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Emilia raised her lantern so that the flickering light illuminated the interior of the temple. She couldn’t see very far inside. Most of it was still cloaked in shadows that seemed to undulate around the room like dark and menacing ghosts. A cold shiver meandered down her spine. I shouldn’t have come, she thought.
But how could she ignore the note she had received yesterday? Every word of it flowed through her mind:
Princess Emilia, your sister’s life is in grave danger. The threat comes from inside the palace. You are the only one I can trust with this knowledge. Meet me tomorrow at dawn in the Naos of Themis and I give you proof. Princess Persephone’s life depends on you. Burn this note after you read it. Tell no one about it and come alone.
The abandoned temple was a was a good place for secret meetings because very few people visited it anymore. Though she had been curious every time she passed it, the young princess had never been brave enough to step inside, even surrounded by her guards. Now she had no choice. She couldn’t ignore such a dire warning. What if someone was so afraid that Persephone would become Queen that they were planning to assassinate her?
Emilia had received the note in an odd fashion. A box had arrived at the palace containing some pieces of jewelry that she had designed and given to her favorite jeweler to be brought to life. The rolled-up piece of parchment was found at the bottom of the box. She immediately took it out and read it, shocked at what it said. The princess knew the jeweler’s handwriting. This was different. Had one of his assistants slipped it into the box? Or one of his customers?
She understood why the note’s writer had chosen her as his (or her) messenger. Both her father and sister would listen to her and she would definitely deliver the proof to the King. A servant was less trustworthy, or maybe even in on the plan. Perhaps the writer didn’t think he would be taken seriously if he delivered it himself. Or he could fear for his life. Nobody would suspect Emilia of having such knowledge. She was the youngest and least important member of the royal family and most people considered her silly and immature.
Sneaking out of the Palati had been surprisingly easy. She had told her handmaidens that she had a headache and sent them away. When she woke up, she would call them to attend her. She had slept for most of the night, and awakened a few hours before the sunrise. After dressing herself in a plain chiton and a gray hooded cloak that hid her features, she had slipped through a door that led to the service passageways. The few slaves who were going about their task her a second glance as she walked down the corridor and out the door.
Finding her way to the Naos of Themis had been more difficult. Emilia had never walked through the city before. It was a frightening but exciting experience. Thankfully, she didn’t see a single soul. Anyone out this late was probably up to no good and she certainly didn’t want to be robbed, raped, and murdered. It took a few wrong turns, but eventually she was standing inside the temple’s entrance.
“Hello?” she called again.
Stepping further inside, Emilia’s sandals echoed as they slapped against the hard floor. Was she early? Most likely. It was not yet dawn. How long should she wait? What if the informer had been discovered and killed? If that was the case, at least she would still be safe. It was doubtful that anyone else knew about the note since she had burned it. She walked around the main chamber, restless and on edge, worried about what she might discover as she swung her lantern this way and that.
At the back of the chamber, the young princess noticed a faded red carpet on the floor. How strange! How long has it been here? Was it part of the original ...
A shuffling sound from the front of the room interrupted her contemplation. Whipping around and holding her lantern high, she froze in horror. Two men in dark clothing emerged from the shadows and leapt toward her, grabbing her by both arms. One of them took the lantern from her hands.
“Let me go!” she hissed. They were probably enterprising thieves who had seen her enter the temple and decided to rob her. “I will give you all my valuables.”
“You are the valuable," one of them laughed. “A Xanthos Princess is worth more than all the jewels in the kingdom.”
“And don’t think anyone is going to save you.” The other man’s face was so close to hers that Emilia could smell his foul breath. “That note you found came from us.”
What!?! I was tricked? Anger eclipsed her fear. How easily she had fallen into their trap! She spit in the man’s face and stepped down hard on his foot. He let her go with a yelp and she yanked her arm from the other man’s grasp. They were blocking the exit so the young princess ran further into the temple, hoping they didn’t see her duck into a side chamber. The sun was rising now and she could see a few wooden chairs and a table that held bottles that were probably once full of wine. Maybe the temple had been the site of a party or it was used as a rendezvous for secret lovers. Unfortunately, there was no window that she could climb out of.
Light pierced the entryway and the two men entered, holding her lantern aloft. “You can’t escape from us, Princess. You might as well give up.”
It did look as if she was out of options. They’re not going to kidnap me without a fight! Furious at her own stupidity, she picked up one of the wine bottles and threw it at them as they advanced toward her. They easily dodged it and the vessel crashed onto the floor, splintering into a million shards.
If I can break another one, I’ll have a weapon. Emilia knocked over another bottle and bent to pick up one of the largest shards.
“That’s not going to help you.”
They split up and lunged at her, one on either side. She slashed at the closest man with the shard, but he knocked it out of her hands. The other one grabbed her from behind and placed his hand over her mouth so she couldn’t scream. Though she kicked and struggled, his accomplice managed to tie her hands in front of her and stuff a dirty cloth into her mouth.
They carried her to the carpet and pushed her down upon it.They plan to carry me out of the temple rolled up in the carpet. Nobody will even try to stop them.
“Your head is going to hurt when you wake up,” the man with the foul breath said. Emilia shrank away from him as he extinguished her lantern and lifted it high. Closing her eyes, she braced herself for the blow that would knock her unconscious.
