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Thalia didn't know what to expect, stepping out of the shadows as she did. The way they'd left things it could have done more damage to his and Persephone's relationship than it did good. But he was leaving and she was desperate. Even though there was nothing she could do, she needed to see him; to be in the same room with him longer than this short amount of time. If he left.. if he walked out again then it would all go back to the way it was and in that second she couldn't let that happen.
He stared at her for what felt like forever but really only could have been a few breaths. The play of emotions was evident in his eyes, but only someone who knew him in the way that she did could tell one expression from the next. Her face flamed and lips parted as she sucked in a deep breath. She lowered her chin and balled her hand around the hilt of her sword to keep her fingers from trembling. Persephone and Nicholaos may as well have not been in the room; everything else seemed to fade out.
Finally, he broke the spell and muttered under his breath before turning to go back to the chair he'd tucked under the table. When he pulled it out, she grit her teeth and stepped back against the wall; leaning against the rough surface now to support her legs. This feeling was new. She'd only felt it one time; when he'd returned after leaving her on the island with a ship in tow and a storm raging outside. She stared at him upside down on the bed before climbing off and going to him; breathless with anticipation. It was like every nerve in her body only came alive when he was near and they were all aching to be with him. She closed her eyes and prayed to Artemis for fortitude. Gods she'd missed him and it was only when his eyes met hers..when every restless night tangled in each other's arms staring into those eyes came flooding back that she realized the extent of how much she needed him now. It wasn't fair; how cruel the Gods were for putting him in her life. She was of noble blood; blue-blooded aristocracy. She consorted with royalty. Her families influence went back generations. They changed the course of Athenia more times than she could count. She had no place with Lukos. Her place was with Patros of Antonis, her fiance. It was what everyone expected of her and, perhaps in time, she could have been happy with him.
...But he'd never challenge her the way Lukos did. They'd live their life parallel to each other walking forever in a boring straight line. And she didn't want to walk in a straight line. ...But the one thing that Patros had that Lukos didn't was that he put her first. Ahead of her reputation. Ahead of the politics and his families interests, he still wanted her. She wasn't sure Lukos would ever want anything more than his gold and his ships. And she realized she couldn't be with someone that didn't put her first.
She took a deep breath and opened her eyes; willing her emotions to roll out of her chest when she exhaled. She channeled Diomedes; knowing what he would say; how angry he would be with Lukos. How he wanted his head on a pike more than anything and how livid he was that Persephone wasn't willing to avenge her kidnapping yet. If at all. She had to be angry. For him. For her family. She had to remember how much he'd hurt her. She tried to focus on Patros but it provided little comfort, so she kept her thoughts on her niece and nephew. It was for them she did this. For them and for her country.
JD
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JD
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Thalia didn't know what to expect, stepping out of the shadows as she did. The way they'd left things it could have done more damage to his and Persephone's relationship than it did good. But he was leaving and she was desperate. Even though there was nothing she could do, she needed to see him; to be in the same room with him longer than this short amount of time. If he left.. if he walked out again then it would all go back to the way it was and in that second she couldn't let that happen.
He stared at her for what felt like forever but really only could have been a few breaths. The play of emotions was evident in his eyes, but only someone who knew him in the way that she did could tell one expression from the next. Her face flamed and lips parted as she sucked in a deep breath. She lowered her chin and balled her hand around the hilt of her sword to keep her fingers from trembling. Persephone and Nicholaos may as well have not been in the room; everything else seemed to fade out.
Finally, he broke the spell and muttered under his breath before turning to go back to the chair he'd tucked under the table. When he pulled it out, she grit her teeth and stepped back against the wall; leaning against the rough surface now to support her legs. This feeling was new. She'd only felt it one time; when he'd returned after leaving her on the island with a ship in tow and a storm raging outside. She stared at him upside down on the bed before climbing off and going to him; breathless with anticipation. It was like every nerve in her body only came alive when he was near and they were all aching to be with him. She closed her eyes and prayed to Artemis for fortitude. Gods she'd missed him and it was only when his eyes met hers..when every restless night tangled in each other's arms staring into those eyes came flooding back that she realized the extent of how much she needed him now. It wasn't fair; how cruel the Gods were for putting him in her life. She was of noble blood; blue-blooded aristocracy. She consorted with royalty. Her families influence went back generations. They changed the course of Athenia more times than she could count. She had no place with Lukos. Her place was with Patros of Antonis, her fiance. It was what everyone expected of her and, perhaps in time, she could have been happy with him.
...But he'd never challenge her the way Lukos did. They'd live their life parallel to each other walking forever in a boring straight line. And she didn't want to walk in a straight line. ...But the one thing that Patros had that Lukos didn't was that he put her first. Ahead of her reputation. Ahead of the politics and his families interests, he still wanted her. She wasn't sure Lukos would ever want anything more than his gold and his ships. And she realized she couldn't be with someone that didn't put her first.
She took a deep breath and opened her eyes; willing her emotions to roll out of her chest when she exhaled. She channeled Diomedes; knowing what he would say; how angry he would be with Lukos. How he wanted his head on a pike more than anything and how livid he was that Persephone wasn't willing to avenge her kidnapping yet. If at all. She had to be angry. For him. For her family. She had to remember how much he'd hurt her. She tried to focus on Patros but it provided little comfort, so she kept her thoughts on her niece and nephew. It was for them she did this. For them and for her country.
Thalia didn't know what to expect, stepping out of the shadows as she did. The way they'd left things it could have done more damage to his and Persephone's relationship than it did good. But he was leaving and she was desperate. Even though there was nothing she could do, she needed to see him; to be in the same room with him longer than this short amount of time. If he left.. if he walked out again then it would all go back to the way it was and in that second she couldn't let that happen.
He stared at her for what felt like forever but really only could have been a few breaths. The play of emotions was evident in his eyes, but only someone who knew him in the way that she did could tell one expression from the next. Her face flamed and lips parted as she sucked in a deep breath. She lowered her chin and balled her hand around the hilt of her sword to keep her fingers from trembling. Persephone and Nicholaos may as well have not been in the room; everything else seemed to fade out.
Finally, he broke the spell and muttered under his breath before turning to go back to the chair he'd tucked under the table. When he pulled it out, she grit her teeth and stepped back against the wall; leaning against the rough surface now to support her legs. This feeling was new. She'd only felt it one time; when he'd returned after leaving her on the island with a ship in tow and a storm raging outside. She stared at him upside down on the bed before climbing off and going to him; breathless with anticipation. It was like every nerve in her body only came alive when he was near and they were all aching to be with him. She closed her eyes and prayed to Artemis for fortitude. Gods she'd missed him and it was only when his eyes met hers..when every restless night tangled in each other's arms staring into those eyes came flooding back that she realized the extent of how much she needed him now. It wasn't fair; how cruel the Gods were for putting him in her life. She was of noble blood; blue-blooded aristocracy. She consorted with royalty. Her families influence went back generations. They changed the course of Athenia more times than she could count. She had no place with Lukos. Her place was with Patros of Antonis, her fiance. It was what everyone expected of her and, perhaps in time, she could have been happy with him.
