As much as Rafail supposed he was enjoying his trip abroad (much to his chagrin, given how much he had complained about coming over here) and as excellent as he considered his hosts to be, he had chosen to leave the Leventi family home and, instead, making his way into the city to take part in one of the activities he enjoyed the most: shopping. And, surely, a place such as this would have brand new and fascinating things to look at, would it not? New silks and jewels and all manner of things that Rafail knew he needed. He'd always enjoyed looking perfect, after all, right since he'd been very small and first gotten his province and declared himself King of Thesnia (although Pavlos had made fun of the boy at the time and told him he was more like Queen Rafail).
So, confident as ever that he would come out of this visit with both a new chiton to wear and a woman on his arm, he had made his way into the market. It had been somewhat of a culture shock at first, stalls all over the place and no individual shops where the pricier merchants kept their goods, the sort of place Rafail would never have wished to visit in Athenia for fear that he would find himself robbed or mobbed by those overcome with poverty and jealousy. He knew nothing of the people here and with him in his gorgeous dark green chiton and golden jewellery, well, anything could happen. But his eagerness to find something new that would make him stand out further amongst all the other Athenian noblemen had overcome that concern and, besides, he had the security of his two most loyal companions, so he had braved his way through the crowd to find himself a merchant that suited his desires.
There was one stall, in particular, selling all manner of expensive fabrics that would look stunning once they had been properly designed into an outfit that fit Rafail perfectly. Though he usually had a personal preference for silks, his eyes had fallen upon a slightly thicker material that looked so much like spun gold and matched his hair so excellently that Rafail just had to have it, whatever the cost. And, if once he got home to Athenia he decided he no longer liked the look of it then he could always have it made into something with which to surprise his sister. Flashing a bright smile at the man running the stall, he gestured towards the material in question, ready to take out whatever number of drachma the seller claimed was appropriate. "I want all of that."
The morning had brought an entire host of activity. The princess had spent a few long hours readying herself for the day before slipping out to the school with her guards at her back. The blonde had practiced her concerto until the sun had reached its zenith and then waltzed out of the school with the intention of shopping. On a normal day, she would have brought one of her ladies with her, but today she simply wanted the peace to browse on her own.
She all but ignored the guards who tailed her at a far enough distance that she still knew they were there. Watching. Waiting for any danger that might befall her. She was heeding the will of both Irakles and Lord Fotios by allowing the guards to follow her. Yet at a distance. The woman was keen on her privacy and having the men constantly at her back was distracting.
The market was one of Xene’s absolute favorite places on this earth, though it wasn’t as if she had been elsewhere in her years. The princess had lived and breathed the city air since she was a little girl, though she would never mind staying where she was. Court kept her busy and she had friends and the school to distract her when she required it.
It was a somewhat simple life for a princess, but it suited her just fine.
Wandering the stalls, the princess found a great amount of peace settled among the various fabrics, jewelry, and wide array of crafts and art that adorned each setting. Humming softly to herself, she reminded herself that she had some fabric to pick up from one of her favorite vendors. He had mentioned to her that the golden fabric would arrive within the week and she would be free to pick it up at her convenience.
Thus, it was the perfect time to head over and check whether it was ready for her. Approaching the stall, she smiled sweetly at the man that was standing there, looking at all of the fabrics. As soon as Xene was to open her mouth, the declaration that the man wanted all of… her gold fabric nearly caught her off guard.
The merchant didn’t skip a beat, “I’m sorry sir, but this fabric was specially ordered for this young lady right here,” his voice was apologetic as he gathered up the neatly folded fabric to pass it off to Xene. One of her guards slipped up and quietly took it from the merchant, giving a calm nod and then moving to stand back with the other. Xene pulled up her coin pouch and pulled out the money she had promised the man weeks before.
“As promised, sir,” she said softly, her smile as radiant as ever.
The merchant flushed, bowing respectfully, “Of course, my lady,” he said softly, “I hope the fabric suits your needs.”
Giving only a slight nod of her head, she smiled once more at the male patron, “A good day to you, sir,” she murmured as she turned to wander further through the stalls.
Rafail raised an eyebrow as he turned to look between the merchant and the lady who had appeared beside him, the natural pout drifting onto his face as he watched their interactions, and the nonchalance with which he had been informed he could not have the fabrics. He had not been raised to accept being told he could not have something he wanted. He had been raised to expect that, for the most part, all things were to go as he willed them, if solely through family name. This was an almost unheard of situation.
He stood half-dumbstruck as he waited for the lady to finish speaking with the vendor. She seemed to be ignoring him, only turning to face Rafail once the golden cloth had been passed from merchant to guard. Though both smile and comment had been gracious in nature, he could not help but feel somewhat undermined, the expression on his face only placid out of politeness, else he would surely have reverted to a look of pure anger that someone might dare steal those fabrics out from right under his nose. There was a solution, however, although it did require some finessing on Rafail's behalf.
