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She’s so tiny. Eliana peered over the crib to see a tiny miniature human. She had big beautiful eyes that stared back at Eliana. Her little nails were so adorable, and the hair on top of her head was the shiniest and cleanest said of locks Eliana had ever seen. And when she made noises Eliana felt her insides squeeze as if her own ovaries were on fire- and when she gave a cute little smile Eliana decided she wanted one- and then quickly realized she’s an unmarried woman who has no control over her own life, and wouldn’t be able to handle a baby. Even if they were the cutest things in the whole world.
“Are you sure she’s your’s?” Eliana had finally asked after what felt like eons (though it probably was just half a minute) of staring at the baby. “I don’t think it’s possible for humans to give birth to perfection. I’m highly suspicious. Then again, this is a Mikaelidas. Woe is me, life is unfair,” Eliana teased with a playful smile. She finally tore herself away from the precious baby to look at Olympia who- despite having a child not even half a year ago looked just as fabulous as anyone with Leventi blood would look. Of course she would give birth to perfection and then come out of the affair with a model smile and was there even a stomach below that chiton? Ugh. Which god does Eliana need to pray to when she’s pregnant to be that lucky. All of them?
“Can I hold it- her, it’s- I mean she’s a her. Can I hold her?” Eliana wasn’t often giddy- nor was she particularly girly. But babies were so soft and tiny and squishy and when they’d cry it wasn’t her responsibility and she could hand it back to Olympia, so really there was nothing to worry about on Eliana’s part. Well, unless the child drooled, but Eliana made sure not to wear her finest chiton when coming to visit today. Eliana loved Olympia- not enough to let her child mess up her favorite clothes, though. No thanks.
Back over the crib Eliana peered, where the child seemingly reached up towards Eliana in the most adorable fashion. Her heart squeezed, she was so cu-
“Ow, ow, ow,” The child had grabbed a load of Eliana’s hair and was pulling it towards her. Eliana’s head went closer to Tisiphone, as the small baby squealed with glee. “Woah, woah, woah, kid. How about I just buy you a toy instead?” Eliana carefully went to pry the hand that was squeezing her hair, before she lifted herself back up and rubbed her head.
“I take back what I said about perfection. Ask me again after my headache goes away.” Eliana said sarcastically, trying to blindly fix her hair. “She has a lion’s grasp. Wonder who she gets that from.” Suddenly Eliana’s ovaries were no longer working on overdrive. Funny how a child yanking at the roots of her hair suddenly made her feel grateful to be single- at least for half a second.
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She’s so tiny. Eliana peered over the crib to see a tiny miniature human. She had big beautiful eyes that stared back at Eliana. Her little nails were so adorable, and the hair on top of her head was the shiniest and cleanest said of locks Eliana had ever seen. And when she made noises Eliana felt her insides squeeze as if her own ovaries were on fire- and when she gave a cute little smile Eliana decided she wanted one- and then quickly realized she’s an unmarried woman who has no control over her own life, and wouldn’t be able to handle a baby. Even if they were the cutest things in the whole world.
“Are you sure she’s your’s?” Eliana had finally asked after what felt like eons (though it probably was just half a minute) of staring at the baby. “I don’t think it’s possible for humans to give birth to perfection. I’m highly suspicious. Then again, this is a Mikaelidas. Woe is me, life is unfair,” Eliana teased with a playful smile. She finally tore herself away from the precious baby to look at Olympia who- despite having a child not even half a year ago looked just as fabulous as anyone with Leventi blood would look. Of course she would give birth to perfection and then come out of the affair with a model smile and was there even a stomach below that chiton? Ugh. Which god does Eliana need to pray to when she’s pregnant to be that lucky. All of them?
“Can I hold it- her, it’s- I mean she’s a her. Can I hold her?” Eliana wasn’t often giddy- nor was she particularly girly. But babies were so soft and tiny and squishy and when they’d cry it wasn’t her responsibility and she could hand it back to Olympia, so really there was nothing to worry about on Eliana’s part. Well, unless the child drooled, but Eliana made sure not to wear her finest chiton when coming to visit today. Eliana loved Olympia- not enough to let her child mess up her favorite clothes, though. No thanks.
Back over the crib Eliana peered, where the child seemingly reached up towards Eliana in the most adorable fashion. Her heart squeezed, she was so cu-
“Ow, ow, ow,” The child had grabbed a load of Eliana’s hair and was pulling it towards her. Eliana’s head went closer to Tisiphone, as the small baby squealed with glee. “Woah, woah, woah, kid. How about I just buy you a toy instead?” Eliana carefully went to pry the hand that was squeezing her hair, before she lifted herself back up and rubbed her head.
“I take back what I said about perfection. Ask me again after my headache goes away.” Eliana said sarcastically, trying to blindly fix her hair. “She has a lion’s grasp. Wonder who she gets that from.” Suddenly Eliana’s ovaries were no longer working on overdrive. Funny how a child yanking at the roots of her hair suddenly made her feel grateful to be single- at least for half a second.
She’s so tiny. Eliana peered over the crib to see a tiny miniature human. She had big beautiful eyes that stared back at Eliana. Her little nails were so adorable, and the hair on top of her head was the shiniest and cleanest said of locks Eliana had ever seen. And when she made noises Eliana felt her insides squeeze as if her own ovaries were on fire- and when she gave a cute little smile Eliana decided she wanted one- and then quickly realized she’s an unmarried woman who has no control over her own life, and wouldn’t be able to handle a baby. Even if they were the cutest things in the whole world.
“Are you sure she’s your’s?” Eliana had finally asked after what felt like eons (though it probably was just half a minute) of staring at the baby. “I don’t think it’s possible for humans to give birth to perfection. I’m highly suspicious. Then again, this is a Mikaelidas. Woe is me, life is unfair,” Eliana teased with a playful smile. She finally tore herself away from the precious baby to look at Olympia who- despite having a child not even half a year ago looked just as fabulous as anyone with Leventi blood would look. Of course she would give birth to perfection and then come out of the affair with a model smile and was there even a stomach below that chiton? Ugh. Which god does Eliana need to pray to when she’s pregnant to be that lucky. All of them?
“Can I hold it- her, it’s- I mean she’s a her. Can I hold her?” Eliana wasn’t often giddy- nor was she particularly girly. But babies were so soft and tiny and squishy and when they’d cry it wasn’t her responsibility and she could hand it back to Olympia, so really there was nothing to worry about on Eliana’s part. Well, unless the child drooled, but Eliana made sure not to wear her finest chiton when coming to visit today. Eliana loved Olympia- not enough to let her child mess up her favorite clothes, though. No thanks.
Back over the crib Eliana peered, where the child seemingly reached up towards Eliana in the most adorable fashion. Her heart squeezed, she was so cu-
“Ow, ow, ow,” The child had grabbed a load of Eliana’s hair and was pulling it towards her. Eliana’s head went closer to Tisiphone, as the small baby squealed with glee. “Woah, woah, woah, kid. How about I just buy you a toy instead?” Eliana carefully went to pry the hand that was squeezing her hair, before she lifted herself back up and rubbed her head.
“I take back what I said about perfection. Ask me again after my headache goes away.” Eliana said sarcastically, trying to blindly fix her hair. “She has a lion’s grasp. Wonder who she gets that from.” Suddenly Eliana’s ovaries were no longer working on overdrive. Funny how a child yanking at the roots of her hair suddenly made her feel grateful to be single- at least for half a second.