...But he'd never challenge her the way Lukos did. They'd live their life parallel to each other walking forever in a boring straight line. And she didn't want to walk in a straight line. ...But the one thing that Patros had that Lukos didn't was that he put her first. Ahead of her reputation. Ahead of the politics and his families interests, he still wanted her. She wasn't sure Lukos would ever want anything more than his gold and his ships. And she realized she couldn't be with someone that didn't put her first.
She took a deep breath and opened her eyes; willing her emotions to roll out of her chest when she exhaled. She channeled Diomedes; knowing what he would say; how angry he would be with Lukos. How he wanted his head on a pike more than anything and how livid he was that Persephone wasn't willing to avenge her kidnapping yet. If at all. She had to be angry. For him. For her family. She had to remember how much he'd hurt her. She tried to focus on Patros but it provided little comfort, so she kept her thoughts on her niece and nephew. It was for them she did this. For them and for her country.
The black stare following Persephone as she moved around the table did not change once she sat down to face him. His mouth was set in a grim line, accentuating the stony set of his features. However, as she arranged herself to attempt another round of encouraging friendly exchange, he did not adopt the mocking mannerisms he had used to intimidate her before. He had promised to listen and while she spoke, he focused on her completely.
The traitor behind him could wait.
When she asked that he appear in the senate, his stony mask broke as his eyebrows shot up. He had no idea what the inside of the senate looked like but he’d seen the senators themselves, draped in their long chitons, full of their own pomp and self worth. The thought of around fifty staring him down as he spoke made his mouth go dry. It wasn’t fear exactly but he didn’t like exposing himself to that many powerful people alone; and he would be alone. None of his men would be allowed to stand there with him.
His eyes slid away from her to rest on Nic just behind her but he wasn’t seeing him. He was already trying to figure a way out of this suicide she was asking of him; that Thalia was asking of him. Perhaps they didn’t need to fight Elias in the senate. It would be so much easier just to execute the whole family. That he would be willing to do. She had only to ask and he’d swarm that arrogant bastard’s villa, slaughtering anyone and anything in his path. Persephone’s seat would be secure, and he would have rid himself of his own problem.
Except politics didn’t work that simply and he knew it.
He resisted looking back at Thalia. There was no more confusion as to why she was here. It wasn’t Elias who’d betrayed him. It was her.
That she had betrayed him wasn’t what surprised him. She’d lied to him when they parted, promising no retribution but he’d known she would. For her, there’d been no other option and she owed him nothing. When she had held her sword to his neck back in the temple, anything between them had died in that moment. His idiot sentiment for her was the only reason she was standing in this room now, why he was sitting here now.
If he’d just killed her, instead of whatever else he’d been playing at, the problem of Athenia’s monarch asking him to risk not only himself, but his crew and his ships would not be happening.
Lukos sat back with a deep sigh, looking away from them all to the far, unoccupied corner of the room. He toyed with the silver ring again, spinning it around and around as he searched for a way around what Persephone wanted; like he could have both. “Stravos promised total annihilation if I betray him,” he said distantly, still looking elsewhere. The only way out was no Stravos. Period.
“You asked me to name my price,” his gaze settled dark and calculating on Persephone. “Make me Stravos.” He waited while that demand sank in.
“Give me everything. I want his wealth and I want his title and I want his power. That is what you promised in the letter. And that’s what it’ll take.” This was his way out. What he demanded was too high and he knew it. Perhaps this was Thalia’s way of getting back at him; selling him like he’d sold her, with essentially the same end. He’d be royally fucked, and then, in his case, be killed.
He didn’t sit there to wait for her answer. Instead, he got up again, smiling at her, and reaching his hand across the table, grasping hers and giving it a shake. “Your highness.” Letting go, he turned to look at Thalia. In his gaze was all the malice and longing he’d been fighting since before he’d brought her back. That she had betrayed him didn’t tear him up inside the way it should have. The anger was there but it was tempered by the growing want to have her back.
He said nothing to her as he reached for the door handle again. She’d chosen what she wanted and he would have to live with that.
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The black stare following Persephone as she moved around the table did not change once she sat down to face him. His mouth was set in a grim line, accentuating the stony set of his features. However, as she arranged herself to attempt another round of encouraging friendly exchange, he did not adopt the mocking mannerisms he had used to intimidate her before. He had promised to listen and while she spoke, he focused on her completely.
The traitor behind him could wait.
When she asked that he appear in the senate, his stony mask broke as his eyebrows shot up. He had no idea what the inside of the senate looked like but he’d seen the senators themselves, draped in their long chitons, full of their own pomp and self worth. The thought of around fifty staring him down as he spoke made his mouth go dry. It wasn’t fear exactly but he didn’t like exposing himself to that many powerful people alone; and he would be alone. None of his men would be allowed to stand there with him.
His eyes slid away from her to rest on Nic just behind her but he wasn’t seeing him. He was already trying to figure a way out of this suicide she was asking of him; that Thalia was asking of him. Perhaps they didn’t need to fight Elias in the senate. It would be so much easier just to execute the whole family. That he would be willing to do. She had only to ask and he’d swarm that arrogant bastard’s villa, slaughtering anyone and anything in his path. Persephone’s seat would be secure, and he would have rid himself of his own problem.
Except politics didn’t work that simply and he knew it.
He resisted looking back at Thalia. There was no more confusion as to why she was here. It wasn’t Elias who’d betrayed him. It was her.
That she had betrayed him wasn’t what surprised him. She’d lied to him when they parted, promising no retribution but he’d known she would. For her, there’d been no other option and she owed him nothing. When she had held her sword to his neck back in the temple, anything between them had died in that moment. His idiot sentiment for her was the only reason she was standing in this room now, why he was sitting here now.
If he’d just killed her, instead of whatever else he’d been playing at, the problem of Athenia’s monarch asking him to risk not only himself, but his crew and his ships would not be happening.
Lukos sat back with a deep sigh, looking away from them all to the far, unoccupied corner of the room. He toyed with the silver ring again, spinning it around and around as he searched for a way around what Persephone wanted; like he could have both. “Stravos promised total annihilation if I betray him,” he said distantly, still looking elsewhere. The only way out was no Stravos. Period.
“You asked me to name my price,” his gaze settled dark and calculating on Persephone. “Make me Stravos.” He waited while that demand sank in.
“Give me everything. I want his wealth and I want his title and I want his power. That is what you promised in the letter. And that’s what it’ll take.” This was his way out. What he demanded was too high and he knew it. Perhaps this was Thalia’s way of getting back at him; selling him like he’d sold her, with essentially the same end. He’d be royally fucked, and then, in his case, be killed.
He didn’t sit there to wait for her answer. Instead, he got up again, smiling at her, and reaching his hand across the table, grasping hers and giving it a shake. “Your highness.” Letting go, he turned to look at Thalia. In his gaze was all the malice and longing he’d been fighting since before he’d brought her back. That she had betrayed him didn’t tear him up inside the way it should have. The anger was there but it was tempered by the growing want to have her back.
He said nothing to her as he reached for the door handle again. She’d chosen what she wanted and he would have to live with that.
The black stare following Persephone as she moved around the table did not change once she sat down to face him. His mouth was set in a grim line, accentuating the stony set of his features. However, as she arranged herself to attempt another round of encouraging friendly exchange, he did not adopt the mocking mannerisms he had used to intimidate her before. He had promised to listen and while she spoke, he focused on her completely.
The traitor behind him could wait.
