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The young princess sat gracefully atop her mare, looking out toward the ocean waters that currently held the lives of both Taengean and Colchian soldiers. There still had been no word on the whereabouts of her cousin and the rest of the Taengean soldiers. That was what settled heaviest on her heart. The not knowing. The wondering if he was going to come back. If any of their men, or even the Colchian soldiers, would return to their home shores. Xene was sure that they would all find out in time, but that did not mean that she was truly eager to find out.
For there was always going to be a chance that the King would not return. Absently, the princess wondered if Lord Emilios would be truly prepared for such a contingency. And it would make for yet another King lost in so few months.
That had Xene biting her bottom lip, still staring out at the sands instead of back at her guard who rode his own horse not too far behind. Far enough to give her privacy, but close enough to come to her aid if she needed it. Finally turning her head, Xene looked Heron up and down, her smile weak, "I'm going to dismount and get up closer to the water," she said lightly, bringing her mare to a halt and then actually slipping down off the creature's back. Heron followed suit, getting close enough just to take the reins of her mare so that she could move up toward the water.
The princess stood there for the longest time, seeking any ship on the horizon that could be one of Taengea's missing military boats. Anything that could give them a sign that they weren't operating without any monarch at all. If Lord Leventi were here, she was sure that he would tell her that everything would be fine. All would be well. But Taengean kings did not have a great track record as of late, and losing another Mikaelidas man would only hurt worse. It would drive the knife deeper into their family tree than it already was.
Swallowing hard, Xene steeled herself against these feelings, reminding herself to breathe and not to worry too deeply. All could turn out to be fine.
Turning slightly to look down the beach, she noted Heron watching an approaching figure from the way that she had come. Lifting a delicate eyebrow, she approached her guard, "Who do you think it could be?" she asked quietly.
Heron glanced toward her, "I'm not sure, princess."
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Oct 13, 2020 19:13:34 GMT
Posted In Maidens Fair on Oct 13, 2020 19:13:34 GMT
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The young princess sat gracefully atop her mare, looking out toward the ocean waters that currently held the lives of both Taengean and Colchian soldiers. There still had been no word on the whereabouts of her cousin and the rest of the Taengean soldiers. That was what settled heaviest on her heart. The not knowing. The wondering if he was going to come back. If any of their men, or even the Colchian soldiers, would return to their home shores. Xene was sure that they would all find out in time, but that did not mean that she was truly eager to find out.
For there was always going to be a chance that the King would not return. Absently, the princess wondered if Lord Emilios would be truly prepared for such a contingency. And it would make for yet another King lost in so few months.
That had Xene biting her bottom lip, still staring out at the sands instead of back at her guard who rode his own horse not too far behind. Far enough to give her privacy, but close enough to come to her aid if she needed it. Finally turning her head, Xene looked Heron up and down, her smile weak, "I'm going to dismount and get up closer to the water," she said lightly, bringing her mare to a halt and then actually slipping down off the creature's back. Heron followed suit, getting close enough just to take the reins of her mare so that she could move up toward the water.
The princess stood there for the longest time, seeking any ship on the horizon that could be one of Taengea's missing military boats. Anything that could give them a sign that they weren't operating without any monarch at all. If Lord Leventi were here, she was sure that he would tell her that everything would be fine. All would be well. But Taengean kings did not have a great track record as of late, and losing another Mikaelidas man would only hurt worse. It would drive the knife deeper into their family tree than it already was.
Swallowing hard, Xene steeled herself against these feelings, reminding herself to breathe and not to worry too deeply. All could turn out to be fine.
Turning slightly to look down the beach, she noted Heron watching an approaching figure from the way that she had come. Lifting a delicate eyebrow, she approached her guard, "Who do you think it could be?" she asked quietly.
Heron glanced toward her, "I'm not sure, princess."
The young princess sat gracefully atop her mare, looking out toward the ocean waters that currently held the lives of both Taengean and Colchian soldiers. There still had been no word on the whereabouts of her cousin and the rest of the Taengean soldiers. That was what settled heaviest on her heart. The not knowing. The wondering if he was going to come back. If any of their men, or even the Colchian soldiers, would return to their home shores. Xene was sure that they would all find out in time, but that did not mean that she was truly eager to find out.
For there was always going to be a chance that the King would not return. Absently, the princess wondered if Lord Emilios would be truly prepared for such a contingency. And it would make for yet another King lost in so few months.
That had Xene biting her bottom lip, still staring out at the sands instead of back at her guard who rode his own horse not too far behind. Far enough to give her privacy, but close enough to come to her aid if she needed it. Finally turning her head, Xene looked Heron up and down, her smile weak, "I'm going to dismount and get up closer to the water," she said lightly, bringing her mare to a halt and then actually slipping down off the creature's back. Heron followed suit, getting close enough just to take the reins of her mare so that she could move up toward the water.
The princess stood there for the longest time, seeking any ship on the horizon that could be one of Taengea's missing military boats. Anything that could give them a sign that they weren't operating without any monarch at all. If Lord Leventi were here, she was sure that he would tell her that everything would be fine. All would be well. But Taengean kings did not have a great track record as of late, and losing another Mikaelidas man would only hurt worse. It would drive the knife deeper into their family tree than it already was.
Swallowing hard, Xene steeled herself against these feelings, reminding herself to breathe and not to worry too deeply. All could turn out to be fine.
Turning slightly to look down the beach, she noted Heron watching an approaching figure from the way that she had come. Lifting a delicate eyebrow, she approached her guard, "Who do you think it could be?" she asked quietly.
Heron glanced toward her, "I'm not sure, princess."
