Vangelis was occasionally late to social functions. It was rare but it could happen. His duties were expansive and diverse and his time upon his homeland soil always limited. As such, it was on the odd occasion that he was kept in discussions with a nobleman longer than his schedule warranted or delayed in his personal training because of national responsibilities. He was, after all, despite rumours: human. Luckily, his list of tasks had been more or less clear by the time the Festival of Peace had come about. He had known the expectations of his crown would keep him busy with the visiting dignitaries and had arranged his work accordingly. He had, therefore, managed to escape his own human failings of occasional tardiness and was one of the first souls to arrive at the Dikastirio and the elegant feast that was being prepared by the Queen and her sister-in-law.

Presenting himself as one of the first royals in attendance, however, did not ensure that Vangelis was the first human to be cloaking the steps of the Dikastirio. The lower classes and interested parties had clustered around the grand hall's entryway, the yards wide staircase and the street upon which they both stood. Some were arranging barrels in a way that would allow them to hoist themselves up to the windows of the chamber to witness the festivities. Others were muttering more mysteriously down alleys. Some had thrown caution to the wind entirely and had successfully continued their drunkenness from the previous few days.

Vangelis was more than aware that there were several Colchian residents who had not been sober since a week past.

This particular collective, lounging about over the stones with bottles and wooden mugs in hand, were eager to launch into song and taunt as carriages rolled by. Some were destined for the Dikastirio - equally early guests at the event to which Vangelis was headed - and some were simply victims to passing by. Most received some jeering and rowdy rendition of a drunken tune.

Vangelis had spent most of his adult life in the company of soldiers over the dignified people of the upper classes. As such, the vulgar or rude lyrics that were joyfully recited out of tune and out of key were in no way offensive to his stony sensibilities. Even when the jibes were turned to the fairer sex, Vangelis kept watch that words were not accompanied by hands and otherwise left the drunken idiots to their own celebrations of the past decade of Grecian serenity.

Having already been attending to some administrative affairs in a side structure of the Dikastirio, Vangelis approached the front doors of the magnificent chamber on foot. He simply left one building and strode the twenty paces that separated his origin from his destination. His shadow was long and imposing as it fell upon the drinkers, the dying sunlight his whetstone and his own height a weapon of terror. At his approach, the drunkards were quick to shut up.

One, trembling voice that was too doused in mead and wine to truly be intelligible attempted to rouse a fresh song. Vangelis heard little by the words 'Blood' and 'Wrath' before the man was dog-piled by his companions and forced to shut up. Vangelis passed into the building with no further incident.

The chamber itself was grand. Decked in finery including burnished gold and shining silver, the walls were decorated in the banners of each Grecian royal House and flowers had been encircled around wrought iron chandeliers that sported dozens of candles. More flickering wicks lined the centre of two enormous tables. Plates, goblets and cutlery were in place whilst large serving plates marked where dishes would soon be delivered. The traditional Colchian way of eating was to serve oneself from serving vessels in the centre of the table. Vangelis was careful to move around the room, with care so as not to trip over chair legs or see his deep blue himation catch upon wooden corners. He greeted his aunt first of all and then his father. His mother was already busy greeting those that had followed Vangelis inside.

The hubbub and chatter of greeting nobles and royals filled the room quickly behind Vangelis. Familiar faces and those that sparked less mental recognition began to fill the room ad everyone naturally found seats to accommodate their preferences. It was traditional for all men and women to be seated male-female, with married couples permitted by not required to sit side by side. Those at the heads of each table were given the distinction of such a place based on rank, bloodline or age. Those that sat to their immediate right and left were offered spots of nearly equal authority. Most usually, the ends of the long tables were claimed by the hosts or native figures of power. Their neighbouring spaces were naturally filled by those who held high rank in other kingdoms.

With both of his parents still living and others in the kingdom his senior in age, Vangelis felt no offence to take a seat of less posterity. He was content to find a spot that would allow him to converse if he wished or be lost in the babble of conversation in all directions so that he might concentrate instead upon his meal. He was less than pleased when this plan of action when the chair beside the spot he had been eyeing for himself was taken by a beautiful blonde clad in startling white. The snowy silk was made still brighter by the diamonds and golden inlays woven into the garment and Vangelis felt a spark of annoyance. Of course, the great beauty of Leventi would have to show herself in enough radiance to rival Helios. He had watched said woman grow up with an arrogant stubbornness that refused to be dimmed and now it seemed her vanity had followed suit.

And yet, there were now no free seats to claim for his own. He was trapped.

Exhaling in a manner that was both taxing and steadying, Vangelis pulled out the chair he had planned to take and sat down, refusing to alter his direction or his choice for the sake of a blonde with too much beauty for her own good. Offering her little more than a passing glance and minor nod of recognition, Vangelis turned his focus, instead, to his sister and brother.

Yiannis and Athanasia were quick to find their seats near him which was a relief to behold. Despite Yiannis' penchant for practical jokes and seeing his family squirm in social situations, he was at least chatty and would see the conversation follow along without prompt. Athanasia was equally social and seemed more than eager this night to show off her skills as a courtier. Dressed in a finer than average gown of yellow, with her eyes darkened to add a level of maturity to her stare, Vangelis could not help but be amused in the way her expressions were no less careful than when she was at home amongst family. The girl was behaving in all ways like a princess, but she could never seem to stem that fiery passion beneath into moderate dignity. Asia found it impossible to be false.

'My name is Athanasia, by the way, though you may call me Asia.' she said with total ease, unconcerned for being so informal with her guests.

Yiannis on the other hand was all veiled remarks and witty compliments. He was quick to strike up conversation with any woman nearby and found himself focusing on the strangers that were Asia's guests. Vangelis' eyes narrowed over the brunette woman that accompanied her blonde mistress and felt a nagging memory in the back of his head, telling him he recognised her. As with all memories of such spirit, however, it burned and twisted in a way that told Vangelis he had not seen this woman as she was presented now. There had been something different. Perhaps her hair, her clothes? Something that was now making it impossible for him to place face to memory.

'this is Lady Aidoni. She is a foreign visitor who happens to be passing through and I am her guide and new friend... I am going to assume you know Vangelis?'

That nagging memory burned stronger and the look of catty amusement in his sister's eyes told Vangelis that she spotted it too, despite his stoicism. Rather than rising to it, however, Vangelis barely glanced at the woman.

"If she does, the Lady will have to forgive my poor memory."

At the swirl of crimson edging and the change of Yiannis' focus to bear down upon the women, Vangelis let his contribution to such a conversation drop. He was instead distracted by words spoken on his right by the blonde he had been attempting to ignore.

'Your Highness, it is always a pleasure to be in your company.' She said in that frustratingly elegant tone. No matter what he said or did, the woman seemed entirely unflappable. Like a sea that never bent to the striking of his hand.

Taking up his goblet, into which a passing servant poured him fresh water, Vangelis did not look at Selene. He simply spoke to her without contact, his lips against the rim of his goblet and his words low and un-carrying.

"I've never known you to favour untruths before, Lady Leventi," he remarked, sipping from the cup.

Spotting his Captain arriving at the event, Vangelis caught his eye with barely a moment to spare before the man was taking a seat on the other side of Selene. Beyond that, a young woman of... nymphlike features and short dark hair took her seat. Vangelis blinked a few times before he recognised the child as Daniil of Marikas. Last he had seen of her, her locks had been to her mid-back and braided in pigtails. He glanced over her dress and her less than feminine manner, despite her delicate features and wondered how things could change so dramatically.

'Rather bold of you to differentiate yourself from the boring fops and assume you are not simply one of them. It does not take the blood of nobility to fall into the trappings of its mundanity, nor their games. I have yet to determine if you are interesting, man.'

Vangelis felt his brows rise and the corner of his mouth twitch. As unladylike as it was for the Lady of Marikas to chastise his Captain of the Red Knights so, he couldn't deny the amusement he found in a kindred spirit of directness. So many courtiers enjoyed playing with words and winding them into knotted nets that could trap their listeners into twisted lies they believed to be truths. This girl simply spoke as she thought. Vangelis' eye fell on Asia for a moment, noting how such an attitude reminded him of his own kin.