Alysanne
Emilia
Alysanne
Emilia
Awards
First Impressions:Lithe; Hazel eyes that seem to change color with her moods; long curly golden brown hair; high cheekbones; full heart-shaped lips; naturally tanned skin.
Address: Your Her Royal Highness
First Impressions:Lithe; Hazel eyes that seem to change color with her moods; long curly golden brown hair; high cheekbones; full heart-shaped lips; naturally tanned skin.
Address: Your Her Royal Highness
Emilia raised her lantern so that the flickering light illuminated the interior of the temple. She couldn’t see very far inside. Most of it was still cloaked in shadows that seemed to undulate around the room like dark and menacing ghosts. A cold shiver meandered down her spine. I shouldn’t have come, she thought.
But how could she ignore the note she had received yesterday? Every word of it flowed through her mind:
Princess Emilia, your sister’s life is in grave danger. The threat comes from inside the palace. You are the only one I can trust with this knowledge. Meet me tomorrow at dawn in the Naos of Themis and I give you proof. Princess Persephone’s life depends on you. Burn this note after you read it. Tell no one about it and come alone.
The abandoned temple was a was a good place for secret meetings because very few people visited it anymore. Though she had been curious every time she passed it, the young princess had never been brave enough to step inside, even surrounded by her guards. Now she had no choice. She couldn’t ignore such a dire warning. What if someone was so afraid that Persephone would become Queen that they were planning to assassinate her?
Emilia had received the note in an odd fashion. A box had arrived at the palace containing some pieces of jewelry that she had designed and given to her favorite jeweler to be brought to life. The rolled-up piece of parchment was found at the bottom of the box. She immediately took it out and read it, shocked at what it said. The princess knew the jeweler’s handwriting. This was different. Had one of his assistants slipped it into the box? Or one of his customers?
She understood why the note’s writer had chosen her as his (or her) messenger. Both her father and sister would listen to her and she would definitely deliver the proof to the King. A servant was less trustworthy, or maybe even in on the plan. Perhaps the writer didn’t think he would be taken seriously if he delivered it himself. Or he could fear for his life. Nobody would suspect Emilia of having such knowledge. She was the youngest and least important member of the royal family and most people considered her silly and immature.
Sneaking out of the Palati had been surprisingly easy. She had told her handmaidens that she had a headache and sent them away. When she woke up, she would call them to attend her. She had slept for most of the night, and awakened a few hours before the sunrise. After dressing herself in a plain chiton and a gray hooded cloak that hid her features, she had slipped through a door that led to the service passageways. The few slaves who were going about their task her a second glance as she walked down the corridor and out the door.
Finding her way to the Naos of Themis had been more difficult. Emilia had never walked through the city before. It was a frightening but exciting experience. Thankfully, she didn’t see a single soul. Anyone out this late was probably up to no good and she certainly didn’t want to be robbed, raped, and murdered. It took a few wrong turns, but eventually she was standing inside the temple’s entrance.
“Hello?” she called again.
Stepping further inside, Emilia’s sandals echoed as they slapped against the hard floor. Was she early? Most likely. It was not yet dawn. How long should she wait? What if the informer had been discovered and killed? If that was the case, at least she would still be safe. It was doubtful that anyone else knew about the note since she had burned it. She walked around the main chamber, restless and on edge, worried about what she might discover as she swung her lantern this way and that.
At the back of the chamber, the young princess noticed a faded red carpet on the floor. How strange! How long has it been here? Was it part of the original ...
A shuffling sound from the front of the room interrupted her contemplation. Whipping around and holding her lantern high, she froze in horror. Two men in dark clothing emerged from the shadows and leapt toward her, grabbing her by both arms. One of them took the lantern from her hands.
“Let me go!” she hissed. They were probably enterprising thieves who had seen her enter the temple and decided to rob her. “I will give you all my valuables.”
“You are the valuable," one of them laughed. “A Xanthos Princess is worth more than all the jewels in the kingdom.”
“And don’t think anyone is going to save you.” The other man’s face was so close to hers that Emilia could smell his foul breath. “That note you found came from us.”
What!?! I was tricked? Anger eclipsed her fear. How easily she had fallen into their trap! She spit in the man’s face and stepped down hard on his foot. He let her go with a yelp and she yanked her arm from the other man’s grasp. They were blocking the exit so the young princess ran further into the temple, hoping they didn’t see her duck into a side chamber. The sun was rising now and she could see a few wooden chairs and a table that held bottles that were probably once full of wine. Maybe the temple had been the site of a party or it was used as a rendezvous for secret lovers. Unfortunately, there was no window that she could climb out of.
Light pierced the entryway and the two men entered, holding her lantern aloft. “You can’t escape from us, Princess. You might as well give up.”
It did look as if she was out of options. They’re not going to kidnap me without a fight! Furious at her own stupidity, she picked up one of the wine bottles and threw it at them as they advanced toward her. They easily dodged it and the vessel crashed onto the floor, splintering into a million shards.
If I can break another one, I’ll have a weapon. Emilia knocked over another bottle and bent to pick up one of the largest shards.
“That’s not going to help you.”
They split up and lunged at her, one on either side. She slashed at the closest man with the shard, but he knocked it out of her hands. The other one grabbed her from behind and placed his hand over her mouth so she couldn’t scream. Though she kicked and struggled, his accomplice managed to tie her hands in front of her and stuff a dirty cloth into her mouth.
They carried her to the carpet and pushed her down upon it.They plan to carry me out of the temple rolled up in the carpet. Nobody will even try to stop them.
