambers. Waving a hand behind her for him to stop, she glanced backward briefly as if to silently note that he was to remain until she returned. Turning to look at the guard at Olympia's door, Xene lifted an eyebrow as if in questioning what was taking him so long to inquire. The man seemed to balk before bowing his head sharply and turning toward the door, knocking lightly.
Opening the door slightly, the man said quietly into the room so as not to disturb the queen, "The Princess Xene has arrived, my Queen," he noted calmly. Unannounced, his words seemed to say without blatantly calling her out. He seemed unsure of what else to say, waiting patiently for any affirmation of rejection of the princess' presence. Xene resorted to settling back a bit, her hands behind her back and her gaze fixed on the door.
Still staring at the skyline and the dust that the men kicked up on the road, Pia shook her head at Aikaterine's question and kept her hands on the curve of her belly. She could have asked for more comfortable clothes, the removal of some of her jewels or anything really and the other would have attended to it, but she couldn't bring herself to move any more. The little one within was doing flips and somersaults as if he wished he could go with his father, and she hugged herself even tighter at the thought of one day having to send her son off to battle. She would do everything she could to prevent him from ever having to fight like his father had. Her son would know peace, she was determined of it.
Kat taking up a place close by was oddly comforting, knowing that whatever happened she wouldn't have to hear the news alone. It was odd, she had been cold and standoffish to the new maid from the moment she'd heard that her husband had sent the pretty widow along, but then again the woman had been nothing but pleasant and done her duty and there had been nothing to raise her suspicions further. As far as she knew, any woman who was a threat was the blonde she had caught leaving Steph's rooms the night of the incident. Her body was tense but she gave a slight nod at the attempts made at reassurance. He had promised her last night as he held her close that he would come back, had told her for the first time that he loved her. It was the best she could have hoped for and yet she was still terrified.
No matter the cost, she needed him back. If everyone else perished and he managed to find his way back to her then so be it. Offering up silent prayers to Hera and Athena, and even to Ares, Pia's lips moved though no words came out and her hand went to the vial at her chest. Gods willing she would not have to take the dose of poison she'd come to possess. Alistair had rolled his eyes at her when she insisted on obtaining it, but as much as she trusted her bodyguard to keep her safe it would be to no avail if he was the only one defending against an army or assassins.
The arrival of the eldest princess was the only thing that drew her gaze from the scene before her and she stood slowly, closing the distance between herself and Xene before silently wrapping the other woman in a tight hug. It was more affection than they had ever shown one another, and her belly was cumbersome and in the way as always, but in a moment like this she knew that Xene would only come to her if she was just as worried and perhaps seeking comfort.
"Sister, come sit with us."
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Still staring at the skyline and the dust that the men kicked up on the road, Pia shook her head at Aikaterine's question and kept her hands on the curve of her belly. She could have asked for more comfortable clothes, the removal of some of her jewels or anything really and the other would have attended to it, but she couldn't bring herself to move any more. The little one within was doing flips and somersaults as if he wished he could go with his father, and she hugged herself even tighter at the thought of one day having to send her son off to battle. She would do everything she could to prevent him from ever having to fight like his father had. Her son would know peace, she was determined of it.
Kat taking up a place close by was oddly comforting, knowing that whatever happened she wouldn't have to hear the news alone. It was odd, she had been cold and standoffish to the new maid from the moment she'd heard that her husband had sent the pretty widow along, but then again the woman had been nothing but pleasant and done her duty and there had been nothing to raise her suspicions further. As far as she knew, any woman who was a threat was the blonde she had caught leaving Steph's rooms the night of the incident. Her body was tense but she gave a slight nod at the attempts made at reassurance. He had promised her last night as he held her close that he would come back, had told her for the first time that he loved her. It was the best she could have hoped for and yet she was still terrified.