His soft smile only spread another half-inch as she dubbed him 'Alexandros the Fool'.

The soldier's reply to the girl was lost upon Vangelis as he turned to welcome the Princess Persephone, who had taken the seat the other side of him. He opened his mouth to greet her, only to have his attention immediately diverted by a carrying insult that hung about the room and lingered on the air.

'Perhaps you merely lack the intelligence to manage more than two words.'

From this scathing remain onwards, Vangelis' eyes were fixed upon the opposing table, attempting to listen to each conversation in turn purely through focus and the attuning of his ears. Like on a battlefield when horns were blarings and orders being called... a man had to be able to distinguish between voices, to sieve out the discussions around him and locate the call of his commander. In this way, he was quick to spot a particular young woman - a Condos by her choice of colours - making rude remarks to the worst family in the chamber to do so.

Sensing danger, Vangelis could read the look in Lady Nethis and Lady Thea's eyes, not to mention the colour blooming in Lord Mihail's cheeks. The damn blushing made the boy look even more effeminate but Vangelis had long ago decided not to question the strangeness of the Thanasi's. He also didn't question their deadliness.

Fearing an entire decade of peace would now be slaughtered when the young Condos Lady drank from a cup doctored by Nethis or was dragging into some drug-induced scandal with Thea, Vangelis rose from his seat.

"Excuse me," he muttered without explanation.

As his brother commented on his chances of collecting the finer women in life, Vangelis rolled his eyes in passing but he was not distracted from his goal. He skirted the tables, allowing his mother, aunt and father to continue their hosting of the monarchs and key royals of Taengea and Athenia and took the role of mitigater himself. Not mediator. For Vangelis was not skilled in such arts. But mitigator.

Recognising the risk in allowing an unmarried woman, of limited accompaniment and on foreign soil to rouse the wrath of the Thanasi, Vangelis acted as he had never done so before: he opted to defend the House of Snakes.

"Lady Condos," he said in a low voice that he hoped would not carry but accepted he was likely lost in that optimism. "I heard you cough just a moment ago. Perhaps it would be best if you retired."

The woman turned to look at him, one hand dispensing a napkin to her servant. For a moment, Vangelis was afeared that the rest within the material was blood, his instincts going on high alert that his family and closest should be warned of impending plague. Instead, as the cloth was rearranged and spirited away, he realised that the crimson was merely the rouge from the Lady's lips. Lips that attempted to part and insist that she was well enough to stay.

"No." Vangelis insisted. "I can assure you, my Lady that to remain would be detrimental to your health. Please-"

Vangelis offered a hand and waved to a nearby guard. The man jumped to attention and was quick to take the Lady Condos into his responsibility. Vangelis made quick work of the instructions given: that the lady was to be returned to her temporary residence and provided all of the healthy amenities that she might require.

It was impossible for Vangelis not to meet the stares of several of the Thanasi and their dining neighbours before he could escape back to his own table. In passing, he took the opportunity for suggesting distraction to his aunt the Lady Tythra of Drakos.

"Aunt, I believe that now would be a suitable moment for our first course to be served."

Barely had the words passed his lips than Tythra was making gestures to the servants and the doors to the kitchens were opened. Servants flooded the room and moved to place large dishes upon the sterling silver plates in the centre of the table. The room was suddenly full of the scent of warm broth and thick crusty rolls that had been backed just an hour before. The broth itself was steeped in spices and root vegetables and would set your toes curling even in the summer months in Colchis. Fresh fruit, additional sliced and roasted vegetables and kinds of butter and marinades were also brought to fill the tables the bursting.

By the time Vangelis was able to navigate his way back to his own space, the Lord Panos of Marikas had arrived, apparently unamused by the easy way in which his granddaughter was speaking with a low-brow member of the Colchian militia. Vangelis was in time to hear the most recent words from Alexandros' lips and he was careful to keep his expression neutral, even as he internally winced:

'Or perhaps it was the conversation that you are unfamiliar with? Because I don’t recognize you, so you certainly aren’t my commander or my King to be offering orders like this.'

"Then allow me to correct the ignorance, Captain Alexandros." Vangelis stepped in, using the man's title to explain his presence. He gestured towards the imposing figure of the Athenian Master of Law. "Might I introduce Lord Panos of Marikas. Master in Law of Athenia's Senate and grandfather-" he added with significance "-to the young woman you've been keeping gentlemanly company with."

Turning to Panos himself, Vangelis outstretched a hand...

"My apologies for any insult or lack of introduction you suffered, my Lord. The Captain is under my command and any punishment desired of him duly mine to take. I can assure you I am at watch of your granddaughter and encourage you to take a seat and share in the meal."

Although Persephone's initial time at the peace festival had been filled with anxiety, she had managed to compose herself and put up her usual facade that concealed her insecurities to all but those who knew her very well. She had spent quite a while getting ready for the dinner but maintained a somewhat similar style as she had at the festival itself; a red chiton draped over her left shoulder and her thick braid resting over the other. Persephone was splendidly bedizened in golden jewellery, and as she slowly walked into the dining hall, she softly caressed her mother's swan-shaped armband that sat perfectly on her upper arm.

Persephone had been seated next to the Kotas Crown Prince, and it was definitely filling her with mixed feelings. After all, he was a very handsome man with a heroic reputation. The sort of man that most women in Greece would dream about. However, whenever she had actually spoken to the man, she always sensed certain barriers not dissimilar to her own. She knew that he might not always be comfortable talking to women; this evening, he was stuck between two of them.

On her other side, Persephone would have Dionysios, the eighty-something head of House Thanasi. He wasn't as ruggedly handsome as Vangelis, but his significance in Colchis made him an influential dinner partner for a young princess.

As she took her seat, she looked first at her dinner partner to the right, Vangelis and offered a kind smile to him and her cousin, Selene, on his other side. "Good evening, your highness," she greeted first the Crown Prince, and she let her eyes linger on him for a moment before turning her focus on Selene. "Good evening to you too, Cousin," she said and smiled kindly. She, unfortunately, saw Selena way too seldomly. She had heard the sarcastic comment Selene had thrown in Vangelis' direction but decided not to comment on that.

Athanasia smiled when Aea said 'One moment', the look of almost begrudged annoyance that seemed to fill her gaze had Asia holding back a chuckle as she waited. She didn't watch her friend, guessing she didn't want to be, so Asia looked all around them. She saw the two that Aea did, guessing almost the same, but Asia has hope that maybe they took care of them to the best they could with what they had. She knew not everything was good and shiney, but she was determined to try and make it just a little brighter for someone. Asia noted when Aea disappeared from her peripheral, she reached into her bag and grabbed 2 drachmea into her palm. She would gather if she knew ANYTHING about her friend so far, she was about to argue, so Athanasia thought up an idea till Aea came back. She didn't have to wait long to put it in motion either as the other woman walked up to her, causing Asia to give her the sweetest of smiles before she took Aea's hand in her own. "No arguments. No give backs. No complaining." Her tone was firm though the smile could still be heard even as Asia turned and started walking away before Aea even looked at what was in her hand.

Athanasia was giggling as she stepped quickly inside so Aea could not argue with her, also while they were outside she would have had to hide those coins as well. So Asia knew that she would have no chance to argue and only to put away what Asia just gave her. This was the balance between them, give and take for each. Both stubborn and both willful Both looking out for the other now, whether the other likes it or not. A new balance was beginning, delicate and beautiful as a well made sword. Athanasia had noticed that they both seemed to be coming back to that word this day, balanced. Light and dark. Dawn and dusk. Now balanced swords, both just as deadly one day, she was starting to think that the gods had them meet that fateful night. Destined and divined pairing between the two friends, not in romance, but something even more pure. Sisters bound in all but blood.