It had been mere days since the revelation of her husband’s unknown whereabouts, an attack at sea shattering the lives of so many soldiers and leaving them clueless as to where their King had gone. The Queen was left only with the knowledge that she was more alone than she had been before, that she could even be a widow and none the wiser. And if that were the case… what then? Would she return to her family, bereft of the brief time she and Achilleas had shared? Would she be married off to Emilios instead, to secure the Leventi grasp on the throne? While of course that held a certain appeal…
No. No matter what they had done, no matter her indiscretions now or in the past, she was married to Achilleas. He was not dead. He would be found, he would return home, and they would deal with whatever had happened when it came.
Theodora desperately needed to clear her head, to try to make sense of everything that was happening, and she knew the Palati would not be the place to do it. There was too much expected of her there, too many distractions to be had. She thought she might go for a ride in the woods as she was so often wont to do when worry weighed her down, but there was something about the enclosed space, the feeling of the trees surrounding her and bearing down on her that just somehow wasn’t appealing that day. Perhaps a ride along the beach instead, where she could surreptitiously watch the waters in vain hope that they might reveal something more.
Perched astride her dappled mare, the Queen kept her dark gaze steady and forward on the horizon as she rode down to the beach with a pair of guards at a discreet distance. Though she would have preferred to come alone, she had promised Achilleas she would not go anywhere without them. She was thankful, at least, that Krysto had appointed such quiet and unobtrusive men to look after her, for it was often as if they weren’t there at all.
Nearing the shore, she dismounted Calista and tucked her sandals into one of the saddlebags. Lifting the skirt of her ivory chiton so it wouldn’t drag too badly in the sand, she smiled at her guards’ approach. “I’m going to walk along the water,” she informed them in a way that hesitantly asked them not to follow too closely. “I won’t go far, I promise.”
A sea breeze tangled the dark locks of her unbound hair as she trod along the shoreline, mischievous waves lapping softly at her ankles while her toes indented the beaten sand. She wasn’t walking for very long before she saw another figure standing with their profile against the sun, golden hair ripped up in the same breeze ruffling her own tresses. Squinting a little so she might make out who it was, her face soon relaxed. Xene. It had to be.
Though she had come to the beach to be alone, she was not disappointed to find the princess here; she had proven a stalwart and capable companion throughout Theodora’s short duration as Queen. She could imagine that the woman’s thoughts followed a similar vein to her own, the somewhat melancholy look that lingered on her features telling the story.
“Your Highness,” Theodora said by way of greeting as she approached Xene, nodding politely as plush lips curved into a small smile. “I hope you don’t mind if I join you. It’s a lovely day, and I just couldn’t bear to be cooped up inside any longer.”
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Nov 11, 2020 20:24:21 GMT
Posted In Maidens Fair on Nov 11, 2020 20:24:21 GMT
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It had been mere days since the revelation of her husband’s unknown whereabouts, an attack at sea shattering the lives of so many soldiers and leaving them clueless as to where their King had gone. The Queen was left only with the knowledge that she was more alone than she had been before, that she could even be a widow and none the wiser. And if that were the case… what then? Would she return to her family, bereft of the brief time she and Achilleas had shared? Would she be married off to Emilios instead, to secure the Leventi grasp on the throne? While of course that held a certain appeal…
No. No matter what they had done, no matter her indiscretions now or in the past, she was married to Achilleas. He was not dead. He would be found, he would return home, and they would deal with whatever had happened when it came.
Theodora desperately needed to clear her head, to try to make sense of everything that was happening, and she knew the Palati would not be the place to do it. There was too much expected of her there, too many distractions to be had. She thought she might go for a ride in the woods as she was so often wont to do when worry weighed her down, but there was something about the enclosed space, the feeling of the trees surrounding her and bearing down on her that just somehow wasn’t appealing that day. Perhaps a ride along the beach instead, where she could surreptitiously watch the waters in vain hope that they might reveal something more.
Perched astride her dappled mare, the Queen kept her dark gaze steady and forward on the horizon as she rode down to the beach with a pair of guards at a discreet distance. Though she would have preferred to come alone, she had promised Achilleas she would not go anywhere without them. She was thankful, at least, that Krysto had appointed such quiet and unobtrusive men to look after her, for it was often as if they weren’t there at all.
Nearing the shore, she dismounted Calista and tucked her sandals into one of the saddlebags. Lifting the skirt of her ivory chiton so it wouldn’t drag too badly in the sand, she smiled at her guards’ approach. “I’m going to walk along the water,” she informed them in a way that hesitantly asked them not to follow too closely. “I won’t go far, I promise.”
A sea breeze tangled the dark locks of her unbound hair as she trod along the shoreline, mischievous waves lapping softly at her ankles while her toes indented the beaten sand. She wasn’t walking for very long before she saw another figure standing with their profile against the sun, golden hair ripped up in the same breeze ruffling her own tresses. Squinting a little so she might make out who it was, her face soon relaxed. Xene. It had to be.
Though she had come to the beach to be alone, she was not disappointed to find the princess here; she had proven a stalwart and capable companion throughout Theodora’s short duration as Queen. She could imagine that the woman’s thoughts followed a similar vein to her own, the somewhat melancholy look that lingered on her features telling the story.
“Your Highness,” Theodora said by way of greeting as she approached Xene, nodding politely as plush lips curved into a small smile. “I hope you don’t mind if I join you. It’s a lovely day, and I just couldn’t bear to be cooped up inside any longer.”
It had been mere days since the revelation of her husband’s unknown whereabouts, an attack at sea shattering the lives of so many soldiers and leaving them clueless as to where their King had gone. The Queen was left only with the knowledge that she was more alone than she had been before, that she could even be a widow and none the wiser. And if that were the case… what then? Would she return to her family, bereft of the brief time she and Achilleas had shared? Would she be married off to Emilios instead, to secure the Leventi grasp on the throne? While of course that held a certain appeal…
No. No matter what they had done, no matter her indiscretions now or in the past, she was married to Achilleas. He was not dead. He would be found, he would return home, and they would deal with whatever had happened when it came.