“Your head is going to hurt when you wake up,” the man with the foul breath said. Emilia shrank away from him as he extinguished her lantern and lifted it high. Closing her eyes, she braced herself for the blow that would knock her unconscious.
“Hello?”
Emilia raised her lantern so that the flickering light illuminated the interior of the temple. She couldn’t see very far inside. Most of it was still cloaked in shadows that seemed to undulate around the room like dark and menacing ghosts. A cold shiver meandered down her spine. I shouldn’t have come, she thought.
But how could she ignore the note she had received yesterday? Every word of it flowed through her mind:
Princess Emilia, your sister’s life is in grave danger. The threat comes from inside the palace. You are the only one I can trust with this knowledge. Meet me tomorrow at dawn in the Naos of Themis and I give you proof. Princess Persephone’s life depends on you. Burn this note after you read it. Tell no one about it and come alone.
The abandoned temple was a was a good place for secret meetings because very few people visited it anymore. Though she had been curious every time she passed it, the young princess had never been brave enough to step inside, even surrounded by her guards. Now she had no choice. She couldn’t ignore such a dire warning. What if someone was so afraid that Persephone would become Queen that they were planning to assassinate her?
Emilia had received the note in an odd fashion. A box had arrived at the palace containing some pieces of jewelry that she had designed and given to her favorite jeweler to be brought to life. The rolled-up piece of parchment was found at the bottom of the box. She immediately took it out and read it, shocked at what it said. The princess knew the jeweler’s handwriting. This was different. Had one of his assistants slipped it into the box? Or one of his customers?
She understood why the note’s writer had chosen her as his (or her) messenger. Both her father and sister would listen to her and she would definitely deliver the proof to the King. A servant was less trustworthy, or maybe even in on the plan. Perhaps the writer didn’t think he would be taken seriously if he delivered it himself. Or he could fear for his life. Nobody would suspect Emilia of having such knowledge. She was the youngest and least important member of the royal family and most people considered her silly and immature.
Sneaking out of the Palati had been surprisingly easy. She had told her handmaidens that she had a headache and sent them away. When she woke up, she would call them to attend her. She had slept for most of the night, and awakened a few hours before the sunrise. After dressing herself in a plain chiton and a gray hooded cloak that hid her features, she had slipped through a door that led to the service passageways. The few slaves who were going about their task her a second glance as she walked down the corridor and out the door.
Finding her way to the Naos of Themis had been more difficult. Emilia had never walked through the city before. It was a frightening but exciting experience. Thankfully, she didn’t see a single soul. Anyone out this late was probably up to no good and she certainly didn’t want to be robbed, raped, and murdered. It took a few wrong turns, but eventually she was standing inside the temple’s entrance.
“Hello?” she called again.
Stepping further inside, Emilia’s sandals echoed as they slapped against the hard floor. Was she early? Most likely. It was not yet dawn. How long should she wait? What if the informer had been discovered and killed? If that was the case, at least she would still be safe. It was doubtful that anyone else knew about the note since she had burned it. She walked around the main chamber, restless and on edge, worried about what she might discover as she swung her lantern this way and that.
At the back of the chamber, the young princess noticed a faded red carpet on the floor. How strange! How long has it been here? Was it part of the original ...
A shuffling sound from the front of the room interrupted her contemplation. Whipping around and holding her lantern high, she froze in horror. Two men in dark clothing emerged from the shadows and leapt toward her, grabbing her by both arms. One of them took the lantern from her hands.
“Let me go!” she hissed. They were probably enterprising thieves who had seen her enter the temple and decided to rob her. “I will give you all my valuables.”
“You are the valuable," one of them laughed. “A Xanthos Princess is worth more than all the jewels in the kingdom.”
“And don’t think anyone is going to save you.” The other man’s face was so close to hers that Emilia could smell his foul breath. “That note you found came from us.”
What!?! I was tricked? Anger eclipsed her fear. How easily she had fallen into their trap! She spit in the man’s face and stepped down hard on his foot. He let her go with a yelp and she yanked her arm from the other man’s grasp. They were blocking the exit so the young princess ran further into the temple, hoping they didn’t see her duck into a side chamber. The sun was rising now and she could see a few wooden chairs and a table that held bottles that were probably once full of wine. Maybe the temple had been the site of a party or it was used as a rendezvous for secret lovers. Unfortunately, there was no window that she could climb out of.
Light pierced the entryway and the two men entered, holding her lantern aloft. “You can’t escape from us, Princess. You might as well give up.”
It did look as if she was out of options. They’re not going to kidnap me without a fight! Furious at her own stupidity, she picked up one of the wine bottles and threw it at them as they advanced toward her. They easily dodged it and the vessel crashed onto the floor, splintering into a million shards.
If I can break another one, I’ll have a weapon. Emilia knocked over another bottle and bent to pick up one of the largest shards.
“That’s not going to help you.”
They split up and lunged at her, one on either side. She slashed at the closest man with the shard, but he knocked it out of her hands. The other one grabbed her from behind and placed his hand over her mouth so she couldn’t scream. Though she kicked and struggled, his accomplice managed to tie her hands in front of her and stuff a dirty cloth into her mouth.
They carried her to the carpet and pushed her down upon it.They plan to carry me out of the temple rolled up in the carpet. Nobody will even try to stop them.