Walking next to Aea now as they entered, Athanasia put on her hostess smile as she guided her around the way to their seats as she answered any questions. While Aea looked at the the building and people around them, she made sure to greet her mother and father before also greeting the visiting kings and their families as well. It thankfully wasn't to long before they had found their seats while Aea had commented on her admiration of the building. "There is nothing to forgive, it is lovely when it is set up for moments like this. Usually this building is used for councils and great debates. I agree with you, I wish we used it more often for things like this." The hint of food cooking wafted on the air, making Asia smile as she though of the fresh bread. She couldn't wait till all the food started to come out, she was hungry. To remedy the hunger, Athanasia tried wine once they sat down. She offered some to Aea, so hopefully it would help while they waited for the dinner to be served.

Athanasia didn't pay much attention to anyone till she had that first fortifying sip. The flavor of ages grapes coating her tongue easing some of the want to eat before she greeted her brother and the lady who sat next to him. Looking between the two, she could tell that Vangelis looked like he wanted to be ANYWHERE but sitting right where he was as he seemed to want to look anywhere but at her. Well this was an interesting turn of events. Commenting on his broodiness, Athanasia was trying to goad her eldest brother into some sort of a response while also glancing over at Aea. She could see her eyeing the bowl of water, wondering just what her friend had in mind. Did she want to wash her hands? Was she going to throw the bowl of water onto Vangelis to get a response? It wouldn't be like that wasn't a thought that didn't cross Asia's mind, so it was possible.

Taking a few gulps of her wine, she could see her friend out the corner as she made the introductions, pausing when Vangelis rudely interrupted Aea as she was about to speak, "You might indeed have a poor memory brother for how your manners have just dissolved." The look on Athanasia's face was now one of annoyance, one she rarely wears when speaking with her family, but usually they arent this boorish either. Seeing Aea eye the servant as she poured water into Vangelis' glass, Asia drained her own up before handing it to the server to be filled with water. Placing it next to Aea without making it look like she had two cups as she discreetly nudged it towards her so she knew it was for her, Athanasia looked over at Yiannis, "Remind me that I need to speak with mother tonight. I am sure she would love to hear how my day went and how I was a gracious host with my guest and polite. I am sure she will be proud of me." Her tone was light as she spoke and anyone who knew her knew that Athanasia did try and make her mother happy while also doing things that she liked too do, which was often disagreed with; but this time there was an unsaid sisterly warning in them, not direct but there all the same. Mother would definitely hear about this unless Vangelis remedied himself quickly.

For a moment, she stared at her brother sitting across the table, there was no smile or expression on her face but if he met her eyes he would see the annoyance there. What has that poor woman done to irk you so damn badly brother? It was a silent conversation, arching a brow in question before her eyes glanced quickly to the pretty blonde. It was clear what she was asking and they all knew how stubborn Athanasia could be when she dug her heels in. If she wanted to know something, she would find out one way or another. She could hear Yiannis' question and was grateful Aea spoke up. She did not want to deviate from this silent conversation. Asia crossed her arms, the picture of royal Kotas stubbornness, tilting her head slightly to the side as she waited for some kind of response. She never touched the cup again with the water.

She only relaxed her annoyed frown when Vangelis excused himself quickly. Looking over at the lady, she sighed. "I apologize for my brother's lack of etiquette or anything for that matter for this.. he usually isn't so.. boorish" When Aea put down her wine cup, Athanasia moved and picked it up, moving it closer to herself as she poured more wine. Taking a deep drink, she was tempted to give him a sharp kick under the table. Only the worry she might hit the lady stayed her foot from striking. He was lucky he excused himself when he did, she might have risked it.

When Aea turned to her, Athanasia realized she had drained the cup and couldn't help but grin. Did she need more water? Lifting her hand, a servant came to fill Aea's cup while Asia listened. "I think I would like to see your customs, but as for talking of sciences and philosophy, you would best at asking a scholar in the arts. I know some, but with wine, I am not much of a debater." That was a lie, but she only debated with her family, never where others outside could hear. It was then that she had an idea as she looked over at Yiannis. "Brother, you know more of the scholarly arts than I, she wants to know more about science and philosophy." It was there, a hushed tone that could be heard mixing with the other voices that had her looking around, the voice sounded familiar. It brought back images of swinging blades and curses, kicks and ill-timed punches mixing with a patronizing tone, her eyes focusing on the figure just across the table.

Turning around, she could see her brother excusing a lady from the hall, one she never seen before. Aea had just left the table as well when something else drew Athanasia's attentions. The sound coming from their table that had Athanasia look before her brother showed up on that side as well. A lady, a bit older than Asia sat almost shrunken into herself while Alexandros seemed to be hovering over her. She could hear his voice clearer now that she was focusing, and made out more words as he spoke them 'You...someone...to...come on...pick...serving girl...ravish her together.' She could see the girl obviously did not like him or want him near her, and yet he crowded her space. Before Asia knew it, she was up on her feet and headed around that way. She was in such a state that she never expected to meet the two men as they stood over the pair, the girl looking rather distraught while Alexandros seemed to somehow had the gall to look affronted

Standing next to Vangelis, she touched his elbow to let him know she was there.

'Then allow me to correct the ignorance, Captain Alexandros.' Vangelis had stepped in, Athanasia watching as he gestured towards the imposing figure of the Athenian Master of Law. 'Might I introduce Lord Panos of Marikas. Master in Law of Athenia's Senate and grandfather to the young woman you've been keeping gentlemanly company with.' It took every bit of training her mother gave her in that moment to not snort when Vangelis said 'gentlemanly' but somehow she stayed quiet. While the menfolk introduced themselves, Athanasia inched around and came up beside Daniil, placing herself between Alexandros and the woman. With a polite nod towards her, Asia smiled. "Lady Daniil of Marikas? I have heard so much about you, I actually have been really wanting to meet you. If I may? I am Princess Athanasia of House Kotas. I was coming over here with my brother when I heard your Lord Grandfather's name, and I hope I am not being to forward" Looking over at Vangelis a moment, she waited till there was a lull in the conversation and he acknowledged her there to let her speak. "Brother, if it would please you and Lord Panos of Marikas, if I may have Lady Daniil come sit at the other side of table to sit next to me so I might speak with her more? If not, I understand and can wait till after dinner.." Athanasia let that sentence trail off to hint that she intended to move Lady Daniil from next to Alexandos. It showed that she was able to see the poor girl's discomfort from across the table clearly and now offered a way to solve that as well without much change.

She waited for the answer, if it was the affirmative Athanasia was quick in moving her to the other side of the table to where she would be placed right square between Asia and Aea. No one would dare touch her if they wanted to keep their fingers. Whether it was affirmed or not, Athanasia made sure to stop by Alexandros' seat, her voice low even as she smiled sweetly. To anyone else, she was having a conversation about the dinner, Alexadros would hear something quite different. "If I ever see you make another female uncomfortable as I just saw here today, I will end you. I may not take your life with a sword Alexandros, but I will make you wish I did. Your job, your status, the clothes on your very back, the gold drachmae that you enjoy, come from being in my brother's service, yes?" Placing a hand on Alexandros' shoulder, Athanasia slowly sunk her nails in, not enough to bleed though. It was a warning to not interrupt her. Lowering to his ear, her voice lowered still, she knew that Vangelis was watching her and could see that she was angry. Anyone that knew her would see it within her stormy look, the usual glitter was no longer in her eyes; "If I even hear your name on a breath of some woman and she says that you hurt her, I will make you pay for it. I know what you might be thinking, you answer to my brother. Vangelis would never do that to you." Athanasia paused for a moment to let that sink in, if he was smart, he would know what she was about to say next. "Who do you think he will believe? Me? Or you?" She was about to straighten up, her smile back in place as she gave a last harder squeeze. "Family above everything. That is the Kotas family motto." She ended it there. The promise hung heavy in the air as she made her way back to Vangelis and then her own seat. If Daniil stayed in her seat, Alexandros would have been stupid to continue now. Especially after that and with Athanasia's eyes on him from just across the table, daring him to test her. He might not think much of her fighting or think she is capable of killing, let's see if he wants to test if he is correct in his assumptions. Picking up her glass, she took a sip of wine before she began rinsing her hands in the bowl of water, focusing on the one that touched his shoulder as she glared at him, as if to show she wanted no part of him on her at all. She was completely disgusted with him and she would not hide that for one moment. Once she finished, she started to fill her plate with food before she noticed that Aea wasn't there. That got her attention. Sitting up straighter, she looked around, "Did anyone see where Lady Aidoni went?"