Theodora desperately needed to clear her head, to try to make sense of everything that was happening, and she knew the Palati would not be the place to do it. There was too much expected of her there, too many distractions to be had. She thought she might go for a ride in the woods as she was so often wont to do when worry weighed her down, but there was something about the enclosed space, the feeling of the trees surrounding her and bearing down on her that just somehow wasn’t appealing that day. Perhaps a ride along the beach instead, where she could surreptitiously watch the waters in vain hope that they might reveal something more.
Perched astride her dappled mare, the Queen kept her dark gaze steady and forward on the horizon as she rode down to the beach with a pair of guards at a discreet distance. Though she would have preferred to come alone, she had promised Achilleas she would not go anywhere without them. She was thankful, at least, that Krysto had appointed such quiet and unobtrusive men to look after her, for it was often as if they weren’t there at all.
Nearing the shore, she dismounted Calista and tucked her sandals into one of the saddlebags. Lifting the skirt of her ivory chiton so it wouldn’t drag too badly in the sand, she smiled at her guards’ approach. “I’m going to walk along the water,” she informed them in a way that hesitantly asked them not to follow too closely. “I won’t go far, I promise.”
A sea breeze tangled the dark locks of her unbound hair as she trod along the shoreline, mischievous waves lapping softly at her ankles while her toes indented the beaten sand. She wasn’t walking for very long before she saw another figure standing with their profile against the sun, golden hair ripped up in the same breeze ruffling her own tresses. Squinting a little so she might make out who it was, her face soon relaxed. Xene. It had to be.
Though she had come to the beach to be alone, she was not disappointed to find the princess here; she had proven a stalwart and capable companion throughout Theodora’s short duration as Queen. She could imagine that the woman’s thoughts followed a similar vein to her own, the somewhat melancholy look that lingered on her features telling the story.
“Your Highness,” Theodora said by way of greeting as she approached Xene, nodding politely as plush lips curved into a small smile. “I hope you don’t mind if I join you. It’s a lovely day, and I just couldn’t bear to be cooped up inside any longer.”
There was something akin to pure relief on Xene's features when it turned out just to be the Queen approaching. Immediately, she dropped into a deep and reverant bow for her cousin before she lifted herself back to her feet. "Majesty," she said gently, giving the slightest of nods to her friend. The princess offered her hand to Theodora and then glanced to Heron and nodded slowly. They would be safe together, no doubt. Especially with the knife stashed in her chiton where she could reach it if they ever did come against any sort of trouble at all.
"I do not mind at all," Xene said gently, her blue gaze being drawn back toward the water for a few long moments. "I am pleased for the company," she finally admitted, her smile wavering just a little. "I find myself unable to silence my mind," she murmured quietly over the wind, reaching up with her other hand to brush the golden locks from her face. "I thought that a walk might do me well," she added before falling silent.
Admittedly, part of coming out here was because she could scream to the wind if she needed and no one but Heron would truly hear her. The princess had not dealt with a single ounce of her grief since her father and brother had died, always having to be the stronger one for everyone around her. She'd felt numb when Irakles had died, having felt resoundingly powerless at not having been able to save his life. Stephanos' escape had left her feeling raw, but Olympia's return had been something of a balm.
Now, though, the news that Achilleas was missing had the princess feeling like she might implode. Or maybe explode. The Mikaelidas' were known for their inferno-like tempers, but Xene was scared of her own. All that it had ever done was destroy her. Her things. Her quarters. Her father and brother had died and she had destroyed her rooms. She was teetering dangerously on an edge that she didn't want to be standing on. She wanted Achilleas to return alive so that she didn't have to say goodbye to yet another man in her life that had helped shape her into the woman she was now.
Frowning a little, the princess found herself swallowing as a stark rush of emotion made her throat tighten. The only thing she could think to do was walk, guiding the queen along beside her. "How are you fairing, my queen?" Xene asked, truly not wanting to talk about what ailed her. If she did, she wouldn't be able to stop and Heron would have to carry her, weeping, from this beach.
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Nov 17, 2020 16:00:15 GMT
Posted In Maidens Fair on Nov 17, 2020 16:00:15 GMT
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There was something akin to pure relief on Xene's features when it turned out just to be the Queen approaching. Immediately, she dropped into a deep and reverant bow for her cousin before she lifted herself back to her feet. "Majesty," she said gently, giving the slightest of nods to her friend. The princess offered her hand to Theodora and then glanced to Heron and nodded slowly. They would be safe together, no doubt. Especially with the knife stashed in her chiton where she could reach it if they ever did come against any sort of trouble at all.
"I do not mind at all," Xene said gently, her blue gaze being drawn back toward the water for a few long moments. "I am pleased for the company," she finally admitted, her smile wavering just a little. "I find myself unable to silence my mind," she murmured quietly over the wind, reaching up with her other hand to brush the golden locks from her face. "I thought that a walk might do me well," she added before falling silent.
Admittedly, part of coming out here was because she could scream to the wind if she needed and no one but Heron would truly hear her. The princess had not dealt with a single ounce of her grief since her father and brother had died, always having to be the stronger one for everyone around her. She'd felt numb when Irakles had died, having felt resoundingly powerless at not having been able to save his life. Stephanos' escape had left her feeling raw, but Olympia's return had been something of a balm.
Now, though, the news that Achilleas was missing had the princess feeling like she might implode. Or maybe explode. The Mikaelidas' were known for their inferno-like tempers, but Xene was scared of her own. All that it had ever done was destroy her. Her things. Her quarters. Her father and brother had died and she had destroyed her rooms. She was teetering dangerously on an edge that she didn't want to be standing on. She wanted Achilleas to return alive so that she didn't have to say goodbye to yet another man in her life that had helped shape her into the woman she was now.