No matter the cost, she needed him back. If everyone else perished and he managed to find his way back to her then so be it. Offering up silent prayers to Hera and Athena, and even to Ares, Pia's lips moved though no words came out and her hand went to the vial at her chest. Gods willing she would not have to take the dose of poison she'd come to possess. Alistair had rolled his eyes at her when she insisted on obtaining it, but as much as she trusted her bodyguard to keep her safe it would be to no avail if he was the only one defending against an army or assassins.
The arrival of the eldest princess was the only thing that drew her gaze from the scene before her and she stood slowly, closing the distance between herself and Xene before silently wrapping the other woman in a tight hug. It was more affection than they had ever shown one another, and her belly was cumbersome and in the way as always, but in a moment like this she knew that Xene would only come to her if she was just as worried and perhaps seeking comfort.
"Sister, come sit with us."
Still staring at the skyline and the dust that the men kicked up on the road, Pia shook her head at Aikaterine's question and kept her hands on the curve of her belly. She could have asked for more comfortable clothes, the removal of some of her jewels or anything really and the other would have attended to it, but she couldn't bring herself to move any more. The little one within was doing flips and somersaults as if he wished he could go with his father, and she hugged herself even tighter at the thought of one day having to send her son off to battle. She would do everything she could to prevent him from ever having to fight like his father had. Her son would know peace, she was determined of it.
Kat taking up a place close by was oddly comforting, knowing that whatever happened she wouldn't have to hear the news alone. It was odd, she had been cold and standoffish to the new maid from the moment she'd heard that her husband had sent the pretty widow along, but then again the woman had been nothing but pleasant and done her duty and there had been nothing to raise her suspicions further. As far as she knew, any woman who was a threat was the blonde she had caught leaving Steph's rooms the night of the incident. Her body was tense but she gave a slight nod at the attempts made at reassurance. He had promised her last night as he held her close that he would come back, had told her for the first time that he loved her. It was the best she could have hoped for and yet she was still terrified.
No matter the cost, she needed him back. If everyone else perished and he managed to find his way back to her then so be it. Offering up silent prayers to Hera and Athena, and even to Ares, Pia's lips moved though no words came out and her hand went to the vial at her chest. Gods willing she would not have to take the dose of poison she'd come to possess. Alistair had rolled his eyes at her when she insisted on obtaining it, but as much as she trusted her bodyguard to keep her safe it would be to no avail if he was the only one defending against an army or assassins.
The arrival of the eldest princess was the only thing that drew her gaze from the scene before her and she stood slowly, closing the distance between herself and Xene before silently wrapping the other woman in a tight hug. It was more affection than they had ever shown one another, and her belly was cumbersome and in the way as always, but in a moment like this she knew that Xene would only come to her if she was just as worried and perhaps seeking comfort.
"Sister, come sit with us."
It was easy to keep an obscure expression when Stephanos was there right in front of her. There was no blush to fill her cheeks and no immediate want to fall into his arms, or his bed. Aikaterine attempted to separate him from the moment. As if it was some other man that Olympia was looking for. One of the others who was riding away, but it could just as easily be someone else for herself. She barely knew the King and she knew that she was expendable. Her eyes were glued in the very same direction of Pia until the guard broke the silence.
She was more grateful than expected that she wouldn’t need to be alone with the Queen for all of this time. The dowager queen could make an appearance or maybe even one of Olympia’s many sisters. There were so many in the palati that could make the time passing better, or maybe just quicker. Kat already felt like the moments were dragging on. Each minute filled with the torturous what ifs. Mostly the terrible ones, like what if Stephanos died. Her lips parted with a surprised gasp when the guard’s voice explained who had come. She couldn’t tell whether it had been ten minutes when she was sure it had felt like hours. Hours was long enough to die.
Her hands tangled tightly together as she attempted to hide her fidgeting. Aikaterine was nervous for everyone that was in the room. A sister that had already lost more family members than she deserved and a wife who was worried. She could only assume that perhaps Olympia had been obsessing about the negative outcomes as much as Kat had been. What would happen to Taengea, what would happen to them?