When she asked that he appear in the senate, his stony mask broke as his eyebrows shot up. He had no idea what the inside of the senate looked like but he’d seen the senators themselves, draped in their long chitons, full of their own pomp and self worth. The thought of around fifty staring him down as he spoke made his mouth go dry. It wasn’t fear exactly but he didn’t like exposing himself to that many powerful people alone; and he would be alone. None of his men would be allowed to stand there with him.
His eyes slid away from her to rest on Nic just behind her but he wasn’t seeing him. He was already trying to figure a way out of this suicide she was asking of him; that Thalia was asking of him. Perhaps they didn’t need to fight Elias in the senate. It would be so much easier just to execute the whole family. That he would be willing to do. She had only to ask and he’d swarm that arrogant bastard’s villa, slaughtering anyone and anything in his path. Persephone’s seat would be secure, and he would have rid himself of his own problem.
Except politics didn’t work that simply and he knew it.
He resisted looking back at Thalia. There was no more confusion as to why she was here. It wasn’t Elias who’d betrayed him. It was her.
That she had betrayed him wasn’t what surprised him. She’d lied to him when they parted, promising no retribution but he’d known she would. For her, there’d been no other option and she owed him nothing. When she had held her sword to his neck back in the temple, anything between them had died in that moment. His idiot sentiment for her was the only reason she was standing in this room now, why he was sitting here now.
If he’d just killed her, instead of whatever else he’d been playing at, the problem of Athenia’s monarch asking him to risk not only himself, but his crew and his ships would not be happening.
Lukos sat back with a deep sigh, looking away from them all to the far, unoccupied corner of the room. He toyed with the silver ring again, spinning it around and around as he searched for a way around what Persephone wanted; like he could have both. “Stravos promised total annihilation if I betray him,” he said distantly, still looking elsewhere. The only way out was no Stravos. Period.
“You asked me to name my price,” his gaze settled dark and calculating on Persephone. “Make me Stravos.” He waited while that demand sank in.
“Give me everything. I want his wealth and I want his title and I want his power. That is what you promised in the letter. And that’s what it’ll take.” This was his way out. What he demanded was too high and he knew it. Perhaps this was Thalia’s way of getting back at him; selling him like he’d sold her, with essentially the same end. He’d be royally fucked, and then, in his case, be killed.
He didn’t sit there to wait for her answer. Instead, he got up again, smiling at her, and reaching his hand across the table, grasping hers and giving it a shake. “Your highness.” Letting go, he turned to look at Thalia. In his gaze was all the malice and longing he’d been fighting since before he’d brought her back. That she had betrayed him didn’t tear him up inside the way it should have. The anger was there but it was tempered by the growing want to have her back.
He said nothing to her as he reached for the door handle again. She’d chosen what she wanted and he would have to live with that.
Persephone's features were calm and unreadable as Lukos considered her words and then laid out his terms. She had expected him to come back with something large and extravagant - something that he would expect her to not be able to cater to. She listened to his demands carefully and, with all of the knowledge, documents and understanding of the lands and provinces in her kingdom, residing in her head, was able to work out exactly what she might be able to offer to match his demands.
As he shook her hand before leaving his seat, Persephone was surprised by returned the shake with a strength unlike a woman. She had been taught long ago that to be treated as as close to an equal as a woman could get to a man, she needed to show her strength in everything she did - including so simple a thing as a handshake.
It wasn't until he had stood and reached for the door again that Persephone spoke, he mental calculations complete and her heart hopeful that her words would stay his hand.
"Agreed, Lukos of Magnemea."
The words hung in the air with all the weight and significance that they held.
A tide had just been turned.
"I can give you everything Lord Elias currently has. I offer you his province - Lyncestia - lands of over 6,000 men, with one of the largest harbours in Athenia amongst its holdings. I offer you the barony of the province; the title currently held by Lord Elias."
Placing her fingertips on the surface of the table, Persephone stood and moved around it, trailing her hand over the wood grain, as she sensed she had his attention and was eager to make the most of it.
"You would have not his current wealth in his vaults - it belongs to him personally and I cannot take it - but every piece of business that funnels and produces that gold would turn their destination from his hands to your own. Gold, trade, ships... Within a week, you would have more wealth than you have made in the last five years." Her eyes flashed. "You would become Lord Lukos of Lyncestia..." She added with a sly half smile. "A man of position, title and fortune..." She glanced sideways, her gaze tracking towards Thalia in the corner but not so the woman would see, given that Persephone now stood with her back to her.
Persephone might not be the most knowledgeable of pirates - nor of men - but she was also not simple, nor unobservant. The tension in the room since Thalia had removed her hood could not have been broken by sword no axe. Regardless of Thalia's thoughts on the matter, no feelings had been resolved by either party in this - of that Persephone was certain.
Standing in the middle of the room, Persephone grinned at the man a little wickedly and raised an eyebrow as she crossed her arms - the first unladylike gesture she had made since Lukos had entered the room.
"Being a baron isn't all fun and games, Lord Lukos..." She told him. "You would be beholden to the crown, to the House of Xanthos. I will not have this offered to you as a trick or a double-cross. This is an arrangement that should be that which we both gain from. Are you sure you want such power...?" Her smile crept in across her face...
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Persephone's features were calm and unreadable as Lukos considered her words and then laid out his terms. She had expected him to come back with something large and extravagant - something that he would expect her to not be able to cater to. She listened to his demands carefully and, with all of the knowledge, documents and understanding of the lands and provinces in her kingdom, residing in her head, was able to work out exactly what she might be able to offer to match his demands.
As he shook her hand before leaving his seat, Persephone was surprised by returned the shake with a strength unlike a woman. She had been taught long ago that to be treated as as close to an equal as a woman could get to a man, she needed to show her strength in everything she did - including so simple a thing as a handshake.
It wasn't until he had stood and reached for the door again that Persephone spoke, he mental calculations complete and her heart hopeful that her words would stay his hand.
"Agreed, Lukos of Magnemea."
The words hung in the air with all the weight and significance that they held.
A tide had just been turned.
"I can give you everything Lord Elias currently has. I offer you his province - Lyncestia - lands of over 6,000 men, with one of the largest harbours in Athenia amongst its holdings. I offer you the barony of the province; the title currently held by Lord Elias."
Placing her fingertips on the surface of the table, Persephone stood and moved around it, trailing her hand over the wood grain, as she sensed she had his attention and was eager to make the most of it.
"You would have not his current wealth in his vaults - it belongs to him personally and I cannot take it - but every piece of business that funnels and produces that gold would turn their destination from his hands to your own. Gold, trade, ships... Within a week, you would have more wealth than you have made in the last five years." Her eyes flashed. "You would become Lord Lukos of Lyncestia..." She added with a sly half smile. "A man of position, title and fortune..." She glanced sideways, her gaze tracking towards Thalia in the corner but not so the woman would see, given that Persephone now stood with her back to her.
Persephone might not be the most knowledgeable of pirates - nor of men - but she was also not simple, nor unobservant. The tension in the room since Thalia had removed her hood could not have been broken by sword no axe. Regardless of Thalia's thoughts on the matter, no feelings had been resolved by either party in this - of that Persephone was certain.
Standing in the middle of the room, Persephone grinned at the man a little wickedly and raised an eyebrow as she crossed her arms - the first unladylike gesture she had made since Lukos had entered the room.