Frowning a little, the princess found herself swallowing as a stark rush of emotion made her throat tighten. The only thing she could think to do was walk, guiding the queen along beside her. "How are you fairing, my queen?" Xene asked, truly not wanting to talk about what ailed her. If she did, she wouldn't be able to stop and Heron would have to carry her, weeping, from this beach.
There was something akin to pure relief on Xene's features when it turned out just to be the Queen approaching. Immediately, she dropped into a deep and reverant bow for her cousin before she lifted herself back to her feet. "Majesty," she said gently, giving the slightest of nods to her friend. The princess offered her hand to Theodora and then glanced to Heron and nodded slowly. They would be safe together, no doubt. Especially with the knife stashed in her chiton where she could reach it if they ever did come against any sort of trouble at all.
"I do not mind at all," Xene said gently, her blue gaze being drawn back toward the water for a few long moments. "I am pleased for the company," she finally admitted, her smile wavering just a little. "I find myself unable to silence my mind," she murmured quietly over the wind, reaching up with her other hand to brush the golden locks from her face. "I thought that a walk might do me well," she added before falling silent.
Admittedly, part of coming out here was because she could scream to the wind if she needed and no one but Heron would truly hear her. The princess had not dealt with a single ounce of her grief since her father and brother had died, always having to be the stronger one for everyone around her. She'd felt numb when Irakles had died, having felt resoundingly powerless at not having been able to save his life. Stephanos' escape had left her feeling raw, but Olympia's return had been something of a balm.
Now, though, the news that Achilleas was missing had the princess feeling like she might implode. Or maybe explode. The Mikaelidas' were known for their inferno-like tempers, but Xene was scared of her own. All that it had ever done was destroy her. Her things. Her quarters. Her father and brother had died and she had destroyed her rooms. She was teetering dangerously on an edge that she didn't want to be standing on. She wanted Achilleas to return alive so that she didn't have to say goodbye to yet another man in her life that had helped shape her into the woman she was now.
Frowning a little, the princess found herself swallowing as a stark rush of emotion made her throat tighten. The only thing she could think to do was walk, guiding the queen along beside her. "How are you fairing, my queen?" Xene asked, truly not wanting to talk about what ailed her. If she did, she wouldn't be able to stop and Heron would have to carry her, weeping, from this beach.
Theodora took Xene’s arm as they started walking slowly along the shore, listening to her speak with a sympathetic ear. She could well relate; it was nearly impossible to quiet her own mind these days. Taengea had been in turmoil for months now, and with this latest news… gods, would they ever be granted a reprieve? Had they not suffered enough?
“I understand completely,” she murmured in return. “These are troubling times, to be sure.”
An amicable silence fell between them for a few moments as they walked through the sand, the smell of the salt spray comforting in an almost visceral fashion. She, too, was lost in thought, caught up in the implications of what Achilleas’s loss would mean. Where did they go from here? When she was expected to be a beacon of strength for her countrymen, the queen was struggling just to hold herself together. How could she be expected to do it for others?
‘How are you faring, my queen?’
Had she been in a better humor, she could have laughed at that question, but as it was, Theodora simply offered a sad little smile. “I have been… better, Your Highness, I will not lie.” She sighed softly and gazed out toward the horizon, watching the play of the sunlight over the waves as if it could give her the answers she sought. “Not knowing what has happened to Achilleas is… It’s eating me up.”
Running her free hand over her face, she made a sound of pure frustration. There were more layers to this, as well, layers of guilt and remorse that she should be sharing the bed of another while worry for the one she was bound to ate at her heart. She needed the comfort of Emilios more than she ever had before, but the manner of comfort…
Of course, she couldn’t say any of this to Xene—or anyone, really—so she just shook her head. “I don’t know what to do, Xene,” she admitted quietly, feeling comfortable that the princess was one person she could show some vulnerability to. After all, Achilleas was her family too, and if anyone understood the grief of losing one’s family, it was certainly Xene. The horrific events of the circus… She couldn’t suppress the shudder that ran down her spine. Yes, if anyone understood, it was Xene. “I have been… overwhelmed from the moment the crown rested on my head, and now this…” Trailing off, she shook her head again to punctuate her point. It wasn’t easy to find words in a situation like this. “How do I show strength when I have none? How can I pretend to go on like everything is fine, when it most certainly isn’t?”
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Nov 22, 2020 19:28:03 GMT
Posted In Maidens Fair on Nov 22, 2020 19:28:03 GMT
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Theodora took Xene’s arm as they started walking slowly along the shore, listening to her speak with a sympathetic ear. She could well relate; it was nearly impossible to quiet her own mind these days. Taengea had been in turmoil for months now, and with this latest news… gods, would they ever be granted a reprieve? Had they not suffered enough?
“I understand completely,” she murmured in return. “These are troubling times, to be sure.”
An amicable silence fell between them for a few moments as they walked through the sand, the smell of the salt spray comforting in an almost visceral fashion. She, too, was lost in thought, caught up in the implications of what Achilleas’s loss would mean. Where did they go from here? When she was expected to be a beacon of strength for her countrymen, the queen was struggling just to hold herself together. How could she be expected to do it for others?
‘How are you faring, my queen?’
Had she been in a better humor, she could have laughed at that question, but as it was, Theodora simply offered a sad little smile. “I have been… better, Your Highness, I will not lie.” She sighed softly and gazed out toward the horizon, watching the play of the sunlight over the waves as if it could give her the answers she sought. “Not knowing what has happened to Achilleas is… It’s eating me up.”