Elias was late. He was always late, but moreso than usual since coming to Colchis. His father wanted him to meet these people, talk to this person, charm another. His father had refused to attend the dinner, leaving Elias to do so in his stead.

Somedays, he questioned what his father was trying to accomplish.

He dressed for the event, and prepared himself for... dinner. Perhaps he'd learn a few secrets, catch up with his uncle, should the man be there.

As Elias entered the Dikastirio, he caught a glance at the young woman that was being escorted out. Not his problem, not his woman. He certainly wouldn't think twice about her.

He allowed himself to pause, a moment in the doorway. A quiet entrance, he had not meant to be late. He never meant to be late, and yet, he always was. As if the Fates themselves deemed him unfit to arrive on time to any function or event.

He caught sight of her, as if he was searching for her the moment he stepped into the room—perhaps he had been, or perhaps it was simply her demeanor. Athanasia was moving around the table, and she did not look pleased. He tilted his head, reading the room.

It seemed peace had ended with the festivities. He watched as Asia rested her hand on another male's shoulder, dark eyes following her movements with the slightest smirk on his lips. She was certainly fiery, he wondered if she worshipped the war goddess, Athena. She certainly had the kind of gall he'd expect of an Athena worshipper.

As she moved back towards her seat, Elias allowed his gaze to roam the tables; it'd seem he had an open seat right next to Athanasia. The meal was already being brought out, and he settled into his seat, eyeing Alexandros. He had not heard every word she had said but...

She was certainly not happy. That was the jist of it. The room was tense, perhaps moreso at the second table than the first.

"I see someone's earned your ire, Athanasia." He casually mused, studying the male. "A shame this dinner is not quite as peaceful as the festivities we've just experienced." He spoke loudly enough to be heard across the table, as he dipped his hands into a bowl of water, before he began to claim food for his plate.

She asked after a Lady Adoni, and Elias raised his eyebrows. He knew nobody by that name, and shook his head in answer, sipping from a glass of wine.

While she may have not been the shining star that was her older sister, Rene had been as well tutored as Dione for behavior and etiquette. Their mother had insisted upon it. And a guest always sought out his or her esteemed host or hostess, and bestowed a thousand graces and blessings upon them. A guest also never arrived empty handed, and as such, Rene had presented to both Queen Yanni and Princess Tythra jewelry of her own design; strands of gold around the neck with pendants featuring their house sigils, cut, shaped, fire branded and painted with intricate detail. Upon finishing her genuflection of the two royals for their graciousness in sponsoring such a wondrous feast, Rene took her leave to find her seat. Everywhere she looked, beautiful people in all of their sartorial splendor graced her vision, some smiling, genuine and artificial alike, some laughed, some appearing rather serious. It was a wide spectrum of human behavior, ranging from forced civility to genuine mirth. It was lovely for some reason, more so than the scene at court which she wasn’t so fond of. Perhaps it was the more cursory atmosphere to the dinner party, where the general expectation was merriment and comity, rather than the posturing and artificiality of the court. Perhaps it was all an illusion. Either way, Rene marveled in it, liking to believe that for just a few hours, the natural enemies that courtly competition bred were willing to cast off such animosity in favor of placidity and fine company. Hope springs eternal, after all.

In her magnificent gown, which she had instantly found breathtaking the moment she laid eyes on it, the tiny little blonde paused to survey the room, noting faces she recognized. Of course Princesses Emilia and Persephone were in attendance, along with their father the gracious King Minas. The very thought of her friends warmed her heart, knowing how important it was for Minas to make this journey, despite the toll it took on him. Having grown up around Emilia, and Persephone, they were very near family to her, and while Emilia did her best to remain vague, Rene had spent enough time at the Xanthos palati to know that things were not well with Minas, that the long days were taking their toll on his tired body. Rene’s heart wept for them, suspecting the day would come when he’d succumb to whatever curse the gods had deemed he should suffer for whatever reason. The loss would be devastating, for the kingdom, even for her, but especially her cherished friend Emilia and her sister Persephone. Rene’s magnificent blue eyes panned over to King Minas, seated at the end of one of the elongated tables and speaking to Kings Tython and Zenon, the great trifecta of monarchs. Off to the far end of the table, more familiar faces came into focus...faces that prompted Rene to narrow her eyes in keen focus. She recognized the aged and distinguished form of Lord Panos of Marikas, having worked on art pieces for the Marikas several times over. He was looming most effectively over the end of the table where a dark haired young woman sat. Rene knew her as well. Daniil. She was a dark and brooding girl, perpetually angry at her family, and transferring that intolerance and rage to everyone else around her. With the experience Rene had had around her father Pavlos, and grandfather Panos, she at the very least understood why Daniil seemed to feel stifled and under relentless scrutiny which almost always yielded denunciation. Rene watched them for a moment, exhaling deeply, as it was akin to watching yet another small tragedy play out, and being helpless to stop it.

Slowly, her mesmerizing cerulean pools shifted over, and suddenly widened. There, seated next to Daniil of Marikas was none other than…...than…...the dashing captain, Alexandros, the Breathtaker, as he’d earned as a nickname for himself. Rene felt her mood sour just slightly. The captain had managed to devalue himself in her eyes very early on in their initial encounter when he’d approached she and Ophelia. He was a beautiful man, with a captivating smile, sparkling eyes, a body that whispered to be sampled, yet his mannerism and pursuit was tenacious and aggressive, nearly instantly striking Rene as almost predatory. He was a man well accustomed to getting what he wanted from every woman he encountered, as they fell at his feet and succumbed to his charms. Rene had found him incredibly handsome, of course, as so many of her gender did. But his intellectual capacity seemed limited by his libido. Ophelia seemed absolutely enthralled with him at the Decade of Peace, but Rene failed to see it, actually surprised that Ophelia, for all of her progressive intentions, would cater and indulge a man who was the very essence of a patriarchal cyprian. Alexandros was sporting the most arrogant of smirks as he was addressed by the elder Marikas, and internally, Rene winced. Perhaps the soldier did not know with whom he was dealing, a foolish miscalculation on his part, one that would prove costly no doubt.

The epic catastrophe that seemed to be playing out was rivaled only by a figure that passed across her field of vision, replenishing the goblets of wine from an amphora, an attractive blonde servant. When Rene’s eyes refocused on the girl, her brow knit, almost stopping jolting her heart into her stomach. It was...the girl from the bards’ wagon. Not the dark haired beauty who’d immortalized her in blessed ballad, but her sister. Kaia. The very young woman who had approached as she, Ophelia and Alexandros were talking, so expectantly, so beaming and hopeful. Rene had watched as they began to converse, discussing an event in Tangea which Ophelia had likewise attended, as the revelation came about that the lovely nymph Kaia had had relations with the charismatic Alexandros. Throughout the encounter, Rene had remained silent, watching the three resume conversation, committing to memory every gesture, every facial expression, every mannerism. There was an initially awkward dynamic between the lovers, as if they worked to suss each other out all over again, to determine mood and approachability. Slowly they’d seemed to be easing into the familiarity of whatever they had shared, until the moment Rene excused herself, feeling very much like an extra wheel on the cart, and seizing the opportunity to support Emilia as King Minas prepared to address the entirety of the masses gathered.