"Being a baron isn't all fun and games, Lord Lukos..." She told him. "You would be beholden to the crown, to the House of Xanthos. I will not have this offered to you as a trick or a double-cross. This is an arrangement that should be that which we both gain from. Are you sure you want such power...?" Her smile crept in across her face...
Persephone's features were calm and unreadable as Lukos considered her words and then laid out his terms. She had expected him to come back with something large and extravagant - something that he would expect her to not be able to cater to. She listened to his demands carefully and, with all of the knowledge, documents and understanding of the lands and provinces in her kingdom, residing in her head, was able to work out exactly what she might be able to offer to match his demands.
As he shook her hand before leaving his seat, Persephone was surprised by returned the shake with a strength unlike a woman. She had been taught long ago that to be treated as as close to an equal as a woman could get to a man, she needed to show her strength in everything she did - including so simple a thing as a handshake.
It wasn't until he had stood and reached for the door again that Persephone spoke, he mental calculations complete and her heart hopeful that her words would stay his hand.
"Agreed, Lukos of Magnemea."
The words hung in the air with all the weight and significance that they held.
A tide had just been turned.
"I can give you everything Lord Elias currently has. I offer you his province - Lyncestia - lands of over 6,000 men, with one of the largest harbours in Athenia amongst its holdings. I offer you the barony of the province; the title currently held by Lord Elias."
Placing her fingertips on the surface of the table, Persephone stood and moved around it, trailing her hand over the wood grain, as she sensed she had his attention and was eager to make the most of it.
"You would have not his current wealth in his vaults - it belongs to him personally and I cannot take it - but every piece of business that funnels and produces that gold would turn their destination from his hands to your own. Gold, trade, ships... Within a week, you would have more wealth than you have made in the last five years." Her eyes flashed. "You would become Lord Lukos of Lyncestia..." She added with a sly half smile. "A man of position, title and fortune..." She glanced sideways, her gaze tracking towards Thalia in the corner but not so the woman would see, given that Persephone now stood with her back to her.
Persephone might not be the most knowledgeable of pirates - nor of men - but she was also not simple, nor unobservant. The tension in the room since Thalia had removed her hood could not have been broken by sword no axe. Regardless of Thalia's thoughts on the matter, no feelings had been resolved by either party in this - of that Persephone was certain.
Standing in the middle of the room, Persephone grinned at the man a little wickedly and raised an eyebrow as she crossed her arms - the first unladylike gesture she had made since Lukos had entered the room.
"Being a baron isn't all fun and games, Lord Lukos..." She told him. "You would be beholden to the crown, to the House of Xanthos. I will not have this offered to you as a trick or a double-cross. This is an arrangement that should be that which we both gain from. Are you sure you want such power...?" Her smile crept in across her face...
Thalia's heart fell into her stomach. What he was asking wasn't just for a few trunks of gold. She should have expected that. He was asking for everything. Titles. Land. Armies. Armada's. It was an impossible request and he knew it. He was doing it on purpose because he didn't think Persephone would ever agree to it. And were his testimony not worth the empire, she may not have.
But one word from Lukos either direction could change the fate of Athenia. The weight leveled on his back was so extreme, Thalia didn't know if there was a price that Persephone wouldn't pay. He didn't want it though. She knew that. Knew him. It was one thing to have riches and power. But to be beholden to a monarchy; to answer to a higher power and to steward the lands of a Barony was against everything he'd ever claimed to believe in. He was, in essence, shackling a different set of chains on his wrists save this time, they were gilded.
Thalia closed her eyes and lowered her chin. In his impossible request.. in a request he never thought could be fulfilled, he'd tied himself down. He'd tied his crew and their families down. Because giving away a traitors lands? Persephone would find no greater pleasure in it. Thalia would do the same thing.
The scrape of wood against the tile floor as Lukos stood to shake her hand drew her attention and she looked up just as Lukos turned to stare at her; all of the hatred and desire she was accustomed to seeing there magnified in that short moment of time. She couldn't mirror it though... not like she used to. Instead, there was something akin to... pity. Perhaps she had sealed his fate by going to Persephone. But he nailed himself down with the request of a barony. All of the people he was beholden to; his illicit behavior would have to come to a close. His men would have to fall in line as well or go off on their own. and that was an even more impossible feat.
Her attention turned to Persephone as she agreed with little thought to his request. She closed her eyes again and gave a cynical laugh under her breath before looking away. He didn't know the magnitude of his request and now he'd just been sealed to his fate. Everything he fought for, he'd turned away from for the idea of what he thought true power was.
But she knew he was only doing it because of her. The knowledge of that was bittersweet. Had she not said anything he would have walked out the door and carried on with his life. Persephone would have had her guard hunt him down and sooner or later he would be brought to justice in that regard. Either way, it was an impossible position for him and she recognized that. But he'd only managed to make it worse.
She watched as Persephone rounded the table and went to Lukos with casual indifference. As if offering a pirate someone else's lands was something she did every day. As if it was a trivial request. As if he should have asked for more. Persephone knew it. Thalia knew it. Being a land baron was about as opposite to piracy as one could get and Lukos walked right into it. He asked for it.
And now he'd pay for it.
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Thalia's heart fell into her stomach. What he was asking wasn't just for a few trunks of gold. She should have expected that. He was asking for everything. Titles. Land. Armies. Armada's. It was an impossible request and he knew it. He was doing it on purpose because he didn't think Persephone would ever agree to it. And were his testimony not worth the empire, she may not have.
But one word from Lukos either direction could change the fate of Athenia. The weight leveled on his back was so extreme, Thalia didn't know if there was a price that Persephone wouldn't pay. He didn't want it though. She knew that. Knew him. It was one thing to have riches and power. But to be beholden to a monarchy; to answer to a higher power and to steward the lands of a Barony was against everything he'd ever claimed to believe in. He was, in essence, shackling a different set of chains on his wrists save this time, they were gilded.
Thalia closed her eyes and lowered her chin. In his impossible request.. in a request he never thought could be fulfilled, he'd tied himself down. He'd tied his crew and their families down. Because giving away a traitors lands? Persephone would find no greater pleasure in it. Thalia would do the same thing.
The scrape of wood against the tile floor as Lukos stood to shake her hand drew her attention and she looked up just as Lukos turned to stare at her; all of the hatred and desire she was accustomed to seeing there magnified in that short moment of time. She couldn't mirror it though... not like she used to. Instead, there was something akin to... pity. Perhaps she had sealed his fate by going to Persephone. But he nailed himself down with the request of a barony. All of the people he was beholden to; his illicit behavior would have to come to a close. His men would have to fall in line as well or go off on their own. and that was an even more impossible feat.
Her attention turned to Persephone as she agreed with little thought to his request. She closed her eyes again and gave a cynical laugh under her breath before looking away. He didn't know the magnitude of his request and now he'd just been sealed to his fate. Everything he fought for, he'd turned away from for the idea of what he thought true power was.
But she knew he was only doing it because of her. The knowledge of that was bittersweet. Had she not said anything he would have walked out the door and carried on with his life. Persephone would have had her guard hunt him down and sooner or later he would be brought to justice in that regard. Either way, it was an impossible position for him and she recognized that. But he'd only managed to make it worse.