“Your head is going to hurt when you wake up,” the man with the foul breath said. Emilia shrank away from him as he extinguished her lantern and lifted it high. Closing her eyes, she braced herself for the blow that would knock her unconscious.
Elias and Niobe frequently used the Naos of Themis as their haunt–oftentimes it was their preferred meeting place for the more sensual evenings that they were having. This became even more true the more adamant that Elias became in finding and taking a wife to better his chances at the throne…
Not that he should have had to better his chances at the throne, he was the only sane choice with all the talk of Alejandro's abdication if and when he received the throne. But Persephone had informed him that her father wanted to change the inheritance laws; and that would put her, and her sister before him and…
He might agree with females having equality, the same inheritance abilities as males, but not in this case. This case threatened his very existence in his father’s eyes; he had very little doubt his father would disregard him if he messed up, and the throne went to Persephone.
The note had been scrawled by Niobe, who was practiced in falsifying handwriting. They had planned it very carefully, Niobe had offered herself to the kidnappers as payment for the crime, and because nobody would want to admit to sleeping with Elias’s mistress, it was certain to be a silent transaction.
Elias and Niobe had left their table, from the looks of it, to have a quickie in another part of the temple, briefly forgetting the task at hand… or perhaps it was yet another step to the plan. As Elias heard a wine bottle shatter, he breathed in Niobe’s ear, “She’s found our wine, Niobe.” He nipped her earlobe and moved to straighten his clothing.
“Go on then, rescue her. Make sure it hurts him,” he crooned, the words coated in honey. As Niobe moved away from him, towards the princess, Elias took a second to straighten his hair. He watched her slip up behind one of the kidnappers and started forward.
“Hey! Leave her alone—” He called. He was no fighter, but Niobe was. Niobe slammed a wooden staff she’d picked up against the closest offender’s legs and positioned herself to take both men on if she had to. She wouldn’t, but she had to make it look real. She, unlike Elias, had not taken the time to fix herself—she very clearly looked like she had just finished being pressed against a wall.
“Emilia?” The shock in his voice was well-played as he settled next to the young princess, fingers deftly undoing the rope. Niobe, in the meantime, was quick to disarm both men, leaving one with a limp and one fleeing the temple. “What are you doing here?” He inquired as he removed the dirty cloth from her mouth. He watched with interest as his female companion slammed the staff she’d brought with her upside the remaining man’s chin, fighting back a chuckle.
Worry in his features. He moved in front of Emilia, examining her for any damage.
“We need to get you home, you shouldn’t be out here alone.”
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
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Elias and Niobe frequently used the Naos of Themis as their haunt–oftentimes it was their preferred meeting place for the more sensual evenings that they were having. This became even more true the more adamant that Elias became in finding and taking a wife to better his chances at the throne…
Not that he should have had to better his chances at the throne, he was the only sane choice with all the talk of Alejandro's abdication if and when he received the throne. But Persephone had informed him that her father wanted to change the inheritance laws; and that would put her, and her sister before him and…
He might agree with females having equality, the same inheritance abilities as males, but not in this case. This case threatened his very existence in his father’s eyes; he had very little doubt his father would disregard him if he messed up, and the throne went to Persephone.
The note had been scrawled by Niobe, who was practiced in falsifying handwriting. They had planned it very carefully, Niobe had offered herself to the kidnappers as payment for the crime, and because nobody would want to admit to sleeping with Elias’s mistress, it was certain to be a silent transaction.
Elias and Niobe had left their table, from the looks of it, to have a quickie in another part of the temple, briefly forgetting the task at hand… or perhaps it was yet another step to the plan. As Elias heard a wine bottle shatter, he breathed in Niobe’s ear, “She’s found our wine, Niobe.” He nipped her earlobe and moved to straighten his clothing.
“Go on then, rescue her. Make sure it hurts him,” he crooned, the words coated in honey. As Niobe moved away from him, towards the princess, Elias took a second to straighten his hair. He watched her slip up behind one of the kidnappers and started forward.
“Hey! Leave her alone—” He called. He was no fighter, but Niobe was. Niobe slammed a wooden staff she’d picked up against the closest offender’s legs and positioned herself to take both men on if she had to. She wouldn’t, but she had to make it look real. She, unlike Elias, had not taken the time to fix herself—she very clearly looked like she had just finished being pressed against a wall.
“Emilia?” The shock in his voice was well-played as he settled next to the young princess, fingers deftly undoing the rope. Niobe, in the meantime, was quick to disarm both men, leaving one with a limp and one fleeing the temple. “What are you doing here?” He inquired as he removed the dirty cloth from her mouth. He watched with interest as his female companion slammed the staff she’d brought with her upside the remaining man’s chin, fighting back a chuckle.
Worry in his features. He moved in front of Emilia, examining her for any damage.
“We need to get you home, you shouldn’t be out here alone.”
Elias and Niobe frequently used the Naos of Themis as their haunt–oftentimes it was their preferred meeting place for the more sensual evenings that they were having. This became even more true the more adamant that Elias became in finding and taking a wife to better his chances at the throne…
Not that he should have had to better his chances at the throne, he was the only sane choice with all the talk of Alejandro's abdication if and when he received the throne. But Persephone had informed him that her father wanted to change the inheritance laws; and that would put her, and her sister before him and…
He might agree with females having equality, the same inheritance abilities as males, but not in this case. This case threatened his very existence in his father’s eyes; he had very little doubt his father would disregard him if he messed up, and the throne went to Persephone.