When the princess came to join them as Olympia had invited, Aikaterine had dipped into a bow to be respectful. She also only followed the lead of the other two after they had done it. She waited for them to do just as the Queen had suggested. Sitting did sound nice. She could already feel the nerves chasing through her fingers, arms, and all the way down to her knees. Now was not the time to reveal how worried she was. ”Princess Xene, can I get you anything?” She waited for a response before tending to the task or sitting, she was always obedient - to a fault.
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It was easy to keep an obscure expression when Stephanos was there right in front of her. There was no blush to fill her cheeks and no immediate want to fall into his arms, or his bed. Aikaterine attempted to separate him from the moment. As if it was some other man that Olympia was looking for. One of the others who was riding away, but it could just as easily be someone else for herself. She barely knew the King and she knew that she was expendable. Her eyes were glued in the very same direction of Pia until the guard broke the silence.
She was more grateful than expected that she wouldn’t need to be alone with the Queen for all of this time. The dowager queen could make an appearance or maybe even one of Olympia’s many sisters. There were so many in the palati that could make the time passing better, or maybe just quicker. Kat already felt like the moments were dragging on. Each minute filled with the torturous what ifs. Mostly the terrible ones, like what if Stephanos died. Her lips parted with a surprised gasp when the guard’s voice explained who had come. She couldn’t tell whether it had been ten minutes when she was sure it had felt like hours. Hours was long enough to die.
Her hands tangled tightly together as she attempted to hide her fidgeting. Aikaterine was nervous for everyone that was in the room. A sister that had already lost more family members than she deserved and a wife who was worried. She could only assume that perhaps Olympia had been obsessing about the negative outcomes as much as Kat had been. What would happen to Taengea, what would happen to them?
When the princess came to join them as Olympia had invited, Aikaterine had dipped into a bow to be respectful. She also only followed the lead of the other two after they had done it. She waited for them to do just as the Queen had suggested. Sitting did sound nice. She could already feel the nerves chasing through her fingers, arms, and all the way down to her knees. Now was not the time to reveal how worried she was. ”Princess Xene, can I get you anything?” She waited for a response before tending to the task or sitting, she was always obedient - to a fault.
It was easy to keep an obscure expression when Stephanos was there right in front of her. There was no blush to fill her cheeks and no immediate want to fall into his arms, or his bed. Aikaterine attempted to separate him from the moment. As if it was some other man that Olympia was looking for. One of the others who was riding away, but it could just as easily be someone else for herself. She barely knew the King and she knew that she was expendable. Her eyes were glued in the very same direction of Pia until the guard broke the silence.
She was more grateful than expected that she wouldn’t need to be alone with the Queen for all of this time. The dowager queen could make an appearance or maybe even one of Olympia’s many sisters. There were so many in the palati that could make the time passing better, or maybe just quicker. Kat already felt like the moments were dragging on. Each minute filled with the torturous what ifs. Mostly the terrible ones, like what if Stephanos died. Her lips parted with a surprised gasp when the guard’s voice explained who had come. She couldn’t tell whether it had been ten minutes when she was sure it had felt like hours. Hours was long enough to die.
Her hands tangled tightly together as she attempted to hide her fidgeting. Aikaterine was nervous for everyone that was in the room. A sister that had already lost more family members than she deserved and a wife who was worried. She could only assume that perhaps Olympia had been obsessing about the negative outcomes as much as Kat had been. What would happen to Taengea, what would happen to them?
When the princess came to join them as Olympia had invited, Aikaterine had dipped into a bow to be respectful. She also only followed the lead of the other two after they had done it. She waited for them to do just as the Queen had suggested. Sitting did sound nice. She could already feel the nerves chasing through her fingers, arms, and all the way down to her knees. Now was not the time to reveal how worried she was. ”Princess Xene, can I get you anything?” She waited for a response before tending to the task or sitting, she was always obedient - to a fault.