And yet, here, it was not even a replay of the previous encounter. Watching from her guarded position some short distance away, Kaia was moving about the room as a servant, which was peculiar in its own way. Why a servant? She was a musician, and a talented one. Why in the world would she assume a position of the lower class? Voluntary? Involuntary? It was impossible to know. But the blonde entertainer had very much noticed that her former lover was nearly pouring himself out of his chair and into the lap of Daniil Marikas, despite her surly expression. Just like he had been with Rene, and Ophelia, and Kaia when she’d joined them, he brandished his hallmark toothy smile, settling his hungry eyes on the dark haired young woman, rolling his muscular shoulders and arms, intentionally most likely. And Kaia watched him, at least for the most fleeting of moments. And the look on her face split Rene’s heart in twain. Had there ever been a more agonizing moment in time, Rene could not recall bearing witness to it. Whatever the terms of the coupling between Kaia and Alex had been, it was clearly not as well delineated as once thought. At least, as far as Kaia appeared to be concerned. To her credit, the girl remained largely composed, her lovely facade adopting an even harder stoicism that betrayed even just slightly what Rene could only interpret as desolation, despite her most heroic efforts to conceal it. There it was. Written so plainly. Why it was so obvious to her, she did not know. Maybe on account of the way she so regularly studied her fellow man, in order to better capture them in her art? Rene could not say. Rene’s own soul ached for the girl. She felt she had dodged an arrow when she’d eschewed Alexandros’ efforts to be smarmy and enticing, but Kaia had fallen for it, judging by the look on her face, of beaten down resignation. She’d fallen for the delusion of being unique among Alexandros’ conquest, something Rene had seen through very quickly, raising flags in her mind about his intentions. How intelligent women capitulated to the shallow utterances and ornamented promises of men like Alexandros was beyond Rene when it was so clear after merely five minutes of conversation where his very narrowed interests and intentions lie.

Rene had been so fixated on watching the anguish bloom over Kaia’s entire aura that she’d lost track of her darling Condos Rose. With a light huff, the petite artist’s angelic features turned slowly, gliding across the room once more in search of Ophelia, only to find her absent. Perhaps she had retreated temporarily to speak with someone in private, perhaps she had bewitched a potential suitor and whisked him to the terraces beyond to savor the experience without being under constant vigil, perhaps she merely wished to fix her hair. Rather certain that her resplendent friend would return, Rene’s crystalline beryl eyes once more sought out Kaia, the despondent and solemn appearance about her she held on to tightly, lest it slip and reveal the emotions beneath. The first courses were ready to be distributed, but Rene would take her seat momentarily, once she had addressed the matter at hand. With conviction in her step, Rene glided towards the girl, following after her as she retreated with another dark haired woman off to the side. The dark haired woman was immaculately dressed, a noble or royal maybe? Should such be the case, she would not interrupt, but merely stood a meter or so away, waiting for their conversation in hushed tones to be concluded.

Despite having not known Asia for very long, Aea was beginning to understand that her sweet smile was indicative that the princess was either up to something, or about to be. Aea let the other girl grab her hand and watched her carefully.

“No arguments. No give backs. No complaining," Asia said.

Aea cocked her eyebrow and something cool was pressed into her palm. Only when Asia walked away did she look down. Drachma. Two of them. Fuck’s sake, that was enough for a horse. Aea hurriedly stuffed the gold into her striphon and watched the back of Asia’s head as she continued to walk away.

This girl was wonderful. Fucking strange, but wonderfully so. What other princess would bring a stray inside and give her everything Aea had been given? Was this all Asia’s generosity, or did the Gods prompt her to do this in payment of sacrificing the six obols? More importantly, what the fuck could Aea do that was equal in value? She did not like simply taking. There had to be something she could give, or do, or...something.

Aea moved quicker than usual, her languid stride traded for a brisk clip in order to catch up with Asia. Her eyes bore into the shorter girl’s profile. “Thank you for that. I can hardly understand why you like me this much, but I won't complain. However, I should point out that I have not actually done anything to warrant payment. If you’re going to give me money, at least make me work for it—else I’ll get lazy.”

Aea wrinkled her nose and kept her accented voice light in jest because she did not know what else to do, or how else she could respond. It was such a generous action. How did one repay somebody for such kindness?

At least what she said was completely true. Perhaps they could begin there. If people started paying her for no reason, she’d just lay in bed all day and wait to be given money for sleeping. She would, therefore, simply need to provide labor or some sort of use to Asia in order to not feel as if she were taking indiscriminately.

“And I'm sure you'll agree that when somebody tells you not to do something, that makes it all the more tempting. I’ll forgive this instance, but only because I like money so well. Next time, though, you’ll get an argument—and good luck winning.” She kept the same tone as before, all smiles and teasing falsetto embellishments to hide her befuddlement and inability to think of something to give Asia in return.

She would think of something later, she was sure, when her heart wasn't pounding so hard against her chest. Aea and Asia locked arms loosely, and it all felt very proper. More importantly, it was supportive. After shaking herself of the splendor that surrounded her, Aea apologized for gawking.

“There is nothing to forgive, it is lovely when it is set up for moments like this. Usually this building is used for councils and great debates. I agree with you, I wish we used it more often for things like this,” Asia said.

“Councils and debates,” Aea blinked and tried to imagine it, but she had no frame of reference. It sounded fascinating and exciting, even if she did not know what the debates and councils were about. She looked at Asia, “Do you ever go?”

It was then that she realized her friend was taking her toward the head of the table. Aea swallowed.

Fuckfuckfuck. That was the king. She remembered his face from the festival, and the woman with him could only be the queen. Fuck, she hadn’t thought this far ahead.

Fine. It was absolutely fine. Even though she still didn’t know if she was supposed to fucking bow or not. But wait, she was in a dress and posing as a noble, so she should dip like the ladies did...but it looked so graceful and fluid, she was sure she could not do it half as well. She was about to blow the sand from the snake. Fuck. Okay, she could just...lie?

All too soon, Aea was right in front of the king and queen of fucking Colchis. It wasn’t like accidentally running into a princess or prince without knowing who they were because right now, Aea was keenly aware that she could not fuck up. She smiled at the royals and ignored the panic clawing up her throat as best as she could when Asia introduced her by her faux identity.

“Forgive me, your majesties. I do not dip so well as your ladies. My customs are very different, and I fear I’ll make a mockery of such grace by attempting it, but it is a great honor to meet you.” She said it casually, as if it were something to be expected. In truth, she was numb to thought as her adrenaline pumped. At a purposefully slower pace than what she’d seen her uncle do yesterday, Aea bowed. Not nearly as low as he had, and there was no flourish of the hand. She only thumped a fist to her chest and bent at the hips, low enough to be respectful, but not low enough to be flamboyant.

She regaled them briefly with a tale of traveling that she’d prepared on the walk to the chamber, and what she believed were sufficient excuses for a foreign dignitary not to present herself to the local leaders—too busy, and she thought she would be gone by yesterday evening. It was a good thing she’d thought to bring the seal skins with her. She would give them to Asia’s parents after dinner—assuming they had more guests to attend to.

And then, it was over with, and Aea’s first reaction to making it through such a trial was to smile. Very rarely could something feel so fulfilling as well-earned self-satisfaction.

Asia, ever the picture of royal hospitality, took Aea all the way to their seats. The princess was all fluid and subtle execution as she made sure Aea knew where to go and what to do without so many words. Asia had a knack for that. Practice, maybe, or instinctive foresight. Instead of allowing Aea to bumble about and try to guess what she should do through observation, Asia gestured to a seat and poured Aea’s wine for her. And then, suddenly, voices and greetings overlapped as more people poured into the chamber.

“Tremendously good to see you again, Brother. How have you been?”

"My name is Athanasia, by the way, though you may call me Asia. This is Lady Aidoni. She is a foreign visitor who happens to be passing through and I am her guide and new friend...I am going to assume you know Vangelis?"

“If she does, the Lady will have to forgive my poor memory.”

“You might indeed have a poor memory brother for how your manners have just dissolved.”

Aea hid her smile well enough, but it wasn’t easy. She’d not heard Asia use such a tone before. The little bear did indeed have teeth. She brought her brother to heel like a misbehaved puppy. Aea almost felt bad for him. Almost. She didn’t have to add further to it. She shouldn’t. She should keep quiet and just listen.

“It's just like Vangelis to keep all the good ones to himself,” Yiannis said from Asia’s other side.

Aea was secretly glad that she didn’t have to sit near him. It allowed her attention to stay mainly focused upon Asia and bolstered her usual confidence—the kind built when around familiar people, no matter how daunting the undertaking. However, with confidence came impulse, and she was already biting her tongue. She hoped she could behave.