The note had been scrawled by Niobe, who was practiced in falsifying handwriting. They had planned it very carefully, Niobe had offered herself to the kidnappers as payment for the crime, and because nobody would want to admit to sleeping with Elias’s mistress, it was certain to be a silent transaction.
Elias and Niobe had left their table, from the looks of it, to have a quickie in another part of the temple, briefly forgetting the task at hand… or perhaps it was yet another step to the plan. As Elias heard a wine bottle shatter, he breathed in Niobe’s ear, “She’s found our wine, Niobe.” He nipped her earlobe and moved to straighten his clothing.
“Go on then, rescue her. Make sure it hurts him,” he crooned, the words coated in honey. As Niobe moved away from him, towards the princess, Elias took a second to straighten his hair. He watched her slip up behind one of the kidnappers and started forward.
“Hey! Leave her alone—” He called. He was no fighter, but Niobe was. Niobe slammed a wooden staff she’d picked up against the closest offender’s legs and positioned herself to take both men on if she had to. She wouldn’t, but she had to make it look real. She, unlike Elias, had not taken the time to fix herself—she very clearly looked like she had just finished being pressed against a wall.
“Emilia?” The shock in his voice was well-played as he settled next to the young princess, fingers deftly undoing the rope. Niobe, in the meantime, was quick to disarm both men, leaving one with a limp and one fleeing the temple. “What are you doing here?” He inquired as he removed the dirty cloth from her mouth. He watched with interest as his female companion slammed the staff she’d brought with her upside the remaining man’s chin, fighting back a chuckle.
Worry in his features. He moved in front of Emilia, examining her for any damage.
“We need to get you home, you shouldn’t be out here alone.”
The blow never came. A familiar voice coming from further inside the temple demanded that the kidnappers leave her alone and Emilia thanked all the gods for Lord Elias’ intervention. The men barely had the time to turn away from her before one was slammed in the legs with a wooden staff by the servant that often accompanied the Stravos lord. The other man dropped the lantern, pulled out two daggers and attacked. His accomplice jumped up, whipped around and daggers appeared in each of his hands as well.
Elias looked shocked as he knelt beside her, diverting her attention from the fight. She was glad that he was more concerned about making certain she was safe then joining the brawl. From the shouts of pain she could hear behind her, the woman seemed to be making short work of the kidnappers. Emilia had never questioned her place at Elias’ side and now she wondered if she was his bodyguard. If so, her savior was quite clever to choose a bodyguard who would be underestimated because of her gender.
It was surprising how little she knew of him, considering that he had lived with the royal family until she was five. The brunette princess had seen him as a brother, and if he had been annoyed with her following him around and teasing him occasionally, he had hidden it well. When he left, she had cried for days because he had been a constant presence in her life and she missed him. They had still conversed from time to time when they attended festivals or celebrations, but they had little in common besides their royal blood.
Yet now he had saved her from a fate worse than death. Her heartbeat began to slow down as he untied the rope around her hands and removed the dirty cloth from her mouth. Emilia gagged and coughed a few times, but she breathed much easier now. If only those wine bottles weren’t empty, I could wash the nasty taste out of my mouth.
He asked her the exact question that she wanted to ask him. Without thinking, she threw herself in his arms, clinging to him tightly. Her entire body shivered uncontrollably and she was so very cold. Over his shoulder, she saw his companion thwack one of the kidnappers in the chin with her staff. The other one was nowhere to be seen. Perhaps he had been too embarrassed to stick around and be defeated by a woman. I wish I could fight even half as good as she does.
“I was such an idiot, Elias! I received a note yesterday from someone claiming that Persephone’s life was in danger from inside the palace and I would be presented with proof if I met the letter writer here in the temple. I was so worried about my sister that I didn’t even think that it could have been a trap. I feel so foolish now.”
Emilia pulled away from him but remained sitting on the carpet. A crimson blush suffused her cheeks. “I don’t want to go home yet. I’m too shaken up and I don’t want to upset Father.” The King needed to concentrate on regaining his health and not be bothered by the stupidity of his youngest daughter. As much as she longed for a bath, she thought it best that she stay away from the palace until she regained her composure.
The young princess rubbed her wrists where the rough rope had chafed them. She wished she could stand but she wasn’t certain that her legs would hold her up yet. “I believe they would have killed me if you and your friend had not come to my rescue. I owe you my life, Elias. How can I ever repay you?”
Alysanne
Emilia
Alysanne
Emilia
Awards
First Impressions:Lithe; Hazel eyes that seem to change color with her moods; long curly golden brown hair; high cheekbones; full heart-shaped lips; naturally tanned skin.
Address: Your Her Royal Highness
First Impressions:Lithe; Hazel eyes that seem to change color with her moods; long curly golden brown hair; high cheekbones; full heart-shaped lips; naturally tanned skin.
Address: Your Her Royal Highness
The blow never came. A familiar voice coming from further inside the temple demanded that the kidnappers leave her alone and Emilia thanked all the gods for Lord Elias’ intervention. The men barely had the time to turn away from her before one was slammed in the legs with a wooden staff by the servant that often accompanied the Stravos lord. The other man dropped the lantern, pulled out two daggers and attacked. His accomplice jumped up, whipped around and daggers appeared in each of his hands as well.