There was an inner battle going on with Selene, as it often seemed to be when Vangelis was involved.
She knew him to be a ruthless and successful fighter, so worrying about him going into battle seemed like an insult to his abilities. The eldest was aware that it more had to do with her affection for the man as a friend and not really his ability, but watching him leave had been difficult. There had been a moment where she wished to say more, to try and make the parting stretch just a bit longer. But it wasn’t her place to do so, and sending him on his way was what was right.
So for her to be concerned about him, to be waiting to hear anxiously back on the party, seemed a bit overreaching. There was no claim to him in her mind, besides that of a friend. Only Pia knew exactly how torn she had been about the whole thing. And while she didn’t want to bother her sister when she had her own things to worry about, Selene knew that staying at the palati until the men returned was the best option. She wouldn’t have to see that Vang was safe, nor would any conversation in regards to the battle be necessary so soon after. No, being able to sit with her sister and possibly distract her until they knew an outcome felt right. So as she climbed the steps after he’d left, she immediately went to the kitchens.
Selene has learned fast that food was always a welcome distraction.
It did not take her long to ensure that trays of food were pieced together, jugs heavy with water and wine. And while she certainly didn’t take them up herself, she made sure that they would be brought into the room shortly after she arrived. Making her way to Pia’s chambers, Selene didn’t bother allowing an introduction. No, she pushed open the doors herself and stepped into the room, taking in the sober scene. A soft smile graced her lips as she immediately saw Pia and Princess Xene. A quick, proper curtsy was given to the two before she moved to her sister’s side, brushing the brown curls back from her face.
”Such somber moods.” She said gently to her sister, a hand dropping to her belly to greet her nephew. ”Have we so little faith in Stephanos that we all must torture ourselves with our worry?” There was an attempt to lighten the mood, to move the conversation away from despair and towards hope. ”The King has good counsel with him and the best army. He will be successful. He has the upper hand, and we must have a bit of faith in that.” A kiss was pressed to Pia’s forehead as the doors opened again, this time with the trays of food she had seen to have sent.
”Ah, perfect. We can distract ourselves with wine.” Selene watched as they were arranged, waving the staff off to leave the Queen with her party. ”Here.” She crossed the room, pouring enough wine for those in the room before handing them out by title. Pia and Xene’s first, then Aikaterine and herself. ”Now, I would suggest a prayer to the Gods, but I would assume that nothing else has been done since we’ve heard of the planned mission.” Her eyes were bright, ”But perhaps we should speak of other things.”
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There was an inner battle going on with Selene, as it often seemed to be when Vangelis was involved.
She knew him to be a ruthless and successful fighter, so worrying about him going into battle seemed like an insult to his abilities. The eldest was aware that it more had to do with her affection for the man as a friend and not really his ability, but watching him leave had been difficult. There had been a moment where she wished to say more, to try and make the parting stretch just a bit longer. But it wasn’t her place to do so, and sending him on his way was what was right.
So for her to be concerned about him, to be waiting to hear anxiously back on the party, seemed a bit overreaching. There was no claim to him in her mind, besides that of a friend. Only Pia knew exactly how torn she had been about the whole thing. And while she didn’t want to bother her sister when she had her own things to worry about, Selene knew that staying at the palati until the men returned was the best option. She wouldn’t have to see that Vang was safe, nor would any conversation in regards to the battle be necessary so soon after. No, being able to sit with her sister and possibly distract her until they knew an outcome felt right. So as she climbed the steps after he’d left, she immediately went to the kitchens.
Selene has learned fast that food was always a welcome distraction.
It did not take her long to ensure that trays of food were pieced together, jugs heavy with water and wine. And while she certainly didn’t take them up herself, she made sure that they would be brought into the room shortly after she arrived. Making her way to Pia’s chambers, Selene didn’t bother allowing an introduction. No, she pushed open the doors herself and stepped into the room, taking in the sober scene. A soft smile graced her lips as she immediately saw Pia and Princess Xene. A quick, proper curtsy was given to the two before she moved to her sister’s side, brushing the brown curls back from her face.