It was strange, having visitors from the past coming to her parents home and meeting her daughter. Stranger still that Stephanos wasn't with her as Tisiphone grew. At very nearly four months the girl was becoming more and more like her father with every day that passed, her hair the same gold and her eyes the same bright blue. It was just barely possible to see her own face in the child, the curls in her blonde hair the same as the Leventi women. It was so kind of Eliana to come and meet her, after all the woman served the sister that Pia was least fond of at the moment. She wondered if Theo had sent her over as a test, to see what Pia's mood was and what the odds were of forgiveness being given.
Laughing at the question she walked over to Eliana's side and looked over the edge of the cradle, shaking her head even as she beamed down at Tisphone. "She's certainly got her father's temper." She nodded in response to the question of holding her, reaching into the crib until Tisi got hold of her friend's hair. Trying to hold back her giggles, Pia helped her untangle dark locks from the baby's chubby fists, lifting her daughter into her arms and bouncing her gently while peppering her curls with kisses.
"She has her father's grip as well." The young mother's own hair was kept back in a braid, all jewelry or trappings that her daughter might be able to yank on had been carefully removed, and she wore a simple grey chiton. If she had known the compliment Eliana was thinking she might have burst into tears, the chiton was draped to hide as best it could the bump that was persisting still.
Plenty of women she'd spoken to had said it took time for their baby fat to fall away, but this felt different. The rest of her had bounced back to normal with ease, but her stomach looked as it had when she was a few months on carrying Tisiphone. And there were little flutters she couldn't ignore. It was possible, she knew, for her to be with child again, but without Stephanos at her side, she wasn't ready to believe it. The first birth had been traumatizing enough, she wasn't ready to consider it again.
"How have you been, my dear? Tell me everything I've missed while I was gone. Most people don't want to talk to me about it."
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It was strange, having visitors from the past coming to her parents home and meeting her daughter. Stranger still that Stephanos wasn't with her as Tisiphone grew. At very nearly four months the girl was becoming more and more like her father with every day that passed, her hair the same gold and her eyes the same bright blue. It was just barely possible to see her own face in the child, the curls in her blonde hair the same as the Leventi women. It was so kind of Eliana to come and meet her, after all the woman served the sister that Pia was least fond of at the moment. She wondered if Theo had sent her over as a test, to see what Pia's mood was and what the odds were of forgiveness being given.
Laughing at the question she walked over to Eliana's side and looked over the edge of the cradle, shaking her head even as she beamed down at Tisphone. "She's certainly got her father's temper." She nodded in response to the question of holding her, reaching into the crib until Tisi got hold of her friend's hair. Trying to hold back her giggles, Pia helped her untangle dark locks from the baby's chubby fists, lifting her daughter into her arms and bouncing her gently while peppering her curls with kisses.
"She has her father's grip as well." The young mother's own hair was kept back in a braid, all jewelry or trappings that her daughter might be able to yank on had been carefully removed, and she wore a simple grey chiton. If she had known the compliment Eliana was thinking she might have burst into tears, the chiton was draped to hide as best it could the bump that was persisting still.
Plenty of women she'd spoken to had said it took time for their baby fat to fall away, but this felt different. The rest of her had bounced back to normal with ease, but her stomach looked as it had when she was a few months on carrying Tisiphone. And there were little flutters she couldn't ignore. It was possible, she knew, for her to be with child again, but without Stephanos at her side, she wasn't ready to believe it. The first birth had been traumatizing enough, she wasn't ready to consider it again.
"How have you been, my dear? Tell me everything I've missed while I was gone. Most people don't want to talk to me about it."
It was strange, having visitors from the past coming to her parents home and meeting her daughter. Stranger still that Stephanos wasn't with her as Tisiphone grew. At very nearly four months the girl was becoming more and more like her father with every day that passed, her hair the same gold and her eyes the same bright blue. It was just barely possible to see her own face in the child, the curls in her blonde hair the same as the Leventi women. It was so kind of Eliana to come and meet her, after all the woman served the sister that Pia was least fond of at the moment. She wondered if Theo had sent her over as a test, to see what Pia's mood was and what the odds were of forgiveness being given.
Laughing at the question she walked over to Eliana's side and looked over the edge of the cradle, shaking her head even as she beamed down at Tisphone. "She's certainly got her father's temper." She nodded in response to the question of holding her, reaching into the crib until Tisi got hold of her friend's hair. Trying to hold back her giggles, Pia helped her untangle dark locks from the baby's chubby fists, lifting her daughter into her arms and bouncing her gently while peppering her curls with kisses.
"She has her father's grip as well." The young mother's own hair was kept back in a braid, all jewelry or trappings that her daughter might be able to yank on had been carefully removed, and she wore a simple grey chiton. If she had known the compliment Eliana was thinking she might have burst into tears, the chiton was draped to hide as best it could the bump that was persisting still.
Plenty of women she'd spoken to had said it took time for their baby fat to fall away, but this felt different. The rest of her had bounced back to normal with ease, but her stomach looked as it had when she was a few months on carrying Tisiphone. And there were little flutters she couldn't ignore. It was possible, she knew, for her to be with child again, but without Stephanos at her side, she wasn't ready to believe it. The first birth had been traumatizing enough, she wasn't ready to consider it again.
"How have you been, my dear? Tell me everything I've missed while I was gone. Most people don't want to talk to me about it."
Couldn’t they talk about the weather first? That was easier. Eliana could have made a monologue about the weather and how the humidity was making her hair go everywhere, and then she could use that to segue to talking about this new product she had found while wandering the foreign stalls in Argothia that smoothed her locks and left them shiny. So much lighter, so much more fun, than talking about everything that has happened since, well, her husband was accused of murder. (Which Eliana distinctly had no opinion on- if anyone asked. But no one ever did, because well, she was just the last daughter of the second branch of a barony, after all.)
“Well,” Eliana said, trying to think back on the crazy months that have passed. Hell, the crazy few weeks. How little or how much did she know? “As for me, nothing has changed other than the fact that I’m in the capital way more than I wanted to be. I, for one, was looking forward to the simple life of being a handmaiden in a quiet little province.” Well, actually no, Eliana wasn’t looking forward to that. But being the Queen’s handmaiden also wasn’t something she signed up for- clearly. But Eliana had little room to complain, look at the people around her.
But it wasn’t Eliana who Olympia probably cared about, was she? “Well, you know war with Egypt. That’s a thing.” She started with, “And there was the matter of the King having been captured in Egypt that’s now running rampant around the capital. Theodora is certainly in her emotions about that- as right she should be.” Eliana also, but that was a different story. She hoped Achilleas was alright, she didn’t want him (or any Taengean) to be lost by the hand of war. “On a brighter note Lady Evangelina and Lord Gavriil’s wedding was beautiful, and she may or may not be with child depending on if you believe the gossip, which I don’t I’ll note.” But this was all fairly recent. What more did she want to know? “Oh! Lady Imma and Lady Melina fainted at a court event- that was hot gossip for a while. Lady Imma got cut by a wine glass, and Lady Melina caught her, saw the blood, and fell to the floor. It was… a scene, to say the least.” Because both girls ended up alright, Eliana, for one, found it hilarious. Though it was Theodora’s first court session as Queen, and it was her family. “Your sister, obviously, made a full recovery.”
Eliana bit her lip, was that all? Most likely not. Even though there wasn’t much time between events, those few months lasted a year or more. The past three months dragged on with something happening every day, sometimes multiple things happening all in one day! Eliana could barely keep up. Luckily, she didn’t have much to say for herself. It was as if she wasn’t there for any of these events.
“Things weren’t the same without you, though. I will say that. You’re always a joy to be around,” Eliana said kindly and honestly. She liked Olympia, no matter the feelings that might exist between the sisters right now. Eliana knew to keep her nose out of family drama.