“Indeed, your highness," she smiled at Asia, addressing her, "Prince Yiannis makes a canny observation. I wouldn’t blame Prince Vangelis too harshly."

Apparently, behaving was too tall an order. Her mouth had run off without her again—she blamed this instance entirely on Asia’s influence. Aea leaned closer to her friend, as if imparting a secret.

"He may have just been rendered senseless by the two ladies he’s sitting between. Astounding beauty and grace tends to do that to men, I hear.”

Before Vangelis could growl, glower, or do anything else, Aea smiled serenely and disbursed any displeasure her needling may have manufactured by exchanging light banter with propriety. Or at least attempted such. Whether it worked remained to be seen. “No, I can't say I've had the pleasure of meeting anybody at your table, but I am glad to make their acquaintance. Your country is beautiful.”

Although her eyes sought water next and found it being poured into the prince’s cup, Aea was not about to assume she could have it. The servant pouring the drink might only be beholden to the prince for all she knew. It seemed a better idea to simply get up and discreetly hunt for a pitcher, maybe in the kitchens. Or she’d take goat milk if they had it, and though she never had much of a taste for it, goat milk wouldn’t see her crawling under the table or shouting questions at the king about the Athenian navy.

Or laying down for a nap.

As it turned out, she needn’t worry. Again, Asia proved herself remarkably observant. She drained her goblet and handed it up to the server before placing it between herself and Aea. Discreetly, the princess nudged it toward her and Aea gave he a thankful little smile.

“Remind me that I need to speak with mother tonight. I am sure she would love to hear how my day went and how I was a gracious host with my guest and polite. I am sure she will be proud of me,” Asia said.

Aea drank from the water goblet while everybody was busy looking at the princess. It tasted so...fresh and clean. Cold. It was remarkable, really. If she wasn't careful, she'd drain it all at once. Even though several conversations were unfolding around her, Aea didn’t directly eavesdrop on any of them. She was still quite busy figuring out how to respond to Yiannis’ sudden and unwarranted comment. It was, however, difficult not to hear the voluminous tongue-lashing the man across from her was receiving.

She might have retorted to Yiannis aggressively, as the lady was doing to the man, but she stopped herself. She might have done it had he not been so considerate earlier. Perhaps he was only trying to make her squirm out of amusement, like a game, or maybe he was simply being kind. If it was the case, then Aea did not want to scare off a possible friend. She had so few, and she would be lying if she attempted to claim that she did not currently favor him as an amicable prospect. It was only...she’d have to get well over her nerves and desensitize herself to that damn smile to approach him further.

Or perhaps she didn’t. She could interact with beautiful men without acting like an idiot. She hoped. Asia was here, and Kaia was somewhere in the building, and perhaps it was silly to allow them to fuel her boldness, but she let it anyway.

Just because she was tripping over her indecision now did not mean that she did always. Had he been somebody like Vangelis—too old for his prettiness to affect her—then she might have already tried to outdo him. That’s what she would do, then. Just act normal. Just be Aea...better dressed and with an accent, but still just herself. She could give Lady Aidoni some of her traits and be alright, she was sure. And right now, Aea wanted to try something...

“At the festival, actually. I was just passing through to reload my supplies before moving south and thought to see why your people seemed so excited. I had the good fortune of meeting the princess, who is far too much fun to depart with, apparently.” She willed her heart to calm its pace, but it would not listen. No matter—she operated best under adrenaline. “Unfortunately, my foreigner's knowledge on such matters as the Gods is severely lacking. However, I do know of the ideals of peace. So perhaps you can enlighten me on how it came to be that your kingdoms have succeeded in keeping a decade of it. Such things are unheard of elsewhere. Perhaps we can learn a thing or two from your Greecian methods of cooperation.”

“Allow me to enlighten you, Lady Aidoni. King Zenon, the wise ruler of Tangea, called for a formal armistice. King Minas of Athenia had just established a new dynasty, and my own Father, King Tython, decided that we no longer needed to prove our strength. It was a most wise decision, to become a united force, as others...we have had cause to defend our borders," Yiannis said.

As he spoke, Aea actually allowed herself to look fully at him this time, her thundering pulse and uncertainty calming as she listened raptly. His tone was not flirtatious and the roguish smile had disappeared from his lips. As he trailed off, she got the impression that he was not saying all that he might say outside of such a group setting. How did the northern skirmishes come about, exactly? And how did the Greeks plan on ending them? Were all three kings truly in agreement to peace, or was it only two, and the third followed in the hopes that he would not be crushed by the majority?

It was no matter for the moment. She would pull the information from him later and slake her curiosity then. For now, he was thoroughly disarmed and unsuspecting. Like a child throwing a ball to another, she rolled her turn between her hands as she thought of how best to toss it back. As Vangelis quickly made himself scarce and Asia turned her attention to the beautiful blonde Lady, Aea smiled at Yiannis, polite and mild and not a single hint of her mechanisms betrayed.

“I see. Thank you for the enlightenment. A wise decision, indeed, though candid benevolence does not make for the epic saga full of mighty heroes and sweeping adventures you are so known for. Perhaps you can regale me with something less pristine some other time.”

She ignored everyone else around her for the moment and centered her attention on the prince only a seat away. Aea’s polite smile spread wider, crooked and mischievous, “Actually, I did hear your Pantheon has remarkable legends, and I would not be averse to being enlightened in the ways of your Gods after dinner. You can tell me more of this...Aphrodite of yours. I’ve no doubt a pious man such as yourself is well-versed in her divine virtues—clearly you are familiar with her blessings.”

That was actually...fun. How curious. Aea held his gaze a moment longer, her almost-smirk hidden by her goblet when she took another sip and turned away from him. She did not know if she did that right, or if women were supposed to say things such as that. She did not know if he would blush or become offended by her boldness. She didn't know what she was doing, but she pretended like she did because she didn't want to just sit there. Aea was not a person that enjoyed passivity. She liked give and take, she liked catching people off guard, she liked playing around, and she liked making people feel good. She just hoped that was what she accomplished rather than making a foolish blunder. 

She did not know. But maybe that's what made it equally terrifying and exciting. And unless Asia told Yiannis that she was hiding a commoner in her chambers earlier, he would not know who, or what Aea was. It was...well, liberating. Fun. 

Although she used no false accent when she spoke to him earlier, he still had no cause to believe anything but what she presented...that she knew of, anyway. Regardless, she would pretend that he didn’t. Whether he realized she was keenly aware of who Aphrodite was or not, there were plenty of implications in what she said. The question was whether he would figure out what they were, and what his response—if any—would be. 

For that was how she learned. Hypothesis. Test. Result. Review. And at least in this...playful banter, or flirting, or whatever it might be called, it was a new world that she never expected to be able to explore. And Aea was nothing if not a traveler—a pioneer who tried all things at least once, and more than twice if she liked it.  

She did discover something interesting. Turning flattery back onto the person who threw it did make her feel less nervous. Maybe if she could get him to turn redder than she, it would be much easier to maintain a grip on her damned stomach. 

It was also much easier to experiment when she knew there would not be a 'later' for anybody to tell her any tale. After dinner, she would give Asia her clothes back, pin herself in brown tatters, then go home. Here and gone like a ghost.

If she ever saw Yiannis again while she was around Asia—for she would be around the princess more—he would not know it was her, and she would not tell him. It was alright to try new things and be friendly with powerful people she didn't know because nothing would come of anything she did unless she fucked up considerably. Which, frankly, she would not do.   

She wondered if she could elicit a reaction from someone else next, just to see what happened, or if it was even as fun as doing it with Yiannis. Perhaps it would be a smart decision to try it with someone who she was not necessarily attracted to. Really, that meant most people in the room would be compatible options. They were all beautiful in some form or fashion, but most of them seemed to lack the sharpness or mystery that—apparently—snatched her attention and held it captive.
  
Aea brushed away her new game despite her acute curiosity and instead settled her focus again upon Asia. She could play again later, for it would be unwise to be so bold that she drew negative attention. Moderation. Subtlety. Unpredictability. The thief's tenants would serve her well in this. 