She watched as Persephone rounded the table and went to Lukos with casual indifference. As if offering a pirate someone else's lands was something she did every day. As if it was a trivial request. As if he should have asked for more. Persephone knew it. Thalia knew it. Being a land baron was about as opposite to piracy as one could get and Lukos walked right into it. He asked for it.
And now he'd pay for it.
Thalia's heart fell into her stomach. What he was asking wasn't just for a few trunks of gold. She should have expected that. He was asking for everything. Titles. Land. Armies. Armada's. It was an impossible request and he knew it. He was doing it on purpose because he didn't think Persephone would ever agree to it. And were his testimony not worth the empire, she may not have.
But one word from Lukos either direction could change the fate of Athenia. The weight leveled on his back was so extreme, Thalia didn't know if there was a price that Persephone wouldn't pay. He didn't want it though. She knew that. Knew him. It was one thing to have riches and power. But to be beholden to a monarchy; to answer to a higher power and to steward the lands of a Barony was against everything he'd ever claimed to believe in. He was, in essence, shackling a different set of chains on his wrists save this time, they were gilded.
Thalia closed her eyes and lowered her chin. In his impossible request.. in a request he never thought could be fulfilled, he'd tied himself down. He'd tied his crew and their families down. Because giving away a traitors lands? Persephone would find no greater pleasure in it. Thalia would do the same thing.
The scrape of wood against the tile floor as Lukos stood to shake her hand drew her attention and she looked up just as Lukos turned to stare at her; all of the hatred and desire she was accustomed to seeing there magnified in that short moment of time. She couldn't mirror it though... not like she used to. Instead, there was something akin to... pity. Perhaps she had sealed his fate by going to Persephone. But he nailed himself down with the request of a barony. All of the people he was beholden to; his illicit behavior would have to come to a close. His men would have to fall in line as well or go off on their own. and that was an even more impossible feat.
Her attention turned to Persephone as she agreed with little thought to his request. She closed her eyes again and gave a cynical laugh under her breath before looking away. He didn't know the magnitude of his request and now he'd just been sealed to his fate. Everything he fought for, he'd turned away from for the idea of what he thought true power was.
But she knew he was only doing it because of her. The knowledge of that was bittersweet. Had she not said anything he would have walked out the door and carried on with his life. Persephone would have had her guard hunt him down and sooner or later he would be brought to justice in that regard. Either way, it was an impossible position for him and she recognized that. But he'd only managed to make it worse.
She watched as Persephone rounded the table and went to Lukos with casual indifference. As if offering a pirate someone else's lands was something she did every day. As if it was a trivial request. As if he should have asked for more. Persephone knew it. Thalia knew it. Being a land baron was about as opposite to piracy as one could get and Lukos walked right into it. He asked for it.
And now he'd pay for it.
For the second time, his hand froze on the door handle. Glaring over his shoulder, he turned a little to level Persephone with a hard stare. “What did you say?” The words slipped out just above a whisper. He watched her stand, trailing her fingers over the table. It was something he’d done before; a signal that the upper hand was now hers.
He’d overplayed his hand and was now watching Persephone the same way she’d looked at him when she’d offered her hand the first time; like she was the wild animal that needed its claws ripped out.
As she agreed to the lands, he thought of his island and the derelict temple as its crown. Of his one slave girl who came up three times a day and who wouldn’t come at all if it rained, forcing him to either go down to the village or starve until she could bring food. If he became a baron, there would be a massive house, filled with slaves. The thought was terrifying. How would he ever be alone?
Thalia had reamed him several times about how he was responsible for the lives of his crew and their families. He’d reared up at her, furious that she would presume he didn’t understand. She’d seen for herself that he took care of them all; but 6,000 men? Plus their families? That was a whole other level.
His stomach bottomed out as Persephone pressed on, explaining that wealth would pour into his fingers. Very little work involved. In order to keep generating that wealth, he’d have to stay on land, negotiating with men he hated and who would most certainly hate him in return and to a greater degree than they did now. At the title Lord Lukos of Lyncestia, he felt physically ill.
As her gaze shifted sideways, his did the same, landing on Thalia. He leaned back against the door, hands behind him, pressing his palms against the wood. It was solid and smooth and real. Unlike everything that Persephone was promising, threatening. His heart thudded dully.
Lukos tipped his head back, his eyes sliding back to Persephone as she reminded him of what it would mean to be a baron. The thought of bending his knee to her, of having to give up what he’d worked for over the last ten years, what he’d quite literally bled for, was enough to make him wonder if he was even sane for considering this.
“This is still just promises,” he said at last, his voice flat, his eyes becoming hard again. “You’re asking me to cross someone we both know would hunt me down if he heard even a whisper that we’ve met.” He inclined his head to her as Persephone gave him more assurances. Without looking at Thalia this time, he said, “Your friend over there thinks that some choices are simple black and white decisions.” Turning toward her now, he finished with, “We’ll see in the end if I’ve made the right choice, won’t we?”
“My ship will be docked in the harbor until the full moon. I’ve got other business here. Come to me before then with your proof. Show me you’re serious and I’ll stand in that senate for you,” he told Persephone but he glared at her and stepped up to her, closing the distance within two steps. His eyes bored into hers with sudden vehemence. “This had better be worth it.”
Turning on his heel, he opened the door. It was like stepping into another world. Laughter rolled into the room, bringing with it the odor of unwashed bodies and wine. Without a backward glance, he shut the door behind him. The man who’d been waiting for him scrambled to keep up in his wake. At his sudden appearance, his crew rose as one from the table and followed him out into the night.
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For the second time, his hand froze on the door handle. Glaring over his shoulder, he turned a little to level Persephone with a hard stare. “What did you say?” The words slipped out just above a whisper. He watched her stand, trailing her fingers over the table. It was something he’d done before; a signal that the upper hand was now hers.
He’d overplayed his hand and was now watching Persephone the same way she’d looked at him when she’d offered her hand the first time; like she was the wild animal that needed its claws ripped out.
As she agreed to the lands, he thought of his island and the derelict temple as its crown. Of his one slave girl who came up three times a day and who wouldn’t come at all if it rained, forcing him to either go down to the village or starve until she could bring food. If he became a baron, there would be a massive house, filled with slaves. The thought was terrifying. How would he ever be alone?
Thalia had reamed him several times about how he was responsible for the lives of his crew and their families. He’d reared up at her, furious that she would presume he didn’t understand. She’d seen for herself that he took care of them all; but 6,000 men? Plus their families? That was a whole other level.
His stomach bottomed out as Persephone pressed on, explaining that wealth would pour into his fingers. Very little work involved. In order to keep generating that wealth, he’d have to stay on land, negotiating with men he hated and who would most certainly hate him in return and to a greater degree than they did now. At the title Lord Lukos of Lyncestia, he felt physically ill.
As her gaze shifted sideways, his did the same, landing on Thalia. He leaned back against the door, hands behind him, pressing his palms against the wood. It was solid and smooth and real. Unlike everything that Persephone was promising, threatening. His heart thudded dully.
Lukos tipped his head back, his eyes sliding back to Persephone as she reminded him of what it would mean to be a baron. The thought of bending his knee to her, of having to give up what he’d worked for over the last ten years, what he’d quite literally bled for, was enough to make him wonder if he was even sane for considering this.