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Couldn’t they talk about the weather first? That was easier. Eliana could have made a monologue about the weather and how the humidity was making her hair go everywhere, and then she could use that to segue to talking about this new product she had found while wandering the foreign stalls in Argothia that smoothed her locks and left them shiny. So much lighter, so much more fun, than talking about everything that has happened since, well, her husband was accused of murder. (Which Eliana distinctly had no opinion on- if anyone asked. But no one ever did, because well, she was just the last daughter of the second branch of a barony, after all.)
“Well,” Eliana said, trying to think back on the crazy months that have passed. Hell, the crazy few weeks. How little or how much did she know? “As for me, nothing has changed other than the fact that I’m in the capital way more than I wanted to be. I, for one, was looking forward to the simple life of being a handmaiden in a quiet little province.” Well, actually no, Eliana wasn’t looking forward to that. But being the Queen’s handmaiden also wasn’t something she signed up for- clearly. But Eliana had little room to complain, look at the people around her.
But it wasn’t Eliana who Olympia probably cared about, was she? “Well, you know war with Egypt. That’s a thing.” She started with, “And there was the matter of the King having been captured in Egypt that’s now running rampant around the capital. Theodora is certainly in her emotions about that- as right she should be.” Eliana also, but that was a different story. She hoped Achilleas was alright, she didn’t want him (or any Taengean) to be lost by the hand of war. “On a brighter note Lady Evangelina and Lord Gavriil’s wedding was beautiful, and she may or may not be with child depending on if you believe the gossip, which I don’t I’ll note.” But this was all fairly recent. What more did she want to know? “Oh! Lady Imma and Lady Melina fainted at a court event- that was hot gossip for a while. Lady Imma got cut by a wine glass, and Lady Melina caught her, saw the blood, and fell to the floor. It was… a scene, to say the least.” Because both girls ended up alright, Eliana, for one, found it hilarious. Though it was Theodora’s first court session as Queen, and it was her family. “Your sister, obviously, made a full recovery.”
Eliana bit her lip, was that all? Most likely not. Even though there wasn’t much time between events, those few months lasted a year or more. The past three months dragged on with something happening every day, sometimes multiple things happening all in one day! Eliana could barely keep up. Luckily, she didn’t have much to say for herself. It was as if she wasn’t there for any of these events.
“Things weren’t the same without you, though. I will say that. You’re always a joy to be around,” Eliana said kindly and honestly. She liked Olympia, no matter the feelings that might exist between the sisters right now. Eliana knew to keep her nose out of family drama.
Couldn’t they talk about the weather first? That was easier. Eliana could have made a monologue about the weather and how the humidity was making her hair go everywhere, and then she could use that to segue to talking about this new product she had found while wandering the foreign stalls in Argothia that smoothed her locks and left them shiny. So much lighter, so much more fun, than talking about everything that has happened since, well, her husband was accused of murder. (Which Eliana distinctly had no opinion on- if anyone asked. But no one ever did, because well, she was just the last daughter of the second branch of a barony, after all.)
“Well,” Eliana said, trying to think back on the crazy months that have passed. Hell, the crazy few weeks. How little or how much did she know? “As for me, nothing has changed other than the fact that I’m in the capital way more than I wanted to be. I, for one, was looking forward to the simple life of being a handmaiden in a quiet little province.” Well, actually no, Eliana wasn’t looking forward to that. But being the Queen’s handmaiden also wasn’t something she signed up for- clearly. But Eliana had little room to complain, look at the people around her.
But it wasn’t Eliana who Olympia probably cared about, was she? “Well, you know war with Egypt. That’s a thing.” She started with, “And there was the matter of the King having been captured in Egypt that’s now running rampant around the capital. Theodora is certainly in her emotions about that- as right she should be.” Eliana also, but that was a different story. She hoped Achilleas was alright, she didn’t want him (or any Taengean) to be lost by the hand of war. “On a brighter note Lady Evangelina and Lord Gavriil’s wedding was beautiful, and she may or may not be with child depending on if you believe the gossip, which I don’t I’ll note.” But this was all fairly recent. What more did she want to know? “Oh! Lady Imma and Lady Melina fainted at a court event- that was hot gossip for a while. Lady Imma got cut by a wine glass, and Lady Melina caught her, saw the blood, and fell to the floor. It was… a scene, to say the least.” Because both girls ended up alright, Eliana, for one, found it hilarious. Though it was Theodora’s first court session as Queen, and it was her family. “Your sister, obviously, made a full recovery.”
Eliana bit her lip, was that all? Most likely not. Even though there wasn’t much time between events, those few months lasted a year or more. The past three months dragged on with something happening every day, sometimes multiple things happening all in one day! Eliana could barely keep up. Luckily, she didn’t have much to say for herself. It was as if she wasn’t there for any of these events.
“Things weren’t the same without you, though. I will say that. You’re always a joy to be around,” Eliana said kindly and honestly. She liked Olympia, no matter the feelings that might exist between the sisters right now. Eliana knew to keep her nose out of family drama.
She could sense the hesitation in the other girl, wondering if she would have preferred to speak of something else more pressing. Had something happened more than what she already knew? It was odd of course that she hadn't spoken to the sister that had replaced her on the throne, but there just hadn't been time. At least that was what Pia was telling herself. They had been at the same event when she first returned, but the downpour had kept things from progressing to the point of the sisters seeing one another, and no notes had been passed between them since. In requesting to return to the country, she had communicated only with Achilleas.
"That is an abrupt change. To think you are bound for one thing and then end up with another, especially when you have no say. But you seem to be handling it well, how are you feeling?" She spoke from experience to say it lightly. From telling Stephanos she was pregnant and suddenly being whisked into a royal marriage, to suddenly being in disgrace and swept off to another country instead of remaining where she was queen in order to give birth to her child in safety. Still, it was a shocking transition, no matter how small, and being told you would be a handmaid to a country baroness then suddenly serving a queen was no little thing.
Pia nodded as she spoke of her missing brother and cousin-in-law. Of all of Stephanos' relations, Achilleas was the one she was closest to in their way. He had always been kind and considerate to her, even when his father had been determined to see her and her husband killed. And his kindness had extended to allowing her and her daughter to return home. She could only imagine the trauma Theo was going through knowing that her husband was missing, shivering in horror at the fear of losing her own.
"Yes, I was at the wedding. For my cousin's sake we tried to keep our heads down. Just in case there were some who took offense." Her voice was pensive as she dangled her fingers just out of Tisiphone's reach, the baby giving little coos as she tried to grab hold of them. Brow raising at the notion that Evie was already with child, she shook her head with a rueful smile at the antics of her littlest sister and cousins as they were told by Eliana. "Imma is still growing into herself it seems, and Melina. My poor cousins, though I suppose in a time of war being unwed is a blessing. There is no one for you to fret for across the sea."
Sitting up with a soft sigh and a wince, her hand resting absently on the small swell of her stomach, Pia smiled warmly at the girl as she reached for the other girl's hand with the free one of her own. "Thank you for saying so. I missed you, so many people, while we were gone. It feels strange to be back, like I am a different person entirely now."
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She could sense the hesitation in the other girl, wondering if she would have preferred to speak of something else more pressing. Had something happened more than what she already knew? It was odd of course that she hadn't spoken to the sister that had replaced her on the throne, but there just hadn't been time. At least that was what Pia was telling herself. They had been at the same event when she first returned, but the downpour had kept things from progressing to the point of the sisters seeing one another, and no notes had been passed between them since. In requesting to return to the country, she had communicated only with Achilleas.