”Such somber moods.” She said gently to her sister, a hand dropping to her belly to greet her nephew. ”Have we so little faith in Stephanos that we all must torture ourselves with our worry?” There was an attempt to lighten the mood, to move the conversation away from despair and towards hope. ”The King has good counsel with him and the best army. He will be successful. He has the upper hand, and we must have a bit of faith in that.” A kiss was pressed to Pia’s forehead as the doors opened again, this time with the trays of food she had seen to have sent.
”Ah, perfect. We can distract ourselves with wine.” Selene watched as they were arranged, waving the staff off to leave the Queen with her party. ”Here.” She crossed the room, pouring enough wine for those in the room before handing them out by title. Pia and Xene’s first, then Aikaterine and herself. ”Now, I would suggest a prayer to the Gods, but I would assume that nothing else has been done since we’ve heard of the planned mission.” Her eyes were bright, ”But perhaps we should speak of other things.”
There was an inner battle going on with Selene, as it often seemed to be when Vangelis was involved.
She knew him to be a ruthless and successful fighter, so worrying about him going into battle seemed like an insult to his abilities. The eldest was aware that it more had to do with her affection for the man as a friend and not really his ability, but watching him leave had been difficult. There had been a moment where she wished to say more, to try and make the parting stretch just a bit longer. But it wasn’t her place to do so, and sending him on his way was what was right.
So for her to be concerned about him, to be waiting to hear anxiously back on the party, seemed a bit overreaching. There was no claim to him in her mind, besides that of a friend. Only Pia knew exactly how torn she had been about the whole thing. And while she didn’t want to bother her sister when she had her own things to worry about, Selene knew that staying at the palati until the men returned was the best option. She wouldn’t have to see that Vang was safe, nor would any conversation in regards to the battle be necessary so soon after. No, being able to sit with her sister and possibly distract her until they knew an outcome felt right. So as she climbed the steps after he’d left, she immediately went to the kitchens.
Selene has learned fast that food was always a welcome distraction.
It did not take her long to ensure that trays of food were pieced together, jugs heavy with water and wine. And while she certainly didn’t take them up herself, she made sure that they would be brought into the room shortly after she arrived. Making her way to Pia’s chambers, Selene didn’t bother allowing an introduction. No, she pushed open the doors herself and stepped into the room, taking in the sober scene. A soft smile graced her lips as she immediately saw Pia and Princess Xene. A quick, proper curtsy was given to the two before she moved to her sister’s side, brushing the brown curls back from her face.
”Such somber moods.” She said gently to her sister, a hand dropping to her belly to greet her nephew. ”Have we so little faith in Stephanos that we all must torture ourselves with our worry?” There was an attempt to lighten the mood, to move the conversation away from despair and towards hope. ”The King has good counsel with him and the best army. He will be successful. He has the upper hand, and we must have a bit of faith in that.” A kiss was pressed to Pia’s forehead as the doors opened again, this time with the trays of food she had seen to have sent.
”Ah, perfect. We can distract ourselves with wine.” Selene watched as they were arranged, waving the staff off to leave the Queen with her party. ”Here.” She crossed the room, pouring enough wine for those in the room before handing them out by title. Pia and Xene’s first, then Aikaterine and herself. ”Now, I would suggest a prayer to the Gods, but I would assume that nothing else has been done since we’ve heard of the planned mission.” Her eyes were bright, ”But perhaps we should speak of other things.”
Her eyes were still red and puffy, but the arrival of her eldest sister brought the closest thing to a real smile to Olympia's face since Stephanos had left her bed. All of her sisters were a comforting effect but Selene was a maternal presence that was the closest she could get to having their mother with them. Evelli's decision to stay away and allow Pia to appear not to need her mother was wise, but it was a struggle to try to prepare for motherhood and handle the pressures of being queen without her mother close by.