The princess hailed a servant and Aea watched the movement, committing it to memory. It would be some time before she would feel comfortable asking someone who was wealthier than she to fill a cup for her. Likely, tonight would be the one and only instance she would ever have to do so. Aea would simply have to go slow on her drinking so that Asia wasn’t signaling a servant every few minutes.

Aea gave the princess a grateful smile and subtly mouthed ‘thank you’ before she spoke. “Tell me about something, princess. Anything. I'm truly not used to such quiet civility. Dinner with my people is more slinging mead than drinking wine, or dancing on tables if there's enough mead to sling. Tell me about...hm...philosophy. Science. You're very famous for them, you know."

“I think I would like to see your customs, but as for talking of sciences and philosophy, you would best at asking a scholar in the arts. I know some, but with wine, I am not much of a debater,” Asia said.

Aea lifted her eyebrows. And now Asia was deflecting. Whatever for? “If you insist. Though if I’m to show you, it had best be later. I’m sure your family wouldn’t appreciate us ruining dinner.”

If Aea was to truly show Asia anything she’d seen in the north, it would need to be where genteel eyes could not see. Too much blood and sweat. And drunkenness. Plenty of that. It was a shame Asia either could not or would not tell Aea about the subjects she'd asked after—for she assumed that all high born had such knowledge.

She had informal knowledge because Uncle Agolois had been an apothecary and Uncle Gatheron had a mind much too large for his modest means. If she had the chance to know all there was to know about how things worked in theory or in truth, she would seize it. If she did not have to worry about finding food or training or doing chores, she would spend all day exploring the mysteries of the world.

“Brother, you know more of the scholarly arts than I, she wants to know more about science and philosophy,” Asia said.

Aea's eyebrows jumped and her eyes darted to Yiannis in surprise. Oh no. Thankfully, she composed herself before she began battering him with questions. It was a near thing. "Is that so?"

Aea hoped not, honestly. Handsome, charming, an assumed combatant, and intelligent? Aea knew there had been something sharp about that smile of his. He was surely the ruin of every woman he met. Perhaps it was an awful idea to have a conversation she might actually get lost in—at least with him. She was wildly uneducated, and though she wanted to know all things, she was also keenly aware of her vast ignorance, especially when compared to somebody who was formally educated.

“You’ll have to tell me what interests you, then. I’d like to know what great minds you have met, and what they have written, and what you think about it," she said.

Aea felt more than saw Asia’s sudden tension, and her body responded in kind. Uncle Gatheron always said that the Egyptians had the right idea of it, that humans were just another category of animal. Sometimes Aea wondered if he was correct—after all, animals were able to read intent without ever having to gaze upon a second entity. Wolves and deer seemed able to respond to their kin without ever having to look upon them. And just like an animal, Aea became suddenly aware of danger through the slightest tension of the princess beside her. Her ear hitched on a man’s low voice, deep and coaxing like Apollo’s lyre. It was not hard to given how pretty the voice was, which didn't account for the tempting intent of the tone.

“Perhaps you have yet to meet the right partner that can give you all that you desire, perhaps—”

She snapped her head to the man speaking and her eyes flew to his lips when he leaned over to mutter into the woman's ear. Aea could not pick out his words from the sounds that flowed from his mouth, but she could read his rougish expression and the shapes of his words from the movements of his lips.

“You...someone...to...engravings...come on...pick...serving girl...ravish her together.”

She saw Kaia from her peripherals, appearing at the worst possible time. Aea was on her feet and around the table faster than she had time to think, intent on ushering her cousin far away from the hungry predator whose belly rumbled for pretty servants.

She cared not who that man fucked, or how many. He could bend that noblewoman over the table, or twenty serving girls, or boys for all she cared. As long as he didn’t mistake her cousin for one in truth and try to maul her, he could do what he liked. Let the chivalrous deal with him. Aea would tend to her own. Kaia and Asia were where her concerns lay, and Lady Rene and Lady Ophelia to a milder degree. 

She had never claimed to be a good person, for she was not, and she was aware of it. She didn't like it, but it was the truth, and she could not hide the truth from herself no matter how much she wished. She was greedy, and impulsive, and full of malice. She was a savage, she was full of venom, she was more likely to snarl than speak—she knew she was no hero, and why would she be? How could a girl who’d been raised to care not for anybody besides her family, who killed men and felt nothing, who had known only a handful of people in her life that were not kin, how could such a girl possibly begin caring about the troubles of strangers?

As she walked into the dim hall, Kaia’s quiet footfalls clapped behind her. Quickly, Aea pivoted and waited for the blonde. Once Kaia was close enough, Aea’s voice dropped to a murmur, “Stay away from that man sitting in front of me, he’s a pig. If you’re going to be out there, pour wine for Vangelis or Asia. Vangelis is like Dasmo, he’s safe. Asia is kind. Yiannis is too. Those are the only three.”

She glanced over her shoulder to make sure nobody had followed them, then slowly turned her head back to her cousin as she spoke, ““If anybody should corner you, start singing. I can’t hear you over the noise otherwise—”

And then she saw Kaia’s slack expression, her apathetic eyes, and she knew something had gone very, very badly. “What’s wrong?”

Kaia’s jaw muscle flexed, her eyes took on animation, but the sudden well of emotion was there and gone. The blonde let out a slow breath. Aea held hers.

“Alexandros is here,” Kaia murmured before looking away. “He told another woman to ‘pick a serving girl’ to ravish with him.”

For a moment, Aea did not understand. As soon as she recalled the name, though, everything hit her at once. Alexandros was the man Kaia had met at the Dionysia, then again at the Peace Festival just yesterday. The night before, Kaia’s father had suggested the blonde marry the man.

Alexandros was here. That man was Alexandros. Fuck.

Kaia had regaled her with tales of a dashing blue-eyed captain under the cover of darkness. Some of the things she’d said had made Aea cover her ears for fear of imagining her cousin naked, much less fucking somebody. The blonde had made him sound like some charming prince, like the hero of an epic. It was not lost on Aea that he was investigating the Megaris incident—the fact that he’d run into Kaia and hadn't arrested her made him seem as kind as Kaia said.

Through Kaia's stories, Aea had come to like the man. Kaia was clearly smitten with him. Even if she bit back her smile and insisted otherwise, Aea could see right though her cousin. She could have seen Kaia marrying the man and getting away from the road. A roof over her head, food in her belly, a man to love her, and no chance of getting hung—yes, Aea had wanted that for Kaia.

There had been one thing that bothered Aea about the man, though. Kaia had told her something he’d said during their tryst, unsure of whether she was overthinking his words and curious of an outside opinion.

Aea had an intuition in her stomach then, small and niggling. It didn’t take long to put her finger on it. She told Kaia what she thought then, and now it was coming back. They hadn’t spoken of it since. Besides that one singular dialogue, Alexandros seemed to make Kaia happy. Still...Hektos and her uncles sometimes worded things as the captain had when Kaia and Aea might not comply. It always did the trick in convincing them.

Then they’ll throw us all in the mines, and we don’t want that, do we?

Go and lay in the road, unless you aren’t mature enough. You want to help with adult jobs, don’t you?


Cut his fucking throat. You aren’t a coward, are you?

I’ve given you everything, and this is how you repay me? I didn’t realize I’d raised an ungrateful brat.

Alexandros was not their family, he had no right to use such an elementary manipulation tactic on Kaia, and yet he'd taken the same liberties as Kaia's father might have. That had unsettled Aea then, and she'd advised caution.

Kaia insisted it was only the once, that he'd just been joking. But the thing he'd been jesting about was not something to present as an amusement, especially with a person who was clearly under a spell. The only people that spoke in such a way were people like Hektos, and Kaia did not deserve to leave one fucked up situation for another.

And yet still, Aea had given the man the benefit of the doubt. She did not do that for anybody, but she did it then because Kaia liked him, and she trusted Kaia. Now this.