Running her free hand over her face, she made a sound of pure frustration. There were more layers to this, as well, layers of guilt and remorse that she should be sharing the bed of another while worry for the one she was bound to ate at her heart. She needed the comfort of Emilios more than she ever had before, but the manner of comfort…
Of course, she couldn’t say any of this to Xene—or anyone, really—so she just shook her head. “I don’t know what to do, Xene,” she admitted quietly, feeling comfortable that the princess was one person she could show some vulnerability to. After all, Achilleas was her family too, and if anyone understood the grief of losing one’s family, it was certainly Xene. The horrific events of the circus… She couldn’t suppress the shudder that ran down her spine. Yes, if anyone understood, it was Xene. “I have been… overwhelmed from the moment the crown rested on my head, and now this…” Trailing off, she shook her head again to punctuate her point. It wasn’t easy to find words in a situation like this. “How do I show strength when I have none? How can I pretend to go on like everything is fine, when it most certainly isn’t?”
Theodora took Xene’s arm as they started walking slowly along the shore, listening to her speak with a sympathetic ear. She could well relate; it was nearly impossible to quiet her own mind these days. Taengea had been in turmoil for months now, and with this latest news… gods, would they ever be granted a reprieve? Had they not suffered enough?
“I understand completely,” she murmured in return. “These are troubling times, to be sure.”
An amicable silence fell between them for a few moments as they walked through the sand, the smell of the salt spray comforting in an almost visceral fashion. She, too, was lost in thought, caught up in the implications of what Achilleas’s loss would mean. Where did they go from here? When she was expected to be a beacon of strength for her countrymen, the queen was struggling just to hold herself together. How could she be expected to do it for others?
‘How are you faring, my queen?’
Had she been in a better humor, she could have laughed at that question, but as it was, Theodora simply offered a sad little smile. “I have been… better, Your Highness, I will not lie.” She sighed softly and gazed out toward the horizon, watching the play of the sunlight over the waves as if it could give her the answers she sought. “Not knowing what has happened to Achilleas is… It’s eating me up.”
Running her free hand over her face, she made a sound of pure frustration. There were more layers to this, as well, layers of guilt and remorse that she should be sharing the bed of another while worry for the one she was bound to ate at her heart. She needed the comfort of Emilios more than she ever had before, but the manner of comfort…
Of course, she couldn’t say any of this to Xene—or anyone, really—so she just shook her head. “I don’t know what to do, Xene,” she admitted quietly, feeling comfortable that the princess was one person she could show some vulnerability to. After all, Achilleas was her family too, and if anyone understood the grief of losing one’s family, it was certainly Xene. The horrific events of the circus… She couldn’t suppress the shudder that ran down her spine. Yes, if anyone understood, it was Xene. “I have been… overwhelmed from the moment the crown rested on my head, and now this…” Trailing off, she shook her head again to punctuate her point. It wasn’t easy to find words in a situation like this. “How do I show strength when I have none? How can I pretend to go on like everything is fine, when it most certainly isn’t?”
The princess let her gaze drift ahead of them on the beach, wanting to watch the waters as they moved rather than their feet in the sane or even Queen Theodora's features. This was a comfortable moment. One where they could break down the barriers of titles and just be two woman who sought help in one another. Xene placed her free hand atop the queen's arm, letting out a slow breath as the queen started to speak about what ailed her. The pains she was feeling. The worry she felt in her heart that Xene could fully understand.
The king was her husband, but Achilleas was her family. One of her best friends. Achilleas was someone that Xene was sure that she would not be able to live without if he were truly gone, so she preferred not to imagine him gone. Not yet. Not until the entire Kingdom had the proof to assert such claims. They had been overwhelmed on the battlefield, but that was not saying that the King had found a way to escape.
It was not something she would have expected. It could be seen as selfish, even. But if they were overwhelmed to the point where all hope of victory had been lost, then it was far more understandable than some would likely allow. But she understood how not knowing what had happened to the man would affect the queen's thinking. Her worries. The pain in her chest that would likely not escape her for a long while if she truly felt for Xene's cousin the way that Xene assumed she did.
Nodding slowly, the princess padded Theodora's hand gently. "We do not know, so that is a good thing. They found no body, that means its possible he is alive. Whether he is a hostage or he escaped, there is still hope," Xene said calmly, looking up at Theodora finally. Her smile was small but soft. "The most we can do now is pray that the gods bring him back to us," she asserted gently, looking back toward the water as they continued to walk along the edge of the beach.
At the admission of Theodora being overwhelmed the moment that she became queen, the princess stopped so that she could look at the queen properly. There was concern in her blue gaze now. Concern that she couldn't and wouldn't hide. It would do the queen no good to hide her feelings in the here and now.
"It is natural to feel overwhelmed when you're thrown into a position you were never prepared for. I do not assume to know that either you or Achilleas ever prepared to be the leaders of our Kingdom," Xene started, "Everyone always expected that to be Zacharias and likely Selene, by the way that she was chasing my brother," the woman murmured, "You were never prepared. You didn't have the practice, and having a Kingdom on your shoulders is not something that is meant to be light. I am surprised my mother has always carried herself with such grace despite the crushing weight of a crown on her head. You show strength because you need to prove to those around you, those watching you, that you are not only a strong queen, but a strong woman."
Xene took in a breath and then gave a slight nod. "Before your wedding, had you ever seen my mother step one toe out of line and be anything but graceful and secure? Not knowing the future is something to worry about in private. But proving yourself strong and capable is what you do in the view of others. I am still learning, thanks you Lord Leventi," the princess said slowly, "To keep my composure. To move with grace rather than anger or fear."
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Jan 15, 2021 12:49:31 GMT
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The princess let her gaze drift ahead of them on the beach, wanting to watch the waters as they moved rather than their feet in the sane or even Queen Theodora's features. This was a comfortable moment. One where they could break down the barriers of titles and just be two woman who sought help in one another. Xene placed her free hand atop the queen's arm, letting out a slow breath as the queen started to speak about what ailed her. The pains she was feeling. The worry she felt in her heart that Xene could fully understand.