"That is an abrupt change. To think you are bound for one thing and then end up with another, especially when you have no say. But you seem to be handling it well, how are you feeling?" She spoke from experience to say it lightly. From telling Stephanos she was pregnant and suddenly being whisked into a royal marriage, to suddenly being in disgrace and swept off to another country instead of remaining where she was queen in order to give birth to her child in safety. Still, it was a shocking transition, no matter how small, and being told you would be a handmaid to a country baroness then suddenly serving a queen was no little thing.
Pia nodded as she spoke of her missing brother and cousin-in-law. Of all of Stephanos' relations, Achilleas was the one she was closest to in their way. He had always been kind and considerate to her, even when his father had been determined to see her and her husband killed. And his kindness had extended to allowing her and her daughter to return home. She could only imagine the trauma Theo was going through knowing that her husband was missing, shivering in horror at the fear of losing her own.
"Yes, I was at the wedding. For my cousin's sake we tried to keep our heads down. Just in case there were some who took offense." Her voice was pensive as she dangled her fingers just out of Tisiphone's reach, the baby giving little coos as she tried to grab hold of them. Brow raising at the notion that Evie was already with child, she shook her head with a rueful smile at the antics of her littlest sister and cousins as they were told by Eliana. "Imma is still growing into herself it seems, and Melina. My poor cousins, though I suppose in a time of war being unwed is a blessing. There is no one for you to fret for across the sea."
Sitting up with a soft sigh and a wince, her hand resting absently on the small swell of her stomach, Pia smiled warmly at the girl as she reached for the other girl's hand with the free one of her own. "Thank you for saying so. I missed you, so many people, while we were gone. It feels strange to be back, like I am a different person entirely now."
She could sense the hesitation in the other girl, wondering if she would have preferred to speak of something else more pressing. Had something happened more than what she already knew? It was odd of course that she hadn't spoken to the sister that had replaced her on the throne, but there just hadn't been time. At least that was what Pia was telling herself. They had been at the same event when she first returned, but the downpour had kept things from progressing to the point of the sisters seeing one another, and no notes had been passed between them since. In requesting to return to the country, she had communicated only with Achilleas.
"That is an abrupt change. To think you are bound for one thing and then end up with another, especially when you have no say. But you seem to be handling it well, how are you feeling?" She spoke from experience to say it lightly. From telling Stephanos she was pregnant and suddenly being whisked into a royal marriage, to suddenly being in disgrace and swept off to another country instead of remaining where she was queen in order to give birth to her child in safety. Still, it was a shocking transition, no matter how small, and being told you would be a handmaid to a country baroness then suddenly serving a queen was no little thing.
Pia nodded as she spoke of her missing brother and cousin-in-law. Of all of Stephanos' relations, Achilleas was the one she was closest to in their way. He had always been kind and considerate to her, even when his father had been determined to see her and her husband killed. And his kindness had extended to allowing her and her daughter to return home. She could only imagine the trauma Theo was going through knowing that her husband was missing, shivering in horror at the fear of losing her own.
"Yes, I was at the wedding. For my cousin's sake we tried to keep our heads down. Just in case there were some who took offense." Her voice was pensive as she dangled her fingers just out of Tisiphone's reach, the baby giving little coos as she tried to grab hold of them. Brow raising at the notion that Evie was already with child, she shook her head with a rueful smile at the antics of her littlest sister and cousins as they were told by Eliana. "Imma is still growing into herself it seems, and Melina. My poor cousins, though I suppose in a time of war being unwed is a blessing. There is no one for you to fret for across the sea."
Sitting up with a soft sigh and a wince, her hand resting absently on the small swell of her stomach, Pia smiled warmly at the girl as she reached for the other girl's hand with the free one of her own. "Thank you for saying so. I missed you, so many people, while we were gone. It feels strange to be back, like I am a different person entirely now."
It feels strange being back like I am a different person entirely now. If Eliana wasn’t a lady (and she hardly was- the youngest daughter of the second branch of a lower noble family), she would have snorted. She was a different person. They all were. Shit happened and shit changed. There were deaths. People don’t just walk away from that unchanged. The entire city was different. They were at war again. People were different, forever, and always.
But it didn’t mean everything changed. When Eliana looked at Olympia she still saw her friend. She still saw the drop-dead gorgeous Leventi woman, Mikaelides Queen, in front of her. Things were different- but not everything was changed. Olympia was still a woman who deserved, no earned Eliana’s respect. And Eliana was a woman who didn’t give into rumors and hearsay. She trusted her friends with her whole heart. Until evidence was placed right in front of her nose, evidence that was irrefutable that Olympia and her husband had something to do with treason- Eliana would see her as nothing less but a Queen.
That, and Theodora… oh how Taengean politics were complicated.
“You are a different person,” Eliana said after a bit. “Too much has happened for you not to be. You’re a stronger person now. You weren’t a woman I’d ever dare mess with before, but now I’d much rather take my chances with an actual lion than face off with the Great Olympia of Mikaelides.”
Eliana’s words were all jokes, as usual, but they were tinged with genuine truth. No one can go through what Olympia can go through and return with a chin held high. No one… but people with great inner strength. If Eliana were in Olympia’s shoes? She’d likely have left Taengea for good. She’d take the opportunity to start a new chapter of her life, to put her past behind her rather than facing it. Did it make Eliana a coward? Or selfish?
Either way, neither word could describe Olympia.
If Olympia knew Eliana, and she hoped that she did, she know her words were the truth. Outside of court, Eliana was not the type to coo and suck up- she had zero patience for that. Eliana never feared speaking her mind, even if at times it could get her in serious trouble.
This was why, perhaps, she sought to now cut through the bullshit. She could sit here and question what might be going through Olympia’s mind, or Eliana could just ask her. “You’ve been through a lot,” Eliana repeated. “I’m sure it’s stressful being back. Is there… something bothering you though? Or something on your mind? Aside from the leeches at court of course- you know they’ve spread every rumor their small little minds could think of. Most of which were unbelievable. Oh, by the way. The Lady of Elopia? Don’t trust her handmaiden- that women crowed on and on to all the other handmaidens that would listen and said nothing but lies. I quite literally wanted to bite her head off if it wasn’t so unlady like of me.”
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It feels strange being back like I am a different person entirely now. If Eliana wasn’t a lady (and she hardly was- the youngest daughter of the second branch of a lower noble family), she would have snorted. She was a different person. They all were. Shit happened and shit changed. There were deaths. People don’t just walk away from that unchanged. The entire city was different. They were at war again. People were different, forever, and always.
But it didn’t mean everything changed. When Eliana looked at Olympia she still saw her friend. She still saw the drop-dead gorgeous Leventi woman, Mikaelides Queen, in front of her. Things were different- but not everything was changed. Olympia was still a woman who deserved, no earned Eliana’s respect. And Eliana was a woman who didn’t give into rumors and hearsay. She trusted her friends with her whole heart. Until evidence was placed right in front of her nose, evidence that was irrefutable that Olympia and her husband had something to do with treason- Eliana would see her as nothing less but a Queen.
That, and Theodora… oh how Taengean politics were complicated.
“You are a different person,” Eliana said after a bit. “Too much has happened for you not to be. You’re a stronger person now. You weren’t a woman I’d ever dare mess with before, but now I’d much rather take my chances with an actual lion than face off with the Great Olympia of Mikaelides.”
Eliana’s words were all jokes, as usual, but they were tinged with genuine truth. No one can go through what Olympia can go through and return with a chin held high. No one… but people with great inner strength. If Eliana were in Olympia’s shoes? She’d likely have left Taengea for good. She’d take the opportunity to start a new chapter of her life, to put her past behind her rather than facing it. Did it make Eliana a coward? Or selfish?
Either way, neither word could describe Olympia.
If Olympia knew Eliana, and she hoped that she did, she know her words were the truth. Outside of court, Eliana was not the type to coo and suck up- she had zero patience for that. Eliana never feared speaking her mind, even if at times it could get her in serious trouble.