Watching the parade of food the eldest Leventi girl had prepared, the queen was relieved to have distraction from the terror of who would return and what state they would be in. If Stephanos came home injured, but alive, that was something they could work through, there would be time to prepare if necessary and time to allow him to heal. Her greatest worry was that he would simply not return, but her husband was a great warrior and a respected general in spite of the reputation he had cultivated before their marriage and his ascension to the throne.
"I do not fear his army's success, only that some of his council may not be sincere. I am glad that the Kotas prince is with him."
With the wine from her sister in hand, she took a deep breath and tried to control her breathing, blowing it out slowly as her other hand landed on the swell of her stomach. Her son was suspiciously still, almost as if he was holding his own breath for news of his father's victory and return. The offer of discussion of other things brought a nod, though her eyes were still glued on the horizon where the army would return.
"Perhaps we should. I have heard news that Gianna may be betrothed to Silas of Kotas. Selene, you have been there, do you think she will enjoy it if she moves to Colchis or is it as barren and rocky as we hear?"
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Her eyes were still red and puffy, but the arrival of her eldest sister brought the closest thing to a real smile to Olympia's face since Stephanos had left her bed. All of her sisters were a comforting effect but Selene was a maternal presence that was the closest she could get to having their mother with them. Evelli's decision to stay away and allow Pia to appear not to need her mother was wise, but it was a struggle to try to prepare for motherhood and handle the pressures of being queen without her mother close by.
Watching the parade of food the eldest Leventi girl had prepared, the queen was relieved to have distraction from the terror of who would return and what state they would be in. If Stephanos came home injured, but alive, that was something they could work through, there would be time to prepare if necessary and time to allow him to heal. Her greatest worry was that he would simply not return, but her husband was a great warrior and a respected general in spite of the reputation he had cultivated before their marriage and his ascension to the throne.
"I do not fear his army's success, only that some of his council may not be sincere. I am glad that the Kotas prince is with him."
With the wine from her sister in hand, she took a deep breath and tried to control her breathing, blowing it out slowly as her other hand landed on the swell of her stomach. Her son was suspiciously still, almost as if he was holding his own breath for news of his father's victory and return. The offer of discussion of other things brought a nod, though her eyes were still glued on the horizon where the army would return.
"Perhaps we should. I have heard news that Gianna may be betrothed to Silas of Kotas. Selene, you have been there, do you think she will enjoy it if she moves to Colchis or is it as barren and rocky as we hear?"
Her eyes were still red and puffy, but the arrival of her eldest sister brought the closest thing to a real smile to Olympia's face since Stephanos had left her bed. All of her sisters were a comforting effect but Selene was a maternal presence that was the closest she could get to having their mother with them. Evelli's decision to stay away and allow Pia to appear not to need her mother was wise, but it was a struggle to try to prepare for motherhood and handle the pressures of being queen without her mother close by.
Watching the parade of food the eldest Leventi girl had prepared, the queen was relieved to have distraction from the terror of who would return and what state they would be in. If Stephanos came home injured, but alive, that was something they could work through, there would be time to prepare if necessary and time to allow him to heal. Her greatest worry was that he would simply not return, but her husband was a great warrior and a respected general in spite of the reputation he had cultivated before their marriage and his ascension to the throne.
"I do not fear his army's success, only that some of his council may not be sincere. I am glad that the Kotas prince is with him."
With the wine from her sister in hand, she took a deep breath and tried to control her breathing, blowing it out slowly as her other hand landed on the swell of her stomach. Her son was suspiciously still, almost as if he was holding his own breath for news of his father's victory and return. The offer of discussion of other things brought a nod, though her eyes were still glued on the horizon where the army would return.
"Perhaps we should. I have heard news that Gianna may be betrothed to Silas of Kotas. Selene, you have been there, do you think she will enjoy it if she moves to Colchis or is it as barren and rocky as we hear?"