The king was her husband, but Achilleas was her family. One of her best friends. Achilleas was someone that Xene was sure that she would not be able to live without if he were truly gone, so she preferred not to imagine him gone. Not yet. Not until the entire Kingdom had the proof to assert such claims. They had been overwhelmed on the battlefield, but that was not saying that the King had found a way to escape.
It was not something she would have expected. It could be seen as selfish, even. But if they were overwhelmed to the point where all hope of victory had been lost, then it was far more understandable than some would likely allow. But she understood how not knowing what had happened to the man would affect the queen's thinking. Her worries. The pain in her chest that would likely not escape her for a long while if she truly felt for Xene's cousin the way that Xene assumed she did.
Nodding slowly, the princess padded Theodora's hand gently. "We do not know, so that is a good thing. They found no body, that means its possible he is alive. Whether he is a hostage or he escaped, there is still hope," Xene said calmly, looking up at Theodora finally. Her smile was small but soft. "The most we can do now is pray that the gods bring him back to us," she asserted gently, looking back toward the water as they continued to walk along the edge of the beach.
At the admission of Theodora being overwhelmed the moment that she became queen, the princess stopped so that she could look at the queen properly. There was concern in her blue gaze now. Concern that she couldn't and wouldn't hide. It would do the queen no good to hide her feelings in the here and now.
"It is natural to feel overwhelmed when you're thrown into a position you were never prepared for. I do not assume to know that either you or Achilleas ever prepared to be the leaders of our Kingdom," Xene started, "Everyone always expected that to be Zacharias and likely Selene, by the way that she was chasing my brother," the woman murmured, "You were never prepared. You didn't have the practice, and having a Kingdom on your shoulders is not something that is meant to be light. I am surprised my mother has always carried herself with such grace despite the crushing weight of a crown on her head. You show strength because you need to prove to those around you, those watching you, that you are not only a strong queen, but a strong woman."
Xene took in a breath and then gave a slight nod. "Before your wedding, had you ever seen my mother step one toe out of line and be anything but graceful and secure? Not knowing the future is something to worry about in private. But proving yourself strong and capable is what you do in the view of others. I am still learning, thanks you Lord Leventi," the princess said slowly, "To keep my composure. To move with grace rather than anger or fear."
The princess let her gaze drift ahead of them on the beach, wanting to watch the waters as they moved rather than their feet in the sane or even Queen Theodora's features. This was a comfortable moment. One where they could break down the barriers of titles and just be two woman who sought help in one another. Xene placed her free hand atop the queen's arm, letting out a slow breath as the queen started to speak about what ailed her. The pains she was feeling. The worry she felt in her heart that Xene could fully understand.
The king was her husband, but Achilleas was her family. One of her best friends. Achilleas was someone that Xene was sure that she would not be able to live without if he were truly gone, so she preferred not to imagine him gone. Not yet. Not until the entire Kingdom had the proof to assert such claims. They had been overwhelmed on the battlefield, but that was not saying that the King had found a way to escape.
It was not something she would have expected. It could be seen as selfish, even. But if they were overwhelmed to the point where all hope of victory had been lost, then it was far more understandable than some would likely allow. But she understood how not knowing what had happened to the man would affect the queen's thinking. Her worries. The pain in her chest that would likely not escape her for a long while if she truly felt for Xene's cousin the way that Xene assumed she did.
Nodding slowly, the princess padded Theodora's hand gently. "We do not know, so that is a good thing. They found no body, that means its possible he is alive. Whether he is a hostage or he escaped, there is still hope," Xene said calmly, looking up at Theodora finally. Her smile was small but soft. "The most we can do now is pray that the gods bring him back to us," she asserted gently, looking back toward the water as they continued to walk along the edge of the beach.
At the admission of Theodora being overwhelmed the moment that she became queen, the princess stopped so that she could look at the queen properly. There was concern in her blue gaze now. Concern that she couldn't and wouldn't hide. It would do the queen no good to hide her feelings in the here and now.
"It is natural to feel overwhelmed when you're thrown into a position you were never prepared for. I do not assume to know that either you or Achilleas ever prepared to be the leaders of our Kingdom," Xene started, "Everyone always expected that to be Zacharias and likely Selene, by the way that she was chasing my brother," the woman murmured, "You were never prepared. You didn't have the practice, and having a Kingdom on your shoulders is not something that is meant to be light. I am surprised my mother has always carried herself with such grace despite the crushing weight of a crown on her head. You show strength because you need to prove to those around you, those watching you, that you are not only a strong queen, but a strong woman."
Xene took in a breath and then gave a slight nod. "Before your wedding, had you ever seen my mother step one toe out of line and be anything but graceful and secure? Not knowing the future is something to worry about in private. But proving yourself strong and capable is what you do in the view of others. I am still learning, thanks you Lord Leventi," the princess said slowly, "To keep my composure. To move with grace rather than anger or fear."
A rocky outcropping served as the Drowned One’s cover, the dark wraps covering his body allowing only the smallest slit for his eyes. The princess and queen were in his view, both women oblivious to his presence in the shadows. For a while, he followed their progress, still and unmoving as he kept to his stony covering. Closer and closer they came before he melted back into the woods beyond as if he’d never existed—leaving behind only the footprints where he’d stood.
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Jan 16, 2021 21:28:28 GMT
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A rocky outcropping served as the Drowned One’s cover, the dark wraps covering his body allowing only the smallest slit for his eyes. The princess and queen were in his view, both women oblivious to his presence in the shadows. For a while, he followed their progress, still and unmoving as he kept to his stony covering. Closer and closer they came before he melted back into the woods beyond as if he’d never existed—leaving behind only the footprints where he’d stood.
A rocky outcropping served as the Drowned One’s cover, the dark wraps covering his body allowing only the smallest slit for his eyes. The princess and queen were in his view, both women oblivious to his presence in the shadows. For a while, he followed their progress, still and unmoving as he kept to his stony covering. Closer and closer they came before he melted back into the woods beyond as if he’d never existed—leaving behind only the footprints where he’d stood.