“This is still just promises,” he said at last, his voice flat, his eyes becoming hard again. “You’re asking me to cross someone we both know would hunt me down if he heard even a whisper that we’ve met.” He inclined his head to her as Persephone gave him more assurances. Without looking at Thalia this time, he said, “Your friend over there thinks that some choices are simple black and white decisions.” Turning toward her now, he finished with, “We’ll see in the end if I’ve made the right choice, won’t we?”
“My ship will be docked in the harbor until the full moon. I’ve got other business here. Come to me before then with your proof. Show me you’re serious and I’ll stand in that senate for you,” he told Persephone but he glared at her and stepped up to her, closing the distance within two steps. His eyes bored into hers with sudden vehemence. “This had better be worth it.”
Turning on his heel, he opened the door. It was like stepping into another world. Laughter rolled into the room, bringing with it the odor of unwashed bodies and wine. Without a backward glance, he shut the door behind him. The man who’d been waiting for him scrambled to keep up in his wake. At his sudden appearance, his crew rose as one from the table and followed him out into the night.
For the second time, his hand froze on the door handle. Glaring over his shoulder, he turned a little to level Persephone with a hard stare. “What did you say?” The words slipped out just above a whisper. He watched her stand, trailing her fingers over the table. It was something he’d done before; a signal that the upper hand was now hers.
He’d overplayed his hand and was now watching Persephone the same way she’d looked at him when she’d offered her hand the first time; like she was the wild animal that needed its claws ripped out.
As she agreed to the lands, he thought of his island and the derelict temple as its crown. Of his one slave girl who came up three times a day and who wouldn’t come at all if it rained, forcing him to either go down to the village or starve until she could bring food. If he became a baron, there would be a massive house, filled with slaves. The thought was terrifying. How would he ever be alone?
Thalia had reamed him several times about how he was responsible for the lives of his crew and their families. He’d reared up at her, furious that she would presume he didn’t understand. She’d seen for herself that he took care of them all; but 6,000 men? Plus their families? That was a whole other level.
His stomach bottomed out as Persephone pressed on, explaining that wealth would pour into his fingers. Very little work involved. In order to keep generating that wealth, he’d have to stay on land, negotiating with men he hated and who would most certainly hate him in return and to a greater degree than they did now. At the title Lord Lukos of Lyncestia, he felt physically ill.
As her gaze shifted sideways, his did the same, landing on Thalia. He leaned back against the door, hands behind him, pressing his palms against the wood. It was solid and smooth and real. Unlike everything that Persephone was promising, threatening. His heart thudded dully.
Lukos tipped his head back, his eyes sliding back to Persephone as she reminded him of what it would mean to be a baron. The thought of bending his knee to her, of having to give up what he’d worked for over the last ten years, what he’d quite literally bled for, was enough to make him wonder if he was even sane for considering this.
“This is still just promises,” he said at last, his voice flat, his eyes becoming hard again. “You’re asking me to cross someone we both know would hunt me down if he heard even a whisper that we’ve met.” He inclined his head to her as Persephone gave him more assurances. Without looking at Thalia this time, he said, “Your friend over there thinks that some choices are simple black and white decisions.” Turning toward her now, he finished with, “We’ll see in the end if I’ve made the right choice, won’t we?”
“My ship will be docked in the harbor until the full moon. I’ve got other business here. Come to me before then with your proof. Show me you’re serious and I’ll stand in that senate for you,” he told Persephone but he glared at her and stepped up to her, closing the distance within two steps. His eyes bored into hers with sudden vehemence. “This had better be worth it.”
Turning on his heel, he opened the door. It was like stepping into another world. Laughter rolled into the room, bringing with it the odor of unwashed bodies and wine. Without a backward glance, he shut the door behind him. The man who’d been waiting for him scrambled to keep up in his wake. At his sudden appearance, his crew rose as one from the table and followed him out into the night.
While the frown on the other man’s face made the princess hesitate, it caused Nic to shift his weight uneasily, but he remained where he was, his gaze locked on the Lukos, prepared to spring to the princess’ defense her wishes in the matter be damned. This was what he did, and holding back was harder than he would ever have believed possible. As the princess moved to drag the chair around, Nic’s hands twitched, then fell back to his sides, though he did give the leg nearest him, a nudge with his foot, making it easier for her to move it without seeming to offer her any aid. I hope that’s what she wants. He thought, letting out a long breath.
Given the close proximity between the princess and the man she’d come to meet, Nic knew that there wasn’t much he could do to protect her if Lukos did decide to attack her, so he was reduced to praying to all the God and Goddesses that he would not. In the matter of the closeness between Lukus and the princess, Nic and Lukos were in agreement, as Nic would’ve been much happier if the princess had stayed on the other side of the table from the pirate captain. Though he had faith that Persephone would make an excellent queen, assuming that she survived the night.
Unable to help himself, Nic took a step closer as the princess darted between the door and the man, sure that he was going to use physical force to remove her from his path. Just let it be physical force rather than overt violence. He prayed, prepared to catch the princess should he thrust her out of his way. But his worries were groundless as Lukos did neither. Merely stepped around the princess intent on leaving the room and all her offers behind, at least until Thalia finally spoke, halting the man in his tracks.
When Lukos looked his way, his face was impassive, as any good bodyguard’s should be, not that it mattered very much since the other man's gaze was clearly unfocused, mind busy with his thoughts and concerns. Nic’s jaw dropped when the other man demanded to be given Stravos’ titles and position and the princess agreed.. He closed it quickly again, his own eyes dark as his mind raced. He’d been saving every cent he could for month just to afford to free Dawn, and the princess gave this man more money and power than Nic dared to dream of. But then he’d never dream big, he’d been a slave for most of his life, freeing Dawn, marrying her openly and living a relatively quiet life was his dream.
After Lukos left them, Nic looked to the princess, his brown eyed gaze cool, waiting wordlessly for her to take the lead. Though he did offer his hand to both ladies once they reached the carriage. He swung himself up atop the carriage, sitting beside the driver, partially to ensure it was the same man as when they’d come given that it wasn’t unheard off for a man to be replaced to hold wealthy people hostage. While Nic didn’t get angry very often, but he did have a temper, so he felt it was best that he keep his distance from the princess for a time.
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Staff Team
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This post was created by our staff team.
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While the frown on the other man’s face made the princess hesitate, it caused Nic to shift his weight uneasily, but he remained where he was, his gaze locked on the Lukos, prepared to spring to the princess’ defense her wishes in the matter be damned. This was what he did, and holding back was harder than he would ever have believed possible. As the princess moved to drag the chair around, Nic’s hands twitched, then fell back to his sides, though he did give the leg nearest him, a nudge with his foot, making it easier for her to move it without seeming to offer her any aid. I hope that’s what she wants. He thought, letting out a long breath.
Given the close proximity between the princess and the man she’d come to meet, Nic knew that there wasn’t much he could do to protect her if Lukos did decide to attack her, so he was reduced to praying to all the God and Goddesses that he would not. In the matter of the closeness between Lukus and the princess, Nic and Lukos were in agreement, as Nic would’ve been much happier if the princess had stayed on the other side of the table from the pirate captain. Though he had faith that Persephone would make an excellent queen, assuming that she survived the night.