This was why, perhaps, she sought to now cut through the bullshit. She could sit here and question what might be going through Olympia’s mind, or Eliana could just ask her. “You’ve been through a lot,” Eliana repeated. “I’m sure it’s stressful being back. Is there… something bothering you though? Or something on your mind? Aside from the leeches at court of course- you know they’ve spread every rumor their small little minds could think of. Most of which were unbelievable. Oh, by the way. The Lady of Elopia? Don’t trust her handmaiden- that women crowed on and on to all the other handmaidens that would listen and said nothing but lies. I quite literally wanted to bite her head off if it wasn’t so unlady like of me.”
It feels strange being back like I am a different person entirely now. If Eliana wasn’t a lady (and she hardly was- the youngest daughter of the second branch of a lower noble family), she would have snorted. She was a different person. They all were. Shit happened and shit changed. There were deaths. People don’t just walk away from that unchanged. The entire city was different. They were at war again. People were different, forever, and always.
But it didn’t mean everything changed. When Eliana looked at Olympia she still saw her friend. She still saw the drop-dead gorgeous Leventi woman, Mikaelides Queen, in front of her. Things were different- but not everything was changed. Olympia was still a woman who deserved, no earned Eliana’s respect. And Eliana was a woman who didn’t give into rumors and hearsay. She trusted her friends with her whole heart. Until evidence was placed right in front of her nose, evidence that was irrefutable that Olympia and her husband had something to do with treason- Eliana would see her as nothing less but a Queen.
That, and Theodora… oh how Taengean politics were complicated.
“You are a different person,” Eliana said after a bit. “Too much has happened for you not to be. You’re a stronger person now. You weren’t a woman I’d ever dare mess with before, but now I’d much rather take my chances with an actual lion than face off with the Great Olympia of Mikaelides.”
Eliana’s words were all jokes, as usual, but they were tinged with genuine truth. No one can go through what Olympia can go through and return with a chin held high. No one… but people with great inner strength. If Eliana were in Olympia’s shoes? She’d likely have left Taengea for good. She’d take the opportunity to start a new chapter of her life, to put her past behind her rather than facing it. Did it make Eliana a coward? Or selfish?
Either way, neither word could describe Olympia.
If Olympia knew Eliana, and she hoped that she did, she know her words were the truth. Outside of court, Eliana was not the type to coo and suck up- she had zero patience for that. Eliana never feared speaking her mind, even if at times it could get her in serious trouble.
This was why, perhaps, she sought to now cut through the bullshit. She could sit here and question what might be going through Olympia’s mind, or Eliana could just ask her. “You’ve been through a lot,” Eliana repeated. “I’m sure it’s stressful being back. Is there… something bothering you though? Or something on your mind? Aside from the leeches at court of course- you know they’ve spread every rumor their small little minds could think of. Most of which were unbelievable. Oh, by the way. The Lady of Elopia? Don’t trust her handmaiden- that women crowed on and on to all the other handmaidens that would listen and said nothing but lies. I quite literally wanted to bite her head off if it wasn’t so unlady like of me.”
Eliana had become someone she considered a close friend over the years, and she was relieved to see that even the fact that she served Theodora in Pia's own place would not keep her from being exactly who she was. That was the greatest difficulty when thrown into such situations, remembering who you were at the core of everything in spite of the changes and protocol and turmoil that was so often happening behind the palace walls. The night she'd fled the kingdom and given birth to her daughter was a perfect example of just how much could happen behind the scenes without the world noticing. In the palace you were always on display but never open.
The kind words from her friend brought a tremble to her lip, and she had to bite down on it to keep from welling up in an unnecessary display of emotion, shifting instead to wrap her arms around Eliana in a tight embrace. If those words came from almost anyone else, she might have been inclined to think it false flattery and lies, but this girl of Kassotis spoke only her truth. At the very least, if the worst was to happen and she were to lose everything from title to husband, she had friends who would lift her up.
"Thank you, Eliana. You have no idea how much it means to hear you say those things. I haven't felt strong in a long time, it's all just been a façade that is slowly cracking apart." Releasing her, Pia took hold of Tisi's toes and played with her little feet as the baby cooed in entertainment. "I gave birth to her on the ship, did you know?" She wasn't sure how much of their escape story was public knowledge, but if there was anyone who she could tell it to, this was them. It wouldn't be such a bad thing if the story were to reach the ears of her sister and the others at court. Those noble and royal houses would be the ones determining whether she and Stephanos could ever rule again, or even have their titles and a barony restored.
"The night of the Egyptian's arrival, we knew Irakles had given orders for us to be killed once my child was born. It was convenient, both she and I could believably have died during the labor, and Stephanos would have had nothing. We were so cut off, no one believed us after the senate declarations. It was pure luck Selene had snuck away to visit us. I went into labor and we knew we had to leave before she was born. It was hours, the pain. I don't know exactly how long. Well out onto the sea when she finally arrived, I could not hold her for long while because I was so weak."
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Eliana had become someone she considered a close friend over the years, and she was relieved to see that even the fact that she served Theodora in Pia's own place would not keep her from being exactly who she was. That was the greatest difficulty when thrown into such situations, remembering who you were at the core of everything in spite of the changes and protocol and turmoil that was so often happening behind the palace walls. The night she'd fled the kingdom and given birth to her daughter was a perfect example of just how much could happen behind the scenes without the world noticing. In the palace you were always on display but never open.
The kind words from her friend brought a tremble to her lip, and she had to bite down on it to keep from welling up in an unnecessary display of emotion, shifting instead to wrap her arms around Eliana in a tight embrace. If those words came from almost anyone else, she might have been inclined to think it false flattery and lies, but this girl of Kassotis spoke only her truth. At the very least, if the worst was to happen and she were to lose everything from title to husband, she had friends who would lift her up.
"Thank you, Eliana. You have no idea how much it means to hear you say those things. I haven't felt strong in a long time, it's all just been a façade that is slowly cracking apart." Releasing her, Pia took hold of Tisi's toes and played with her little feet as the baby cooed in entertainment. "I gave birth to her on the ship, did you know?" She wasn't sure how much of their escape story was public knowledge, but if there was anyone who she could tell it to, this was them. It wouldn't be such a bad thing if the story were to reach the ears of her sister and the others at court. Those noble and royal houses would be the ones determining whether she and Stephanos could ever rule again, or even have their titles and a barony restored.
"The night of the Egyptian's arrival, we knew Irakles had given orders for us to be killed once my child was born. It was convenient, both she and I could believably have died during the labor, and Stephanos would have had nothing. We were so cut off, no one believed us after the senate declarations. It was pure luck Selene had snuck away to visit us. I went into labor and we knew we had to leave before she was born. It was hours, the pain. I don't know exactly how long. Well out onto the sea when she finally arrived, I could not hold her for long while because I was so weak."
Eliana had become someone she considered a close friend over the years, and she was relieved to see that even the fact that she served Theodora in Pia's own place would not keep her from being exactly who she was. That was the greatest difficulty when thrown into such situations, remembering who you were at the core of everything in spite of the changes and protocol and turmoil that was so often happening behind the palace walls. The night she'd fled the kingdom and given birth to her daughter was a perfect example of just how much could happen behind the scenes without the world noticing. In the palace you were always on display but never open.
The kind words from her friend brought a tremble to her lip, and she had to bite down on it to keep from welling up in an unnecessary display of emotion, shifting instead to wrap her arms around Eliana in a tight embrace. If those words came from almost anyone else, she might have been inclined to think it false flattery and lies, but this girl of Kassotis spoke only her truth. At the very least, if the worst was to happen and she were to lose everything from title to husband, she had friends who would lift her up.