The princess spoke with a quiet wisdom that could only come from a woman raised in her position, and Theodora allowed herself to be soothed by it—however much she could be, anyway. Xene was absolutely right; the younger woman had no idea what she was doing and had never been raised to be a ruler. She knew she would marry well, become a baroness at most, and she’d be content. It was always supposed to be Selene that became Queen, and everyone knew it, even those outside the family. Up until a few months ago, everything had been progressing in exactly that direction. And now? Gods, she wasn’t sure if they could have strayed farther off course.
She wished she could speak of it with Olympia, as well, but with the bad blood that still seemed to simmer between them, she didn’t dare. It had been months since she’d exchanged even a word with her sister, and to speak with her now, about all of this… Theo couldn’t help but think it would only serve to add insult to injury. Olympia, too, had seemed born to a crown, her ambitions rising above her sisters’ as she secured herself a prince. She had the drive, the cunning, the smarts to hold the throne and make it look effortless. But Theo? She was just… Theo. She was trying her best, but would her best ever really be good enough?
“You’re right, of course,” the Queen said in a pause after the princess finished speaking. “I had only a couple weeks to prepare just to be a princess, let alone a Queen. That shock was enough, but I thought I would have years to learn before I’d ever have to be anything more. But then… well, you know what happened.” There was no need to repeat the circumstances of her father-in-law’s death; as with so many others of the kingdom, Xene had been there to witness it. “It should not shock me that it is so hard, but those I’ve seen wear the crown before me didn’t make it look that way. I guess I believed, somewhat foolishly, that I would have the same ease.”
Her twisted smirk was a little bitter as she gazed out over the lapping waves. “Then again, I don’t believe any of them had to face the same… circumstances that I have. Their own challenges, yes, but all this? It seems it has been nothing but disaster after disaster, day after day. I just wish…” She swallowed and turned back to Xene with a quiet sigh. “I just wish I knew where Achilleas was, and what’s happened to him. It’s killing me, not knowing.”
Setting her shoulders, Theo attempted to stand a little straighter, intent on taking the other woman’s advice to heart. She had to project strength and calm, no matter how chaotic she felt inside. There was no other choice. While Taengea rested on her shoulders, she couldn’t let its citizens see just how fragile those shoulders really were.
However, at Xene’s mention of Fotios, the Queen almost imperceptibly stiffened, dark eyes glancing sidelong toward the princess. Recent events, combined with the revelations made by her husband had her more distrustful of her uncle than ever, suspicious of why he would be instructing Xene in the ways of proper grace and decorum. Did he seek to sink his claws even further into the family he had all but total control over? She wondered then, if Xene knew about that, and if Theodora ought to be the one to tell her. She had sworn to Achilleas that she would let such things come from him, but then… it wouldn’t be the first vow she had broken to her King, would it?
Then again, who knew how deep Fotios’s influence over Xene might run? Was talking to her about all this a mistake today? Would she take it back to lord of Leventi? Could she trust her uncle at all any more?
She trusted Xene, she knew that, but gods… in a world where she felt so isolated, who could she really lean on without fear?
“Xene,” she murmured as she turned to look at the princess, lapsing into the informal as she fixed her in her gaze. For a moment, her teeth worried at her lower lip before remembering what a bad habit that was, clearing her throat and relaxing her face. “Just… be careful, all right? I… My uncle is not always the man he appears to be.”
Their walk continued down the beach, and Theodora’s head pricked up for a moment at what she thought was the sound of breaking twigs. Glancing in the direction it seemed to come from, she saw nothing but a short trail of footprints. For a moment, she frowned as she looked at them, however, they could have easily been made by her or Xene themselves in their initial walk down. Deciding not to comment on it, she simply turned a smile back on the princess and lightly squeezed her arm—immensely glad she had decided to come down to the beach this afternoon, if only for the sage advice given by her companion.
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Feb 2, 2021 20:24:38 GMT
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The princess spoke with a quiet wisdom that could only come from a woman raised in her position, and Theodora allowed herself to be soothed by it—however much she could be, anyway. Xene was absolutely right; the younger woman had no idea what she was doing and had never been raised to be a ruler. She knew she would marry well, become a baroness at most, and she’d be content. It was always supposed to be Selene that became Queen, and everyone knew it, even those outside the family. Up until a few months ago, everything had been progressing in exactly that direction. And now? Gods, she wasn’t sure if they could have strayed farther off course.
She wished she could speak of it with Olympia, as well, but with the bad blood that still seemed to simmer between them, she didn’t dare. It had been months since she’d exchanged even a word with her sister, and to speak with her now, about all of this… Theo couldn’t help but think it would only serve to add insult to injury. Olympia, too, had seemed born to a crown, her ambitions rising above her sisters’ as she secured herself a prince. She had the drive, the cunning, the smarts to hold the throne and make it look effortless. But Theo? She was just… Theo. She was trying her best, but would her best ever really be good enough?
“You’re right, of course,” the Queen said in a pause after the princess finished speaking. “I had only a couple weeks to prepare just to be a princess, let alone a Queen. That shock was enough, but I thought I would have years to learn before I’d ever have to be anything more. But then… well, you know what happened.” There was no need to repeat the circumstances of her father-in-law’s death; as with so many others of the kingdom, Xene had been there to witness it. “It should not shock me that it is so hard, but those I’ve seen wear the crown before me didn’t make it look that way. I guess I believed, somewhat foolishly, that I would have the same ease.”
Her twisted smirk was a little bitter as she gazed out over the lapping waves. “Then again, I don’t believe any of them had to face the same… circumstances that I have. Their own challenges, yes, but all this? It seems it has been nothing but disaster after disaster, day after day. I just wish…” She swallowed and turned back to Xene with a quiet sigh. “I just wish I knew where Achilleas was, and what’s happened to him. It’s killing me, not knowing.”