Unable to help himself, Nic took a step closer as the princess darted between the door and the man, sure that he was going to use physical force to remove her from his path. Just let it be physical force rather than overt violence. He prayed, prepared to catch the princess should he thrust her out of his way. But his worries were groundless as Lukos did neither. Merely stepped around the princess intent on leaving the room and all her offers behind, at least until Thalia finally spoke, halting the man in his tracks.
When Lukos looked his way, his face was impassive, as any good bodyguard’s should be, not that it mattered very much since the other man's gaze was clearly unfocused, mind busy with his thoughts and concerns. Nic’s jaw dropped when the other man demanded to be given Stravos’ titles and position and the princess agreed.. He closed it quickly again, his own eyes dark as his mind raced. He’d been saving every cent he could for month just to afford to free Dawn, and the princess gave this man more money and power than Nic dared to dream of. But then he’d never dream big, he’d been a slave for most of his life, freeing Dawn, marrying her openly and living a relatively quiet life was his dream.
After Lukos left them, Nic looked to the princess, his brown eyed gaze cool, waiting wordlessly for her to take the lead. Though he did offer his hand to both ladies once they reached the carriage. He swung himself up atop the carriage, sitting beside the driver, partially to ensure it was the same man as when they’d come given that it wasn’t unheard off for a man to be replaced to hold wealthy people hostage. While Nic didn’t get angry very often, but he did have a temper, so he felt it was best that he keep his distance from the princess for a time.
While the frown on the other man’s face made the princess hesitate, it caused Nic to shift his weight uneasily, but he remained where he was, his gaze locked on the Lukos, prepared to spring to the princess’ defense her wishes in the matter be damned. This was what he did, and holding back was harder than he would ever have believed possible. As the princess moved to drag the chair around, Nic’s hands twitched, then fell back to his sides, though he did give the leg nearest him, a nudge with his foot, making it easier for her to move it without seeming to offer her any aid. I hope that’s what she wants. He thought, letting out a long breath.
Given the close proximity between the princess and the man she’d come to meet, Nic knew that there wasn’t much he could do to protect her if Lukos did decide to attack her, so he was reduced to praying to all the God and Goddesses that he would not. In the matter of the closeness between Lukus and the princess, Nic and Lukos were in agreement, as Nic would’ve been much happier if the princess had stayed on the other side of the table from the pirate captain. Though he had faith that Persephone would make an excellent queen, assuming that she survived the night.
Unable to help himself, Nic took a step closer as the princess darted between the door and the man, sure that he was going to use physical force to remove her from his path. Just let it be physical force rather than overt violence. He prayed, prepared to catch the princess should he thrust her out of his way. But his worries were groundless as Lukos did neither. Merely stepped around the princess intent on leaving the room and all her offers behind, at least until Thalia finally spoke, halting the man in his tracks.
When Lukos looked his way, his face was impassive, as any good bodyguard’s should be, not that it mattered very much since the other man's gaze was clearly unfocused, mind busy with his thoughts and concerns. Nic’s jaw dropped when the other man demanded to be given Stravos’ titles and position and the princess agreed.. He closed it quickly again, his own eyes dark as his mind raced. He’d been saving every cent he could for month just to afford to free Dawn, and the princess gave this man more money and power than Nic dared to dream of. But then he’d never dream big, he’d been a slave for most of his life, freeing Dawn, marrying her openly and living a relatively quiet life was his dream.
After Lukos left them, Nic looked to the princess, his brown eyed gaze cool, waiting wordlessly for her to take the lead. Though he did offer his hand to both ladies once they reached the carriage. He swung himself up atop the carriage, sitting beside the driver, partially to ensure it was the same man as when they’d come given that it wasn’t unheard off for a man to be replaced to hold wealthy people hostage. While Nic didn’t get angry very often, but he did have a temper, so he felt it was best that he keep his distance from the princess for a time.
Persephone knew that she had him. It was as soon as his hand stilled on the door handle for that second time - the hesitation of leaving after she had agreed to his terms. She had his attention, she had his interest and - while she might not have his loyalty - she had his use. No-one asked for something that large and substantial without being hooked when it was offered in return.
To prove her point, Lukos turned slowly from the door and raised an eyebrow at her, asking her to repeat her words. She did no such thing and simply held his gaze with strength and determination. He had heard her. And he was already thinking the offer through - she could see the dullness in his eyes as his thoughts turned inwards and his attention regarding the rest of the room waver.
The tension in the air was higher now than it had been when Thalia had first removed her hood. She could practically feel the other woman's gaze darting between herself and the pirate captain, while Nicholai's shoulders had not eased during the entire meeting.
It was natural for any bodyguard to want to step in close to their charge - especially a bodyguard who had served a family long enough to watch that charge grow up. And yet he was held in place. How close she placed herself to Lukos was her own choice, and it was Nicholai's duty to protect her to the best of his ability, while she carried out her own decided actions. It was not his choice to commandeer or organise a room to promote her safety over the importance of their situation.
If securing the future of Athenia meant Persephone risking a little danger to her person then she was willing to acquiesce to such a possibility. The end result would be worth it.
So, while she appreciated Nicholai's concern for her well-being - easily read in the way he shifted and swayed in order to play himself in the best possible position to reach her should he need to - she was unconcerned for it at the moment. There were more important wheels turning at this meeting.
It was when Lukos took action again - a man clearly used to setting his own course and staying the journey, as he tried to take control of the negotiations once again - that Persephone risked a half smile in her victory.
He insisted that she meet him on his ship - his own turf and territory - with some form of proof regarding her offer and she nodded demurely at his instructions. There was no advantage to her pushing her lead nor or asserting any authority. She had his interest, and she wasn't about to lose it over her own pride.
"Then, I shall see you in three days, Captain Lukos." She stated firmly, ensuring that she gave herself enough time to find and produce the 'proof' that he needed.
She understood the sentiment at least, even if the practicalities of such a thing left her frustrated. She felt an over-eagerness to have his agreement cemented in stone, in a blood oath, in a vow to the Gods - whatever would hold him most tight. But such matters needed to be handled carefully and she drew on her long-practised patience to not stop him leaving; to not grab hold of his arm and beg him for his agreement here and now.
Instead, she left him go.
Exhaling fully for the first time since the man had entered the room, Persephone tried to make her relief less obvious as she took two quick steps forward and took up her cloak. Fastening it around her neck, drawing the sides together down her front and pulling the hood back up into place, deep enough to hide her features, the princess indicated for both Nicholai and Thalia to leave the room with her, without a word.
This was not the place to discuss any of their perceptions of their little convocation.
Instead, she hurried out of the room with her bodyguards - one hired and one voluntary - at her sides and then stepped quickly through the main common room.
At this point, it didn't matter if she looked suspicious, hurrying between the tables and out the front door. She wouldn't be around long enough for anyone to stop, stare and speculate.
The carriage was still waiting for them a little down the street and the three of them headed down the uneven street. Persephone was careful of her foot placement in the dark, determined not to let a simple slip and tumble betray her now.
When they reached the vehicle, Persephone stepped inside first, followed by Thalia, while Nicholai took the seat up front.
It wasn't until Persephone had drawn the curtains over the little windows of the cart and the horses had been whipped into motion, that Persephone turned to the Lady of Nikolaos, her hood still in place against any nosy witnesses who were catching glimpses around the swaying curtains.
"Your pirate is quite the charmer, Lady Thalia." She told her with a dry humour in the cadence of her voice.