"Thank you, Eliana. You have no idea how much it means to hear you say those things. I haven't felt strong in a long time, it's all just been a façade that is slowly cracking apart." Releasing her, Pia took hold of Tisi's toes and played with her little feet as the baby cooed in entertainment. "I gave birth to her on the ship, did you know?" She wasn't sure how much of their escape story was public knowledge, but if there was anyone who she could tell it to, this was them. It wouldn't be such a bad thing if the story were to reach the ears of her sister and the others at court. Those noble and royal houses would be the ones determining whether she and Stephanos could ever rule again, or even have their titles and a barony restored.
"The night of the Egyptian's arrival, we knew Irakles had given orders for us to be killed once my child was born. It was convenient, both she and I could believably have died during the labor, and Stephanos would have had nothing. We were so cut off, no one believed us after the senate declarations. It was pure luck Selene had snuck away to visit us. I went into labor and we knew we had to leave before she was born. It was hours, the pain. I don't know exactly how long. Well out onto the sea when she finally arrived, I could not hold her for long while because I was so weak."
The former queen and the current queen’s retainer were an interesting pairing, the Drowned One’s interest piqued as he listened from his vantage point on the balcony beyond. Speech of rumors and gossip, the birth of the darling little babe in Olympia’s arms… hm. Perhaps not as interesting as he thought.
A shame we did not succeed with this one, he thought as he crept slowly toward the window. Yet, are there not always second chances? A small child’s rattle smeared with boar’s blood was left in the pane of the window before the man dropped to the ground, sticking to the shadowy alcoves of the manor as he fled back toward the city.
He hoped she enjoyed her ‘welcome home’ gift.
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The former queen and the current queen’s retainer were an interesting pairing, the Drowned One’s interest piqued as he listened from his vantage point on the balcony beyond. Speech of rumors and gossip, the birth of the darling little babe in Olympia’s arms… hm. Perhaps not as interesting as he thought.
A shame we did not succeed with this one, he thought as he crept slowly toward the window. Yet, are there not always second chances? A small child’s rattle smeared with boar’s blood was left in the pane of the window before the man dropped to the ground, sticking to the shadowy alcoves of the manor as he fled back toward the city.
He hoped she enjoyed her ‘welcome home’ gift.
The former queen and the current queen’s retainer were an interesting pairing, the Drowned One’s interest piqued as he listened from his vantage point on the balcony beyond. Speech of rumors and gossip, the birth of the darling little babe in Olympia’s arms… hm. Perhaps not as interesting as he thought.
A shame we did not succeed with this one, he thought as he crept slowly toward the window. Yet, are there not always second chances? A small child’s rattle smeared with boar’s blood was left in the pane of the window before the man dropped to the ground, sticking to the shadowy alcoves of the manor as he fled back toward the city.
He hoped she enjoyed her ‘welcome home’ gift.
Labor, in general, sounded horrifying to Eliana. She had never witnessed it, but she heard of the agonizing pain. Women’s screams would echo down the halls. It killed too. Eliana have seen expectant mothers as they walked around Argothia, and the next she knew her husband was left alone with a newborn. The butcher had experienced that very fate.
But going into labor while on the run was a completely different story.
Having a baby on a ship? Gods, the fact that Olympia and Tisi were alive was certainly by their hand. And Irakles giving the order to have them killed after the baby is born was… well, dark. Giving birth while knowing your life could be lost and your head rolled was… the stuff of stories.
“Gods, your strength. And then there’s me who gets goosebumps just riding a carriage back to Argothia after sun fall. Should you learn how to bottle bravery, spare a vial for me? I could use all the help I could get.” Once more Eliana joked, trying to keep the mood light. As curious as she was as to what had transpired, the memories were likely dark. Pia was back, there was no reason for her to divulge everything now. She should take it easy and be happy. She’s home… with her darling baby.
“It’s a bit hot in here, is it not? How about I crack open a window?” Eliana had said as she went to one of them. That’s when she noticed that the door that led to the balcony was slightly ajar. Strange, did Pia leave it open to allow air to circulate? Eliana’s eye went towards the window and what she saw made her face pale.
What the fuck.
It wasn’t eloquent, but how do you eloquently think when you’re looking at a bloodied rattle? Whose blood was it? The message was clear. But who put that there? Did they come from the balcony? How? How long was it there?!
Eliana stepped closer to the rattle. She didn’t grab it (who would grab something so filthy) but she stared. Do I… Do I tell- of course, I tell her. Shit. Shit!
“Call your guards,” Eliana said seriously as she stepped to the side, allowing the full view of the bloodied rattle. Eliana swiftly moved over to the balcony door and stepped outside it looking left and right. Leaning over the side she looked for anyone that appeared to be running away- an intruder.
Only… there was no one in sight.
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Labor, in general, sounded horrifying to Eliana. She had never witnessed it, but she heard of the agonizing pain. Women’s screams would echo down the halls. It killed too. Eliana have seen expectant mothers as they walked around Argothia, and the next she knew her husband was left alone with a newborn. The butcher had experienced that very fate.
But going into labor while on the run was a completely different story.
Having a baby on a ship? Gods, the fact that Olympia and Tisi were alive was certainly by their hand. And Irakles giving the order to have them killed after the baby is born was… well, dark. Giving birth while knowing your life could be lost and your head rolled was… the stuff of stories.
“Gods, your strength. And then there’s me who gets goosebumps just riding a carriage back to Argothia after sun fall. Should you learn how to bottle bravery, spare a vial for me? I could use all the help I could get.” Once more Eliana joked, trying to keep the mood light. As curious as she was as to what had transpired, the memories were likely dark. Pia was back, there was no reason for her to divulge everything now. She should take it easy and be happy. She’s home… with her darling baby.
“It’s a bit hot in here, is it not? How about I crack open a window?” Eliana had said as she went to one of them. That’s when she noticed that the door that led to the balcony was slightly ajar. Strange, did Pia leave it open to allow air to circulate? Eliana’s eye went towards the window and what she saw made her face pale.
What the fuck.
It wasn’t eloquent, but how do you eloquently think when you’re looking at a bloodied rattle? Whose blood was it? The message was clear. But who put that there? Did they come from the balcony? How? How long was it there?!
Eliana stepped closer to the rattle. She didn’t grab it (who would grab something so filthy) but she stared. Do I… Do I tell- of course, I tell her. Shit. Shit!
“Call your guards,” Eliana said seriously as she stepped to the side, allowing the full view of the bloodied rattle. Eliana swiftly moved over to the balcony door and stepped outside it looking left and right. Leaning over the side she looked for anyone that appeared to be running away- an intruder.
Only… there was no one in sight.
Labor, in general, sounded horrifying to Eliana. She had never witnessed it, but she heard of the agonizing pain. Women’s screams would echo down the halls. It killed too. Eliana have seen expectant mothers as they walked around Argothia, and the next she knew her husband was left alone with a newborn. The butcher had experienced that very fate.
But going into labor while on the run was a completely different story.
Having a baby on a ship? Gods, the fact that Olympia and Tisi were alive was certainly by their hand. And Irakles giving the order to have them killed after the baby is born was… well, dark. Giving birth while knowing your life could be lost and your head rolled was… the stuff of stories.
“Gods, your strength. And then there’s me who gets goosebumps just riding a carriage back to Argothia after sun fall. Should you learn how to bottle bravery, spare a vial for me? I could use all the help I could get.” Once more Eliana joked, trying to keep the mood light. As curious as she was as to what had transpired, the memories were likely dark. Pia was back, there was no reason for her to divulge everything now. She should take it easy and be happy. She’s home… with her darling baby.