Kaia and Alexandros agreed that they could fuck other people, as Aea understood it. That was what she was getting caught on. They'd agreed that they would not see each other again. Technically, the man was doing nothing wrong. Technically.

Aea might have shrugged because agreements were more important than her interpretations, but she was also not Kaia. And while Aea could not see why Kaia should care either way, the fact was that her cousin did care.

From the context of what she knew, from what she could observe from Kaia's recollection, and most importantly, what she had just seen at the table, Alexandros had manipulated Kaia the night of the Dionysia in more ways than one—he made Kaia believe he cared as much as she did, even just for a night. He made her believe he considered her singular. Everything he said and did was meant to twist Kaia around his finger, to force her to think of him long after he'd left.

To what end, Aea did not know, but he had just seen Kaia yesterday. If he was as smitten with Kaia as Kaia was him, would he not be thinking about her too much to notice other women, as Kaia did not notice other men? Was his aim to get Kaia to fall for him so that he could better control her?

Aea supposed it didn't matter what Alexandros said, thought, or did at this point. He'd manipulated her cousin—or attempted to, at least—he used her cousin to spill himself, inferred that he cared, allowed her to believe as much, and provided evidence to the contrary. He hurt Kaia, and that's really all Aea needed to know.

“I see.” Aea finally said.

Her worry over Kaia being cornered by the man had all but vanished. Kaia already had him, she would not be afraid of him. If she were, she would not have had that shy smile last night when she told Aea what Agolois had said. The blonde would no longer be smiling shyly about marriage. Aea was no longer willing to give Alexandros the benefit of the doubt. Why should she? He was a stranger, and from what she’d just seen of his behavior, he’d successfully fooled her cousin into thinking him considerate and kind.

Aea might have asked him how he so thoroughly deceived others into believing him decent. It was a most useful skill. Uncle Gatheron might call him a born politician. There was a certain respect for his abilities as a liar and con-artist, but there was also cold dread. And only one thing ever followed dread—death or rage. Sometimes both.

Wordlessly, Aea threaded her fingers through Kaia’s beautiful yellow hair and took a deep breath, pressing their foreheads together. She locked her eyes onto her cousin’s gaze, swirling and grey-blue like a tempest.

“You are the most important person in the world to me. There has never been a soul like you in this world, and there never will be. You are capable of more than you know, more than he could ever guess, and if he wishes to waste his time on others, then let him. Youth and beauty will fade. His and yours. And when he is old and grey, he will have nothing to use to trick people into loving him. But you, my heart, will not need to trick anybody, because even when your skin turns thin and your hair white and brittle, you will be as beautiful and easy to love then as you are now. All things will pass, and so too will this.”

She took another deep breath and released Kaia, keeping down the urge to begin her own hunt. This situation reminded her of something Uncle Cassero once said. Men didn't conceptualize how common they were. The truth was, men were aplenty. Cocks were readily available at any point. There were good men out there, Aea was sure. It was easy enough to cast this rotten one aside and move onto another.

She slid her arms around Kaia’s shoulders and pulled her into a rare embrace, resting her chin on Kaia’s shoulders. “I cannot determine whether he is stupid or cruel. It is either one or the other. You know what I think of his words, let this be proof of his character."

Kaia deserved someone who would follow her to the end of the map and fall from the edge. Aea had not thought anybody was good enough for Kaia, but she thought perhaps Alexandros might have been mildly close. One of these days, she would learn to better listen to her gut. This could have been avoided had she done as much. She should have never left Kaia alone yesterday. While she was busy talking with the princess, her cousin's heart was being fooled. 

She unwrapped her arms from Kaia and held her gaze, “How about we spend our savings tonight? Go play in the upper gamehalls. Enchant some noble man and let him...what was the word? Ravish you? In fact, let’s plan for two if that is your desire. Three if you're feeling bold. We will get drunk, and we will be loud, and we will laugh and forget all about that little nothing sitting at the table.”

She smiled and leaned in closer, lowering her voice until she was whispering in Kaia’s ear, “you do not need to sleep with him to keep him from reporting us. If he threatens to turn us in, we will sneak into his house when he is asleep, tie him to his bed, lock him in, and burn his house to the ground. We’ll save his swords, though. One for you and one for me.”

Aea pressed her head into the side of Kaia’s face, willing her cousin to simply forget all about the liar, or con artist, or whatever he was. But she knew Kaia, and she knew better. Kaia wouldn’t ever forget this. And no matter how much Aea could not understand her upset, this was one of the very rare instances where logic and reason were bypassed. She did not need to understand how a knife was forged in order to see it plunged into her cousin’s gut, she only needed to understand that the blade needed to be removed. She could ponder on its making once it was out.

“I need to go back now. I meant what I said before. If you feel uncomfortable in the hallways, you must sing for me to hear you. You are allowed to say no, don’t let them tell you otherwise. And if he sees you, and he corners you, I will see it, and I will follow him. I’m not stupid enough to think you will immediately feel nothing for him. He'll know it too. Maybe he tries to reason with you that it isn’t what it appeared, or that you’re being unreasonable for being upset. Don't believe him. Even the prettiest liar is still a liar. I’ll tell you now that I don’t mind being the villain, and you’ll have to forgive me when I am."

Kaia would keep her hands clean. While Aea was not a good person, her cousin was, and she would stay that way for as long as Aea had the means to keep her so. She was not afraid of prison or the stocks. The only thing she worried for was Asia, and how others might view her as a result of Aea's actions. She deserved better than disregard. Kaia’s life was not in danger. Lying was not worthy of a stabbing. Aea had more than just she and her cousin to consider. And so, she would behave and make good on her promise to temper her actions. At least while she was at dinner. Afterward, though, it would not be difficult to track him down. She could follow whispers as well as she could a scat trail, and where Alexandros was concerned, there would not be that large of a difference between the two. 

Besides, Aea had never needed to go in with blades flashing to make sure she got her way. Contrary to popular belief, it was never her blades that her prey needed to worry about. And though lying and conning did not warrant being hunted down, lying and conning Kaia did. Any man who thought her easy pickings would be swiftly corrected, starting with Alexandros. 

"I love you. Always." she whispered, leaning forward to plant a soft kiss on Kaia's cheek. She hoped her cousin knew how much she meant those three rarely-uttered words. That she always would. No matter where Kaia went, who she was, who she became, what she did, and what she didn't do. "You are mine. And I will not share with a fool that cannot treasure your kindness, your trust, your fearlessness, your brilliant mind, your ferocity, your loyalty, every one of your two dozen frowns, every stone you take upon your shoulders, and everything that makes you my Kaia. I refuse to share with the undeserving, and so I won't."

Aea took a deep breath. "I must go. I will eat quickly, and we can grab all the scraps you can carry. Asia will understand, I'm sure. I'll come for you soon."

When she turned to go, she froze. The shadow of a figure close stood to the archway. She needn't ponder on who it was, for only one person looked like Lady Rene. Quickly, Aea looked down as she glided past the golden beauty, her hands twitching to tighten an epiblema that was not there. Her feet carried her swiftly to the exit, but she halted before she could round the archway in truth.

She had a fine memory for sound—she had to have one to play her music. With that fine memory came a symptom for voices, pitch, rhythm, melody. If she heard a voice once, it only took moments to remember whom it belonged. She caught onto an 'O' and all that followed, recognizing the distinct cadence as belonging to Vangelis. He was speaking at length. 

“Then allow me to correct the ignorance, Captain Alexandros. Might I introduce Lord Panos of Marikas. Master in Law of Athenia's Senate and grandfather to the young woman you've been keeping gentlemanly company with.”

A pause. Aea stepped back further into the shadows, where the candlelight from the room beyond could not touch her. From such an angle, she could see the prince standing behind Alexandros and holding out his hand to someone, though she could not see who. 

“My apologies for any insult or lack of introduction you suffered, my Lord. The Captain is under my command and any punishment desired of him duly mine to take. I can assure you I am at watch of your granddaughter and encourage you to take a seat and share in the meal.”

She glanced aside and spotted Lady Rene just down the corridor, but her back was turned as she moved. Aea turned her attention back to the bubbling tension just beyond the archway.