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Persephone knew that she had him. It was as soon as his hand stilled on the door handle for that second time - the hesitation of leaving after she had agreed to his terms. She had his attention, she had his interest and - while she might not have his loyalty - she had his use. No-one asked for something that large and substantial without being hooked when it was offered in return.
To prove her point, Lukos turned slowly from the door and raised an eyebrow at her, asking her to repeat her words. She did no such thing and simply held his gaze with strength and determination. He had heard her. And he was already thinking the offer through - she could see the dullness in his eyes as his thoughts turned inwards and his attention regarding the rest of the room waver.
The tension in the air was higher now than it had been when Thalia had first removed her hood. She could practically feel the other woman's gaze darting between herself and the pirate captain, while Nicholai's shoulders had not eased during the entire meeting.
It was natural for any bodyguard to want to step in close to their charge - especially a bodyguard who had served a family long enough to watch that charge grow up. And yet he was held in place. How close she placed herself to Lukos was her own choice, and it was Nicholai's duty to protect her to the best of his ability, while she carried out her own decided actions. It was not his choice to commandeer or organise a room to promote her safety over the importance of their situation.
If securing the future of Athenia meant Persephone risking a little danger to her person then she was willing to acquiesce to such a possibility. The end result would be worth it.
So, while she appreciated Nicholai's concern for her well-being - easily read in the way he shifted and swayed in order to play himself in the best possible position to reach her should he need to - she was unconcerned for it at the moment. There were more important wheels turning at this meeting.
It was when Lukos took action again - a man clearly used to setting his own course and staying the journey, as he tried to take control of the negotiations once again - that Persephone risked a half smile in her victory.
He insisted that she meet him on his ship - his own turf and territory - with some form of proof regarding her offer and she nodded demurely at his instructions. There was no advantage to her pushing her lead nor or asserting any authority. She had his interest, and she wasn't about to lose it over her own pride.
"Then, I shall see you in three days, Captain Lukos." She stated firmly, ensuring that she gave herself enough time to find and produce the 'proof' that he needed.
She understood the sentiment at least, even if the practicalities of such a thing left her frustrated. She felt an over-eagerness to have his agreement cemented in stone, in a blood oath, in a vow to the Gods - whatever would hold him most tight. But such matters needed to be handled carefully and she drew on her long-practised patience to not stop him leaving; to not grab hold of his arm and beg him for his agreement here and now.
Instead, she left him go.
Exhaling fully for the first time since the man had entered the room, Persephone tried to make her relief less obvious as she took two quick steps forward and took up her cloak. Fastening it around her neck, drawing the sides together down her front and pulling the hood back up into place, deep enough to hide her features, the princess indicated for both Nicholai and Thalia to leave the room with her, without a word.
This was not the place to discuss any of their perceptions of their little convocation.
Instead, she hurried out of the room with her bodyguards - one hired and one voluntary - at her sides and then stepped quickly through the main common room.
At this point, it didn't matter if she looked suspicious, hurrying between the tables and out the front door. She wouldn't be around long enough for anyone to stop, stare and speculate.
The carriage was still waiting for them a little down the street and the three of them headed down the uneven street. Persephone was careful of her foot placement in the dark, determined not to let a simple slip and tumble betray her now.
When they reached the vehicle, Persephone stepped inside first, followed by Thalia, while Nicholai took the seat up front.
It wasn't until Persephone had drawn the curtains over the little windows of the cart and the horses had been whipped into motion, that Persephone turned to the Lady of Nikolaos, her hood still in place against any nosy witnesses who were catching glimpses around the swaying curtains.
"Your pirate is quite the charmer, Lady Thalia." She told her with a dry humour in the cadence of her voice.
Persephone knew that she had him. It was as soon as his hand stilled on the door handle for that second time - the hesitation of leaving after she had agreed to his terms. She had his attention, she had his interest and - while she might not have his loyalty - she had his use. No-one asked for something that large and substantial without being hooked when it was offered in return.
To prove her point, Lukos turned slowly from the door and raised an eyebrow at her, asking her to repeat her words. She did no such thing and simply held his gaze with strength and determination. He had heard her. And he was already thinking the offer through - she could see the dullness in his eyes as his thoughts turned inwards and his attention regarding the rest of the room waver.
The tension in the air was higher now than it had been when Thalia had first removed her hood. She could practically feel the other woman's gaze darting between herself and the pirate captain, while Nicholai's shoulders had not eased during the entire meeting.
It was natural for any bodyguard to want to step in close to their charge - especially a bodyguard who had served a family long enough to watch that charge grow up. And yet he was held in place. How close she placed herself to Lukos was her own choice, and it was Nicholai's duty to protect her to the best of his ability, while she carried out her own decided actions. It was not his choice to commandeer or organise a room to promote her safety over the importance of their situation.
If securing the future of Athenia meant Persephone risking a little danger to her person then she was willing to acquiesce to such a possibility. The end result would be worth it.
So, while she appreciated Nicholai's concern for her well-being - easily read in the way he shifted and swayed in order to play himself in the best possible position to reach her should he need to - she was unconcerned for it at the moment. There were more important wheels turning at this meeting.
It was when Lukos took action again - a man clearly used to setting his own course and staying the journey, as he tried to take control of the negotiations once again - that Persephone risked a half smile in her victory.
He insisted that she meet him on his ship - his own turf and territory - with some form of proof regarding her offer and she nodded demurely at his instructions. There was no advantage to her pushing her lead nor or asserting any authority. She had his interest, and she wasn't about to lose it over her own pride.
"Then, I shall see you in three days, Captain Lukos." She stated firmly, ensuring that she gave herself enough time to find and produce the 'proof' that he needed.
She understood the sentiment at least, even if the practicalities of such a thing left her frustrated. She felt an over-eagerness to have his agreement cemented in stone, in a blood oath, in a vow to the Gods - whatever would hold him most tight. But such matters needed to be handled carefully and she drew on her long-practised patience to not stop him leaving; to not grab hold of his arm and beg him for his agreement here and now.
Instead, she left him go.
Exhaling fully for the first time since the man had entered the room, Persephone tried to make her relief less obvious as she took two quick steps forward and took up her cloak. Fastening it around her neck, drawing the sides together down her front and pulling the hood back up into place, deep enough to hide her features, the princess indicated for both Nicholai and Thalia to leave the room with her, without a word.
This was not the place to discuss any of their perceptions of their little convocation.
Instead, she hurried out of the room with her bodyguards - one hired and one voluntary - at her sides and then stepped quickly through the main common room.
At this point, it didn't matter if she looked suspicious, hurrying between the tables and out the front door. She wouldn't be around long enough for anyone to stop, stare and speculate.
The carriage was still waiting for them a little down the street and the three of them headed down the uneven street. Persephone was careful of her foot placement in the dark, determined not to let a simple slip and tumble betray her now.
When they reached the vehicle, Persephone stepped inside first, followed by Thalia, while Nicholai took the seat up front.
It wasn't until Persephone had drawn the curtains over the little windows of the cart and the horses had been whipped into motion, that Persephone turned to the Lady of Nikolaos, her hood still in place against any nosy witnesses who were catching glimpses around the swaying curtains.
"Your pirate is quite the charmer, Lady Thalia." She told her with a dry humour in the cadence of her voice.