Elias looked shocked as he knelt beside her, diverting her attention from the fight. She was glad that he was more concerned about making certain she was safe then joining the brawl. From the shouts of pain she could hear behind her, the woman seemed to be making short work of the kidnappers. Emilia had never questioned her place at Elias’ side and now she wondered if she was his bodyguard. If so, her savior was quite clever to choose a bodyguard who would be underestimated because of her gender.
It was surprising how little she knew of him, considering that he had lived with the royal family until she was five. The brunette princess had seen him as a brother, and if he had been annoyed with her following him around and teasing him occasionally, he had hidden it well. When he left, she had cried for days because he had been a constant presence in her life and she missed him. They had still conversed from time to time when they attended festivals or celebrations, but they had little in common besides their royal blood.
Yet now he had saved her from a fate worse than death. Her heartbeat began to slow down as he untied the rope around her hands and removed the dirty cloth from her mouth. Emilia gagged and coughed a few times, but she breathed much easier now. If only those wine bottles weren’t empty, I could wash the nasty taste out of my mouth.
He asked her the exact question that she wanted to ask him. Without thinking, she threw herself in his arms, clinging to him tightly. Her entire body shivered uncontrollably and she was so very cold. Over his shoulder, she saw his companion thwack one of the kidnappers in the chin with her staff. The other one was nowhere to be seen. Perhaps he had been too embarrassed to stick around and be defeated by a woman. I wish I could fight even half as good as she does.
“I was such an idiot, Elias! I received a note yesterday from someone claiming that Persephone’s life was in danger from inside the palace and I would be presented with proof if I met the letter writer here in the temple. I was so worried about my sister that I didn’t even think that it could have been a trap. I feel so foolish now.”
Emilia pulled away from him but remained sitting on the carpet. A crimson blush suffused her cheeks. “I don’t want to go home yet. I’m too shaken up and I don’t want to upset Father.” The King needed to concentrate on regaining his health and not be bothered by the stupidity of his youngest daughter. As much as she longed for a bath, she thought it best that she stay away from the palace until she regained her composure.
The young princess rubbed her wrists where the rough rope had chafed them. She wished she could stand but she wasn’t certain that her legs would hold her up yet. “I believe they would have killed me if you and your friend had not come to my rescue. I owe you my life, Elias. How can I ever repay you?”
The blow never came. A familiar voice coming from further inside the temple demanded that the kidnappers leave her alone and Emilia thanked all the gods for Lord Elias’ intervention. The men barely had the time to turn away from her before one was slammed in the legs with a wooden staff by the servant that often accompanied the Stravos lord. The other man dropped the lantern, pulled out two daggers and attacked. His accomplice jumped up, whipped around and daggers appeared in each of his hands as well.
Elias looked shocked as he knelt beside her, diverting her attention from the fight. She was glad that he was more concerned about making certain she was safe then joining the brawl. From the shouts of pain she could hear behind her, the woman seemed to be making short work of the kidnappers. Emilia had never questioned her place at Elias’ side and now she wondered if she was his bodyguard. If so, her savior was quite clever to choose a bodyguard who would be underestimated because of her gender.
It was surprising how little she knew of him, considering that he had lived with the royal family until she was five. The brunette princess had seen him as a brother, and if he had been annoyed with her following him around and teasing him occasionally, he had hidden it well. When he left, she had cried for days because he had been a constant presence in her life and she missed him. They had still conversed from time to time when they attended festivals or celebrations, but they had little in common besides their royal blood.
Yet now he had saved her from a fate worse than death. Her heartbeat began to slow down as he untied the rope around her hands and removed the dirty cloth from her mouth. Emilia gagged and coughed a few times, but she breathed much easier now. If only those wine bottles weren’t empty, I could wash the nasty taste out of my mouth.
He asked her the exact question that she wanted to ask him. Without thinking, she threw herself in his arms, clinging to him tightly. Her entire body shivered uncontrollably and she was so very cold. Over his shoulder, she saw his companion thwack one of the kidnappers in the chin with her staff. The other one was nowhere to be seen. Perhaps he had been too embarrassed to stick around and be defeated by a woman. I wish I could fight even half as good as she does.
“I was such an idiot, Elias! I received a note yesterday from someone claiming that Persephone’s life was in danger from inside the palace and I would be presented with proof if I met the letter writer here in the temple. I was so worried about my sister that I didn’t even think that it could have been a trap. I feel so foolish now.”
Emilia pulled away from him but remained sitting on the carpet. A crimson blush suffused her cheeks. “I don’t want to go home yet. I’m too shaken up and I don’t want to upset Father.” The King needed to concentrate on regaining his health and not be bothered by the stupidity of his youngest daughter. As much as she longed for a bath, she thought it best that she stay away from the palace until she regained her composure.
The young princess rubbed her wrists where the rough rope had chafed them. She wished she could stand but she wasn’t certain that her legs would hold her up yet. “I believe they would have killed me if you and your friend had not come to my rescue. I owe you my life, Elias. How can I ever repay you?”
Elias’ arms curled around the youngest princess, as he held her tightly, listening as she relayed her tale. Her rubbed her back, up until she pulled away from him, “While that was a bit idiotic, Emilia, you had your sister’s safety at heart—and that’s important too.” He studied her, dark eyes wandering over her features, the blush across her cheeks as she declared she did not want to go home.
“You can only learn from you mistakes, Em,” he reached out to cup her face in his hands, rubbing his thumbs along her cheeks, with a slight smile. “You can stay with us for a while,” he released her as he moved to stand, offering his hand out to his youngest cousin.