Setting her shoulders, Theo attempted to stand a little straighter, intent on taking the other woman’s advice to heart. She had to project strength and calm, no matter how chaotic she felt inside. There was no other choice. While Taengea rested on her shoulders, she couldn’t let its citizens see just how fragile those shoulders really were.
However, at Xene’s mention of Fotios, the Queen almost imperceptibly stiffened, dark eyes glancing sidelong toward the princess. Recent events, combined with the revelations made by her husband had her more distrustful of her uncle than ever, suspicious of why he would be instructing Xene in the ways of proper grace and decorum. Did he seek to sink his claws even further into the family he had all but total control over? She wondered then, if Xene knew about that, and if Theodora ought to be the one to tell her. She had sworn to Achilleas that she would let such things come from him, but then… it wouldn’t be the first vow she had broken to her King, would it?
Then again, who knew how deep Fotios’s influence over Xene might run? Was talking to her about all this a mistake today? Would she take it back to lord of Leventi? Could she trust her uncle at all any more?
She trusted Xene, she knew that, but gods… in a world where she felt so isolated, who could she really lean on without fear?
“Xene,” she murmured as she turned to look at the princess, lapsing into the informal as she fixed her in her gaze. For a moment, her teeth worried at her lower lip before remembering what a bad habit that was, clearing her throat and relaxing her face. “Just… be careful, all right? I… My uncle is not always the man he appears to be.”
Their walk continued down the beach, and Theodora’s head pricked up for a moment at what she thought was the sound of breaking twigs. Glancing in the direction it seemed to come from, she saw nothing but a short trail of footprints. For a moment, she frowned as she looked at them, however, they could have easily been made by her or Xene themselves in their initial walk down. Deciding not to comment on it, she simply turned a smile back on the princess and lightly squeezed her arm—immensely glad she had decided to come down to the beach this afternoon, if only for the sage advice given by her companion.
The princess spoke with a quiet wisdom that could only come from a woman raised in her position, and Theodora allowed herself to be soothed by it—however much she could be, anyway. Xene was absolutely right; the younger woman had no idea what she was doing and had never been raised to be a ruler. She knew she would marry well, become a baroness at most, and she’d be content. It was always supposed to be Selene that became Queen, and everyone knew it, even those outside the family. Up until a few months ago, everything had been progressing in exactly that direction. And now? Gods, she wasn’t sure if they could have strayed farther off course.
She wished she could speak of it with Olympia, as well, but with the bad blood that still seemed to simmer between them, she didn’t dare. It had been months since she’d exchanged even a word with her sister, and to speak with her now, about all of this… Theo couldn’t help but think it would only serve to add insult to injury. Olympia, too, had seemed born to a crown, her ambitions rising above her sisters’ as she secured herself a prince. She had the drive, the cunning, the smarts to hold the throne and make it look effortless. But Theo? She was just… Theo. She was trying her best, but would her best ever really be good enough?
“You’re right, of course,” the Queen said in a pause after the princess finished speaking. “I had only a couple weeks to prepare just to be a princess, let alone a Queen. That shock was enough, but I thought I would have years to learn before I’d ever have to be anything more. But then… well, you know what happened.” There was no need to repeat the circumstances of her father-in-law’s death; as with so many others of the kingdom, Xene had been there to witness it. “It should not shock me that it is so hard, but those I’ve seen wear the crown before me didn’t make it look that way. I guess I believed, somewhat foolishly, that I would have the same ease.”
Her twisted smirk was a little bitter as she gazed out over the lapping waves. “Then again, I don’t believe any of them had to face the same… circumstances that I have. Their own challenges, yes, but all this? It seems it has been nothing but disaster after disaster, day after day. I just wish…” She swallowed and turned back to Xene with a quiet sigh. “I just wish I knew where Achilleas was, and what’s happened to him. It’s killing me, not knowing.”
Setting her shoulders, Theo attempted to stand a little straighter, intent on taking the other woman’s advice to heart. She had to project strength and calm, no matter how chaotic she felt inside. There was no other choice. While Taengea rested on her shoulders, she couldn’t let its citizens see just how fragile those shoulders really were.
However, at Xene’s mention of Fotios, the Queen almost imperceptibly stiffened, dark eyes glancing sidelong toward the princess. Recent events, combined with the revelations made by her husband had her more distrustful of her uncle than ever, suspicious of why he would be instructing Xene in the ways of proper grace and decorum. Did he seek to sink his claws even further into the family he had all but total control over? She wondered then, if Xene knew about that, and if Theodora ought to be the one to tell her. She had sworn to Achilleas that she would let such things come from him, but then… it wouldn’t be the first vow she had broken to her King, would it?
Then again, who knew how deep Fotios’s influence over Xene might run? Was talking to her about all this a mistake today? Would she take it back to lord of Leventi? Could she trust her uncle at all any more?
She trusted Xene, she knew that, but gods… in a world where she felt so isolated, who could she really lean on without fear?
“Xene,” she murmured as she turned to look at the princess, lapsing into the informal as she fixed her in her gaze. For a moment, her teeth worried at her lower lip before remembering what a bad habit that was, clearing her throat and relaxing her face. “Just… be careful, all right? I… My uncle is not always the man he appears to be.”
Their walk continued down the beach, and Theodora’s head pricked up for a moment at what she thought was the sound of breaking twigs. Glancing in the direction it seemed to come from, she saw nothing but a short trail of footprints. For a moment, she frowned as she looked at them, however, they could have easily been made by her or Xene themselves in their initial walk down. Deciding not to comment on it, she simply turned a smile back on the princess and lightly squeezed her arm—immensely glad she had decided to come down to the beach this afternoon, if only for the sage advice given by her companion.