“It’s a bit hot in here, is it not? How about I crack open a window?” Eliana had said as she went to one of them. That’s when she noticed that the door that led to the balcony was slightly ajar. Strange, did Pia leave it open to allow air to circulate? Eliana’s eye went towards the window and what she saw made her face pale.
What the fuck.
It wasn’t eloquent, but how do you eloquently think when you’re looking at a bloodied rattle? Whose blood was it? The message was clear. But who put that there? Did they come from the balcony? How? How long was it there?!
Eliana stepped closer to the rattle. She didn’t grab it (who would grab something so filthy) but she stared. Do I… Do I tell- of course, I tell her. Shit. Shit!
“Call your guards,” Eliana said seriously as she stepped to the side, allowing the full view of the bloodied rattle. Eliana swiftly moved over to the balcony door and stepped outside it looking left and right. Leaning over the side she looked for anyone that appeared to be running away- an intruder.
Only… there was no one in sight.
Olympia didn't need the awe or appreciation of her strength. She'd had no choice but to do everything she'd been through. Her chance at escaping to Hades on the boat had been thwarted by her sister and the Lady Imeeya, two women she held debts to that she feared she would never be able to repay. Everything else had been a matter of keeping her head above water while the world tried to drown her. Once Tisiphone had been placed in her arms, after her sorrow had finally faded, lived for the daughter she'd wished was a son.
As time went on, though it had somehow only been a few months it felt like years, the sting of her first child being a girl instead of the son she had promised Stephanos had faded. Perhaps it vanished fully when she had seen her husband hold their daughter for the first time, watching as Tisi wrapped him around her little fingers as easily as she had everyone else. It didn't matter then if she was an heir or just a little girl born to a couple who had nothing, they would love her without reserve.
"If I manage to sum up any more bravery I'll be sure to share, though I confess I hope I don't need to be particularly brave anytime soon. It's exhausting." Pia replied to her friend with a smile, tickling Tisi's stomach and watching the little one coo and giggle as Eliana stood to adjust the window. "Of course, Maria frets about the cold getting to Tisi and comes through closing them whenever I try to open them."
Her laughter mingling with the baby's faded at the change in Eliana's tone, a prickle of fear curling up her spine though she did not know what the danger was yet. In a moment she lifted her daughter and held her close, tying her himation about her as if it was a sling for extra support as she opened her bedroom door. The Colchian who had been by her side as her bodyguard since her coronation was standing outside, attentive as always, he didn't need her call to enter the room and move to Eliana's voice at the look on Pia's face.
"Eliana...what is it?" Her voice was strained, and she followed Alastair slowly, peering around as if expecting attack, braced for it and ready to run. The sight of the rattle covered in blood had her wobbling, face white as a sheet and it was a miracle that as she fell to her knees she didn't lose consciousness entirely. No. Not again.
Pia had never been foolish enough to believe that she was entirely safe, but there had been a lull since Irakles' death that she had finally felt as if perhaps someone was no longer actively trying to kill her. And this was the first time she'd had to face this alone. Stephanos had always been by her side before, no matter what. From the circus until he had gotten on that cursed ship for the war. Alastair lifted the bloodied rattle with a handkerchief, examining it for any particular markings, as Maria entered with refreshment that was quickly set aside to help her mistress onto the bed.
"Will they never stop? Will they never leave us alone, are we to be haunted forever?"
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Olympia didn't need the awe or appreciation of her strength. She'd had no choice but to do everything she'd been through. Her chance at escaping to Hades on the boat had been thwarted by her sister and the Lady Imeeya, two women she held debts to that she feared she would never be able to repay. Everything else had been a matter of keeping her head above water while the world tried to drown her. Once Tisiphone had been placed in her arms, after her sorrow had finally faded, lived for the daughter she'd wished was a son.
As time went on, though it had somehow only been a few months it felt like years, the sting of her first child being a girl instead of the son she had promised Stephanos had faded. Perhaps it vanished fully when she had seen her husband hold their daughter for the first time, watching as Tisi wrapped him around her little fingers as easily as she had everyone else. It didn't matter then if she was an heir or just a little girl born to a couple who had nothing, they would love her without reserve.
"If I manage to sum up any more bravery I'll be sure to share, though I confess I hope I don't need to be particularly brave anytime soon. It's exhausting." Pia replied to her friend with a smile, tickling Tisi's stomach and watching the little one coo and giggle as Eliana stood to adjust the window. "Of course, Maria frets about the cold getting to Tisi and comes through closing them whenever I try to open them."
Her laughter mingling with the baby's faded at the change in Eliana's tone, a prickle of fear curling up her spine though she did not know what the danger was yet. In a moment she lifted her daughter and held her close, tying her himation about her as if it was a sling for extra support as she opened her bedroom door. The Colchian who had been by her side as her bodyguard since her coronation was standing outside, attentive as always, he didn't need her call to enter the room and move to Eliana's voice at the look on Pia's face.
"Eliana...what is it?" Her voice was strained, and she followed Alastair slowly, peering around as if expecting attack, braced for it and ready to run. The sight of the rattle covered in blood had her wobbling, face white as a sheet and it was a miracle that as she fell to her knees she didn't lose consciousness entirely. No. Not again.
Pia had never been foolish enough to believe that she was entirely safe, but there had been a lull since Irakles' death that she had finally felt as if perhaps someone was no longer actively trying to kill her. And this was the first time she'd had to face this alone. Stephanos had always been by her side before, no matter what. From the circus until he had gotten on that cursed ship for the war. Alastair lifted the bloodied rattle with a handkerchief, examining it for any particular markings, as Maria entered with refreshment that was quickly set aside to help her mistress onto the bed.
"Will they never stop? Will they never leave us alone, are we to be haunted forever?"
Olympia didn't need the awe or appreciation of her strength. She'd had no choice but to do everything she'd been through. Her chance at escaping to Hades on the boat had been thwarted by her sister and the Lady Imeeya, two women she held debts to that she feared she would never be able to repay. Everything else had been a matter of keeping her head above water while the world tried to drown her. Once Tisiphone had been placed in her arms, after her sorrow had finally faded, lived for the daughter she'd wished was a son.
As time went on, though it had somehow only been a few months it felt like years, the sting of her first child being a girl instead of the son she had promised Stephanos had faded. Perhaps it vanished fully when she had seen her husband hold their daughter for the first time, watching as Tisi wrapped him around her little fingers as easily as she had everyone else. It didn't matter then if she was an heir or just a little girl born to a couple who had nothing, they would love her without reserve.
"If I manage to sum up any more bravery I'll be sure to share, though I confess I hope I don't need to be particularly brave anytime soon. It's exhausting." Pia replied to her friend with a smile, tickling Tisi's stomach and watching the little one coo and giggle as Eliana stood to adjust the window. "Of course, Maria frets about the cold getting to Tisi and comes through closing them whenever I try to open them."
Her laughter mingling with the baby's faded at the change in Eliana's tone, a prickle of fear curling up her spine though she did not know what the danger was yet. In a moment she lifted her daughter and held her close, tying her himation about her as if it was a sling for extra support as she opened her bedroom door. The Colchian who had been by her side as her bodyguard since her coronation was standing outside, attentive as always, he didn't need her call to enter the room and move to Eliana's voice at the look on Pia's face.
"Eliana...what is it?" Her voice was strained, and she followed Alastair slowly, peering around as if expecting attack, braced for it and ready to run. The sight of the rattle covered in blood had her wobbling, face white as a sheet and it was a miracle that as she fell to her knees she didn't lose consciousness entirely. No. Not again.