“Would you like to come back to the estate with me? I can have a servant run you a bath, Niobe can lend you some of her clothes, you must be uncomfortable after their treatment of you.” His voice was smooth, innocent. He had no ties to this debacle.
As he waited to pull her upright, she asked how she might repay him, and he hummed softly. “There’s no reason to repay me, Emilia. Keeping you safe and ensuring you are unharmed is enough for me.” He’d flash her a smile, as Niobe rejoined him.
“Come on, then, there’s no need to linger here. This is no place for a princess, after all.” He stated, finding that he was pleased—she had yet to ask him why he was here; though the answer was clear by the wine and the table set up that had been destroyed in the brawl.
He’d been here with his spymistress, on a date.
And that was just what he would tell the youngest princess, too. If he played his cards right, Emilia would prove to be an extremely valuable asset to him, he was certain of this fact.
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This character is currently a work in progress.
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Elias’ arms curled around the youngest princess, as he held her tightly, listening as she relayed her tale. Her rubbed her back, up until she pulled away from him, “While that was a bit idiotic, Emilia, you had your sister’s safety at heart—and that’s important too.” He studied her, dark eyes wandering over her features, the blush across her cheeks as she declared she did not want to go home.
“You can only learn from you mistakes, Em,” he reached out to cup her face in his hands, rubbing his thumbs along her cheeks, with a slight smile. “You can stay with us for a while,” he released her as he moved to stand, offering his hand out to his youngest cousin.
“Would you like to come back to the estate with me? I can have a servant run you a bath, Niobe can lend you some of her clothes, you must be uncomfortable after their treatment of you.” His voice was smooth, innocent. He had no ties to this debacle.
As he waited to pull her upright, she asked how she might repay him, and he hummed softly. “There’s no reason to repay me, Emilia. Keeping you safe and ensuring you are unharmed is enough for me.” He’d flash her a smile, as Niobe rejoined him.
“Come on, then, there’s no need to linger here. This is no place for a princess, after all.” He stated, finding that he was pleased—she had yet to ask him why he was here; though the answer was clear by the wine and the table set up that had been destroyed in the brawl.
He’d been here with his spymistress, on a date.
And that was just what he would tell the youngest princess, too. If he played his cards right, Emilia would prove to be an extremely valuable asset to him, he was certain of this fact.
Elias’ arms curled around the youngest princess, as he held her tightly, listening as she relayed her tale. Her rubbed her back, up until she pulled away from him, “While that was a bit idiotic, Emilia, you had your sister’s safety at heart—and that’s important too.” He studied her, dark eyes wandering over her features, the blush across her cheeks as she declared she did not want to go home.
“You can only learn from you mistakes, Em,” he reached out to cup her face in his hands, rubbing his thumbs along her cheeks, with a slight smile. “You can stay with us for a while,” he released her as he moved to stand, offering his hand out to his youngest cousin.
“Would you like to come back to the estate with me? I can have a servant run you a bath, Niobe can lend you some of her clothes, you must be uncomfortable after their treatment of you.” His voice was smooth, innocent. He had no ties to this debacle.
As he waited to pull her upright, she asked how she might repay him, and he hummed softly. “There’s no reason to repay me, Emilia. Keeping you safe and ensuring you are unharmed is enough for me.” He’d flash her a smile, as Niobe rejoined him.
“Come on, then, there’s no need to linger here. This is no place for a princess, after all.” He stated, finding that he was pleased—she had yet to ask him why he was here; though the answer was clear by the wine and the table set up that had been destroyed in the brawl.
He’d been here with his spymistress, on a date.
And that was just what he would tell the youngest princess, too. If he played his cards right, Emilia would prove to be an extremely valuable asset to him, he was certain of this fact.
Without the warmth of Elias’ embrace, Emilia’s trembling intensified. She wasn’t sure if it was because she was so angry at herself, or because she was so terrified of what had just happened to her. Witnessing his servant beat the living daylights out of the kidnappers frightened her as well. The youngest Xanthos princess had always been protected from the harsh realities of life and was not accustomed to violence of any kind.
Or maybe she was just cold. Was it really freezing in the Naos of Themis? Elias and his companion weren’t shivering at all. She pulled her cloak tightly around her but it didn’t help very much. A sudden blaze of anger dispelled the chill a bit when Elias acknowledged that she had acted like an idiot. He was supposed to tell her she wasn't stupid, not agree with her!
Her eyes flashed gold with fury but his next sentence calmed her down. Anyone would have done the same thing if they were told that someone who was dear them was in danger. Elias too. And he would have left his servant behind just as she had slipped away without a bodyguard. But was a man and knew how to fight. He could have defeated those kidnappers all by himself. In Emilia’s eyes, Elias was now the knight in shining armor from all of her favorite stories, coming to the rescue of the damsel in distress.
His hands were warm on her face and she closed her eyes as smiled as his thumbs stroked her cheek. When she opened them again, they were back to their normal hazel hue. “I have learned my lesson. I’ll never fall for anything like that again, nor will I ever venture from the palace without an escort.”
A hot bath sounded delightful and she nodded. Emilia watched Elias as he stood, noticing for the first time how handsome he was. She had always thought of him as a big brother, and big brothers were never handsome. A blush stained her cheeks when he offered her a hand and claimed that she owed him nothing. Perhaps that was how he saw it. Her own opinion differed from his. She would find a way to pay him back, whether he asked for it or not.