Bidding the man goodbye, he turned to follow after the blonde, only half-rushing as though to dissimulate his intentions, that charming smile plastered bright on his face. "My Lady!" he called out to the woman, moving to fall into step alongside her. He had, of course, noticed the way the few guards tailing her at some distance perked up at his approach, although he supposed his appearance was far less threatening than those who might usually be considered a danger. People rarely considered you a threat when you took such care to dress to the nines.
"My Lady," he repeated, bowing his head ever-so-slightly in greeting. "Lord Rafail of Marikas." The name still meant so much less in Taengea than it might have back at home, but he still had his hopes that it would provide some traction. "I hope you don't find me too forward, I was simply wondering if you wouldn't be willing to part with a small portion of that fabric? I would love to have a gown made for my sister out of it and, I would be willing to do...most anything." After all, she was particularly attractive, and Rafail was sure there wasn't any doubt she knew exactly what he was implying.
Xene had been happy to be on her way. The fabrics were to be used to fashion a gown for her new sister-in-law. A peace offering, if the Queen accepted it. But what was she to pair with such beautiful fabrics? Likely some of the finest jewels that one could buy. The princess' mind was wandering along this train of thought. Ruby? Sapphire? Emerald? Turquoise? Probably turquoise. The queen's complexion complimented it so well, and while she may still have found herself unsure of her new sister, she would try to put forth the effort to make peace.
It would be what her brother wanted. What Stephanos wanted.
But then her thoughts faltered in her mind, the shouting of 'my lady' carrying from behind. Pausing, she glanced to the two guards trailing behind and gave the slightest shake of her head. She was not in danger. They need not reach for their blades. Though, she had to admit that she still didn't feel entirely at ease in her own home. Not since her brother and father had been murdered. It was hard to feel safe when neither of them were allowed to remain at peace.
Golden brows furrowing in feigned interest, Xene only gave a nod of her head in response to the Lord Marikas. An Athenian family. She knew enough to recognize the name. Not the current ruling family, however. Lifting her chin, the princess' blue gaze darted down and then back up the man's form. "My princess," Xene corrected him quietly, lifting a slow eyebrow to see how he would react to the correction. "Princess Xene of Mikaelidas," she noted with another brief bow of her head. Pressing her hands against her front, it took the woman a moment to comprehend what the man was asking.
Part of the fabrics she had paid for? Certainly not. And his offer hadn't been missed, but she wasn't entirely sure that she was interested. "I'm sorry, Lord Marikas, but this fabric is meant to create a gown for the queen and my mother. There is little to spare," she said with a polite frown. "Perhaps the vendor has another shade of gold that would suit your sister just as well? Or, if you are to remain in Taengea for any length of time... he might be able to order you more of this," she motioned to the fabric that the princess' guard held against his chest, one hand resting casually on his blade. Part of her comments were to test the intentions of the man before her. Was he to stay a while or leave shortly? Need she watch for him at court? Or be aware of what family he might be vacationing with?
Any little bit of information was useful. Even if to no one else.
A princess. Rafail had not quite expected the title, but he was happy to hear it nonetheless. In his experience, princesses had always been raised to be courteous and kind towards others, and so far as he was concerned, that courtesy included the offering of spare fabrics to those in need. Not that Rafail ever wished to be considered in need - in fact, he often made clear just how little he needed anybody's charity - but there was no fault in taking advantage of what he could. Besides, anybody who knew Rafail knew that he could hardly resist a princess.
Bending his body into a bow that was far more appropriate for the status he had now discovered the woman held, Rafail nodded his head in gentle apology for his previous error. "I did not mean to speak in error, your Highness. A true pleasure to make your acquaintance." He held a hand out to the woman, offering it to her so that she might take it, and he could place a soft kiss on its back. It was not a gesture he extended to many, a show of respect specifically for the lady before him.
As expected, the answer was not quite what the young lord would have wanted. He could hardly comprehend how, with all the charm and splendour that he radiated, anybody should be able to deny one of his requests. Rafail did not like being refused what he desired.
"I am afraid I shall not be in Taengea longer than a few days. My father has only sent me to discuss business between my family and Dynasteía Leventi and, although I am dearly enjoying their hospitality, I cannot stay too long." He had straightened up again, his gaze shifting ever so slightly between the vendor behind them and the length of material he so heavily coveted. He would have looked gorgeous in it, as would Sofia, though he wouldn't deny the royal before him was exceptionally good-looking as well. She was just the sort he would have wanted in his bed, because if Rafail was intent on getting something out of his trip to Taengea, it might as well be sex.
He paused a moment, tilting his head slightly to one side, that delicate and yet charming smile still resting on his face. "Are you positive there is nothing I could to convince you to part with a portion? I assure you, I would be incredibly thankful."