Pia had never been foolish enough to believe that she was entirely safe, but there had been a lull since Irakles' death that she had finally felt as if perhaps someone was no longer actively trying to kill her. And this was the first time she'd had to face this alone. Stephanos had always been by her side before, no matter what. From the circus until he had gotten on that cursed ship for the war. Alastair lifted the bloodied rattle with a handkerchief, examining it for any particular markings, as Maria entered with refreshment that was quickly set aside to help her mistress onto the bed.
"Will they never stop? Will they never leave us alone, are we to be haunted forever?"
When Eliana came here she expected to catch up with an old friend. She knew there would be heavy conversations. One does not simply run away with their husband who was accused of treason, return, and act like nothing happened. But what Eliana certainly didn’t expect was a bloodied rattle on the windowsill. The hell. And was that animal blood or…
Eliana wanted to vomit.
It wasn’t as if she was adverse to blood. She once witnessed her father beat someone to near death with a curtain rod. Sure, she vomited at first, but afterwards she was able to keep it together enough to talk with him. But this was… sick. There was someone in this room. As they spoke, they entered, and they were here. How could they go so unnoticed? And the rattle! Who would threaten a newborn.
What was going on?
The they that Olympia mentioned, now there was the true mystery. Who were they? There was certainly much more to the story than she knew. But when she fell to her knees, Eliana’s heart sank with her. She moved quickly by her side, and assisted Maria in getting Olympia to the bed.
Eliana who was never short of words knew not what to say. She was horrified, but nothing could match the fear that would be running through Olympia. So Eliana did what any friend should do in this situation.
She pulled her into a hug.
Eliana did not want to make promises. She could not say ‘they will be caught.’ Who was they anyhow? She did not want to say ‘it would be okay.’ Who was Eliana to make promises of the future?
But she could make promises of the present. “Shh, shh.” Eliana said. “Everything is safe right now. Tisi is happy in her crib. You’re in a warm bed. And you damn well know there’ll be guards around the clock to keep you and that precious baby safe. They aren’t here. And your guard won’t be let down.”
Not until the day they are finally caught. And gods willing, it’ll happen sooner rather than later. For Olympia’s sake, it had better. Otherwise how could she rest? To always be on edge- to think her daughter is in danger? This woman didn’t deserve the life she had- no one did!
Eliana moved back from Olympia, smoothing her hair down. “Now don’t show you’re afraid. That’s exactly what this whole stunt was. To get you off your game. To threaten you. Don’t give them that satisfaction. Stay sharp and focused for Tisi. And when you see them, give them the middle finger before sentencing them to their deaths.” They deserved worse than the middle finger. Though, this wasn’t a very proper talk.
Eliana took a deep breath and stood up from Olympia’s bed. She cast an eye over to Tisi’s crib, who remained oblivious to everything that happened, staring up at the ceiling and blissful wonderment. How jealous Eliana was. She wished she was oblivious to it all. “I am sorry.” Eliana finally said quietly. “For everything that’s happened.”
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When Eliana came here she expected to catch up with an old friend. She knew there would be heavy conversations. One does not simply run away with their husband who was accused of treason, return, and act like nothing happened. But what Eliana certainly didn’t expect was a bloodied rattle on the windowsill. The hell. And was that animal blood or…
Eliana wanted to vomit.
It wasn’t as if she was adverse to blood. She once witnessed her father beat someone to near death with a curtain rod. Sure, she vomited at first, but afterwards she was able to keep it together enough to talk with him. But this was… sick. There was someone in this room. As they spoke, they entered, and they were here. How could they go so unnoticed? And the rattle! Who would threaten a newborn.
What was going on?
The they that Olympia mentioned, now there was the true mystery. Who were they? There was certainly much more to the story than she knew. But when she fell to her knees, Eliana’s heart sank with her. She moved quickly by her side, and assisted Maria in getting Olympia to the bed.
Eliana who was never short of words knew not what to say. She was horrified, but nothing could match the fear that would be running through Olympia. So Eliana did what any friend should do in this situation.
She pulled her into a hug.
Eliana did not want to make promises. She could not say ‘they will be caught.’ Who was they anyhow? She did not want to say ‘it would be okay.’ Who was Eliana to make promises of the future?
But she could make promises of the present. “Shh, shh.” Eliana said. “Everything is safe right now. Tisi is happy in her crib. You’re in a warm bed. And you damn well know there’ll be guards around the clock to keep you and that precious baby safe. They aren’t here. And your guard won’t be let down.”
Not until the day they are finally caught. And gods willing, it’ll happen sooner rather than later. For Olympia’s sake, it had better. Otherwise how could she rest? To always be on edge- to think her daughter is in danger? This woman didn’t deserve the life she had- no one did!
Eliana moved back from Olympia, smoothing her hair down. “Now don’t show you’re afraid. That’s exactly what this whole stunt was. To get you off your game. To threaten you. Don’t give them that satisfaction. Stay sharp and focused for Tisi. And when you see them, give them the middle finger before sentencing them to their deaths.” They deserved worse than the middle finger. Though, this wasn’t a very proper talk.
Eliana took a deep breath and stood up from Olympia’s bed. She cast an eye over to Tisi’s crib, who remained oblivious to everything that happened, staring up at the ceiling and blissful wonderment. How jealous Eliana was. She wished she was oblivious to it all. “I am sorry.” Eliana finally said quietly. “For everything that’s happened.”
When Eliana came here she expected to catch up with an old friend. She knew there would be heavy conversations. One does not simply run away with their husband who was accused of treason, return, and act like nothing happened. But what Eliana certainly didn’t expect was a bloodied rattle on the windowsill. The hell. And was that animal blood or…
Eliana wanted to vomit.
It wasn’t as if she was adverse to blood. She once witnessed her father beat someone to near death with a curtain rod. Sure, she vomited at first, but afterwards she was able to keep it together enough to talk with him. But this was… sick. There was someone in this room. As they spoke, they entered, and they were here. How could they go so unnoticed? And the rattle! Who would threaten a newborn.
What was going on?
The they that Olympia mentioned, now there was the true mystery. Who were they? There was certainly much more to the story than she knew. But when she fell to her knees, Eliana’s heart sank with her. She moved quickly by her side, and assisted Maria in getting Olympia to the bed.
Eliana who was never short of words knew not what to say. She was horrified, but nothing could match the fear that would be running through Olympia. So Eliana did what any friend should do in this situation.
She pulled her into a hug.
Eliana did not want to make promises. She could not say ‘they will be caught.’ Who was they anyhow? She did not want to say ‘it would be okay.’ Who was Eliana to make promises of the future?
But she could make promises of the present. “Shh, shh.” Eliana said. “Everything is safe right now. Tisi is happy in her crib. You’re in a warm bed. And you damn well know there’ll be guards around the clock to keep you and that precious baby safe. They aren’t here. And your guard won’t be let down.”
Not until the day they are finally caught. And gods willing, it’ll happen sooner rather than later. For Olympia’s sake, it had better. Otherwise how could she rest? To always be on edge- to think her daughter is in danger? This woman didn’t deserve the life she had- no one did!
Eliana moved back from Olympia, smoothing her hair down. “Now don’t show you’re afraid. That’s exactly what this whole stunt was. To get you off your game. To threaten you. Don’t give them that satisfaction. Stay sharp and focused for Tisi. And when you see them, give them the middle finger before sentencing them to their deaths.” They deserved worse than the middle finger. Though, this wasn’t a very proper talk.
Eliana took a deep breath and stood up from Olympia’s bed. She cast an eye over to Tisi’s crib, who remained oblivious to everything that happened, staring up at the ceiling and blissful wonderment. How jealous Eliana was. She wished she was oblivious to it all. “I am sorry.” Eliana finally said quietly. “For everything that’s happened.”