Emilia placed her hand in his and rose a bit ungracefully to her feet, wobbling a little bit on legs weak from fear. Using his grip for balance and reassurance, she quickly regained control. Now she could peruse the furnishings in the temple with a clearer head. As if reading Elias’ mind, she asked the question that he was expecting. “You came from the back of the temple,” she mused thoughtfully. “What were you doing here? Does the furniture and the wine belong to you?"
She smiled sheepishly. “If it does, I could really use a drink before we go.”
Alysanne
Emilia
Alysanne
Emilia
Awards
First Impressions:Lithe; Hazel eyes that seem to change color with her moods; long curly golden brown hair; high cheekbones; full heart-shaped lips; naturally tanned skin.
Address: Your Her Royal Highness
First Impressions:Lithe; Hazel eyes that seem to change color with her moods; long curly golden brown hair; high cheekbones; full heart-shaped lips; naturally tanned skin.
Address: Your Her Royal Highness
Without the warmth of Elias’ embrace, Emilia’s trembling intensified. She wasn’t sure if it was because she was so angry at herself, or because she was so terrified of what had just happened to her. Witnessing his servant beat the living daylights out of the kidnappers frightened her as well. The youngest Xanthos princess had always been protected from the harsh realities of life and was not accustomed to violence of any kind.
Or maybe she was just cold. Was it really freezing in the Naos of Themis? Elias and his companion weren’t shivering at all. She pulled her cloak tightly around her but it didn’t help very much. A sudden blaze of anger dispelled the chill a bit when Elias acknowledged that she had acted like an idiot. He was supposed to tell her she wasn't stupid, not agree with her!
Her eyes flashed gold with fury but his next sentence calmed her down. Anyone would have done the same thing if they were told that someone who was dear them was in danger. Elias too. And he would have left his servant behind just as she had slipped away without a bodyguard. But was a man and knew how to fight. He could have defeated those kidnappers all by himself. In Emilia’s eyes, Elias was now the knight in shining armor from all of her favorite stories, coming to the rescue of the damsel in distress.
His hands were warm on her face and she closed her eyes as smiled as his thumbs stroked her cheek. When she opened them again, they were back to their normal hazel hue. “I have learned my lesson. I’ll never fall for anything like that again, nor will I ever venture from the palace without an escort.”
A hot bath sounded delightful and she nodded. Emilia watched Elias as he stood, noticing for the first time how handsome he was. She had always thought of him as a big brother, and big brothers were never handsome. A blush stained her cheeks when he offered her a hand and claimed that she owed him nothing. Perhaps that was how he saw it. Her own opinion differed from his. She would find a way to pay him back, whether he asked for it or not.
Emilia placed her hand in his and rose a bit ungracefully to her feet, wobbling a little bit on legs weak from fear. Using his grip for balance and reassurance, she quickly regained control. Now she could peruse the furnishings in the temple with a clearer head. As if reading Elias’ mind, she asked the question that he was expecting. “You came from the back of the temple,” she mused thoughtfully. “What were you doing here? Does the furniture and the wine belong to you?"
She smiled sheepishly. “If it does, I could really use a drink before we go.”
Without the warmth of Elias’ embrace, Emilia’s trembling intensified. She wasn’t sure if it was because she was so angry at herself, or because she was so terrified of what had just happened to her. Witnessing his servant beat the living daylights out of the kidnappers frightened her as well. The youngest Xanthos princess had always been protected from the harsh realities of life and was not accustomed to violence of any kind.
Or maybe she was just cold. Was it really freezing in the Naos of Themis? Elias and his companion weren’t shivering at all. She pulled her cloak tightly around her but it didn’t help very much. A sudden blaze of anger dispelled the chill a bit when Elias acknowledged that she had acted like an idiot. He was supposed to tell her she wasn't stupid, not agree with her!
Her eyes flashed gold with fury but his next sentence calmed her down. Anyone would have done the same thing if they were told that someone who was dear them was in danger. Elias too. And he would have left his servant behind just as she had slipped away without a bodyguard. But was a man and knew how to fight. He could have defeated those kidnappers all by himself. In Emilia’s eyes, Elias was now the knight in shining armor from all of her favorite stories, coming to the rescue of the damsel in distress.
His hands were warm on her face and she closed her eyes as smiled as his thumbs stroked her cheek. When she opened them again, they were back to their normal hazel hue. “I have learned my lesson. I’ll never fall for anything like that again, nor will I ever venture from the palace without an escort.”
A hot bath sounded delightful and she nodded. Emilia watched Elias as he stood, noticing for the first time how handsome he was. She had always thought of him as a big brother, and big brothers were never handsome. A blush stained her cheeks when he offered her a hand and claimed that she owed him nothing. Perhaps that was how he saw it. Her own opinion differed from his. She would find a way to pay him back, whether he asked for it or not.
Emilia placed her hand in his and rose a bit ungracefully to her feet, wobbling a little bit on legs weak from fear. Using his grip for balance and reassurance, she quickly regained control. Now she could peruse the furnishings in the temple with a clearer head. As if reading Elias’ mind, she asked the question that he was expecting. “You came from the back of the temple,” she mused thoughtfully. “What were you doing here? Does the furniture and the wine belong to you?"
She smiled sheepishly. “If it does, I could really use a drink before we go.”